Whoo-hoo! Booked my ticket this morning to go visit my sis in March. Only going to be able to go for just over a week. (Due to some changes in how we accrue sick/vacation time at work. Will now be getting half what I got before. Which bites.)
But I'm excited. Haven't seen my sis since last June, and haven't seen my new niece in person ever. :) Of course, this means I won't be able to do a trip home this summer, but...
Not too much else going on. Little sis and her cousin stayed with me last night; which means I was responsible for getting them to school this morning. I forgot her cousin is at the high school, while little sis is in her last year at the middle school. Luckily the schools aren't too far apart. Although Cousin A was a little offended I thought she went to middle school. [rolling my eyes] When I turned on to the road to the high school and asked if it was an okay spot to drop her off (really, they can be so particular!!!) she sniffed and said "Just don't drop me off at the daycare." [g] (There's one across the street).
And of course, little sis forgot to tell me until the last minute she wasn't being dropped off at her school today. She needed to go to a different location for her gifted/talented program. Special presentation today, and there's a dinner tonight I get to go to. Yippeee. Good thing I prefer to be early, as I got the two of them to school and myself to work only 4 minutes late. ;)
I just want to know how I, the parentless one, got all these school responsibilities?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
"Turkeys Voting For Christmas"
Interesting article with some fun lines about why people "vote against their own interest". I have to admit, it's something that has often puzzled me. And makes some (preliminary) sense on why facts seemed to get lost in the furor last summer.
Best line in the article:
And it gave me a few more books to add to my library list. ;)
Best line in the article:
"It's like a French Revolution in reverse in which the workers come pouring down the street screaming more power to the aristocracy." Thomas Frank (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8474611.stm)
And it gave me a few more books to add to my library list. ;)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Positive News Day
As hard as it is to believe, it's a positive news day. At least, from my perspective.
Heard on NPR this morning that the US is changing our policy on family planning abroad. I know Ob.am.a moved on this last year, but it's nice to have H. Clin.ton reinforcing it through the state department. Yay! I'm not talking about ab.or.t.ion here. I'm talking about birth control, HIV education, the ability to work with organizations that do provide abo.rt.ion resources. And yes, even abstinence. Allowing US funds to go to organizations working with others already on the ground that provide abo.rt.ion services isn't harmful. It allows people to coordinate resources better, educate better. Be more effective.
Frankly, in countries as poor as Africa (an example) I think birth control needs to be an option. Women need to be educated, have it made accessible. Although there are a whole host of logistical problems with taking daily BC pills, or monthly, it needs to be an option. It can only enable women to gain better health, have healthier children, and become more active in their communities. Especially when you consider that with immunizations, etc, more children are living longer. I know, it's harsh of me, but seriously. In poor lands, how can we justify consigning these women to having more and more children when there are ways they can choose for themselves to change this? By all means, let's have tons of children, keep them alive and "healthy" and living in a poor country with inadequate food or water or education or work or....
I'm all for the ABCs (abstinence/birth control/condoms) to be taught. I'm also a believer that they should have access to abor.t.ions and make their own choices...but that's a whole different post.
Second bit of good news is the move to eliminate "Don't Ask Don't Tell". About darn time! There's a good article on the BBC today about what happened when the UK was forced by the EU to change their rules. Guess what? The doomsday predictions didn't happen. ;) Go figure.
Heard on NPR this morning that the US is changing our policy on family planning abroad. I know Ob.am.a moved on this last year, but it's nice to have H. Clin.ton reinforcing it through the state department. Yay! I'm not talking about ab.or.t.ion here. I'm talking about birth control, HIV education, the ability to work with organizations that do provide abo.rt.ion resources. And yes, even abstinence. Allowing US funds to go to organizations working with others already on the ground that provide abo.rt.ion services isn't harmful. It allows people to coordinate resources better, educate better. Be more effective.
Frankly, in countries as poor as Africa (an example) I think birth control needs to be an option. Women need to be educated, have it made accessible. Although there are a whole host of logistical problems with taking daily BC pills, or monthly, it needs to be an option. It can only enable women to gain better health, have healthier children, and become more active in their communities. Especially when you consider that with immunizations, etc, more children are living longer. I know, it's harsh of me, but seriously. In poor lands, how can we justify consigning these women to having more and more children when there are ways they can choose for themselves to change this? By all means, let's have tons of children, keep them alive and "healthy" and living in a poor country with inadequate food or water or education or work or....
I'm all for the ABCs (abstinence/birth control/condoms) to be taught. I'm also a believer that they should have access to abor.t.ions and make their own choices...but that's a whole different post.
Second bit of good news is the move to eliminate "Don't Ask Don't Tell". About darn time! There's a good article on the BBC today about what happened when the UK was forced by the EU to change their rules. Guess what? The doomsday predictions didn't happen. ;) Go figure.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Giggles
Exercise report for last week: 60 minutes @ the gym. Only 1x, but at least it was 60 minutes!
Goal for this week: Exercise 2x, at least 30 minutes each time.
So my horoscope made me giggle this morning:
Your actions may be touched by a very fanciful frame of mind today, dear Aries. Be careful about indulging in recreational substances that take you out of reality for a while. Your tendency will be to want to escape into the cosmos, but sooner or later, you will have to come down. Deal with your issues now before you become even more clouded than you were before. Take action with a clear and sober mind.
Fanciful frame of mind; I can do that. It's what won me the i.P.od To.uch. But the recreational substances is a hoot. Unless you can count Suda.fed and migraine meds...because I "indulged" in spaghetti w/tomato sauce this weekend and ended up with a mirgraine yesterday. Alas. It's a travesty for tomato to be linked with migraines. It's just not right.
Anyway. I don't need recreational substances to take me out of reality. Day-dreaming has always been easy for me. And a good book transports me "into the cosmos" better than anything. Good thing Nalini Singh has a new book coming out tomorrow. Second in the archangels series. [g]
It's nice to start off the day like today: phone call with my sis last night has me planning a visit for March, new pics of my youngest nieces in my email first thing, it's 9:30 am and I've crossed several items off my work to-do list, and now a laugh from my horoscope. A fine beginning to a fine week. :)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Today it should be "Cranky"
Oh, how quickly the changes come! Actually, I'm not really that cranky. Just a little motivated when talking to my boss first thing this morning. Poor man. Went to get my taxes done last night. For the second year in a row, my W-2 is incorrect. Ackkk. Last year was minor; this year the problem is enough that we had to stop doing my taxes.
We entered everything in, and were reviewing the figures when my tax guy said to me "Is there some reason your Federal wages are more than your state wages?" Ummm, I don't know. That's why I go to him. I don't understand most of the tax rules, etc. "And why are the Federal wages more than the Social Security wages? They should be the same, or the Federal should be less if I have pre-tax deductions...."
Oh, bother (as Eyeore would say). So we couldn't file last night. With the corrected figures I owe $100 less than with the wrong figures. And my state refund more than covers it, so no money out of my pocket.
