Sunday, August 24, 2008

Love my new Keurig!!



I retired my Senseo with the old house and purchased a Keurig Home Brewing System for the new house. I love it!! Why, you ask? Well, first I just love to get new kitchen gadgets. Besides that, it has a bazillion choices for coffee, tea and hot cocoa. No mess. I like the coffee better than the Senseo. I didn't really dig the frothy European thing.

Juleah, you would love it!!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Yard Sale Update

I meant to take a picture of all my junk that was left over at the end of the weekend but instead I just packed it all up, left it for the VVA to pick up and hightailed it outta there . . . . to the new house. Ahhhhhh. Where everything's better.

We made about $150. That's a lot of work for $150 but I had to get the stuff out of the house anyway so it's much better than nothing. However, I still have a whole hell of a lot of stuff to clear out. Ugh!! It will be all over by Aug 29. I think I can. . . I think I can. . . I think I can. . .I think I can.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Yard Sale

I'm stuck now. I posted neon signs all over my neighborhood that I'm having a "moving sale". I hate yard sales. Most people I know love them. Instead of blogging, I should be organizing my shit but I just can't get motivated. Do you think I could just charge a $2 admission and let people go through my house while I drink my coffee and take what they want?? It's got to be worth a lot just to get people to take my stuff away without me having to do anything.

We've pretty much got everything we need in the new house. The rest of this stuff is just a pain in my side. How did I end up with so much STUFF??!! I think I need to do some serious soul searching regarding this issue. The good thing is that I don't want to take any of it with me. The less the better.

We've had a couple of people that work for us come by and take what they want. I am so glad to give it to people we know that really want/need it but now my big ticket items are gone which means my yard sale is going to be pretty boring. Whatever. The kids will be in heaven to sell their stuff and I know our good, useful stuff has already gone to people who can really use it.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

My First Time Tagged

I have been tagged by NurseExec, one of my new favorite bloggers. She's honest and flawed, two of my favorite qualities. It's my first time to be tagged for anything and I'm so excited! Not to mention this is honest to God proof that someone besides my mother reads my blog.

Six Unspectacular Things About Me is the topic. I know what you're thinking. I am just so fucking spectacular that this could take me all night.

First you post the rules:
1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks you possess.
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

Here's my list:

  1. I can't stand it when people drink my water, mostly at home. My children could be dying of thirst and I growl "GET YOUR OWN WATER!" I always have a full glass on the kitchen counter so I can make sure I get my required ounces. Everyone in the house, big and small, will walk in the kitchen and, rather than get their own damn glass, drink mine!! How hard is it to open the cabinet and get your own glass and, imagine this, fill it up. Now they all know it pisses me off so they drink it on purpose. They're out to get me.


  2. I have the most horrendous, stinky gas. All the time. I can't control it. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat. healthy or not. I think by the time I'm an old women I'm going to be exiled to some far away place. I am a cute girl. I take care of myself. Not that it should matter but I think it's my cuteness that has kept me from being exiled so far. It's just weird. It's really a problem. Any advice out there???


  3. I compulsively pick at the skin on my fingers and toes. Also really gross and not compatible with my cuteness.


  4. I can count on my two hands the number of periods I've had in the last 8 years. I've had three children and I have an IUD which has the side effect of no periods. It's completely healthy. It's awesome.


  5. The only television I like to watch these days are reality shows. I do like Grey's Anatomy but my absolute favorites are America's Next Top Model, The Bachelor or Bachelorette, Rock of Love, Denise Richards- It's Complicated (which it's not btw), on and on and on. I have not been able to get in to Pamela Anderson's new show though. She should be exiled to a remote island where they send all the other big boobie sex addicts.


