tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125053162024-03-07T18:59:12.019-08:00Yes, it is NessaceryI've never met a craft I didn't like...Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.comBlogger296125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-86398496465964209902011-01-25T00:43:00.000-08:002011-01-25T01:11:16.963-08:00Tempted to Write a Thank You Letter...I have never been tempted to write a thank you letter to a stranger before today. <br /><br />Call me schmaltzy, overly-sentimental, whatever. <br />I am very tempted to write a thank you letter to Oprah. <br /><br />On yesterdays episode of Oprah, <a href="http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Oprahs-Family-Secret/1">she revealed that she had an unknown half-sister</a>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqXLY5miXC6aMSumEkEuTm6YR8l4psibr8Mpq4rYgZayVlSwsVVwNHJWbLiQWHil2jLI9KNxLSHhtAFRJQhVEpKDKaBj9ts6qxW8gmI5Ed_6fLrRITS1rMtZGY38Nkq6-_qGkxQ/s1600/oprah"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqXLY5miXC6aMSumEkEuTm6YR8l4psibr8Mpq4rYgZayVlSwsVVwNHJWbLiQWHil2jLI9KNxLSHhtAFRJQhVEpKDKaBj9ts6qxW8gmI5Ed_6fLrRITS1rMtZGY38Nkq6-_qGkxQ/s400/oprah" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566042996669846162" /></a><br /><br />In the announcement of her sister, Patricia, Oprah recognized that Patricia had reservations about contacting her birth family because of how it could potentially affect he half siblings. <br />That recognition, combined with Oprahs openness and receptiveness is what has me considering writing a thank you letter. <br />Nineteen years ago (almost to the day!) I contacted my birth fathers family. Prior to making contact a number of factors crossed my mind. Obviously, the first was to prepare myself for the worst case scenario - potentially having the door literally slammed in my face. However, my largest concern was the effect that my sudden presence would have upon any family that my father had - a wife, young children. The possibility of disrupting the lives of small children was what gave me the most hesitation. My own questions of my family origins had distressed me enough that I did not want to potentially cause that kind of emotional stress and anxiety upon any other kids. Ultimately, I overcame those fears and hesitations and made contact with my paternal family - a story that I think is due to be shared in very short order.<br /><br />But first, I want to say thank you to Oprah. Thank you for showing the world a level of openness and understanding that gives children, even adult children, permission to find their families.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-61020070023359275652010-12-30T22:47:00.001-08:002010-12-30T22:47:27.103-08:00know what sucks? when your dog sleeps on your case-less pillow (doing laundry) so your pillow smells like dog and you cant sleep on a pillow that smells like dog, so you put it in the washer. After that, you put it in the dryer... because pillows should be dry, right? And you're walking to the dryer thinking how tonight you're going to have a nice, warm, toasty pillow to rest your weary head upon. Once you open the dryer you see a scene that looks like a flock of geese have been murdered and only then do you remember that the pillow was down-filled.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-38123115390028124042010-10-27T22:52:00.000-07:002010-10-28T00:51:06.274-07:00Should "Fatties" Get a Voice?The entire blogosphere is in an uproar over the <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/dating-blog/overweight-couples-on-television">recent article by Maura Kelly</a> on Marie Claires website. <br /><br />If you have not read it already, please take a few moments to do so. <br /><br />A lot of people are quite upset with Ms. Kelly right now. I've read a number of blog entries, and subsequent comments, revealing her home address and phone number because people are so angry with her for voicing her opinion. <br /><br />I will say right now that vilifying someone for their personal opinion is NOT okay. I'm not saying that I'm completely innocent in that regard, I've had my own moments of knee jerk reactions to certain topics and have lambasted someone for their opinion, but I will say that publicizing someones home address, and/or phone number, is not okay with me and if by some chance it is done via my blog, I will immediately delete your comment. <br /><br />Now, on to my own personal diatribe.... <br /><br />I have never hidden the fact that I am overweight. By any standard I would be considered morbidly obese. I recognize this and I offer <span style="font-weight:bold;">zero</span> apologies for it. However, I do not expect every person on this planet to find my physical appearance to be "aesthetically pleasing." I have struggled with my own weight. When I've battled it, I've literally <span style="font-weight:bold;">starved</span> myself to get to a size 12 - and when I've accepted it, I've worked as a plus sized model in a size 14. <br /><br />A persons weight is a personal issue. I may be the size that I am because of genetics, because of poor personal choices, or because of physical limitations. Does it really matter what the reason is? If I am the size I am because of a genetic disorder rather than poor personal choices does that have an affect upon how aesthetically pleasing someone finds me to be? No. <br /><br />I want to clarify, in case I haven't already, that I feel no ill will towards Ms. Kelly. She has been open about her own issues of body dysmorphia, her own struggles with anorexia, her own challenges regarding her weight and body issues. While it may sound like she has her personal issue under control, and I say that with very little certainty since I don't know her, I believe that she is at least still projecting her feelings regarding weight onto others. <br /><br />Where I feel contempt is towards the editors of Marie Claire magazine. <br /><br />Many years ago I was the news editor for my college newspaper. I never went into that position jockeying for it, eyeing for a career in journalism. I simply turned in my assignments, unbiased, pre-edited, and was given the position because of my performance. However, I assumed the position of news editor and exercised it to the best of my ability. I edited the articles submitted by other writers. I corrected typos and blatant grammatical errors, and when an article came my way that was blatantly biased and prejudiced, I returned it to the writer and told them that it was unacceptable. <br /><br />Editors hold a position of responsibility; not only of ensuring that their writers are completing their assignments, but also of ensuring that the articles published are of an acceptable material for their audience. Editors are in the position they are in because they, supposedly, have proven that they know their audience and what is expected of a writer of their genre. Ms Kelly's editor fell short of their duties. While Ms Kelly is entitled to her opinion, her editor is in the position to go back to her and say "The average American woman is at least overweight, if not obese. We can not alienate our market. Please rewrite."<br />This should have been an especially obvious revelation considering the public reaction to the nude photo of <a href="http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2009/08/on-the-cl-the-picture-you-cant.html">Lizzi Miller in Glamour magazine in 2009</a>. <br /><br />For those who do not know, Lizzi Miller was featured, practically nude!, in the September 2009 issue of Glamour magazine. Upon publication, Glamours editor-in-chief received emails saying things such as "I am gasping with delight...I love the woman on p 194!" <br /><br />Lizzi Millers photo IS beautiful. Yes, she wears a size 12-14, BUT Glamours audience found her to be "Gorgeous!" and I agree. Lizzi IS gorgeous. Looking at her photo, she has what you could describe as "rolls," she has a stomach - a "pooch," she has stretch marks, and most importantly, she has a beautiful smile and a radiance about her. <br /><br />Todays woman is many sizes. She is thin and waif like. She is athletic. She is curvy. She is voluptuous. And, yes, she can be obese; even morbidly so. <br />BUT, todays woman is also many other things. She is a mother. She is a professional. She is a homemaker. She is girlfriend, a wife, a lover. She is a sister. She is a cousin. She is an aunt. She is a reader and a consumer. She may very well be a subscriber to Marie Claire magazine. <br />It is because of this that the editors of Marie Claire hold the responsibility that their articles do not offend their audience. <br />Their audience is a that of a growingly large population - both literally, and figuratively. As we increasingly become a nation of diversity, products which depend upon us for success hold the responsibility of not alienating us - whether we're waif like, athletic, curvy, voluptuous, or obese. <br /><br />To get back to Ms Kelly. <br />In short, I feel sorry for her. She projected her bias onto the general public, and now she will most likely feel the professional ramifications. I feel sorry for her because while it sounds like her personal demons regarding weight have been reigned in, it does not sound as though they have been silenced. <br />I feel sorry for her because she will, most likely, constantly feel the pull to go to the gym rather than to go for a night out with her girlfriends. I doubt that Ms Kelly will ever feel the freedom of enjoying who she is, regardless of those few extra pounds. I doubt that she will ever be nude with a man for the first time and not feel ashamed of that fold at her hip. I doubt that she will ever not be aware of the crease of her breast. I doubt that she will ever accept that dimple of cellulite on the back of her thigh. <br /><br />It is because of that that I feel sorry for her. <br /><br />There is a freedom that comes with accepting who you are, and who every woman is,... every single god forsaking pound of it. <br /><br />When you accept that last pound, that last roll, that last fold, that last crease, and that last dimple, there is a liberation. A liberation that allows you to enjoy life. A liberation that allows you to take off for Italy rather than join a gym. A liberation that allows you to have another glass of wine with your friends instead of running around a track for an hour. A liberation that allows you to love yourself, and others, because of your flaws rather than in spite of them. <br /><br />I hope that Ms Kelly is able to, one day, find that peace, acceptance, and love within herself. It took a LONG time, but I was eventually able to find it, and I have never ever ever been happier.<br /><br />VanessaVanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-29091757334074673542010-10-04T22:43:00.000-07:002010-10-05T00:01:39.237-07:00Bringing Crafty Back.... or maybe just thinking about it.In the last year I've lost my craft groove. <br />I used to come home from work and after I'd fixed dinner and did the dishes, I'd sit back and knit or crochet while watching TV or a movie. <br />Lately I've been wasting time on facebook instead. <br />In some ways I miss it - I miss producing things to give as gifts to the people dear to me. However, my bank account doesn't miss is since I used to spend WAY WAY WAY to much money on yarn and other crafty accouterments. <br />Some recent projects on <a href="http://www.knitty.com">Knitty</a> have caught my eye though and may inspire a bit of a return to the needles. <br /><br />I love these sweaters, the first one especially, and can picture myself wearing each of them. I'm wondering if I could finish one in time for my upcoming trip to Italy. Doubtful, but possibly worth a try. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6t0TQOzlw8ZA1u7ILj8XG8BiDV8wVYx1islRcTPj71uvW6H1q4mo4OIdMqjWWqbZFcuw6O_-O8MSK_ZqGneON2EouJyCiXQO03_PhC4xb3Is3BSVSoYoqtOhos213kGwtN5JLQ/s1600/liaALT2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6t0TQOzlw8ZA1u7ILj8XG8BiDV8wVYx1islRcTPj71uvW6H1q4mo4OIdMqjWWqbZFcuw6O_-O8MSK_ZqGneON2EouJyCiXQO03_PhC4xb3Is3BSVSoYoqtOhos213kGwtN5JLQ/s400/liaALT2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524452107422763282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5d4PbXphmg5bQ2aWQ54Nx1c_5xg8OY1Hi-SlvZXkWEuZNWjTajUMCc0UfpG_V2vlN-e672AuPJiRR7XbcQ8NvvBhy6yag-QzYfSjYq-haoMxw47czFaylnjAKHfcE3sPmbHmDA/s1600/mythosFRONT.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5d4PbXphmg5bQ2aWQ54Nx1c_5xg8OY1Hi-SlvZXkWEuZNWjTajUMCc0UfpG_V2vlN-e672AuPJiRR7XbcQ8NvvBhy6yag-QzYfSjYq-haoMxw47czFaylnjAKHfcE3sPmbHmDA/s400/mythosFRONT.