And I'm miffed - again - at all the witholding table manipulations. I never seem to see huge increases or decreases in my pay check, but if they hadn't implemented the $400 making work pay tax credit, I'd've owed another $400. WTF? And that's with having enough medical expenses to just exceed the 7.5% of adjusted gross income. So there was a few hundred more I could itemize this year. My pay didn't increase that much this year.
I have my withholding set so I don't get huge returns, but this is ridiculous. They don't really cut taxes; just manipulate things so we get more in our paychecks, but then owe more at the end of the year. That tax credit is only good for 2009 & 2010. So after that I'm owing at least that much at the end of the year (if not more because I won't have medical expenses to itemize). I wonder how many people out there are going to get screwed? It kind of forces you to have the maximum taken out so they get free loans. Argghhh. It's too damn complicated.
How am I supposed to keep up and understand these changes throughout the year so I can make sure my withholdings are correct? What happens when the Bush tax cuts expire? (Not that that showed up in my paycheck as extra money then - it didn't - but what do you want to bet it does when it expires and they take more taxes?)
I was cranky enough last night I didn't watch the State of the Union. I'll watch it online at some later time. I just need to keep focusing on my new iPod. And figure out what to get with that Amaz.on gift card. Oh, the choices!!!
We entered everything in, and were reviewing the figures when my tax guy said to me "Is there some reason your Federal wages are more than your state wages?" Ummm, I don't know. That's why I go to him. I don't understand most of the tax rules, etc. "And why are the Federal wages more than the Social Security wages? They should be the same, or the Federal should be less if I have pre-tax deductions...."
Oh, bother (as Eyeore would say). So we couldn't file last night. With the corrected figures I owe $100 less than with the wrong figures. And my state refund more than covers it, so no money out of my pocket.
And I'm miffed - again - at all the witholding table manipulations. I never seem to see huge increases or decreases in my pay check, but if they hadn't implemented the $400 making work pay tax credit, I'd've owed another $400. WTF? And that's with having enough medical expenses to just exceed the 7.5% of adjusted gross income. So there was a few hundred more I could itemize this year. My pay didn't increase that much this year.
I have my withholding set so I don't get huge returns, but this is ridiculous. They don't really cut taxes; just manipulate things so we get more in our paychecks, but then owe more at the end of the year. That tax credit is only good for 2009 & 2010. So after that I'm owing at least that much at the end of the year (if not more because I won't have medical expenses to itemize). I wonder how many people out there are going to get screwed? It kind of forces you to have the maximum taken out so they get free loans. Argghhh. It's too damn complicated.
How am I supposed to keep up and understand these changes throughout the year so I can make sure my withholdings are correct? What happens when the Bush tax cuts expire? (Not that that showed up in my paycheck as extra money then - it didn't - but what do you want to bet it does when it expires and they take more taxes?)
I was cranky enough last night I didn't watch the State of the Union. I'll watch it online at some later time. I just need to keep focusing on my new iPod. And figure out what to get with that Amaz.on gift card. Oh, the choices!!!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Change my name to "Lucky"
Exercise Goal Status: 60 mins @ Gym = 1.14 miles on treadmill, 1 mile walking the track
I did win an iP.od. Actually, I won an 8GB i.P.od Touch. Whoo-hoo. And I got a compliment.
They said they picked my essay comment because it was "insightful and witty" and that they "loved" my opening line. (This was an IT professionals survey about my company's top business and technology concerns for the next twelve to twenty-four months. I'd made some crack about my ability to perform miracles being a concern. You know how it goes - do more with less, etc.)
I also received a $50 Am.a.z.on gift card yesterday for doing a live demo of a product I was already interested in demo-ing for work.
Double Whoo-hoo. I must have done something really, really good. Or I'm dreaming. Nobody pinch me. I don't want to wake up.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Weirdness Factor
Goal Report for Last Week: Helped move two bedrooms (teenage girl bedrooms - oh, the clothes - the furniture - the stuff!!!); dog training - heeling.
Today is going to be some kind of day, I think. Some moron called me at 1am for a prank/crank call. Did I mention he's a moron? Wish I'd been awake enough to give a more pithy reply than hanging up. But I never did think well on my feet. The moron couldn't even say my name correctly. Was my first clue it wasn't someone I knew, but it's also why I stayed on the phone longer than a minute. One a.m. phone calls aren't usually good news, so I thought it might be a cop or some other official, ya know? Anyway. Once I'm jarred out of a sound sleep like that, it takes ages to get back to sleep. :( And the dogs were awakened and decided since I was up, it must be breakfast & outside time. [snort] Last time I checked the clock it was 2am.
I would have gotten coffee on the way to work, but it's the anniversary of a coworker (3 years here for her). They usually treat us to coffee. Only my coworker wants bagels instead since she stopped for coffee on the way in. Same with the other person in the office today. Not normal for this place; we're coffee fiends. So we're getting bagels instead. Not bad, but I really wanted coffee. :( Guess I'll have to settle for store brand brew in the coffee pot.
Oh, and I may (or may not) have won an iPod. Not sure what kind; probably a shuffle. But I might not be the one that won it. The winners were announced in a professinoal newsletter I get, and it's my first initial & last name exactly as I used them for this particular site. What are the odds there's someone else out of 600 entries with my first initial and last name and they used exactly that for the entry? I haven't received an email confirmation yet.
It's just starting out as a weird day today.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Beeing Me
I guess I’m having a hard time being positive today. Although I’m sure if you look back at my entries that’s not a new trend. Sometimes I feel like I’m excessively negative/down. Oh well.
The last eight days have been rough. Bad dreams/nightmares every night. Hard to get away from the Haiti earthquake, politics, and so on. Dreamt last night I was turned into a bee (trying to hide from someone or some group that was chasing me), then stung someone and was dying. But we (?) pulled the stinger out of the hand of the person I stung. It turned into some kind of tiny rock (looked like lava hardened in the ocean - ever seen that??) that was really my heart, and we went racing off to find the magician/wizard who turned me back into a person. Bee-zarre. (groan)
Most of my current angst has to do (you guessed it) with politics. I'm just so incredibly frustrated with the politics in this country. I know (and how!) that it can be – and often is – much worse in other countries. It’s just that I live here and what I see happening just drives me batty.
I’ve tried not to be too negative about the Republicans, because not everyone in my life believes as I do. But for Pete’s Sake. The past year has just seemed to me to be more of a churlish second-grade playground loser attitude of “I’m just going to make your life difficult” because I don’t like you. I hate to use the phrase, but “the party of no” seems to fit. From my perspective, if feels like the Reps in congress are obstructionist and blocking anything from moving forward just because they lost the election and don’t like not having control. Even the things experts for both sides agree on.
It’s petty, pandering to a select few, short-term personally motivated, and party thinking that’s just screwing us up over and over again.
Yes, the Dems are messing up. Maybe the prez should have been more forceful to start with. But considering he ran on the message of ending Dems Vs Reps, how could he do otherwise? The miscalculation was in thinking the other party would be grown-ups and come to the table.
