Tuesday, November 15, 2005

This year I am doing my first very own family christmas since college. I think I will make simple bags to give gifts in instead of wrapping with paper for the most part. One thing I can never really decide about: white xmas tree lights or multi colored? Also, I have a big bottle of rum so I think we will need some rum flavored holiday food, like rum balls, hot buttered rum . . . the only ones I can think of sound sort of sexy.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

The dinner party went great! I made this yummy pear chocolate clafoutis for dessert. Since I didn't have the time or money to go looking for pear eau de vie I just used rum and I used Scharffen Berger 60% dark chocolate (because they've had it at Trader Joe!). I would like to make again using raspberries and maybe some syrupy red wine. On the flip side Thaddy said he wanted more pears so it's a matter of taste.
The other internet recipe I made was this red cabbage from Orangette. You should read this chick's site, I have made about 80% of the recipes, well maybe less, but a lot at this point. I really liked the cabbage and will definitely make again and include maybe some allspice? I remember the cabbage in germany being even warmer and spicier.
We are now proud dinner party veterans and ready to entertain again.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Tonight Thaddy and I are throwing our first ever young adult style dinner party. I am very excited but some problems have arisen:

1. Thad has been working a weird job and not had any time at home, I have been handling everything, with a new kitten.
2. Our house is a pigsty.
3. I planned an Oktoberfest theme and then remembered that I have never seen these people drink beer and the only beer I've ever seen in their home is Corona.
4. For our virgin dinner party I chose to invite the wealthiest/most professionally decorated/foodiest/wine expertyist/neat freakyish friends that we have. We are none of these things.

Monday, October 24, 2005

happy home weekend:

1. car and garbage disposal and dishwasher are now fixed

2. cleaned the house and got rid of about 10 bags of clothes for goodwill

3. made squash soup, vegetable stock, roasted potatoes, and apple cake from a family recipe

4. got new kitten, life is good with a new kitten

5. boyfriend talked to me about something I needed him to talk to me about

6. came in dead last in bowling, well actually that part was kind of lame

7. watched Wayne's world parts 1 and 2, pretty damned funny, still

8. had coffee with my grandma

Maybe this isn't the most exciting list ever, but it means things are going right, and my hibernation schedule is proceeding nicely.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

So anyway I was trying to figure out how many calories were in the Giant Salmon Burrito I ate for lunch at Dos Coyotes when I stumbled on this page where a few people are really scared of breathing calories and extremely paranoid about how many calories might be in their diet coke for the following reasons: 1) it's too good, it couldn't be low in calories; or 2) the fountain syrups were hooked up incorrectly and you just never know what you're getting. My favorite line is this one:

I think all diet drinks taste healthier than the ones full of sugar. Anything that isnt diet tastes bad 2 me. thats just what I think.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

This is the best explanation I have ever seen on how to lose weight! The moral of the story is that if you consume 500 fewer calories per day than you burn, then you will lose one pound per week. No problem.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Half of me wants to be a farmer. How cool is this person who raises chickens and pigs for people who want tasty happy meat!

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Continuing my chickeny saga, I roasted two (oh yes, two) chickens on the weekend. I got them on sale for a really good price at WholeFoods, since my local grocery store does not sell whole free range organic chickens. It was brilliant: smelled fabulous, tasted great, loads of leftovers! But now I'm not so sure what to do with the leftovers.

Friday, October 07, 2005

Somehow I did not feel better when I picked up my new bc prescription today to see the pharmacist think twice about giving me the pills. Apparently she did not agree with the new prescription provided by my doc (not my OB/GYN?). Hormones are scary.

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

to make myself feel better, tonight I will:

1. go to the gym
2. buy new sneakers so my feet don't hurt anymore when I work out
3. maybe get new vegetables

Also, I took the liberty of asking my doctor for a different birth control pill so maybe I can stop being so crazy every month. Could be kind of nice.

Friday, September 30, 2005

Well last night I made my very first real chicken soup! It wasn't completely from scratch in that I did not have time to roast or boil a whole bird, but I did start with just onions, garlic, chicken, stock, carrots, celery, rice, and thyme. It turned out great! And I didn't use a recipe, I just used what seemed the appropriate amount of ingredients for where I was trying to go. I am very proud of myself and excited for fall with soup. My grandma always told me I would be a good cook because I come from a long line of good cooks (she is the best!). I never believed her until recently, it does feel sort of like I have tapped into a stream of memory.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Last night I received my first very own shipment of organic fruits and vegetables from Capay Farms! I am planning a vegetable feast with the bounty including this soup with 20 cloves of garlic. This is part of my new plan to spearhead the loss of the extra 20 pounds I've gained over the last year. Ah Love! it makes you fat.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

At first I thought it was an interesting description, but now I'm getting a little irritated at the amount of times the term "shard" is used in food writing around the web lately. Of course I'm too lazy to site sources but let's just say that all of our throats should be permanently scarred if we are eating as many shards as have been mentioned recently.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Every year I get at least one perfect fall evening. I can't wait for this year's and I think I would like to celebrate with an organic roasted chicken.
This whole food chocolate mousse sounds really cool to me. I am liking the idea of making desserts out of unrefined foods so they are sort of good for you. I have made these cupcakes with zucchini and coconut fat two times now and they are excellent!