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524452544105394258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrhzIgS53xCk0pALdPw5VO9NWOtxiH2bEuXHEWHpaMTp5XBchU3r90gPNoDrh96gXlRqzIedgnDbO213UXWcZV3htEzZp3azHu9OA6CHyqURj70aRpBO_2xbDqNPwD8Grfkc9ug/s1600/mothedBEAUTY.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrhzIgS53xCk0pALdPw5VO9NWOtxiH2bEuXHEWHpaMTp5XBchU3r90gPNoDrh96gXlRqzIedgnDbO213UXWcZV3htEzZp3azHu9OA6CHyqURj70aRpBO_2xbDqNPwD8Grfkc9ug/s400/mothedBEAUTY.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524452540927642802" /></a><br /><br />These scarves and hat are pretty cute... and a lot more likely to be accomplished in time for my trip. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOC4_le9bjIysqUqqwDMeh9I2Wr4RbT8qSGLG3A_kuHjUC0t7IJiUJzvUEhdPDapbgVrbk5jPjz-HnphTJMs-cU3YzUJ5f6RfBKEd6Ibc4Jtejq6BI5skMxrCU0GftGaTA0NCIQ/s1600/rebeccaALT.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOC4_le9bjIysqUqqwDMeh9I2Wr4RbT8qSGLG3A_kuHjUC0t7IJiUJzvUEhdPDapbgVrbk5jPjz-HnphTJMs-cU3YzUJ5f6RfBKEd6Ibc4Jtejq6BI5skMxrCU0GftGaTA0NCIQ/s400/rebeccaALT.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524453210484994802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2iDWMVIa5uO3xiu_8dNUJf7dnO_UKvqaXXJtH8tFQaGdVi7OyVkMRFDAHILDM2dBmydv5jUdcU54wTq1fJ5oJ9KLg0NLWrxir7B7P1hMrUoKyaloVvf7-uj76FJr43hWK4dpUQ/s1600/marymaryBIGflat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2iDWMVIa5uO3xiu_8dNUJf7dnO_UKvqaXXJtH8tFQaGdVi7OyVkMRFDAHILDM2dBmydv5jUdcU54wTq1fJ5oJ9KLg0NLWrxir7B7P1hMrUoKyaloVvf7-uj76FJr43hWK4dpUQ/s400/marymaryBIGflat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524453205597714850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGGL98FE0IvzkYvyiHms7cPdbSn2U3hrPSLp9HtkoatOEHKZsb2f0VNnImGvVNyS8LsLVv7wKTkLC5c41WvtfVrfslgGZdfJHghAW6_l1jFQL9BCgcqzt3tdS6ne8ItgJDEf79Q/s1600/laminaBEAUTY.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGGL98FE0IvzkYvyiHms7cPdbSn2U3hrPSLp9HtkoatOEHKZsb2f0VNnImGvVNyS8LsLVv7wKTkLC5c41WvtfVrfslgGZdfJHghAW6_l1jFQL9BCgcqzt3tdS6ne8ItgJDEf79Q/s400/laminaBEAUTY.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524453198576257714" /></a>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-63799189092857289112010-09-30T23:11:00.000-07:002010-10-01T00:08:07.792-07:00Pipe DreamsBack In August I had the opportunity to visit my family in Oregon for the wedding of my younger cousin, Jenny. <br />The night of the wedding - after everyone had left, and it was just us family sitting around - my other cousin Josh started picking my travel brain. He wants to backpack through Europe with his girlfriend in the next year or two and wanted to know where I've been and what I thought of each country. <br />Ireland - so lush and beautiful, welcoming, old world like in many ways. A must see for those of us with ancestral ties.<br />western Germany - the people can be a bit uptight (sorry Germans!), but still a trip that I enjoyed overall. Great food, fantastic beer. <br />Paris - beautifully romantic, great food, delicious wine, amazing artworks, friendly people. <br />Venice & Florence - romantically beautiful, beautiful cathedrals, delectable gelato, great wine, friendly and welcoming people.<br />London - captivating history, some really good free museums, watching the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace is something everyone should see in their lifetime.<br />Then he asked me where I would go back to visit again. I told him obviously Italy since I'm going again in November, but ultimately I would want to revisit any of the countries I've been to. Yes, even Germany.<br />Frustrated that I couldn't say there was one definite, absolute, hands-down, without a doubt, favorite Josh asked me which country I would be willing to live in. <br />That made me stop and really think. If I were to move to Europe, where would I <span style="font-style:italic;">want</span> to live? <br />I've often thought of what I would do if I came into a sudden windfall of cash, and that fantasy always involved an extended visit to Europe. Traveling through all of the countries I've already been to, plus several more. I've imagined flying into Ireland and spending a couple of weeks there, visiting England and Scotland. Visit the home of some of my other ancestors: Norway. Spend a couple of weeks in France: explore more of Paris, go wine-tasting in the Bordeaux region, swim in the Mediterranean off the coast of Nice. See the cathedrals in Spain. Go back to Italy - do a little window shopping in Milan, have real pizza in Naples, ride a Gondola in Venice. See more of Germany - Oktoberfest in Munich, touch the remnants of The Wall, visit Auschwitz and mourn the loss of possibilities. Explore the ruins in Greece. I could go on forever about what I would do with three or four months in Europe. <br />But, Josh got me thinking of living there and I was surprised at how quickly I was able to answer. I said that while I did enjoy Germany overall, that is one place that I don't think I would want to live. I could see myself spending extended periods of time in London or Paris. But for living - maybe a vacation/retirement home - it would have to be either Ireland or Italy. Ireland would definitely have the advantage in the language department. Meaning, I wouldn't have to learn one. However, Italy has a vibrancy to it that is very attractive. <br /><br />When I got home from Oregon I started looking at international real estate listings. Why? I have no clue. But for those first two weeks that I was home I was obsessively looking online during my spare time and Italy started edging out Ireland, simply because the Italian real estate market seems to have some VERY depressed regions right now while Irelands appears to be holding fairly strong. <br />Specifically, theres one region about an hour north of Florence that has some amazing deals and I found a number of listings that really caught my eye. Yes, many of them need extensive renovations, but some of them need minimal refurbishing. <br />I don't have any kind of down payment set aside to actualize a dream like this, but its inspiring to know that its not unattainable in the long run. Its given me <br />something more to work towards than my next international vacation. Some of the properties I favored<br /><a href="http://www.toscanaverde.co.uk/properties/LePrata.htm">This one is a former sawmill on a creek</a>... for $329,000<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62v5RClXq2Yt9k0_x_TVFst4NKiJvrf1Oc-rw5KJm2Tn7SWDWaNOrA2Yw9IfyJnmNVwazP1-iCPKZQayN6pmUIIXWvGGNZZFHxvsGEG_Au7j-xrFKbdUQYRxJtQaqBM9-s03Yaw/s1600/leprata1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62v5RClXq2Yt9k0_x_TVFst4NKiJvrf1Oc-rw5KJm2Tn7SWDWaNOrA2Yw9IfyJnmNVwazP1-iCPKZQayN6pmUIIXWvGGNZZFHxvsGEG_Au7j-xrFKbdUQYRxJtQaqBM9-s03Yaw/s400/leprata1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522966236625992914" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.toscanaverde.co.uk/properties/Fosciandora.htm"><br />This one needs a lot of work</a>, BUT it has olive trees AND a mature working vineyard which produces 7,000 litres of wine per year. For $395,000<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFA7w5KlRt_DZWmGrXlXEB1AErzhiUG4Q1gSJ4pmkbOh5YKQR-J-yWgzAw9EoyTSMhUVNdWQETTEfcZESNvLJijJKOyod-7UE3qrCqPzi4ErQw4npHuilJU3qDpTp6Eq5rUHElg/s1600/Fosciandora.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFA7w5KlRt_DZWmGrXlXEB1AErzhiUG4Q1gSJ4pmkbOh5YKQR-J-yWgzAw9EoyTSMhUVNdWQETTEfcZESNvLJijJKOyod-7UE3qrCqPzi4ErQw4npHuilJU3qDpTp6Eq5rUHElg/s400/Fosciandora.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522969148487882082" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.toscanaverde.co.uk/properties/Cloisters.htm"><br />But, this is the one that REALLY piqued my interest</a>. In need of minimal work, its ready to move in and is livable. For $47,500! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5G4pb66aPiVwTplU5cTbhrckHoaQbwzDeHKI98Zv2_qOi8i_r5J1Rpmr4FcsBypgCLj5v2Eg-TTki4i9kA3K2zRqxYEKHip1Pkbsyq8rWv_gWzPs3M1D3PILgQniyfrMBmyHFA/s1600/cloister2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5G4pb66aPiVwTplU5cTbhrckHoaQbwzDeHKI98Zv2_qOi8i_r5J1Rpmr4FcsBypgCLj5v2Eg-TTki4i9kA3K2zRqxYEKHip1Pkbsyq8rWv_gWzPs3M1D3PILgQniyfrMBmyHFA/s400/cloister2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522966023782549538" /></a><br /><br /><br />Its given me a long term goal. Someplace I dream I could take friends and family to, a place to introduce my niece and younger cousins to the culture of a country other than our own, an "Under the Tuscan Sun" type fantasy to hopefully live out one day. <br /><br />I need to set up a savings account for this pipe dream.... or, win the lotto.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-71448332065447317482010-07-08T23:32:00.000-07:002010-07-08T23:49:43.782-07:00A Decade.Tomorrow, July 10, marks ten years at my current job. I must say that I'm a bit dumbfounded. I can not believe that I have been with this company for a decade. <br /><br />When I started this job, I truly felt that I was in over my head. For the previous five years I had worked in call centers for a large shipping company. While I enjoyed the perks (free flights on the companies airplanes!) I had grown to really dislike my job. I basically dreaded going in to work every day. There was no challenge to it - other than not calling the woman who burst into tears, hyperventilating!, because her new cell phone would be delayed by a day a loser. <br />So, I posted my resume online and really didn't know what to expect from there. <br />I got a bunch of calls from temp agencies, which I had ZERO interest in. <br />After a few months I got a call from the company I know work for... a payroll company. Completely and entirely different from what I had been doing.<br />I went ahead with the interview, was interviewed twice on the same day by two different managers and both told me that the learning curve for this job was on average 18 months. <br />Psshh, I thought. They're just trying to scare off the slackers. <br />A few days later I got the call with the job offer. I started a couple of weeks later. <br />After four weeks of training here in town I had two weeks of training in the corporate offices back on the east coast and came back to work. <br /><br />Some days it feels like I've been at this job for two years, others it feels like twenty. <br />Either way, I'm still a bit amazed that I've stuck through ten years there.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-41732988231363340132010-06-17T00:44:00.000-07:002010-06-17T01:14:10.061-07:00Home OfficeI'm contemplating setting up a home office. Yes, we currently have a tv/computer room with the family desktop computer that everyone has access to, but I'm contemplating setting up one of my own. You see, I'm looking into somehow managing a work from home/telecommute option with my employer and if I succeed in doing this I will need a dedicated "work area" for my work computer and printer and everything that goes along with it. A set up that wouldn't be for the use of anyone who comes over. <br />Of course, this requires some window shopping for a desk, file cabinet, book case, etc. Granted, I recognize that this is all my dream set up. Ideal for if I had a couple of extra buckets of cash at my disposal and no need to be mindful of a budget for all of this furniture and decor. I looked at various office collections; desks, file cabinets, bookshelves and printer stands. Ultimately I found <a href="http://www.idealhomemagazine.co.uk/inspiredecor/gallery/v/Wallpaper+ideas/home+office.jpg.html">this office</a> that summarized what I would like almost to the last detail - the only exception being that I would prefer the desk and shelving and whatnot to be in black rather than white - greater contrast against the walls. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjif2p0dLmlalYzy4ebZRagnNrlnnw5dKHKh-OH-TIr7k5ZuTGAc2oW82UeiHVxXnZiE-Wz3vqtz3EjQ4lRPHVlpdnpU44ZN1JRg_tLYHTHbjyq_8knlYU_visWQ2Ywplkdvginwg/s1600/home+office.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjif2p0dLmlalYzy4ebZRagnNrlnnw5dKHKh-OH-TIr7k5ZuTGAc2oW82UeiHVxXnZiE-Wz3vqtz3EjQ4lRPHVlpdnpU44ZN1JRg_tLYHTHbjyq_8knlYU_visWQ2Ywplkdvginwg/s400/home+office.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483652114887010530" /></a><br /><br />Doesn't it look lovely? Wouldn't that be a beautiful office to work in every day? <br />In all actually, I won't orchestrate a set up like this one. I'm sure that I'll end up repurposing existing furniture and I doubt that I'll be redecorating the walls with the bright colors and floral motifs like the office above, but if I'm able to orchestrate a scenario in which I can work from home I will make the set up as aesthetically pleasing as possible.