Wednesday, February 28, 2007

I Think I Found the KitchenAid Answer

Karma - it's all about karma. I just opened my hotmail account and found a list of upcoming "Cooking Technique" classes at my local Williams-Sonoma and look what one of them is:

SUNDAY, MARCH 25
KitchenAid Mixer 101
Get a better understanding of this kitchen workhorse. Understand the differences in KitchenAid mixers and its functions. Learn how to maximize your KitchenAid mixer’s potentials as well as how to use it correctly to produce delicious products every time.

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a free class so I'll have to get on the horn now to make sure I can get in. If anyone wants to join me let me know - maybe we can go together :-)

Molly Update

I know I still owe everyone an update on Miss Molly. It's been almost a month since we all moved in together. The allergies are still an issue, C has good days and bad days, but this week we finally installed the furnace filters so we'll see how those help - I sense they actually might. In the meantime it's all about vacuuming and dusting and keeping her off the furniture, although the little bugger has been crawling into bed next to me lately. But you can't fight that fight when you're sound asleep.

On a lighter note, those little caps I had the vet put on her nails - well they grow out and fall off when the nail gets longer, and of course they also can fall out if she hits her new "downstairs" scratching post too hard - as opposed to the upstairs one. (I'll explain later). So the other night we noticed she knocked a couple off. Now in the past we've chased her, stuffed her in her box and listened as she hissed and growled at the vet while having them reapplied. I was determined that the next time this needs to happen C and I would try to handle it. How hard could it be?

Well believe it or not - I held her a good long time while C worked on getting the little caps out of the package and wrestled with the glue - which was not working so he headed to the basement to find some more. Molly, she was very content to sit on the kitchen floor with me the whole time. Then when they were ready to be applied, I simply pushed on her pads and her nail popped out and C slipped the cap on. No problem, no fighting, no growling, no hissing, nothing. Makes me wonder what that vet had done previously to upset my little girl oh so much. So that was a very good thing.

Now we have another problem - because God-forbid Molly cuts me some slack. She's up in the middle of the night doing everything she can to wake us and her latest - scratching at the mirror on my dresser in the bedroom - at like 3 a.m.!!!! It's insane!! I'd lock her out of the room bec at this rate we are like zombies, but the door isn't on the room yet (still needs to be refinished and made to fit). Ugh!!!

Any suggestions aside from putting her in her cage at night when this happens for a few hours - I would seriously appreciate :-)

But that's where we are now. There is a lot of compromise going on and really C is going above and beyond what I thought he could handle, but man it's still super stressful.

Can Anyone Help Me Out?

Looking for some assistance please. More than anything the one thing I really, really wanted for Christmas (besides an engagement ring of course - but C believes engagements should have their own special day) was a KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer and I got it - with every cool attachment anyone could want! Did I mention it's green apple in color? I couldn't have been happier.



Two months later, it's moved from it's place under the Christmas tree to the pantry in our kitchen. Still in the box (although I did take it out twice - the day I got it and once to show my brother), waiting for a permanent home (which unfortunatly won't happen until we do the kitchen over), but more importantly it's begging to be used.

Now C did also make sure he got me some cookbooks that go with it offering all sorts of yummy concoctions that can be made with this impressive piece of machinery, I just have yet to get started.

Any suggestions on what I should make first with it to get used to using something top chefs have in their kitchens? I need to get my feet wet and then I know I will be off and running!

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Blink and Everything Changes

First off - in case you missed it, Ms. Spears checked herself into rehab, out of rehab and again into rehab and out of rehab and guess what she did today? Oh she checked into rehab again. (this is a joke right?)

That being said, tell me what's happening in the world. Please - I want to read national and international headlines, I don't want to click on CNN.com only to read breaking news about Britney's rehabilitation or non-rehabilitation and I'm really, REALLY tired of hearing the line by line testimony in the fight as to who gets to bury Anna Nicole Smith. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. After they decide who the body will be released to, then I'm sure we'll have days, no doubt, weeks of "breaking news" about the paternity of that poor little girl.

