I LOVE ellipses - like a lot. Of all my blog posts, almost every title has them (one) and I would imagine that every post has at least one instance.
According to wiki - "When placed at the end of a sentence, the ellipsis can also inspire a feeling of melancholy longing."
That sounds about right.....
Friday, April 29, 2011
She's Crafty.........
She's crafty - she's gets around
She's crafty - she's always down
She's crafty - she's got a gripe
She's crafty - and she's just my type
She's crafty........
So my mom will disapprove of this next statement, but "I am bored out of my effing mind". There is NOTHING going on a work. But that is NOT what this post is about.... what have I been doing with all this time at work?? Well, I've looked at wedding blogs, recipe blogs, sewing blogs - just to name a few and now I'm on to crafting blogs. Why? Well, for Easter this year, I found a idea to mail plastic eggs full of goodies to my friends (kids) back home... and it was a success.... and I got good feedback, and it made me feel good, so now I have the gifting bug! I can't get enough. And with Mother's Day coming up, I want to send all my GF's a little something-something so they know how much I miss them and I'm thinking of them. And honestly, even if I have to buy a TON of supplies, if I can stick to it, it would still probably be cheaper than a weekend to too much time on my hands aka going out and spending obscene amounts of money on food and/or drinks.
But, I don't want to disclose anything here, as it will ruin the surprise. Also because I want options....because like the sport of snowboarding, I think I like the IDEA of snowboarding WAY more than the actual ACT of snowboarding....and crafting very well be the same way! So I need to keep this on the D.L. until I find something that works..... and I get them into the mail...........
She's crafty - she's always down
She's crafty - she's got a gripe
She's crafty - and she's just my type
She's crafty........
So my mom will disapprove of this next statement, but "I am bored out of my effing mind". There is NOTHING going on a work. But that is NOT what this post is about.... what have I been doing with all this time at work?? Well, I've looked at wedding blogs, recipe blogs, sewing blogs - just to name a few and now I'm on to crafting blogs. Why? Well, for Easter this year, I found a idea to mail plastic eggs full of goodies to my friends (kids) back home... and it was a success.... and I got good feedback, and it made me feel good, so now I have the gifting bug! I can't get enough. And with Mother's Day coming up, I want to send all my GF's a little something-something so they know how much I miss them and I'm thinking of them. And honestly, even if I have to buy a TON of supplies, if I can stick to it, it would still probably be cheaper than a weekend to too much time on my hands aka going out and spending obscene amounts of money on food and/or drinks.
But, I don't want to disclose anything here, as it will ruin the surprise. Also because I want options....because like the sport of snowboarding, I think I like the IDEA of snowboarding WAY more than the actual ACT of snowboarding....and crafting very well be the same way! So I need to keep this on the D.L. until I find something that works..... and I get them into the mail...........
Thursday, April 28, 2011
I'm obsessed with weddings...........
When a couple gets engaged the first thing I think of is the wedding - not the marriage, not "to death do us part" not whether they are a perfect couple, but the party. Oh, and all the little, nitty-gritty details: The dress, flowers, dj's, centerpieces, rings, bridesmaid dresses, color, theme, locale, food, traditions, invitations, cake, favors, etc. etc. etc. SERIOUSLY. OBSESSED.
It started when my very first friend got married when we were like 20! We weren't even 21 years old, and had her bachelorette party in Canada. She didn't give a rat's ass about her wedding and me and her mother planned the entire thing. I was hooked.
It started when my very first friend got married when we were like 20! We weren't even 21 years old, and had her bachelorette party in Canada. She didn't give a rat's ass about her wedding and me and her mother planned the entire thing. I was hooked.
My brother got engaged and I started a folder of ideas of what I thought their "theme" should be or what their "colors" should be. ECO CHIC
Yes. Obsessed like that.
And when Miss P just casually mentioned she might want to get married someday....these are my thoughts on that:
FIREFLY BEACH
I will admit that I wanted a wedding MORE than I wanted a marriage. That is not to say I didn't love my ex-husband very much. I did. I do. And I'll always carry a special place for him in my heart. I sincerely wish it would have all turned out differently. But my number one priority at that time, was my wedding. I've never been so happy, ever, as I was planning my wedding. It didn't hurt that I had a job I loved and I was living in my "dream house" and I just got a freaking diamond ring! And my boyfriend of 5 years asked me to marry him. FINALLY.
Now, I wasn't SO over the top like these chicks on Weddingbee - though I'm obsessed with them and that site and I'm totally inspired by them and their ideas.
So even though having my own wedding.... knowing how it took over everything, knowing how I lost sight of what was really important.... knowing what a waste of money (some it of) it was.... I'm still infatuated with weddings. Going to weddings. Planning weddings. Attending weddings. Being a part of weddings. Reading wedding blogs. The little stupid details. And it's weird to me, that though I'm sometimes bitter about marriage and I'm not sure I believe in the tradition and the values, and I'm unsure if I will ever get married again - I still can't get enough of weddings. Though I know I already had my "dream" wedding, I can't help to imagine and pretend what my "next" wedding will be.
