Cape Cod

Well, we are headed over to the Cape in the morning. I'm hoping the weather is nice, that I get to eat some yummy seafood and that they serve alcohol at the bbq and commitment ceremony. Hope you all have a lovely Memorial Day weekend.

5 Questions, etc.

Man, "American Idol" knows how to drag these shows on. Awful medly singing and recapping galore. Brings back all the horror that was show choir. And if none of you were in show choir - you were spared the agony. I mostly did it because my awful English teacher (who was the director of all the yearly plays) decided not to do a play my senior year. I think it may have been because I got in a big fight with him over his class. Too long of a story. Just get on with the show - there is a reason the rest of these idiots got voted off!

Anyhoo, JJ has emailed me 5 questions:

1. Can you keep a secret?
It really depends on the secret. I'm great at keeping secrets only I know about. But, if it is a secret someone else told me and it is going to hurt someone that I knew and they didn't - I'd try and find a way of convincing the secretee to divulge this information. I would generally not, however, tell without first trying to convince that it must be told. Some secrets should not be kept secret. Others are less harmful and are fine staying in their secretive shroud.

2. Bowl of scabs or bowl of hair? Y'know, to eat.
So I know I asked you this same question (more or less). And I would have said a bowl of hair. Until I asked my hubby and he said that you could die from ingesting a bowl of hair (something about extreme constipation). Which leaves me with the more yucky choice of a bowl of scabs. I'm hoping they are my scabs. And not some random gross person's scabs. Yes, both options are icky, but at least I'd know my own scabs.

3. What was your worst cooking/baking experiment ever?
Has to be when my younger sister and I thought that cinnamon and ginger were interchangeable. We didn't have ginger for a ginger chicken recipe - so we substituted cinnamon. Absolutely awful. Also when I tried to feed my hubby bbq tofu. The look on his face while he was trying to chew was priceless.

4. If you could be any tree, and fall in the woods, who is
the one person you would like to fall on, and why?
Dubya. But then that would still leave Cheney and Wolfowitz and Rumsfeld and Rove, etc. Ugh. Hard decision. My awful English teacher instead?

5. What did you buy at your last trip to a pharmacy, and what
kind of warped picture does it paint of you? (CVS, etc.
Getting the receipt helps.)Hmm. My last trip to the pharmacy was for my prescriptions. Nothing too risque - birth control (not ready for kids yet) and levothyroxin (hypothyrodism). That's it. I could tell you about the time before that when I sent my hubby to buy me yeast infection cream because of the extreme antibiotics I was taking for my infected tooth - but you don't want to hear about that. ;)

Fog

This week, so far, has been raining, cold and foggy. It's hard to get up in the morning when it is dark. And it is hard to work when it is so dark (there are lots of windows at work). I wish I could tell you about some of the people I deal with on a daily basis - but, alas, I can't.

I haven't really watched "American Idol" this year. But I did watch last night. And Fantasia can sing. And I don't mean just hold a tune. Her version of "Summertime" is something I have never heard. And I love that song. If, for some strange reason, she does not win, I can't imagine that this is the last we'll see of her. Diana was also good - she's got a powerhouse voice as well - but she doesn't seem to add that flair to songs.

In other news, I'm making two cheesecakes this week for my dreaded aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. I think they are renewing their vows. Too long of a story to go into, so here's the short version: she fed me and my sister mealy worms in our cereal, there are rumors of affairs. There's more, but I shouldn't say. Just suffice it to say that I'm glad my siblings will be there to experience this. At least we get to go to the Cape for the weekend.

Damper

Have you ever been hanging out with some friends, having a good time. Joking, laughing, gossiping? And then someone shows up who, perhaps not even consciously, puts a complete damper on the fun? Someone to whom you have to explain every joke? Who is so dull and boring that you just give up joking? Yeah, that happened to me this weekend. And I've realized that I just do not have time for someone who doesn't have a funny bone. Life is just too short to have to explain my sense of humor.

Friday yet?

