Day 21,
There are just too many websites. Going online is no longer fun or convenient. With all the options thrown at you it's harder to find what I'm looking for. Or I question if I can find something better. I can spend hours looking for the perfect granola recipes. I know there isn't a perfect one and even if there was how would I know? I'm not a granola expert. What prevents me from just picking the first granola recipe website that pops up? What difference does it make if the granola is cooked with olive oil or butter? What about adding cashews, walnuts, almonds, peanuts? Is it better with raisin, craisins, or dried cherries? What about making it pumpkin flavored or adding chocolate? There are just too many options. I wish there was only one option. I wish if I wanted to make granola I could just ask my mom or grandma for the unique family recipe. Whatever the recipe called for I knew was a hit with my family. I might get bored of it after a while and then I'd do some more research, but right now I need some foundation. I wish there was a progression chart for cooking. For a first timer make this recipe... When you are ready to move on try adding this... or this... or replace this with that. Simple.
The web is supposed to make my life easier and in some ways it does, but when it comes to cooking it makes my life hell. I guess if I can't stand the heat I should get out of the kitchen. I research and research and by the end of the day I haven't made anything but a long list of recipes I'll never have time to make. I'm wasting precious time, I'm destroying trees, and in the mean time I'm starving.... ahhh I'll just go for Take 'n' Bake pizza again. I want one recipe site that I know and trust. I don't want options. I just want the best without suffering through making the worst.
There must be a private culinary club where chefs collaborate on the best of dishes. They all get together and narrow down the best blueberry pancakes... and syrup to top it. So where do I sign up? Someone please help me out! I'm frantic with ideas and no commitment. What if I hate it? What if this is the worst granola I've ever had. All that wasted time, energy, money, effort? Wait that's what I'm doing now. Damn. Granola is for hippies anyways. Pop tart anyone?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Give me a break
Day 12,
So I've cut back my blogging. I now realize why people shouldn't stop exercising or cheat on their diet. It's so hard to get started up again. Evey time I think about blogging I find something more important to do. Blogging takes a lot out of me. It takes me about 2 hours to brainstorm, write, edit, and publish each blog. It's not like I have been just wasting that extra time. I've been reading more, knitting hats, cooking, ect. I've actually done a lot this past 2 weeks. I had my first DJ gig of the year. I really feel like I could be really successful as a DJ if I could afford all the equipment. Currently I'm just working as an assistant. Wicka what?
I also had my first wedding photography gig. Granted it was for my boyfriend's aunt's wedding so it wasn't truly professional. There were only 12 people in total. I wasn't getting paid and it was more of a potential family favor. I'm glad this was just a practice round because I didn't have any experience or much confidence in wedding photography. On the way to the church the bride said she didn't care about any pictures of the wedding, but to wait to take group pictures afterward. Well luckily I figured she was just stressed and didn't really mean that. The bride's sister agreed that I should at least take a few pictures. The wedding was in an Orthodox Catholic Cathedral. It was beautiful, but not ideal for pictures. It felt like it was lit with candles. Nothings worse than natural pictures with a cheesy flash. Grrrr. Then of course my darn flash slowed down shot taking and I missed "the kiss". Good thing she wasn't counting on getting any pictures of the ceremony. Well there is one experience under my belt. I actually hope I can get some more practice, even though it was very stressful and that was just with a low maintenance bride and 11 other guests.
Next new adventure was glass blowing. I finally blew my first piece. Wow the burner is hot. I thought my face was going to melt off. Working with melting glass is extremely difficult. What was I thinking? Liquid magma on a stick and I have to make a cup?
Now I can't even believe I did this next one. I took a hip hop class. All by myself. I even busted out my jazz shoes. The class was at held at a local college and was only $5 for an hour class. I was a little nervous. The instructor said she didn't have beginner classes and that everyone will just figure out how to keep up. I didn't. Luckily no one did either. It was a fun class and I'm sure I'll take it again even if it wasn't totally hip hop, but more pop and cheer leading combined.
So off to my next adventure. I'm not sure what it is yet, but I'll let you know. If you have any ideas of things I should try let me know. Not back to my blog break.
So I've cut back my blogging. I now realize why people shouldn't stop exercising or cheat on their diet. It's so hard to get started up again. Evey time I think about blogging I find something more important to do. Blogging takes a lot out of me. It takes me about 2 hours to brainstorm, write, edit, and publish each blog. It's not like I have been just wasting that extra time. I've been reading more, knitting hats, cooking, ect. I've actually done a lot this past 2 weeks. I had my first DJ gig of the year. I really feel like I could be really successful as a DJ if I could afford all the equipment. Currently I'm just working as an assistant. Wicka what?