The Dems aren’t perfect, I don’t agree with them 100%, but at least they are trying to do something. The Reps had eight years under Bush to address health care (including 6 with control of Congress). Yet they didn’t . And they blocked it under Clinton. I’m not saying that his was a good or bad plan. Just pointing out that when it comes to health care reform over the last 17 years they’ve shown no initiative other than to say “no”. They’ve had control of both houses of Congress from 1994-2006 (with the exception of the Senate 2001-2002), and the White House from 2001-2008.
When is it time to say enough is enough? To accept that not everything has a business free-market solution to it? Because free-market does not equal equality or fair access. Access to basic and preventative health care should not be based on income or luck of birth. It should not be a commodity with profitability as a factor.
I know; drastic words from someone with an economics degree and normally libertarian leanings. And it’s not like I’d be all that thrilled with our government running a program. But frankly, that has more to do with the way our society thinks/acts as a whole when it comes to money. We’ve been living on this spend more than we have mentality for decades and decades. It’s been a big driver of our economy, consumer spending. But we can only spend so much.
Anyway. I’d better stop this rant now before a blood vessel bursts in my head.
The last eight days have been rough. Bad dreams/nightmares every night. Hard to get away from the Haiti earthquake, politics, and so on. Dreamt last night I was turned into a bee (trying to hide from someone or some group that was chasing me), then stung someone and was dying. But we (?) pulled the stinger out of the hand of the person I stung. It turned into some kind of tiny rock (looked like lava hardened in the ocean - ever seen that??) that was really my heart, and we went racing off to find the magician/wizard who turned me back into a person. Bee-zarre. (groan)
Most of my current angst has to do (you guessed it) with politics. I'm just so incredibly frustrated with the politics in this country. I know (and how!) that it can be – and often is – much worse in other countries. It’s just that I live here and what I see happening just drives me batty.
I’ve tried not to be too negative about the Republicans, because not everyone in my life believes as I do. But for Pete’s Sake. The past year has just seemed to me to be more of a churlish second-grade playground loser attitude of “I’m just going to make your life difficult” because I don’t like you. I hate to use the phrase, but “the party of no” seems to fit. From my perspective, if feels like the Reps in congress are obstructionist and blocking anything from moving forward just because they lost the election and don’t like not having control. Even the things experts for both sides agree on.
It’s petty, pandering to a select few, short-term personally motivated, and party thinking that’s just screwing us up over and over again.
Yes, the Dems are messing up. Maybe the prez should have been more forceful to start with. But considering he ran on the message of ending Dems Vs Reps, how could he do otherwise? The miscalculation was in thinking the other party would be grown-ups and come to the table.
The Dems aren’t perfect, I don’t agree with them 100%, but at least they are trying to do something. The Reps had eight years under Bush to address health care (including 6 with control of Congress). Yet they didn’t . And they blocked it under Clinton. I’m not saying that his was a good or bad plan. Just pointing out that when it comes to health care reform over the last 17 years they’ve shown no initiative other than to say “no”. They’ve had control of both houses of Congress from 1994-2006 (with the exception of the Senate 2001-2002), and the White House from 2001-2008.
When is it time to say enough is enough? To accept that not everything has a business free-market solution to it? Because free-market does not equal equality or fair access. Access to basic and preventative health care should not be based on income or luck of birth. It should not be a commodity with profitability as a factor.
I know; drastic words from someone with an economics degree and normally libertarian leanings. And it’s not like I’d be all that thrilled with our government running a program. But frankly, that has more to do with the way our society thinks/acts as a whole when it comes to money. We’ve been living on this spend more than we have mentality for decades and decades. It’s been a big driver of our economy, consumer spending. But we can only spend so much.
Anyway. I’d better stop this rant now before a blood vessel bursts in my head.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Geek Day
No surprise I've been reading up on techonology gadgets, what with the Consumer Electronics Show last week.
I have to admit I really want one of those tablet PCs. (They're calling them "slates" now.) Actually, I want a full-scale (not a netbook) laptop with tablet capabilities. I'd already have one if only they'd come out (in my price range) a little earlier. By the time I could afford one, I'd already replaced my desktop with my current laptop. And now it's at the point I hate getting on the computer at home because the thing is so darn slow it's painful.
But I digress. As usual. Besides the coolness factor of a laptop screen that rotates and closes with the screen facing out, I love the ability to "write" on the screen. It must be even better now with the new touch-screen technologies. I've been wanting to start keeping a journal again for a long time now. The drawback for me has been not wanting to have volumes of paper around. I already have a ton from when I started journaling at age twelve all the way through my Peace Corps years after college. They're hard to read as the ink is fading, etc.
I've tried keeping a journal on the computer, but don't get the same satisfaction as I do from the feeling of moving my hand with that pen across a clean page. I realized that when I wrote several letters a few months back. Yes, real letters with pen and paper that went through the postal service (gasp).
Anyway. My next laptop is going to have to do alot of things. Along with the Tablet function, I really want it to be a hard core media center. I've got to figure out how to work that one into the budget. ;) But I've already been pricing them. Maybe I should do a two-fer. A media center PC and a netbook slate/tablet. Small enough I can carry with me for reading ebooks? Some of the ones at CES looked pretty small. Hmmm. Now there's a dangerous thought...
I have to admit I really want one of those tablet PCs. (They're calling them "slates" now.) Actually, I want a full-scale (not a netbook) laptop with tablet capabilities. I'd already have one if only they'd come out (in my price range) a little earlier. By the time I could afford one, I'd already replaced my desktop with my current laptop. And now it's at the point I hate getting on the computer at home because the thing is so darn slow it's painful.
But I digress. As usual. Besides the coolness factor of a laptop screen that rotates and closes with the screen facing out, I love the ability to "write" on the screen. It must be even better now with the new touch-screen technologies. I've been wanting to start keeping a journal again for a long time now. The drawback for me has been not wanting to have volumes of paper around. I already have a ton from when I started journaling at age twelve all the way through my Peace Corps years after college. They're hard to read as the ink is fading, etc.
I've tried keeping a journal on the computer, but don't get the same satisfaction as I do from the feeling of moving my hand with that pen across a clean page. I realized that when I wrote several letters a few months back. Yes, real letters with pen and paper that went through the postal service (gasp).
Anyway. My next laptop is going to have to do alot of things. Along with the Tablet function, I really want it to be a hard core media center. I've got to figure out how to work that one into the budget. ;) But I've already been pricing them. Maybe I should do a two-fer. A media center PC and a netbook slate/tablet. Small enough I can carry with me for reading ebooks? Some of the ones at CES looked pretty small. Hmmm. Now there's a dangerous thought...
Friday, January 15, 2010
Back Door Tax Increase?
So I got my first paycheck of the year and it's about $4.00 less than it should be. I know, I know, $4 isn't alot. Totals about $96.00 over the year. But that's $96.00 I had plans for...I'm a serious budgeter, and have every penny I earn allocated. It's the only way I can keep a handle on debt, saving for retirement, and saving a "rainy day" fund.