For the past two days I've been thinking it was Friday. And that really bums me out when I realize it's actually Thursday or even fricking Wednesday of all shitty days. Aagh. I blame my husband who is finally done with school. He has screwed up my schedule and made me believe (however subconsciously) that I get to enjoy summer vacation as well. Jerk. Add to this the fact that he went out and played poker last night after I helped him write a German paper. Bastard. The only good things about the last two days - he felt really guilty about the poker/writing paper thing that he bought me my current favorite wine (Abundance Vineyards Chardonnay), one of my coworkers and I kept telling the other they were going to burn in hell (which ended with cackling and giggles on both sides. I think some people were disturbed, but it's nice to have evil people around me), and also, I'm kicking butt on a multitude of projects and finally my ass is looking pretty nice in my khakis. Yes, this was one rambling mess of a semi-story. Tenses all wrong, grammar out the door. And, yes, I check my butt out in the mirror. I had to teach my hubby how to do it because he tends to buy the jeans that show no butt at all. And he really needed to learn to show the ass. (Sorry, K, I know you don't want to read about your brother's ass). See? More rambling. The wine has kicked in.

In other news, we just finished watching "The Fog of War" by Errol Morris. Hugely interesting and prescient film about, mostly, the Vietnam War. And it's amazing the similarities between that "war" and the current Iraq situation. I highly recommend it.

Along the same lines, a book I recently finished was "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down", by Anne Fadiman - another highly interesting book. Very important book about cultural differences and taking the time to listen and HEAR what someone else is saying.

Historians vs. Dubya

via salon.com, Historians rate George W. Bush. And surprise, surprise, he does not fare well.

“I think the presidency of George W. Bush has been generally a failure and I consider his presidency so far to have been the most disastrous since that of Ronald Reagan--because of the unconscionable military aggression and spending (especially the Iraq War), the damage done to the welfare of the poor while the corporate rich get richer, and the backwards religious fundamentalism permeating this administration. I strongly disliked and distrusted Reagan and think that George W. is even worse.”

and

“Actually, I think [Bush’s] presidency may exceed the disaster that was Nixon. He has systematically lied to the American public about almost every policy that his administration promotes.” Bush uses “doublespeak” to “dress up policies that condone or aid attacks by polluters and exploiters of the environment . . . with names like the ‘Forest Restoration Act’ (which encourages the cutting down of forests).”

5 Questions, redux

The 5 Questions baton has been passed to chemaccino.

Yeah, so some of the questions are kind of gross. My hubby was using the computer all night, fuming over having to write a German paper and why did he even have to take stupid German when he's trying to get a degree in math. So I had to sneak in this morning and shoot off the first questions that came to mind. And my mind was filled with gross things this morning. Anyone else want first thing in the morning gross questions asked of them?

5 Questions

5 Questions from Styro:

1. What is the most decadent dessert you’ve ever made? How many calories per serving does it have?

- The most decadent dessert would have to be a toss-up between the chocolate torte cake I made for my brother’s wedding (8 lbs of chocolate, 10 pounds of butter, etc.) and the orange genoise cake with orange buttercream frosting and bittersweet chocolate ganache. I have no idea how many calories either of them contained. But if I were to take a guess, i would be in the mega-quadrillions.

2. You’re stranded a la Gilligan on a deserted tropical Island. You get to have four other people with you, of your choosing. Who are these people? Why are you stranding them on the island with you, you selfish twat?

- Well, if I’m stranded on a deserted island, I’d like to have smart, funny people with me. That way, a couple of them can work on getting us off the island and someone can keep me entertained. Hey, you called me a selfish twat – what did you want me to say? Oh yeah, I have to actually name people, right? I’d say my hubby (cause he’s brainy and funny and he looks good in a loincloth), my friend Eric (because he’s brilliant and funny) and Eric’s gorgeous wife, Daniela (because she’s also funny and, being from Brazil, knows how to take advantage of a tropical island). There’d be lots of lying around while the boys figure out how to make a boat or a radio and a tent, etc.