  6. I love really gross things like puss and blood and things like that. As long as it's not stinky or too too yucky. I love to pop zits. Any time my kids get a scrape I can't wait to put peroxide on it and watch all the bubbles. I love to play doctor with my razor sharp tweezers when someone gets a splinter. One of my absolute favorites was when my son had a spider bite on his knee. Swollen. Painful. We put hot compresses on it frequently to draw the infection out. You could tell it was full of nasty stuff but every time I tried to squeeze it he would scream in pain. whatever. finally, when he was running and playing one evening it burst and exploded all over his leg. awesome.

Tag You're IT!!

  1. Connie (my mom)
  2. Motherhood for Dummies
  3. Juleah (my sister-in-law)
  4. Natalie
  5. Nap Warden
  6. Unfortunately, I don't have many followers so I can't think of anyone else to tag.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

How to Look Good Naked

I love this freaking show!! It is crazy how Carson can change the perception of women's bodies in like 5 days. Carson is able to stroke any big 'ol thigh or big 'ol booty and all of a sudden women love themselves and are able to see their worth. They believe him, and well they should.

I won't go in to how many women's worth is tied up in their body image. That issue is just f*cked up and I don't have the time or inclinaton to go in to it. It is obvious when you watch the show. If you don't have this issue, you are in the minority.

As far as the show, I would really like to just do the part where they take you into a room, in your underwear, and have you pick your body double and then realize you're not as fat as you think you are. That is the always the biggest perception changer. Most of us apparently think we are bigger than we actually are and, at a minimum, don't realize how attractive we are at our own size.

In the back of my dysfuctional head I would always think they were just f*cking with me for ratings but I'm not on the show so it doesn't matter. I just have my 6 & 7 yr old boys to give me their honest opinions. They are brutal but honest. And I love them for it.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Lucy doesn't suck her thumb anymore




For the last 2 yrs, every time Lucy held that bunny her thumb went in her mouth. I loved it. Oh, so cute. A few weeks ago I noticed she wasn't sucking her thumb anymore so I started paying more attention. I haven't seen her suck it for a loooong time. I think she's done. Everyone I mention it to says, "Oh, that's great!". It just makes me sad. My baby is growing up too fast.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Morgan & Milo

Morgan & Milo. Just about the cutest shoes I've ever seen for little girls. I showed restraint by buying two pairs that were on SALE: )

These lovelies (size 7.5) immediately went on Lucy's feet and were worn for the rest of the day. We both loved them and so did random people on the street. She was so proud to tell people that they were new and that her mom got them for her. That's all I ask. A little gratitude.








and these cuties which are a size 8; a little big so we're saving them for school.









Lastly, I splurged on a this pair of boots that were not on sale. Also a size 8 so will be saved for the Fall/Winter. I can't stand how cute she is in these. A little big but as soon as fall arrives we will wear them any way.









Lucy and I both absolutely adored these shoes. I would have purchased them even though not on sale but they were out of her size. Bummer.









She was even more excited about all the new shoes than I was. She couldn't tear open the box quick enough when it arrived. Such a relief not to have to buy those booorrrring boys shoes all the time.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Tofurky Kielbasa



I was really trying to feel moved and inspired to write something profound and introspective today. In general, I feel conflicted and overwhelmed and self-destructive, aware of all of it but still not inspired to write about it. I guess if you are trying to feel inspired then you're probably not going to be really inspired.

I was moved by my mother's post today and the posts on 37 days but the one thing that I can't get out of my head is this . . . Tofurky Kielbasa. Even the raccoons don't want it.

I tried the above veggie sausage and after eating it twice just couldn't embrace it so I pitched it. Invariably, when I take the trash outside there are empty packages on the ground of things formerly in the trash that I couldn't believe any animal would want, starving or otherwise. Those little fuckers must be desperate I often mutter to myself.

Well, today I was taking out the trash and noticed the package of my remaining Tofurky Kielbasa sausages on the ground. dirty but ALL still there. Are you f*cking kidding me?! Even the raccoons won't eat it?? They'll eat rotten hamburger but not my Tofurky kielbasa? For the record, I really like typing and saying Tofurky.