Monday, September 12, 2005

Alright, enough of the pity party. I feel much better now. Back to the regularly silly items I like to post here. For instance, these cookies look very nice to me.

Friday, September 09, 2005

When you start out the morning trying to decide whether to call in because you're afraid you won't be able to stop crying but decide to go and end up crying in the bathroom by 8:30, it's probably not going to be a very good day. On the plus side the weather is really nice.

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Flickr is holding an auction to benefit Katrina victims. Looks like a great way to buy some original artwork and benefit humanity.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

the time feels right for apples and some darkness

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Oh weblog, you should see the quilts I'm making. But you can't because they're surprises!

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

In case you're getting married soon like me, here's an awesome article about how to deal with wanting the white dress you always thought you never wanted. On Indiebride.com

Plus diamonds! I always said I would never get a diamond and now I want one. Actually, lots of them! It's an archetypal experience.
I think this Casual Friday blog is pretty fun. The format seems to be silly things to do.
Highlights:

9. Ran up and down my hallway yelling "Ready or not...here I come!"

1. Aggressively sniffed my fingers in a crowded elevator

2. Yelled "Mission accomplished!" after stopping to tie my shoes on a busy sidewalk

5. Began using the salutation, "Boobs are great," at the closing of each e-mail and letter I write

10. Began selling wrist bands that say "What Would R. Kelly Do?"

7. After further review, the phrase "Pimpin' Aint Easy" is complete bullshit...that has the be the easiest job in the world

No. 7, um, do you watch Dave Chapelle

Friday, July 22, 2005

oh hi internet, I've been in a very introspective mood and well, I can't tell you everything.

Thursday, July 07, 2005

This is such a peaceful sandwich idea:

Middle Eastern Peace Bagels - Spread halved bagels with cream cheese and store-bought hummus or baba ghanouj, thinly-sliced cucumbers, chopped lettuce and tomato, and toasted sesame seeds.

from this website

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Notes from lately:

1. I like it when Nigella Lawson tells me what to eat.

2. I bought some Rose Syrup at the persian market and have been drinking little sodas made out of it. Sort of like perfume soda, but I sort of like it.

3. Beauty and the Geek is excellent, they had a marathon on Sunday and now Thaddy has the biggest crush on Mindi.

4. I love the farmer's market! One of the vendors gave me free squash blossoms to try in eggs. Also, did you know that daylillies are edible and tast like sweet lettuce?

5. Summer is the best.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

this Rena Tom jewelry makes me want to do some more beading (actually it makes me want to buy it, but since I don't have any money it makes me want to bead)

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Here's a shot of how the kitchen looks now, it turned out awesome and I love it. Incredibly talented contractor-friends took out the walls, did electrical, and installed the peninsula and sink. I tiled the counters and backsplash and helped paint. My Love did the floors in the whole joint and painted a bunch. My roommate jumped in whenever we got in trouble. Kim convinced me to stop being so stubborn and Jaya loaned me his truck for dump runs. Thanks everyone!

I need to figure out how to do a slideshow of all the before and after stuff.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

My idea of a perfect Monday night:

1. Double up at the gym with step class followed by yoga with favorite teachers.
2. Thai leftovers reheated with love.
3. Margarita on the rocks with salt.
4. Extreme faux drunkenness brought on by a single margarita after the gym.
5. Long massage including hand and scalp massages.
6. Make out until you fall asleep.

Monday, June 13, 2005

coconut cake sounds really good, huh?

Thursday, June 09, 2005

guess what I'm buying for my current summer music conundrum:

one which people will listen to while they fall in love with each other, and then the world will onced again be a sugary dark place shot through with jungle-green rings of light in unlikely places.

I'm looking for something pretty and dreamy, but not sad. Let me know if you have any ideas.
so far the Citron looks sort of modern creepy in the kitchen. We still have the tape up and everything a mess so I guess it could look good when everything's tidy. Also it is still very cloudy today so the light is not helping. I got semi gloss since it's a kitchen but the shininess makes it look bad. I might get a white glaze and wash it over to mute the color and the moderness. I like clean lines but this looks like Germany in the 90's gone wrong. Something about it looks a little gorey. You know what it looks like? that slime/gak crap on Nickelodeon.

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

It is raining today in June: ridiculous. Tonight we will paint the kitchen Behr Citron, I'm going for sort of a Florida/garden room look with all the white tile and silver metal. This weekend I will have my first brunch party for which I will have to get some chairs for people to sit on.

Monday, June 06, 2005

summer makes you feel good!

Thursday, June 02, 2005

There's a nice thread on Apartment Therapy about Method cleansers and it gets into using Dr. Bronners which I have a big jug of the peppermint kind. I want to use it in the shower but find it very drying. Does anyone have a special way of mixing it with oil or something to get the tingle without losing all the moisture in your skin?

