Possible Glasses

I went to the eye doctor yesterday. It had been about a year and a half since I went. I've noticed that it's been more difficult to read things farther away lately. He did the eye exam, and said that I have 20/25 to 20/30 vision. I've read that in order to pass the driving test, your vision has to be 20/40. The doctor did give me a prescription for glasses, although he said I should still be find without them, but they might be helpful when driving at night or when my eyes are acting up. Working on the computer and reading are fine without glasses. I asked about how much they would cost, and a pair would be about $130.00. Not too bad, but I'm going to wait for a while to get any. My eyes are fine otherwise, and like the doctor said, I don't need them for reading or working on the computer, and I can drive without any.

Fertile Soil

Well, come spring the soil in the flower bed around my place should be pretty fertile. It's the only place Bea will potty now with the snow! She'll walk on, lick, and eat the snow, but she won't potty on it! She had been using her puppy pad for a couple of days until last night when she finally went in the flower bed! YEAH! Now if she'd just poo outside! I took her for a long walk the other night when it was warmer, but she didn't want to go on the snow. Grrr...stubborn Dachshunds! :)

And on another note...STUPID DES MOINES REGISTER DELIVERY GUY!!!! This morning I was outside with Bea a little before 6:00. I try to make her stay quiet, and if she barks I tell her no. Well, she heard the delivery guy walking, and barked at him. I told her no, but then the delivery guy started barking back at her! I took her straight inside before he walked past my place. I've talked to him before when he's walked by, but the last time we saw him he started barking, too. It just gets Bea worked up, and I don't want to wake everyone else up! So I decided we'd just go inside until he left. What a MORON!

Ring the Bell!

I've been looking at buying a training tool for Bea that goes over the door knob to outside. When the dog needs to go out, she's supposed to ring the bells. Well, when I saw the price on them, I couldn't justify buying it (they want around $17.00 for one...and it's just a piece of ribbon with "Christmas" bells attached). So what do I do? I make my own of course!

Now according to the website, the bells they use are "special." WHATEVER! I bought a spool of ribbon, some snaps, some Christmas bells, and grabbed some extra key chains that were just sitting around. I set off to work and in just a few minutes I had one made up and ready to go! Bea hasn't been outside yet since I've finished it, so I'll try it with her when we go outside before bed. It will be awesome if she figures it out quickly!

Bang! Bang!

I've been shot!!!!! Ok, so maybe not in that sense. I went and got my flu shot today. Of course when I got dressed this morning I wasn't thinking about the flu shot...I was thinking about warmth. So when I tried to push up my sleeve, the stitching right at the wrist area wouldn't budge up much past my elbow. Luckily for me, the shirt I was wearing had a few buttons down the front, so I just slipped my shoulder out. Yep, there I was showing everyone skin! lol

Now that I've been shot, I know how John feels. He was shot yesterday. I hope the crumminess won't last too long! I was getting a little warm right after the shot, but that's gotten better. I just have a case of the blahs now. At least I have something to think about that I'm looking forward to that will keep my mind busy! It's gonna be a great day on Saturday! :D

Leftovers Queen

I didn't know which blog to enter this, so I decided I'd put it here, and then later I'll enter the meat sauce recipe on my other blog.

This past week I took out some meat sauce I had made and frozen this past spring/early summer. I cooked up some spaghetti in my new microwave pasta cooker and had that one night. Of course, I still had sauce left over, so I was trying to decide what to do with it. I thought about pizza, but forgot to pick up tortillas (for the crust), and I didn't want to make homemade dough. Thinking back, I have biscuits in the fridge...I could've rolled those out! Duh! Anyway, I decided I'd do something with pasta again. This time I grabbed a box of mac & cheese! I fixed that up, added a little extra 1/2 & 1/2, then threw the meat sauce into the cheese sauce (I get that all melted before I add the macaroni back in). So there it was. Mac & Cheesy Beef! On the top I sprinkled some extra Parmesan cheese (the refrigerated kind...not the green shaker). Yeah, I think I'm getting good at this! lol I'm having the Mac & Cheesy Beef for lunch today, and I have another bowl full in the fridge.

Wine Tasting!

I was invited to a wine tasting this Saturday for the Iowa's Wine Cellar Grand Opening! Why exactly did I get invited? Because my friend Jennie & her husband are the owners! I think it'll be fun!

More Time in the Kitchen

I made a couple different recipes this weekend...and did some easy baking, too. Yesterday I made creamed chicken over homemade biscuits. I'll be putting the recipes on my other blog, so go there to check them out. Sorry that I didn't take any pictures. :(

Today I tried to use up some odds & ends in the fridge. For breakfast was biscuits, an omelet, and some leftover bacon. Lunch was leftover creamed chicken and biscuits. For supper I wanted to use up some peppers before they go bad, so I looked through the fridge and found some veggies, some leftover chicken, and toasted sesame Asian salad dressing. Stir-fry! It was tasty! That's what I'll have tomorrow. Looks like leftovers for a couple more days!