I've said enough. I'm annoyed.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

In Case You Missed It ...

Britney Spears allegedly checked herself back into rehab today. Perhaps a good idea after her insane weekend shanigans!

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Ok I'll Admit It ..

Who am I kidding? - No one who knows me truly I'm sure - celebrity gossip totally excites me and this one - THIS ONE - I'm going to share is brilliant. Check it out here.

Ok, now that you've read it you know - Bridget Moynahan is three months pregnant with Tom Brady's baby! Even better, her rep confirmed it. Oh this is going to be good... Course on a lighter note that child will be gorgeous, no doubt!

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Oops, Britney REALLY Did it This Time!

Ok so I got totally sucked in - who the heck couldn't. Here it is in live format - she really actually shaved her head!

Really Bad Pick Up Lines

Here's a quiz for you. Check it out here So foolish but you know you have to take it!

Updated

Ok, now I know I'm the managing editor of a technological design magazine, but it took me FOREVER to figure out how to update the photo on my profile. Thanks Anthony for reminding me how bad the old one was this morning - my new one (thanks to the professional photo shoot I had at work a month ago) is now up and much more looking like me!

Friday, February 16, 2007

Why?????

Tell me something. What happened to Breaking News meaning a plane has crashed, something exploded or we are at war?

When the heck did "Breaking News" become so all about pop culture?

First it was Anna Nicole Smith's death.

Followed by something else equally lame, along with updated "Breaking News" reports almost daily about Anna Nicole Smith's death.

Really folks, who cares?

And that brings me to this afternoon's "Breaking News" alert - Britney checks into rehab.

Yes folks, apparently it's breaking news when the Louisiana pop tart who has been flaunting all over acting like your typical young 20-something, decides to take control. Though personally I bet her parents had something to do with this.

Ugh - I'm being sucked in. See the problem?

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Predict How It Will All End...

Ok, now I know some of you will find this totally morbid, but man is it hysterical (and might I add, may be accurate). Click here and find out how you will die. Please let me know what it tells you.

Mine says: Elizabeth: At age 83 you will die from wounds delivered by a blender after trying to make your sixteenth magarita of the day. (And it's on 3:00pm, shame on you!)

Hmm, could be....

It's a joke folks play along and share!

Monday, February 12, 2007

Happy Birthday Kerri!

One of the greatest gifts we can have in our lifetime is a life-long friend. Kerri and I met (oh my God I can't believe it's been this long) - 25 years ago in the seventh grade and we've been each other's shoulder to lean on, someone to share happiness with and the one person in life (other than your mother or significant other) who can get you through almost anything. And true to all that - we have certainly been there for each other through the good and the bad, through thick and thin, through joy and sadness and so much more.

Happy Birthday Kerri - I don't know what I'd do with out you! You're my touchstone and I love you!

And the Week Begins...

I know, it's supposed to be "thank God it's Friday," but honestly I was really looking forward to getting back in a groove today. It was quite a weekend.

I worked Friday night at the liquor store - fun as always. My brother was sick - caught what Baby Anthony had, poor thing. Then planned on sleeping in Saturday and then heading home early afternoon to get some major stuff done around the house.

Well Anthony called me first thing Saturday morning. Him and Cat were taking the baby to Children's - he was showing early signs of dehydration and they took the best precaution anyone could ask for - being pro-active parents, rather than reactive ones. I'm happy to report having being on an IV for a few hours, he's doing just fine. You can read all about it here on Anthony's blog.

Sunday, was a day of rest, sort of. Funny, ever since I moved I haven't had time for a nap. How the heck did I find time to have one every Sunday prior? I'll never understand.

I slept in while C went to the market, then we had coffee and paper time (man I LOVE Sundays). Following a late breakfast I headed over to Nana's to check on things there and see how she was doing. And she was doing just fine. Felt a migraine coming on in the car (always a joy and quite a fearful experience when you feel your ears start to clog and ring) - popped a Fiorinal and off I went.