Tia posted this info about using it as a spray cleaner:

My favorite all-purpose spray... reuse a spray bottle, add a squirt of Dr. Bronners, 10 drops each of lavender, tea tree, and coriander EO, and fill to the top with water. Cleans, disinfects, smells great!

What is the difference between "clean" and "cleanse"?

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Over the long weekend I had a little time to get my final plantings done for the season. All of the plants I've ordered are in the ground so that's good and I think I only lost two due to delay but I planted them anyway (the clematis Ramona and the President). Due to the craziness with the front yard and the house I have about 20 seed packets that I never planted and now I feel like it's too late. I might still try the sunflowers though.

The house is coming together again and I feel like I can breathe. Sabine is acting sort of like a normal cat which is a good sign for a variety of reasons. We are squashing some new dressers and definitely a new computer into my little house, but I must say it's nice. I am told my back porch is the perfect spot for playing Dungeons and Dragons. Here's our newest addition.

Monday, May 23, 2005

I got a chance to visit the Tomato Man this weekend. Since I grew my own tomato plants from seeds this year, and I feel like five varieties is probably plenty, I did not get any tomato plants. But I did pick up a few pepper plants so I can try to make salsa this summer if my plants produce at all. I got three different kinds so we can do taste tests to see what we like: Jalapeno, Habanero, and Garden Salsa. (I don't know how to do the little dealy bop on top of the N's) Also got a sweet pepper, Blushing Beauty, for grilling or whatever. I love this page on the tomato man's site with growing tips for our hot summer climate. I think it will be fun to further mortify the neighborhood by mulching my front yard tomato plants with straw. Also really liked to hear that I don't have to take the suckers off the plants, I hate doing that and don't really see the point.

Friday, May 20, 2005

My greatest wish is that I will be able to sit on my couch and watch Buffy on dvd this weekend. My second greatest wish is that I will be able to eat snacks prepared in my kitchen while I do this.

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

I hate it when people give you that condescending smile and tell you everything is attitude. Their cat obviously did not pee in their bed last night.

Monday, May 16, 2005

This Spring cleaning project looks pretty fun and I have a perfect candidate project for participation. I am told that my life could become normal this week. If that is the case 14 days should be plenty of time.
Look how pretty this fabric is. Week two of pathetic self pity is in full effect boyee!

p.s. Dave?

Friday, May 13, 2005

I feel like Dave Meyers in So I Married an Axe Murderer: this blog . . . Sucks?
I think I could make this ottoman and I have some pretty cool fabric. The laminate project has finally turned a corner and it now looks like I will come out of this with my house intact. If I am friends with you and have been out of contact, please forgive me. I can't function without a home and that includes using a phone.

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

We are going on day 4 of complete demoralization, complete annihilation of the home or any sense therof. No one in my household has anywhere to eat or rest or relax. The cats are covered in what is probably asbestos. I feel like I am trying to run underwater and have started eating heartburn medicine like candy.

Monday, May 09, 2005

I'm back and you should see the house, or you will see the house whenever I get it together to post pics. The kitchen is about done so I figured we should rip out the carpet and if there's any disgusting brown institutional linoleum underneath why not rip that out too. My house is more of a war zone that it has ever been and will remain so for the entire week. I am very grumpy today so that is all I will post.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

updates to the updates before I go on vacation:

1. I shoveled a giant pile of dirt and it looks like a lot of dirt on the ground now. The vegetables are in the front. A neighbor specifically came over to tell me I'd be sorry, his exact words.
2. The peninsula looks awesome, the new wide doorway looks awesome, the tile looks pretty good, the glitter in the grout is awesome.
3. My back is so strong that I predict when I go to the beach the music will stop and everyone will turn to look at my rippling back muscles.
4. If you are getting a brazilian, particularly your first, please ask for the technician with the most experience. My amateur brazilianator was a nightmare. The results are not cute.
5. If anyone else would like to tell me to install a sprinkler system, just leave your directions in the comments.
6. I will actually be going to LA for the real LA Story and then to San Diego.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

new updates:

1. Prom boy flaked on me, I guess he's going to have to explain to his date.

2. Studly contractors are coming back tomorrow to put in the peninsula etc. I will be tiling on the weekend and should have more photos to share.

3. My new windows are in and now it feels like a real house instead of a cave. I had no idea how much I was missing.

4. I will be having my first brazillian wax on Saturday and I am really scared.

5. We took crap to the dump on the weekend and it was fabulous, but they don't let you scavenge and there is a lot of really good stuff.

6. The weather here is seriously ridiculous, it reminds me of LA Story: 72 and sunny.

Thursday, April 14, 2005

snapshot . . . since it's the lull before the warm part of Spring begins and nothing is going on:

1. The cats have broken their water dish and pulled down a set of curtains in the last week.

2. My new windows with argon and krypton gasses trapped between their dual panes will be installed tomorrow.

3. I purchased a futon frame that will fit the futon mattress I have. Should be thrilling.

4. Thad made me a butter dish that says "mmm butter" on the top with a happy face. Get ready for brunch ladies and gentlemen!