Apparently there's been a big change in the 2010 Witholding Tables. Changes across the board. Not a nice litte surprise this morning. From what I've been reading, I've been affected the least. It appears some people will be affected to the tune of several hundred dollars a month. Yikes. I feel for them.
I'm now bringing home less than I was before my most recent miniscule pay raise, although I'm in the same tax bracket.
It would have been nice of our CPA to let us know this prior to January 1. Like when I was in her office in late December going over the impact to my bottom line with various changes to my Flex plan witholding eff Jan 2010. She acts like it's out of her control; how is she supposed to know? Frankly, it's on the IRS website. She should know this, and I think she should tell us this. She should have been using the updated tables when calculating for 2010.
The group of us were talking, and I mentioned how it's frustrating & it just would have been nice to know (not meaning from her, from the media, from the pols) so I could adjust my flex/budget accordingly and not be surprised, she snarled "I'll give you four dollars". What a bitch. Not all of us make her near 6 figures, and not all of us have investment banker sons that pay our mortgage and finance all our home remodels and any other whim of ours. I should have said "Great, thanks, that's $96 for the year." Wonder what she would have said then?
Anyway. It isn't her fault. It's the government. And I truly don't mind so much paying more taxes. It's just something we're going to have to do. I just want to know before hand so I can plan! I hate surprises!
On a good note, I won another contest! 3rd place in a Teleflora contest. I won a baking cookbook. Whoo-hoo. That's three wins now. Wonder if that's the end of it? Maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket...
Apparently there's been a big change in the 2010 Witholding Tables. Changes across the board. Not a nice litte surprise this morning. From what I've been reading, I've been affected the least. It appears some people will be affected to the tune of several hundred dollars a month. Yikes. I feel for them.
I'm now bringing home less than I was before my most recent miniscule pay raise, although I'm in the same tax bracket.
It would have been nice of our CPA to let us know this prior to January 1. Like when I was in her office in late December going over the impact to my bottom line with various changes to my Flex plan witholding eff Jan 2010. She acts like it's out of her control; how is she supposed to know? Frankly, it's on the IRS website. She should know this, and I think she should tell us this. She should have been using the updated tables when calculating for 2010.
The group of us were talking, and I mentioned how it's frustrating & it just would have been nice to know (not meaning from her, from the media, from the pols) so I could adjust my flex/budget accordingly and not be surprised, she snarled "I'll give you four dollars". What a bitch. Not all of us make her near 6 figures, and not all of us have investment banker sons that pay our mortgage and finance all our home remodels and any other whim of ours. I should have said "Great, thanks, that's $96 for the year." Wonder what she would have said then?
Anyway. It isn't her fault. It's the government. And I truly don't mind so much paying more taxes. It's just something we're going to have to do. I just want to know before hand so I can plan! I hate surprises!
On a good note, I won another contest! 3rd place in a Teleflora contest. I won a baking cookbook. Whoo-hoo. That's three wins now. Wonder if that's the end of it? Maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket...
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Bits & Pieces
Goal Status: 1x Exercise (30 mins - NYC Ballet Workout 1, excercises 1-5)
My mind is jumping around like it's the star in a game of hot potato. The last two nights my dreams have been filled with natural disasters. (Thank you news media for endless coverage of the Haiti quake). I guess my brain retained enough sensory info from the 8.0 I experienced as a child in the Azores to vividly fill my night time hours.
It's also been a really busy week; the issue with my friends 15 yo relative (she has been removed from her home during CPS investigation & is now living with an aunt) taking center stage, with two nights at dog training class, and Mom having outpatient surgery on her hand, rounding it out.
Mom is doing well at last report.
Max did well at training last night, relaxing enough to take treats from me. He wouldn't do anything that required he leave my side, though. Hopefully that'll get better. By the end of the hour, he was laying on the floor with his head on my shoe, exhausted. Poor fella.
Have a bone to pick with my Dad. He got me addicted to Kell.ogg's Cra.cklin O.at Bra.n cereal. I eat this stuff like it's candy. While it makes a good snack, the way I scarf it down can't be healthy. Thanks, Dad. ;)
Tuesday I tried a new workout. New York City Ballet Workout. I saw it at Has.t.ings and it intrigued me. There are times I just feel like doing pirouettes across the room. Don't ask me why. Sometimes for no reason I'm in a good mood and just feel like doing so. Of course, it having been 25 plus years since I took ballet lessons, I can't really remember how to do pirouettes. Interesting side note: I was in the Azores when I took ballet. Sheesh. Two reminders of the Azores in a week is a bit odd. Wonder what's up with that?
But I digress. I rented the first DVD through Ne.tfl.ix (best subscription I've ever had!). Watched it through once. Then tried the first 5 excercises. One through three are warm-ups, four is stretches and five is abdominals/leg darts. One of the reviewers on Ama.z.on said there was no cardio; don't know what DVD they did. My heart was beating pretty hard. And that was on the warmups. Guess I'm just too out of shape.
Like any workout, there's a learning curve to getting the sequence of steps right. For me, I just am not coordinated enough to watch and do arms & feet at the same time. So I go through focusing on feet first, and then once I have that down I'll figure out the arms.
I do like it. Especially being able to select from two different sound tracks: Classical or contemporary. Best workout music I've ever heard! Love that classical. Definitely felt my abs right away, and the arms/shoulders. One drawback: audio recording not balanced. Music is as loud if not louder than the narrator giving instructions.
I'm going to keep trying this one, alternating with Perfect Cardio. Should be fun. I'd like to be more graceful, like a ballerina. Maybe I'll even be able to do those pirouettes.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
It's Raining Dogs and, well, Dogs
I'm sure you can guess today's post is about dogs! This week begins the 9 week dog-training classes for Leia and Max. Leia went to her first class last night. She did great. A bit overwhelmed at first, but interested in what was around us. Actively looking around. After a few minutes sitting in my lap she stopped trembling, so I put her on the floor by my feet. She moved around, looked at the other dogs. Her tail wasn't completely up, but it wasn't tucked underneath her, either.
As to the actual training, she did great considering! She distracted easily if someone got too close/walked by, or another dog barked. But overall paid attention. Loves the treats, naturally! Since we've already worked on "sit", how to walk on a leash, and she's learned I go through the door first, we were ahead in that respect. Just need some practice. We're also learning "come", "come-sit", and responding to her name.
There were 24 dogs in class (not including her.) At least half of them small dogs.
There was this one dog, very adorable. I had to ask what it was. It's a Biewer Yorkshire Terrier (or Biewer Terrier, depending on who you talk to.)
Anyway. Tomorrow night is Max' night. I'm a bit more nervous about how he'll do.
As to the actual training, she did great considering! She distracted easily if someone got too close/walked by, or another dog barked. But overall paid attention. Loves the treats, naturally! Since we've already worked on "sit", how to walk on a leash, and she's learned I go through the door first, we were ahead in that respect. Just need some practice. We're also learning "come", "come-sit", and responding to her name.