3. What are you having for lunch today? I’m famished, will you give me half?

I have a dentist appointment at lunch today. So I’m having recycled water simultaneously sprayed and sucked out of my mouth. You are more than welcome to half of that. ;) I think I’m eating leftover Mexican after I get back. Very yummy: rice, grilled chicken, jalapenos, black beans.

4. Annie are you OK?

Okay, I’ll admit I had to look this one up. I’m going to assume it is a reference to “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson. But, since I’m such a dork and I had to Google it, I could be completely wrong. And now that I’ve gone down that path, I’m not sure to what you are referring. ;)

5. A magic bunny rabbit hops across your path: he says he can give you ONE THING before he returns to his bunny hole. What is that ONE THING that you ask him to give you? (It must be tangible. i.e. GET GREEDY.)

Oh, don’t worry about me getting greedy. Assuming there are no crazy strings attached to his gift – I’d like $1million/month forever. That way, I can buy a house, have a couple of babies and maybe a pool and garden. And whatever I didn’t spend at the end of the year, I’d give to the yearly charity of my choice. I haven’t thought this out, so I’m sure there are downsides to my wish. Oh yeah, and I’d like to travel all over the world with the money. And buy my grandmother’s farm back from the state so that she could stop watching it fall to ruin by the current occupants. And I’d make sure my family is all set as well.

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2. I will respond to up to five of you; I'll ask you five questions.
3. You'll update your website with my five questions, and your five answers.
4. You'll include this explanation.
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Bat in the Belfry!

I came home from work to find we had a visitor. He (she?) is on the outside of the screen, between the screen and the 1/2 way open storm window. Apparently our window is a nice place to snooze during the day. We've locked Tabitha out of the room because she was frantically scratching the glass once he started moving a little. He's traversed from one corner to the other. He's pretty tiny. Must be a fruit bat or something. Anyone know? I think I'm going to name him Eddie.

Weekend

I'm heading down to the house of a friend of mine from high school. A bunch of high school girls are getting together for what was supposed to be a girls' weekend. But then things got a tid confusing about who was driving, what time, etc. So, it's going to be a girls' day for me. Should still be fun. I really didn't hang out in much of a crowd - but these are the theater, show choir girls. There is usually lots of laughing and gossip. Which was the same in high school, except the slumber parties also usually involved late night crying over how awful our parents were. Etc.

And then tomorrow, I'm going to do some experimental baking. I've signed up for a bake sale to gather donations for the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life". And every week, it seems to be all cookies and cupcakes. Sugary confections that are yummmy, but just not the best for first thing in the morning. I've decided I'm going to try and make some kind of breakfast thingy. With pie crust in muffin tins and then fill with eggs, potatoes and cheese. Sort of quiche-like. We'll see how it turns out.

I have not yet posted pictures of my skirt because by the time I got home, it was wrinkled. As soon as I'm inspired to iron it again, I'll post photos.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Stank

We got home from the gym today with the intention of showering once we got home. And as we were removing the sweaty clothes and chatting about our days, my hubby leaned back on the bed. His bare feet up on the bed and pointing at me. And all of a sudden, I was overcome with the awful smell. Like rotten vinegar or like some kind of fruit that sat too long in the trashcan with the lid and then when you finally opened the lid - the dank, green cloud of rotten fruit surrounds you. My eyes watered and I completely lost my train of thought. And even Tabitha was hit by the stank. She jumped up on the bed while he was lying there and then did a triple-take, wrinkling her eyes and nose and backpedaling off the bed as fast as she could. Good lord. I think it was a combination of his wearing sandals all day, walking about 3 or 4 miles, the heat, working out and then releasing all the pent-up foot gas once he got home. The funny thing was, he was still trying to seduce me as I rushed him into the shower to wash those fermented dogs.

Bummer

No rain last night, no thunder. How did it cool off without the rain? I'm like an old biddy always talking about the weather. I've been very lax about writing here because the hubby has been monopolizing the computer. School's almost over, so I'll be back then.

Two of my coworkers and I are going to lunch at a local spa. And we've decided to wear dresses/skirts to make it special. I think I'm going to wear my full white skirt. Perhaps I'll take a picture.

