Collecting Talents

Bragging Rights

2010-09-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

Not many people know me as a photographer, but it's a skill I've developed out of necessity at work. Unfortunately, it's not something I pursue at home: Cobbler's children going barefoot and all that. But I do have some great shots I've taken here at work. For the first time ever, I'm showing them to the world! <>

From that day on, every where I went ...

2010-09-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

I love my couch. We have an understanding, my couch and I. Around 4:30 p.m. every day, I come home, open the back door for the dog, and plop myself down for a good hour-long session of, "Ahhhh." I watch TV, I knit, I eat horrible things like peanut butter and Nutella. This system works really well, except for two things: The awful, sad looks my dog gives me because I'm neglecting him, and The

Why Apple Crisp deserves its own blog entry

2010-08-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

I am in the perfect marriage. I love to bake. My husband loves to eat what I bake. You can see how, mathematically, that works out pretty well for me. So with two apple trees in the backyard heavy with fruit (well, all the fruit sort of dropped off one of the trees last night, so maybe it's just one treeful now), I've got all sorts of applicious plans. A couple weekends ago, it was a

That's not your ball!

2010-08-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

It seems like the apples on my tree at home are just raining down, and there's nothing I can do about it. Every few days, I try to chuck them over the fence to the greenbelt adjacent to our backyard. There are several families of deer there, and the apples are typically gone the next morning. Last night, Koa was out there with me as I tossed apple over apple over the fence. I noticed he'd get

Winning at fighting

2010-08-25T16:26:00.000-07:00

Last night, Matt and I had an argument. It was over a $1.97 soda. Ostensibly, anyway. What was really happening is anybody's guess. Mine is stress and sleepiness. In a huff, I flounced into the bedroom to read. Matt continued to make dinner (maybe hunger was part of the problem, as well). I ate at the table, while he took up his half of our tandem La-Z-Boy recliner and settled in to watch

I will not be IGNORED, Koa!

2010-08-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have the most wonderful dog in the world. Koa is a purebred German Shepherd Dog that we adopted almost a year ago from the local animal shelter. Since the day we brought him home, he's been looking at us with those wise, sad eyes and patiently teaching us how to be good dog owners. "Guys," he'll seem to say, as he takes his new ball outside and gently drops it on the grass. "Toys do not

It pays to be a mediocre pie-maker

2010-08-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

When we moved into our incredible rental home last year, I took note of the two enormous apple trees in the backyard, and rubbed my hands together like a silent-movie villain. I kept thinking of all the wonderful apple baked goods I'd produce in the fall. So when one tree started producing, I duly waited until the green apples swelled and started falling off the tree before inviting a friend

I've got it bad ... and it ain't good

2010-08-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

I know for a fact that there are people out there whose vices are actually good things. People like my brother-in-law, who supposedly can't go a day without a good, long run. People like my sister, who consider watermelon a delicious dessert. I, however, seem to be just one level above crackhead when it comes to my personal vices. I like to eat frosting right from the container. I would eat

All is lost

2010-08-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

I have discovered that I can download episodes of my longtime obsession, "One Tree Hill," from iTunes ... for $2. I am at least one season behind, and my cable provider does not carry the CW. My heart is giggling with joy as I think of all the times in my day I can sneak away to spend time with Nathan, Hayley, Jamie, Skills, Mouth, Millie, Brooke and Julian!

Peer Pressure

2010-08-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

You know when your shower needs to be cleaned, but you don't want to do it? So you pretend you don't see the muck and slime growing in the corners, then it gets worse and you ignore it more, until you have to spend three hours on your hands and knees battling black mold? (Well, hopefully none of your showers get like that.) That's been my relationship with the blog lately. It's so much easier

Miscellania Roundup

2010-05-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

These days I don't see much of my husband. It's the beginning of the busy season for those in construction (or, at least, window sales), and he's generally working from about 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. So I've got to find ways to amuse myself. Twice last week I took Koa to the dog park. Yesterday I used a pass for the Chaminade's fitness facilities. Their workout equipment is so-so, but I wasn't truly

Control

2010-04-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

It will come as no surprise to most people who know me that I am a control freak. I keep a tight rein on my life: I work set hours, I am rabidly organized, have a weekly meal plan and a scheduled social life. I even eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch on an almost daily basis. Unfortunately, the Universe seems to have a different plan in store for me these days. Since I'm a big believer

Being a parent can make you crazy

2010-04-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

For the past four years, I have been proud to send my stepson to summer camp. It's a day camp put on by the city of Santa Cruz, and it's awesome. Kids are filtered into age-specific camp-groups at a local park. They go on field trips just about every day, to the beach once a week, and do umpteen arts-and-crafts. There's a low ratio of campers to counselors, and they used to take the kids to

The Curse of the Baby Blanket

2010-04-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

I'd like to apologize to my sister-in-law, Staci. I think I'm the reason that her baby didn't come two weeks early like her doctor said. Today, she's sitting around, 39-weeks-and-five-days pregnant, and it's all my fault. You see, I'm not finished with the baby blanket I'm knitting for her bundle of joy. Let me back up. When she was pregnant with her first child, I got straight to work

I'm not wearing Spanx today.