Crazy, right? I totally think so!
In the mean time, I am volunteering my skills to anyone who is planning on getting married in the future (hint, hint). I need an outlet. I would be THRILLED to help put together an inspiration boards or advice or ideas. PLEASE HELP ENABLE MY WEDDING PORN ADDICTION!!! That way I don't feel like such a weirdo.
Love this.... and shared it with JDoll....who I'm honored to be IN her November 2011 wedding.....
My absolute dream job (if it the hours were better and I didn't have to deal with crazy bridezilla's) would to be a wedding planner. Sigh.
Less than 24 hours until the Royal wedding....... Mmmmmmmmm more Wedding Porn! Too bad I don't have cable or a dvr, so I'll be kicking it old school and getting up at 4AM to watch it live!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Don't tell me NO!
I'd much rather ask for forgiveness than permission.
I've lived by this motto my entire life. If you want me to really care about something, tell me I can't do it, and I'll never want it more.
I think I find pleasure in pushing the boundaries of rules and expectations. I don't take kindly to the "man" or "authority" especially when it's something I really want or feel strongly about.
This goes back to being a unruly child. My mom grasping on to me with both hands, not wanting to let me go. The fact that she didn't much care for my friends, made me love them and want to be with them even more. Even though they bullied me, attacked me - physically and emotionally, made me cry, etc. I was so freaking loyal to those girls. I almost sacrificed everything for them, to hang out with them, for them to be my "friends" and like me. This fucked-up-ness is ingrained deeply in me.
I cannot stand being told I can't do something or my wanting to do something is wrong or inappropriate in some way, shape or form.
Especially something I feel really passionate about, that I honestly believe deep in my bones and in my soul. It is imperative I learn the hard way. I will never take your beliefs as my own. EVER. I will never take your advice over what I think I already know.
Bottom line is this......... for the most part, I'm a reasonable person....... But I don't like being told no, and I especially don't like being told no for half ass, insecure, petty, immature, close minded reasons.
I deserve MORE than the average person. I give more, and in turn expect more. I hold myself to a higher standard, and expect others to do the same. That is because for the most part, I am a good friend and a good person. I'm very loyal, very honest, very real. You get no shadiness with me. There is no alternative motives. I give EVERYONE the benefit of the doubt and when you are friends of mine, I will look at you and your intentions through rose colored glasses.
That is not to say I'm perfect. I'm not. I mess up like everyone else. But I won't be malicious and I try to avoid it and don't make a habit of it.
When I commit to be your friend, or more, I require that I'm trusted - even in situations that I might not have 100% control of. But the fact of the matter should be that I'm a smart person capable of making smart decisions. I very rarely make a decision without getting feedback or a second opinion from other people. I care very much about what my close friends think. People who are very close to me. That care about me and are honest with me and would give me their true thoughts and opinions. My decisions should be respected. They are usually made with much thought and consideration.
I've lived by this motto my entire life. If you want me to really care about something, tell me I can't do it, and I'll never want it more.
I think I find pleasure in pushing the boundaries of rules and expectations. I don't take kindly to the "man" or "authority" especially when it's something I really want or feel strongly about.
This goes back to being a unruly child. My mom grasping on to me with both hands, not wanting to let me go. The fact that she didn't much care for my friends, made me love them and want to be with them even more. Even though they bullied me, attacked me - physically and emotionally, made me cry, etc. I was so freaking loyal to those girls. I almost sacrificed everything for them, to hang out with them, for them to be my "friends" and like me. This fucked-up-ness is ingrained deeply in me.
I cannot stand being told I can't do something or my wanting to do something is wrong or inappropriate in some way, shape or form.
Especially something I feel really passionate about, that I honestly believe deep in my bones and in my soul. It is imperative I learn the hard way. I will never take your beliefs as my own. EVER. I will never take your advice over what I think I already know.
Bottom line is this......... for the most part, I'm a reasonable person....... But I don't like being told no, and I especially don't like being told no for half ass, insecure, petty, immature, close minded reasons.
I deserve MORE than the average person. I give more, and in turn expect more. I hold myself to a higher standard, and expect others to do the same. That is because for the most part, I am a good friend and a good person. I'm very loyal, very honest, very real. You get no shadiness with me. There is no alternative motives. I give EVERYONE the benefit of the doubt and when you are friends of mine, I will look at you and your intentions through rose colored glasses.
That is not to say I'm perfect. I'm not. I mess up like everyone else. But I won't be malicious and I try to avoid it and don't make a habit of it.