I also had my first wedding photography gig. Granted it was for my boyfriend's aunt's wedding so it wasn't truly professional. There were only 12 people in total. I wasn't getting paid and it was more of a potential family favor. I'm glad this was just a practice round because I didn't have any experience or much confidence in wedding photography. On the way to the church the bride said she didn't care about any pictures of the wedding, but to wait to take group pictures afterward. Well luckily I figured she was just stressed and didn't really mean that. The bride's sister agreed that I should at least take a few pictures. The wedding was in an Orthodox Catholic Cathedral. It was beautiful, but not ideal for pictures. It felt like it was lit with candles. Nothings worse than natural pictures with a cheesy flash. Grrrr. Then of course my darn flash slowed down shot taking and I missed "the kiss". Good thing she wasn't counting on getting any pictures of the ceremony. Well there is one experience under my belt. I actually hope I can get some more practice, even though it was very stressful and that was just with a low maintenance bride and 11 other guests.
Next new adventure was glass blowing. I finally blew my first piece. Wow the burner is hot. I thought my face was going to melt off. Working with melting glass is extremely difficult. What was I thinking? Liquid magma on a stick and I have to make a cup?
Now I can't even believe I did this next one. I took a hip hop class. All by myself. I even busted out my jazz shoes. The class was at held at a local college and was only $5 for an hour class. I was a little nervous. The instructor said she didn't have beginner classes and that everyone will just figure out how to keep up. I didn't. Luckily no one did either. It was a fun class and I'm sure I'll take it again even if it wasn't totally hip hop, but more pop and cheer leading combined.
So off to my next adventure. I'm not sure what it is yet, but I'll let you know. If you have any ideas of things I should try let me know. Not back to my blog break.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Break
Day 2,
So blogging on my phone every day I think is giving me carpal tunnel. My hand starts going numb and tingles when I start to sleep. I'm not sure what the problem is, but I'm going to cut back on blogging for now. I doubt you'll miss me. But I'll miss you.
So blogging on my phone every day I think is giving me carpal tunnel. My hand starts going numb and tingles when I start to sleep. I'm not sure what the problem is, but I'm going to cut back on blogging for now. I doubt you'll miss me. But I'll miss you.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Got milk?
Day 1,
I do! After 29 days I finally had milk again. It was the first thing I brought back after my hypoallergenic diet. I was told the thing you want to bring back first and crave the most is what you are usually allergic to. This morning I had regular milk, not almond, rice, or coconut milk. Good old fashion cow milk. It was so amazing. I totally forgot how wonderful milk is. It is completely different from all the other wannabes no matter what anyone says. There isn't a weird false milk aftertaste.
There are plenty of arguments accusing animal milk to be unnatural for humans to consume. We are the only species that consume milk past infancy and also consume other species milk. Now I don't think we should all switch to human breast milk. I'm conflicted to drink dairy because it tastes so amazing. Nothing goes better with warm chocolate chip cookies or apple pie.
When I lived in Switzerland I would walk down the street to the Milchcentral and get a glass bottle of fresh warm milk from the cow in the back. There isn't any milk better than that. So rich, creamy, fresh. I could bathe in it.
I feel so conflicted. I want to be as healthy as possible, since I don't seem to be allergic to milk it'll be hard to stay away. And by hard I mean impossible. I won't cry over it though. Unless it spilt.
"Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer."
Arnold Schwarzenegger (1975)
I do! After 29 days I finally had milk again. It was the first thing I brought back after my hypoallergenic diet. I was told the thing you want to bring back first and crave the most is what you are usually allergic to. This morning I had regular milk, not almond, rice, or coconut milk. Good old fashion cow milk. It was so amazing. I totally forgot how wonderful milk is. It is completely different from all the other wannabes no matter what anyone says. There isn't a weird false milk aftertaste.
There are plenty of arguments accusing animal milk to be unnatural for humans to consume. We are the only species that consume milk past infancy and also consume other species milk. Now I don't think we should all switch to human breast milk. I'm conflicted to drink dairy because it tastes so amazing. Nothing goes better with warm chocolate chip cookies or apple pie.