2010-04-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

I'll pause while that sinks in. * * * Two years ago, I set out to lose about 1,000 pounds for my wedding. I didn't make it. But I did manage to maintain the weight I was at, for a year, despite practically living on salad, whole-what pita bread and hummus, and religiously waking up at 4:30 a.m. to hit the gym before work. As a result, I gained 10 pounds in the month leading up to my

Mmmm ... fresh bread

2010-04-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever really noticed how many food blogs there are out there? I'm not pretending to be one of them. But I have started making my own bread. And it's fabulous. I started out with Perfect Sandwich Bread from RecipeZaar. I'd read about it in a blog I follow, how simple it was to make and how delicious. The blogger was not lying. It's got nine ingredients. I can handle nine ingredients.

Did you miss me?

2010-04-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

How long has it been since I've posted? A month? Two months? Let's just say that 2010 got off to a very rocky start for my family. The world as I know it was turned upside down, and I am just now finding my footing again. Here is a rundown of my life since Christmas: The hubs left his toxic former employer for a great new opportunity. That opportunity, though, is commission-only sales. He

I'm lost!

2010-03-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

I love me. In fact, I love me so much that I'm going to tell you another story about me. This is a story that I didn't know. My stepmom shared it with me last night, when we were talking about how children tend to take the things adults say very literally. It appears that, when I was 3, my stepmom ordered an ice cream cake for me from Baskin Robbins. She intended to order it from a store on

Mmmm, bread ...

2010-03-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

Whenever anyone shakes their head at my weight-loss lamentations, and says something about how giving up bread caused them to lose 50 pounds in two days, I confess: I look at them like they're crazy. If loving bread is wrong, I don't want to be right. I've owned a bread machine, and loved setting the timer at night to wake up to delicious warm cinnamon bread early the next morning. I did the

Pretzel Bread Detective

2010-02-21T15:56:00.000-08:00

I. Love. Pretzel bread. And after acquiring my very own Kitchen Aid mixer, I decided to find a way to make it at home. That way, I'd never truly be without this carb-happy delight. I've successfully used a recipe from Recipezaar several times. It is as follows: 1 1/3 c warm water 2 tbsp warm milk 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast 1/3 c light brown sugar 2 tbsp butter, melted 4 c all-purpose flour

Sick of it!

2010-02-19T14:22:00.000-08:00

I am tired of being overweight! Well, of being fat. I'm always going to be overweight. But I don't have to weight this much. I officially classify myself as fat these days. That's not to say I am not a good-looking gal. I am. See? (Full disclosure: I've put on about 10 pounds since that photo was taken.) So how am I going to do this? I've given up coffee for the extra calories; switched most of

Life, Interrupted

2010-02-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

This is what I wanted to do last night: Finish laundry Put laundry away Sweep Vacuum Garnish my 15-bean soup and eat a beautifully prepared dinner Finish knitting at least one afghan square Take my dog for two walks Spend an hour talking to my husband before bed. This is what I actually did last night: Drink three glasses of wine Watch "My Sister's Keeper" and cry Get into a political discussion

So stylin'

2010-02-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

You will all be so jealous when you see the seriously awesome earrings I bought at CJ's Studio jewelry store on Friday. How awesome are they? Let's just say that I will put them on and solve global warming; win an Oscar; turn down both Angelina Jolie AND Johnny Depp; then rescue a puppy from a burning building. Well, OK ... maybe I'll just look super cute. :) But check this out! The designer

Magic Pants

2010-02-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

This really happened. It's a scientific fact that our brain continues to develop as we grow. Once, when I picked Bryce up from camp, he was wearing a pair of track pants that I'd never seen before. I asked him about them, and he said he got them out of his backpack. But, now that he thought about it, his towel wasn't in his backpack at the time. Neither was his lunch. And his name wasn't on

I've Been There

2010-02-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

I love to travel. I don't get to as much as I'd like. In fact, for someone who adores hotels, new places to explore, new languages and new adventures, I've traveled embarassingly little in my life. You wouldn't know it for the recycled anecdotes I love to share, though. In honor of my travel bug (and in anticipation of exciting future trips and more excuses for blogging), I've launched a

Can I be wealthy now, please?

