January 1st, 2009
November 30th, 2008
We already had a lot to be thankful for this year, but at the very end of the night a pretty big event gave our family one major thing to give continual thanks for.
My 80 and 85-year-old grandparents were able to get out of this alive and relatively intact (and the other truck's driver was completely fine):
I guess one good thing about a Ford is it'll buckle like a belt -just like it's supposed to.
My Grandpa has some big bruises from the seatbelt and a bruised hand, but aside from that he's as-normal (which has it's own complications, but we know them). My Grandma was driving and had the benefit of the airbag, but bruised and cut her hand and fractured her right kneecap. Her leg will be strapped in a brace for six weeks -unless we hear otherwise from her Orthopedic surgeon. Their care, the house, and day-to-day things are getting sorted out and taken care of, but it's going to be an epic change to our lives.
I've been needing a kick in the pants to do more around the place (I do do some things, but there is a LOT more I should be doing), and this was a bit more of a kick than I would have liked. But the effect will be the same. :)
That said, I will be online even less for the foreseeable future -and I don't regret it (though I will miss reading what people are up to *hint-hint*). I do enjoy journaling though, so I'll try to post something for public viewing every now and then. Keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers, and I'll be doing the same. :)
And now I need a nap before they wake up from theirs! :P
My 80 and 85-year-old grandparents were able to get out of this alive and relatively intact (and the other truck's driver was completely fine):
I guess one good thing about a Ford is it'll buckle like a belt -just like it's supposed to.
My Grandpa has some big bruises from the seatbelt and a bruised hand, but aside from that he's as-normal (which has it's own complications, but we know them). My Grandma was driving and had the benefit of the airbag, but bruised and cut her hand and fractured her right kneecap. Her leg will be strapped in a brace for six weeks -unless we hear otherwise from her Orthopedic surgeon. Their care, the house, and day-to-day things are getting sorted out and taken care of, but it's going to be an epic change to our lives.
I've been needing a kick in the pants to do more around the place (I do do some things, but there is a LOT more I should be doing), and this was a bit more of a kick than I would have liked. But the effect will be the same. :)
That said, I will be online even less for the foreseeable future -and I don't regret it (though I will miss reading what people are up to *hint-hint*). I do enjoy journaling though, so I'll try to post something for public viewing every now and then. Keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers, and I'll be doing the same. :)
And now I need a nap before they wake up from theirs! :P
November 14th, 2008
Today's Savage Chickens made me lulz. :B
I could make a whole post about how sick I am of reading inane and/or insulting comment threads, but that would just waste our time because you're smarter than that. Aren't you? ;) In short, don't be a troll and don't feed the trolls. Now go do something good today!
(And whatever you do, don't play a drinking game for Buck Rogers that requires drinking a shot every time someone says Buck's full name or Twiki says something stupid. At least, not on a school night. :B)
I could make a whole post about how sick I am of reading inane and/or insulting comment threads, but that would just waste our time because you're smarter than that. Aren't you? ;) In short, don't be a troll and don't feed the trolls. Now go do something good today!
(And whatever you do, don't play a drinking game for Buck Rogers that requires drinking a shot every time someone says Buck's full name or Twiki says something stupid. At least, not on a school night. :B)
November 1st, 2008
(That's eight years since our wedding, and 17 years since Ian asked me out. :B)
So to celebrate, yesterday Ian and I spent the day being intellectual tourists and eating lots of tasty non-homemade food. We left early to check out the new home of the California Academy of Sciences (which could have been more aptly named the Academy of Showing How You Worthless Humans Are Ruining The Earth, but I digress :P), and were not disappointed. Yes, the $25 admission fee is quite steep for a casual museum-goer, but Ian and I have been visiting the Academy since we were wee kids, and having it closed for 3~ years left a big hole in our SF visits. It is a really great rebirth for the museum -the architecture, the displays, and the sustainability are all exciting features. Finding pieces of the old displays was a fun treasure hunt, and seeing all the new environments was really amazing. A few point-by-point observations:
- Buying tickets online is highly recommended to avoid the line. However, you can't apply any discounts (such as AAA). :\
- The building itself is pretty dang cool. Be sure to go up to the roof to see how nicely the plants have filled in.
- The new penguin environment is so much better than the old one -you can see all their underwater antics!