5. I get to have drinks with the lonely hearts club band tonight. Yay!

6. Looks like prom boy will be working for me after all to finish clearing the front yard on Saturday.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

sometimes the only sensible thing is to eat popcorn and watch Buffy. this is one of those times

Monday, April 11, 2005

I love this kid! I would totally hire him if I were in Placerville or he had a car. See that's the trouble, right now nothing comes to mind.
I want a big truck to pull up to my house and take everything away. Or at least all the crap that is all over the place. I think a trip to the salvation army and another to the dump could make me feel a thousand times better.

Monday, April 04, 2005

wanna see what my kitchen looks like from another room?


And there's the studly contractor who took the wall out. See the gas pipe sticking down and the line on the ceiling? That's where there used to be a wall, but not any more. The picture makes it look really crappy and cramped but it is so spacious now! Also you can sort of see one of the holes above the sink for the new recessed lighting that looks awesome. My refrigerator is going to move behind where the contractor is standing since the peninsula I designed (and ordered cabinets for) is too big. Now I'm wondering if the peninsula should come out from the other wall, the one on the left instead of the one on the right? I wonder if we can do that?
Here are the plans. The refrigerator has to move, I made the peninsula too big. My cabinets will be here on Wednesday.

I don't know why the picture is showing like that and I'm way too lazy to fix it. Please, this is the first picture I've posted in hella long. hee! (I said hella)

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

In spite of the fact that I have been working out regularly with an increase to frequently, I find myself sporting a fetching first trimester look without the normally requisite bun in the oven. Today I am wearing a tight pink sweater that is creating a "thrilled to be pregnant" glow in the gut area. The only thing I can think of to explain the situation is that my body likes my boyfriend so much it is going to pretend like it's having his baby, even though I won't really let it ovulate.
I feel like the little girl on In America: I have no one to tell my secrets to. Sorry internet, but I have a feeling you're not very good at keeping secrets.

Monday, March 28, 2005

last night I dreamt about weeding, I feel/fear I may not be taking care of business.
does everyone know that Summer Wheatley is Haylie Duff? Hilary Duff's sister? Lizzy McGuire people?
I finally saw a custom license plate I would want to have and it's not FONDLER: 5150 N[heart symbol].

Thursday, March 24, 2005

forgot to tell you, I was the victim of a beg and run. This woman came up to me in the parking lot and asked if I would buy her food or give her money. I was going in to Baja Fresh so I said I'd get her a burrito. When I came out with two pricey burritos she wasn't there. I circled the parking lot abour four times and couldn't find her so I left the burritos in a conspicuous place. They were still there when I went back the next day. I can understand if you really just want cash for booze or whatever but I certainly wouldn't say no to a free burrito.
current favorites:

1. Topz garden burger with cheese and aerofries

2. Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Nut Almond Granola Bars

3. sun, at least for the afternoon

4. The Streets, A Grand Don't Come for Free

5. Building REsources, they recycle glass into beautiful seaglass chips on the premises
Last night I knocked a hole into the attic using a hammer. Now you can see up there and go up there if you want to do something like, oh, I don't know, figure out if the wall you're about to rip out is load bearing. However, I did not go up there. It's scary shining a flashlight into the pitch black. In the movies that's when you always see a glimpse of shining eyes staring back at you. I hope Gollum doesn't come down out of there and get me in my sleep until I have a chance to make a real cover for the hole.

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Compliment:

If there were an angel on earth, she would have skin just like yours. But without the adult acne.

ah, love!

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

My house was built in 1949 (or 47, I forgot again). Anyway it has this not a girl, not yet a woman straddling the decades thing. So I can go a little 50's atomic diner, but need to keep a little art deco past in there too. Everyone's all into this big thick crown molding, but that's just not my girl's style. The door knobs are my absolute favorite original thing in the house. I think they are brass and chrome, or nickle?

Monday, March 21, 2005



Garden inspiration highlights from my weekend and the San Francisco Flower and Garden show:

I have wisteria, who knew? It didn't bloom last year.

Succulents look beautiful mulched with recycled glass chips.

You can grown birdhouse gourds on arbors for dangling living decoration

I've been getting too far away from my reuse, repurpose roots. Just because it looks crappy when you do it wrong, it still looks awesome when you do it right.

Remodeling update:

The City of Roseville accepted my application for a building permit, we'll see if the permit is granted. I'm a bit irritated that the woman said I may need to get a civil engineer to sign off on the doorway I'm widening when the appropriate dimensions of the opening versus the header are published in a thousand books available for free at the library.

An electrician will be coming to my house next thursday to rewire the kitchen. I will not have a permit next thursday so this means two things:

1. I will spend some time this weekend tearing the sheet rock off of the wall to be demolished so he can take the wires out.

2. The electrician will have to rewire around the existing wall and pull extra wire for boxes that I will install once I can get the wall out and the peninsula in. Should be interesting. Also, this means we won't have a stove for the forseeable and the refrigerator will open toward the wall until it's gone. This is going to be fun.

