tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72849692024-03-13T15:52:48.130-05:00Birds, Books and a BeanThree things I love!Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.comBlogger611125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-30757501677771115632011-08-26T09:57:00.002-05:002011-08-26T09:59:18.888-05:00Someone pissed off GodSo, we live several miles away from the Great Dismal Swamp, which has been on fire since the beginning of Aug. Many days it is very smokey and we can't really leave the house.
<br />
<br />Earlier this week there was an earthquake.
<br />
<br />Navy Bean and I are leaving today because of Irene.
<br />
<br />Someone <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> pissed off God.
<br />
<br />ps. Wes has to stay because he is considered essential personnel for his command. No, he is not on a ship. I wish he were, he would be safer.
<br />Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-20554929692555998272011-06-04T10:01:00.006-05:002011-06-08T11:22:52.809-05:00Fly away<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7P-4r650CI/TepKf4GuomI/AAAAAAAAAkw/4xKjb5GWm-Q/s1600/003.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I'd love to be telling you about all the neat stuff going on here. There's a ton of stuff. We've got bluebirds in our box and they have 4 eggs. We have a great garden going. Wes is taking the month of June off, so we've been going to the zoo and stuff like that. It's all good.</span><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DemCdsS8OBM/TepKgWQo7HI/AAAAAAAAAk4/f21FCehT9BA/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DemCdsS8OBM/TepKgWQo7HI/AAAAAAAAAk4/f21FCehT9BA/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614381805062384754" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">These radishes are delicious!<br />The Navy Bean won't eat them though,<br />she's says they're too "sour."</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">But, this post is going to be about how the Navy Bean was almost killed in a freak wind storm.<br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ienxGSKytk/TepJKlg-E6I/AAAAAAAAAko/uZxY-Em_jeE/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ienxGSKytk/TepJKlg-E6I/AAAAAAAAAko/uZxY-Em_jeE/s400/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614380331688661922" border="0" /></a>In order to keep my sanity, we got the Navy Bean a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">swingset</span>. Before it got hotter than hell here, we were probably outside for 3 hours every day. She LOVED her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">playset</span>. We loved her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">playset</span>. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">playset</span> was all good.<br /><br />Then, one day we were outside, and in less than 10 minutes, the sky went from sunny with no clouds to pitch black. The Navy Bean was in the fort part of her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">playset</span>, and as Wes and I were heading to get her and take her inside, a freak wall of wind, (about 70 miles an hour) picked the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">playset</span> up, took it straight into the air and dropped in down. With the Navy Bean in it. We were terrified and screaming and she was screaming. Those were probably the worst moments of my life. Go back and look at the picture of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">playset</span>. Look at what is around it and behind it. Yeah, nothing but ground that is as hard as concrete.<br /><br />The back wall of the fort is a tarp. Thankfully, she was pushed into the tarp and didn't hit her head of any of the wood. She came down on a very small shrub. Pretty much the only shrub in the yard. She walked away with 2 quarter size bruises and that was it. Oh, and a fear of wind (but only in our yard, everywhere else she is fine).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j66jfoxrRvI/TepJKatj0cI/AAAAAAAAAkg/XudOgRU0w_U/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j66jfoxrRvI/TepJKatj0cI/AAAAAAAAAkg/XudOgRU0w_U/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614380328788677058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Navy Bean showing you how big she is in comparison to the shrub she landed on.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">She is fine. She was back outside within two hours, lamenting the fact that her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">playset</span> was broken. Wes has fixed it, but now it's so hot we don't go out much. And she's afraid of the wind.<br /><br />But she does talk about it. "Big, big storm and big, big wind come. They take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">playset</span> up, up, up and throw it down to the ground! Navy Bean go up, up, up and then down to the ground. I really scared. But I okay now. God keep me safe. Storm go away. I no scared anymore."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7P-4r650CI/TepKf4GuomI/AAAAAAAAAkw/4xKjb5GWm-Q/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7P-4r650CI/TepKf4GuomI/AAAAAAAAAkw/4xKjb5GWm-Q/s400/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614381796967752290" border="0" /></a>Thank God he did keep her safe.<br />I don't think I could live without seeing this face everyday.<br /></div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-78913324011991264312011-02-12T13:43:00.003-05:002011-02-12T13:56:58.730-05:00New yearWes is home. I can't remember if I already told you that. During his vacation, he decided to get stuff done around the house. Mostly, because he wanted to feel useful and like it was his house again, and also because we didn't have anything else planned (and we all ended up getting several colds too, so not like we really wanted to do much of anything). He painted the downstairs bathroom. I had picked out the color and even bought the paint, before he got home. I had actually done all that before I got sick. This picture doesn't really show how pretty the color is, but it is much better than the old, boring color. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3u7KuQyqICU/TVbVK2OpzZI/AAAAAAAAAkU/vHzpJtA17wM/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572875971249950098" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3u7KuQyqICU/TVbVK2OpzZI/AAAAAAAAAkU/vHzpJtA17wM/s400/025.JPG" /></a> Since painting this room was on my list of 101 things, I painted two of the walls. And, I got to mark it off my list. Now, I just need to make curtains for it, and find a few more things to put on the walls.