When I lived in Switzerland I would walk down the street to the Milchcentral and get a glass bottle of fresh warm milk from the cow in the back. There isn't any milk better than that. So rich, creamy, fresh. I could bathe in it.
I feel so conflicted. I want to be as healthy as possible, since I don't seem to be allergic to milk it'll be hard to stay away. And by hard I mean impossible. I won't cry over it though. Unless it spilt.
"Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer."
Arnold Schwarzenegger (1975)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Bank of Americant
Day 29,
This isn't the first blog about the evils of big banks and I'm sure it won't be even my last. I opened an account with BOA constrictor of my money 2 years ago. I was with a local bank, but it was under my parents account, which I don't recommend. Also, I was traveling a lot and every time I needed to withdrawals I ran into fees. Now I run into fees for everything.
My first fee was just for having a checking account. They said they'd wave it the first year. Then I got a letter saying they were gonna start charging for checking accounts whether or not you had direct deposit. I threw a fit. I went into the bank ready to close my account. They said they would wave the fee if I went paperless and ebanking, which meant I never actually went into a bank and used a teller. I signed up.
The evil fee they conspired up next everyone knows about. BOA wanted to charge $5 a month to use a debit card. They were trying to cut their losses, by screwing over their customers. The audacity. I was ready to join the fight and switch banks when BOA finally had to bend over and take it from the poor folk and dropped the fee.
The hidden fee. I was going through my savings account transaction when I noticed a $6 deduction. I had no idea what it could be. From what I could see from the BOA app all it said your "account exceeded the 2..." then it cuts off. When I went home and checked my computer it proceeded to say that I exceeded my withdrawal limit for the month. What is that about? So I called customer service, which is always fun. So when I finally was connected to an operator I told her about my problem. She went on to say that you can only withdraw 3 times a month from your savings account. First off why does my bank care how many times I take money from my savings? I then told the woman that I was unaware of this restriction and I was never alerted or notified I was going to be or was charged. I never check my savings account since I rarely use it. I usually put most my money in my savings just to feel financial pressure to keep me frugal. It was Christmas time so I needed extra money for presents. If I was aware of this fee I wouldn't have transferred so much to my savings after I get paid. I asked her to wave the fee. She said she couldn't. She said that it was a clear fee that we accept when we open the account. I preceded to tell her that the banker that opened my account never told me of this fee. She said its in the pamphlet, in my monthly bank statement, or maybe I forgot what the banker said. This is where I got irritated. I said I'm paperless ebanking so I don't get a bank statement, and even if I forgot what the banker said when I opened my account that was 2 years ago! I told her that I didn't have time to research and remember every possible fee I might run into. She continued to say there was nothing she could do. Bullshit. This was also the first time this happened and I wouldn't have done it if I had known. She then told me that this happened in november. Now I'm pissed. This could have been happening for a long time. I said this is ridiculous and not worth keeping my account. I asked to speak to her superior. She said they would tell me the same thing. I didn't care. The time it took to connect to her customer service manager I was able to calm myself down. I tried to remember what Dale Carnegie said in "How to win friends and influence people". Deep breaths.
When the manager got on the phone I preceded to tell her the exactly the same thing, but in a calm respectful tone. I explained my frustration not only with the fees, but with myself that I had made this mistake multiple times without being aware of it. She was completely understanding and saidi she appreciated my concerns. Then she waved the fee. Victory!
I guess the other chick was wrong. I wanted to get her on the phone and say and thats why when you don't get what you want get a superior. But don't bank of it.
This isn't the first blog about the evils of big banks and I'm sure it won't be even my last. I opened an account with BOA constrictor of my money 2 years ago. I was with a local bank, but it was under my parents account, which I don't recommend. Also, I was traveling a lot and every time I needed to withdrawals I ran into fees. Now I run into fees for everything.
My first fee was just for having a checking account. They said they'd wave it the first year. Then I got a letter saying they were gonna start charging for checking accounts whether or not you had direct deposit. I threw a fit. I went into the bank ready to close my account. They said they would wave the fee if I went paperless and ebanking, which meant I never actually went into a bank and used a teller. I signed up.
The evil fee they conspired up next everyone knows about. BOA wanted to charge $5 a month to use a debit card. They were trying to cut their losses, by screwing over their customers. The audacity. I was ready to join the fight and switch banks when BOA finally had to bend over and take it from the poor folk and dropped the fee.