Wow, I'm boring.

Hot, hot, hot

It's pretty steamy outside. I think it hit 85 today and the humidity was insane. I just took a shower and I'm already sweating. The good news is that it looks like it is going to thunderstorm soon. The sky has a bit of a green tint to it and the birdies are pretty quiet. I love thunderstorms. It was one thing I definitely missed when I was living in California.

In other news, the lilacs outside our window are in full bloom and they smell fantastic. I think I might cut some to bring into work. Although there are people there who complain about perfume and cologne. Will they dare to complain about freshly cut flowers? We'll see.

Oh, now it's getting windy. This might be a good one.

Other exciting news - Miss Styro is back online!

Recap

Well, the weekend is over. Seemed to rush by. I did end up making a rhubarb tart for Mother's Day. It was from the "How to be a domestic goddess" cookbook by Nigella Lawson. Yummy. Tart crust made with cream cheese (super easy), creamy filling and then very tart stewed rhubarb on top. The cream mixed well with the tart rhubarb.

On a tangent, here's a photo of Tabitha yawning.

And, just to show you that seasons do change around here. This is a photo taken February 1st of this year - the view outside our apartment window:

And this is a photo taken out the same window on May 1st. What a difference 3 months make, huh?

And, finally, one of my hubby snoozing. Photo effect courtesy of dooce.

Weekend!

I've been a bit lax with my writing. Partly because by the time I get home from the gym after work, I'm tired. And partly because it is almost finals week for my hubby and he is monopolizing the computer. I'm so behind on my blog reading. There are sites on my list whom I have not visited in over a month. Bad. Considering at my last job, all I did was surf the web for things to read. I can't do that at my current job. It's been pretty busy and, also, they watch what sites we visit.

So I'm sorry I haven't visited your sites in a while. I'll get back on track once the semester is through.

The hubby's out playing poker with his buddies. It's become the Friday night thing. I'm home in my pjs watching "Joan of Arcadia" and drinking some vino. Yes, I watch a lot of tv. But I'm not going to apologize for it. I'm a hermit and I love certain tv shows. I don't really watch reality tv (except for "The Apprentice"). My staples are "Charmed" on TNT at 6pm - although I've been missing it due to my long workouts at the gym. I love Charmed for the cheese and the T&A. Sometimes we catch "Law & Order" reruns afterwards. I also watch, occasionally, "Smallville" (bad acting, etc. Where "etc." means that I had a dirty dream about the actor who plays Lex and I'm drawn to the show because of it. Despite the girl who plays Lana - awful) and "Gilmore Girls" (not sure why I have to watch this one. It's really not that good). I love the "O.C" for several reasons. Cat fights, pretty decent writing, Seth. Ryan and Marissa bug me. I love Sandy and Kiirsten - despite her alcoholism. Anyway, I know I've been derided for watching that show, but there it is - I love it.

"Scrubs" is also funny but I always forget it is on. Same with "Bernie Mac" and "Arrested Development".

And now "Friends" is over. I wasn't really in to that show anymore, but I had spent so much time watching it, I felt obligated to see it through to the end.

I was about to say "yes, I'm pathetic" - but you know what? I don't care what you think. I watch tv. So what? Everybody's got something.

In other news, I'm going to be washing that gray right out of my hair this weekend. I have some grays in the front and I've been letting them grow out to see if they would develop into a cool white streak. But no, they just look straggly. So I'm dying them and then we'll see how they like it. Just a dark brown, nothing crazy this time.

We are going up to my mom and dad's house on Sunday for Mother's Day. I'm going to bring a fruit platter and probably a rhubarb tart. My brother and his wife are going to bring an egg casserole. It's going to be a brunch. And we are going to give my mom her gift of a thorough housecleaning. Which may sound like a bad present, but actually, it's something she wants. They have 3 cats and two dogs and my mom is pretty active. Also, my dad is a cigar smoker and he never cleans up his ashes, etc. And the last thing my mom wants to do is clean up all the hair, etc. I think she'll like this gift. As an added benefit to all of us - my two brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law all have allergies. So to do a thorough cleaning would be great for all of them. Oh yeah, and my nephew has asthma. Cleaning good. I need to make her a gift certificate for the present.

