Rantings of a Blonde Kind

The Birthday Girl

2010-03-03T14:48:00.007-06:00

I can't believe it but my little baby Riley Belle is 6 human years old today! It seems like just the other day I bought her as a puppy with my traded in school book money. I don't know how I could have gotten thru the past few years without her. She's my buddy, and as much as her hair and constant need for being touched annoys me, I couldn't make it through daily life without her. Here are a few images of our adventures together over the last 6 years!

This was taken a few years ago with her former roomie Ruby, the bagel. I've always thought that Riley thinks Ruby was her own baby puppy...she'd let Ruby pull and tug at her ears all day without so much as a growl or snap. I think she misses the Roo.

Here she is mortified and overall unsure about her new life jacket. Girls ready to go out on the boat!

Here she is being a good girl and sitting in her new bed so mom can take a picture. It was the first and last time her tail touched that bed...oh well, more beds for baby brother Axel.

Here she is enjoying a weekend retreat at grandma and grandpa's...girlfriend loves her some snow!

Happy Birthday Ms. Belle (even though you are blissfully unaware of birthdays much less your own)!! Momma and Bubby love you!

Just a Blonde's Take

The Big Unveil

2010-03-03T13:20:00.009-06:00

I have been dying to share this with you all (all 3 of you who read this poor excuse for a blog, but I won't go into my hangs ups I have about my lack of posting), but out of respect for my sister-in-law (and my brother) I have waited until I was certain she was OK with me sharing these...without further ado, I would like to present to you...Sawyer, my first, favorite, most adorable baby nephew!

*Taken by Christine Burke, post processing by yours truly

This is my absolute favorite picture so far of him and his mom. She is one brave and tough gal. Her husband, my little bro, is over in Afghanistan with his fellow Marines and has been there through most of their marriage and her pregnancy, which means he has yet to meet his first child. God willing, he will be back in the states in mid April and will finally get to meet his little Sawyer! I'm sure Jamie will of course let him catch up on all the diaper changing he's missed. It's truly amazing to me to see this remarkable young woman deal with such a tough situation, for all intensive purposes she's been a single mom these past months, and I couldn't be more proud or in awe of her. She's had a lot on her plate and I can't imagine myself enduring the things she has. She is a lady, and a wonderful mom. My brother couldn't have picked a more fabulous girl to be apart of our family. Although I'll take her knees out if she throws a Wii remote through my flat screen**haha just kidding Jamie**

I am a little sad today though...Jamie and Sawyer will be leaving soon to meet my little bro in California and won't be back until August! I am however excited that Tony will be back and will get to be with Jamie and the baby. It will be so nice to know he's back and out of harms way. This blonde girl sends all her love, respect, and thoughts to all those soldiers over seas and their families they must leave behind. It's truly one of the most selfless jobs. Hooorahhh!

As for Tony, he's a pretty awesome dude and I can't wait until we get to go climbing together again. Although, since he has military grade muscles he makes me look bad hanging from the grabs and shooting up the wall like a monkey...on second thought maybe I won't go with him right when he gets back. **Jamie, if you could please fatten my brother up and make him loose all his arm and legs muscles my climbing ego would really appreciate it!**

Here are a few more baby pics to tear at your womb strings... (for those of you with wombs)

*Again, taken by Christine Burke, and post processing tinkered with by me

*Ditto

* This one is all Christine

Just a Blonde's Take

ReVisit

2010-03-02T13:10:00.004-06:00

I thought I would revisit an old picture I took of one of my favorite subjects...my main man, Axel. Between my home and office you can find this picture in no less than 3 places. It's one of my favorites! And as I was playing around with the colors on it the other day, I somehow managed to make the new edited version my new favorite picture! It kind of has that cool old 70's vibe...which I'm finding to be a new favorite aesthetic.

Just a Blonde's Take

Window Inspiration

2010-01-25T12:10:00.007-06:00

If you haven't already heard, there is a big window design challenge going on at Bloomingdale's in good old NYC! Three home designers have accepted the challenge and you can see all 3 window displays and vote here! I have chosen to show you my personal favorite...Eddie Ross!! He created a fabulous window/room with modern and traditional elements. Eddie's blog is a frequent stop of mine. The man knows how to throw a party! He's my go to anytime I'm hosting an event...he's the hostess with the mostess! His ideas are inspiring and for the most part easily affordable. He has a wonderful knack for mixing and matching old china and dinnerware, while creating the most beautiful tables. He's definitely opened up my eyes for spotting treasures in thrift stores and flea markets! So it came as no surprise that I would just fall in love with his window...

Some of the elements are a little more traditional than what I normally would like, but I think he's made them all work in this space that I would have no problem with this being a room in my own house. Way to go Eddie! Which window do you like best?

Just a Blonde's Take

The Pioneer Woman

2009-10-20T15:28:00.005-05:00

If I haven't mentioned it before I'm doing it now...I love me some PW! The Pioneer Woman, that is. Her name is Ree Drummond, but to her blogging family she is known as the Pioneer Woman, or PDub, or PW, or...well, you get the picture. She is a woman of many talents, she home schools her 4 punks (children), takes wonderful photos of her daily ranch life, has "like" the best blog ever, and she cooks. As a matter of fact she cooks up a hail storm! I believe she is one of the biggest influences I've had as far as becoming my own home master chef (still in progress)! I have developed a love for cooking, and a part of that has to do with Ree! She provides step by step instructions on her website along with...get this...wait for it...it's truly shocking...step by step PICTURES!! Yes that's right, in addition to putting things into lam eons terms for all of us she has pictures of everything she uses, how she does it, and most importantly the end result! It's really helped me in knowing what things should look like and if I'm on the right track. What exactly does a micro plane look like? What the heck is Welsh Rarebit? And how should roasted red peppers look in the oven? She has opened me up to a whole new world of food, and even better, how to make it MYSELF!

I've always loved food and trying new things, but sometimes I would be afraid of how I could possibly recreate some of my favorite "fancy" cuisine dishes at home. Cooking fish used to freak me out, along with any other type of meat for that matter. And sometimes not knowing what something should look like is a little unnerving. Now in addition to Ree's website, we now are going to have access to a wonderful cookbook of all the Pioneer Woman's favorite recipes! The Pioneer Woman Cooks: recipes from an accidental country girl; It's available for pre-order now! And this isn't your everyday cookbook with a few colored pictures here and there...no sir...her recipes are in full color and with her traditional step by step photos! Take a look at the layout:

And if things couldn't get any better she's going on a book tour!! You can believe that I'm going to be loading up on these and getting them signed for personalized Christmas gifts!! I can't wait to meet PW herself and all her red headed glory!

If you haven't visited Ree's site, please do. You won't regret it, well your waistline might, but it's so worth it! And as PW says...I love you more 'n my luggage!

Just a blonde's take

Face Lift

2009-10-09T10:13:00.003-05:00

So for what ever reason, today I felt compelled to give my blog a little face lift. I'm not sure if all the black was getting me down or what, but I feel like I needed something to bring me out of my depressing sad cloud. It's strange but for some reason every fall...or in the words of my friend babalou, Autumn I feel the need to cleanse, make changes, start anew. Maybe it's because fall is my favorite time of year, or maybe it's because for so long fall marked the beginning of a new school year, and even though I haven't been in school for quite some time, the feelings still remain with me to get things going with something new and fresh. Please enjoy the new look and I will have a Halloween post up soon!

Just a Blonde's Take

THIS IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICA

2009-08-26T10:29:00.013-05:00

I'm sorry folks, but I'm going to have to get on my soap box for a minute. I was just on PETA's blog and came across a story about a new sandwich that KFC is testing in a few states. It's called the Double Down. It consists of 2 pieces of fried chicken filet's (which serve as the "bread"), 2 different kinds of cheese (pepper jack and Swiss, I think), bacon, and some new creation called Colonel's sauce. Can you say NASTY? I've never really been a fan of the Colonel, especially after I found out how they treat their chickens, but when they came out with their mashed potato bowls filled with cheese, corn, chicken and all kinds of other nasty stuff, I totally wrote them off. Now KFC has sunk to an all new low, with this "please let me be obese" sandwich. KFC hasn't released the nutrition information on this sandwich yet, but it's estimated that there are over 1200 calories and 80grams of fat in this poor excuse of a sandwich.