<br /><br /><br />We also painted the dining room. I also had this all picked out before Wes got home. We have a chair rail in the room, but the paint was the same color on top and bottom, which just looked weird to me. I picked out a nice shade of gray, since our curtains are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">burgundy</span>. Wes was happy with the gray, and I painted the room myself (another thing on my 101 list). However, we also have these weird pillars, and I wanted to paint the interior of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wainscoting</span> a brighter shade of the curtains. Wes was not so sure about that, but I finally convinced him (after he bought two other shades that he ended up not liking. I have no idea what we're going to do with that paint.).<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysg8yb7qFe4/TVbVKj7BbuI/AAAAAAAAAkM/GTnGN-eEs-A/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572875966335774434" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysg8yb7qFe4/TVbVKj7BbuI/AAAAAAAAAkM/GTnGN-eEs-A/s400/007.JPG" /></a> Part of the problem was that the top of the pillars were white, which is NOT the same color as the rest of the paint. So, we painted the top of the pillars to match the room, and the bottom the gray color, with the red.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4d_FldILszA/TVbVKUkvxlI/AAAAAAAAAkE/kVAIRpx3J04/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572875962215810642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4d_FldILszA/TVbVKUkvxlI/AAAAAAAAAkE/kVAIRpx3J04/s400/006.JPG" /></a><br />I'm not actually sure why I wanted to paint the dining room. It's not like we use it. But, it is the first room you see when you come in the front door. And now, I think we're going to try to find a china cabinet/buffet on Craig's list and then maybe we'll start using it.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgPfiANXVCY/TVbVKWXyR8I/AAAAAAAAAj8/JjyJm890c4s/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572875962698319810" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgPfiANXVCY/TVbVKWXyR8I/AAAAAAAAAj8/JjyJm890c4s/s400/005.JPG" /></a> I don't think the red looks bad with the curtains, but Wes is not so sure. We're going to get a rug, to make sure the chairs don't scratch the floor, and I think we're going to try to find one with various shades of red in it. We're also going to put up artwork that has both colors. He wants me to find new curtains, but I think it looks just fine the way it is (these pictures were taken when it was dark, so we had the lights on. In natural light, the contrast isn't so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">noticeable</span>).</div><div> </div><div>So, that's what I've been up to.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-64097272033752137002011-01-12T09:23:00.002-05:002011-01-12T09:36:39.127-05:00Slow-moIt's January, and still, not normal. But I can't really explain how it's not normal. Most of the time, I'm perfectly fine. I still need to nap, to reset stuff but otherwise, I'm back to my regular routine. However, when I turn my head quickly (or sometimes, not too quickly) I can tell I'm not 100%. (Yes, this makes driving a pain in the butt.) It's kind of like those bad 80's movies, where they're at the carnival and suddenly everything is in delayed slow motion. You know things are moving more quickly than your brain is processing them. Annoying, but not a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disaster</span> anymore. I still haven't had the MRI done. They said they have plenty of spots between 1 and 4 AM!!!! Yes, I'll be right there. But, Wes will be home soon and even though I hate the thought of taking out all of my earrings again (11 earrings: they take forever to get back in), I should probably just do it.<br /><br />So, overall, I'm thankful that things are the way they are. They could be much worse. The worse part is the Navy Bean. She's fine when we go places or when I leave her at the babysitters (home, mama! pointing at the door so I will leave), but at home, she has become quite clingy. I have to stay in her line of sight. And one day, while we were napping (yes, together), she started talking in her sleep. Mama go? Mama go!?! (the panic was evident) Mama go!!!! and then she started wailing. And because she was asleep, I couldn't comfort her, because I wasn't mama, I was just some person. I know she won't remember this for long (hey, why is half the neighborhood standing in my kitchen over my mom and why are those guys taking her into that truck, and who is this person who is taking me away?) I'm thankful she is only two and this won't scar her for life. But, until this happened, I told her "mama will always come back." Now, I tell her, "mama will make sure there is always someone to take care of you." And I guess that's really the best I could ever do anyway.Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-21123560723518119292010-12-06T14:36:00.002-05:002010-12-06T14:42:12.853-05:00Stop the rockingSo, the vertigo attack happened on Oct. 21st. I'm still not normal. I am home, by myself. I can drive. I can cook. I cannot handle stores (good thing we're doing Christmas in mid-Jan.). Lots of movement makes me dizzy and tired. But, I can take care of the Navy Bean, even if it means way more TV than I would like. I spent three weeks in Texas. It was a good trip. And then my father-in-law drove us home, and stayed for a week.<br /><br />I had my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ENT</span> appointment today. They think it was just a very strong (and pissed off) viral attack to my right ear. They are going to do a MRI just to make sure I don't have a tumor, but they seriously doubt it (they just want me to remove all my earrings again). And, not related to the vertigo, I am apparently mildly deaf in both ears. Now I actually have an excuse when Wes asks why I can't hear him.<br /><br />I feel like this has derailed a lot of things I was trying to do, but it also make the deployment go by a lot faster. Still, it would be nice to be back to normal.Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-23371667257456012992010-10-29T09:52:00.002-05:002010-10-29T09:57:32.663-05:00Falling into vertigoI was going to tell you about all the projects I have going on: the new plants, the paint I bought, the stuff I'm making for the Navy Bean's birthday. But then, I ended up lying on my kitchen floor for an hour and half, in my own vomit, trying to get the Navy Bean to get my purse so I could call someone. The neighbors broke in through the open kitchen windows, called 911, took care of the Navy Bean for 2 days, while I was in the hospital. My mom came out and today, my parents are driving us to Texas. Vertigo. It's no laughing matter. I could take care of myself. I still can't drive, but I have neighbors who could do that for me. But, I cannot take care of a very active (almost) 2 year old. So, to Texas I go, for about 3 weeks. That's how long the doctor said it may take. I hope it doesn't take that long, but right now, I would believe it.Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-73448217738829461142010-10-14T13:11:00.002-05:002010-10-14T13:19:04.013-05:00@#%*&!!!This post was supposed to be written from Greece (#3) where I was going to visit Wes, with the Navy Bean. His ship is in port for a full week and we were going to take a military flight to get there ($20 a person). It is October, so we were assured that we should be able to get a seat, no problem. See, it works in order of importance: military <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">personnel</span> with orders (and their families, if they're being transferred), military <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">personnel</span> on leave, spouses with military <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">personnel</span> on leave, unattended spouses and families (that would be me), and then retirees. Usually, this flight wouldn't be that busy because there wouldn't be families trying to fly overseas for Christmas or whatever. However, a bunch (20 or so) of army guys with orders showed up the afternoon we were trying to leave. I was number 8 (and 9 for the Navy Bean) on the waiting list. Only three people on the waiting list got on the plane. Stupid Army. I just keep reminding myself that those Army guys were probably going somewhere most of us don't want to be. But, since the flight only leaves once a week, it meant we wouldn't get to see Wes. Sucks ass.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TLdIATZnWxI/AAAAAAAAAjg/HXc1y9AN3ak/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527966237665483538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TLdIATZnWxI/AAAAAAAAAjg/HXc1y9AN3ak/s400/009.JPG" /></a> If you have to suck ass, it might as well be a cute one!<br /><br /></div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-77245667012798093252010-10-09T09:22:00.002-05:002010-10-09T09:40:27.802-05:00Sad stateI have been working on a good post, but it'll take away. So this week, instead of something funny, we'll be talking about foreclosures. How fun! <br /><br />We bought our house a year ago. I love my house. It is truly our dream house. It is in a great, small neighborhood. Only 42 lots. The lots are big. There's a pond. The neighbors are AWESOME. I really love it here. We had the house built for us, as did about half the people who live here. The other half bought houses that were already built, but not finished, allowing them to customize the inside. <br /><br />This community was begun in 2006, so it's only been here for about 4 years. But, the first houses were built, and sold, during the height of the housing bubble. There is one house that has less upgrades than ours, approximately $5000 less in upgrades, according to our pricing sheet, but they paid $20,000 more for their house. There's another that had about $12,000 more in upgrades than our house (again, according to the price list we were given) but they paid about $60,000 more than we did. Likewise, several houses that were built and then sold just this year sold for about $20,000 less than our house. (I want to add that I've been in several of the houses that have the same floor plan as ours, and I like mine the best!) Some of the neighbors are bitter about this, but hey, that's the housing market. They're very bitter that one family ended up selling their house at a short sale, thus "ruining" the price of the rest of the neighborhood. We plan on being here for 10 years, so we don't really care that much.<br /><br />But like I said, this neighborhood has only been here for about 4 years. When I got back from Texas, I noticed that one of the houses looked like it was empty. This was a little odd, as the house had never had a "for sale" sign out front and the owner's had planted 10 trees this past spring (they all look dead now). I talked to other neighbors, and nobody knew what had happened, we all just knew the house was empty (we didn't know them). Yesterday I drove by and there were several brightly colored pieces of paper stuck to the windows and a special lock on the door. I didn't go and read the papers, but I'm assuming the house has been foreclosed on. I'm sure some of our neighbors will be pissed that this will further reduce the value of our houses, but it just makes me sad. What happened? Why didn't they try to sell the house? Why did they plant all those trees if they knew they were having problems? (Yes, the planting of the trees really bothers me!) I hope the best for the family. I hope they found someplace safe for their family. I hope that whatever caused their financial problems is soon rectified. I hope they're okay.Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-65743175692873114572010-09-30T09:57:00.004-05:002010-09-30T17:09:10.858-05:00Better get on thatI just went over my 101 things list and it's looking kind of pathetic. I was really hoping to get a lot of the bird-watching one done at the end of Sep. beginning of Oct. because that's when fall migration is really going strong. That way, I could increase my bird count (#24) while visiting a bunch of new bird places (#7-#22). However, I believe Noah just set up shop in my backyard swamp and it's supposed to continue raining for about another week (not quite 40 days, but it's starting to feel like it, especially with the Navy Bean going stir crazy). I had been really good about calling non-family members once a month (#89), but I just realized it's the last day of Sep. and I haven't called anyone. The person I was going to call just posted on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> that she's at the zoo with her daughter's kindergarten class. I guess it's a good think I have more than one friend! And we had a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">play date</span> in Aug. (#91), but we didn't have one for Sep. But, I didn't state it had to be consecutive months, so I going to say that's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">OK</span>.<br /><br /><br />I have renewed my passport (#5) and I plan on using it soon. But I can't really talk about that now (highly classified secret Navy stuff). Let's just say I am reading a new bird book. I was starting to read on a regular basis (#42-#49), but then, it happened. I got to an old favorite and realized I couldn't read it. Not because it wasn't as good as I remembered it, but because the print was too small. Someone shrunk the print in many of my books. I do have reading glasses, but they give me a headache if I wear them too long. This has discouraged me, but I need to just get over it!<br /><br /><br />As to the food: I tried the Greek <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">restaurant</span> (#38) and it sucked. But, I did find a recipe for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">perozhkis</span> (#35) and it was great! The recipe made them appetizers and the ones I wanted were bigger, so I'll just fix that next time I made them.<br /><br /><br />I actually started a new afghan yesterday, but then the Navy Bean found it today and unravelled most of it. I'll just start it again tonight. Mostly I've just been working on playing Dragon Age (#95-96). But, I've been feeling way too lazy because of this, so it's time to get my butt in gear and get some of these things done!Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-86401635595450075702010-09-24T09:47:00.002-05:002010-09-24T10:00:58.930-05:00My boring selfI'd love to be able to tell you that I've been gone doing interesting stuff, but that's not true. The Navy Bean is going through a phase where I have to spend EVERY SINGLE MINUTE paying attention to her, which makes blogging a tad bit difficult. I know I could blog once she goes to bed, but by then I'm exhausted and I want to do something fun, like play Dragon Age and try to seduce my companions (you should try it: guilt free casual sex). <br /><br />I am planning something interesting, but I won't be able to talk about it for a month. I know, I'm such a tease.<br /><br />Now, I will leave you with an IQ story (because those are so much fun). IQ Jr. is doing massive amounts of therapy, both physical and speech (among other things). He is not developing as quickly as he should. They should be grateful that Mr. IQ is in the Navy, because insurance is paying for everything (yes, your tax dollars are being spent to help a child who probably wouldn't have issues if IQ didn't ignore him all the time). Anyway, they recently bought a house, a pretty nice one, I should add. When I went to see it, I asked why the dining room had crayon all over the walls (every, single, wall). IQ replied that she had been unpacking upstairs and left IQ Jr. downstairs. First, why are you leaving a 2 year old on a different floor (only acceptable for short periods of time, or if he's sleeping), second, the stairs were open in the back, meaning he could have fallen through if he had tried to climb up, third, he was in the room next to the kitchen and fireplace. Let's not even think about what could have happened there. So, yes, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">IQ's</span> mothering skills still suck.<br /><br />And, in other IQ news, she has decided she will not have sex with her husband until she loses weight. Apparently her head starts shaking when they have sex. Now, I have no idea what that has to do with her weight (and yes, she does need to lose weight), but, since I once asked my husband if both IQ and Mr. IQ put bag over their heads when they have sex, I'm not really sure if I should feel bad for Mr. IQ or not.Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-45403393971199801452010-09-16T15:19:00.003-05:002010-09-16T15:28:24.808-05:00I'm backI was in Texas, visiting the family for two weeks. I have been home for a week, but boy, things were crazy here. The Navy Bean had/has sleep issues, and the lawn needed to be mowed, the house cleaned, groceries bought, and I'm on the committee for the moms' group that started again yesterday. The trip was good. I got to go out with Camille, without the Navy Bean, and we had margaritas and a great time. I had lunch with an old boyfriend, and had to laugh when he said his only regret about us was that we never slept together. Um, isn't that the regret of every man towards every woman he has ever met in his entire life who has not slept with him? But it was great seeing him again and we had a great (if short, stupid weather/traffic) time. The Navy Bean was still afraid of my brother, but eventually warmed up to him and gave him a kiss. My brother has lost more than 35 lbs and he looks AWESOME! I'm very proud of him. <br /><br /><div align="center">But, this is by far the most exciting thing going on around here:</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TJJ7-jpVM-I/AAAAAAAAAjY/JmUXRAhriFU/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517608808132981730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TJJ7-jpVM-I/AAAAAAAAAjY/JmUXRAhriFU/s400/002.JPG" /></a> look closely. There's pee in that potty chair!!!!<br /></div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-38882917841905402132010-08-24T07:46:00.002-05:002010-08-24T07:52:49.931-05:00Prodigal IUDI had a Doctor's appointment yesterday to locate my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">prodigal</span> IUD. Turns out, since the strings were super short, they had just gotten pushed up where I couldn't find them. So everything is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">OK</span>!!!! I'm still making Wes get fixed when he gets home.Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-15725812905887986972010-08-20T12:25:00.003-05:002010-08-20T16:11:06.047-05:00Cornhole gamesMost of you know that I spent much of my life living in Dallas, TX. It's kind of the south, but not really, more southwest. People have strange twangs, but not true southern accents (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>, some of them have ridiculous accents, but that's another post). They eat a lot of fried food, they love their beer and country music, a lot of them are racists. But, until I moved to Virginia, I did not realize that Texas was not truly south. I love Virginia, but whew boy! Half the time I'm not sure what language the natives are speaking (these would be the same people that spout off "learn English" to anyone who doesn't look, or sound, American). The country music is worse, the racism, not as bad as I expected, the bar-b-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">que</span>, worth dying for. But, the biggest surprise is their love of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">cornhole</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br />Go ahead and look puzzled while trying not to giggle like a 12 year old boy. Apparently <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">cornhole</span> is a very, VERY popular game. You try to throw bags, filled with corn, through a hole in a board. Hence the name, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">cornhole</span>. I guess some people have tried to change the name (why? why would you want to do that?) but it hasn't taken (what's wrong with beanbags?). The first time we heard about it was an article in the paper. Wes read the headline, "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cornhole</span> is a favorite" and said, "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">cornhole</span> IS great!" I don't think he actually read the article. Ahem! During this summer, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">cornhole</span> has been EVERYWHERE. On the radio (come down and play <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">cornhole</span> with us!), in the paper (come down and play <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">cornhole</span> with us!) and in the neighbors yards (come over and play <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">cornhole</span> with us!)