The hidden fee. I was going through my savings account transaction when I noticed a $6 deduction. I had no idea what it could be. From what I could see from the BOA app all it said your "account exceeded the 2..." then it cuts off. When I went home and checked my computer it proceeded to say that I exceeded my withdrawal limit for the month. What is that about? So I called customer service, which is always fun. So when I finally was connected to an operator I told her about my problem. She went on to say that you can only withdraw 3 times a month from your savings account. First off why does my bank care how many times I take money from my savings? I then told the woman that I was unaware of this restriction and I was never alerted or notified I was going to be or was charged. I never check my savings account since I rarely use it. I usually put most my money in my savings just to feel financial pressure to keep me frugal. It was Christmas time so I needed extra money for presents. If I was aware of this fee I wouldn't have transferred so much to my savings after I get paid. I asked her to wave the fee. She said she couldn't. She said that it was a clear fee that we accept when we open the account. I preceded to tell her that the banker that opened my account never told me of this fee. She said its in the pamphlet, in my monthly bank statement, or maybe I forgot what the banker said. This is where I got irritated. I said I'm paperless ebanking so I don't get a bank statement, and even if I forgot what the banker said when I opened my account that was 2 years ago! I told her that I didn't have time to research and remember every possible fee I might run into. She continued to say there was nothing she could do. Bullshit. This was also the first time this happened and I wouldn't have done it if I had known. She then told me that this happened in november. Now I'm pissed. This could have been happening for a long time. I said this is ridiculous and not worth keeping my account. I asked to speak to her superior. She said they would tell me the same thing. I didn't care. The time it took to connect to her customer service manager I was able to calm myself down. I tried to remember what Dale Carnegie said in "How to win friends and influence people". Deep breaths.
When the manager got on the phone I preceded to tell her the exactly the same thing, but in a calm respectful tone. I explained my frustration not only with the fees, but with myself that I had made this mistake multiple times without being aware of it. She was completely understanding and saidi she appreciated my concerns. Then she waved the fee. Victory!
I guess the other chick was wrong. I wanted to get her on the phone and say and thats why when you don't get what you want get a superior. But don't bank of it.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monthly challenge
Day 28,
I realize that since the beginning of the new year I've given myself a new challenge every month. Granted its only february and that's just 2 months I think I'll keep up the challenge. January I started blogging every day. I've kept it up so far without missing a day. This month I'm on the hypoallergenic diet and soon will be ending my suffering. What should my challenge be next month? I don't have a lot of time to work with so it has to be simple and doable.
Blogging every day has been quite a challenge. I don't think I'll last a whole year. I think every day is more than an average reader cares to read anyways. I do like finding subjects to write quick blurbs about, but I no longer write long research stories. So I think I'll eventually cut back.
Hypoallergenic diet has been a nightmare, but a good learning experience. I've learned a lot about my body and the role food plays in my life. I do love buying and eating fruits and veggies. It makes me feel like a responsible adult. I will definitely take away life long lessons from this 29 day diet hell.
So what challenge will March hold. I'm already doing lent. Maybe I'll just be more committed to my lent. I need a daily challenge though. One that will be obvious and keep me honest. It has to be daily or I won't stick with it.
Due to the theme of lent I'll commit to read one Bible passage a day. My boyfriend's grandpa did say he'd pay me $150 bucks to read it in its entirety. A chapter a day won't take to long. I'll start... in the beginning, even though the Old Testament can be quite frightening. I'll probably have many questions for God after each reading. Hopefully He'll provide the answers. Nonetheless, I'll have a richer spiritual life or just richer.
I realize that since the beginning of the new year I've given myself a new challenge every month. Granted its only february and that's just 2 months I think I'll keep up the challenge. January I started blogging every day. I've kept it up so far without missing a day. This month I'm on the hypoallergenic diet and soon will be ending my suffering. What should my challenge be next month? I don't have a lot of time to work with so it has to be simple and doable.
Blogging every day has been quite a challenge. I don't think I'll last a whole year. I think every day is more than an average reader cares to read anyways. I do like finding subjects to write quick blurbs about, but I no longer write long research stories. So I think I'll eventually cut back.
Hypoallergenic diet has been a nightmare, but a good learning experience. I've learned a lot about my body and the role food plays in my life. I do love buying and eating fruits and veggies. It makes me feel like a responsible adult. I will definitely take away life long lessons from this 29 day diet hell.
So what challenge will March hold. I'm already doing lent. Maybe I'll just be more committed to my lent. I need a daily challenge though. One that will be obvious and keep me honest. It has to be daily or I won't stick with it.