And to make matters worse, as I was going through different articles people were actually saying they were disappointed that this sandwich wasn't in their city!!! SERIOUSLY?? Some even went on to comment that if you didn't try this sandwich that you were most definitely a G.D. terrorist! REALLY? I'm a terrorist now because I care about what goes in my body and I want to be healthy? This is what is wrong with America!! People are welcoming obesity into their lives with open arms. One lady even said her 5 year old loves sandwiches and he would love to try this!! What? Parents are so worried about their kids being exposed to Harry Potter books(because they supposedly encourage witchcraft and devil worshipping) and yet they are excited about feeding their children this crap? Way to teach some awesome life lessons! Don't read, just feed!! Ahhhh, I just cannot believe the kind of stupidity it takes to want to eat something like this and to encourage your children to eat it. And to be ignorant enough to say, well if you workout a lot then you can eat this and it won't matter. Hello?? Just because you work off the calories you intake doesn't mean that what you're eating isn't affecting your body in other ways! Not to mention there is practically no nutritional value in this besides protein, excuse me genetically-altered-growth-hormone-injected protein (that's really not good for you either, but that's a whole other story).

If you haven't seen or read Fast Food Nation, go pick it up and you'll have a new outlook on fast food chains in general. I'll leave you with these quotes from the movie...

"There's shit in the meat." "It is a sad fact of life, Don, but the truth is we all have to eat a little shit from time to time." -Not this blonde!

Just a Blonde's Take

FOOD INC.

2009-08-19T10:56:00.006-05:00

My good friend babalou recently told me about a film that's going to be showing at our local museum theatre called Food Inc. Well, I'm always up for a good indie/documentary film so I went to their website and checked it out...only to find myself completely consumed by this film that I've yet to see (it doesn't start showing here until next week!). I've already bought the book that goes along with the film. I've only read the preface because it seems that they encourage you to see the film first and use the book as an added supplement, so I'm just dying to see the movie so I can race home and really start the book. The whole premise of the film is about our country's food industry. Where our food really comes from, how it's treated, how far it travels, how it's genetically altered, and basically how it's making us sicker, fatter, and poorer and what we can do about it. Here's the description from the film's website:

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.
Featuring interviews with such experts as Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto) along with forward thinking social entrepreneurs like Stonyfield's Gary Hirshberg and Polyface Farms' Joel Salatin, Food, Inc. reveals surprising—and often shocking truths—about what we eat, how it's produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.

Now I've always been a person who wants to eat healthy and be healthy, but until this film was brought to my attention I never was really good about actually following through with it. Of course I would do things here and there, but until now I've never really adopted it as a lifestyle. I'm happy to report that I can barely remember the last time I ate fast food...which in and of itself is a huge accomplishment for this mademoiselle. I used my busy life as an excuse to eat fast food for lunch and sometimes dinner and I blinded myself to the truth (I didn't want to know) that fast food is really bad for you not only in calories, fat, and sodium; but the quality of the food is so poor. I have found a new joy/love for cooking. I can't wait to find new exciting recipes to make. Even the drummer is on board for the new lifestyle! I go to the farmer's market for my produce and buy local fruits and vegetables; you would not believe the difference in quality. I had some tomatoes from the farmers market and one leftover tomato from the grocery store, when I cut into each of them you would not believe the difference in color, smell, and taste. Local is the way to go if not from your own garden! And if I ever need something in between I always try to buy organic.

I have a friend who just this week found out she has colitis. She's only 27!! My age! My dad has the same issue and he's 56! There is no better time than the present to start taking care of our bodies! You're only issued one in life. Please check out the Food Inc. website and see if it's coming to a theatre near you. Here's the official trailer for the movie. Check it out!

What are you're thoughts after watching this? Is anyone else eating local and organic? Or do you grow your own veggies, fruits, and herbs?

Just a Blonde's Take

CHANGES EXPLAINED

2009-08-19T10:50:00.003-05:00

Well, folks I'm back! Things haven't changed quite as much as I had originally anticipated. The drummer and I were going through some rough things. Moving out, breaking up, crying, being mad, crying some more were all apart of it. For now however we've managed to work things out. So hopefully no more melodramatic posts from me...unless of course it's about a new antique chair or something fabulous I've added to the house decor!
Some fun posts to follow.

Just a Blonde's Take

CHANGES

2009-07-21T11:26:00.003-05:00

My life is about to be torn upside down. It's exciting, it's scary, it sucks, it's a good thing. There are so many emotions flowing through me right now, I'm not sure if I'm OK or if I'll bust into tears at any moment. My stomach is upset. I feel unsure and relieved. There are changes coming, and they are good and they are sad. I'm not ready to share what's going on yet, but I will soon. I'm still trying to wrap my own head around it all and waiting to see how it all plays out. Just keep me in your thoughts and send some good vibes my way. I need them...

Just a Blonde's Take

A MESS

2009-07-06T13:43:00.002-05:00

I'm a swollen puffy mess today. Boo to allergies, boo to over sunexposure, and boo to sodium. I'm going to go drink some water now and blow my nose. Love you all...some fun posts comming soon...

Just a Blonde's Take

Sample of Some Favorite Spaces

2009-06-25T09:41:00.006-05:00

Here are a couple of my favorite spaces...I pull inspiration from them (and sometimes I completely rip them off by getting the exact rug or duvet or picture frame) I'm trying to open myself up to more color. Can you tell?

I love this room and all the mixed matched colors...the rug is to die for!

Even though this kitchen is a little all over the place, I love the different plates hanging together

Perfectly Zen

Well hello there little fella...and beautiful white chairs!

I'm so retro/traditional/modern/old world/classic/bohemian

Ahhhh...damask. And bright blue walls...I die!

I love the Navy walls and farmhouse feel of this bedroom

Yet it has subtle modern undertones

The best Yellow ever!

That headboard rocks my socks!

Bright Blue walls...I'm trying to find a place for them in my house!

I'm not even sure what that art piece is, but somehow I loves it!!

I love when folks group framed art and photos together on a wall, yet something else I'm working on incorporating!

***All Photos taken from Apartment Therapy

Just a Blonde's take

Cafe 7

2009-05-22T10:30:00.008-05:00

This is one of my new favorite lunch spots! Cafe 7 Delicatessen and Pastaria is a wonderful place to score a quick and easy lunch (in no way am I sponsored by, endorsed, or given any type of compensation from Cafe 7 for saying any of this...I am just a mere peon to them, to them I don't even exist).

Here's the concept. They have seven items in each category (sandwiches, salads, pasta, and pizza), that come out in seven minutes or less, seven days a week, and everything is $7 dollars or under (and that's out the door, tax included!). They even have a create your own section in every category so you can special order your meal! That's what I did...

I got Rigatoni noodles, the creamy tomato sauce, black olives, red peppers, spinach, and artichokes! Yum! And they serve it with a piece of toasted bread. What a deal, for $7 bucks! The way you order is they have 4 different cards. One for each of the 4 different categories. One for sandwiches, one for pasta, and so on. You pick which one you'd like. You then can select any of the specialty sandwiches or you can create your own. You write your name on the card, and designate if you would like it to-go or dine-in and mark any sides you'd like (note the sides are extra, but only a dollar more for each). You take it to the cashier and they verify your order and ring you up! So easy, and so fast! And with all the quirky marketing schemes, one would think that the food wouldn't be quality. But not here. The food is great for the money and I find myself wanting to go back for "Bridget's specialty meatless pasta" dish!

Here are the menus you order from:

Hopefully there's one near you so you can try it out! If you've already been let me know what you thought!

Just a Blonde's Take

I'm Going To Be An Aunt!!!!!

2009-05-19T13:46:00.002-05:00

My brother and his girlfriend are having a baby! Tony called me last night! They were planning on getting married after his military duty was up, but with the baby coming they are going to go ahead and wed it up this Friday at the courthouse. A sister-in-law and a baby niece or nephew all in one week, the family is really excited! I could hardly go to sleep last night! I don’t feel old enough to be an aunt…but I guess I am.