That's it. No metaphor for life. Just Tofurky Kielbasa. Even the raccoons don't want it.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Seitan



I finally tried seitan, pronounced say-tan, which I purchased at Whole Foods. It is a chewy, neutral-flavored, protein-rich food made of wheat gluten, used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes. It is sometimes referred to as "wheat-meat".

Most of the meat substitutes I have purchased at our local grocery store contain TVP, textured vegetable protein. I haven't minded the taste of the TVP products but have found it gives me monster gas. Seriously bad. Plus, those products are pretty processed. Still better than processed dead animals though.

The seitan had a much nicer texture than the fake beef crumbles and fake chicken strips, tasted better and so far noone has kicked me out of bed. Unfortunately, I can only buy it at Whole Foods. It is fairly simple, but time consuming to make from scratch. As soon as we move I'll make some in my new fabulous kitchen!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

13 Ways the Restaurant Industry F**ks With You

These are all from an article I found today on MSN written by the author of Eat This, Not That.
  1. Calorieking.com, which has analyzed more than 55,000 foods—reported that an order of Outback Steakhouse's Aussie Cheese Fries has 2,900 calories, and its Ayers Rock Strip has 60 grams of fat.

    Sarah says, "Big butt, so what?!"

  2. Since Eat This, Not That hit bookstores, IHOP has discontinued the Omelet Feast which oozed off of your plate at 1,335 calories and 35 grams of saturated fat; 150 percent of your daily fat requirement and 300 percent of your suggested cholesterol intake. Still on the menu are the Garden Omelet, 1,150 calories, and the Big Steak Omelet with 1,490 calories

    Sarah
    says, Lesson #121: Don't order anything with the word "feast" or "big steak" in it if you're watching calories you fucking idiot. Also, don't be fooled by the word GARDEN. That'll get you every time.

  3. Since Eat This, Not That called Applebee's out on it's "low-fat" menu (many items contained more than 500 calories), that menu has disappeared. However, the chain does have a new eight-item Weight Watchers menu — all with fewer than 500 calories.

    Sarah looks over her shoulder and whispers, "It's not paranoia if they really are out to get you"

  4. At Red Robin, an A.1. Peppercorn Burger has 1,440 calories and 97 grams of fat, more than you would find in 32 strips of bacon! Add onion rings to that and you've just crossed the calamitous 2,000-calorie barrier, more than most people should eat in an entire day.

    Sarah wonders, "Who the hell would want to eat a peppercorn burger, anyway?"

  5. Arby's doesn't want you to know that the FDA has no definition of "all natural." Thus, chains like Arby's can say they serve "100 percent all-natural chicken," despite using artificial flavoring.

    Since Eat This, Not That hit bookstores, Arby's has stopped advertising "all-natural" chicken. The assistant manager at the Emmaus, Pennsylvania, location told a reporter that he doesn't think the chicken is all-natural anymore. No, shit?!

    Sarah says, "Do you think that made a big dent in the chicken sales at Arby's? Are the jackasses customers who can't decide what to order for their 5 for $5.95 now just going to get an extra order of curly fries or mozzarella sticks instead of the "chicken"?"

  6. Dunkin' Donuts doesn't want you to know that each of its medium-size fruit-and-yogurt smoothies packs at least 60 grams of sugar - more than seven times the sugar in a chocolate-frosted cake doughnut. The fruit purees used in the smoothies are mixed with liberal doses of sugar and/or high-fructose corn syrup.

    Sarah says, "If you're going to Dunkin' Donuts for anything other than the coffee or donuts you deserve that sugar coma from the g*damn smoothie. Come on."

  7. Burger King doesn't want you to know that its French Toast Sticks (which deliver more than 4 grams of fat per stick) share a deep fryer with the pork sausage, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Fries, Big Fish patties, hash browns, onion rings, and Cheesy Tots - and that all of those items contain harmful trans fats.

    Sarah just threw up a little in her mouth.