2010-02-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine recently started her own business, representing local artists. I think she is tremendously brave, and that she's in exactly the right line of work! I checked our her Web site, which includes pieces by her clients, and was absolutely floored by these, from CJ's Studio: And these: Definitely these: Apparently, they're available at this fabulous store in downtown Santa Cruz,

I'm gonna do it

2010-02-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

Last year, we had such an abundance of apples on two trees in our backyard that I was stupified. The hubs and I consulted on numerous occassions as to what kind of apples they were (since they weren't Granny Smith's or Red Delicious, we were stumped), and if they were ripe. Finally, we decided it was time to pick them. They were green and tart. I invited a friend over for a massive pie/apple

Where God lives

2010-02-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

This is another cute post from 2008. This kid! Conversing with Bryce is like driving during a high-speed chase in "The Bourne Identity." You think you're going left, and all of a sudden, BAM ... U-turn down a flight of stairs. This morning, we were talking about our favorite characters from "Transformers Animated" on the way to camp. His: Bumblebee, "'cause he's fast." Mine: "The motorcycle guy

The Darndest Things

2010-01-29T11:52:00.001-08:00

This repost from 2008 was too good not to share. I wasn't around for this one, but I thought it was definitely worth telling secondhand. Matt took Bryce to Costco to get his glasses adjusted, and pick up a couple odds and ends. As they were passing a table of samples, Bryce asked if he could have one. "No," Matt said. "But do you want to know why?" Bryce, with a sly look and joking tone,

Things my father told me

2010-01-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

I just spent a good 30 minutes slogging through the rain, without a coat, scarf or umbrella. In heels and hose, no less. As the wind picked up, chilling my already damp form to the bone, I thought about the advice my dad has given me through the years. Topping the list of oft-repeated suggestions, I think, is this: "Bring your jacket--it's cold." I'd inevitably roll my eyes and stomp off to

The Inevitable "Twilight" Post

2010-01-20T15:10:00.000-08:00

A co-worker dropped this off for me today. She did it because I lent her three of my four Twilight books. And then we went to see "New Moon" together. Opening weekend. We stood in line, wearing business attire, surrounded by teenyboppers wearing black sweatshirts and Converse. Let me be perfectly clear: I am not a goth, nor am I 15 and lonely. I don't cry or faint at the sight of Robert

That'll fix it

2010-01-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

Emboldened by my happy results from the Two Layer Pineapple Upside Down Cake, I decided to use the box of butter cake mix I was squirreling away on Saturday. I figured I'd bake a two layer cake for the hubs, and use the opportunity to make my own chocolate frosting. I prepared the cake per the directions, and put it in the oven. Thus ended the "classical music" portion of my dessert. The

Winning at "Marriage"

2010-01-17T21:32:00.000-08:00

If marriage were a competition, my husband would be winning. This weekend, anyway. It started Saturday morning, when we took Koa to his first dog park. Our superior canine far preferred our company to the company of other dogs. We left when he just laid down next to us, coolly surveying all the pooping and chasing. No other dogs were cool enough for him. When I got home from grocery shopping

Dream Interpretation

2010-01-15T09:10:00.000-08:00

Last night, I dreamed that I was trying to park the hubs' truck ... but I was sitting in the passenger seat, and the brakes wouldn't work. It's a dream I have often. Different cars, different scenarios, same nightmare: I'm in the wrong seat, trying to control the vehicle. And usually, the brakes go out. It got me thinking about my other recurring dreams. See if any of these sound familiar to

To Do List 2009: Create a Signature Pastry

2010-01-15T08:44:00.000-08:00

I tried muffins. I tried scones. I tried pies, cakes and puddings. But when it comes to the desserts that I am known for, I've had to accept something: It's my Christmas cookies. Christmas Cookie Extravaganza comes once a year, when I set an entire weekend aside for baking and divvying up hundreds of cookies. The hubs takes some to his work; I take some to mine. The list seems to grow every

To Do List 2009: Cook with Meat

2010-01-13T08:00:00.001-08:00

All you women crowd in close now. I want to tell you something that will make you jealous to your core.My husband makes dinner in my house.Yep, I said it. It's true. I plan the menus, I do the shopping, but when it comes to meal prep, it's all him.Well, I throw in a casserole or premade something-something here and there, just so he doesn't get burned out.But dinner is typically his

Go Away, World

2010-01-08T08:41:00.001-08:00

I am cranky this Friday morning.After 31 years of the world generally working in my favor, Karma has decided to intervene. Here's a rundown of why I am cranky:Best Buy Sucks.The hubs hopped over to Best Buy the day after Christmas, and using a return item, some cash and money we didn't have too much of in our bank account, bought an external hard drive. As happens to the best of us in retail