When I commit to be your friend, or more, I require that I'm trusted - even in situations that I might not have 100% control of. But the fact of the matter should be that I'm a smart person capable of making smart decisions. I very rarely make a decision without getting feedback or a second opinion from other people. I care very much about what my close friends think. People who are very close to me. That care about me and are honest with me and would give me their true thoughts and opinions. My decisions should be respected. They are usually made with much thought and consideration.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Super Secret Date Night.........
I'm planning a super secret date night for Jerm on Friday..........
It's going to start at a place in Capitol Hill - seriously, this weekend alone like 10 people have mentioned this place or have asked me if I've gone there, and I haven't. So I'm stoked.
Then we will be busing it over to another neighborhood that we have spent next to NO time in for a special event.
This will be our one main splurge this week/weekend........since we are recovering (physically and financially) from having visitors this past weekend
Depending on what the weather is doing, we may hit up the movies... as I bought a Groupon/Living Social coupon-type-deal forever ago and there is a new Robert Pattison movie out......
It's going to start at a place in Capitol Hill - seriously, this weekend alone like 10 people have mentioned this place or have asked me if I've gone there, and I haven't. So I'm stoked.
Then we will be busing it over to another neighborhood that we have spent next to NO time in for a special event.
This will be our one main splurge this week/weekend........since we are recovering (physically and financially) from having visitors this past weekend
Depending on what the weather is doing, we may hit up the movies... as I bought a Groupon/Living Social coupon-type-deal forever ago and there is a new Robert Pattison movie out......
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The ABC's of Me
A. Age: 32
B. Bed size: Queen
C. Chore you hate: FLOORS! Don’t do them anymore – ever! Good thing I live with someone who will.
D. Dogs: LOVE! I incredibly miss my dogs. My absolutely favorite thing was snuggling my Guinness. I want a dog sooooo freaking bad. So bad. Apartment doesn’t allow them. Total bummer.
E. Essential start to your day: Matt Lauer. I need a job that starts AFTER the Today Show!
F. Favorite color: PINK. So cliché!
G. Gold or silver: Sliver.
H. Height: 5’8 1/2”
I. Instruments you play: skin flute….KIDDING. I don’t even do that. :P
J. Job title: “Mortgage Office Administrator” during the day.
K. Kids: Furry four legged kids Guinness & Maximus but they live with their dad inCleveland
L. Live:Seattle
M. Mom’s name: Linda McDonald (formerly Marie) Post
N. Nicknames: JP, Postal, Post, JPizzle
O. Overnight hospital stays: Cat bite…. My hand got infected.
P. Pet peeve: Everything…. Ha ha ha…. Text “talk”: not spelling out words, not using punctuation or capitalization when communicating electronically. Basically, using bad grammar. It’s soooooo lazy!
Q. Quote from a movie: I can quote all of The Breakfast Club.
R. Right or left handed: Right.
S. Siblings: Derek – 30 and Jordan – 12 or is it 13? OMG, I’m a horrible sister.
T. Time you wake up: Depends…. I SHOULD get up at 6:00AM for work, but it’s usually more like 6:30-7:00-7:30AM. The weekends, I try to sleep in… it’s usually by 9:00AM though.
U. Underwear: BOYSHORTS. I used to splurge on Hanky Panky’s… now it’s whatever free pairVictoria
V. Vegetables you dislike: Cilantro – I don’t have the taste receptor. Not crazy about root vegetables (radishes) or dark leafy greens like Chard.
W. What makes you run late: Could be anything…..for work, it’s usually me getting distracted watching the Today Show.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Back. I supposedly have mild scoliosis.
Y. Yummy food you make: I love, love, love to cook, so I would say at least 80% of the stuff I make is yummy!
Z. Zoo – favorite animal: Monkey’s and Sea Lions/Otters though I really like Cheetah’s too. I love most animals.
B. Bed size: Queen
C. Chore you hate: FLOORS! Don’t do them anymore – ever! Good thing I live with someone who will.
D. Dogs: LOVE! I incredibly miss my dogs. My absolutely favorite thing was snuggling my Guinness. I want a dog sooooo freaking bad. So bad. Apartment doesn’t allow them. Total bummer.
E. Essential start to your day: Matt Lauer. I need a job that starts AFTER the Today Show!
F. Favorite color: PINK. So cliché!
G. Gold or silver: Sliver.
H. Height: 5’8 1/2”
I. Instruments you play: skin flute….KIDDING. I don’t even do that. :P
J. Job title: “Mortgage Office Administrator” during the day.
K. Kids: Furry four legged kids Guinness & Maximus but they live with their dad in
L. Live:
M. Mom’s name: Linda McDonald (formerly Marie) Post
N. Nicknames: JP, Postal, Post, JPizzle
O. Overnight hospital stays: Cat bite…. My hand got infected.
P. Pet peeve: Everything…. Ha ha ha…. Text “talk”: not spelling out words, not using punctuation or capitalization when communicating electronically. Basically, using bad grammar. It’s soooooo lazy!