- The multi-level rainforest environment is AMAZING -colorful butterflies and birds fly freely around you, mist drizzles gently (it's quite humid, if you're sensitive), fragrant flowers bloom, while fish and amphibians splash below. Fabulous -a must-see!
- Steinhart Aquarium is reinvented as never before! My favorites were the jellies, the chambered Nautilus, and the "leaf" seahorses.
- Foucault's Pendulum has returned, but Ian and I thought it lost some of it's magic being out in the bright open (somehow the old dark and sunken room added to the mystery of it).
- We grinned at the old T-Rex and Blue Whale skeletons; ironically they seemed bigger than when we were kids.
- Don't miss a show in the Morrison Planetarium! It's included in the admission price, so there's no reason not to. ;) "Fragile Planet" wasn't as interesting as any Nova episode, but the visuals (particularly at the dizzying beginning) were awesome. Center top offers the best view, btw.
- The Naturalist Center is quite cool, I could blow a lot of time there looking over all the artifacts and information.
After we went through the Academy we walked across the plaza to the de Young, for a free trip up to the top of the observation tower (which was EMPTY) -( where I took a couple pics...Collapse )
From there we headed over to Kitaro for some tasty sushi noshing. We drove home in the rain, had a cozy rainy-afternoon nap, and took in a late dinner at The Tides Wharf in Bodega Bay (right across the road from where we honeymooned!). All in all it was a fabulous day spent together, and I couldn't ask for more than that. :)
October 28th, 2008
I am TOTALLY tempted and inspired by this, AKA The Brown Dress Project.
I've been wanting -for years- to have some sort of home/work uniform, but haven't been able to find the right garment for it. Overalls seemed good, but are too heavy in summer; Dickies' nurse uniforms didn't fit right and are too light for the cold months, etc, etc. Aprons seemed like a good transitional piece, but I haven't found the right fabric that's soft & movable yet won't soak through when something wet gets on it. I did find a great pattern for a large wrap-around apron that looks promising, but again, I have yet to find the right fabric.
But of course, the Brown Dress takes it right into everyday wear -literally. And it's SO TRUE -why DO we need so many different items of the same articles of clothing? Aside from having one to wear when one is in the wash or waiting for mending, the answer can only be superficial. Because we like all the shiny pretties. But is there anything wrong with that? Who knows. Maybe. But it's definitely something you should think about.
By the way, I especially liked the FAQ about "looking crazy" -that not everyone noticed she wore the same dress every day for a year, because people are generally so wrapped up in themselves they don't even notice other people. Because really, if you noticed that someone was wearing the same garment every time you saw them you'd probably think either they really like it, or it's all they have. And then you'd think, oh how sad, that's all they have! But really, it's all they need. Isn't it? As long as you're somewhat protected from the elements and embarrassment, and people and other objects are protected from your bodily excretions, what does it really matter what your garments look like?
Sheesh, it's 2008 already and we don't even have our standard-issue unitards yet! :P
I've been wanting -for years- to have some sort of home/work uniform, but haven't been able to find the right garment for it. Overalls seemed good, but are too heavy in summer; Dickies' nurse uniforms didn't fit right and are too light for the cold months, etc, etc. Aprons seemed like a good transitional piece, but I haven't found the right fabric that's soft & movable yet won't soak through when something wet gets on it. I did find a great pattern for a large wrap-around apron that looks promising, but again, I have yet to find the right fabric.
But of course, the Brown Dress takes it right into everyday wear -literally. And it's SO TRUE -why DO we need so many different items of the same articles of clothing? Aside from having one to wear when one is in the wash or waiting for mending, the answer can only be superficial. Because we like all the shiny pretties. But is there anything wrong with that? Who knows. Maybe. But it's definitely something you should think about.
By the way, I especially liked the FAQ about "looking crazy" -that not everyone noticed she wore the same dress every day for a year, because people are generally so wrapped up in themselves they don't even notice other people. Because really, if you noticed that someone was wearing the same garment every time you saw them you'd probably think either they really like it, or it's all they have. And then you'd think, oh how sad, that's all they have! But really, it's all they need. Isn't it? As long as you're somewhat protected from the elements and embarrassment, and people and other objects are protected from your bodily excretions, what does it really matter what your garments look like?