Just a Blonde's Take

THE AXEL YEAR: A SHORT LIFE IN REVIEW

2009-05-15T16:23:00.011-05:00

Well, after posting about my lovely golden girl Riley, I had to dedicate a post to my man Axel. Bubby, as I like to call him, came into our lives last year in early June. I can't believe we've almost had him for a year! We adopted him from our local animal shelter, The Central Oklahoma Humane Society. They have a wonderful group of volunteers and I must say our experience adopting through them was wonderful.

Last year the drummer and I had been looking at adopting a Great Dane. The drummer really wanted a huge dog (bigger than our now 94lb. Golden) so we started looking at different adoption websites and even put in an application for one. Well, as you can tell that didn't pan out, and we ended up with Axel Bubby! He's a Great Pyrenees-Daschund-Rhodesian Ridgeback-Rottweiler-Airedale Terrier-German Shepard!! Wow, we were surprised when we got those DNA results in let me tell ya! Although, the German Shepard and Ridgeback are definitely noticeable...not too many other breeds sport permanent eye liner and beauty marks!

From day one Axel has been a joy (now don't get me wrong, there have been plenty of times that I wanted to kill him. Let's not forget the guest room, or Pottery Barn duvet dramas). When we first brought him home he was very timid and shy. He would cower and tinkle anytime someone new came over. He had definitely been abused and neglected. However that all soon changed. He came out of his shell with the help of his sister Riley and some tender loving care and attention. He's still continuing to learn his manners, but overall he's doing great for a 1 year old!

Some of my favorite things about Axel are:

1. Pouncing-this 85lb. dog pounces like he's a freaking garden cat! He has his favorite black ball (that came out of a toy he destroyed) that he plays with and there's almost always some pouncing going on when he does. He's so cute! I don't think a picture could do it justice, something you've got to see for yourself. It always makes me smile and laugh when he does it!

2. Pretending like he doesn't have the use of his legs-he's so clumsy. I think he's still growing...dear God, looks like we have a 100lb. plus dog in our future...and his legs are just so long and mess him up sometimes.

3. His ability to get me with his nose on my face no matter what I do to hide from him-I will be laying in bed and he'll come put his paws on the side of the bed and just start nosing me in the face. I try to hide with the use of the covers, but he always manages to get his little nose in there and get me.

4. His crotch/bare butt obsession-I actually find this pretty annoying, but I can't help but laugh sometimes. Every time I'm wearing a skirt or dress or robe, that dog is able to get his whole wet nose up underneath it and either get me in the crotch or hinney or BOTH! He's so fast and just flicks the material up enough so he can get in there. He doesn't lick or anything he just wants to goose ya!

5. The way he lays down-he lays down with both legs spread eagle on the floor. It's so funny looking to me.

Even though our history together is short and just starting, I don't know what the drummer and I would do if we lost him. He's such apart of our family now I can't image our household without him. He definitely spices our lives up! And as the drummer would say "He's a boy-ee".

**Please note that this green pillow no longer exists due to a certain boy-ee. RIP antique green pillow.**

Just a Blonde's Take

JURY DUTY HELL

2009-05-14T16:37:00.005-05:00

****UPDATE! I've been Excused!!!!! Yay, now I can stop searching eBay for a DIY clone kit or teleportation machine!*****

I'm in jury duty hell right now! Now don't get me wrong, I'll all about doing my civic duty. My dad raised us to serve our country and take pride in it, but my little "civic duty/responsibility" is getting out of hand.

Several weeks ago I received a summons for Jury duty for the Federal District court. That was just fine and dandy! I was kind of excited...I'd never served jury duty before. And maybe I'd get on some awesome Erin Brockovich, O.J. Simpson, take 'em down kind of case. So Monday I reported to the courthouse, did the orientation, got sworn in and sat in on the beginnings of a case. Except this case was not as glamorous as I had originally thought. Something about an employer not paying overtime. Anyways, I didn't get picked. So they excused us to go home. Then the next day I was to come in and try to get called on for another case. We walk into the courtroom and there's tons of lawyers and boxes of "evidence". I think...Oh boy, this is the big one! We're gonna take these suckas' down!! Not so much! Again something uber boring about Anti trust laws, someone prohibiting competition or something about metal stuff. Anyways, again didn't get picked for that one either (which I was glad because it was supposed to last 2-3 weeks, and I don't know how much "evidence" I could take about sheet metal and aluminum).

So our little jury duty lady tells us that we'll need to call on Friday after 5 to see if we need to come in on Monday. Which I'm sure I will since I haven't been assigned to anything yet. Well, now I've got a little problem...I'm supposed to report for jury duty to the County courthouse on Monday! So I get the number from our Federal jury duty lady and call the county to inform them that I'm already serving jury duty for the Fed's and will they please reschedule me (mind you I'm super busy at work right now and this really isn't the time for all this jury duty stuff). He tells me that I have to come up there on Friday at 2 to fill out an excuse form and go before the judge to explain why I can't report for duty on Monday! REALLY?? Can't I just fax in my summons and letter stating I'll be tied up at Federal court until June 5th!! REALLY?? Just reschedule me...I don't care, I don't mind but I'll be a monkey's uncle if I can be in 2 places at once! Why the freak do I have to come up there and explain all that to the judge?? Can't you just mark me off the list and move me to a later time? Ahhhhhh! So frustrating...

So now I'm going to have to leave work early on Friday, probably report on Monday, possibly report on Tuesday (which will cause me to have to cancel my womanly yearly exam, which I won't be able to get another appointment for at least 2 months b/c my doctor is awesome and every "freakin A" person goes to her, which will cause me to have to call up there at least once to get a BC script called in to the pharmacy, b/c I'm gonna run out before my rescheduled appointment...grrrrrrr).

Calm...find your center...hommmmmm...namaste.

Ok, I'm OK.

So no Erin Brockovich coolness for me...more like Melba toast duty. I'll keep you posted, in the meantime make me feel better by telling me your jury duty horror stories...Anyone?

Just a Blonde's Take

Lake Season

2009-04-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

Almost nothing can beat sipping on drinks enjoying a relaxing dinner on a patio just off the shore of an Oklahoma lake at sunset (Ok, so it's no bahama beach with white sand and waving palm trees, but we cherish what we get)! Lake season is upon us and I can't wait to enjoy more scenes like this one.

Just a Blonde's Take

Lettuce Wraps

2009-04-29T22:01:00.005-05:00

Sorry everyone I've been so late at getting this recipe to you all. It actually turned out rather well. It was kind of a pain to cut the chicken up so small...I'm looking into finding another way to mince it; and I forgot to make the rice sticks. Overall it's awesome and we'll definitely be making it again! I combined 2 different recipes on sparkrecipes to make this one (don't forget this is a low cal, low fat meal; which makes it even more yummy). Enjoy!

Asian Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:
8 ounces of minced chicken mix (see below)

Chicken Mix:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of water chestnuts
2/3 cup shitake mushrooms

3 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon wok oil
2 ounces of minced chicken sauce (see below)
1 cup of rice sticks (prepared)
1 teaspoon of sesame oil

Minced chicken sauce:
1/4 cup of mushroom soy sauce
1/4 cup of oyster sauce
1/2 tsp of white pepper
1/4 cup of cooking rice wine
T of sugar

Heat mixture on medium high heat at low boil for about 6 to 8 minutes.
(can cool and refrigerate additional sauce)

Preparation:

Cooking Procedure

Heat wok until white whisk of smoke appears
add 1 tbs of wok oil
add garlic 5-10 seconds
add minced chicken mix and sear
add 1/4 ounces of minced chicken sauce, stir and incorporate
add 2 tbs of diced green scallions
add 1tps of sesame oil and plate

This recipe serves 2.
Multiply accordingly for additional guests.

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 2
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 119.9
Total Fat: 0.4 g
Cholesterol: 27.5 mg
Sodium: 122.2 mg
Total Carbs: 17.8 g
Dietary Fiber: 2.5 g
Protein: 13.1 g

Just a Blonde's Take

New Favorite Blog!

2009-04-23T11:08:00.000-05:00

I have a new favorite blog folks! K.Reid over at Reid All About It is funny, witty, and thrifty! She IS the COUPON QUEEN (in my humble opinion)! She buys loads of stuff for pennies! I'm not even joking. She is truly inspiring with her DIY tips and homemade meals that look absolutely delicious (I'm making her Salmon turnovers soon, the drummer will die)! Go check her out and show her some love! I know her site will be a regular stop for me!