To Do List 2009: Lose 10 Pounds

2010-01-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Considering I gained, oh, too many, I'd say that was a massive FAIL!To be fair, I did run a half-marathon during the time that I expected to lose 10 pounds. They told me that I would not lose an ounce during training, and I did not believe them.How hard could it be to lose weight when you eat sensibly and run 12-20 miles each week?Hard.Very, very hard.I did not realize that running 12-20 miles

To Do List 2009: Organize a Home Office

2010-01-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

FAIL!Terrific, absolute fail!The closest I came to a home office was setting our defunct desktop computer up on the hubs' childhood desk. And even then, I inadvertently chose the plug that is attached to the room's light switch.Turn the light off, turn the computer off. Not ideal.Of course, I did go through five years worth of files, and purge almost everything. But since I didn't do that until

Pioneer Woman

2010-01-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, people.Which one of you told me to check out The Pioneer Woman's blog?Hmmm??Because I am soooooo obsessed with it. I have spent almost two days reading about how she met and fell in love with her husband (Black Heels to Tractor Wheels: A Love Story) and all about her family.If you keep track of those who blog about you, O Pioneer Woman, I have a girlfriend-crush on you. I want to invite you

To Do List 2009: Run a Half Marathon

2010-01-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

WIN!After a few painstaking months with Team in Training, the wonderful individuals who not only convinced me that I am a runner, but made it so, I completed the Nike Women's Half Marathon in three hours and eight minutes.By the way, my first half marathon was in San Francisco, everyone. There were hills EVERYWHERE! Hills are my nemesis.While I'm not looking forward to my second half-marathon (

My wish list for 2010

2010-01-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

I know everyone is complaining about 2009.Some people really deserve to, with economic breakdowns, illnesses diagnosed, the passing of loved ones and more.But it makes me a little sad for poor old 2009. Last year I got married. I went to Maui. I moved into a great house. I got a dog. I started paying off debt and was quite successful at it.I will miss 2009.But that doesn't mean I'm not looking

TV is depressing tonight

2009-12-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

There's nothing on.I can watch "Revolutionary Road" (which I've never seen and know is depressing) or "He's Just Not That Into You" (which I've never seen AND have recorded AND suspect is depressing).I don't want to watch either, but I can't turn "He's Just Not That Into You" off. But I am SO mad at it.I mad at Ginnifer Goodwin's character, who tries too hard with guys. I'm mad at those guys

Free Dog

2009-12-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

When we adopted Koa, Matt and I were both prepared for years of smooth sailing in the dog ownership department.I'd only ever had outside dogs that my dad was in charge of. Sure, I had to feed and water them; and I picked up my fair share of poop, but if they ever went to the vet or the groomers, only Dad knows for sure.Matt had one dog growing up. From the glowing way my dear husband still talks

Knitting like a sailor

2009-12-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

I don't do a lot of gifts.Over the years, I've had to limit my gift-giving severely, lest it get out of control.But one gift-giving tradition I insist on (and the hubs doesn't argue with) is knitted blankets for the babies in my life.I may not be able to knit for everyone (it seems like every few years there is an explosion of babies, and my two hands can only knit so much), but I make it a point

OK, OK ... I give!

2009-12-10T08:30:00.001-08:00

I give up. I'm scheduling Christmas Cookie Extravaganza.Here's just a smattering of the reasons why:"If you need to, you can send any extras my way so you aren't tempted," wrote my college roommate on Facebook. "I will take one for the team. I am that kind of friend.""I've already made two batches this month," a former co-worker practically bragged.CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!But the big winner was this

Christmas Cookie Extravaganza

2009-12-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

I do it every year.I swear never to do it again every year.Repeat Sentence No. 1.When I was little, my grandmother made Christmas cookies. She had a three-tiered tray on which she served them, and I always marveled at all the different kinds. Italian anise shortbread, sugar, chocolate chip, fudge ... and then I moved away, and the multi-cookie noshing stopped.Three years ago, I realized

My dog is in love with my husband

2009-12-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

It's not a secret in my house, but it's true.My dog is in love with my husband.He enjoys my stepson, and he loves me ... he's just not in love with me. He saves that hysterical, over-the-top passion for the hubs, and him alone.Because Koa is a German Shepherd Dog, he manages to look dignified all the time. Every morning when he hears the hubs' alarm go off, I can hear the jingle-jangle of tags as

Whatever happened to class?