Q. Quote from a movie: I can quote all of The Breakfast Club.
R. Right or left handed: Right.
S. Siblings: Derek – 30 and Jordan – 12 or is it 13? OMG, I’m a horrible sister.
T. Time you wake up: Depends…. I SHOULD get up at 6:00AM for work, but it’s usually more like 6:30-7:00-7:30AM. The weekends, I try to sleep in… it’s usually by 9:00AM though.
U. Underwear: BOYSHORTS. I used to splurge on Hanky Panky’s… now it’s whatever free pair
V. Vegetables you dislike: Cilantro – I don’t have the taste receptor. Not crazy about root vegetables (radishes) or dark leafy greens like Chard.
W. What makes you run late: Could be anything…..for work, it’s usually me getting distracted watching the Today Show.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Back. I supposedly have mild scoliosis.
Y. Yummy food you make: I love, love, love to cook, so I would say at least 80% of the stuff I make is yummy!
Z. Zoo – favorite animal: Monkey’s and Sea Lions/Otters though I really like Cheetah’s too. I love most animals.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Date Night
So I totally stumbled upon this blog today, and I'm so excited! It's right up my alley!!! And I'm only a tiny bit jealous I didn't think of it first!!!
I plan on elaborating in the future (soon) about the importance of "dating" after you've been dating for a while. I really think that it can make or break a relationship. And dating doesn't neccessarily mean spending money. It's about making your relationship and quality time with your significant other a priority.
This is a total half ass post.... sorry guys.... I'm running out the door and I wanted to get this out here.
I plan on elaborating in the future (soon) about the importance of "dating" after you've been dating for a while. I really think that it can make or break a relationship. And dating doesn't neccessarily mean spending money. It's about making your relationship and quality time with your significant other a priority.
This is a total half ass post.... sorry guys.... I'm running out the door and I wanted to get this out here.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Cleveland ROCKS!
I love my hometown of Ctown! Of course there are things that are totally lamers about it, but I think that is true in any city. I love Cleveland and being from Cleveland. I wear that LOUD AND PROUD. I will never, ever cheer for any football team but the Cleveland Browns. Never. Ever. Got it?! There are some really sweet things going on in the city formally known as the "mistake by the lake". The restaurant scene for one. Um, hello, I'm overwhelmed by all of my choices when I go home in September. I can't freaking wait!!!!
Anyways, I digress - though some claim The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame sucks - Cleveland's concert scene rocks. Seriously.....
I've been in Seattle for 7 months.......I've seen a handful of shows..... and they've all be dud's. Don't get me wrong, they weren't bad...the acts have been good for the most part....but the crowds are duds. They don't dance, they barely move, they don't yell or cheer or scream........ There have been a few times that I actually felt bad for the band. Not to mention if you are a legal adult that wants to knock back a few brewski's - you are corralled off - usually away from the stage. What. The. Hell. So if I want to have a beer while enjoying my concert, I'm not getting a prime view. And if I want a good view, I have to be sans drink?!??!
2 prime examples of how Cleveland has way cooler, crazier, better, wilder, louder fans:
Sleigh Bells at the Grog Shop vs. Sleigh Bells at the WaMu Theater. SB at the Grog is in my top 10 of all shows - for sure. As soon as the Slayer intro started, it was mayhem.... awesome mayhem... it was so crazy that I was seriously paranoid that Chel Belle (REALLY?!?! FLIP FLOPS TO A CONCERT) was going to sustain a broken toe - no joke. But there was dancing and singing and cheering and it was a sweaty, sweaty, awesome mess. So when they showed up on the Deck the Hall Ball line up, I was so excited. Yes, there were 5+ bands, yes, it was at a bigger venue, yes the show started at 4PM, but still, I thought for sure everyone would go crazy when they took the stage. So not the case. So disappointing. It was like no one in Seattle (or at that show at least) has HEARD Sleigh Bells... which is ok... but I don't know how they can hear the music and not move. I felt bad for the band. Really bad. Embarrassed for them actually. If that happened in Cleveland, I would seriously never expect them to come back......
Deftones at Cleveland's House of Blues vs. Paramount Theatre. I love me some Deftones. And we are all getting up there in age. The band and the fans. Chino can't scream the way he used you. I've probably seen them 6 times since the 90's. The last 2 shows in Cleveland were at the House of Blues. But I can tell you this...if you were on the floor in Cleveland, it was a mosh pit. No doubt about it. You would have been swept up in a sweaty crowd that was jumping, moshing, thrashing, crowd surfing, etc. Not here.... I mean, it worked out, because I had a decent view without having to get my ass kicked. The venue itself is really sweet. But it was pretty mellow compared to um, ALL the shows I've ever been to before. And when they walked off before the encore... I'm surprised they came back out. The crowd wasn't (in my opinion) really telling the band they wanted them back out. Maybe the band is used to this coming out of Seattle. In Cleveland, the crowd would have been louder and there would have been more energy for sure.