I have purchased the cabinets, the windows, and the new faucet. I still need to buy the new range, the sink, and the tile.

I am starting to think about rearranging my bedroom furniture when I'm falling asleep. After 10 years of moving more than once a year I have developed an internal timer that is dying for the smell of fresh paint. I need change and it's going to be tough waiting three weeks for the permit to be approved (or denied!).

Thursday, March 17, 2005

I am very tempted by this worst ex contest.
Internet, I think you and I are past the point of euphemisms by now. So you won't be too shocked if I tell you that I have sex with my boyfriend. The problem has arisen that when we have sex in my bed it breaks. The first time we were both quite proud but now every time the bed gives some good squeaks and then the slats fall down and so does the mattress. Each time we laugh and put the bed back together afterward, but it's more annoying than funny now. Does anyone else have this problem? Every time I wonder if my roommate can hear and what he must think of the giant thunk.

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Did you see how awesome this kitchen in the kitchen contest at Apartment Therapy is? I love the orange paint with the white cabinets and also the contrast of the stainless steel fridge.
European cabinets are some whack bullshit! Face front is the shizzzle, for rizzle!

-snoopy doggy dog style cabinet comments

Monday, March 14, 2005

I talked to two electricians today.

Electrician No. 1: Told me that recessed lighting is stupid because you can never move it, like "nailing a floor lamp to the floor." I guess all of those designers on HGTV are crazy. He suggested that I keep the flourescent tube lighting I currently have: easiest. He also told me I would need to open up my walls before he can give me an estimate. He reminded me of David Spade in those commercials where he thinks of a thousand ways to say "No." A-No-ha!

Electrician No. 2: Told me everyone feels overwhelmed when they are remodeling but it will turn out just fine. Let me explain my plans, said they sounded great, and asked if he could come over to give me an estimate tomorrow.

Guess who I like?

Oh readers, if you don't like this stuff you are so screwed for the next month. Not as screwed as my friends and family, but still.
I have decided to back slowly away from doing the electrical work on my little remodel myself. If anyone knows of a good electrician in the Sacramento area let me know.

p.s. if there's one thing that's fun to do on the first 80 degree day of Spring, it's jump in a bounce house.

Friday, March 11, 2005

Is anyone else out there obsessed with brunch and pedicures and flowering lavender and open windows? It's like a Friday sunshine buzz. The only way this day could get better is if my boss called a half day and we all went home to drink margaritas and walk around barefoot.

Thursday, March 10, 2005

Yesterday I went out to breakfast with my fitness challenged boyfriend and tried to make him eat a big bite of my omelette with tomato and avocado which he hates. He wouldn't eat it and decided to look at something else and I ended up accidentally getting omelette and sour cream all over his face. He got up to go to the bathroom and I turned around to look over my left shoulder. There was an elderly couple sitting there on the same side of a four person table. The woman had been sort of bouncing and clapping and she said "isn't love beautiful."

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

I love this cupcake site so much! Living in the suburbs I had no idea there was a "cupcake revolution" going on:

Also cupcakes can be used as a great tool for flirting because you can feed them to people and take a bite out yourself at the same time. It's like the lady and the tramp of the 21st century.
Tonight I will take my cutie-tootie-love-bunny-face-boyfriend to the gym for the second time. Please send him happy, soothing, loving thoughts so he will know that it's ok for him to modify the tougher moves and that he does not have to have the lower body strength that the rock hard soccer moms we train with have been developing for years. I need him to accept the fact that it's ok to work up to a fitness regimen and that if a person doesn't work out for a year, he could be in slightly worse shape than people who work out every day. Perhaps if he feels your thoughtful support he will be able to get through more than half of the class this time. Thanks a lot internet, you're the best!

edited to add: The gym class in question is Body Sculpting which is hard and there are other boys in the Class. There was no riding of the pony crap.

Monday, March 07, 2005

Do you believe a righteous end justifies any means? I don't, but I do believe sometimes there are middle roads on the path to the light. I used Roundup this weekend. I Roundedup the mutant grass that has had a death hold on my front yard and it was exciting to think that I could enjoy the hippy organic garden of my dreams without a mutant scourge lying in wait beneath the soil. The reclamation of a front yard can be contagious and when a new ecosystem is created in my neighborhood I hope this concession will have been worth it.

Friday, March 04, 2005

I love Apartment Therapy so much. The only thing is, their focus is really on New York and small, small places. My 1100 sq. ft. house is gigantic by their standards. They are all about doing everything locally which is cool but not super helpful to me over here. Does anyone know of a site that is similar but more relevant to the rest of us?
This weekend I will plant artichokes and get a pedicure I think. I hope it will be sunny.

Monday, February 28, 2005

It's all about canned lights, right? Also, does anyone know why "free standing" ranges seem to start at $400 and "slide in" ranges seem to start at $900? The only difference is that little part that sticks up in the back, jeez louise!

Friday, February 25, 2005

Check out how much attention this post about painting the floors in your house got. I have a feeling the people who say not to do it are the same kind of people as my stupid neighbors who come over anytime I'm outside to tell me to put in a lawn so I can waste all of our city's water and pollute the air some more.