2009-12-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

I love novels set before the industrial era.I love to read about Victorians, pioneers, Canadians and vampires.You wouldn't think those groups have much in common, but oh, they do.They've all got class.They don't curse or talk back; they wear long hems and high necklines; they believe in playing outside instead of watching television; and the only vice they have is (maybe) playing cards or dueling

Thankful for ... Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

As my sister-in-law so delicately pointed out last week, I "suck at being thankful."Yes, my faithful followers (all two of them) noticed that I didn't exactly meet my goal of posting once a day for 30 days.Mea culpa. Mea maxima culpa.In my defense, though, I am thankful for a life that is too full to allow me to spend time blogging on the daily.While I did not have a camera to record this with, I

Thanful for ... the PMS post

2009-11-17T15:17:00.000-08:00

Today, I am thankful for warm blankets.Cozy socks.Sue Sylvester from Glee last week.Chocolate covered raisins.Wine.Malted milk balls.PINK sweatpants.Oversized t-shirts.Bubble bath.The episode of The Office where Pam has her first art exhibit.Naps.Cuddly dogs.Empty couches.Rainy days off work.The end of "The Time Traveler's Wife."Chores that have already been done.Kleenex.Twilight (the book, not

Thankful for ... organization.

2009-11-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

I need Monday this week. I need it to recover from my weekend, during which I went mad and turned my house over, top to bottom.It started with me needed to get all the junk out of the guest room so my beloved mother-in-law can have a place to rest her head during Thanksgiving week. I'd planned on just taking my junk out and shifting it to my bedroom, clearing a path and a place for a bed.But just

Thankful for ... the marathon post

2009-11-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful. I really, really am.I'm just lousy with follow-through when it comes to the blog! So here's a list of mini-entries to cover the past seven days:Thankful for ... my husband.It's sappy. I'm almost kicking myself for going this route, but it's also true. Why, you ask? Let's skip all the mushy stuff and skip straight to the kicker: He makes me a better person.Without him in my life, I'd

Thankful for ... Law & Order

2009-11-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

That's right, I'm thankful for a television show. But listen to my reasoning ...There is some terrible stuff going on in the world today. Every time I turn on the news, it's frustrating and terrifying and disheartening. It's hard for me to believe that people who can, say, stand by and watch a 15-year-old girl get raped exist in the world.What's worse is that sometimes our justice system seems

My Skinny Pants Don't Fit

2009-11-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Again!Here is what happened.I lost weight for the wedding. Then ate like a pig on the honeymoon. Then started marathon training to lose weight. Then ate whatever I wanted because, hey, marathon training is depleting! Then I ran the marathon ... but didn't stop eating whatever I wanted!So it's time to check the closet floor and under the bed for the old willpower, and go back to those pre-training

Thankful for ... weekends

2009-11-09T15:08:00.000-08:00

OK, lame-o, I know. Who doesn't love weekends?It's just that this past weekend was one I particularly needed. Last week piled one thing after another atop my shoulders until I was near collapse. Friday came at just the right moment.This weekend happened to be the right kind of weekend to have after such a week. My stepson was over for a visit; my husband and I had (for once) kept on top of all

Thankful for ... forgiveness

2009-11-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

I am a Capricorn. So is my husband. Our astrological symbol is the goat, and it couldn't be more appropriate.We are loyal, we are independent ... we are stubborn.Sigh. It makes Dr. Phil and good communication a necessity, not a luxury, in our house. We are slow to anger, quick to be defensive, right-fighters and slow to forgive.I know what you're thinking. What on earth made him propose? Why did

"Just this mile"

2009-11-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

Here's the part where you all realize how self-centered I really am.Over the past few month, I took the opportunity to train for the Nike Women's Half Marathon with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. We met twice a week for workouts: A muscle-crushing two-hour track event on Thursday nights, and eight to 12 mile runs on Saturday mornings.Plus, I had to raise not a small amount of

When the going gets tough ...

2009-11-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

It's easy to be thankful for the blessings in your life when skies are blue and seas are calm.During those times, you can look around and be overwhelmed by the things you have to be grateful for, from the sun on your back to the extra chocolate chip in your brownie.But when things aren't so sunny--say, when you just had a fight with your spouse, or when you've spent your last dime with a lot more

Thankfulness

2009-11-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

I'm hoping SugarMamaBakingCo won't mind, but I'm stealing an idea.After a year that would have turned most of us bitter and angry, Candace has come through. Maybe not at the other end, but with enough perspective to see--or imagine--a light at the end of the tunnel.She's even spending her November giving thanks. Because we all get lost in our own lives, I think it's a good idea for everyone. So