I have to say I'm SHOCKED that the grunge scene was born here. What happened to all those people?!?!? In general I'm disappointed with Seattle's concert vibe. I'm coming to terms with it, but it has NOTHING on Cleveland.
Anyways, I digress - though some claim The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame sucks - Cleveland's concert scene rocks. Seriously.....
I've been in Seattle for 7 months.......I've seen a handful of shows..... and they've all be dud's. Don't get me wrong, they weren't bad...the acts have been good for the most part....but the crowds are duds. They don't dance, they barely move, they don't yell or cheer or scream........ There have been a few times that I actually felt bad for the band. Not to mention if you are a legal adult that wants to knock back a few brewski's - you are corralled off - usually away from the stage. What. The. Hell. So if I want to have a beer while enjoying my concert, I'm not getting a prime view. And if I want a good view, I have to be sans drink?!??!
2 prime examples of how Cleveland has way cooler, crazier, better, wilder, louder fans:
Sleigh Bells at the Grog Shop vs. Sleigh Bells at the WaMu Theater. SB at the Grog is in my top 10 of all shows - for sure. As soon as the Slayer intro started, it was mayhem.... awesome mayhem... it was so crazy that I was seriously paranoid that Chel Belle (REALLY?!?! FLIP FLOPS TO A CONCERT) was going to sustain a broken toe - no joke. But there was dancing and singing and cheering and it was a sweaty, sweaty, awesome mess. So when they showed up on the Deck the Hall Ball line up, I was so excited. Yes, there were 5+ bands, yes, it was at a bigger venue, yes the show started at 4PM, but still, I thought for sure everyone would go crazy when they took the stage. So not the case. So disappointing. It was like no one in Seattle (or at that show at least) has HEARD Sleigh Bells... which is ok... but I don't know how they can hear the music and not move. I felt bad for the band. Really bad. Embarrassed for them actually. If that happened in Cleveland, I would seriously never expect them to come back......
Deftones at Cleveland's House of Blues vs. Paramount Theatre. I love me some Deftones. And we are all getting up there in age. The band and the fans. Chino can't scream the way he used you. I've probably seen them 6 times since the 90's. The last 2 shows in Cleveland were at the House of Blues. But I can tell you this...if you were on the floor in Cleveland, it was a mosh pit. No doubt about it. You would have been swept up in a sweaty crowd that was jumping, moshing, thrashing, crowd surfing, etc. Not here.... I mean, it worked out, because I had a decent view without having to get my ass kicked. The venue itself is really sweet. But it was pretty mellow compared to um, ALL the shows I've ever been to before. And when they walked off before the encore... I'm surprised they came back out. The crowd wasn't (in my opinion) really telling the band they wanted them back out. Maybe the band is used to this coming out of Seattle. In Cleveland, the crowd would have been louder and there would have been more energy for sure.
I have to say I'm SHOCKED that the grunge scene was born here. What happened to all those people?!?!? In general I'm disappointed with Seattle's concert vibe. I'm coming to terms with it, but it has NOTHING on Cleveland.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
EPIC FAIL!!!
I'm not going to go on and on about this topic, because A.) I'm sure I already have before, sometime, somewhere, maybe here. And B.) I'm sure everyone can relate to what I'm about to say....
But I just thought it was interesting to share, that though I learned A LOT from Weight Watchers, about my poor eating habits, and successful ways to be (eat) healthy (I won't even say lose weight, because - who really cares - well, I guess I do, but that's not the freaking point), I'm back to my old ways of skipping breakfast, not planning ahead, and eating crappy foods, which in turn is making me feeling like crap.
Today's food journal:
But I just thought it was interesting to share, that though I learned A LOT from Weight Watchers, about my poor eating habits, and successful ways to be (eat) healthy (I won't even say lose weight, because - who really cares - well, I guess I do, but that's not the freaking point), I'm back to my old ways of skipping breakfast, not planning ahead, and eating crappy foods, which in turn is making me feeling like crap.
Today's food journal:
- Grande Starbucks Bold with half & half & 2 Splenda's. Two things on this: I've successfully switched to non-fat, but it was empty and I didn't have time to dick around this AM, so I used what was there. And I know I need to get off the artificial sweetener, it's on the list. But I do not like the taste of real sugar or even sugar in the raw in my coffee. It's too sweet. It's great in ice tea, not a fan in coffee. But I was also not a fan of non-fat milk, but I successfully made that switch, except for today.
- A Cuties Clementine - which might have been a little bigger than a golf ball
- Small bag of Cool Ranch Doritos - I've been craving these, like forever. Last time I was at Subway, they didn't have any. I don't buy them for home - so I couldn't help myself.