! And every single time, I have to fight not to giggle like a 12 year old boy. (This reminds me of when my very virginal sister was about to get married and we were at lunch with our mom when my sister asked if Christians were allowed to be freaky in bed. My mom and I kind of looked at each other and asked what she meant by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">freaky</span>. She said, "oral sex" and then my mom and I tried not to die laughing, because neither one of us consider that freaky (if you ever meet my mom, pretend you don't know that about her) and said that was fine. Boy, my sister would be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embarrassed</span> if she knew about my husband's love of "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">cornhole</span>." And this writing is a perfect example of why my advisor thought I would never be able to write a dissertation.) Anyway, I have yet to play a game of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">cornhole</span>, even though I know at least two of our neighbors own the game. I guess I just think your <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">cornhole</span> games should be private.Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-60620525318895429582010-08-06T10:55:00.004-05:002010-08-06T11:10:28.202-05:00ReviewHave I mentioned how much I hate <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogspot</span>? I tried to copy and paste my 101 things list, from my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogspot</span> post, and it won't let me. It's already in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogspot</span>!!!! Why can't I use it again??? Also, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogspot</span> refuses to show me the word verification, so I can't comment on my own posts, or anyone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">elses</span> who uses <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogspot</span>. This is when I wish I knew a little bit more about tech stuff. I find it ironic that spellcheck on blogspot does not recognize the word blogspot.<br /><br />Anyway. I have been doing stuff on my list. Let's review:<br /><br />1. Update my blog once a week. I'm pretty sure, that no matter how boring, I have been doing this.<br />2. Update Navy Bean's blog twice a week. I have also done this.<br />4. Renew my passport. Went out in the mail this morning.<br />29. Make one <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vegetarian</span> meal a week for 6 months. I've actually been making two a week. So there!<br />39. Get a library card. Did that on July 24, 2010<br />40. Use said library card twice. Done and done. Although, I certainly plan on using it more than twice, especially with all the books I plan on reading.<br />43. Read something by Dan Brown. I've read both <em>Angels and Demons</em>, and <em>The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">DaVinci</span> Code</em>.<br />44. Read 50 books. I've read two and started another two.<br />65. Put calendar on dry erase board every month. It's been done within the first week of each month.<br />66. Take care of mail every Tues. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">OK</span>, the point of this was to help me take care of the mail more than once a month. It is now getting done every week, but not necessarily on Tues. Good enough.<br />72. Organize my yarn. Done July 18, 2010.<br />89. Call a friend once a month for 6 months. Did that for July, but not for Aug. yet.<br />99. Send Wes 2 care packages while he's deployed: First one sent July 27, 2010. He still hasn't received it.<br />100. Find a babysitter. Well, I did have one, but since I asked her TUESDAY if she could come sometime this week and she told me she would call me back and it's FRIDAY, I think I need to keep looking.<br /><br />So, I have completed four of the 101, and I'm working on ten. I'm happy with how things are going. I love that this list keeps me motivated and reminds me that I have things to do, other than clean and take care of the Navy Bean. I'm already thinking of things for my next 101 list and I'm even thinking of doing some mini-things, like 3 things in 30 days. I know, I know, my life is just too exciting!Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-73428895819324119862010-08-02T16:23:00.003-05:002010-08-02T16:26:07.818-05:00Sleeeeeeep!!!!!Since it was the first yesterday, I wanted to go over my 101 list and see how it looks. But, since I'm sleep deprived, I can't even find my list right now. Apparently, a certain Navy Bean is having some serious separation anxiety issues, but they only show up at night. So, for the past 5 days, I've had a Bean in bed with me. Do you know how much a little Bean can move? Too much! So I'm tired and I'm trying to figure out what to do. I have a feeling it's just a normal phase (with added stress from daddy being gone) and everything will be fine in a week or two. By then, though, I'll be a zombie!Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-83020448124178285722010-07-27T14:38:00.002-05:002010-07-27T14:54:04.231-05:00TMI!!!!! TMI!!!!!<div align="center"><em>Otherwise known as</em>: The case of the missing IUD</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">After the Navy Bean was born, Wes wanted to get a vasectomy, but I wanted him to wait until she was two, just in case we decided we wanted another one. I tried going back on the pill, but since I was breastfeeding, it was too difficult, so I got an IUD. It seemed to be working just fine, with a few minor issues, but those were taken care of. For those of you who don't know about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">IUDs</span>, you are supposed to check to make sure they are in place after you have your period. Apparently, when your uterus "opens" up, they can fall out. Since I breastfed the Navy Bean until she was 17 months old, I've only recently started having periods again (two and a half years without a period, why wouldn't you breastfeed?). Anyway, the IUD has "strings" on it, but they really feel more like fishing line, and that's what you're supposed to feel for. I used to check a couple times a month, but now I just check after my period. I started my last period two weeks before Wes left for deployment. I know I checked for my IUD after that. At least, I think I did. All I know is that a couple of days after Wes left, I checked for it, and couldn't find it. Well, maybe the strings got wound up, or something. Checked the next day, nothing. The day after that, nothing. Now, based on the schedule of when Wes left, I figured I was okay, but I was still a little nervous. I am happy to report that I am NOT pregnant!!!!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">YAY</span>!!!!! And there was much rejoicing!!!! But now, I know for sure that I don't want another baby. When Wes gets back, he will get that vasectomy. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Some people have asked <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">why I</span> don't get taken care of, but the truth is, I'm just not ready for that. I mean, Wes is in the military, so there is always (God forbid) the chance that something could happen to him. And if that happened, who's to say I wouldn't end up with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Magnus</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scheving</span> and then maybe we'd want to have a baby together? Stranger things have happened. Like an IUD gone missing.