Halloweenie

2009-10-30T08:19:00.001-07:00

I love candy.I enjoy dressing in different clothes.I think little kids are adorable.All these things are true, and yet ... Halloween is not my holiday.I personally do not enjoy wearing a costume. I am tired of trick-or-treaters after the third doorbell ring. I get annoyed at teenagers who trick-or-treat (seriously, get a job and buy your own candy).But, since people at my work are remarkably into

Why I'll Never Abuse Drugs

2009-10-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, I had a minor procedure at my doctor's office. Nothing to write home about, almost a typical one ... except I was prescribed both Vicodin and Lorazepam for both pre- and post-procedure.I have a pretty high pain tolerance, so I just popped one of each. Then, after reading Web reviews of this particular procedure, I cracked another Vicodin in half and swallowed it, just in

Back to balance

2009-10-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

So, if you've been following the blog, you may have the impression that all I've been doing for the past three months is running, running, running.You're right.While I'm not going to give up the running thing (I've got my eye on some 10K runs in the future), it's time to restore balance to my life.It's time to take a Saturday and knit the baby blanket I've got about six months left to work

After the finish line

2009-10-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

I did it. I still can't believe it, but I did it. I ran the Nike Women's Half Marathon. Not only that, but I finished in 3:08, with an average pace of about 14:30.To put that in perspective, the longest distance I'd run previously was 12 miles (1.1 mile less than a half-marathon), and I did that in about 3:30 ... that's a 17:30 pace. This is me finding my name among tens of thousands of other

Uncle Walt

2009-10-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

Last week, I knew it was time for a vacation.I hadn't updated my blog in over a month, I was less than enthusiastic about work, and even being home, with the tedium of chores and routine, was more exhausting than exhilerating.This is not my usual frame of mind. It was time to go away and come back refreshed.A vacation in New York City with my matron of honor, Bethany, was just what the doctor

Change will do you good

2009-09-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

As I type this, a new member of the family is watching "Everybody Loves Raymond" with me.Koa, a three-year-old German Shepherd, joined us last night. We adopted him from the local animal shelter in what seemed like a predestined move. He became available just a week after we'd saved up enough to put up a fence in the back yard, pay adoption fees and buy a whole mess of doggie gear.I fell in

Bembomade

2009-09-15T16:20:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, life handed me lemons.Literally. We were watching the neighbor's garden, and his lemon tree started producing. We picked the ripe ones and put them in a basket on the counter. I flipped through several recipe books trying to decide what to do with them ... and they remained on the counter.As my dear husband worked his tail off in the backyard on Sunday, I was struck by

Bad words

2009-09-05T14:32:00.001-07:00

I'm considering something radical.I'm thinking about not referring to myself as a liberal anymore. Or to my husband as a conservative. In the most broad strokes, painted with an enormous brush, that's what we are--sort of a James Carville/Mary Maitlin situation, but without the civility surrounding politics.I started thinking after one of our very rare political arguments last night that we have

Classic images from TNT

2009-08-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

Because I have no shame, I thought I'd post some of my runnin' pics! The reason I look so horrified ... is because I'm tired! This is our first practice, and we'd just finished our timed mile. Literally could not fathom running one more foot!Lunges. In our first Thursday practice, we started the beginning of what will soon be hundreds of lunges. My, how I hate lunges. The next day, I could

Team in Training Update 4

2009-08-21T09:42:00.001-07:00

Money raised: $1,860 (just $640 to go!)Training days: 5Miles logged: 6This update will be packed, as I've had two track sessions and a Saturday run since I saw you last!The big news, though, is that I've managed to kick away my crutch: walking. Yep, I may be awfully slow, but I'm running now. All the way!It started at last Saturday's six-mile run (intimidating to say the least, as I'd only ever

Sisters

2009-08-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

At home, I am the talker. I am the storyteller. My husband is generally happy to let me run my mouth and test my vocabulary anytime ... so long as I'm not interrupting one of his Discovery Channel shows.Consequently, I refine my anecdotes and add to my blog.However, there is one exception to that rule: When my sister (from Seattle) comes to visit. Somehow, when we're together, I fall back into

Team in Training Update 3

2009-08-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

Money Raised: Somewhere around $1,200Days of training: 3Miles logged: 4Today, three things happened: I ran four miles. Outside. Without my iPod.Well, four: I survived.OK, five: And wanted more.Today was the third Team in Training workout this season, and that's what we did. We ran. Some went four miles, most went six. For me, it wasn't the first time I completed a four-mile run; I was doing those

Wanda's Pretty on the Inside

2009-08-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

I have a tree full of ripe apples in my backyard.I also have a $2,000 fundraising deficit to fill.Putting those two ideas together, I invited a friend over on Sunday to help me make some apple pies and apple butter for a Team in Training bake sale fundraiser. She had the apple butter recipe, and I was to crank out as many pies as I can.As we were working (she, peeling, coring and slicing; me,