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-73522674576664748572010-06-17T00:40:00.000-07:002010-06-17T00:43:04.512-07:00Helmet Shopping, Part Deux...I went with this one. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdahZAgIyxkNQKslgjxz0tsNoEawxxJwpl1jueP8Xn3poAWTTS2XinLrRQzPi_c7A8R92Ii4pOyAwIv8vsAnkfaRWrN7HcBnshKaIdIlSHUfhWsteLoI4roncGJeICDFDu4fQPw/s1600/french+green+helmet"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdahZAgIyxkNQKslgjxz0tsNoEawxxJwpl1jueP8Xn3poAWTTS2XinLrRQzPi_c7A8R92Ii4pOyAwIv8vsAnkfaRWrN7HcBnshKaIdIlSHUfhWsteLoI4roncGJeICDFDu4fQPw/s400/french+green+helmet" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483644852194076786" /></a><br />It best coordinates with my scooter.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-47557050557432817342010-06-07T02:07:00.000-07:002010-06-07T02:19:16.741-07:00Helmet ShoppingI've had my scooter a little over 3 weeks now and have already put over 400 miles on it. I absolutely love it, my only regret is that I was not able to get one years ago. <br /><br />However, I am thinking of getting a new helmet. The one I have now is just... blah. I want something cuter and this is the top contender:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WWU5ETkVqnl_UgXsdkiJyMFxopyvfMMFr85dN53tnWwN9YxYLpdg9Apd5JsiLo-DbKi5pfon6GtB0Mmunj-z0-AfpQFeYIy8unFQNcokTRq2c5CFnJzhmGUcKRMlA5AiOiZ14Q/s1600/green+french+helmet"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WWU5ETkVqnl_UgXsdkiJyMFxopyvfMMFr85dN53tnWwN9YxYLpdg9Apd5JsiLo-DbKi5pfon6GtB0Mmunj-z0-AfpQFeYIy8unFQNcokTRq2c5CFnJzhmGUcKRMlA5AiOiZ14Q/s400/green+french+helmet" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479957929817277698" /></a><br /><br />It would coordinate well with my scooter, and I like the shield across the eyes to block the wind from drying my eyes out.<br /><br />However, I like these too. I especially like how ridiculous the first one is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgqwLXbgG0vAq2lipGtAfvSRV3olgOM9_rPK1v6VHUZrWeFGRQ0nnds5B7fcvsxT9Z7C__Jv0NKqxB15ZDwA2LaU7XJ9j8dMcKfdVCeBIA4Y0XnvPeWBqPQKEZyN0dQWZ19CgYw/s1600/ladybug"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgqwLXbgG0vAq2lipGtAfvSRV3olgOM9_rPK1v6VHUZrWeFGRQ0nnds5B7fcvsxT9Z7C__Jv0NKqxB15ZDwA2LaU7XJ9j8dMcKfdVCeBIA4Y0XnvPeWBqPQKEZyN0dQWZ19CgYw/s400/ladybug" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479958507499743234" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDf_LVljT0x4E0UhN-i0A3g7eUlWy3zq9LjA1GDCQX_qTD6gWTl9WJr8zYIgGTd5LDid_m6cJhXjsDsMFktexTZmMr_cPdxeX8Jisek_qKc_Grd4cfNMNSx_eh5Vgzmm9349GKQ/s1600/pink+leather"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDf_LVljT0x4E0UhN-i0A3g7eUlWy3zq9LjA1GDCQX_qTD6gWTl9WJr8zYIgGTd5LDid_m6cJhXjsDsMFktexTZmMr_cPdxeX8Jisek_qKc_Grd4cfNMNSx_eh5Vgzmm9349GKQ/s400/pink+leather" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479958498276813250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtMg1fKDY_gbsLV5G5gJBvPh9PCKIrXhdijhCmMaSsbXrfMSSG14g4-L_O0yl96zGPTR0_DUPC0t0bTuWnnOwiaJ6LrTs02Srn1pjdnFWguf14B8zGGRcqmZgIICCmZe6yKR5ZA/s1600/blue+leather"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtMg1fKDY_gbsLV5G5gJBvPh9PCKIrXhdijhCmMaSsbXrfMSSG14g4-L_O0yl96zGPTR0_DUPC0t0bTuWnnOwiaJ6LrTs02Srn1pjdnFWguf14B8zGGRcqmZgIICCmZe6yKR5ZA/s400/blue+leather" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479958496259197778" /></a>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-86966031609162012322010-05-18T21:45:00.000-07:002010-05-19T00:46:11.421-07:00Alright, STOP! Scooter time!For years now I have whined about my want of a scooter ad nauseum... in fact, it was one of my very first posts on this blog. <br />Honestly, I've wanted one for somewhere between seven and eight years now. Initially I was wanting a Vespa - primarily because I was unaware of any other brands that had the similar retro styling and I'm not a fan of the more modern body styles. For lack of a better term, they look "buggy" to me. BUT, Vespas come with a price tag that is a bit too high for me. <br />Approximately two years ago I was told about a cycle shop here in town that carries a brand of Chinese scooter that is comparable to a Vespa for less than half the price. That was when the want for a scooter started increasing exponentially. Suddenly, there was one in my price range. BUT, I couldn't get one right away. I had international trips to take, a new car to buy, laptops to purchase. The stars just weren't lined up. <br />In the past month I started seeing more and more and more scooters around Sacramento. Not only downtown, where they've always been, but also where I live - out in the suburbs. I started seriously looking at getting a scooter again. Then I remembered that I had a LITTLE bit of stock in my employer that I could sell that would pay for <br /> 1 the scooter along with all taxes, titles, registration, blah blah blah.<br /> 2 the first years insurance<br /> 3 <a href="http://www.safetycenter.org/com_motorcyclesafety.html">motorcycle safety and skills training course</a><br /> 4 the DMV fee for my M1 motorcycle license permit<br /><br />I was STOKED, so about less than two weeks ago I arrange to take this past Thursday and Friday off from work so that I can go to the DMV on Thursday to take the M1 permit test, and Friday I can go get the scooter. <br />Then, the very day that I'd arranged for the time off from work the brakes on my car start sounding like a rumble of thunder. I go to Les Schwab where I'd had the brakes repaired less than a year before. Where they were still under warranty. Since they were under warranty I was figuring that this little issue wouldn't cost me any money, but I was still highly annoyed because I'd only gotten half of the warranty out of the brakes. The brakes were replaced at no charge... BUT (you knew there would be a "but", didn't you?) the servicing revealed a few other issues. Issues such as rotors that were worn down to the point that they couldn't be turned. Issues such as front tires that were so worn the inner cords were exposed and rear tires that were starting t separate along the inner walls. Issues that ended up costing me a smidge over $600. Issues that PISSED. ME. OFF. I was glad that I had the money in my savings account to pay for these repairs, pissed because that $600 came out of my scooter fund. <br />After the initial annoyance wore off, I reevaluated my finances and saw that I could still afford the scooter itself and the M1 permit, with some funding from my regular paycheck. The insurance I could arrange the monthly payments, and I could put off the safety course for a couple weeks. <br />Thursday I slept in a bit and went to the DMV where I got my M1 permit. Okay, okay, I didn't just, poof, get the permit. I had to take the test... twice. I failed the first test because I had not studied the DMV motorcycle handbook well enough. <br />Friday I slept in again before heading down to <a href="http://www.sac-cycle.com/index.html">the scooter shop</a>. I had looked at the shops website as well as some ads they had posted on Craigslist and had seen a really cute two-tone pink and white scooter that I thought would be perfect for me. I pulled up to the shop and there it was, my pink and white scooter, sitting right up front. I walked into the shop right as another woman was being handed the keys to my pink and white scooter. DAMMIT! If only I hadn't sat and had that cup of coffee with my mom and grandma! So, I looked around the shop and ultimately chose this scooter:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetrRMsPv2awiQnsogRR6CnpYCFghZHMnGkqhPbAp_r1mTwrWVPvac8UnEUG8DYwD7FyMfz_7_PmupuwO8smvfHHw4sxq_O_mq-0UMmbg5Oxxggf47A3zqjZS9uvpw8tgO3_z6uQ/s1600/me+and+scoot"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetrRMsPv2awiQnsogRR6CnpYCFghZHMnGkqhPbAp_r1mTwrWVPvac8UnEUG8DYwD7FyMfz_7_PmupuwO8smvfHHw4sxq_O_mq-0UMmbg5Oxxggf47A3zqjZS9uvpw8tgO3_z6uQ/s400/me+and+scoot" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472874420138729010" /></a><br /><br />Ultimately, I think its better that I got this scooter rather than the pink one. If I do ever want to sell the thing it would probably be easier to find a buyer for this color than for the pink one. Plus, its fitting. My very first car was a VW bug that was a slightly darker shade of this same color green so its only appropriate that my first scooter be the same color, right? <br />So, I bought my scooter on Friday afternoon. I emptied my liquid savings and arranged to return the next day to pick it up. I didn't take it home that day for a couple reasons<br />1 - I wanted the trunk on the back and they needed to attach one for me<br />2 - I'd driven myself out there and didn't have anyone with me to drive my car home<br />3 - I was wearing flip flops - NOT good footwear for scooting. <br />After buying the scooter I go down to my pub to visit with some friends. While eating a pretzel (A PRETZEL!!!!) I break a tooth. We're not talking just a little chip here. I broke off an entire corner of a molar. I'm going to need at least a crown if not an entire root canal... and I just emptied all of my liquid savings. Perfect timing, right? <br />Saturday morning I get up and have my mom take me to pick up my scooter. I love it. I absolutely love it. <br />You know who else loves it? My niece, Kylee<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88EYsktDcMW5Gs2ekYbIdG2PZdqch0LFI4q3TPbW5k6VofshWSscHuoN9YFEiPg9fJpwWIo4ZBZqOd7p_FuteRe8NFUzhMuWrIHW1UQGB0q31cu3LfmT7GJu5IrjgVxm7cLVS1w/s1600/kiki+scoots"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88EYsktDcMW5Gs2ekYbIdG2PZdqch0LFI4q3TPbW5k6VofshWSscHuoN9YFEiPg9fJpwWIo4ZBZqOd7p_FuteRe8NFUzhMuWrIHW1UQGB0q31cu3LfmT7GJu5IrjgVxm7cLVS1w/s400/kiki+scoots" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472876808997019426" /></a><br /><br />Shortly after I took this photo, Kylee looked up at me and said "I need your keys"<br />"Really" <br />"And helmet" <br />(she is all about safety, you know)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sdUn_T_5NjOagZDsKfw_q3d8w2mPp9yly_zr4DjSCapne95YAImgCVJA7rwa77R1a83C8VH4VUDiLZxvYhvpuYConjY8aiuAlhClvVQIcu7A0MbJ0shD0lQyWdcPqvrNp7Oakg/s1600/kiki+helmet"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sdUn_T_5NjOagZDsKfw_q3d8w2mPp9yly_zr4DjSCapne95YAImgCVJA7rwa77R1a83C8VH4VUDiLZxvYhvpuYConjY8aiuAlhClvVQIcu7A0MbJ0shD0lQyWdcPqvrNp7Oakg/s400/kiki+helmet" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472877126484785730" /></a><br />"what do you need my keys and helmet for?" <br />"I go for ride now"<br />"Baby bear, you're not taking my scooter for a ride" <br />and, I swear, hand to heaven, that the following was said with a fifteen-year-old-esque sigh and eye roll <br />"Auntie Nessa"<br />Like I'm being ridiculous for not allowing her to take the scooter for a spin around the block. <br /><br />So, I scooted all over town this weekend and I took it in to work this morning. I absolutely love it. I can see why scooter riders love them so much. I can see why some people are so romanced by the ride to make <a href="http://vespa-vagabond.blogspot.com/">cross country trips</a>... on a scooter! <br />The only things I miss about not being in a car?<br />1 - drinking my coffee<br />2 - smoking a cigarette or three<br />3 - singing along with my iPod<br /><br />And the gas mileage? HOLY COW! Saturday I put $2 worth of premium in the tank - thats a little less than 2/3 of a gallon. I have gone 65 miles on that $2 of gas!<br />This insurance? Before I got the insurance I spoke with some friends and coworkers who have motorcycles. I was thinking I would be paying somewhere in the neighborhood of $15-20 per month. Wrong. Its only $8.49 and that will go down when I take the safety course.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-6462774602029401992010-05-04T22:48:00.000-07:002010-05-04T23:00:26.651-07:00The Long and the Short Of It....The SHORT answer, Kylee is perfectly fine. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboaXnMKX2Fv3DrlHEiYR689616kHr-gFVHdrHKaog5KgUJjj69AvERsVM0xyARR1FX2ai8llHN-39b_vix-w_le2Tylyp-RnVx6t9G7KlJ3PFYrDHJ8n9Ua8qas3ZwsBnGlzETA/s1600/100_1483.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboaXnMKX2Fv3DrlHEiYR689616kHr-gFVHdrHKaog5KgUJjj69AvERsVM0xyARR1FX2ai8llHN-39b_vix-w_le2Tylyp-RnVx6t9G7KlJ3PFYrDHJ8n9Ua8qas3ZwsBnGlzETA/s400/100_1483.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467659205615583202" /></a><br /><br />Just like the day she was born. Innocent, and lovely. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdmum4XfV9YX8zHjX7hC-hl6SLXZYQuZ1bQJsJDeCuDsmipOcAItrFI_z31kTA9ynK6_9MROH37oclaAWbPuUhUDiJFAuoVZNKI9arXQzFxhiWs7TiShZTTqDn-RKWzaUiebsOA/s1600/Picture+021a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdmum4XfV9YX8zHjX7hC-hl6SLXZYQuZ1bQJsJDeCuDsmipOcAItrFI_z31kTA9ynK6_9MROH37oclaAWbPuUhUDiJFAuoVZNKI9arXQzFxhiWs7TiShZTTqDn-RKWzaUiebsOA/s400/Picture+021a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467660036953038338" /></a><br /><br />The LONG answer:<br /><br />A neurologist took a look at her MRI's. He doesn't <span style="font-style:italic;">think</span> she has cerebral palsy. He said that it can be common for premies (Kylee was born at 36 weeks) to have spots of white matter on their brain that show in an MRI, but while it is still within the realm of possibility, he doesn't think Kylee has CP. TO rule it out beyond a reasonable doubt would involve subjecting Kylee to a battery of tests and procedures that could span the next couple of months and that IF, if, she did have Cp it is the mildest form possible and that since CP is not a progressive disease she would never experience any manifestations of the disease and that there is nothing to be concerned about. <br />My sister has opted to not subject Kylee to any further testing at this point, accepting the doctors diagnosis. <br />It does make sense, my rational mind tells me that any symptoms of CP would have shown by now, that my niece is wonderful and amazing and glorious. <br />My paranoid, anxiety ridden, pessimistic, hypochondriac side will be watching my niece for the next 5 years and personally dragging her back to the neurologists if the littlest symptom of a symptom presents itself.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-6288987118618025472010-04-08T19:58:00.001-07:002010-04-08T22:13:15.538-07:00I Spoke Too SoonI need to quit doing that - speaking too soon. Tempting fate. Jinxing myself. <br /><br />So, I just said that family drama has been relatively low key. But, of course, something always HAS to be happening, right? <br /><br />You've all seen photos of my niece. You've read of my adoration of her. I love the heck out of this little girl. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgNGB6O9KR0O64otS-ec2NHK73UuBHhjLOIriOJ2XbwNYtrofQTYHloF_n2q8iu67UkEFskJ_OJ3DfNqqtx1hyphenhyphenWdiCyhphrnTyI8A5Xg1vH2i10FCtns5ZmMg-DrpXneJq1M0MA/s1600/Picture+027a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgNGB6O9KR0O64otS-ec2NHK73UuBHhjLOIriOJ2XbwNYtrofQTYHloF_n2q8iu67UkEFskJ_OJ3DfNqqtx1hyphenhyphenWdiCyhphrnTyI8A5Xg1vH2i10FCtns5ZmMg-DrpXneJq1M0MA/s400/Picture+027a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457982369633568338" /></a><br /><br />She is my angel. <br /><br />She has a slightly lazy eye - her left - not very noticeable, minor. In the photo below you can KINDA see it. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lWpxPehs0GLPRMJAup0D8ARo1bfUeqh8MiCz7vmvlD345nWsG2WaV1STS4LRl1KURiVqQFotZ8hlBpAooE6gXR-wBc4EX2D3XP8DMYI56dn4OLD4izQOoLR6J2tsKF4hOr5UgQ/s1600/Picture+034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lWpxPehs0GLPRMJAup0D8ARo1bfUeqh8MiCz7vmvlD345nWsG2WaV1STS4LRl1KURiVqQFotZ8hlBpAooE6gXR-wBc4EX2D3XP8DMYI56dn4OLD4izQOoLR6J2tsKF4hOr5UgQ/s400/Picture+034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457983133981567586" /></a><br /><br />A few weeks ago a Dr looked a the eye and determined that she has an underdeveloped optic nerve. In addition to the nerve itself, was concerned about the effect that it could have on her pituitary gland and scheduled an MRI for this past Monday to see if the pituitary gland is effected. <br />Yesterday we got the preliminary results - the pituitary gland is NOT affected. Then we heard news that was not on our radar. No where near it. <br />The MRI showed a small spot of "white matter" on her brain which can be indicative of Cerebral Palsy. <br />So, now we have to wait another two-and-a-half weeks for the follow up with the doctor. <br />The little we know now is that the spot is VERY small - if she does have Cerebral Palsy it is very minimal. We are trying to be optimistic that she doesn't have CP because the doctor told my sister that signs typically present by age three and Kylee will be three next month. She hasn't presented with any of the typical signs of CP other than she is a bit clumsy and stumbles often; which could be either mild CP presenting itself OR typical toddler clumsiness. <br /><br />The next couple weeks are going to be nerve wracking.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-88183293831473288112010-03-31T02:02:00.000-07:002010-04-08T22:12:16.904-07:00Where have I been and what have I been up to?A whole 'lotta nothin', really. <br /><br />Work has been crazy and family drama has been remarkably low key. <br /><br />I do think that THREE months without blogging is a new record for me... I'm not sure that I've ever been absent for this long before. <br /><br />The New Year has come and gone, I stayed home because I didn't want to be out on the road with a bunch of drunks. Also, I did not make any resolutions... because I tend to not fulfill them very well. I did consider making some resolutions but ultimately decided against it.... because I forgot. <br /><br />However... there is <span style="font-style:italic;">SOME</span> interesting news.<br /><br />I FINALLY got my new MacBookPro AND an iPod Touch! I must say... I am in LOVE. <a href="http://www.apple.com/pr/bios/jobs.html">Steve</a> has almost redeemed himself in my eyes. Almost. The only thing he needs to do to completely redeem himself is to finally live up to the <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20100330/ts_ynews/ynews_ts1375">consistent rumor</a> that the iPhone will be available on carriers other than AT&T. The longer I have my iPod Touch, the more I want the iPhone. However, I've been a Sprint customer for nearly 10 years and am not willing to switch to AT&T... not even for the iPhone.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-71212569814076070922009-12-25T17:58:00.000-08:002009-12-25T18:36:45.895-08:00My First Attempt At Home Canning: FAILLast week I attempted to make persimmon jam. This is a project that I <a href="http://nessacery.blogspot.com/2009/11/cause-jam-dont-shake-like-that.html">mentioned briefly</a> last month, and once there were finally enough fruits on the tree that were ripe enough, I set to it. <br /><br />Now, there are two varieties of persimmons. The variety that most people are familiar with are called Fuyu - they're crisp, similar to apples or pears. During the late fall and early winter it wouldn't be too uncommon to see these at local farmers markets. <br /><br />This is not the variety of tree that I have. <br /><br />The variety that I have are called Hachiya. It would be unlikely to be familiar with this variety of persimmon unless you, or a neighbor, have a tree in your yard. The reason why they're not well none is simple: they do NOT transport well. <br />When a Hachiya persimmon is ripe it is very very very soft - holding a ripe Hachiya persimmon feels a lot like you're holding a water balloon, and they squish incredibly easy. When squished, the fruit inside oozes everywhere - the pulp of a ripe persimmon has a bright orange jelly like consistency, and that bright orange pulp is a bear to get out of clothing!<br />An unripe Hachiya persimmon tastes disgusting. There is an astringent flavor to it that removes all moisture from your mouth. Hands down, biting into one has been one of the grossest tasting food experiences of my life. Seriously, I would rather eat blood pudding if I had to choose. <br />HOWEVER, when the Hachiya persimmon is ripe it is fantastic. It is sweet and smooth and has an apricot like flavor that is heavenly. <br />Since I have a tree FULL of fruit I decided to try making persimmon jam, figuring that since it already has a jelly like consistency it would be an easy first step into home canning. Last Saturday I picked some fruit and set out to make some jelly for Christmas gifts. I'd bought the jars and lids, sugar, everything I needed and had selected a recipe that looked very easy. All it called for was 2 quarts of persimmon pulp, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup orange juice and the zest from one orange. <br />I pulped the persimmons and took an initial taste test to ensure that I had not included any under ripe fruits - everything tasted fine so I mixed together all of the ingredients and started cooking the jam per the recipes instructions. <br />Once everything was looking like it was ready, I prepped the jars for filling and took one final taste test of the finished product. I am so glad that I took that final test before actually canning the jam. <br />The astringent taste was back with full force. It was disgusting. I spent several minutes spitting into the kitchen sink "I CAN'T GET THE TASTE OUT OF MY MOUTH!!!!!"<br /><br />Why it was initially sweet and apricot like, then after cooking disgustingly astringent I did not know. <br /><br />Since then I have done some research and found that Hachiya persimmons have high levels of tannins, which cause the initial astringency. Once they've been through at least one frost the tannins evaporate, leaving the sweet pulp. HOWEVER baking reintroduces the tannins, causing the astringent flavor to return. <br />A couple articles that I read said that when baking with Hachiyas, the use of baking soda will offset the reintroduction of the tannins and effectively prevent the astringent taste from returning. But, I'm wondering if baking soda could be used when making a jam or chutney (yes, I found a chutney recipe using persimmons that sounded amazing and that I planned on making after the jam). <br /><br />So, I'm left with all of the canning supplies but no canned product. I'm considering another attempt at canning and have found a couple of recipes that sounds great: <br />1 - pomegranate jelly <br />2 - strawberry balsamic jam<br />3 - cranberry tangerine chutney <br /><br />I will admit that I am incredibly frustrated by this initial canning failure. I am fairly adept in the kitchen and I am very crafty. I frequently experiment with different recipes and crafts with various levels of success - some are fantastic and some are just okay. I am not accustomed to a complete and total failure. Part of my wants to throw in the towel, but the stubborn as hell part of me wants to keep trying until I get it right. <br /><br />I think the fact that I've already lined up some additional recipes tells me that I'm going to continue with my attempts at home canning.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-25426242036420546682009-12-08T23:42:00.000-08:002009-12-09T00:43:25.387-08:00Window Shopping - IKEAI have finally come to the realization that I am in dire need of a new mattress. I have to admit that I am 33 years old and have never shopped for a mattress. My current mattress was a birthday gift. For my 18th birthday. Its 15 years old and I must also admit that I have not properly turned/flipped/rotated it as it should have been. As a result I don't sleep as well as I should and constantly find myself with back, neck, and shoulder aches. <br />I have heard that the temperpedic mattresses are amazing but I know that I can't afford one. So I went where all people on a budget go when shopping for home furnishings.... I went to IKEA's website to look at the prices and options. I also did a little window shopping for bedroom furniture, naturally. Currently my bedroom is a mishmash of various pieces that I've picked up here and there. NOTHING matches, nothing is the same style, era, or even color. It basically looks like a small version of the furniture section at your local Goodwill. Not that theres anything wrong with Goodwill furniture - my nightstand came from the Salvation Army. <br />So, I assembled the bedroom of my budget conscious dreams. <br />First, the bed. Naturally. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DvvNeY2TEaiz1d6hZiLbJj6QjWnfi-DrU7iy6OSeHeAHfju6qAdClcaJ4HkwPv8fx4NbKbXNFEOePYAqbQ0leSccfhw04P21AtBjZsiB-pU70uh8DwROPQDiKQPD2YPuGBg28Q/s1600-h/bed"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DvvNeY2TEaiz1d6hZiLbJj6QjWnfi-DrU7iy6OSeHeAHfju6qAdClcaJ4HkwPv8fx4NbKbXNFEOePYAqbQ0leSccfhw04P21AtBjZsiB-pU70uh8DwROPQDiKQPD2YPuGBg28Q/s400/bed" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413144286374560754" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S99849777">HEMNES</a>. I like that its simple, and I like the black-brown stain. This could be adapted to a number of decorating styles by simply changing the colors and linens.