Another Recipe!

Check out my kitchen for pictures and a link to Pumpkin Scones! Very yummy...and simple to make!

A Fall Walk

Since it was still nice out when I got home from work, I decided to take Bea for a walk. I grabbed my camera in case there were some photo ops.

Here's Bea looking back to make sure I'm coming.

It's a little difficult to see, but if you look closely at Bea's hind, right above her tail, you'll see a heart. Whenever we go outside, the hair on her back stands up, and the heart actually stands out!

Here's Bea playing in the grass.

I was trying to get Bea to look at me with the colorful tree in the background. She kept running back and forth, so this is the best I could get.

Here's the tree that is in the background above.

I thought this tree was just beautiful with all the different colors.

What the ?????

Bea & I were just sitting here when all of a sudden there was a noise at the front door. Bea started barking and I looked up from the computer to see a squirrel clinging onto the screen! I see all sorts of strange things! :)

More Gift Ideas (for Me and Bea!)

Bea:

18" x 24" pet mattress for her bed (the one that came with it is so flimsy that her feet want to go right through the grate, so she would like a thicker, more sturdy one) (I found one and bought it for her already!)

Toys

Treats

Ros:

KitchenAid BeaterBlade+ (for a tilt mixer) at Cooks Emporium for $24.95 (Go to this site to see what it looks like)

Pastry Board with cover (available at Cooks Emporium)

Rolling Pin Sleeve

Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer (like Dad's)

Freezer is FULL!!!!

Last night I decided to make the squash quiche from last weekend's cooking demo at Cook's Emporium. I had that for supper, and then again for breakfast today. I got a piece ready for tomorrow's breakfast, and then wrapped the rest up in individual pieces and froze them for later. I was craving homemade pizza, so I made "Jim's Pizza Dough" and threw together a sausage, onion and mushroom deep dish pizza (made in my Pampered Chef deep dish stoneware...first time I used it). I had a piece of that, got a piece ready for lunch tomorrow, put a couple pieces in the fridge for this week, and froze the rest of them, too. So in addition to all that, I still have the chicken/broccoli casserole and chili in the freezer to eat up. I shouldn't need to make anything for awhile!

Cooking

It's a little tough cooking for one! This past weekend I made some chili from a new recipe. I ended up freezing half of it for later. I had just the chili for one meal, then a chili dog for another meal, last night was chili over macaroni, and I'll have the same for lunch today. Yeah, I think it's good that I froze the rest!

This weekend I also made a chicken & broccoli casserole. I ate that for two meals, and then froze the other half. I've actually been cooking more...and not just frozen pizza, frozen egg rolls, etc. like I used to when I was with the ex. I think I was just so tired of not feeling appreciated that I just took the easy way out! I want to feel better about myself, so I think that by making things that aren't just "open the box, heat, and serve", I can plan for healthier dinner options. And that along with taking Bea for our daily walk(s) will hopefully help me get on track.

Speaking of walks, last night Bea & I went out for a walk when I got home (before the rain came). She is doing so well with not pulling as much on her leash, and pottying outside (although if she does inside, she goes on her puppy pad). Anyway, she was just about to do #2, when she heard a kid yell. Of course she was distracted and that ended that. Luckily she finally went about a block from home...right on the sidewalk! I picked it up...yes, I'm one of the responsible pet owners that just doesn't leave it for others to step in...and disposed of it back at home. If only she would do that all the time! :) I know...eventually she will. Tonight she'll be in heaven...we get to go to Ayden & Ayv's football games. Bea loves going so she can run around!

Another Idea (that I had forgotten about)

I've always thought it would be nice to have one of these at home...then I could get rid of the espresso maker and the coffee maker and just have 1 machine. Notice it's cheaper now, too!

http://www.target.com/Tassimo-TASSIMO-Hot-Beverage-System/dp/B001E6I42U/qid=1223302419/ref=br_1_5/601-7172032-1496900?ie=UTF8&node=13385421&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=13385421&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=2

Power Plant

I just saw this at Cooks Emporium and thought it was pretty neat. Another gift idea! :)

For more information, see:

http://www.prepara.com/power_plant.php

Halloween

Here's the costume I found...now I don't have to make one!!!! I'll take a better picture when I cut the tag off. I was just seeing if it fit first! Then I had to try to get a picture of Bea while she tried to chew on the hot dog! I just said the special words for "treat" and I had her attention!

Update

In case you're confused when you see "Bea" listed as a label, it's because I changed the dog's name. The name she was given by Aaron just doesn't mean anything anymore, so I came up with a new name with the help of my family. So now I have Bea (or Beatrice). It's much easier to say, too! :)

Gift Ideas

So, I got this idea from my friend, Jill. I thought it was a great idea...now I won't forget later on what I want/need! So here's the beginning...