MY FIRST BLOG AWARD!!!

2009-04-21T10:16:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how honored and excited I am to receive this award from my good friend Babalou! She is the whole reason I started blogging in the first place. I am now honored to be able to bestow this prestigious award (because they're the only kind I receive) on other deserving lady bloggers!

Here are the rules:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!

3. Be sure to link your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Remember to link the person from whom you received your award.

Drum roll please...

The suspense is killing me...

And the Awards go to...

Anna at: Absolutely Beautiful Things

FC over at: { Freckles Chick }

Lincee at: I Hate Green Beans

You all get me through my work week! You constantly provide me with inspiration, laughter, and blog envy! Thanks!

Just a Blonde's Take

The Golden Years: A life in Review

2009-04-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

I recently read a post by FC, a favorite blog of mine, and it really hit home. Her friends lost their precious Golden Retriever to cancer and it came quite suddenly. It seems as though the ugly disease will take us all. The post reminded me of how little time we really have with our pets. Riley's graying muzzle constantly reminds me of how much she has grown up. She's five now and when I look back at my life 5 years ago, I am amazed at how much my life has changed. I am so different (I guess grown up) and Riley had so much to do with that. She's my buddy and I hate to imagine life without her. She has weathered the storm with me, helped heal my heart after breakups and boyfriends. She has been my snuggle partner during sad movies, scary nights, and lazy weekends. She's lived in seven different homes with me (if only I could get her trained to help me pack). Like her mom, she's had several roommates: Lucy, Desi, Gracie, Nixie, Ruby, Atticus, Millie, Sketch, Rossta, Bruce, Chief and now her brother Axel). She's been the pain in my side, many times (we won't discuss the wall chewing days)! She been my loyal friend.

*Riley being bossy with her former roomie, Ruby (the Bagel)

I remember when I got her...I had just sold all my college school books for the semester. Instead of saving the money for next terms books, which would have been the responsible thing to do, I bought myself the love of my life...Riley Belle. Whoever said money can't buy love was utterly wrong in this instance. That little ball of fur was love at first sight. I can still see her sitting at the foot of my bed at 3 in the morning staring and barking at me with that cute little puppy bark for me pay attention to her, feed her, let her out...I'm not really sure. I felt like a new mom with her baby, not really sure what the thing wanted, but that it was disturbing my sleep and it wouldn't stop "crying" no matter what I did.

Riley was fond of car rides from day one. It was about a 30-40 minute drive to take her home when I first picked her up. She just laid down in the passenger seat and fell asleep. Now she's a pro. She hops up in her spot and awaits our destination. She also, loves going out on our boat and enjoying the lake. However, she does not enjoy her life jacket. I got her one last summer, because I'm always afraid something will happen and she'll go over board while we're cruising around. She's allowed to take it off once we are docked. She loves swimming and getting lots of attention from the other lake rats.

Riley is also, in love with...socks, mail, any form of treat (unfortunately she's really smart and knows the word treat, so if we are ever talking about them we have to spell it out or she starts barking bossy even more to try and get one..."Honey, she wants a T-R-E-A-T", I just hope she doesn't figure out how to spell), peanut butter, stripping sticks of their bark, barking at everything outside, getting wet and dirty, being pet, getting attention, getting the ball away from her brother Axel, going on walks, and most of all me.

Here's a cute email I received a while back, I'm not sure who the author is, about pets. One of those random emails that you're not sure who started them:

To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - nose height.

Dear Dogs and Cats,

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years…canine or feline attendance is not required.The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough! To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:

1. They live here. You don't.

2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That's why they call it "fur"niture.)

3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.
Remember: Dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

1. Eat less

2. Don't ask for money all the time

3. Are easier to train

4. Normally come when called

5. Never ask to drive the car

6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends

7. Don't smoke or drink

8. Don't have to buy the latest fashions

9. Don't want to wear your clothes

10. Don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and...

11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

Give your pets a big hug and a T-R-E-A-T!

Just a Blonde's Take

New Branch, No Time

2009-04-14T16:47:00.000-05:00

Sorry folks, I've been busy at work and at home and have had no time to post anything. At work I've been busy trying to open a new branch for our bank. We just opened our doors officially yesterday. Before that there was tons of planning and preparing, manual labor and shopping!

I enjoyed my friend Marlene visiting from Paris. Her trips are always fun and seem too short. While she was here we were able to celebrate my birthday! We had a fabulous party at the house. Tons of friends and family and food! It was great, just what I wanted for turning 27! And the weather cooperated for once. Every year it seems that it monsoons on my birthday. This year it was clear, crisp and just right for a patio party!

Speaking of patio, you can find me this evening enjoying food and drinks on my lovely patio. The weather is nice and just right to be relaxing outside. I can't wait. I also can't wait to try a new recipe. I'm going to attempt to make Asian chicken lettuce wraps tonight. I always order them when we hit up our local Pei Wei and they're just sooo good, I'm going to try and recreate the deliciousness in my kitchen! We'll see, we might be enjoying grilled cheese sandwiches on the patio instead! I'll let you know how they turn out! Hope you all are having a wonderful week so far!

Just a Blonde's Take

Double the Fun!

2009-03-30T11:25:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling frisky today, so you all get a Double Post!! Wooohooo! (who am I kidding? I'm the only one excited about a double post, more proud of myself I guess) Anyway, I thought I would share a photo of my little bro that was taken while he was in India for training.

He's the marine (bad ass M.F.) on the right. Scary (but fun) stuff! Right now he's in his favorite (least fave) place 29 Palms, California (they call it 29 Palms, because that's how many total trees they have there...and that's all)! More and more training it seems, and sometime this summer or perhaps fall, he will be off to either Afghanistan or Iraq. I'm so excited for him and all the things he gets to see and do, but I also fear for him (for obvious reasons). That's why I thought it would be a wonderful idea for me to watch this movie, Taking Chance. Not, I cried during the whole damn thing (I'm an emotional cutter with movies)!

Anyone else have any family or friends in the military? I'd love to add them to my prayer list!

Just a Blonde's Take

MY PRECIOUS...

2009-03-30T10:41:00.000-05:00

I can't lie any longer. I've been keeping a secret from everyone. I haven't been sharing something, because I've wanted to keep it all to myself (like Gollum in Lord of the Rings...sorry, I'm a blonde SiFi geek, I blame my dad). It's my little precious and I'm finally ready to share it with the world. I will now unleash the truth! I...LOVE...ETSY!!!! It's the most wonderful online store EVER! It's everything handmade by regular folks like ourselves! And this isn't your average DIY site! These are quality made items by professionals and passionate hobbyists (is that even a word, yeah, I'm sure it is...like lobbyists; right?); you can find almost anything on there...they have art, clothes, vintage, holiday, toys, home decor galore! And now I am sharing all this wonderfulness with you (my 2 readers)! There is a wide range of products and prices, for any style and budget. Go check it out, you won't be sorry you did (well you might, you'll be instantly hooked and spend all your hard earned dollars on there and you'll have no one to blame but me...I don't have tons o moola myself so I have to enable others in order to fulfill my shopping need)! Here's some info about Etsy taken directly from their site:

What is Etsy?
Etsy is an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade.Our mission is to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers.
Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice: Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade.

Where is Etsy?
Since our launch in June, 2005, over 100,000 sellers from around the world have opened up Etsy shops.

Happy Monday and happy shopping!

Just a Blonde's Take

WAL-MART FIT

2009-03-25T16:47:00.000-05:00

You all will have to excuse my immature behaviour. Yesterday, I threw a Wal-Mart fit. You know the kind where you're shopping and you see a poor parent trying to control their screaming red faced kid. (Because apparently, they are the only ones that don't have the latest Hannah Montana Bratz doll) Yes, that was me, tossing things, yelling, wanting to hit whatever I came into contact with. All because of a culmination of bad fortunes and major stress. "Times are rough", and although I know they can be way worse, I had to let it all out yesterday in the most childish way. My poor friend Cycy...I'm so lucky that she's still my friend after witnessing the embarrassing display I made. Have any of you ever been witness to a "Wal-Mart fit"?