</div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-38718958691542020562010-07-21T11:08:00.003-05:002010-07-21T11:19:49.689-05:00Garden delightsWe love to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bird watch</span> and we have five <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bird feeders</span> that we keep pretty well stocked. That gets pretty expensive. So we planted a flower garden, the kind the birds could eat.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TEcb4dxGEVI/AAAAAAAAAjI/W1PtI3RVyIM/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496392527106150738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TEcb4dxGEVI/AAAAAAAAAjI/W1PtI3RVyIM/s400/008.JPG" /></a> Not all the flowers came up. Our soil is clay and it's really hard to get stuff to grow. And I forgot to fertilize, so our six rows of sunflowers are a little short. Next year we're going to till deeper and add more top soil.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TEcb32610nI/AAAAAAAAAjA/v8SQ67djGpM/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496392516678046322" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TEcb32610nI/AAAAAAAAAjA/v8SQ67djGpM/s400/010.JPG" /></a> But our zinnias are growing just fine. We planted petites and regular zinnias. I have seen American Goldfinches eating them, and I have seen a Ruby-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">throated</span> Hummingbird eating from them as well.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TEcb3dhRFfI/AAAAAAAAAi4/mwmoSx-N6jg/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496392509859894770" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TEcb3dhRFfI/AAAAAAAAAi4/mwmoSx-N6jg/s400/005.JPG" /></a> I have also seem five different types of butterflies out there and I know nothing about butterflies. I should get a book about them, or something. Even the birds who don't eat flowers love our garden, because it provides shade and cover.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TEcb2qVv3rI/AAAAAAAAAiw/54yQgp2-LfY/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496392496121372338" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TEcb2qVv3rI/AAAAAAAAAiw/54yQgp2-LfY/s400/011.JPG" /></a> It also provides the Navy Bean something to smell!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-86738682467563195332010-07-19T08:14:00.002-05:002010-07-19T10:17:35.824-05:00Work that list<div align="center">Much of my list consists of organization.</div><div align="center">That's because, with the Navy Bean,</div><div align="center">stuff gets all a mess.</div><div align="center">I know it doesn't take long to take care of stuff,</div><div align="center">but it feels like a lot of stuff, </div><div align="center">gets overwhelming, and then, nothing gets down,</div><div align="center">the house becomes a mess and I get depressed.</div><div align="center">But, when I finally clean and organize,</div><div align="center">I feel better and actually have more free time.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TERP9ufrTFI/AAAAAAAAAio/p-7trzjQoZU/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495605367170354258" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TERP9ufrTFI/AAAAAAAAAio/p-7trzjQoZU/s400/001.JPG" /></a> This is all my yarn.</div><div align="center">Notice my highly sophisticated and chic storage compartments.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TERP9F8Z5gI/AAAAAAAAAig/sM8zvHbYMMc/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495605356284995074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TERP9F8Z5gI/AAAAAAAAAig/sM8zvHbYMMc/s400/002.JPG" /></a>This is my storage area.<br />Yeah, a little small.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TERP80fXCxI/AAAAAAAAAiY/LTN1eohu71Q/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495605351599770386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TERP80fXCxI/AAAAAAAAAiY/LTN1eohu71Q/s400/003.JPG" /></a> I finally cleaned it up yesterday.</div><div>It took about a half hour.</div><div>Eventually I would love to have something nicer to store it all in,</div><div>something I can keep in the living room.</div><div>But for now, the closet it is.</div><div>And, as you can see,</div><div>there's a reason one of my other 101 things is to crochet </div><div>a certain amount of afghans.</div><div> </div><div>On another note, with Wes gone, cooking is more difficult.</div><div>When it was just me, it wasn't that big of a deal if I ate crappy.</div><div>But now, with the Navy Bean,</div><div>it's important to eat healthy, </div><div>thus the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vegetarian</span> meals.<br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TERP8Wo5EeI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/1Jwmpm_QR-c/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495605343586685410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TERP8Wo5EeI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/1Jwmpm_QR-c/s400/001.JPG" /></a>I made a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">frittata</span> this week.</div><div>It was yummy, with asparagus and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">broccoli</span>.</div><div>It needed a little spice though.</div><div>But, I burned my arm on the pan handle,</div><div>after I took it out of the oven.</div><div>OUCH!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><br /></div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-66597241507975921632010-07-12T19:25:00.004-05:002010-07-12T19:29:30.751-05:00Bad timing<div align="center">Enjoy this picture of the Navy Bean.</div><div align="center">It's much more interesting than what I wrote.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TDuzBxt8YDI/AAAAAAAAAiI/uqt7N5xD_u0/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493181013615730738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/TDuzBxt8YDI/AAAAAAAAAiI/uqt7N5xD_u0/s400/002.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="left">So, I should have thought this through a little bit more. What was I thinking, trying to start this the same week Wes left for a 6 month deployment and the Navy Bean was sick?!? There are a few things I will probably have to change, like sending Wes 5 care packages while he's deployed. Apparently, I would have had to send the first one <em>before</em> he actually left, and he would have received the last one pretty much after they were home, in order to do that one. It's my list and I can tweek it if I want.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-69660552224355441632010-07-05T12:58:00.003-05:002010-07-05T13:10:06.895-05:00Here's the listI'm not sure what he did, but my husband was able to fix the copy and paste issue. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yay</span> Wes.