Sheesh, it's 2008 already and we don't even have our standard-issue unitards yet! :P
October 27th, 2008
*volatile contents*
If “a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy,” as PETA's president Ingrid Newkirk states, why isn't PETA pro-life? How is preparing or eating balut any different from destroying a human fetus or using it for research? If it's acceptable to decide when to prevent the development of our own species, why is it unacceptable to decide for others? Isn't it reasonable that when we value our own offspring we'll understand the value in all life?
Or is it just that it's so much easier to deal with something you never have to see?
Okay, a The Book of Questions-style dilemma (that is, no other options - no saying, "I wouldn't do anything" or "I'd kill myself first"): Before you is a table with two objects. One is a mewling kitten, the other is a sack that is moving. Hanging above each of them are 1-ton blocks of concrete. You must choose which block falls.
Neither is a nice choice, is it? But hey, at least you never have to see what's in the sack before (or after) it's crushed, right? Arguably less post-traumatic stress for you, right? So just take the easy way, out of sight out of mind, ahhh... you're feeling better already. In time you'll probably forget all about it. ...right?
Now please listen. I absolutely understand the rationale behind abortion, I do understand the situations that can lead there and the results of both choices. I understand stress and risk and fear and social/societal pressures. All I ask is that you understand that weren't not talking about removing a tumor or an unsightly blemish, we're talking about a completely unique individual with it's own blood type and DNA. That "blob" of flesh is a developing human. Just as in another species it would be a chicken, a fish, a cat, a rat, a pig, a dog, or yes, even a boy.
All that, but mainly just my hip keeping me from sleep last night. Who knows what it'll be tonight? *eyeroll*
Too many questions marks, blarrg!!
If “a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy,” as PETA's president Ingrid Newkirk states, why isn't PETA pro-life? How is preparing or eating balut any different from destroying a human fetus or using it for research? If it's acceptable to decide when to prevent the development of our own species, why is it unacceptable to decide for others? Isn't it reasonable that when we value our own offspring we'll understand the value in all life?
Or is it just that it's so much easier to deal with something you never have to see?
Okay, a The Book of Questions-style dilemma (that is, no other options - no saying, "I wouldn't do anything" or "I'd kill myself first"): Before you is a table with two objects. One is a mewling kitten, the other is a sack that is moving. Hanging above each of them are 1-ton blocks of concrete. You must choose which block falls.
Neither is a nice choice, is it? But hey, at least you never have to see what's in the sack before (or after) it's crushed, right? Arguably less post-traumatic stress for you, right? So just take the easy way, out of sight out of mind, ahhh... you're feeling better already. In time you'll probably forget all about it. ...right?
Now please listen. I absolutely understand the rationale behind abortion, I do understand the situations that can lead there and the results of both choices. I understand stress and risk and fear and social/societal pressures. All I ask is that you understand that weren't not talking about removing a tumor or an unsightly blemish, we're talking about a completely unique individual with it's own blood type and DNA. That "blob" of flesh is a developing human. Just as in another species it would be a chicken, a fish, a cat, a rat, a pig, a dog, or yes, even a boy.
All that, but mainly just my hip keeping me from sleep last night. Who knows what it'll be tonight? *eyeroll*
Too many questions marks, blarrg!!
October 26th, 2008
Ian and I met up with Brian and his girlfriend Lynette for a Saturday afternoon of skeet and target shooting...
( Rambles and photos ahoy!Collapse )
( Rambles and photos ahoy!Collapse )
October 25th, 2008
Silly, but I'd like to think it's a good thing... :B
 | 87 As a 1930s wife, I am |
October 21st, 2008
We had a pretty productive and exciting weekend on the ol' homestead! With tons of pics to go with it, here's the low-down...
( Flora & Fauna: Last of the Garden; Chickens, Goats, Peacocks, and Turkeys...Collapse )
( Re-siding the house, and kitsch for the kitchen...Collapse )
Family, Etc.
- I've officially lost 30 pounds since April 1st! I can really feel it -not just in my too-loose clothes, but my lower back which hardly hurts anymore and my hips and knees. Gotta step it up though through the winter months to keep the average of a pound a week! Hup-hup!
- I'm going to be an aunt in May! :O *shock* That's hitting close to home, lol. Ian's sister just announced that she and her husband are now expecting their first child, which is crazy and exciting all rolled into one! Their under-construction house is scheduled to be completed in January, and now they have a good reason to hold the builder to it! My nephew/niece is roughly 11 weeks old, which means he/she has completed most of the critical development and only has to grow from here on out; also he/she would fit in the palm of my hand. Amazing.