Team in Training Update 2

2009-08-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Money Raised: $460Days of Training: 1Lesson learned: Don't run in old shoes! Just don't do it! Everything they say is right!We had our first Team in Training group workout on Saturday morning. I didn't think I was nervous about it until I carefully laid my clothes out the night before. And double-checked my shoes. And loaded my iPod with a whole slate of new songs.And went to bed with butterflies

Husband

2009-07-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

Now that I am married, my life is a partnership, right? We collectively pool our strengths to cover our individual weaknesses, correct?So ... if I still only check my rosemary plant weekly, but Matt joyfully spends his free time tending to the Little Garden That Could, does that mean I can once again give up on the whole "green thumb" idea?This guy has taken to having a yard to care for like a

Team in Training Update 1

2009-07-20T11:22:00.001-07:00

Money Raised: $330 (13 percent of goal)Days of training: 0Miles run in one session: 3.5Sunday morning, I decided to issue myself a challenge. Do six miles on the treadmill, however long it takes. See if it can be done.Six miles, you see, is what the Team in Training running coach said we'd be doing Aug. 1, during our first session at the track.By slowing down my running speed, and doing 2:1

Yes, We Have No Bananas

2009-07-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

Because I used every last one of them!Ever since I moved out on my own and baked my first loaf of banana bread, I hate to see bananas go to waste. Those uneaten, browning pieces of fruit stab me with guilt every time I pass them and choose NOT to bake a loaf of something or other. Already this summer I've had to toss out at least eight bananas. Yesterday, when I saw four sitting in the fruit

I love Logan!

2009-07-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to love a kid you've never met?A friend of mine from college has a little boy named Logan, and a blog. Her posts about Logan's adventures make me laugh out loud, and I always pass them on.So, dear readers, check this out!Adventures of Logan: What CAN You Do On a Bus (That Won't Give You Cancer)?

Team in Training

2009-07-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I did something totally out of character.I signed up to run a half-marathon. But in case that's not enough of a personal challenge to take on, I'll be running it with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, and fundraising $2,500 to boot.Basically, I'm committed to doing two things I don't enjoy: Running, and asking people for money.The strange thing is, I'm excited

Matt's Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-07-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. "Matt's Chocolate Chip Cookies" aren't exactly unique. Like Phoebe, the recipe was handed down to me by my Swedish aunt, Nestle Tollhouse. Yep, they're just the plain-Jane chocolate chippers from the back of the yellow bag. Truly, my husband and I are not a match made in heaven. Ask me for pancakes, and you'll get a delicious batch with cinnamon swirls, vanilla

Pineapple-Upside-Down goodness

2009-07-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

Pineapple-Upside-Down-Cake is the mother of all diet busters.It's sinfully delicious, deceptively easy and unbelievably inexpensive to make.I added the ingredients to my grocery shopping list on Saturday, and left them out on the counter: five things. I had to buy flaked coconut, two types of canned pineapple (crushed and ring), maraschino cherries and a yellow cake mix.It took all of about 15

Faking it

2009-07-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

This morning, I received a dazzling flurry of compliments from a friend and coworker that left me breathless. My eye makeup, my hair, my layered t-shirts, etc.Everyone should receive that kind of greeting in the morning.Upon reflection, though, I felt like the tiniest bit of a fraud. Because, while I may look somewhat put together occasionally, it's generally all fake. Here's why:My eye makeup:

Rosemary still kickin'!

2009-07-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

I feel a little guilty about making zero progress on my gardening goal. But hey ... I've been busy. And avoiding it.When my mother-in-law came to visit, she brought me a rosemary plant. Just put it in the backyard, she said. Water it occasionally. You can't kill it.Yeah, right, I thought as I found a place for it in the sun. Watch me.But so far, despite my best efforts, it hasn't died!I set it

Coming up ...