  8. Panera Bread doesn't want you to know that the synthetic food colorings in its pastries have been linked to irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbances in children.

    Sarah says, "That's why I make all of my own bread and pastries from scratch for my ungrateful children little angels." Yeah right.

  9. Maggiano's Little Italy doesn't want you to know just how many calories and carbs you're consuming in those massive pasta portions. In Italy, a standard pasta serving means 4 ounces of noodles with a few tablespoons of sauce. At Maggiano's, a large order of pasta translates into 2 pounds of noodles piled high on a hubcap-size dinner plate (15-1/2 inches in diameter). A Maggiano's PR rep responded to our request for nutritional information a week later: "Sorry for the delay, I had to wait for corporate's approval. Unfortunately, they have declined to participate."

    Sarah says, "Apparently, Americans are bound and determined to get fatter and fatter and fatter. It's disgusting. Doesn't everyone know what a freaking serving size is by now??"

  10. T.G.I. Friday's doesn't want you to know how little nutritional info it provides. A Friday's PR rep told us that the chain makes the data available for only its "low-fat" dishes-those coming in under 500 calories and 10 grams of fat. Ah, hello, that's three items on the entire menu.

    July 2008 Update: When T.G.I. Friday's was forced to comply with the New York law, we realized why it had been hiding. The menu is riddled with fat traps like the Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad, which is an outrageous 1,360 calories.

    Sarah says, "That's why I only drink alcohol to celebrate my Friday's."

  11. Sit-down chains don't want you to know that their food is actually considerably worse for you than the often-maligned fast-food fare. In fact, menu analysis of 24 national chains revealed that the average entree at a sit-down restaurant contains 867 calories, compared with 522 calories in the average fast-food entree. And that's before appetizers, sides, or desserts-selections that can easily double your total calorie intake.

    Sarah realizes, "That's why we have to put out after a sit-down dinner!!"

  12. Hooter's doesn't want you to know anything about what's in its food. Although chains such as Chili's and Uno Chicago Grill divulge the hundreds of calories in their chicken wings, Hooters blames its nutritional-disclosure negligence on its expansive menu, which contains about 25 entrées: "Because of the millions of combinations available and our desire to frequently give you new menu options, it is impossible to provide accurate nutritional data," responded a PR representative.

    Sarah is confused, "I thought guys just went there to look at tits. Are there really guys out there eating at Hooters that give a shit how many calories are in a chicken wing?"

  13. Studies found that 85% of minimum wage restaurant employees don't wash their hands well after they take a shit. And then they cook your burger. Fry your nuggets. Dish up your french fries. Make your shake.

    Sarah says, "Ok, I just made that up. But what do you think? Are they really paying attention to those signs in the bathroom that say they MUST wash their hands. That's the perfect opportunity for them to say FUCK YOU while no one is looking. Salmonella poisoning is all the rage now after all."

For more Thursday Thirteens click HERE!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

My Obituary

We are moving soon and I've started to pack. Man oh man, do we have a lot of shit. We have vowed to live simpler and clutter free in the new house. No piles of random stuff, just a few toys (hah!) and I will not stockpile food just in case gas prices go so high that food becomes scare and exorbitantly expensive. If you listen closely you can hear me chanting under my breath "everything will be better in the new house, everything will be better in the new house, everything will be better in the new house. . . ".

As I was packing my books I ran across an old journal from a course I took about 6 years ago based on the book "The Artist's Way" I don't usually save my journals because when I find them they're often quite depressing. I opened the journal to find an exercise that required me to write my own obituary. Here's what I wrote six years ago:

Sarah Brooks lived a full life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chad. She is survived by sons, Sam & Henry, four grandchildren, best friend Jennifer and young lover. What a magnificent woman! A recording of her own piano jazz was played at the memorial. She was known by all as a most compassionate woman, helping to feed and clothe many around the city. She also brought music to many underprivileged children and adults. Her garden will be donated to the city. Sarah travelled the world and made a difference to children in many countries. She will be greatly missed but it is certain she is happy wherever she is.