<br />So, here's my list. I broke things up into categories to help my scatterbrained self. And I should add, I stole this from Beth (see sidebar because I'm so tech incompetent that I don't know how to link from here).<br /><br /><br />101 things in 1001 days, started July 1, 2010, end March 28, 2013<br /><br /><strong>BLOG</strong><br />1. update my blog once a week<br />2. update Navy Bean's blog twice a week<br /><br /><strong>TRAVEL<br /></strong>3. visit Italy<br />4. go to New York city<br />5. renew my passport<br />6. visit a place of historical significance in VA<br /><br /><strong>BIRDING</strong><br />7. go to Eastern Shore for fall migration<br />8. do a tour of fisherman's island<br />9. go to Jericho's ditch (Great Dismal Swamp) during spring migration<br />10. go to First Landing State Park for migration<br />11. go to back bay for fall migration<br />12. go to false cape park during the spring<br />13. go to stumpy lake<br />14. go to ragged island wildlife management area<br />15. go to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">craney</span> island landfill<br />16. go to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Chesapeake</span> bay bridge tunnel islands<br />17. go birding in Virginia's mountains<br />18. go to one birding festival<br />19. go to one Audubon event<br />20. go to Indian River park<br />21. go to Northwest river park<br />22. go to Deep Creek Lock park<br />23. find out how to get a backyard habitat certificate<br />24. add 75 new birds to my list (currently at 141)<br />25. do the "owl prowl"<br />26. go on a pelagic trip<br /><br /><strong>COOKING</strong><br />27. make a banana cream pie<br />28. make a lemon meringue pie<br />29. make 1 vegetarian meal a week for 6 months<br />30. learn to make pad <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Thai</span><br />31. find a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">kickin</span>' beer bread recipe<br />32. find a tofu recipe I really like<br />33. learn to make one Indian recipe<br />34. learn to make crepes<br />35. learn to make those Russian things I love but can't remember the name of<br />36. make my own salsa (with my own veggies)<br />37. find a Thai restaurant I like<br />38. try the Greek restaurant<br /><br /><strong>READING</strong><br />39. get a library card<br />40. use said library card at least twice<br />41. take Navy Bean to the library once a month for 6 months<br />42. read something by Stephen King<br />43. <span style="color:#33ccff;">read something by Dan Brown</span>: Angels and Demons, 7/1/10<br />44. read 50 books<br />45. read a history book about every continent<br />46. read a literature book by an author from every continent<br />47. read the New Testament<br />48. read the Old Testament<br />49. study the book of James<br />50. write a children's bird book<br />51. write a mom's devotional book<br /><br /><strong>CRAFTS</strong><br />52. crochet 12 baby afghans<br />53. crochet 3 lap afghan<br />54. sew master bath curtains<br />55. make Navy Bean a twin size quilt<br />56. make curtain for the downstairs bathroom<br /><br /><strong>HOME AND GARDEN</strong><br />57. plant a vegetable garden<br />58. landscape the front yard<br />59. paint one room without <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wes's</span> help<br />60. paint the guest bath<br />61. paint the water closet in the master bath<br />62. start composting<br />63. get a successful flower garden in the backyard<br />64. paint the bottom of the bar in living room<br /><br /><strong>ORGANIZING</strong><br />65. put calendar on dry erase board every month<br />66. take care of mail every Tues.<br />67. tag all the pictures on my computer<br />68. go to bed every night for a week with the dishes clean<br />69. organize play room bookshelves<br />70. e-mail people back within two weeks for 6 months<br />71. take care of e-mail immediately for 2 weeks (instead of once a month)<br />72. organize my yarn<br />73. organize my material<br />74. organize my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">tupper</span>-ware cabinet<br /><br /><strong>HEALTH</strong><br />75. buy a bike<br />76. ride said bike<br />77. dance with Navy Bean 15 minutes everyday (for a month)<br />78. get gym membership (with a pool)<br />79. swim twice a week (after getting gym membership)<br />80. go kayaking<br />81. make a list of 100 things that make me happy<br />82. do push-ups every other day for 30 days<br />83. do a work-out video once a week for 6 months<br /><br /><strong>FINANCE</strong><br />84. have $5,000 in savings account at end of 1001 days<br />85. have furniture paid off<br />86. buy a new car<br />87. get quicken reconciled and keep it that way<br />88. put all money saved by using coupons into the savings account<br /><br /><strong>MISC.</strong><br />89. call a friend once a month for 6 months<br />90. volunteer once a month for 6 months<br />91. schedule a play-date once a month for 6 months<br />92. find out what I need to do to get a teaching certificate<br />93. decide where I want to go to get my teaching certificate<br />94. potty train the Navy Bean<br />95. start and finish a new character in Dragon Age: Origin<br />96. start and finish a new character in Dragon Age: Awakening<br />97. learn 20 phrases in Italian<br />98. find a hairdresser<br />99. send Wes a care package 5 times while he's deployed<br />100. find a babysitter<br />101. learn how to make a movie on the computer from photosStaciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-75793207853694618702010-07-02T19:59:00.003-05:002010-07-03T12:22:45.718-05:00101 things to do in 1001 days: Updated!<div align="center">I'm not dead!!!!!</div><div align="center">I've just been busy, and boring.</div><div align="center">But, I've decided to steal an idea from Beth's blog:</div><div align="center">101 things to do in 1001 days</div><div align="center">I started July 1, 2010 and will finish March 28, 2013</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">And now, I've discovered one reason I hate blogspot:</div><div align="center">it won't let me copy and paste </div><div align="center">and I'm not typing 101 things all over again!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong>UPDATE:</strong> I've tried everything suggested by help.</div><div align="center">Nothing is working.</div><div align="center">Thinking of switching to another blog.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-28189616982837914442009-11-26T09:39:00.003-05:002009-11-26T09:44:47.989-05:00Thankful<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/Sw6UHwUz8fI/AAAAAAAAAhc/iFQ5VU3uv1s/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408423063470731762" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/Sw6UHwUz8fI/AAAAAAAAAhc/iFQ5VU3uv1s/s400/004.JPG" /></a> I </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/Sw6UHtQF2NI/AAAAAAAAAhU/Fan0PBP2L-c/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408423062645627090" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/Sw6UHtQF2NI/AAAAAAAAAhU/Fan0PBP2L-c/s400/003.JPG" /></a>am<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/Sw6UHAZ7CzI/AAAAAAAAAhM/uHfYT33pa6c/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408423050607266610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/Sw6UHAZ7CzI/AAAAAAAAAhM/uHfYT33pa6c/s400/002.JPG" /></a> so</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/Sw6UGvsqjDI/AAAAAAAAAhE/ZU0YTcmTIjQ/s1600/045.