( Flora & Fauna: Last of the Garden; Chickens, Goats, Peacocks, and Turkeys...Collapse )
( Re-siding the house, and kitsch for the kitchen...Collapse )
Family, Etc.
- I've officially lost 30 pounds since April 1st! I can really feel it -not just in my too-loose clothes, but my lower back which hardly hurts anymore and my hips and knees. Gotta step it up though through the winter months to keep the average of a pound a week! Hup-hup!
- I'm going to be an aunt in May! :O *shock* That's hitting close to home, lol. Ian's sister just announced that she and her husband are now expecting their first child, which is crazy and exciting all rolled into one! Their under-construction house is scheduled to be completed in January, and now they have a good reason to hold the builder to it! My nephew/niece is roughly 11 weeks old, which means he/she has completed most of the critical development and only has to grow from here on out; also he/she would fit in the palm of my hand. Amazing.
October 17th, 2008
Catch-up post liek whoa!
Diary of a Fail Cake
Or, Confections for Grandpa's 85th Birthday
I've been making some of the cakes served for dinners at Grandma's house for a while now; we tend to have simple tastes and that's certainly my speed, culinarily speaking. So the request of a red velvet cake (vegan, so my cousin could enjoy it too) was met with ease. The substitution of tofu for eggs only affected the cake in terms of low rise, but the texture, color, and taste were just the same. Simple but festive decorations were in order, so Cream Cheese frosting, sprinkles, and colorful candles were collected for assembly. The cake stuck to the glass cake stand wonderfully -or so I thought- so I decided to add the sprinkles only on the sides of the cake. They shook on well, but I wanted thicker coverage so I tilted the cake stand a bit. It worked! Around and around I went, happily sprinkling the colored dots onto the side of the cake. I was just about to where I started when *whoosh* the cake slid of the plate like greased lightning! Seriously, no warning slip or anything, just voom and it was on it's side on the tinfoil I was using to catch stray sprinkles. Cue panic. I gingerly reached under the tinfoil and attempted to lift and slide, but to no avail -the cake over the edge of the plate crumbled into lovely red crumbs. Fail. :(
( More fail...Collapse )
Craftster Cat Swap
er, not an actual cat swap...
I've really grown addicted to Craftster, it's just amazing all the things people make! They also have a swap area, and I signed up for my first swap which was Crazy Cat Lovers Round 2. ( Here are the things I made for my partner...Collapse )
And finally, a couple pics of the ( full moon over the goatyard...Collapse )
In other news, I suppose one nice thing about being poor is that you have nothing to lose when the Market tanks! Funny how that doesn't help me sleep better at night. :\
Diary of a Fail Cake
Or, Confections for Grandpa's 85th Birthday
I've been making some of the cakes served for dinners at Grandma's house for a while now; we tend to have simple tastes and that's certainly my speed, culinarily speaking. So the request of a red velvet cake (vegan, so my cousin could enjoy it too) was met with ease. The substitution of tofu for eggs only affected the cake in terms of low rise, but the texture, color, and taste were just the same. Simple but festive decorations were in order, so Cream Cheese frosting, sprinkles, and colorful candles were collected for assembly. The cake stuck to the glass cake stand wonderfully -or so I thought- so I decided to add the sprinkles only on the sides of the cake. They shook on well, but I wanted thicker coverage so I tilted the cake stand a bit. It worked! Around and around I went, happily sprinkling the colored dots onto the side of the cake. I was just about to where I started when *whoosh* the cake slid of the plate like greased lightning! Seriously, no warning slip or anything, just voom and it was on it's side on the tinfoil I was using to catch stray sprinkles. Cue panic. I gingerly reached under the tinfoil and attempted to lift and slide, but to no avail -the cake over the edge of the plate crumbled into lovely red crumbs. Fail. :(
( More fail...Collapse )
Craftster Cat Swap
er, not an actual cat swap...
I've really grown addicted to Craftster, it's just amazing all the things people make! They also have a swap area, and I signed up for my first swap which was Crazy Cat Lovers Round 2. ( Here are the things I made for my partner...Collapse )
And finally, a couple pics of the ( full moon over the goatyard...Collapse )
In other news, I suppose one nice thing about being poor is that you have nothing to lose when the Market tanks! Funny how that doesn't help me sleep better at night. :\