Then I actually got down to business, helping C with some stuff I was working on for him for his union business. Not bad - I put in nearly three hours though and don't even know where the time went.

Took a break, had some wine, took a nice relaxing tub (man why would anyone choose not to have a claw-foot bathtub?), caught up on some TV, had a late dinner made with plenty of love by C - did I mention he can cook? - and was off to dreamland by 10.

I guess I really don't have it so bad.

Now if only the weather forecasters can get their shit together and we can know for sure what's going to happy snow-wise the next couple of days ...

Friday, February 09, 2007

Here's A Gadget for You: The Pimped Out John

A bathroom oasis?

(editor's note: some of you are going to LOVE this!)

They call it a bathroom oasis. I’m not sure what to call it, but Roto-Rooter has a contest for a gadget even the most discerning gadget grabber might have trouble trying to justify the need for.

The “Pimped Out John” will allow you to do everything from checking your e-mail to watching a movie, listening to your iPod and even playing a videogame without ever leaving the bathroom.

It’s odd, yes, but unbelievable if the hours you have in a day aren’t enough to get everything done and of course you spend a significant amount of time in your bathroom.

Of the many facets it includes the “Pimped Out John” boasts:

An Avanti 4.3 cubic ft compact refrigerator with a beer tap
A Gateway eMachines Notebook
A dual-sided magnification mirror
A Microsoft Xbox 360 core system
A Philips Progressive-Scan DVD player
A TiVo Series2 Digital Video Recorder
A Philips 20 inch LCD Flat-Panel TV
A Personal Cooling Fan
An Apple 30 GB iPod
An iCarta Stereo Dock for iPod with bath tissue holder
A Baseline Resistive Pedal Exerciser
A Roto-Rooter Service button
And a megaphone so anyone in the house can hear you from up to 300 ft away!

It’s a lot of technology in a space many of us know doesn’t hold much unless you are one of the fortunate to have a master bath the size of most small bedrooms, but the technology included in this concept may just be worth the cost of having it installed to your toilet. Of course there’s really nothing that says it can’t be disassembled and placed elsewhere throughout your home. That would be a bonus!

I’m in – I’ll enter the contest, not because I’m bored in my bathroom, but because who could really pass up on an opportunity like this!

The sweepstakes runs until April 2 and the winner will be announced on National Plumber’s Day (of course!) April 25.

Good luck!

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Wow!

Here's what everyone is talking about in my office - Anna Nicole Smith died!

Just thought I'd share.

Check This Out

Not sure if anyone caught this on the morning news shows this morning, but there is a new website called PlateWire - which is an electronic forum "of drivers by drivers" where anyone can log into, and using a vehicle's license plate, commuters can rant about their thoughts and feelings about other people's driving habits.

All I can say is "it's about time!" A way for us to get more satisfaction than simply flipping the bird and swearing under our breath all the way to work. I've been waiting for a vehicle like this (no pun intended) for quite some time. If you haven't been there yet, check it out at www.platewire.com. You'll love it - especially the forum comments under each tag number.

Outsmarted bytthe Cat and Feeling the Pain

You guys are going to love this one.

It took me a few days to post it because although I knew when it happened it would make for some pretty funny cocktail conversation, I had to wait it out and get over it.

Remember a few weeks back when I ordered all that stuff to keep Molly off the furniture, etc...? Well one of those items was the X-Mat

According to the manufacturer, you use the X-Mat to "Train cats without alarms or electricity" that it's "Raised bumps repel pets" and is a perfect mechanism for "Avoidance training - soon your pet will avoid off-limits surfaces."

Here's the complete description from the manufacturer: "Train your cat to respect your boundaries without the use of alarms or electricity. Hundreds of raised bumps create passive discomfort zones. With consistent use, X-Mat teaches your cat to steer clear of kitchen counters, furniture, plants, and selected rooms – even after you remove the X-Mat."

Baloney!

Well let me tell you - Molly was not affected by these at all! The first night we put them on the new bedroom furniture to keep her off them. Right. Literally, she walked on them, no problem, even plopped her butt down on them for a few minutes. Nothing. No pain, no "uncomfortableness" nada!