- 1 ballpark hot dog (probably with nitrates), in a whole wheat bun and yellow mustard. It was tasty, considering it was cooked in water in a crock pot. Wouldn't be my first choice in cooking it, but it was at work.
- 1 ice cream sandwich. Which was effing delicious.
(P.S. We had a baseball themed lunch to kick off this Home Run Derby Application contest)
Now, it' 2:23PM...and I'm freaking starving.... I mean, look at the list above, I think the golf ball sized piece of fruit is the only thing on the list that can be considered real food. I'm starving because the rest of the crap I ate, was fat, and I got no nutritional vitamins or nutrients. So, now what? ... all that is left in this office is more freaking crap....wait hold that thought.... just checked my drawer and came up with a Progresso Light Beef Pot Roast Soup - SCORE. But still, it MIGHT last me until the end of the day, in which then I'll go home and rifle the house for more crap to hold me over until Jerm comes home from his class at like 8 or 9PM and we'll shovel something into our face before rushing to the Deftones concert (yay!).
But really, Jen? How many times have we been down this road?!
Some examples of what's wrong with everything..........
A look at the world's new corporate tax havens
Remember when teachers, public employees, Planned Parenthood, Public Radio and PBS all crashed the stock market, wiped out half of our 401Ks, took trillions in TARP money, spilled oil in the Gulf of Mexico, gave themselves billions in bonuses, and paid no taxes? Me neither
Remember when teachers, public employees, Planned Parenthood, Public Radio and PBS all crashed the stock market, wiped out half of our 401Ks, took trillions in TARP money, spilled oil in the Gulf of Mexico, gave themselves billions in bonuses, and paid no taxes? Me neither
Why I Support J. Crew's Controversial Pink Toenail Ad
Food, Inc. exposes America's industrialized food system and its effect on our environment, health, economy and workers' rights.
Each day, the United States is responsible for 25% of the world’s oil consumption, despite holding only 5% of the world’s population.
Planned Parenthood under attack, again
Each day, the United States is responsible for 25% of the world’s oil consumption, despite holding only 5% of the world’s population.
Planned Parenthood under attack, again
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Weight (Not)Watchers......
So I officially threw in the towel..... I cancelled my Weight Watchers membership (effective May 2nd). I didn't think that $140 for 4lbs over 3 months wasn't a good return on investment. I was disappointed with my last weigh in (+ 1) on March 23rd. I just felt like I was throwing money away. Even when I really tried to stick to my weekly points.... I went over. Even when I thought I did good with the tracking and was very active, I still lost a minimal amount (if any). I was frustrated - as I'm not a patient person. So, I gave up tracking, it's been a week and a half. I blew off last week's meeting/weigh-in for the first time since January. But I went tonight. Jerm wasn't around and my reminder when off and the bus stop was right there, so I figured, "what the hey".... and I was a little bit curious.... not to mention I was SURE I gained. I seriously figured I was back to square one.
Annnnnd............. I lost 1.8lbs??? For a total of 6lbs since the first of the year. Go figure?! I'm totally at a loss.... Not that I pigged out. I've yet to indulge in my dozen chicken wings, dipped in ranch, with a pitcher of Bud Light.... but I did eat pizza (twice) and chicken paprikash & dumplings. So when I don't watch and I don't track and don't stress and don't worry and don't feel guilty - I lose??? I mean, I guess I'm doing it the right way.... about a .5lbs a week... they say slow and steady wins the race. But it's taking freaking forever.
I can't tell AT ALL. I don't look different, I don't feel different, nothing fits different. Ugh! I seriously look fat. In my face. I have a double chin... without trying..... without forcing my face down into my neck. It's sooooo disturbing.
I was really active though.... I walked about 6 miles a few weekends ago....and did maybe 4 miles this past weekend. I'm just concerned that I walk so much already, that it doesn't much matter..... Like I have to pick up the pace. Do cardio. Run. Sweat. Boo.
I bought 3 dresses this past winter. They were on super sale from H&M. They are all glamorous, long, low-cut, to the floor, dresses that I want to wear to my upcoming weddings this summer/fall. They are all Mediums. They all "technically" fit.... but spanks will be required. I want them to fit, fit. I don't want to wear spanks. I hate wearing spanks. They are uncomfortable and restricting and makes it hard to pee. But I don't want to feel uncomfortable with knowing that you can see the outline of my stomach.... of my rolls.... of my gut...of my muffin top.... That is even worse.
So I'm at a loss. I feel that I've learned all I can so far at WW. If I continue to go and pay, I'm paying for the meetings - which means I'm paying for the support. I'm not sure if I need that. I usually have a really bad attitude at the meetings. I'm jealous of people or are thinner than I, I'm annoyed with people who are all "rah-rah" about it, I'm jealous of people who met their goal, I'm jealous of people that this actually seems to be WORKING for, that it's easy for them. So I usually have my arms crossed with a scowl on my face. I do like weighing in. But I have a scale at home. I want to continue cooking WW friendly recipes and meals. I plan on continuing on filling at least half my plates with fruits and vegetables. I still plan on paying attention to portion sizes - my body has been helping with that. I know when I over did it. And I need to get the butter out of my house!