I really like this comment about painting a bathroom deep violet blue:

When I moved into my condo two and a half years ago the bathroom was in sorry shape and had not been updated for over 20 years. I didn't have a lot of money so I depended upon paint. The bathroom is a typical apartment one without a window and low ceiling. I painted the walls, ceiling, vanity cabinet and floor the same color of a deep saturated blue/purple (Pratt and Lambert Shaded Clematis). I then replaced the lighting fixture (turn it upside down so the light bounces off of the ceiling), faucet and a composite marble white vanity/sink countertop. New knobs, mirror, toilet paper holder, towel racks and toilet freshened the room even more. I then hung a floor to ceiling curtain over the shower curtain of the tub/shower combo. Finally I bought two very inexpensive fluffy white rugs for the floor. The floor was a busy strange patterned vinyl. I lightly sanded it by hand, applied a coat of latex kilz, two coats of the latex wall paint (semi-gloss), and lightly sponged on a contrasting color of red violet followed by two coats of clear latex poly acrylic sealer. The result is a dramatic little jewel. Everyone raves over it and several other owners in my building have copied it. Any blue color will "expand" the space. The bathroom seems much larger even though it's a dark color. The entire project cost only $500. I painted the countertop in the kitchen too! Also, painting wood is ok! Not all wood and finishes are pleasing and paint can really spruce surfaces up inexpensively. Posted by Joanie
I have decided to do a little remodeling on my kitchen this Spring and that I will do the plans for the permit myself, including the electrical and new gas line, and then all of the work with the help of friends and a couple of kickass pro-bono consultants. So basically I'm a crazy idiot, but I'm excited by the challenge of looking up code for all of the stuff I'm doing. To get the permit I have to get my plans approved, so I can't fuck it up too bad, right?
Does anyone know the phone number of Curly and Ray? I can't find their number and they haven't finished my yard and haven't been back.

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Get love, make more, try to stay alive.
-Rilo Kiley

I can't even see the suburbs lately, all I see is tiny specs of pale green and white and pink flowers, oh and camellias. And I just discovered my neighbor's exuberant japanese quince hiding behind one of my disgusting 70's style shrubberies which is overgrown to look like a bald man with a combover. I feel very thankful for this Spring and all the love, remodeling, and brunches it will bring.

Monday, February 21, 2005

In case you are thinking about starting a compost pile, here's a great link from the coolest school in the universe: Project Compost. I just wonder why pulled weeds are considered "browns" instead of "greens?" It seems like they would be the same as grass clippings?

Friday, February 18, 2005

Oh, and also did you know that I'll be signing my refi papers tonight and tomorrow getting a haircut and a pedicure? The boringness on this blog has reached a new low.
I have nothing interesting to say. A certain someone's comments have led me to believe that a listing of the seeds, bulbs, and plants I've been ordering for the Spring would not be welcome. And while it's very fun to sit at home every free evening making out and watching videos on your gigantical tv, it's not really an activity that translates well to blog content. Let's just say hybernation season is in full effect boyee.

I do wish I had something to offer that would solicit this type of comment:

Dr. Johnny Fever said at 06:46PM, 02.16.2005:
Why don’t you post a pic of your ugly-ass self, badweebisis, and let us see how much you actually resemble a squirt of food poisoning diarrhea at the business end of some 10-year-old BVDs?

Monday, February 14, 2005

On Valentine's Day for my Special Valentine:

British term of the day: Fucktard

My results of the Fucktard quiz:
25% Fucktarded.You are pretty normal although you
do have your moments. Mainly you're just a
smartass and you have horrible luck. Hey, we're
all allowed to be a Fucktard sometimes!

How much of a FUCKTARD are you?
brought to you by Quizilla




meme from Lori O

1. Total amount of music files on your computer? about a dozen songs. I normally just download a cd's worth of songs off of links on largehearted boy, burn it, and then erase everything. Also I always make copies for people who never listen to them.

2. CD you last bought?
Oh, no! It was a Starbucks compilation CD: Sweetheart 2005 and it sucks except for a few songs.

3. What is the song you last listened to before reading this message?
New Slang by the Shins, I'm obsessing over it.

4. 5 songs you often listen to, or which mean a lot to you?
a. clam crab cockle cowrie by Joanna Newsom because it reminds me of my valentine
b. perfect world by Liz Phair because I wasn't always this hot
c. earl had to die by the Dixie Chicks because maryanne flew in from atlanta on a red eye midnight flight
d. your belgian things by the Mountain Goats because it's hard with no one here to help me through it
e. making love out of nothing at all by Air Supply because it's the best song to sing while driving on the Bay Bridge

5. 3 you'll pass this on to & why:
nobody because if you want to do it, just do it!
Happy Valentine's day! Celebrate your Love!