<br /><br />Next is what I think was one of the most ingenious finds on IKEAS website: <br />the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70098890">SULTAN ALSARP FOUNDATION WITH STORAGE</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjveIHeRGQm9njcwoXDTNZwAqMFLg9_4IeZXPUgsf9gQHsb3VQ7nqHVfVeqCwrdRSBWfZMlt6AAeJP4PH43awiv5kmnA_DRTLVZpio1-PWkSXOC546Q6I9BtsGgfZ9UX8MOP9pQ/s1600-h/boxspring"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjveIHeRGQm9njcwoXDTNZwAqMFLg9_4IeZXPUgsf9gQHsb3VQ7nqHVfVeqCwrdRSBWfZMlt6AAeJP4PH43awiv5kmnA_DRTLVZpio1-PWkSXOC546Q6I9BtsGgfZ9UX8MOP9pQ/s400/boxspring" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413145063517917554" /></a><br />A hollow foundation mattress which would be perfect for storing the heavier winter blankets or even my winter sweaters. Would it be a hassle to get to those winter blankets and put them away? Certainly - but it would also force me to flip/rotate/turn my top mattress on a regular basis. GENIUS!<br /><br />Then theres the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20141853">HEMNES STORAGE BENCH</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4d4BbNr0Q3dBfJIWSdwVTnjmC49I-AgmaXZCZ5wh09yLTEKETOEgzetGyL_uiVOO0xUkBhT8AnukP6uL-AH5upx4pxP-wZlLW1IZ7UYdIn7Qmk3-4Ndpi-JI9sbyJyLcDAFc3A/s1600-h/storage+bench"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4d4BbNr0Q3dBfJIWSdwVTnjmC49I-AgmaXZCZ5wh09yLTEKETOEgzetGyL_uiVOO0xUkBhT8AnukP6uL-AH5upx4pxP-wZlLW1IZ7UYdIn7Qmk3-4Ndpi-JI9sbyJyLcDAFc3A/s400/storage+bench" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413146273523313618" /></a><br /><br />which would look lovely at the foot of the bed, n'est ce pas? Storage for linens and such. <br /><br />Of course there has to be a <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70141860">HEMNES NIGHTSTAND</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLThnDkVIr8zXNaJcnVd6soHwpr9E-qYgr5giWLuhbfjZBT8xv6wpqxSGetesqNh_hAvgTzKkownxwbUhyphenhyphenPmNAVmzSthum14xJCs17sb4o7El9OKmLWzYxyT1YrEkjPFTjgBFwxQ/s1600-h/nightstand"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLThnDkVIr8zXNaJcnVd6soHwpr9E-qYgr5giWLuhbfjZBT8xv6wpqxSGetesqNh_hAvgTzKkownxwbUhyphenhyphenPmNAVmzSthum14xJCs17sb4o7El9OKmLWzYxyT1YrEkjPFTjgBFwxQ/s400/nightstand" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413147215132619938" /></a><br /><br />for my reading lamp and current book. <br /><br />In one corner would be the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20136597">ALVE WORKSTATION</a> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qhSAsry1hCDzoLPYMRm-f1y8TA04TnzCdLllsGLpKdJ3moH0FmN9A1u-2IfOMzFS5M_PPPZztWeepFi6YDMmTmPF8NG-n-SNmRreyn7KvNuMh3SOdSfmyUENalrCPDlR9gtvxw/s1600-h/desk+unit"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qhSAsry1hCDzoLPYMRm-f1y8TA04TnzCdLllsGLpKdJ3moH0FmN9A1u-2IfOMzFS5M_PPPZztWeepFi6YDMmTmPF8NG-n-SNmRreyn7KvNuMh3SOdSfmyUENalrCPDlR9gtvxw/s400/desk+unit" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413147692854427922" /></a><br /><br />for the computer I don't currently have. <br /><br />Underneath the window I would place the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90111027">MARKOR BOOKCASE</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HoFGm8C4-JouKtot8ly04bRpOVPSfZzxjAANM__KvFKfeFfIZ57NYgwYH-vgKiHrr2r_2DFwF71H1YCd64Ndk3tyKIofaVOaGzOSac1pY1auNFUZyXlwW43ZfsdyBPCyrPsuIw/s1600-h/short+bookshelf"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HoFGm8C4-JouKtot8ly04bRpOVPSfZzxjAANM__KvFKfeFfIZ57NYgwYH-vgKiHrr2r_2DFwF71H1YCd64Ndk3tyKIofaVOaGzOSac1pY1auNFUZyXlwW43ZfsdyBPCyrPsuIw/s400/short+bookshelf" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413148304382419922" /></a><br /><br />and next to it the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00136598">ALVE BOOKCASE WITH DRAWER</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSh4EsEtVcRjtXOqFm7xWwWF_tU08vd6t2S7aze6bGayFcXkWMsWY9UozyxRloG324uSn7VQyZ5o3wWu8r3RhPpBYaca4dMLQCOMd2UWBJkRq9J3C2wJulTnsHMz5OPQVdlI8WXQ/s1600-h/bookshelf"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSh4EsEtVcRjtXOqFm7xWwWF_tU08vd6t2S7aze6bGayFcXkWMsWY9UozyxRloG324uSn7VQyZ5o3wWu8r3RhPpBYaca4dMLQCOMd2UWBJkRq9J3C2wJulTnsHMz5OPQVdlI8WXQ/s400/bookshelf" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413148580081676514" /></a><br /><br />Yes, I do have that many books. Plus the drawer would be a great place to stash any current knitting or crochet projects. <br /><br />Next to the bookshelves I would I have a cozy armchair, such as this <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S39861531">EKTORP</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5Azjlw3Cv9gacXDNZfy4h7z1iIDDwLinSQnVmwJ0FTXl9pcx_ouX7gA96_mfjnVYsseaDX_RSQCkS-64mWUx_w_jOMFAmGk6IvKEOKbXkl8O2GFIZY-XrPkPPtw2hALLYnV_9w/s1600-h/chair"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5Azjlw3Cv9gacXDNZfy4h7z1iIDDwLinSQnVmwJ0FTXl9pcx_ouX7gA96_mfjnVYsseaDX_RSQCkS-64mWUx_w_jOMFAmGk6IvKEOKbXkl8O2GFIZY-XrPkPPtw2hALLYnV_9w/s400/chair" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413149018246141170" /></a><br /><br />with <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69862831">EKTORP FOOTSTOOL</a> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuMa6ihD_SYddWJdQvNuaHYsr5NoR5dW4IHvQfUJydrxGSXBcO5Q83nz8Ym2dLQQksJoMpZcsyEeyv2rhyphenhyphenOdtU3AEuughLQDuP5oSVbc59ww76Y3meblLdQ9uxlIwOh0HV7bKlQ/s1600-h/footstool"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuMa6ihD_SYddWJdQvNuaHYsr5NoR5dW4IHvQfUJydrxGSXBcO5Q83nz8Ym2dLQQksJoMpZcsyEeyv2rhyphenhyphenOdtU3AEuughLQDuP5oSVbc59ww76Y3meblLdQ9uxlIwOh0HV7bKlQ/s400/footstool" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413149824978588946" /></a><br /><br /><br />I could sit in the chair while watching TV, work on my knitting projects, or read a book. Of course I'm certain that Cooper would think that at least the footstool, if not the chair, was his. <br /><br />And last, but not least, we have yet ANOTHER book/DVD shelf. Yes, once again, I DO have THAT MANY DAMN BOOKS. <br />This one is the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70099026">MARKOR</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uzmBYHKw2zgWbn9KT73YZAZwMJexvEUsMhyBQP0-W3beMDOPS1m63KzPSggmBp6ijRFQYgW3RcsXJDLzFRpmt9uwMAEJH_GYztj12CRjz6gdK9X1ZMHTC2iNJLKIMYswsUp0Xg/s1600-h/dvd+shelf"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uzmBYHKw2zgWbn9KT73YZAZwMJexvEUsMhyBQP0-W3beMDOPS1m63KzPSggmBp6ijRFQYgW3RcsXJDLzFRpmt9uwMAEJH_GYztj12CRjz6gdK9X1ZMHTC2iNJLKIMYswsUp0Xg/s400/dvd+shelf" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413153636433164658" /></a><br /><br />Of course there would also need to be a new wall mount flat screen... preferably 32" or more. <br />And no, I never did select a mattress. I'm figuring thats probably where my tax refund will go next spring, so I've got a couple months to comparison shop.<br /><br />All of this furniture totals just $2,301.99, without taxes, not too bad for TEN pieces of furniture.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-7858902907723828332009-12-01T19:10:00.000-08:002009-12-01T19:20:19.452-08:00First Sewing ProjectI've selected my first sewing project, and its something for ME. <br /><br />I'm making one of <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-1550-aprons.aspx#">these aprons - apron D</a>, actually. It's the one on the far right.<br /><br />But, if you know me, you know that I can't make it in some cutesy homey fabric. I've got to go with something a little more funky... something a little rock n roll. I'm doing it with this fabric<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUV34JceHejhk3w0Ta7I6WXaOUE3nh1YGB_9VpGQ25nEoyUizoSgpD6NCBt_OvACuZ5kzSjLtxr8EY_xFgyiTV-nX84hI8HYMva343g_6ZCC-8dvVn6WV3Fl4a63t2pYMfbqe3w/s1600-h/bedding+019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUV34JceHejhk3w0Ta7I6WXaOUE3nh1YGB_9VpGQ25nEoyUizoSgpD6NCBt_OvACuZ5kzSjLtxr8EY_xFgyiTV-nX84hI8HYMva343g_6ZCC-8dvVn6WV3Fl4a63t2pYMfbqe3w/s400/bedding+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410473270867073426" /></a><br /><br />I know, you can't wait to see the finished product. Neither can I!Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-23401886670486476152009-11-27T07:40:00.000-08:002009-11-27T08:24:26.479-08:00Well, That's SettledSooo, you know how I mentioned that I'd been thinking of <a href="http://nessacery.blogspot.com/2009/11/because-i-really-need-another-hobby.html">learning how to sew</a>? But that I didn't know if it was the best idea because I really don't NEED another hobby? <br /><br />This past week Grandma had be dig into the depths of her closet to find something for her and in the process, I found her sewing machines. Which she hasn't used in about ten years and realistically won't use ever again. <br /><br />Yeah, it's now my machine. <br /><br />What should I sew first?Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-77920099476646158612009-11-25T12:49:00.000-08:002009-11-25T13:39:18.742-08:00Linky LoveI've been at home sick this week and when not napping, have been surfing the internet and watching Wifeswap reruns on Lifetime (don't judge!). <br />A few cooking, craft, and DIY projects that have intrigued me this week<br /><br /><a href="http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Crafts/Pot-Rack-Ladder-Craft.html">Ladder pot rack</a> from Woman's Day. I wish my kitchen could accomodate one of these.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/decorations/create-cabbage-centerpiece-00000000012692/index.html">Cabbage centerpieces</a> from Real Simple. LOVE these - so cute. <br /><br /><a href="http://readymade.com/projects/article/messenger_bag">Messenger bag</a> made from plastic grocery bags courtesy of Ready Made. I may try to whip up one of these. <br /><a href="http://readymade.com/projects/article/army_blanket_bag"><br />Army Blanket Bag</a> at Ready Made. Decent gift idea for a man in your life.<br /><br />Not exactly a DIY since its a kit, but I'm likin' this <a href="http://readymade.com/projects/article/bachelor_pod_cloudlight_headboard">Cloudlight Headboard</a> - too bad it wouldn't work with the style of my bedroom. <br /><br />Love this <a href="http://readymade.com/projects/article/watch_bracelet">watchface bracelet</a> over at Ready Made.<br /><br />These <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/pumpkin-pie-bites/">Pumpkin Bites</a> at Bakerella are almost too cute to eat. Almost. <br /><br />The <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/11/cakespy-pumpkin-apple-pecan-thanksgiving-pie-thanksgiving-recipe.html">Pumpkin-Apple-Pecan Pie</a> is a genius idea over at Cakespy. <br /><br />I've been admiring these <a href="http://www.notmartha.org/tomake/homemadesunjar/">Sun Jars</a> over at Not Martha for a couple years.<br /><br />Another project of Not Marthas that I've been admiring for a couple of years? Her <a href="http://www.notmartha.org/tomake/marblemagnets/">marble magnets</a>.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-66079207042672462302009-11-19T19:03:00.000-08:002009-11-25T02:04:36.117-08:00Because I Really Need Another HobbyI have too many hobbies. Knitting, crochet, beading, photography, cooking, baking, painting... I could go on and on. <br />I don't know why I have so many hobbies, I just decide to try something and then I jump in headfirst. Generally, I'll keep with it for a while and then put it down for anywhere from a month to a year while I move on to a new hobby, or revisit an old one. <br />For a couple years now I've been wanting to learn how to sew. The only reason I haven't is because I really do not need yet another hobby. Also, I do not need to accumulate the materials that go along with another hobby. I already have more yarn and beads than I know what to do with -- I don't have the shelf or drawer space that would be needed to accommodate the fabric, thread and notions that I know I would accumulate. <br />However, the desire to learn how to sew returned when I recently saw the following childrens clothing on <a href="http://www.etsy.com">Etsy</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=32449728">So Not A Princess Dress</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItFXWRodEuXLbNhQcyuenY-5ALfiLlgaLJlpUWHOEtI2fQgFU6qFyX5Ean4Ed8XeANl_asjthtl-vcjBWUka3_CZ0WCK53PtZZTOYpZJcHQgfsPXY7l-Rp8mNhfYlWK536aXlEQ/s1600/il_75x75.95552629.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItFXWRodEuXLbNhQcyuenY-5ALfiLlgaLJlpUWHOEtI2fQgFU6qFyX5Ean4Ed8XeANl_asjthtl-vcjBWUka3_CZ0WCK53PtZZTOYpZJcHQgfsPXY7l-Rp8mNhfYlWK536aXlEQ/s400/il_75x75.95552629.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406022641284471026" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31236845"><br />Evening Beauty Dress</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTNolhTBnrmi2UQ_XiZ7g06JNLyRK5jT-eeO9P2it6Unkx7twbGDYbZOGQ8Tsxd6hehC6B6V6briRGFOlNTTm2roIQriMoExGoVMcO8Qaz0ovKt-kRV0sK7VKNBAr9ChKiOk1lw/s1600/il_430xN.91481194.