*Note that this "Wal-Mart fit did not take place in public, but in the confines of my home. At least I've learned one thing since being 5.

Just a Blonde's Take

AHHHHH...HE STRIKES AGAIN!!!

2009-03-20T10:50:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm completely and utterly convinced that Pottery Barn puts some kind of magical substance in all of their bedding! My "Angel" Axel has made a meal out of another Pottery Barn Clearance buy. This time his appetite drove him to indulge himself in our master bedroom black and white crewel duvet. He helped his little self to one of the corners. Now don't get me wrong, we can probably live with the corner he chewed, but dang...I know that it's there and for this perfectionist that's utter torture! So I hopped on good old eBay again and searched for another duvet...ARE YOU KIDDING ME! They're like $200 bucks! Again I got mine on clearance and with a GC, so it was like $70 bucks or something ridiculous like that! So I guess I'm going to have to bear and grin it and live with this nasty chewed corner. I think I'll write the folks at Pottery Barn and ask them to please stop putting this tempting ingredient in all their fabrics. For my sanity and the sanity of all who have animals that can't refuse their deliciousness.

Just a Blonde's Take

PERHAPS A NEW VENTURE!

2009-03-16T14:47:00.001-05:00

Spring is most definitely near. My closet is calling out to me for spring cleaning and there definitely seems to be a smell of Change in the air. Spring always seems to mark the start of a new season of change for me. I always get the "out with the old and under used" feeling around this time of year and this year has proven to not disappoint.

The drummer last week received news that he would be losing his job due to the economic times. He's in the oil and gas business and it's always been an unstable market. Week to week, day to day, he never knows if oil prices will tank and he'll be out of a job. Well, his small firm finally had to let everyone go. So instead of stressing and worrying about the loss of his income, we have been celebrating the fact that this situation has created an opportunity for him to embark on new ventures! I'm so glad he's now able to start playing more (the drums). He's already joined up with some new bands and is looking forward to rehearsals and gigs with them as well as with his regular band.

I've also encouraged him to really think about starting his DJ business with his brother like he has mentioned doing in the past! What better time than the present? I truly believe in karma and the vibes you put out into the world come back to you 10 fold. To me there is no reason why we can't look at this incident in the best possible way. What does dwelling on the bad and most depressing parts of life help anything? I have found my life so much more enjoyable over the last few years, by just having a pleasant attitude, seeing the good in everything, and looking forward to the challenges that life has ahead. I'm so excited for the drummer and all the possibilities that this opportunity brings. I know he'll make the most of it, and great things are ahead for him. Plus, I'm looking forward to getting to spead some more time with him. So with the changing of the season, we also find ourselves changing jobs, changing attitudes, spending habits, and closet spaces. What change/changes are you looking forward to? Happy Changing Everyone!!

Just a Blonde's Take

I'M REALLY A BLONDE SOMETIMES

2009-03-11T13:11:00.000-05:00

So you all know that I previously talked about ordering some new shams to replace the one my "Angel" Axel chewed up. Well I've been patiently waiting for them to arrive and I started to wonder where they were the other day. So I jumped on my email and found the message about, clicking on the link to track your order. Well, I did and to my surprise it said that it had already been delivered. As a matter of fact it had been delivered 4 days ago (2 were the weekend). So I'm just absolutely puzzled, until I notice that the city of delivery was different than the city I live in??? Hummm...ok, why is that? I mean I work in this other city and used to live there, but...OH CRAP! I scroll down in the email and find that I had the shams shipped to a house I haven't lived in in probably about 3 years. Great! Now how am I going to get them? So I coax one of my male co-workers to go over to the house that the shams mistakenly got delivered to, so I can see if the current residents are home and hope that they still have my package and are willing to hand it over. No such luck, go figure they're the only people who still have a job in this economic crisis. So I leave what can only be the most confusing note about how I used to live there, I had a package delivered there by mistake, I'm really sorry, please call me if you have it...yada yada yada. So then I waited, hoping to hear from them; in the meantime I send an email to the seller informing him of my blondness and how if it gets returned to him that I'm really sorry and have the correct address. Alas, a bit of luck. The residents call and say they have my package and they'll leave it outside for me to pick up. I can put your worries to rest. I have the shams safely stowed in my car and am waiting to take them to their new home. Mini crisis avoided!

Just a Blonde's Take

HAPPY FRIDAY INSPIRATION

2009-03-06T10:33:00.000-06:00

I love finding new inspiration, and today I stumbled upon what I can only guess will be a new favorite place to visit...Absolutely Beautiful Things. It' s quite lovely and my muse for this post. What better way to be sent off to your weekend than with a little inspiration.

I absolutely love peonies. I think Meg Ryan was wrong...daisies aren't the most happy flower peonies are! With spring seeming to be upon us I'm hoping to plant some peony bushes at the old homestead. They're so full, soft, and feminine. What's your favorite flower that just gives you that warm happy feeling? Happy Friday everyone, I hope you find yourself inspired this weekend!!

Just a Blonde's Take

HERE A SHAM, THERE A SHAM, EVERYWHERE A SHAM SHAM

2009-03-05T10:49:00.000-06:00

I believe I have previously mentioned that one of my best friends is coming to stay with us from Paris, France at the end of the month; and that I've been busy (in between plumbing issues) getting her room ready (our guestroom). Well, back in December the Drummer and I purchased some bedding from good old Pottery Barn. Well, this bedding that we'll call Ogee (that's the style name given by the folks at PB) was on clearance when we bought it. Now it resides on our guest bed. Well, as can be expected with most clearance items that there is a limited supply and they were already sold out online; with no future plans of bringing this Ogee pattern back. Well, this weekend when the Drummer and I were in the shower, our little "Angel" Axel chewed a corner off of one! REALLY?? Are you JFKing me? Apparently there's something that tastes so good in Pottery Barn's organic cotton bedding that it just makes my otherwise "Angel" Axel, become the devil reincarnate and eat a corner off!! So instead of murdering him (too many witnesses) I hopped on ever faithful eBay to see if anyone was selling just the sham. Thank God someone was. So now, I have a standard and Euro sham on it's way to the house (sold as a set I guess, now we have to buy another Euro pillow), and of course since it's sold out everywhere else I had to shell out $54 bucks for a sham I already purchased for $10! I love our dogs, but sometimes I wish they would get jobs and start paying for their own way.

Just a Blonde's Take

Bridget

BREAKING OUT, FALLING APART, AND SWELLING UP

2009-03-04T09:33:00.000-06:00

Due to recent stressors, my face (and body) have taken a toll. I'm breaking out, my left eye won't stop twitching, and I have a lovely fat cold sore on my lower lip. I look like Rhianna after a Chris Brown beating. And to not help the situation, I haven't been getting enough sleep (can't seem to catch any Zzzz's before midnight). So to take matters into my own hands, yesterday I washed my face, got some medicine for the cold sore, and got some sleeping pills for the insomnia. And today, I still have acne like a 17 year old McDonald's worker, an even more swollen lip, and my eye is still twitching like crazy. So any suggestions on how I can get myself de-stressed? I've been trying not to worry too much, but I guess I can't even fool myself this go around. Maybe I need to blog some more? Exercise? I'm desperate at this point, so any real life suggestions would be awesome. I'm holding on by a thread.

P.S. I went ahead and got the shower curtain and rug, and they go perfect in our bathroom! Finally some color other than tan, white and black!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

A FEW THINGS I'VE BEEN EYEING

2009-02-27T12:03:00.000-06:00

I love this pillow. I feel as though it is the very essence of me...naa not really I'm just trying to justify wanting a $100 pillow. *from Design Public

Love the pop of red on this one. I'm not sure where I'd put it, but I still think it's uber special. *Again from Design Public

This chair just makes me Happy...maybe someday I'll get the willingness to actually purchase it. For now I just log onto Urban Outfitters and gawk at it.

I just think this is so pretty. Plus I really need something to hang my necklaces on...they're getting all tangled in my jewelry box. *from Urban Outfitters

Here is the fore mentioned Bath rug and Shower curtain. I got a 20% off coupon so I think I'm gonna splurge and get them...before I'm unable to afford any other pretties because of you know leaking what. *both from Bed Bath and Beyond

I've been wanting one of these for a while to put in our bedroom. This one is from West Elm...although I did see one at Target the other day.