There were 24 dogs in class (not including her.) At least half of them small dogs.
There was this one dog, very adorable. I had to ask what it was. It's a Biewer Yorkshire Terrier (or Biewer Terrier, depending on who you talk to.)<------Here's a pic I found online. The cutest dog I think I've ever seen. The one in class is pretty similar, just has a bit longer coat. I was surprised to hear it's bred from a Yorkie...didn't look like one to me.
Anyway. Tomorrow night is Max' night. I'm a bit more nervous about how he'll do.
Friday, January 8, 2010
There Are No Words
Exercise: 45 minutes total snow shoveling this week over 2 days.
I found out last night that someone I know has a relative being sexually molested by their stepfather. It's not my little or any of her siblings or any of my blood/marriage related family. A friend's 15 year old female relative. Someone I know, but haven't mentioned in this blog.
BEFORE ANYONE FREAKS OUT THE POLICE HAVE BEEN CALLED.
It's not sexual intercourse; not yet. It's not oral sex; not yet. But it's innapropriate touching, and innapropriate speech/attitude. The stepfather admitted to touching her, removing her bra and fondling her breasts. His fifteen year old step-daughter. And he has several daughters of his own almost her age.
A huge family meeting last night with their pastor resulted in the following:
1) The 15 year old was lectured on chastity and flirtatiousness (WTF?)
2) The step-father is accusing her of "tempting" him. (yada yada yada)
2) The 15 year old was supposedly called a "skinny minnie temptress" by her own mother (WTF?)
3) The mother supposedly stated (in an oh-woe-is-me way) that she can't compete with her daughter for her husband's affections (WTF?)
4) The 15 year old girl wasn't allowed to leave the house to go back to the relatives' she's been staying with the last few days (where she finally told what was going on).
5) The counseling session scheduled for the 15 year old has been cancelled (natch - all that mandatory reporting, don't you know!)
He has admitted it. Yet she keeps him in the house. Absolves him of the guilt and responsibility. Why the hell would anyone do that? This is an educated, employed woman. She can take care of her kids on her own. She's only been with this SOB four years or so. And he has admitted it. Does anyone else out there believe he'll stop? That it won't progress? He's basically been given the green light.
Supposedly the mother is going to quit her job (she's on night shift) so the girls won't be left alone with him at night. Yes, that's plural. There's another (younger) step-daughter in the house. And he has primary custody of his daughters. Like her being home is going to remove any chance of anything happening. For Pete's Sake.
My friend is very upset. Furious at how the girl is being treated. And terrified of what will happen next. To the girl, to the family, to his daughters (he has primary custody, fighting for sole - his ex is a drug addicted looney). She's also terrified of what will happen to her. Because the mother of this girl is her own sister. She's terrified her sister won't ever speak to her again. I told her I'd report it. Not a problem. And if they blamed her, I'd fess up and tell them I reported it. I don't care. They can't hurt me.
Well, she called me just a little while ago to let me know that she called the police. God. What a messed up situation. Something is very, very wrong in that house.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
2010 is Starting Out Right
Exercise: ~30 minutes snow shoveling
In spite of suffering through the most bizarre cold/flu bug over the last days of 2009 and into the New Year (it stole my voice!), 2010 really is starting out on a really positive note. In the past 24 hours:
- I won a gift card to B&N
- I won a free grooming at Petco (Max goes in this morning)
- I learned the next book in the "Deadly" series by Brenda Joyce is going to be published in 2011. In fact, the publisher wants her to write another THREE books in the series. Finally. (Guess those emails paid off!)
Pretty briefly, here are my New Year's Resolutions:
- Paint laundry room & kitchen
- Exercise 2 times a week. And by exercise, I mean at least 30 minutes of activity. So far so good. If the snow keeps coming I'll have nothing but exercise!
- Create a list of things I want to do this year, post it to my fridge & cross them off as I do them. You know what I mean, those things that come up in conversation with friends/family and you say "we should do that this year/summer" etc. Those things!
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Bliss List
So I recently read this book called “Choosing Brilliant Health” by Greg Hicks and Rick Foster.
A lot of what they have to say I’ve heard already in other forms, etc. But the way they have put it together and the research they have done make it an interesting read. It’s a step beyond just saying “think positive” and has a few concrete steps you can do. I like more than just theories/ideas. Practical how-to’s are my thing. [Which is why I have a hard time implementing Cesar Milan’s dog-training, but do well with Victoria Stilwell’s advice. But that’s a post for another day.]
The ones that stuck with me are regarding the Bliss List and Centralizing. What I got out of it is that you should come up with things that make you happy, that you enjoy. Not just what I'm thankful for having in my life (although there's plenty of that.) But more a focus on what I like to do and have around me. Create this list and then centralize it. Focus on one or two of those things daily; make them happen.
At first I was like, “Huh? I don't know about that.” But the more I thought about it, the more it appealed to me. A bit of a challenge so-to-speak. So here’s my attempt at a bliss list, in no special order:
So I’m going to try to incorporate as much of this into my daily life as possible over the coming year. Let’s see how I do!
A lot of what they have to say I’ve heard already in other forms, etc. But the way they have put it together and the research they have done make it an interesting read. It’s a step beyond just saying “think positive” and has a few concrete steps you can do. I like more than just theories/ideas. Practical how-to’s are my thing. [Which is why I have a hard time implementing Cesar Milan’s dog-training, but do well with Victoria Stilwell’s advice. But that’s a post for another day.]
Alas, it was an inter-library loan, and my timing couldn’t have been worse. Not enough time to do more than a hurried read (no renewal allowed. So I don’t remember all 8 steps.
At first I was like, “Huh? I don't know about that.” But the more I thought about it, the more it appealed to me. A bit of a challenge so-to-speak. So here’s my attempt at a bliss list, in no special order:
- Laughter
- Reading a really good book
- Writing
- Learning (especially history, religion, culture)
- Hanging out with friends
- Family (talking with, visiting)
- Leia & Max (the new dogs)
- How I feel after working out/accomplishing workout
- Belaying for Little Sis
- Scrapbooking
So I’m going to try to incorporate as much of this into my daily life as possible over the coming year. Let’s see how I do!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Bliss List Attempt Goes Awry
So I got up today with the intention of doing a "Bliss List" post today. But apparently I'm now in a foul mood and going to vent.
I have been trying for 2 weeks to find out if one of my meds is available under generic pricing under our new pharmacy plan. (The insurance company switched pharmacy providers on us). Our insurance company Allegiance (yes, I'm outing the SOBs) tells me to call CIGNA (ditto). CIGNA tells me to call Allegiance. Neither one will answer one freaking simple question. ^%$%$#!%$
I've spoken with our agent twice as well. And now I've had to provide her with specifics on what prescription it is to see if she can get me an answer. Frankly, I don't like having to do that. Yes, she's our agent. But I also have to deal with her as a customer. I don't like her knowing what medications I take. It's nothing major; it's the principal. And what's the point of finding out now, since I was required by my employer and the insurance company to turn in our FLEX plan paperwork last week? That's why I needed the info. And since the insurance company takes your money if you don't spend it, I put the minimum amount in. Let's hope it's enough. (We're talking a difference of $400 here.) I told all this to my agent and both Allegiance & CIGNA. I also told all of them I'm 2 seconds away from filing a complaint with the insurance department. It really should not be this difficult to get this question answered.