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 321px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTNolhTBnrmi2UQ_XiZ7g06JNLyRK5jT-eeO9P2it6Unkx7twbGDYbZOGQ8Tsxd6hehC6B6V6briRGFOlNTTm2roIQriMoExGoVMcO8Qaz0ovKt-kRV0sK7VKNBAr9ChKiOk1lw/s400/il_430xN.91481194.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406023133643389266" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33942683"><br />Easter Delight Dress</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZv3bt8fgU_2o1ojWLAP-UKTz0eBMbZquoLz07-JXDBjlwjMhtV-3cC6V3DnXejyvk7-1H7Eq7XHKMBJCrfUQiWM-HuC73j5dkiEgPsb0BKuzxYuoyvR_rPyl8lKKZHV77EEdglA/s1600/il_430xN.100575907.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZv3bt8fgU_2o1ojWLAP-UKTz0eBMbZquoLz07-JXDBjlwjMhtV-3cC6V3DnXejyvk7-1H7Eq7XHKMBJCrfUQiWM-HuC73j5dkiEgPsb0BKuzxYuoyvR_rPyl8lKKZHV77EEdglA/s400/il_430xN.100575907.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406023839935753138" /></a><br /><br />They'd all be SO CUTE on my little niece!<br /><br />Of course, I also found some pieces I found that I wouldn't mind making for myself.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=29711502"><br />Audrey Hepburn style circle skirt</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3FzsgNz0I5J6gxcPIRVUXJHliOaizL3c7nrgFTPS0Hy12S0xmNuchvxVhlLZHI2ziqownow41GsFJ4WI0FAJYmQJRezhcA9AgfbkOa5OC4xuLF-7pVWrSgDxA630JQy6I1-tHg/s1600/il_430xN.86357225.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3FzsgNz0I5J6gxcPIRVUXJHliOaizL3c7nrgFTPS0Hy12S0xmNuchvxVhlLZHI2ziqownow41GsFJ4WI0FAJYmQJRezhcA9AgfbkOa5OC4xuLF-7pVWrSgDxA630JQy6I1-tHg/s400/il_430xN.86357225.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406024823278789970" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=31791208"><br />Awesome Yoga Pants</a> -- I LOVE yoga pants<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ923bJ8MEcjBDwlhtYfJ4eBN4Gt5CihFLj2lJ8Gy5pu08V7tcxJkwiJvYLjqY7IYGgpCMn0VQ6sH8maTcxaVfJHz1dLVFcV_DeOX-0QbopmuUa-rbLG0-dNvA0NWQTYrZgrCzuA/s1600/il_430xN.93339610.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ923bJ8MEcjBDwlhtYfJ4eBN4Gt5CihFLj2lJ8Gy5pu08V7tcxJkwiJvYLjqY7IYGgpCMn0VQ6sH8maTcxaVfJHz1dLVFcV_DeOX-0QbopmuUa-rbLG0-dNvA0NWQTYrZgrCzuA/s400/il_430xN.93339610.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406025128959885250" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=32236347"><br />The Desi Dress</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3pwCSz77aVGRMExlJmpWZH55uLPuIWf8y9yLdooCKA2vlyKAenarJmZzvoRi3lxtSAiOeQF4W2vxFcbsFrSSQ4mmeftzsvUb4d9rgR5ga8JYWOnICOWAzBbCpDcydD7s1tgybQ/s1600/il_430xN.94834868.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3pwCSz77aVGRMExlJmpWZH55uLPuIWf8y9yLdooCKA2vlyKAenarJmZzvoRi3lxtSAiOeQF4W2vxFcbsFrSSQ4mmeftzsvUb4d9rgR5ga8JYWOnICOWAzBbCpDcydD7s1tgybQ/s400/il_430xN.94834868.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406025549234932482" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34454711">Another "Audrey" style circle skirt</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxIU4khk7OkTHIvOS8U_pg7gOLb2nmv3YH5JYGZ-dTxFyMflDf5JZFNhvgChroYf4-JtZCY-ZO66IOG3NvZlNianU6K5zvY7l87uRLCTB8S4v7skPhKUn61dwaHMPKZDsmo3DDA/s1600/il_430xN.102307832.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxIU4khk7OkTHIvOS8U_pg7gOLb2nmv3YH5JYGZ-dTxFyMflDf5JZFNhvgChroYf4-JtZCY-ZO66IOG3NvZlNianU6K5zvY7l87uRLCTB8S4v7skPhKUn61dwaHMPKZDsmo3DDA/s400/il_430xN.102307832.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406026676763237330" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34670501&ref=sr_gallery_1&&ga_search_query=russian+cashmere+doll+plus&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title">Russian Doll Cashmere Coat</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroZUOOAwcSs_qVPEwTL5WRIw8hkM1ij43zTrdlQbZX0CZNWit5NJUofzSPPmThzO1Wh3dCD7SStSw1OhVHNmSiYjAcDyYC5GI1Js_pk4d0RP4iq3xFcKiFJH1TEJA2jClWB-lWw/s1600/il_430xN.103036440.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroZUOOAwcSs_qVPEwTL5WRIw8hkM1ij43zTrdlQbZX0CZNWit5NJUofzSPPmThzO1Wh3dCD7SStSw1OhVHNmSiYjAcDyYC5GI1Js_pk4d0RP4iq3xFcKiFJH1TEJA2jClWB-lWw/s400/il_430xN.103036440.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406027084768128418" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=34794805"><br />Geek Girl Hoodie</a> - I know, completely different from the above dresses and skirts<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D6e7stP-djJwDgw0p2K_rN5_6z94i5y6zfqZNlAhZlKXmp7TpXArgcglTDZpQMaHYCVAXgS90QOgI26gmsh_8yWk5HPGriCjqqX0JVEy7t9zticePYHAxs6-PtQl-lI2_k7K4Q/s1600/il_430xN.103455533.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D6e7stP-djJwDgw0p2K_rN5_6z94i5y6zfqZNlAhZlKXmp7TpXArgcglTDZpQMaHYCVAXgS90QOgI26gmsh_8yWk5HPGriCjqqX0JVEy7t9zticePYHAxs6-PtQl-lI2_k7K4Q/s400/il_430xN.103455533.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406027427253415378" /></a><br /><br />So, I'm contemplating learning to sew. I know that I could make any of these items for much less than what they are selling for - BUT, do I really need to take on another hobby?<br />I haven't done much in the way of knitting, crochet, or beading in a while so I'm wondering if the interest in taking on a new hobby is because I haven't been doing any of my current ones in so long.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-75146265049813864652009-11-19T17:45:00.000-08:002009-11-19T19:03:00.138-08:00Rethinking Old TraditionsWhen I was younger I remember going shopping each fall for that years winter coat. It signaled the change of season, that Thanksgiving and Christmas weren't too far away, and neither were the breaks from school. <br />Grandma would take me to the store and I would try on various jackets and coats, picking out the perfect piece of outerwear for the season and I would generally be able to talk Grandma into getting me a couple of sweaters as well. After our shopping expedition, Grandma and I would go out to lunch before heading home. It was a ritual that most frequently just Grandma and I - something I looked forward to each year. <br />Now that I'm an adult and responsible for purchasing my own wardrobe, its a ritual that I've kept up for myself. Each year, right around Halloween, I usually start shopping around for a new winter coat or jacket. Some years I get something a little funky, some years I get something more basic and sensible. Some years I've gotten coats that were completely different than the previous years. Some years I've gotten a coat that was almost identical to the prior years purchase.<br />A couple weeks ago, my sister called me asking if I had any old clothing that I would be willing to donate to a new resident at her rehab house. A few nights before a new woman had joined their home and had come in with only the clothing on her back and she didn't have any family in the area to bring her clothing - it would be about 3 weeks before they would be able to come to Northern California and bring her anything. <br />It was perfect timing, really. I had just been thinking that I needed to go through my closets and dressers and clean out the clothing that either no longer fit, or that I just didn't wear anymore. I was debating between washing everything and putting it aside for a yard sale next spring, or just dropping it all off at the Goodwill. Between the options available, I decided that I would much rather give the clothing to women who are making genuine efforts to improving themselves, and who could use the items more. <br />In the midst of going through all of my clothing I realized exactly how many coats and jackets I have - its an insane amount. Even after taking FOUR coats up there, I still have at least SIX coats and jackets in my closets. Absolutely insane. I realized then that I have ZERO need to purchase a winter coat this year. I may never need to purchase a winter coat ever again. How much money have I spent on winter outerwear in the past few years? And how frequently do I wear each of those pieces? Not often enough to justify them all. Certainly not enough to justify buying another one this year. <br />However, I did still online browse this years options. This time, I did not purchase any and since I knew I would not be making any purchases I paid no attention to price. These were some of my favorites....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf4XS9jabL98ADGv9x_jCxrpOURbGCx05oeYKRzUyBbnQerYz4iBdB6Yu7IEYR61ykBeFXgDRiR90kpbO6JH1BMvaZtsKQlOxYBX27kUNyhAAEGJA6NaBeYZtUdm35XbPjdYq-w/s1600/54016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf4XS9jabL98ADGv9x_jCxrpOURbGCx05oeYKRzUyBbnQerYz4iBdB6Yu7IEYR61ykBeFXgDRiR90kpbO6JH1BMvaZtsKQlOxYBX27kUNyhAAEGJA6NaBeYZtUdm35XbPjdYq-w/s400/54016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406015685835297010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazLzQr4FR-4b7Q4eHny8r4XJERrfQYqkNoGFEcSBPA03Kfw5EWASkwcGVWXzhbVv-3KCYzmCkkeW3Z_p_6qpDYKox5f3Kk3RhqT5_0qVHLwvFGw27wMvDVnsee4rxTW6_8IG15Q/s1600/54018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazLzQr4FR-4b7Q4eHny8r4XJERrfQYqkNoGFEcSBPA03Kfw5EWASkwcGVWXzhbVv-3KCYzmCkkeW3Z_p_6qpDYKox5f3Kk3RhqT5_0qVHLwvFGw27wMvDVnsee4rxTW6_8IG15Q/s400/54018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406015678427193186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmz5v_gaSIzFk1Y7Rgnm08eQ3SUJegtUOzTV0YFO-y-mzBcwYLIrmUZTkLsk3fvMwsRe0kgU1qYEsUac6kbog9DFKbeIYjerRcPmBqhtzpPz02NjcYNjObOd77Zte-aXigUXj2g/s1600/20846.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmz5v_gaSIzFk1Y7Rgnm08eQ3SUJegtUOzTV0YFO-y-mzBcwYLIrmUZTkLsk3fvMwsRe0kgU1qYEsUac6kbog9DFKbeIYjerRcPmBqhtzpPz02NjcYNjObOd77Zte-aXigUXj2g/s400/20846.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406015675433796706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfM7SmH2T73A9JWlx9Kpg8mc5fsyD1CbVAzt2Jf_d207yzh4fr1j5rCi9i62ghXmGphNZpth2f6eaAzm9R7EBwD4vc5ki7EbE3N_r4erlVy89NERyvupU-4us8_YksYscH_6Y2w/s1600/4093506.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfM7SmH2T73A9JWlx9Kpg8mc5fsyD1CbVAzt2Jf_d207yzh4fr1j5rCi9i62ghXmGphNZpth2f6eaAzm9R7EBwD4vc5ki7EbE3N_r4erlVy89NERyvupU-4us8_YksYscH_6Y2w/s400/4093506.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406015670929386290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidqWxBvAuhrohkLEAGrMYAT7YDJjTGsVC9Au-dhOHQSkj1gxt2wMhkzxyp0Vve3BtrU39bc-VJngf_7PLHLUXa9uzej9vem-8ydsubuMuiA3vn99W-JD2iojfZOKc-0PgHy63ow/s1600/12748.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidqWxBvAuhrohkLEAGrMYAT7YDJjTGsVC9Au-dhOHQSkj1gxt2wMhkzxyp0Vve3BtrU39bc-VJngf_7PLHLUXa9uzej9vem-8ydsubuMuiA3vn99W-JD2iojfZOKc-0PgHy63ow/s400/12748.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406015669726116770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjZpclyquP5V2HSciWLcQUcRbcZGaqi3x6DogPu2F4Kisvezq9c-13nu0u4ccFbTvGLCIzfV6pDDUqACYCBFW3lFYL0MV6U6XufB1Q-95iRtJH1r4pzDEiIachObZy0sfcZecyA/s1600/_5918141.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjZpclyquP5V2HSciWLcQUcRbcZGaqi3x6DogPu2F4Kisvezq9c-13nu0u4ccFbTvGLCIzfV6pDDUqACYCBFW3lFYL0MV6U6XufB1Q-95iRtJH1r4pzDEiIachObZy0sfcZecyA/s400/_5918141.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406015477355757794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdY2xXWYyfsedGodsVn-LlFd2qAhaS4N_EgoFQBZpckIqfvcCkoiTP5qtXEO3xPzQrD2GCV-up2sTMb3_oqO9Nw0w6MZa3KXLNMA1gxBBK_K9O6QbduqKpEgyDWRw5Efua58U0g/s1600/_5902861.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdY2xXWYyfsedGodsVn-LlFd2qAhaS4N_EgoFQBZpckIqfvcCkoiTP5qtXEO3xPzQrD2GCV-up2sTMb3_oqO9Nw0w6MZa3KXLNMA1gxBBK_K9O6QbduqKpEgyDWRw5Efua58U0g/s400/_5902861.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406015474928626098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP479Cf4PMFyFsL1JziVBoQjWu3l0r4SUt4lyK1WEFMbOXzETn520suEFalnlWTaKQw07ltDOZFLJP5dix3fJIM9VM0T5-TeiVx_-PByb-OErA3bgpCUngA2Db3kJx1UL1M8p92A/s1600/_5971898.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP479Cf4PMFyFsL1JziVBoQjWu3l0r4SUt4lyK1WEFMbOXzETn520suEFalnlWTaKQw07ltDOZFLJP5dix3fJIM9VM0T5-TeiVx_-PByb-OErA3bgpCUngA2Db3kJx1UL1M8p92A/s400/_5971898.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406015469428939522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipWdjpf1wxYJHi_dMtSBZuu-7sRkfVkkLIGA-tbcIO94bF2KZ8PK-VXmdxNysYDELNUG8SsKR4YhYNbSFp_ZpTG3jv4qX8f9wGutAbawD-tlOAxeuhu7uWagVhRFzVSq2AJ7KCg/s1600/_5751848.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipWdjpf1wxYJHi_dMtSBZuu-7sRkfVkkLIGA-tbcIO94bF2KZ8PK-VXmdxNysYDELNUG8SsKR4YhYNbSFp_ZpTG3jv4qX8f9wGutAbawD-tlOAxeuhu7uWagVhRFzVSq2AJ7KCg/s400/_5751848.