Isn't that funny?! It almost sounds like I think I'm Angelina or something. I have not thought about my jazz piano career in years. It's especially funny considering I don't play piano or garden AT ALL. I wonder what I would write if I wrote it today? What would you write? It's something to think about.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

butterflies, butterflies . . . where are you??

Ten Things Tuesday

XBOX Wife Ten Things Tuesday

Today I am thankful for . . .

1. waking up early enough to walk

2. actually getting my butt out the door

3. cool mornings before a hot day

4. coffee

5. my hardworking husband

6. my healthy, beautiful children

7. everyone is still asleep at 7:30 am, even the dogs!

8. the library

9. our new house is almost done!

10. college babysitters home for the summer : )

To see more like this click HERE!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Haiku Friday

fish

muggy, rainy day
went fishing in pouring rain
with twenty children

haven't fished in years
hooks were flying everywhere!
but no one was hurt : )

except the poor fish
an awful surprise for them
a hook, not a worm

we caught and released
we pierced gooey, yucky worms
ewww, ewww, ewww, ewww, ewww

rain finally stopped
all finally caught a fish
smiles for everyone

Haiku Friday

For more Haikus click HERE!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Haiku Friday

Haiku Friday


what does it take for
a family to stay strong?
love is not enough

nor is flesh and blood
pride, stubbornness, ego, trust
they get in the way

Is the loss worth it?
yes, say some; no, say others
where will the cards fall

the question remains
what happens when anger fades?
scars are left behind

very troublesome
which way will the wind blow now
only time will tell

For more Haikus click HERE

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

I looooooove shoes

I figure if I wore these with the right white t-shirt & black pants I would look very athletic, don'cha think? I've also got a lot of really cool ball caps that would look great with these. Besides shoes, ball caps are my biggest accessory.

I love these Donald Pliner sandals but can't decide which color. Any thoughts? Either would go with my wardrobe which consists of black, white, brown, khaki and the occasional blue.They are a little pricey but money well spent.
Don't these look comfy? Love the colors and either would go with my standard uniform.


Btw, did I mention I have a birthday coming up? I'm 37 and fabulous

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Oh yeah, baby, I had . . .

fun



I went to an indoor water park on Saturday with my two boys. Usually, this is the type of thing they do with their father while I stay home with Lucy and do 2yr old activites. But this Saturday Chad was beat, it was supposed to rain all day and I was ready to get the hell out of dodge. The boys were a little wary as they think Daddy is sooooo much more fun than I am. I was ready to prove the little ingrates wrong. The three of us set out on the 2hr drive not knowing if it would be worth it or not.

I never really did things like this as a child so it was all new to me. We ALL had a blast! I was finally able to forget about my daily duties and responsibilities and just ENJOY! I rode in 2 person tubes with the boys down pitch black water slides, screaming at every drop. Halfway through the day I was going down water slides. all. by. myself. I was actually having pure fun by myself and not just for my children. It may sound odd to most but I have never really done that, even before children.

I'm even thinking about making my mom go when she comes to visit next month : )

Thursday, June 12, 2008

13 Reasons to be a Vegan

header

Here are thirteen reasons that have compelled me to give veganism a try.

1. Because every package of chicken contains a little poop. Yes, POOP.
A USDA study found that 98 percent of broiler chicken
carcasses had detectable levels of E. coli, indicating fecal
contamination.

2. Because grain used to feed animals could be used to feed hungry people.
Eighty percent of U.S. agricultural land is used to raise chickens, pigs,
and other farmed animals; seventy percent of grains are used to feed
them. If the massive quantities of grain, soy, and corn now fed to
factory-farmed animals were freed up, there would be plenty of food
for the world’s starving people.

3. Because when animals feel pain, they scream too.
If you burn them, they feel it. If you give them electric shocks, they feel
it. Animals feel pain in the same way and to the same degree that we
humans do.