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408423046122474546" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/Sw6UGvsqjDI/AAAAAAAAAhE/ZU0YTcmTIjQ/s400/045.JPG" /></a>thankful!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-82473139893722503872009-10-31T06:44:00.002-05:002009-10-31T06:46:11.784-05:00Happy Halloween<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/SuwjVnCqkiI/AAAAAAAAAg8/nenUe_WUvl8/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398728907474768418" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/SuwjVnCqkiI/AAAAAAAAAg8/nenUe_WUvl8/s400/001.JPG" /></a> Here is my little Garden Gnome!</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/SuwjVSfUtuI/AAAAAAAAAg0/Et6gHOoEt24/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398728901957826274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/SuwjVSfUtuI/AAAAAAAAAg0/Et6gHOoEt24/s400/003.JPG" /></a>She's actually sick and going to the doctor today.<br />But she is cute!<br /><br /><div></div><br /></div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-88556305550785187952009-10-11T08:54:00.002-05:002009-10-11T09:03:04.313-05:0011 monthsI'm not dead, I've just been busy. Busy unpacking and cleaning and getting to know neighbors.<br />And busy chasing around a little girl who is going to be one year old a month from today.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/StHj-MCYTmI/AAAAAAAAAgs/1A7JurBrv1s/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391340886461795938" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/StHj-MCYTmI/AAAAAAAAAgs/1A7JurBrv1s/s400/008.JPG" /></a> Where's my baby?</div><div align="center">The Navy Bean is practically running everywhere.</div><div align="center">And she climbs on <em>everything.</em></div><div align="center">She is fearless.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/StHj9SAEQKI/AAAAAAAAAgk/i_oMMA5EdFc/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391340870882836642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/StHj9SAEQKI/AAAAAAAAAgk/i_oMMA5EdFc/s400/003.JPG" /></a>The Navy Bean with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">bubby</span> and sissy. </div><div align="center">She loves big kids.</div><div align="center">She wants to be a big kid.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/StHj8kGD9fI/AAAAAAAAAgc/on4zIPenszA/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391340858559952370" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/StHj8kGD9fI/AAAAAAAAAgc/on4zIPenszA/s400/007.JPG" /></a> She's a very happy baby.</div><div align="center">We're trying to teach her to say "stinky" when she poops.</div><div align="center">She can say it, but doesn't say it when she's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">poopy</span>.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/StHj8Cu5tjI/AAAAAAAAAgU/9eypAkp31Nk/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391340849604441650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0sdoy4FUSBs/StHj8Cu5tjI/AAAAAAAAAgU/9eypAkp31Nk/s400/002.JPG" /></a> I can't believe my baby is growing up so fast.</div><div align="center">She is using a fork and eats a ton of food.</div><div align="center">But, she still nurses twice a night,</div><div align="center">which, I suppose, is my fault.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284969.post-89765084910947846082009-09-11T10:48:00.002-05:002009-09-11T11:50:43.131-05:00Missing youI wish this post was going to be about the Navy Bean, who is 10 months old today. But it isn't. <br />I wish this post was going to be about our house, which we close on, on Monday. But it isn't.<br />I wish this post was going to be about something uplifting and happy. But it isn't.<br /><br />This post is about my friend, Christopher Roberts.<br /><br />I met Christopher my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sophomore</span> year of high school. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">transferred</span> to a large public school halfway through the year from a very tiny private school (from 20 students to 2000). Christopher was one of the first people I met. He was in my English class. And we were freaks (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-Goth). He was small, about the same size as me. We became friends immediately. Christopher was funny, smart, loyal and a very talented artist. Many people thought we were dating because we often held hands, cuddled and hugged, but we never dated (more on that later).<br /><br />We went to the same college and hung out together for our first two years. We loved each other deeply, but when we tried to kiss, it was honestly like kissing a sibling. But we still held hands, cuddled and hugged. Weird, yes, but it felt natural to us. He made sure my boyfriends treated me with respect and I made sure his girlfriends really loved him.<br /><br />But then, I got engaged to a horrible man and most of my friends didn't approve, including Christopher. Add to that the fact that we both moved at the same time (him out of state) and we lost track of each other. I looked for him often, on-line, but with a name like Christopher Roberts, I had no luck. I missed him immensely, intensely and dreamed of when we would meet again. I wanted to hear what he had been doing. I wanted him to meet my new husband and my daughter. I wanted to hug my friend again. I wanted to tell him how much I missed him and loved him. But I had a very bad feeling.<br /><br />And I was right. I received a message on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> from a mutual friend of ours (someone I had also looked for but failed to find). I knew the message wasn't good. Christopher was murdered in 2007, on father's day. His first father's day. It hurts so much to know that I will never be able to tell him how much I love him. I hurts that I won't get to see him hold his little girl. I won't get to witness how much he loves the mother of his baby. But most us all, it hurts that I don't know if he knew how much he meant to me. I think he probably did. Our friend looked me up because he knew I would want to know, but also because Christopher's mother asked him to find me. I hope he knew. I hope, in his last seconds, he knew and felt the love of all the people who have known and loved him. I hope he knew that we all thought he was a wonderful, loving, loyal, thoughtful, caring person. I hope he knew that would help take care of his daughter and share pictures and stories with her. I hope he knew that even though he was alone, he wasn't alone.<br /><br />I hope he knew.Staciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864188943134274344noreply@blogger.com1