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406015466426699794" /></a>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-72195881211827691612009-11-05T01:54:00.000-08:002009-11-05T02:16:08.076-08:00'Cause jam Don't Shake Like That...For the past few days I've been thinking about what crafts I should make this holiday season. Boy-oh-boy, do I have some ideas. Nope, not going to share just yet... can't spoil ALL of the surprises.<br /><br />However, I do need a little help.<br /><br />I've decided that one of the projects I am likely to undertake is making some jams and/or jellies. I've chosen one flavor solely based upon free access to a specific fruit tree, so that particular flavor I'm not divulging (one of the surprises!).<br />One of my many issues with all of my crafty endeavors is that I am not satisfied taking on just ONE project. Nope. If I'm going to make sugar scrub, there needs to be multiple scent options. The same standard applies with jellies --- I <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">NEED</span> to make more than just one flavor of jam/jelly. This is where you come in! I've selected thirteen different options and obviously I can't possibly make all thirteen PLUS the top secret flavor. I'm thinking I should only make three flavors... four, tops. <br />Please, take a moment to review the following flavors and select up to three of the options in the poll to the right. <br />Thank you, and have a good day!<br />Amaretto Peach Pecan Preserves*<br />Blushing Peach Jam (blushing = raspberry)<br />Caramel Apple Jam<br />Clementine Marmalade<br />Chocolate Raspberry Jam<br />Mango Butter<br />Mango Raspberry Jam<br />Pear Vanilla Jam<br />Pomegranate Jelly<br />Pumpkin Butter<br />Rosemary Orange Marmalade<br />Sangria Jelly*<br />Tangerine Marmalade<br /><br />* All alcohol content will be cooked out during the preparation of the noted recipes.<br /><br />PS - Holy cow am I going to be buying a boatload of sugar. <br /><br />PPS - Am I out of my mind for deciding to try making my own jams and jellies when I've never canned anything on my own before? I tried making a marionberry jam with my grandma up in Oregon years ago but it never fully jelled. It was more like marionberry syrup. Now, that may have been due to the fact that my grandma wasn't the most fantastic cook in the world (she was decent, but not spectacular) or due to the fact that I was only twelve years old. Theres also the possibility that that particular project was the first sign that I suck at canning and just haven't tried to do it again since so I'm completely unaware that I do, in fact, suck at canning. AND are holiday gifts really the proper venue to discover that this is not something that I'm good at? <br /><br />PPS - VOTE! NOW!Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-81850665835082251192009-11-03T00:43:00.000-08:002009-11-03T01:34:34.800-08:00NaNo-Whatever-I'm-Not-Doing-It-MonthI considered participating in <a href="http://www.nablopomo.com/">NaBloPoMo</a>. <br />I also considered participating in <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> and <a href="http://www.knitgrrl.com/?p=550">NaKniSweMo</a>.<br />But, lets get real - my posting here has been pretty spotty this year, I don't know how I'd keep up with daily posting for an entire month. <br />Writing a novel? Sure, I've got some ideas but have no idea how I would manage to write a 50,000 story (an average of 1,666 words per day) in a month. <br />Knitting a sweater in a month? Definitely more feasible, but I tried that a couple of years ago. Note, I said that I <span style="font-style:italic;">tried</span>. Back in 2006 I started to knit <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/PATTviveka.html">this sweater</a>. I got the back completed and the front started, then put the sweater down when I started having some major car problems and was doing some extensive car shopping which led to the purchase of the car I have now. Anyways, I put the front of the sweater down and now I couldn't tell you where I stopped in the pattern or even what size I was working on. The pieces are sitting in a box with some of the yarn I purchased to make the sweater. Yes, some. Cooper got his little paws on a few of the skeins and since he seems to think he's part cat and loves to play with yarn, he tore all over the house with a couple of skeins, effectively destroying them. So, I don't even have all of the yarn to finish the blasted sweater if I wanted to. <br />Ultimately I decided against NaKniSweMo this year not because I had failed in completing the challenge in the past, but because I have got SO DAMN MUCH going on in my life right now. Basically its the same of everything that I've been dealing with for the past three months, plus gearing up for the holidays, plus I'm FINALLY taking a vacation this month. <br />Yes, I have not had a vacation since my trip to London a year and a half ago. So, a couple months ago a few of my girlfriends and I decided that it was time for a vacation and we decided upon New Orleans. Yes, history and culture was part of the reason why we chose New Orleans - we want to see the plantations, the cemeteries, the musicians, the parks. And yes, the lack of an open container law was a slight factor in the decision. At least it was for me. <br />I went to New Orleans a little over five years ago and did get to see a lot of it. However, I was there to take my 13-year-old cousin to a karate tournament so I did not get to see everything I wanted to. There were 2 or 3 plantations that I wanted to see - after the first one she was all "meh, I've had enough of plantations". Going out to eat was a pain too. I was looking forward to some amazing New Orleans fare - her reaction to most places was "thats too cuisiney. Can't we go to Wendys?" <br />And forget hitting Bourbon Street at night. <br />I also didn't get to see any of the cemeteries because I had read all of these travel guides stating how incredibly dangerous the cemeteries are and that there are muggers throughout them and you're putting yourself in grave (pun not intended) danger going through them if you're not with a group. As a result, even with a group, I was not comfortable with the idea of taking my baby cousin into the cemeteries. <br />Now I am going with a group of three other adult women so I KNOW I will have a fantastic trip. <br />Yes, I am a little sad that I am staying in the US - I would have LOVED to have collected another stamp in my passport, but finances are a little tight so a trip to Europe would have been a hardship. <br />Also, its November, I've got to get geared up for Christmas - there are a lot of crafts for me to get started on. Christmas is less than two months away and I haven't even decided what crafts I'm going to make this year. Sure, I've got a few ideas on what I can do, but nothing that I've definitely decided upon yet. <br />This last point makes me wonder WHY all of this Na-whatever-whatever-Mo projects are in November? Seriously? People are stressed over the holidays rapidly approaching as it is. Why add a project of any of these magnitudes to your plate at this time of year? <br />NaNoWriMo? In my opinion, thats a project for January. In January people are recuperating from the holidays - mentally, emotionally, and financially. What better time to hole up at home with your laptop and a cup of cocoa to flex your creative muscles? None I tell ya, NONE! <br />NaBloPoMo? Thats something for the springtime - you're out doing stuff after a winter of staying in where its warm. Much more blog fodder in my opinion. <br />NaKniSweMo? That should be a September project... <span style="font-style:italic;">maybe</span> October. Think about it - you want to knit a new sweater for the winter? Do it in September or October so that you have it for November when things start to get a little chilly. With the exception of this year. This year IS unseasonably warm for November. <br />So, this November, I am protesting. I am not participating, and not going to attempt to participate in any of these projects. I am going to go to New Orleans and have beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde on the Mississippi River and drink Hurricanes out of to go cups from bars with walk up windows. I am going to take Cooper to the groomers tomorrow morning. I am going to try to get caught up on housekeeping before I leave for my trip. I am going to figure out what the heck I'm doing for my holiday crafts this year. I am going to work on a recipe that I'm formulating to enter in the Pillsbury Bake Off next spring. I am going to visit with my sister and my niece (I'm taking her to the zoo for the first time this Saturday. CAN'T WAIT). I'm going to find a new cake or pie recipe to make for Thanksgiving. I'm going to do what I would normally do without one of these challenges.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-80083056253088691322009-10-19T22:54:00.000-07:002009-10-19T23:46:00.737-07:00Koolickles & Poppy Seed ChickenOne of my new favorite snacks are Koolickles. <br />My mom told me about this little treat after watching an episode of Alton Browns on the Food Network. She remembered that it called for "the big jar of dill pickles, two packets of cherry Kool-Aid, and a couple cups of sugar". Intrigued, I looked at the Food Networks website but wasn't able to find the recipe anywhere. So, I decided to wing it. <br />My first attempt at the Koolickles I just got a normal sized jar of dill pickle spears, dumped in one packet of cherry flavored kool-aid, some sugar (didn't measure), shook the jar until it was all well mixed, and put it in the fridge. They came out okay, Grandma liked them, but I wasn't overly impressed. <br />However, I did like them enough to give it another try. This time I decided to follow my moms loose recollection of the recipe a little closer and I got the big 80 ounce jar of dill pickle spears and two packets of cherry kool-aid. I removed all of the spears from the jar, leaving the brine, and added the packets of kool-aid. The only dilema was how much sugar to add. I decided to follow the guidelines on the kool-aid packets and added two cups, put the lid back on the jar and shook the heck out of it until it was all well mixed and it appeared as though the kool-aid and sugar were both completely dissolved. I put the spears back in the jar, and put it in the fridge. This was this past Friday night, I had my 9 year old cousin for the weekend and it was a fun project for us to do together. <br />Tonight, Monday, we sampled the Koolickles. HUGE hit. They were much better than the first batch even though they haven't sit for as long as is recommended. Before writing this post I decided to Google the recipe rather than to just rely upon the loose interpretation provided by my mother and found <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89128508">this recipe</a>. <br /><br />I know it sounds weird - cherry pickles - but trust, they are tasty. The only other variation I may try is to use Splenda in place of sugar because I'm sure my diabetic sister would like these.<br /><br /><br />The other cooking project I did with my younger cousin was my famous (okay, so its not really "famous", but my Grandma loves it as does my mom and now my younger cousin... so, its getting there) "Poppy Seed Chicken".<br />A while back I read a cooking tip that recommended using ranch dressing in place of an egg bath for homemade chicken nuggets. I thought that sounded delicious and was anxious to try it, BUT Grandma doesn't like ranch dressing. The only salad dressing that Grandma likes is Maries Creamy Poppyseed. A light bulb went off. <br />Take your chicken pieces (breast, thigh, leg, all work equally well - the only piece I haven't tried this with is wings) and sprinkle with sea salt and fresh ground pepper then place in a marinade of creamy poppyseed dressing - I use about 1/2 a bottle of Kraft brand simply because it's cheaper than the Maries brand. I typically allow this to marinade for about an hour. <br />Once the chicken pieces are done marinading, dredge the chicken pieces in a mixture of Italian Seasoning flavored bread crumbs and shredded parmesan cheese - the good stuff in the little tubs, not the crap in the can on the shelf in the pasta section...you should NEVER use that stuff for anything. <br />Bake the chicken on a cookie sheet. Heres where my grandma thinks I'm weird, when I cook meats of any kind I almost always start off at a low temperature, in this case 200F, for about 45 minutes, THEN I turn the heat up to 400F until the juices run clear when cut. I really need to time this some time - I <span style="font-style:italic;">think</span> I cook it at 400F for another 30 minutes, but I could really be off here. The reason I start off with the lower temperature is that it seems to start the cooking process without drying out the meat. I read this technique somewhere and it stuck with me, I don't know how accurate it is but its worked well for me the majority of the time.