I plan on listening to my body...and paying attention....and making good choices.....and hopefully I'll keep plugging along.... 0.5lbs at a time. :) Hopefully I'll start seeing and feeling the results!!! That's the best motivation. And I need it!!!
So that's my "rah rah rah sis koom bah"
Annnnnd............. I lost 1.8lbs??? For a total of 6lbs since the first of the year. Go figure?! I'm totally at a loss.... Not that I pigged out. I've yet to indulge in my dozen chicken wings, dipped in ranch, with a pitcher of Bud Light.... but I did eat pizza (twice) and chicken paprikash & dumplings. So when I don't watch and I don't track and don't stress and don't worry and don't feel guilty - I lose??? I mean, I guess I'm doing it the right way.... about a .5lbs a week... they say slow and steady wins the race. But it's taking freaking forever.
I can't tell AT ALL. I don't look different, I don't feel different, nothing fits different. Ugh! I seriously look fat. In my face. I have a double chin... without trying..... without forcing my face down into my neck. It's sooooo disturbing.
I was really active though.... I walked about 6 miles a few weekends ago....and did maybe 4 miles this past weekend. I'm just concerned that I walk so much already, that it doesn't much matter..... Like I have to pick up the pace. Do cardio. Run. Sweat. Boo.
I bought 3 dresses this past winter. They were on super sale from H&M. They are all glamorous, long, low-cut, to the floor, dresses that I want to wear to my upcoming weddings this summer/fall. They are all Mediums. They all "technically" fit.... but spanks will be required. I want them to fit, fit. I don't want to wear spanks. I hate wearing spanks. They are uncomfortable and restricting and makes it hard to pee. But I don't want to feel uncomfortable with knowing that you can see the outline of my stomach.... of my rolls.... of my gut...of my muffin top.... That is even worse.
So I'm at a loss. I feel that I've learned all I can so far at WW. If I continue to go and pay, I'm paying for the meetings - which means I'm paying for the support. I'm not sure if I need that. I usually have a really bad attitude at the meetings. I'm jealous of people or are thinner than I, I'm annoyed with people who are all "rah-rah" about it, I'm jealous of people who met their goal, I'm jealous of people that this actually seems to be WORKING for, that it's easy for them. So I usually have my arms crossed with a scowl on my face. I do like weighing in. But I have a scale at home. I want to continue cooking WW friendly recipes and meals. I plan on continuing on filling at least half my plates with fruits and vegetables. I still plan on paying attention to portion sizes - my body has been helping with that. I know when I over did it. And I need to get the butter out of my house!
I plan on listening to my body...and paying attention....and making good choices.....and hopefully I'll keep plugging along.... 0.5lbs at a time. :) Hopefully I'll start seeing and feeling the results!!! That's the best motivation. And I need it!!!
So that's my "rah rah rah sis koom bah"
Friday, April 1, 2011
Mad about you....
Just got notification that Mad Men Season 4 discs 1 & 2 are in route......
This crappy weather is perfect for a few all-night MM marathons.......
Fire up the crockpot and pull out the flannel pj bottoms.....
This crappy weather is perfect for a few all-night MM marathons.......
Fire up the crockpot and pull out the flannel pj bottoms.....
Meet you in my dreams........
This was the man in my dreams last night.....
Seriously.....
Damn you Entrourage!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously.....
We were totally making out..... like hard core....
Won't you be my neighbor?
Jerm and I have been casually looking at buying. We really love our apartment, but really eventually want to upgrade to a 2 bedroom (planner in me is always 2 steps ahead). I also love our neighborhood, but a 2 bedroom in Capitol Hill, will run you $1700-$1800/ a month. For that kind of money, you can totally BUY! So, with this thought process and the fact that I have a lot of downtime to screw around on the Internet at work, I was casually looking to see what's out there.
And we found these views:
So, while we were there, we looked at the house we put an offer in on, and we just didn't feel as strongly about it. As much as we still like the house, and totally can see ourselves living there, we just think there are too many "what ifs" for our comfort level. There seems to be a black mold issue in one of the bedrooms and there is no real way to access the back of the house because it's on such a slope. Then there are all the talks of earthquakes. We aren't comfortable with all the unknowns. Plus there seems to be all kinds of title issues, which is why we haven't heard anything from the bank. They need the ex husband to sign off on some stuff and he's refusing to cooperate. It just seems like a nightmare. So we withdrew our offer.