4. Because more than half the water used in the U.S. is used to raise animals for food.
A totally vegetarian diet requires 300 gallons of water per day, while a
meat-eating diet requires more than 4,000 gallons of water per day.
Time magazine reports, “Around the world, as more water is diverted
to raising [cattle], pigs, and chickens, instead of producing crops for
direct consumption, millions of wells are going dry.”

5. Because you wouldn't eat your dog.
Most people are horrified that some cultures eat dogs or
whales, but these animals suffer no more than animals
commonly consumed in the U.S. The difference is only cultural,
not moral.

6. Because no one should have to kill for a living.

Slaughterhouse workers have among the highest rates of
injury and illness in the country, and working in a
slaughterhouse would dull anyone’s sense of compassion.

7. Because this is not what wings are for.
Chickens, pigs, and other farmed animals never get to breathe
fresh air, feel the sun on their backs, build a nest, nuzzle their
young, or do anything at all that they were born to do.

8. Because eating fish does not make you a vegetarian.
Fish have the same ability to respond to pain that birds and
mammals have and are also interesting individuals in their own
right. According to a review of the science published in Fish and
Fisheries, fish are “highly intelligent”—they have long-term
memories and learn from one another, use tools, form social
hierarchies, and “can even be favourably compared to nonhuman
primates.” Explains marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle, fish
are “so good-natured, so curious. You know, fish are sensitive,
they have personalities, they hurt when they’re wounded.”

9. Because they feel fear.
Their hair stands on end, they urinate on themselves, and they shake,
just as we do when frightened out of our minds with the prospect of
being hurt or killed.

10. Because no matter how you slice it, it's still flesh.
Other animals are made of flesh, bone, and blood, just as we are, so
“meat” is just a euphemism for a decomposing corpse used as food.

11. Because even prisons aren't this crowded.
Animals on factory farms are crammed into so little space that many
of them are unable to do anything natural to them for their entire lives.

12. Because no living creature wants to see her family slaughtered.
Cows love their calves, sows love their piglets, and chickens
love their chicks. Farmed animals love their families and
mourn their loss.

13. Because you shouldn't have to lie to your children about the food you eat.
Children would be horrified to learn about the cruelty and
violence involved in turning chickens, pigs, and other animals
into nuggets and other “foods.”

These reasons are all from Goveg.com.

For more Thursday Thirteens go HERE

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

What am I Thankful for Today?

XBOX Wife Ten Things Tuesday

Today I am thankful for . . . .

1. 84 degrees instead of 92 degrees

2. air conditioning

3. sunscreen

4. the best friends and neighbors

5. smart, healthy kids

6. a fabulous hair stylist/colorist

7. guacamole

8. the world wide web ~ what did I do before this? Oh, yeah, I read books.

9. my wonderful husband

10. air conditioning; did I say that already?

See more thankful posts HERE

Monday, June 9, 2008

Another Vegan Revelation

ME FRESH

I'm not sure, but I think I stink less! Yes, that's what I said. I stink less. I've always been one of those people that needs to wear deodorant . . . all the time. It's not like the person standing next to me is offended or anything but by the end of a hot day, like today, I need a shower and a fresh coat of Secret Clinical.

From the moment I wake I feel like I'm sweating. This morning I realized I hadn't put deodorant on yet and also realized that I didn't stink yet! I still put some on. I'm not going to be one of those vegetarians. It's now the end of a hot, sweaty day and, although not odor-free, I still smell pretty good! Interesting. And really gross if you think about it. Was all that dead animal flesh I've been eating all my life seeping through my sweat glands and making me stink. Ewwwwwww.

I know this doesn't hold true for everyone. If there's a meat platter on the menu, my husband orders it. He has virtually no body odor. Ever. It's weird. And nice.

Now, the gas I'm passing is a whole other story that I won't go into. I just can't catch a break.