Not that complaining will do any good. Their lobbyists are too powerful...hence the defeat Dec 15 of the bill attempting to get FDA approved drugs from FDA approved facilities outside of the US. Like from Canada. The way they act (lobbyists, congress), it just might kill us if we bring in drugs from Canada. Although how they survive getting their drugs from such apparently dangerous drug makers, I haven't a clue. (rolling my eyes). But what's cheaper for the consumer makes the US drug companies lose money. So the consumer - ME - gets screwed yet again. Just take a look at what's been done to health care reform.
$%!*;%)*^#
I need to go back to bed. Seriously. Hopefully getting that out of my system will make the rest of the day go better. I sure hope so. It's not even 9am. God.
(Did I mention my employer won't have the parking lot plowed when it snows, so the several feet we got over a week ago that keept melting and refreezing is now pretty much solid ice? My car slid into the parking lot yesterday morning. And it was worse today. A nice half-inch dusting of snow on top of the ice does wonders for traction. I slipped the second I stepped out of the car this morning. In spite of my good snow boots. Thank goodness I was being cautious...I was able to catch myself on the car. Which hurts, but at least I'm not broken. Which will most likely happen just after the new year when our deductible goes up to $2000. Yeah, yeah...I know there's work comp. But knowing my luck it wouldn't be covered....)
As a former co-worker used to say when I got all cranky "Do you need a lollipop?" Although I doubt any sugar will sweeten me up this morning. Holy smokes am I cranky or what?
I have been trying for 2 weeks to find out if one of my meds is available under generic pricing under our new pharmacy plan. (The insurance company switched pharmacy providers on us). Our insurance company Allegiance (yes, I'm outing the SOBs) tells me to call CIGNA (ditto). CIGNA tells me to call Allegiance. Neither one will answer one freaking simple question. ^%$%$#!%$
I've spoken with our agent twice as well. And now I've had to provide her with specifics on what prescription it is to see if she can get me an answer. Frankly, I don't like having to do that. Yes, she's our agent. But I also have to deal with her as a customer. I don't like her knowing what medications I take. It's nothing major; it's the principal. And what's the point of finding out now, since I was required by my employer and the insurance company to turn in our FLEX plan paperwork last week? That's why I needed the info. And since the insurance company takes your money if you don't spend it, I put the minimum amount in. Let's hope it's enough. (We're talking a difference of $400 here.) I told all this to my agent and both Allegiance & CIGNA. I also told all of them I'm 2 seconds away from filing a complaint with the insurance department. It really should not be this difficult to get this question answered.
Not that complaining will do any good. Their lobbyists are too powerful...hence the defeat Dec 15 of the bill attempting to get FDA approved drugs from FDA approved facilities outside of the US. Like from Canada. The way they act (lobbyists, congress), it just might kill us if we bring in drugs from Canada. Although how they survive getting their drugs from such apparently dangerous drug makers, I haven't a clue. (rolling my eyes). But what's cheaper for the consumer makes the US drug companies lose money. So the consumer - ME - gets screwed yet again. Just take a look at what's been done to health care reform.
$%!*;%)*^#
I need to go back to bed. Seriously. Hopefully getting that out of my system will make the rest of the day go better. I sure hope so. It's not even 9am. God.
(Did I mention my employer won't have the parking lot plowed when it snows, so the several feet we got over a week ago that keept melting and refreezing is now pretty much solid ice? My car slid into the parking lot yesterday morning. And it was worse today. A nice half-inch dusting of snow on top of the ice does wonders for traction. I slipped the second I stepped out of the car this morning. In spite of my good snow boots. Thank goodness I was being cautious...I was able to catch myself on the car. Which hurts, but at least I'm not broken. Which will most likely happen just after the new year when our deductible goes up to $2000. Yeah, yeah...I know there's work comp. But knowing my luck it wouldn't be covered....)
As a former co-worker used to say when I got all cranky "Do you need a lollipop?" Although I doubt any sugar will sweeten me up this morning. Holy smokes am I cranky or what?
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Unexpected Power
This article on CNN about "The unexpected power of $10 to $20" really moved me today. So I thought it would make a great post. :)
I like the premise of this group. Pooling funds to meet some short-term money needs.
When I first realized my new dog needs a $1000 surgery, I was pretty stressed over where I'd find the money. I researched online and there are plenty of groups offering financial aid for animals needing medical care. But the demand is so great and the money so limited, most are now limited to life-saving requests only. Turns out I don't need help (Got that???? I have Max' surgery covered - this is not to be interpreted as a hint or any kind of request!!! We're just waiting until after obedience training before scheduling the surgery!). But it made me rethink my annual donation strategy.
Every little bit does help. And it doesn't have to be monetary, either. A condolence card in the mail from someone you least expect, someone picking up a prescription refill for you so you don't have to visit Wally World 2 days before Xmas...(hey, they were going anyway!!)...bringing someone dinner (or inviting them over to eat) when you know they're low on funds & food...basically just sharing what you have...those things can make all the difference.
And they come back on you three-fold. Good for your karma. ;)
I think I need to add this site to my "Destinations" list. Here's a direct link to Modest Needs.
Happy Belated Winter Solstice!!!
I like the premise of this group. Pooling funds to meet some short-term money needs.
When I first realized my new dog needs a $1000 surgery, I was pretty stressed over where I'd find the money. I researched online and there are plenty of groups offering financial aid for animals needing medical care. But the demand is so great and the money so limited, most are now limited to life-saving requests only. Turns out I don't need help (Got that???? I have Max' surgery covered - this is not to be interpreted as a hint or any kind of request!!! We're just waiting until after obedience training before scheduling the surgery!). But it made me rethink my annual donation strategy.
Every little bit does help. And it doesn't have to be monetary, either. A condolence card in the mail from someone you least expect, someone picking up a prescription refill for you so you don't have to visit Wally World 2 days before Xmas...(hey, they were going anyway!!)...bringing someone dinner (or inviting them over to eat) when you know they're low on funds & food...basically just sharing what you have...those things can make all the difference.
And they come back on you three-fold. Good for your karma. ;)
I think I need to add this site to my "Destinations" list. Here's a direct link to Modest Needs.
Happy Belated Winter Solstice!!!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Weekend Aftermath
Yesterday was M's birthday, so the party was, naturally, at my house. I like to entertain (yes, I do, strangely enough) so it was fun. But the house needed some serious cleaning. The type of cleaning I've been delaying by piling papers and shuffling them from room to room as needed. (In other words, living room to bedroom to living room.)