Thursday, February 10, 2005

Make cupcakes for Valentine's Day! I also really like the picture of saturday night cupcakes and the story about surprising strangers with cupcakes when they least expect it.

link via not martha
I am really good at step aerobics and I take pride in the fact even though it is not a skill that's useful in any other area of my life. Sometimes I think I would like to become an instructor when I have more time to work out. Sometimes while I am at step class and effortlessly following a particularly intricate pattern, I like to day dream about a Bring it On type scenario wherein I would be forced to practice step moves night and day to show my stuff in a high school gym thereby winning a national championship and the loving support of my quirky punk rock boyfriend. But without all of that "it's already been broughten" crap.

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

french kiss: I had a really good one last night, the kind you feel sort of dizzy after and think about the next day
three things I like on Apartment Therapy today:

1. painting the inside of your closet something colorful. Wouldn't it be cool in my magenta bedroom to have a cantaloupe or turquoise closet? Raped by color goes storagy

2. using a venetian mirror for your bathroom mirror. I know they're trendy right now, but they're so beautiful.

3. Making a design on a wood table top with copper nails hammered in. Mighty look sort of country, but it would be really cool for an indoor/outdoor room.

Apartment Therapy man, they're so cool but I have a love/hate relationship with their New York fixation.

Tuesday, February 08, 2005

I am refinancing my house and getting new and better car insurance. It's time for a drinking binge before I start talking annuities.
Again last night, the anorexic lady at the gym said I look like I've lost weight. I'm starting to think that's just her way of being friendly: it's the compliment she would most like to hear.

Monday, February 07, 2005

I bought a 32" tv today. Pretty big, huh? It's not fancy or anything but it should be an improvement over my old 17" tv. Now we can watch movies with subtitles if we want. (I had to take Hero back unwatched because it just wasn't going to work) I feel like such a grown up.

Tuesday, February 01, 2005

Licensing Class Update:

1. I have started a tally of the number of times our instructor mentions riding the bumper of a MAC truck down Highway 99. The tally sheet is bracketed for each hour we are in class. Today I was disappointed to discover that he only mentioned it seven times, peaking with four mentions in the 10 o'clock hour alone. Today's saving grace was that once he specifically wrote it on the white board and twice students adopted the euphemism.

2. During the afternoon break I discovered that a student sitting on the opposite side of class is also keeping a tally of the number of times our instructor mentions ornamenting the bumper of a MAC truck on 99. Our data concurred.

3. I drew a picture of a unicorn that was referred to as a my little pony and a llama and as having eaten too many raspberries.

4. A pen full of glitter is apparently a necessity for license preparation survival.

Monday, January 31, 2005

I'm busy taking a licensing class this week where the instructor is fond of telling stories about insurance he tried to sell to self made men with stay at home wives and at least 4 kids who end up riding the bumper of a MAC truck down 99 and about how they used to live in a beautiful home at the top of a hill overlooking a valley but they ended up in a trailer park in the valley looking up at their former home on a hill. He also likes to talk about how he would track the wives down and they would have a good cry together and out of the rear window of his car he could see the women mouthing the words "what will I do now?" It sounds horribly depressing, but it's actually really funny how many times he can mention riding the bumper of a MAC truck down 99. I've proposed a drinking game but I'm not sure if anyone in the class has the guts to do it with me. Also I could probably lose the license I'm trying to get.

Friday, January 28, 2005

Look how beautiful! What was I thinking, I didn't order a single white lily

Inspired by this Loobylu entry
sometimes this website can be a bit namby pamby, saccharine, and revolting
Life is pretty good:

1. I get to go out on a real date tonight and eat sushi

2. There is a giant baby kitty asleep on my desk at work

3. I have plans to be crafty this weekend

4. My abs are sore from the gym

5. Kim has signed us up to receive fresh organic produce from Farm Fresh to You

6. It poured last night and now the sun just came out

Thursday, January 27, 2005

I am getting very energized about gardening, due in part to this beautiful page about getting ready for a beautiful Spring now:

You just gotta start now - during January or February. Starting your garden in Spring (April- May) does not a spectacular garden make. Starting your garden in Spring means long hours spent pulling out weeds run rampant. . .If you love to grow your plants from seed, sow them now. Most Spring blooming annuals like to germinate during the cool weather – around 50 to 60 degrees. They are called hardy annuals and love to grow when its cool and bloom before the temperatures reach the high 70’s. Sow your seeds no later than mid February and they’ll bloom in April to early May.


Wednesday, January 26, 2005


I bet this is not what you were hoping for when you wished I would post some pictures already. This is my front yard and, yes, my neighbors hate me. Please note all the ugly-ass shrubbery, some of it dead. The black plastic has been removed (I was trying to kill the mutant crabgrass and the other piece blew off in a storm) and some very hard working gentlemen have mostly removed the mutant grass from the area. I have a clean slate to fill with a big hippy garden party, pretty cool huh?
Did you know Monday was the most depressing day of the year? The point of the article seems to be that now is a good time to book a vacation. Hmmm. . .

Monday, January 24, 2005

I'm not into having too much white but I like this idea to paint ugly bookshelves a color similar to, but not the same as, the wall they will stand in front of. I have some ugly bookshelves that I tried to stain but the results were not impressive, perhaps I will try this.