I think these would look fabulous in our bathroom or anywhere in the house for that matter...I just loves them! *from West Elm.

Just a Blonde's Take

Bridget

Water Woes Update!

2009-02-26T14:12:00.000-06:00

Well, there is good and bad news. The good news first? Water is no longer leaking into our garage when we use the dishwasher and sink. Bad news...in order to make it a permanent fix, we are going to have to hire the camera guys and more than likely jack hammer some concrete. It seems as if there is a crack or break in the pipe that is located in our slab in the garage. Hopefully (keep your fingers crossed) That they will be able to access this problem pipe from in the garage and not our bedroom or kitchen...which that would mean tearing up the hardwood floors or cabinets, respectively. But the Sewer guys bought us a little bit of time yesterday by unclogging the pipe which was making the water back up out of the crack and into our garage. And so now I'm trying to de-stink my house for a party on Saturday (my cousin is getting married and his fiance and all our friends are coming over to put together their invites). All that unclogging and water in the garage has made the house stink like dirty sink/sewer. I may go ahead and spring for that new shower curtain...it's looking like it might be the last fun thing I purchase for a while.

Water Woes

2009-02-25T12:46:00.000-06:00

Instead of spending my hard earned dollars on buying fantastic throw pillows, or that new shower curtain I've been eyeing at BBB I'm being forced to have to pay for plumbing issues! Yay! I love when my dishwasher water leaks into my garage! Ha, NOT! Oh, yes anything I pour down our sink or that comes from the dishwasher is leaking into our garage! And the problem just keeps getting worse and worse. First my dad tried to come to the rescue and tried to figure it out, but alas it's still leaking. Now he's over at the house with a plumber who can't figure it out either, so now I have a hole in my bedroom wall (no other way to get to the suspect pipe) and the problem still remains. We think there's a clog in the suspect pipe, but it would seem like that's not the only problem. So what's a girl on a budget to do? Well, call the sewer guy and have him unclog the pipe first (cross our fingers and pray that's it) and then call the pipe camera guys and pay $250 bucks to have them JUST fish their camera in there and locate the problem, only to have to have someone else come out and fix whatever is wrong (which is probably under our slab foundation somewhere). Super swell! Needless to say this is not what this Blondie wanted to deal with in these harsh economic times. Anyone else have any homeowner horror stories?

Loves it!

2009-02-23T15:12:00.000-06:00

The Black Bean and Sausage soup was a hit! I was so delicious and so comforting. Here's the recipe in case you all are interested:

Black Bean and Sausage Soup

1 medium onion, chopped

1 large carrot, peeled or scrubbed, chopped

1 stalk of celery, sliced

2 large cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 medium potato, peeled, diced

2 cups beef or chicken broth/stalk

1 28oz tin, diced tomatoes

4-6 oz lean kielbasa sausage, cubed
1 19oz tin black beans, or your favorite canned beans

Nutritional Info

Fat 5.0g

Carbohydrates 41.0g

Calories 273.9

Protein 18.8g

1. Heat large pot with low fat cooking spray. Add onion, carrot and celery; cook and stir over medium heat until vegetables begin to soften.

2. Stir in garlic, oregano, potato, broth and tomatoes; heat to boiling. Stir in Kielbasa. Cover and simmer gently for at least 1/2 hour to blend flavours.

3. Drain and rinse beans. Add to soup. Heat until hot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crusty bread. (Even better the next day)

From the original recipe:

** We love this soup. You can prepare it ahead for a gathering and instead of simmering for 1/2 hour, put it in your crockpot on low and add the beans. By the time you are ready to eat (try to make it at least a half an hour) it will be ready to go. Great for potluck as it only gets better the longer it sits.

Number of servings: 6

****Recipe and Picture taken from Spark Recipe's website

Homesick

2009-02-23T14:51:00.001-06:00

Is there a way to be homesick, without being away from home? I'm finding myself homesick these past few days, except...I'm not away from home. I guess the better term would be drummersick? I'm missing the drummer a lot and when he's gone there are times that our home doesn't really feel like home. I'm there the dogs are there, but he's not. He's such apart of our lives and whether he's driving me crazy or making me fall in love even more, he's missed. Sometimes I feel like a "single mom" with just me and our doggie children. I spent most of my Saturday this weekend in bed. It just felt comforting to be in. Then to make my drummersickness worse, I rented Nights in Rodanthe. I love Diane Lane and my girl again didn't disappoint. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday. I'm trying to get rid of a headache, but looking forward to our weekly girl's night! It's Black Bean and Sausage soup and salad tonight! I can't wait, it's a new recipe and in addition to sounding delicious, it's healthy too! I'll let you all know how it fairs.

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

OK, I KNOW...I SUCK!

2009-02-20T16:21:00.000-06:00

Ok, I really suck at this whole blogging thing. I have been absent for so long and I have only my lazy and unimaginative mind to blame. Sometimes I find it almost impossible to think of ideas and topics to blog about...I really think I'm too hard on myself to come up with some brilliant post that will dazzle all when in reality I just need to write about what I know and what's going on. So as a new resolution...I vow to post more, even if it seems like it's nothing. I feel writing is good for the soul and it helps my already bad grammar and spelling issues. And I find it funny that I get so upset when others don't have a new post. I'm a total hypocrite in this regard. I want all my favorite bloggers to post everyday and yet I go months without a word. Oh the shame (don't worry, I have Catholic Guilt I feel bad enough for everyone)! So here we go another post of randomness to catch you all up on what's been going on and I vow to post more frequently:

Ok, so the trip to NYC was great and not so great! We got to see about two things on my list and we had such a terrible time trying to get around that we spent most of the time frustrated about which way was north and why aren't there any hot dog stands around when we need one. I don't think you really can prepare yourself for NYC, I went to Paris last year and thought that that big city experience would have helped in the Big Apple yet it didn't. It really is the city that never sleeps. The whole reason for going was to see Butch Walker perform in Hoboken and that definitely was AMAZING! FYI Butch was on the Ellen DeGeneres show in early February with Pink and it was awesome!

Our garden, or should I say roped off dirt space...our dogs have totally ruined our garden. Half of what we planted was either eaten or trampled to death. We're gonna have to start again in the spring. We love our dogs, but man do they tear up a yard.

Speaking of which we FINALLY found out what our precious Axel is...datdadadaaaa:
Great Pyrenees
Daschund
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Airedale Terrier
German Shepard
and I think there was one more but I can't remember...Can you say MUTT! Some were really unexpected, but it's fun knowing our doggy child's heritage.

Also, I was promoted this year. I am now an AVP (Assistant Vice President) of the bank! It sounds cooler than it really is...I mean I'm super pumped and it's a great honor, but I'm not making millions. And I will be the manager at our newest branch that is in it's final stages of construction. Yay, can't wait for new building smell (Side Note: I love new building smell, I think it has to do with the paint lacquer or wood stain fumes...gets me excited, however I feel the complete opposite about new car smell...ahhh gross makes me gag just mentioning it)

The drummer and I (check out that grammatical correctness!) are still going strong. I have gotten word that a proposal may be within this decade. Here's hoping. He's working out of town even more than usual. Now he's gone for two weeks at a time...I only get to see him every other weekend and then he's off again. Boo!! But I'm happy and thankful he has a job in this lovely economy, I know others have not been so fortunate.

Oh and more news on one of my favorite Photags...her home is being featured on Apartment Therapy as one of the 2009 home tours! It makes me want to slit my couch arms at how wonderful it is. Go check it out!

My most favorite French person is coming to visit at the end of March!! She's one of my best friends and lives in Paris as a musician (it's hard being her). Anyway, this will be the first time she's seen our house so of course I'm trying to get it all ready and have her room looking fantastic for when she stays.

And I've been trying to GO GREEN this year. Yet another resolution, however this one I've been better at sticking to so far. I use all my own bags when I shop...it's kind of become a new addiction (there are too many cute ones out there), I don't buy paper towels anymore. I bought a bunch of towels and flour sacks to clean up messes. I try to eat organic as much as possible and I'm looking into starting a compost bin! I'm trying to add one new thing a month so that by the end of the year I'll have 12 new things that I'm doing to help SAVE the Earth. I think new month is starting the recycle bin thru our trash service.