Due to the theme of lent I'll commit to read one Bible passage a day. My boyfriend's grandpa did say he'd pay me $150 bucks to read it in its entirety. A chapter a day won't take to long. I'll start... in the beginning, even though the Old Testament can be quite frightening. I'll probably have many questions for God after each reading. Hopefully He'll provide the answers. Nonetheless, I'll have a richer spiritual life or just richer.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Vagina Monologues
Day 27,
I'm sorry what did you say? Did my vagina stutter? I've heard of vagina monologues, but never really knew what it was all about. I didn't plan on ever going to one either. Well till my boyfriend asked if I wanted to go to one coming to town. Shocking I know. Well he was going to get extra credit in his sociology class for it. He even invited my mom and sister. So the four of us went. to go hear what vaginas have to say.
I was totally surprised. It was hilarious. I don't even think I can do it justice. I'll just talk about my favorite talking vagina. It was dressed in leathers, held a whip, and was 60 years old. The monologue was about an accountant who became a professional woman pleaser. Like a lesbian gigolo. She talked about how she was an extremely load moaner. The men she was with thought she was weird and too eccentric. She later realized that she loved her loud boisterous moan and loved helping other women achieve their moan. Then she went on to describe all the other types of moan. It was hilarious. I won't even try to describe them all I'll just list a few. There was the catholic moan, breathy, dog panter, jewish, student, masculine, ect. I don't even remember them all. The best part was watching this 60 year old woman play each one out with so much passion and without reserve.
The whole show wasn't all quirky hilarious monologues. A little less than half was stories about women who have endured injustice and were sexually tortured. Some of those monologues were extremely hard to listen to. I can't imagine going through the torment that some women have endured from rape, sexual violence, genital mutilation, and sex slavery. I've also learned that 1 billion women have been victims of these crimes. 1 billion. What kind of world do we live in where this is acceptable?
Luckily, there are causes like this to give these women a voice and to come together to fight injustice. I'm so glad I got to be apart of it. There were a few awkward times sitting between my boyfriend and my mom and sister during some of the scenes, but I think it would be weirder if it wasn't. After going I definitely feel empowered. I feel like women have a hard time talking about their bodies, me included. Plenty of men brag about their junk. It's mentioned in most rap songs. So why should women never talk about or be proud of their VaJJs? From now on I will not be shy or embarrassed about couchy snorcher.
If you want to be apart of this here is a link to become involved. VDAY
I'm sorry what did you say? Did my vagina stutter? I've heard of vagina monologues, but never really knew what it was all about. I didn't plan on ever going to one either. Well till my boyfriend asked if I wanted to go to one coming to town. Shocking I know. Well he was going to get extra credit in his sociology class for it. He even invited my mom and sister. So the four of us went. to go hear what vaginas have to say.
I was totally surprised. It was hilarious. I don't even think I can do it justice. I'll just talk about my favorite talking vagina. It was dressed in leathers, held a whip, and was 60 years old. The monologue was about an accountant who became a professional woman pleaser. Like a lesbian gigolo. She talked about how she was an extremely load moaner. The men she was with thought she was weird and too eccentric. She later realized that she loved her loud boisterous moan and loved helping other women achieve their moan. Then she went on to describe all the other types of moan. It was hilarious. I won't even try to describe them all I'll just list a few. There was the catholic moan, breathy, dog panter, jewish, student, masculine, ect. I don't even remember them all. The best part was watching this 60 year old woman play each one out with so much passion and without reserve.
The whole show wasn't all quirky hilarious monologues. A little less than half was stories about women who have endured injustice and were sexually tortured. Some of those monologues were extremely hard to listen to. I can't imagine going through the torment that some women have endured from rape, sexual violence, genital mutilation, and sex slavery. I've also learned that 1 billion women have been victims of these crimes. 1 billion. What kind of world do we live in where this is acceptable?
Luckily, there are causes like this to give these women a voice and to come together to fight injustice. I'm so glad I got to be apart of it. There were a few awkward times sitting between my boyfriend and my mom and sister during some of the scenes, but I think it would be weirder if it wasn't. After going I definitely feel empowered. I feel like women have a hard time talking about their bodies, me included. Plenty of men brag about their junk. It's mentioned in most rap songs. So why should women never talk about or be proud of their VaJJs? From now on I will not be shy or embarrassed about couchy snorcher.
If you want to be apart of this here is a link to become involved. VDAY
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