2009-07-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Here are my plans for more kitchen adventures:Bison ribeye kabobs (Cooking Light July 2009)Stir-fried beef with broccoli (Cooking Light July 2009)Banana-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (Cooking Light July 2009)Matt's Chocolate Chip CookiesPineapple Upside Down Cake (darn you, Sugar Mama Baking Co.!)I'm not sure when all these magical things will come to pass, but it's safe to say over the next

4th of July Wrap-Up

2009-07-07T08:39:00.001-07:00

What a weekend! It's rare that those four-day breaks are actually refreshing, but this one definitely was.FridayAfter checking online Thursday night, I learned that the Ikea summer sale was only on through July 5. I rearranged my plans and hit the store as soon as it opened Friday morning. I spent two hours and $138 on:Two toilet-paper roll holdersOne outdoor basket to hold toys in the summer;

Living With Boys

2009-07-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this by stating what Matt reminded me when we had this discussion: I have it pretty good.BUT ...I still live with two boys right now. Ordinarily, that's fine by me. I get to be the Lady of the house, and the go-to gal for anything requiring a feminine touch. As the only lioness in the pride, I don't have to mark my territory as often, which is also nice.There are times, though,

Movies on a budget

2009-06-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

Matt and I love to go to the movies.Unfortunately for us, we also love to eat. And pay rent. And have lights and stuff. For us, going to the movies is a $40-plus experience. Add it up:Tickets: $16Popcorn: $6Two giant sodas: $10Candy from Safeway: $10And that's if we don't get any other treats at the theatre! My stepson is left out of that total as well. The "Transformers" sequel comes out this

Winner, winner: Chicken dinner

2009-06-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

You vote, I obey.An overwhelming number of readers wish to see me take on a whole chicken for my "cooking with meat" challenge.Since I started this challenge as a meat-cooking chicken, it's only appropriate (ha-ha).The chicken dinner (with stuffing and brussels sprouts) is on my menu for this next week. Assuming I don't get a major veto from my husband (i.e. find a loophole that allows me to

Weekly check-in

2009-06-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

Just a round-up of my life over the week to keep me honest, and satisfy that need for voyeurism that forces you to read my blog. :)MindOne-word description of the workweek: LaboriousBooks I've finished: "Look Me in the Eye," John Elder Robinson; "The Pact," Jodi PicoultNews story that stuck with me: Jon & Kate Plus 8 divorcing; Farrah Fawcett--dead!; Michael Jackson--dead! Wow, what a week!

Doh! A deer!

2009-06-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

When we moved into our new house, the owner casually mentioned that deer graze in the backyard.I didn't think anything of it until I was there by myself one afternoon. Sure enough, a darling little deer ambled out of the woods and ever so delicately ate my lawn. Enthralled, I called my husband."There's a deer in our yard!," I whispered, running around to various windows to take a look.A Northern

Pudding pie

2009-06-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

When it comes to food, some things you make.Bagels. Granola. Spaghetti sauce.And some things you buy.I mused on this theory last weekend, as I spent a couple hours chopping, hulling and then drying my own strawberries for Strawberry-Ricotta Muffins (so uninspiring I have to make them again before I discuss them). As I placed tiny strawberry quarters delicately on my cooling sheets for 45-minutes

Wii Mii

2009-06-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

When we came back from our honeymoon, there were a few wedding gift surprises waiting for us in our mailbox. Namely, checks. Some big ones.After collecting them, tallying the amount and writing the proper thank-you notes, I sat Matt down."The way I see it, we could do three things with this money," I said. "First, we could use it to pay off some credit cards. Second, we could buy something

Chewy White-Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

2009-06-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

I make these bad boys just a couple times a year, and always include them in my Christmas cookie gift bags. I consider them my signature cookie: They are delicious and too hearty to ignore. You won't walk away from one of these feeling unfulfilled! Recipie from Cook's Illustrated.2/18 cups (2 cups plus 2 tablespoons) unsifted, bleached all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon baking soda12

The Sorting Room

2009-06-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

You know how Harry Potter's Hogwarts has the Sorting Hat?You remember. Every year, the day before term started, the incoming class of First Years would sit on a stool, don the Sorting Hat, and be shuffled off into their respective houses.Well, after our big move, I created a Sorting Room. Every box that didn't have a home, and every slip of paper that didn't have a purpose was tossed into that

Coming up ... (6/7-6/13)

2009-06-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Keep your eyes out for these juicy updates:White-chocolate cranberry cookiesAssessing the damage: Home office projectDeer are cute, until they're hungryLoving Wii Fit ... but wanting more

Organization

2009-06-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

I am an organization addict.There's an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" where Frank mocks Marie for over-organizing."You've got a box of string marked 'Pieces of String Too Small to Use'!" he bellows in frusteration.But I get it. There's not much more satisfying than sorting items into their correct boxes, bins, bags and files. My dear husband, Matt, once asked me to spend a Saturday

Getting started

2009-06-02T10:55:00.001-07:00

I have never been able to relax.I used to think I could just sit on the couch and watch TV endlessly, without a care in the world. Then I realized that the last time I did that, I was working 60-plus hours a week as a newspaper reporter ... and hanging out in the newsroom when I wasn't on the clock.These days, I need a project. A hobby. First, I blogged about my trials and tribulations during a