That's about all that I've been up to lately house, work, drummer, friends...life can't get any better. I'll catch you all next week, the drummer took the laptop with him so no posts this weekend...I'll let you know when I get my new couch pillow in!! I DIE!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

Spady Family

2008-11-21T13:46:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone if you have a chance please visit this blog... http://www.bethjansenphotographynews.blogspot.com/ and read the post on Nov. 18th. This family is having to endure some horrible stuff and if there's anything anyone can do for them please do so. I don't know them personally but I found out about them from one of my favorite photographers. She does some amazing things...not only with photos, but as a human. Tis the season.

Just a Blonde's Take

Bridget

My Apologies

2008-10-29T09:36:00.000-05:00

I'm so sorry dear blogging family for neglecting you for so long. My small crazy world has been unusually busy and so much has happened since I last posted. I'm also sorry that this post is going to have no rhyme or reason...I've got too many random bits of info to share that this is going to be all over the place. So let me get you all up to speed...

Well, currently I must admit I'm just a little bummed. My brother was here on leave for a few weeks and just left again this Sunday. This time saying good bye wasn't nearly as hard knowing he'll be home for the upcoming holidays. His visits are always too short and I feel like I never get enough time with him. But I cherish the moments we do get together and anticipate our next meeting. And let me just brag about him for a moment...instead of my Marine bro spending all of his money on getting wasted and taking out hot chicks he took his two sisters out (I was a little mad, I wanted to pay...what can you do though? I'm not taking on a weapon of the government...as he calls himself) And Sunday when my parents came by the house to help me with my new garden (I'll elaborate) they presented me with a gift little bro bought for me. It was the ENTIRE Sex and the City TV series collection in the Hot pink fuzzy box and all! I think I may have mentioned a story about how I wanted it and would probably buy if for myself at Christmas. And apparently he got lil sis an Ipod! What? I couldn't and still can't understand what made him do that, (and not that I even care about getting gifts) but the thought was so nice and I love him for being so generous and sweet. Anyway moving on...

So like I mentioned I now have a garden in my back yard (thanks to the wonderful help of my parental units) My dad cut limbs, tilled the earth, and repaired a fence and gate...my step mom helped me dig up roots, measure, design, pick plants and oversee dad. She's a wonderful project manager! It's not quite done, I need to add a few more plants and some rocks and mulch, but overall I think it's a success! Tonight dad and I will be putting in some sod for the part of the yard that got torn up in the construction of my new porch...ahhh, yet something else for me to share! Now the hard part will be keeping everything alive! I've taken some before and after pics so those I'll share with you all soon!

So my new porch!! For those who hadn't experienced the worst back porch ever let me just tell you. Before the porch was made up of giant square cement pavers that had warped and sunken over the years which created a giant mud pit. When it rained water and mud would collect and my "back porch" suddenly became a giant bowl of mud and water. Not too much fun when you have two dogs you have to let in and out all day. So I contacted a friend that I know that does concrete and had him come out and pour me a new porch. (Again, before and after pics on their way). I must say I'm pretty happy with the end result. We had our first patio party a few weekends ago and it was just lovely! We finally got to season our Chiminea and bust out the pottery barn patio lights. Hopefully with the new garden many more patio parties will take place.

Moving right along, I must tell you all I'm super excited to share that me and the drummer will be embarking on our first trip together soon! We will be heading to the Big Apple, The city that never sleeps, the melting pot of America...yep We're going to NYC! We fly into Newark Airport in NJ and will be traveling back and forth from the shores of Jersey to the busy streets of Manhattan. The whole reason for the trip is so we can see one of our favorite singers, songwriter, producer, most hottest man ever play at Maxwell's in Hoboken NJ! Yes, you are correct I speak of the genius that is Butch Walker!!!! For those who haven't had him shoved down your throat by the drummer he is musical loveliness! Check him out...you will not be disappointed. There aren't many musicians that I believe that put much emotion much less every ounce of their souls into their craft anymore. I was (force fed) introduced to Butch Walker when me and the drummer started dating. He always had him playing in the car or on the computer. So I thought his stuff was pretty good...I fell in love when we went to his show last year. The drummer to this day jokes that he could have asked me to marry him and I wouldn't have known because I was fixed on Mr. Walker. Hearing Butch Walker's music live is unlike anything I've ever experienced. I've always liked music but I've never been one to obsess or ooze about it. I don't consider myself a "music person". But all I know is something happened in that venue and some way somehow I fell in love with Mr. Walker on a level that I've yet to understand. It's not a romantic love or even a love for a friend...it's something so different. "Snap" Whoa what just happened? How did my post end up here?? OK, so now you see why we are flying half way across the country to see a concert. Nuf said. I'm excited to see all that the city has to offer and to be able to share it all with the drummer. Anyone have any good ideas on what to see or do? I've got a list going including but not limited to...The Bronx zoo, Coney Island, Ground Zero, The statue of liberty, Times Square, Wall street, Central Park, shopping (of course) and any local pub or cafe that looks too good to pass up!

And my last bit of info that's kept me away for so long, is my new position!! Yep, this blondie got herself promoted! It's quite different from what I was doing before so I've had to endure lots of training. I'm way pumped though and it's a nice change. I'm actually the boss instead of being bossed. I think that's what's been the hardest thing to overcome. Getting used to telling others what to do instead of taking orders and doing it all myself. Oh, just another step into becoming an adult. (when do we ever actually become one?)

Well, my lovelies I hope this starts to make up for my absence. I promise to try and not leave for so long again. See you all again if not before my trip, but after!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

KNOW YOUR GENES?

2008-07-21T11:24:00.000-05:00

May I present to you....Axel, the new 4 legged love of my life (not to exclude Riley). The drummer and I have been looking at adopting a new dog for a while now and we finally found him! I was chatting with a fellow co-worker the other day and it came up that she was a foster mom for our city's Humane Society. Well, I hadn't been on (stalking) their website yet so she showed me the link and I immediately spotted him. I emailed the drummer his pics and info (as I frequently do with other dogs...It's almost an illness) and told him that I thought that this was the one! He fell in love as quickly as I did and the next thing you know I'm filling out the online application. Now there was a little mix up with his name and picture at first...(they accidentally put his picture with his brother's name...Ace) But everything was quickly sorted out and we got our little (huge) puppy boy.

So, now that we've gotten him home and we're sharing our good news with family and friends the question of, "what kind of dog is he?" keeps popping up. Well? We don't really know? With Riley it was easy...A Golden Retriever (I got her from a breeder, she's got papers). But since Axel was abandoned on the side of a country road along with his siblings we don't know what breed his parents were. And his adoption paperwork only makes things more confusing...according to those and the website he's a Lab/Saint Bernard/Hound/Shepard mix? So being the proactive (annoyingly curious) mommy that I am, I searched the web for this:

It's a Pet DNA test that you do at home! You just swab the inside of their cheek with the test swab in the kit, put it in the envelope provided and send it off to the lab (no pun intended)(even though I think it's really cute to think there's a Labrador in a lab coat and goggles testing swabs...awwwe). In a few weeks they send you back the results with a cute certificate that tells you exactly who your dog's ancestors are! Pretty cool I think. I can't wait to find out just exactly what breed Axel is. Not only will it make my response to "what kind of dog is it?" a lot more simple, it will also provide us with valuable information about our pet like physical and behavioral traits that are specific to certain breeds. What I can tell for now is that he's going to be a Super Sized Big Boy (his paws are already bigger than my 75 lbs. Golden's). So I'll definitely let you all know what breed(s) Axel is when his test results come in, but in the meantime do you know your pet's breed? Do you know your own Pedigree? Can you guess what my puppy's chemical makeup consists of? Can't wait to see if anyone is right!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