Fair enough. Again, my cat outsmarted me.

So we found another use for them. We place them on the couch, pitched up a bit resting on the pillows to deter her from going up there. It's working. Not because they are "uncomfortable" to her, but because it leaves no space for her to lie on. Fine.

Well Saturday night Craig went to sit on the couch and moved the mats to the floor area between the end of the couch and the doorway to the dining room. I didn't even notice.

We're sitting in the living room enjoying some TV time and Molly is making some definite "up to something" noise in the dining room so I run over there to try and keep her from doing anything destructive. On my way back, it happens.

Both of my feet plant firmly on the X-Mat. And let me tell you something. It hurt more than anything I think I have ever endured, including my knee surgeries. It was that bad. But it got worse. One I was firmly planted on the hard, raised, pain-inducing, plastic bumps, I couldn't get myself off them because it was even more painful to press down with your foot to get off it. I was done. I started to crumple from the pain. C, in all his goodness, lept to my rescue and pulled me off them. It hurt, like crying to beat the band hurt (not to mention the little welts it left in the bottom of my feet). It was so painful, so bad, but so funny that he actually had me laughing a bit through the tears.

I know, I'm sure I'm not doing this story any justice whatsoever, but trust me, when C tells it - which I know he will at the next family get together - you'll all laugh your asses off. At my expense. But hey - look at it this way, while it did nothing to deter Molly, it hurt me enough that I'm now researching ways to use them as an anti-theft device :-)

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Still Working On It

Poor C - he's really not doing well with the cat. His allergies are through the roof and I'm really, really worried. I dont' want him to suffer in any way shape or form, just hoping for some miracle cure which would allow both him and Molly to live under the same roof. I don't care what it is or even the cost (sorry C) but something has to work to minimize this. If not, then I'm afraid I'll have to take measures with Molly that right now I still can't even imagine. Though I know if I have to I know I will do the right thing. I waited my whole life to find someone like C. I can't have anything ruin that. Bait that against my little fluffy love ball I've been taking care of for eight years and it's really heartbreaking.

The air purifiers have been in effect for not quite 24 hours so I'm not sure how they are performing - we'll see on that. Apparently we discovered today there is some way to filter the furnace to help with all this as well. C says it's easy so that may be another route we'll take. I'm only working with reasonable solutions because frankly that's all that will work. I can't go on wishful thinking anymore. Just reasonable, potential solutions and lots of prayers :-)

Monday, February 05, 2007

:-(

Sorry for not posting sooner folks, with the move and Peter's death and so much else going on I've been doing all I can to keep my head above water.

All my work and everything I planned to keep Molly from doing anything destructive at the new house has pretty much paid off. Although some of the items I bought online are being returned because they had literally no effect on her, she has adjusted just fine. C, on the other hand, is not doing so well.

His allergies are full-blown now with regard to Miss Molly and nothing is abating them. It's really bad and basically I've spent the past 24 hours sobbing trying to figure out what to do to keep us all together. I can't imagine my life without her and of course can't imagine my life without him, but something has to give and I know he can't live this way.

There is the hope I have that after a while he'll be used to her as he was when he spent time at my place. But then again, it had been months since we spent a significant amount of time there together with her and any resistance he may have developed back then is now gone and we are starting from scratch.

In the hope of making this better for him I spent most of the night and morning researching air purifiers - they collect up to 100 percent of cat dander with a HEPA filter so I'm hoping this would work. Originally I was online and picked one out that covered 1,000 square feet, problem is there was no way I would have it until the middle of to late this week. So I took matters into my own hands. I went to Best Buy. I bought a big one - Whirlpool - which should work in the living and dining room area (it covers a little more than 500 sq ft) and a smaller one which covers more than the amount necessary to keep our bedroom dander free. The air purifiers should also help with any dust issues he may have because they trap that as well.

They are in the car now and will be set up to go as soon as I get out of work. Please everyone, keep your fingers (and toes) crossed! This HAS to work!
Me