Tomorrow is gym and bank and rhubarb tart for me, math paper for the hubs.

More later.

O.C.

Wow, that was a great finale. Very heartbreaking and depressing. I love how Marissa starts chugging vodka. And so sad that Seth just takes off in his little boat - what did he write to his parents and to Summer? Had Kiirsten even read his note yet when she was sobbing on Ryan's bed? When is Caleb going to get arrested? And what about that enormous house he bought Julie? Will he lose it? Will Julie divorce him when she finds out he's going to jail? Of course Ryan will be back at some point - the show is about him. But what about Theresa and the baby? Why didn't they find out who's baby it was? And what's going to happen when Eddie finds out that Theresa is pregnant and Ryan moved back to Chino with her? I love and hate it when a show leaves so many questions. My eyes are all puffy from tearing up last night right before I went to bed.

Full Moon

I'm back and I'm pooped. There is something about staying in a hotel that makes me an insomniac. I can't seem to turn off the tv, I have a problem with turning out all the lights and all of it is confounded by the fact that I have a problem, in general, with sleeping in strange places. Plus, my next door neighbors were most assuredly not enjoying themselves this morning. Lots of drunken shouting in the hallway last night. Slamming doors, trying to open doors that weren't theirs because they were lost in their utter drunken stupor, etc. It sounded like one of them fell down in the hallway and the other one was dragging him to their room. I tried peering out my peephole to no avail. I felt like a crabby old neighbor. But I sure as hell wasn't going to open the door to see what was going on.

The hotel was nice, the show seemed to be going well and the flight was short. And I'm back. Writing in short sentences. Heading to bed to snuggle with my shuga. More later.

Chicago

Off to Chicago tomorrow. I'll be back Tuesday night.

We did see Bubba Ho-tep. It was pretty funny. Classic Bruce Campbell. "I'm not going to let some mummy put his lips around my asshole." (I'm paraphrasing) "How big was this bug?" "About the size of a peanut butter banana sandwich."

Spent the day lazing around. I should have gone to the gym, but didn't. Ah well. My brother called to invite us to see the progress they've made on the basement. And then he called back about an hour later and un-invited us. Apparently golf is more important.

I have some good pictures of the kitties that I'll have to post when I get back.

Be good. Be sure to do all the things I wouldn't do.

Weekend

It is such a gorgeous day today. The lilac tree outside our window has started to bud flowers. There are leaves or at least the hint of leaves on most of the trees around. It is probably about 75 - 80 degrees and there is a great breeze flowing through our apartment. We have the end apartment on the second floor. Which means that we have three sides of windows and no one above us. All this lovely weather makes me forget how cold it was this winter. I mean, I know it was cold, it's just hard to remember exactly how cold. It's more of an abstract concept now.

We went to the gym and I worked out for about 90 minutes. My hubby does cardio for much less time and then does weights and then studies while I finish up. I tend to do a lot more cardio and then alternate between legs and arms on weights. My goal is to continue to do at least 3 hours a week of cardio. So far, my average is about 4 hours a week. I'm slimming down, but not as much as I'd like.

We are headed to Cape Cod this July and I want to look bathing suit ready. We are also headed to Cape Cod for my aunt's 50th wedding anniversary on Memorial Day weekend. That is my short-time goal. To look good for that party.

I'm going to be in Chicago on Monday and Tuesday for another tradeshow. I doubt I'll get a chance to add anything in that time.

We might go see "Bubba Ho-Tep tonight" because my hubby won $100 playing poker with his buddies last night. The place where we are going to see the movie used to be an old opera house. And they've refinished it - brought back some of the old glam. Velvet curtains, balcony seats, etc. Plus, they serve real popcorn with real butter. Excellent.

I hope you have a lovely, gorgeous weekend!

More later.