<br />Whenever I make this chicken it gets rave reviews, my grandmother will talk about it for a couple of days afterwards. I think thats a clue that I need to start making it more frequently.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-44648472212311739062009-10-13T23:13:00.000-07:002009-10-13T23:47:54.041-07:00Technology I WantWe're all familiar with my technology killing skills, I've covered it ad nauseum. So much so that I'm not going to bother linking back to all of the individual instances... either that or I'm just too lazy to look up all of the past links. Potato, potatoh.<br />Anywhoosits, the curse has not been broken. <br />Back in April I reconciled to the fact that I could not afford the new MacBook of my dreams so I took a portion of my tax refund and purchased a cheap ass netbook. Seriously cheap - the thing was less than $300 with tax and everything and it worked like a dream. For two weeks. Seriously, two weeks. Then the thing wouldn't turn on. I took it back to Best Buy where they easily exchanged it for a new one of the same model. That one looked like a dream... for three months. Seriously, what the hell is wrong that everything technological I touch goes up in smoke... that reminds me, I have another computer story to tell you... you are going to shit. <br />So when the second netbook crapped out on me, I took it back to Best Buy. Unfortunately it was beyond the 30 day warranty through the store so they offered to run diagnostic on it... for $200. Thats right, two thirds of what I paid for the thing. If it was a software issue I would have to pony up whatever additional monies would be needed to fix it, and you know that would be in excess of $100, effectively paying for the thing ALL OVER AGAIN. However, if it was a hardware issue the netbook would be sent back to the manufacturer for them to either repair or replace and then I would have to try to get my $200 for the diagnostic back from the manufacturer. So far I've said screw it and the thing is being a very highly priced paperweight at this time. <br />Now, get ready to shit. <br />A while back my office was painted AND the carpets were replaced. Naturally, the office was rather smelly for a while from the paint and the carpet glue. Then a few weeks later I'm sitting at my desk and notice a weird chemically smell. It only lasted about 10 minutes, then went away. Then a few days later the smell comes back for just a few minutes, then goes away again. Since they were brief I thought that maybe they were residual odor from the carpet glue or something. Both times I just brushed it off. THEN one day the odor pops up again and doesn't go away, it keeps getting stronger. I finally turn to a manager who sits near me and ask "Do you smell this"?<br />He comes over to my desk and says "Holy crap, get away I think your computer is on fire - that smells like an electrical burn".<br />He runs off to get our facility guys. <br />I'm standing there trying to process this. My computers on fire? Bullshit. My computer can not possibly be ON FIRE. Seriously. <br />Our two facility guys show up, one of them pulls out the tower and the other one looks at the back of it and says "Crap!" and immediately just starts yanking out all of the various cords. <br />Apparently the exhaust fan thingy had died and my computer was doing some sort of slow electrical burn. Not exactly ON FIRE, but not exactly NOT on fire either. <br />So, my work computer was replaced and the one I have now is archaically slow. Seriously, what is it with me and faulty electronics? <br /><br />Anygeek, I've compiled a list of the four technological products I want. Any bets on how long it would take for me to kill all of them?<br /><br />iPod Touch <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfRl_raCcnWT1PD49gAcFQ4r0Sm1Yl6QQT2RnjjNSgh7Efm68QKYt9WNwmuV2K30Jh7pKUKZIOyCjVwSmtVMIeqPuz4SLEdCJXBuACkgq1J9eTWpMv3VXeMdb1k_ChagViSE8TA/s1600-h/ipod+touch.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 382px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfRl_raCcnWT1PD49gAcFQ4r0Sm1Yl6QQT2RnjjNSgh7Efm68QKYt9WNwmuV2K30Jh7pKUKZIOyCjVwSmtVMIeqPuz4SLEdCJXBuACkgq1J9eTWpMv3VXeMdb1k_ChagViSE8TA/s400/ipod+touch.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392339715075144450" /></a><br />Ahhhh.... 64GB of music, game, and app goodness. <br />The benefits of an iPhone - apps, wifi, etc - without having to switch my phone carrier to AT&T. <br />It's only $399<br /><br />MacBook Pro<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ep6MySKQP9j6zFCMQ0r4HAHe73D1j0uWZuomDcwJYo9Ks1F_eDPwOQ9NT28xCpE6Y7jWdohGkZpio8zXWvjt94nhANYCTE7usKAn_M0Otwk9Kiq3LzAEGkQ1E2sgkfkQK7fdcA/s1600-h/product-front-15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 348px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ep6MySKQP9j6zFCMQ0r4HAHe73D1j0uWZuomDcwJYo9Ks1F_eDPwOQ9NT28xCpE6Y7jWdohGkZpio8zXWvjt94nhANYCTE7usKAn_M0Otwk9Kiq3LzAEGkQ1E2sgkfkQK7fdcA/s400/product-front-15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392340539594323890" /></a><br />15" anti-glare wide screen display<br />3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor<br />4GB memory<br />500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive<br />Remote<br />3 year protection plan (Because, seriously, if ANYONE needs a protection plan for their computer, it would be me)<br />This gems only $3,067 (with the protection plan and upgrades)<br /><br />Nikon D5000<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPz9QA7FgRi-DfNBhnIXBaVOdBpYO9iL3DtwSDbUZFz2_oLlNJzLHvSFbEZfDQPpqc1ho4xhXV8rMl3YNqY93ABziHtcFsOF_DO0ic1G2i12poQWhf5Qjg_BAeJmTthyphenhyphenGuWtTCQ/s1600-h/353_25452_D5000_34l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 353px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPz9QA7FgRi-DfNBhnIXBaVOdBpYO9iL3DtwSDbUZFz2_oLlNJzLHvSFbEZfDQPpqc1ho4xhXV8rMl3YNqY93ABziHtcFsOF_DO0ic1G2i12poQWhf5Qjg_BAeJmTthyphenhyphenGuWtTCQ/s400/353_25452_D5000_34l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392341467555191458" /></a><br />12.3 MP of Nikon goodness with a nifty flip out swively display for $679<br /><br />Roku<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzoAJxvj9sOwnGqxw-zjDQ39bV0EKC9cZUv1SARZiSqx5V2yiol9XWI5RlW2mO0NGUWJd3RirTF_-ZuXLvL2M9HM7zITvm1rr4BzVi3p_KOjTb0mtggXwPhufcS8nlQ6mMi6HpA/s1600-h/N1100_t.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 91px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzoAJxvj9sOwnGqxw-zjDQ39bV0EKC9cZUv1SARZiSqx5V2yiol9XWI5RlW2mO0NGUWJd3RirTF_-ZuXLvL2M9HM7zITvm1rr4BzVi3p_KOjTb0mtggXwPhufcS8nlQ6mMi6HpA/s400/N1100_t.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392341825374753794" /></a><br />Streaming my Netflix AND Amazon Video on demand? Aaaaaaawesome! I could watch the current season of Dexter without paying for premium cable! Saweeeeet! <br />All for just $99!<br /><br />So, it all adds up to just $4,244. Why the hell can't I win the Lottery?Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12505316.post-38916313378591891022009-10-11T23:36:00.000-07:002009-10-12T00:41:50.086-07:00Long Time, No BlogYeah, I've been caught up in the middle of all of the drama with my niece.<br /><br />I can't exactly say that things have gone badly, but I also can't say that they've gone the way that I wanted them to. <br /><br />Kylee has been placed with her paternal great-aunt, she came down from Idaho for the time being and my mom and I get weekend visits. <br /><br />My sister is doing well, she is in a residential rehab facility that is designed for women with children so there are other mothers there and a couple of them have their children in the house with them. My sister could potentially have Kylee in the house with her later down the road. I'll admit, at first I was a little apprehensive at the thought of Kylee going into a rehab house but I have met all of the women in the house and I am a little more comfortable with the thought of it now. <br />Overall, she is doing really well with her recovery - I am very proud of how far she has come so far and trust that she is on the right path to getting herself together to be reunited with her daughter and make a life for the two of them. <br />My nieces father is a different story. He was supposed to go into rehab the same day that my sister did but didn't check himself in until over a week later, and that was only after several people talked him into it. He was there less than two weeks until he just walked out one night and he has missed two court dates. He's supposed to have gone back into rehab over a week ago but still has not. I am very conflicted on this. <br />Overall, I know that as long as he continues the way he is that he will not be a good father to Kylee and that it may be better for him to not be involved in her life. <br />However, this makes me incredibly sad. I know firsthand what it is like to grow up without a father and I hate hate hate the thought of her going through that. I know what its like to wonder why he wasn't around, to track him down as a teenager, not knowing if he had a whole other family, not knowing if he would accept me or how my sudden appearance would affect this whole other hypothetical family and what their reaction to me would be. I really don't want Kylee to have to go through that. I hope that he gets his act together so that she doesn't have to go through that. <br /><br />To leave you on a CUTE note, here are some of the ADORABLE photos I've taken of Kylee on a couple of our recent visits. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0uAALGQznG0GugJE0JQwupFbvexDOGph4yjz_4MFn0qk4kvqfDjhdLvGH8oj7Dc7-kGvj6D9AqREu5xXAAsbl2EMEx8yGyVcMJrDe2hbkzS_1qGBNTZFN22Zz7VhihjxJ8PJ9A/s1600-h/Picture+021b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0uAALGQznG0GugJE0JQwupFbvexDOGph4yjz_4MFn0qk4kvqfDjhdLvGH8oj7Dc7-kGvj6D9AqREu5xXAAsbl2EMEx8yGyVcMJrDe2hbkzS_1qGBNTZFN22Zz7VhihjxJ8PJ9A/s400/Picture+021b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391615376469191266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JqMlPxBX5ftpVkRVVIFpk-N75zpCIsfCquoB5Sdqeu_wg1pxcL_taUkUr2Fmv0uXP2bJ2aR1uINaazUszVKcVjP7_Wcp1GBJfLlT7dImBX2HaX4g5vZgOQX34x9Trvs03cfORQ/s1600-h/Picture+019a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JqMlPxBX5ftpVkRVVIFpk-N75zpCIsfCquoB5Sdqeu_wg1pxcL_taUkUr2Fmv0uXP2bJ2aR1uINaazUszVKcVjP7_Wcp1GBJfLlT7dImBX2HaX4g5vZgOQX34x9Trvs03cfORQ/s400/Picture+019a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391615363330353458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWXWlRVN-Mdkmjb5x2AQ_Ao5e2XTv5afJqRYpeI0HVbGhC8Csvg0gqkX5D3dKCbGo03-bIfFMQNSNl0KtB5ctdDAaYFZE6cGbNWiysxEtzXHA7FqgRJJQ1yk0V8w5DdZox1KPYA/s1600-h/Picture+006b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWXWlRVN-Mdkmjb5x2AQ_Ao5e2XTv5afJqRYpeI0HVbGhC8Csvg0gqkX5D3dKCbGo03-bIfFMQNSNl0KtB5ctdDAaYFZE6cGbNWiysxEtzXHA7FqgRJJQ1yk0V8w5DdZox1KPYA/s400/Picture+006b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391615349543023778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6gm9UMFRRvPI5cuGc9AEmgRB4zOiY6osSf65w5SAuju_gZjDjJxM8qiDquTPwsa_bNjeBTqIOWMXt5coHiRrY8E9GlY6ru260wbmv5rCbo-EVAj32X_fxmuvYPZy9cst-ApIdw/s1600-h/Picture+027a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6gm9UMFRRvPI5cuGc9AEmgRB4zOiY6osSf65w5SAuju_gZjDjJxM8qiDquTPwsa_bNjeBTqIOWMXt5coHiRrY8E9GlY6ru260wbmv5rCbo-EVAj32X_fxmuvYPZy9cst-ApIdw/s400/Picture+027a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391614658451027442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGW4AYIciB4PW_fkGEjQ1j6s-CTp5yFGTOaySBYXal7De9FpADzDauGO6Kk_HbOHZDMoS1k-_DnNL_yf3OzNhE1l1tU_fzupTbuauI51rF8fDUrN2-LOKjheQtbe8PrDNGc-UNGA/s1600-h/Picture+025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGW4AYIciB4PW_fkGEjQ1j6s-CTp5yFGTOaySBYXal7De9FpADzDauGO6Kk_HbOHZDMoS1k-_DnNL_yf3OzNhE1l1tU_fzupTbuauI51rF8fDUrN2-LOKjheQtbe8PrDNGc-UNGA/s400/Picture+025.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391614650832586370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FkJVR0OSBCvEkzrmn6H-7g_5_KjJLndw-xWzQd4JV0qqrAYBwSe5oJWCHHwSSr6Sga5BthHCec_F88vkpYA6K_DIqU9DIFum1eOgheotEWXfmr_wYPkOTjqwV9_uPczukN3Crg/s1600-h/Picture+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FkJVR0OSBCvEkzrmn6H-7g_5_KjJLndw-xWzQd4JV0qqrAYBwSe5oJWCHHwSSr6Sga5BthHCec_F88vkpYA6K_DIqU9DIFum1eOgheotEWXfmr_wYPkOTjqwV9_uPczukN3Crg/s400/Picture+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391614644310317634" /></a>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04358924726816567808noreply@blogger.com1