I started on Saturday with the bathroom. The bolt on the toilet broke - in October - so it rocks back and forth, and lately I could sorta smell some fumes. I'd been debating for weeks about calling a plumber or fixing it myself. Being cheap, I decided to give it a try. Found easy enough instrucctions in the do-it-yourself manual given to me (thanks Janet W!!!) upon moving into the house. In the long run, it was the right decision. In the short, it stressed me out and sparked a mini-anxiety attack and pouting session. I wanted to do it myself, and ended up needing help. :(
M's husband came to my aid when the shut-off valve at the toilet caused a leak instead of shutting off the water, and I couldn't find the main shut off valve. I made a valiant effort, though. Which required 4 separate trips into the bowels under the house (shudder) trying various valves to no avail. Turns out the main water shut-off is tucked away into a corner of the basement, in the shadows, with the spider webs. No wonder I didn't see it. [g] (It's nicely tagged now, thank you very much!!!)
Then S helped me lift the toilet off, replace the wax ring (gross x2), and realign the toilet. Good thing he was there, since I couldn't just use a bolt from the top-down. Flooring is too deep. Had to use the the bolt that looks like an upside down T. Put that in lengthwise, twist it so the t-part goes left to right and then that goes up through the base of the toilet. Don't know as I would have figured that out! Added benefit, since we had to move the tank & bowl, I was able to peel off the remaining disgusting wallpaper from behind the tank. Whoo-hoo.
While waiting for them to arrive to help, I swept, vacuumed and cleaned the kitchen. Even moved the throw rug & sofa in the living room. Thanks to Leia & her stupid mini-tennis balls, I discovered just how much dust accumulates under there.
Sunday required an early morning dash to W.ally Wor.ld for cake fixings. I spent several hours sorting through papers and dusting and mopping the house, and straightening the living room. The lovely orange scented furniture polish proved too much and I started on a headache. Took some meds, ate a quick lunch, and started on the enchiladas. Great hit thanks to my sister's recipe (M's sister D was surprised that her husband even ate them - he's not a veggie kind of guy).
The dogs were overwhelemed by the sheer amount of people in the house, half of them kids. There were about 20 of us, I think. All inside. With the game on. Acckkk. Leia was a nervous thing moving all over the place. The kids delighted in coaxing her to their sides with dog treats. I was distracted and didn't realize how many until later when I saw the nearly empty zip-loc baggie. Max was more timid and stayed near me most of the time. Poor fella. I moved him around though, and handed him off to various people so he'd get more socialized. He stopped shaking after the first few minutes, and even stayed with one of the little kids on the sofa without me. Cool. However, both dogs must have had indigestion, because they woke me up three times between midnight and 4 am needing outside. Sigh.
Party lasted about 3 hours, and when everyone left I collapsed onto the sofa. It was 6pm and I was done. Watched the latest Star Trek movie, and was in bed by 8:30pm with a doosie of a migtraine. But hey. Party was a success, & my house is spotless (this group always cleans before leaving!). Which means it's ready for Christmas dinner Friday. Yay!!! I also have enough leftovers I don't have to fix lunch or dinner today.
But this morning I feel like I have a hangover. And I didn't even have any alcohol.
I started on Saturday with the bathroom. The bolt on the toilet broke - in October - so it rocks back and forth, and lately I could sorta smell some fumes. I'd been debating for weeks about calling a plumber or fixing it myself. Being cheap, I decided to give it a try. Found easy enough instrucctions in the do-it-yourself manual given to me (thanks Janet W!!!) upon moving into the house. In the long run, it was the right decision. In the short, it stressed me out and sparked a mini-anxiety attack and pouting session. I wanted to do it myself, and ended up needing help. :(
M's husband came to my aid when the shut-off valve at the toilet caused a leak instead of shutting off the water, and I couldn't find the main shut off valve. I made a valiant effort, though. Which required 4 separate trips into the bowels under the house (shudder) trying various valves to no avail. Turns out the main water shut-off is tucked away into a corner of the basement, in the shadows, with the spider webs. No wonder I didn't see it. [g] (It's nicely tagged now, thank you very much!!!)
Then S helped me lift the toilet off, replace the wax ring (gross x2), and realign the toilet. Good thing he was there, since I couldn't just use a bolt from the top-down. Flooring is too deep. Had to use the the bolt that looks like an upside down T. Put that in lengthwise, twist it so the t-part goes left to right and then that goes up through the base of the toilet. Don't know as I would have figured that out! Added benefit, since we had to move the tank & bowl, I was able to peel off the remaining disgusting wallpaper from behind the tank. Whoo-hoo.
While waiting for them to arrive to help, I swept, vacuumed and cleaned the kitchen. Even moved the throw rug & sofa in the living room. Thanks to Leia & her stupid mini-tennis balls, I discovered just how much dust accumulates under there.
Sunday required an early morning dash to W.ally Wor.ld for cake fixings. I spent several hours sorting through papers and dusting and mopping the house, and straightening the living room. The lovely orange scented furniture polish proved too much and I started on a headache. Took some meds, ate a quick lunch, and started on the enchiladas. Great hit thanks to my sister's recipe (M's sister D was surprised that her husband even ate them - he's not a veggie kind of guy).
The dogs were overwhelemed by the sheer amount of people in the house, half of them kids. There were about 20 of us, I think. All inside. With the game on. Acckkk. Leia was a nervous thing moving all over the place. The kids delighted in coaxing her to their sides with dog treats. I was distracted and didn't realize how many until later when I saw the nearly empty zip-loc baggie. Max was more timid and stayed near me most of the time. Poor fella. I moved him around though, and handed him off to various people so he'd get more socialized. He stopped shaking after the first few minutes, and even stayed with one of the little kids on the sofa without me. Cool. However, both dogs must have had indigestion, because they woke me up three times between midnight and 4 am needing outside. Sigh.
Party lasted about 3 hours, and when everyone left I collapsed onto the sofa. It was 6pm and I was done. Watched the latest Star Trek movie, and was in bed by 8:30pm with a doosie of a migtraine. But hey. Party was a success, & my house is spotless (this group always cleans before leaving!). Which means it's ready for Christmas dinner Friday. Yay!!! I also have enough leftovers I don't have to fix lunch or dinner today.
But this morning I feel like I have a hangover. And I didn't even have any alcohol.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
This Is Why
This is why I believe health care should no longer be considered a commodity:
We were just notified at work that our health insurance premium has increased by 23%. And that's after it went up 25% when we renewed this past January. Not only that, but they've switched to a new pharmacy. Which has a different formulary of preferred drugs. And yep. You guessed it, two of my meds are now on the third and most expensive tier.
Which means the cost for me has doubled per prescription.
And since our wondeful accountant only budgeted for an 18% increase (what planet is she on???), there's a shortfall. We had a meeting yesterday to discuss options. The boss wanted to know how we value the additional coverages added a few years back - dental & vision. And whether we'd prefer to drop that or increase our deductible.
By the end of the meeting it was basically this: dropping dental & doubling our deductible to $2000 would just cover the increase. Just.
Heaven help me if I need anything next year, because it will all be out of my pocket. There's that 80/20 split after the deductible until the maximum out of pocket is met (that will most likely increase to $2000.)