Kitchen Cart (there is one at Target for $100.00, but I like these, also)
http://www.target.com/Natural-Wood-Kitchen-Cart-Doors/dp/B001AESRNC/sr=1-5/qid=1222096800/ref=sr_1_5/602-9755755-4688638?ie=UTF8&index=target&field-browse=1038576&rh=k%3Akitchen%20cart&page=1

http://www.target.com/Double-Door-Kitchen-Butcher-Block/dp/B0000BYQ4M/sr=1-13/qid=1222096800/ref=sr_1_13/602-9755755-4688638?ie=UTF8&index=target&field-browse=1038576&rh=k%3Akitchen%20cart&page=1

Small TV (for the bedroom)

Printer

Gift Cards (Target, Wal-Mart, Hickory Park, Red Lobster, Carlos O'Kelly's, etc.)

I'll add more as I think of them. Just search for posts for "Gifts"! :)

The Mosaic Meme

I thought this was neat, so I had to do it. :)



1. Rosalyn, 2. Chocolate Bar, 3. Harvest Time in Iowa, 4. Lavender Moon, 5. you!, 6. three heavenly words, 7. Last day in Paris, 8. Berry & Lavender Crème Brûlée, 9. Cosmic Dream, 10. For you / Para vosotras (Sant Jordi), 11. 32 / 52: Your Gift, 12. Rossie


The Rules:
Type your answer to the questions into flickr search
Using only the first page, pick an image
Copy and paste each of the urls in the Mosaic Maker

The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. What is your favorite drink?
7. What is your dream vacation?
8. What is your favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to do when you grow up?
10. Who/ what do you love most in life?
11. Choose one word that describes you?
12. What is your Flickr name?

Tigger or Eeyore

"You have to decide of you're a Tigger or an Eeyore." - Randy Pausch

I love that quote. Are you going to live your life to its fullest? Are you having fun? Are you a Tigger? Or are you just getting by? Are you just living? Are you an Eeyore?

This quote was from Randy Pausch, the professor who gave "The Last Lecture" (http://www.thelastlecture.com/). I just read that he died today. His message is The Last Lecture is one everyone should think about.

So, the Tigger/Eeyore thing got me thinking. I want to be a Tigger. I feel that I'm somewhat stuck as an Eeyore right now, though. Sure, I have fun. But it's the same thing everyday. I get stuck in a rut. I want to break loose and have some fun!

Rain Rain GO AWAY

I'm so sick of this rain! Aaron was called in to the National Guard to help with flood relief. He's doing a good thing, and I know that not only do I appreciate what he's doing, but so do the other citizens!

Anyway, the cul-de-sac entrance has had water over it for the past week or so, but it wasn't too bad...I could easily drive through it. This is what I woke up to this morning.

Thankfully there was the little dry spot that I could back onto. But getting the rest of the way out was a little scary. I made it through going slowly (I had the brakes on to keep from going too fast). Once I was through, I heard some squeaking, but I let off the gas, and it went away. It smelled for a brief second...probably the heat burning off the water. Needless to say, I won't be parking in the driveway tonight! I'll have to park on the street north of us, then walk through the neighbor's yard and our back yard.

RAIN GO AWAY!!!!

Busy Weekend Coming

Tonight I plan to get groceries and then make ham roll ups. Tomorrow I'm going to the last cooking demo for the season, then I'm getting my hair cut (it's been about 8 months, after all!). Then I'll go home and finish making goodies to take to Roxanne's for Dad's 60th birthday. I'll probably go over there around 4:00 to help her with anything and set things up. Then it'll be time to grill out and have some fun.

Sunday I'll be working on sorting through things in the upstairs bedroom and cleaning up from the cats having their litter box and food in the basement. I also need to wash tae kwon do uniforms. So, it'll be a busy weekend, but at least 1/2 of it will be fun! :)

Poor Baby Update

The vet just called and they're done already! Wow! I thought it would be around 10:00 when they did her surgery, but I guess I was wrong! Now I won't have to worry so much about her. They even gave her the final distemper shot until next year! YEAH!!!!!

My Poor Baby

I dropped Bea off this morning to be spayed. She didn't even get to eat breakfast! I felt so bad for her. When we got to the vet's office, she looked so sad. Poor little thing. I'll miss seeing her at home tonight, as I don't pick her up until tomorrow (probably after work). The vet is supposed to call me after the surgery, so I should hear by noon or 12:30 how she did. I'm supposed to be in a meeting today, but I know my mind will be elsewhere until I hear from the vet.

More Pics

Here are some pics my sister took with her nice camera. My baby is such a cutie! :)

More Bea!

Here's another picture of Bea! She was sitting so pretty by my feet, and just as I took the picture, she jumped! Just look at those ears! I love them! I also took another picture of her, and if it would've been in focus, it would've been my favorite picture of her yet! Oh, well. I have lots of time to take more! :)

Bea!

Here's the newest addition!