But the realtor wanted to show us another option, in the same price range, and so he showed us these BRAND NEW Townhouses that were a REO (basically the bank took them back from the builder who got behind on their payments). I don't usually like new construction, I like old things, real hard wood and character. But these were sooooo nice. SO NICE. Everything was brand new and clean and modern and we could move in with out having to do a thing... no replacing the roof, or working on this, that or the other. Master bedrooms with walk in closets and master baths.... skylights, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, gas fireplaces, etc etc etc. And there were still views! You can't really tell from this picture, but they over looked the ship canals between Queen Anne and Ballard.
He wanted us to see what the same money could buy us. Same neighborhood. Still had a view.
But...we decided to wait. As much as we liked these townhouses, I just feel like we are rushing into it. We want to take the summer off and just enjoy our first summer here without being financially strapped by a mortgage. We have a few trips planned and lots of friends/family coming to visit and it's just too much to think about. We have a visit toCleveland Seattle
And we found these views:
Awesome right?! So I sent the link to Jerm with the subject line "If you loved me, you would buy me this"... Ha ha. I was kidding. But, we drove by it. And then weeks went by and we kept mentioning it and commenting on it. It was priced considerably lower than the other listings on the street. So we had to know why - so I emailed a realtor to get the scoop. Well, it's a short sale - blah, blah, blah - and then we made an appointment to look at it.
It was a cute little cottage looking house...on a cute little one way street with amazing views of the sound and a double-decker deck.... need I say more???
And then the wheels start turning: First, the price is at the tippy-tippy top of our price range (Actually, I didn't even know that it was IN our price range. We are from the Midwest . We aren't familiar or comfortable with these kinds of prices). Second, I did the numbers and I think the LOWEST payment we could get was double what we are paying now. That's doing a ARM. Can we do it? I'm sure. Will we be happy doing it? I don't know. Will it be worth it in the long run? Maybe. It would be a lot of work (and $$) up front. We both would need to take hefty loans against our 401K's. The minimum down payment would be 3.5%. But the upside is we'd get an amazing property that will instantly have equity the second the housing market turns around. We would be living in something we would otherwise never be able to afford, and there are amazing views. This may be our ONLY opportunity to be able to purchase a single family home in the city of Seattle
Next step - see if we an get pre-approved, and what do you know, somehow.... on paper, we look like we could actually afford this property. WHAT!?! BUYING A HOUSE?? IN SEATTLE
Anyways, I'm dragging this whole story out....It's just I didn't actually discuss this with anyone because honestly I felt silly. I just have a Midwest mentality. People from the Midwest making our money don't buy houses with those views in those price ranges. I didn't want people to talk....."Did you hear JP and Jerm are buying a $X dollar house in Seattle
I digress..... So, with our pre-approval letter in hand, we put an offer in on the house. But it was a short sale, so we knew it was going to be a process.
Two weeks.... no response from the bank.... But I got a text from the realtor last week. The house across the street from the one we have an offer on came on to the market at the same price (wait, I totally thought we were getting a deal on the one since it was a short sale?). A total fixer in rough shape. He thought we should know. He said it's a weird floor plan but great views. He said it would take a lot of cash to fix but it's not on such a critical slope. The short sale one hangs over a cliff.... seriously.... one earthquake and who the heck knows! I mean, the house has been there since the 1900's so it's got to be somewhat sturdy. This new one seems MUCH bigger. Exact same views, but there is a yard. But it needs a lot of work. A LOT . So, we had to look at it.
And it was hilarious. Nothing has been updated since the 1960's... seriously. The kitchen was painted a BRIGHT day-glow orange and the appliances were old. Everything about the house was old, old, old and you could tell old people lived there and possibly died there. There was potential.... it was HUGE and there can be a lot done with it, but everything needed to be done and everything needed to be updated and replaced. There is no way we could swing that - even if we got the house for $100K less. NO WAY. I couldn't live in it as is, and it would have took years and years and close to $100K to get it where it needed to be.
But the realtor wanted to show us another option, in the same price range, and so he showed us these BRAND NEW Townhouses that were a REO (basically the bank took them back from the builder who got behind on their payments). I don't usually like new construction, I like old things, real hard wood and character. But these were sooooo nice. SO NICE. Everything was brand new and clean and modern and we could move in with out having to do a thing... no replacing the roof, or working on this, that or the other. Master bedrooms with walk in closets and master baths.... skylights, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, gas fireplaces, etc etc etc. And there were still views! You can't really tell from this picture, but they over looked the ship canals between Queen Anne and Ballard.
He wanted us to see what the same money could buy us. Same neighborhood. Still had a view.
But...we decided to wait. As much as we liked these townhouses, I just feel like we are rushing into it. We want to take the summer off and just enjoy our first summer here without being financially strapped by a mortgage. We have a few trips planned and lots of friends/family coming to visit and it's just too much to think about. We have a visit to
I think we are good where we are for now, and we are just going to enjoy our first year, our first summer and our first apartment!!! I know Jerm is anxious to get some roots down here, but I see no need to rush and add all that pressure, especially with everything else we already have planned.
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