Weekend update: I did quilt one top, but was foiled on the second. More prep/laundry is needed. It felt really good to just hang out and be crafty. I bet you'd like to see a picture someday, huh?

Friday, January 21, 2005

Favorite thing that has happenned so far today:

My friend Sandra sent me an electronic 2005 David Hasselhoff calendar. All of the pictures are so awesome! I can't decide whether I like the January picture of David swinging on a tire swing in a sleeveless shirt or the April picture of him wearing black bikini underwear with a black leather biker jacket better. My favorite is probably July when David is shown holding two adorable puppies up to his ruggedly handsome face. Thanks Sandra!

Thursday, January 20, 2005

It is time for me to undergo a crafty renaissance! I will commence this weekend by machine quilting two (2!) tops that have been waiting patiently for months and rewarding myself with milkshakes. That doesn't sound too ambitious, does it?

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Today my godson, who is two, called and told me he got a new 101 Dalmations video. I told him that I missed seeing him since I was sick and that I couldn't wait to come over later in the week. He replied in the sweetest voice "I love you . . . Suckers!"
Everything on my grocery list today starts with the same sound:

cereal
salsa
salad
satsumas

Fascinating. I've been in bed or at work every minute of the last week, I officially have no life.

Monday, January 17, 2005

If you are going to stand on my roof using a chainsaw without my permission, I don't think 7:30 a.m. is an appropriate time to get started. that's all I'm saying
I have been so sick with the flu. I've been spending all of my time in bed watching the entire first season of the only television show on DVD I'm allowed to check out with my free rentals membership: The L Word (yes I'm that cheap). Um Hello, naked lesbians having sex everywhere. How come I haven't heard about anyone watching this? Anyway, now I have the biggest crush on Shane and I hate Jenny more than anything (if she says "eviscerate" one more time!). Also the really mean girl from Popular guest stars and she loves Shane too.

p.s. this show really demonstrated to me how skinny tv stars have to be. In their clothes they look like normal slender women, but when they're naked their little ribs are about to poke out of their bodies. Cheeseburgers ladies! Also, I guess lesbians never wear bras?

Friday, January 14, 2005

I love my OB/GYN! It's a really good feeling to actually look forward to a pelvic exam. So if you are a girl, have Kaiser, and live in the Sacramento area check out Dr. McCue.

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Since I keep telling people about this I thought I'd put it up. An excerpt from Alton Brown's blog entry from July 18, 2004 about Supersize Me. (he doesn't have permalinks so you have to scroll if you want to read the whole thing)

Feed yourselves. Feed your loved ones. And for God’s sake feed your children. Don’t trust anyone else to do it…not anyone. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t go out to dinner every now and then…that is after all one of the great joys of life…but it isn’t life itself and that’s what I’m talking about. Is MacDonalds food bad for you? What do you think? Does that mean you shouldn’t eat it? No, it just means you shouldn’t live on it or anything else made by someone you wouldn’t hug.

I love this since nourishment/feeding myself is such a concern for me. And in a move of extreme hypocrisy I will now go and buy McDonald's french fries from a McDonald's actually located inside a Walmart.
I think it is difficult for a man to sound more awkward than when doing a high-pitched laugh.

Friday, January 07, 2005

I just happenned to stumble across the project page for an insanely gorgeous finished Rogue. Um, wow. Did I mention that I have a half finished Rogue sitting in a basket on a very high shelf. It's January, maybe the time has finally come.
There is a fierce storm here for the weekend so I'll be spending my time on the following deliciously hip activities:
cleaning the shower
making crockpot food
hosting book club
sitting in front of a fire making s'mores
drinking tea
making out

Thursday, January 06, 2005

What a wonderful idea: the makeout radio station!

This is the perfect January hibernation activity: "dim the lights, kindle a fire, pop open the bubbly, turn on this station, and let nature take its course." I can just hear Simon purring now.

link via Largehearted Boy

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

Best of 2004 List: My Life

Funnest Crafty Thing I Did: t-shirt alterations

Best Pina Coladas with Whipped Cream: provided by Kim

Best Hair Stylist/Life Coach: Kabra Moss

Best Cat: tie between Simon for eyeliner and fuzziness and Sabine for getting her groove back

Most Rewarding House Thing I did: kitchen linoleum

Best Kisser: Thadeus Dietzen

Best Level 11 Dragon with Technicolor Dream Cape: Thadeus Dietzen

Suckiest House Thing I did: tie between back patio tile and the whole plumbing situation

Funnest Person to Go Downtown and Pick Up Girls with: Chris Fallis

Best Life lifestyle change: started going to the gym regularly and quit smoking

Most Overused Blog Format: List


I'm a planner and 2005 is my year, I marked it on the calendar and everything!


Monday, January 03, 2005

Aren't you glad the holidays are over? It's amazing how my equilibrium straightens right out when it's over. Time to get down to the delightful business of hibernation:

1. fires in the fireplace

2. videos galore

3. hot hot tea with milk and sugar

4. s'mores for dinner

5. clean laundry