Well. The CPAP machine better not break, and hopefully my doc will call me back with some alternative meds that are more affordable. I know I need to share in the costs of my health care, but we've had an increase of almost 50% over two years! And I can guarantee my income & my employers' income haven't increased by that much!
We were just notified at work that our health insurance premium has increased by 23%. And that's after it went up 25% when we renewed this past January. Not only that, but they've switched to a new pharmacy. Which has a different formulary of preferred drugs. And yep. You guessed it, two of my meds are now on the third and most expensive tier.
Which means the cost for me has doubled per prescription.
And since our wondeful accountant only budgeted for an 18% increase (what planet is she on???), there's a shortfall. We had a meeting yesterday to discuss options. The boss wanted to know how we value the additional coverages added a few years back - dental & vision. And whether we'd prefer to drop that or increase our deductible.
By the end of the meeting it was basically this: dropping dental & doubling our deductible to $2000 would just cover the increase. Just.
Heaven help me if I need anything next year, because it will all be out of my pocket. There's that 80/20 split after the deductible until the maximum out of pocket is met (that will most likely increase to $2000.)
Well. The CPAP machine better not break, and hopefully my doc will call me back with some alternative meds that are more affordable. I know I need to share in the costs of my health care, but we've had an increase of almost 50% over two years! And I can guarantee my income & my employers' income haven't increased by that much!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Turkey Tales
This was my first thanksgiving actually hosted in my own home. I was the hostess. That's not usually a problem for me. Especially as it was just Shanni's family and I've had them over a bunch of times. Wednesday work let us leave at 2:30, so I was home early. Shanni was dropped off that evening...along with the turkey. Mom M had done all the prep work. All I had to do was turn on the oven at 8am and pop in the turkey. Easy, right? Well, that part was.
Had a great evening with Shanni, went to bed at a decent hour even. Mom M called at 8am to remind me about the turkey. Got Shanni up & moving, and she was out the door to her Dad's about 10:30am. Put the potatoes and eggs on for the two dishes I was responsible for: mashed potatoes and deviled eggs.
Watched some TV, and worked on an afghan I'm crocheting as an X-mas gift for Mom M. Popped in "Rebecca" (Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine - great movie) and prepared the deviled eggs. All was calm, quiet, and wonderful.
Now, when I first put the turkey in, some of the broth or whatever spilled out and burned off the oven floor. So it got smoky. I'd just gotten the thin haze out and closed the windows when Mom M showed up. It was about 12:30, and the turkey only had 30 minutes more in the oven. Mom M decided there was too much liquid (she was the one who had me add another cup at 11am!) and Steve started taking broth out (said he needed it for the gravy & stuffing anyway). This was when it spilled/dripped all over the oven. He then pushed the turkey back in. Sigh. Not even 5 minutes later I look back at my kitchen and it is full of smoke. No exaggeration. it was so thick it stung the throat and made the eyes water. You couldn't stay there long. At least I know the new fire alarm upstairs works. Sigh. Had to open up the entire house, even upstairs. No fun when it's maybe 40*F out. At least it wasn't snowing. We even had to go outside (with the dogs) for a few minutes. Sheesh.
They're in my house ten minutes and all heck breaks loose. I swear. Mom M is a source of chaos. It trails in her wake.
So I got that all sorted out, and turned back to peeling the potatoes, which were cold by then. I got the mixer out to start mixing and...it looked weird. Seriously. The potatoes were gumming up and looked...mucosy. Enough to make me gag. And it broke my hand-mixer. Turns out Yukon Gold potatoes don't mash well. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure. I'd forgotten I'd switched to Yukon Gold instead of Idaho potatoes last year. Can't have those white meat potatoes, remember?
This was the point I, the non-drinker, poured a glass of wine. With a ton of milk & butter, Steve managed to rescue the potatoes. Everyone ate them, said they were good (with that much butter what wouldn't be?) I couldn't get the mucous comparison out of my mind so I passed them over.
At one point I kicked everyone out of the kitchen. Mom M announced the food was ready, but Steve hadn't even taken the turkey out of the oven to carve. Actually, about 3 other dishes were still in the oven. They mobbed the kitchen and I couldn't take it. My nerves were shot. I guess I was not prepared for chaos that day. [g]
The food was good, after a glass of wine I mellowed, and started in on the Black Friday ads. Then we got out the Wii and ended the day on a great note.
Had a great evening with Shanni, went to bed at a decent hour even. Mom M called at 8am to remind me about the turkey. Got Shanni up & moving, and she was out the door to her Dad's about 10:30am. Put the potatoes and eggs on for the two dishes I was responsible for: mashed potatoes and deviled eggs.
Watched some TV, and worked on an afghan I'm crocheting as an X-mas gift for Mom M. Popped in "Rebecca" (Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine - great movie) and prepared the deviled eggs. All was calm, quiet, and wonderful.
Now, when I first put the turkey in, some of the broth or whatever spilled out and burned off the oven floor. So it got smoky. I'd just gotten the thin haze out and closed the windows when Mom M showed up. It was about 12:30, and the turkey only had 30 minutes more in the oven. Mom M decided there was too much liquid (she was the one who had me add another cup at 11am!) and Steve started taking broth out (said he needed it for the gravy & stuffing anyway). This was when it spilled/dripped all over the oven. He then pushed the turkey back in. Sigh. Not even 5 minutes later I look back at my kitchen and it is full of smoke. No exaggeration. it was so thick it stung the throat and made the eyes water. You couldn't stay there long. At least I know the new fire alarm upstairs works. Sigh. Had to open up the entire house, even upstairs. No fun when it's maybe 40*F out. At least it wasn't snowing. We even had to go outside (with the dogs) for a few minutes. Sheesh.
They're in my house ten minutes and all heck breaks loose. I swear. Mom M is a source of chaos. It trails in her wake.
So I got that all sorted out, and turned back to peeling the potatoes, which were cold by then. I got the mixer out to start mixing and...it looked weird. Seriously. The potatoes were gumming up and looked...mucosy. Enough to make me gag. And it broke my hand-mixer. Turns out Yukon Gold potatoes don't mash well. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure. I'd forgotten I'd switched to Yukon Gold instead of Idaho potatoes last year. Can't have those white meat potatoes, remember?
This was the point I, the non-drinker, poured a glass of wine. With a ton of milk & butter, Steve managed to rescue the potatoes. Everyone ate them, said they were good (with that much butter what wouldn't be?) I couldn't get the mucous comparison out of my mind so I passed them over.
At one point I kicked everyone out of the kitchen. Mom M announced the food was ready, but Steve hadn't even taken the turkey out of the oven to carve. Actually, about 3 other dishes were still in the oven. They mobbed the kitchen and I couldn't take it. My nerves were shot. I guess I was not prepared for chaos that day. [g]
The food was good, after a glass of wine I mellowed, and started in on the Black Friday ads. Then we got out the Wii and ended the day on a great note.
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