CELEBRATING THE 4TH

2008-07-01T12:30:00.000-05:00

As the 4th of July approaches us this week, I can't help but find myself somewhat sad. The sight of American flags hanging from every possible place and talk of fireworks only makes me miss my baby brother more. You see my brother is a part of the Marine Corps and is in Iraq as we type. I worry/think about him everyday and this week I find my thoughts wandering to him even more. I come from a very Patriotic family. My dad always tried to instill in us the importance of country and to uphold the ideals of our founding fathers. The constitution was almost regarded as highly as the Bible in our house. He had it posted along with the amendments on our refrigerator (the place where all things important are posted...school papers, reminders, pizza coupons). So naturally my brother wanted to defend and serve his country by joining the Marines. Now I have to say, with the exception of my father, everyone was pretty shocked and upset that my little bro decided to join the Marine Corps during the middle of a war. Not that we didn't support him in his decision or weren't proud as hell, but just worried of what that might mean in the future. A moment I will Never forget is seeing my brother for the first time after he completed boot camp. The drill Sargents had us all (family) confined to a small roped off square. All our boys came jogging out of the barracks chanting their steps. They paused in front of us staring straight ahead as we all yelled and screamed. I remember seeing my brother out of the crowd and the look on his face. It was like a dream. I could barely scream...my voice cracked...I was so excited and so over joyed that I was starting to cry as I yelled. I couldn't get it all out fast enough. The graduation was a 2 day affair, and that first glimpse of our loved ones only ended up being a tease. They had to go back to their barracks and get ready. The next day they graduated and I've never seen more relief on more faces in my whole life. I have a dear childhood friend who is also in the Marine Corps and was stationed in a nearby area. He came to my brother's graduation and presented him with a Marine coin that was given to him for good luck by another Marine before he left to fight in the war (my bro is supposed to pass it on to someone else before their first tour when he gets back). It was such a thoughtful and meaningful gift. And I felt so touched and honored that he thought enough of my brother to give it to him. I'll never forget that weekend. I got to see the ocean for the first time and it was with my brother who was starting a new chapter in his life.

The Family at my bro's graduation in San Diego

Sister, Me, Brother, Dad, and Step Mom

At the Ocean

I can't bring myself to watch the news anymore (not that I was an avid watcher before) I'm constantly afraid of what I might hear or see. I know myself well enough to know that I would drive myself crazy with worry. However despite all the worry and sadness I feel. I can't help but have a huge sense of pride. Pride in my brother, my country, and our military and their families. I now know how hard it is to see your loved ones get on a plane and not be sure if that's the last time that you'll ever see them. To know that where they are going is directly in harms way and that they are doing it all for their country. And I can't help but feel ashamed that I'm not strong or courageous enough to do it myself. This will be the first 4th of July that I'll celebrate since my brother has been gone and I know it will be hard to watch the fireworks without being a little sad and missing him. So with the rockets red glare and the bombs bursting in air I'll be rooting for all our troops. HOOORRAAAHHHH! SEMPER FI

Happy 4th Everyone!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

BOGGLE!

2008-06-12T14:31:00.000-05:00

(Flickering lights) And then blackness. That was last nights scene as I was trying to finally organize my closet. From what I can guess, we lost power due to the high winds. Probably some 100 year old tree lost one of it's trunks. The whole street was black. I was really glad not to be alone. The drummer just got in town earlier that day from working out of town or else I would have had to endure the darkness with just Riley. It was kinda sweet, b/c it was our first power outage together much less in our new house. The drummer couldn't believe I was able to light our whole house with my out of control collection of candles. (As I was unpacking them the other day I was wondering why a person could have so many and contemplated on throwing a few away) Whew, glad the pack rat in me prevailed and I had them all to use (see sometimes you really will need it). Anyway, the drummer and I were sitting at our kitchen table sipping on a couple of cold drinks just staring at each other not really knowing what to do with ourselves. The drummer just looked at me and said, "we rely on electricity way too much!"...I just started laughing and thought about people long gone and how they dealt without electricity. Then I started to wonder what in the hell can we do besides just look at each other...can't do laundry, can't watch TV, we can have sex I exclaim (his eyes brightened) wait nope not a good week can't do that either. Wait I have the perfect idea...we can play Boggle!! The drummer looks at me unamused and asks, "what in the hell is that?" It's a game I say and it's really fun. For those that have never played it's a spelling game where you shake a rack of lettered cubes and get them all in a space and find random words within the allotted time. It's really actually pretty fun. I'm not even a good speller and I can do it. The drummer seems a little leery about playing a spelling game, especially since he isn't a good speller either. But I convince him with my lovely charm and we play. He was really pretty good for his first time. I'm not sure who won since he didn't keep track,why play?, (the Monica side of me) but I'm pretty sure I did! So it's getting late by now and there's no sign of the lights coming on soon, so we go to bed. I tell the drummer to blow out the last candle and turn off the lantern. As soon as he does the lights and everything else we had plugged in turned on! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? Oh well, we had fun and it was all sorta romantic. We got back up turned everything off again and headed to bed, Again. So my question to all of you is what do you do in a power outage?

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

Sex and the City

2008-06-05T14:58:00.000-05:00

So I took some time today to take a quiz that my lovely friend Deb had posted on her site and here are my results. I have to say they don't really surprise me, even though I thought I had a little more Samantha in me than this quiz indicates. Here's the link if you're curious as to what character you are. http://quiz.ivillage.com/astrology/tests/sexandthecity.htm

You scored 50% Carrie Your answers peg you as a Carrie-type, much influenced by the Air Sign qualities associated with Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Like confident Carrie, a sex columnist, you're curious and perceptive, always seeking answers and never satisfied with the superficial. An Air Sign influence can lead to indecision and an avoidance of tough issues, like with Carrie and her on-again, off-again attachment to Mr. Big. Forward-thinking, incredibly intelligent and witty, you just exude quirky charm. You'd be utterly bored by someone who's just a pretty face or hot body -- though you don't mind looking and flirting! You're more turned on by an equally smart and funny mate, someone who challenges your mind and makes you laugh. You love to talk, so you need a good listener who's open to playful and eccentric ideas about love and lovemaking.

You scored 20% Samantha You identify with Samantha's bold and liberated Fire Sign qualities, characteristics associated with the Signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. You're strong, audacious and larger than life -- and you take what you want! Sometimes you can even be thoughtless and selfish, as you get so caught up in craving immediate gratification and excitement that you overlook someone's feelings. Your personal style likely reflects your desires: sleek, low-cut, revealing just a bit more than might be considered acceptable. Watch that you're not coming on too strong, though. You could scare potential suitors off with all your drama. If you seek so much attention, the more basic qualities of the Fire Signs could be burned right out of the picture. Show less skin or cleavage and more of your creativity, your vibrant leadership skills and courageous generosity!

You scored 20% Charlotte A romantic at heart, you chose the answers that demure Charlotte may have chosen. Strongly influenced by the intuitive, profound and sometimes naïve Water Signs -- Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces -- you're like a mother, a mystery and a poet all in one. Though on the surface you may seem innocent and all about seeking the good in people, beneath the surface, you hide secret yearnings for intimacy, for attachment and ideal love. You're seeking a knight in shining armor, a soul mate, someone who will complete you and tether you to the earth when you get carried away with your fantasies. You're super-sensitive, soaking up the moods of others; you emote freely, crying at commercials and sappy movies. You also provide a shoulder to cry on and open arms for hugs. Be careful that you're not so wide-eyed and trusting that you get taken in by some cunning wolf in sheep's clothing.

You scored 10% Miranda You chose many of the same answers that Earth Sign-like Miranda, the cynical but pragmatic lawyer, might have chosen. Just like Miranda's had a tough time deciding whether to give in to the affections of Steve the Bartender, you don't give your heart up to just anyone. Miranda shies away from a relationship with Steve because he's 'just' a bartender, not something more conventionally ambitious or stable. Those with powerful Earth Sign qualities -- characteristics associated with Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn -- are cautious in love and seek stability and status over nearly anything else. Earth Signs provide a steady, realistic attitude and they can bring order out of chaos. A little-known Earth Sign fact: Incredibly sensual, you seethe beneath that smart, expensive business suit of yours, yearning for intimacy but hesitant to give up your material needs, your career ambitions or your responsibilities for a passionate moment that might not turn out the way you'd hope.

Hopefully I will be able to check out the lovely Warren Theatre this weekend and watch this much awaited flick! Can't wait for the pink Cosmo!

Just a Blonde's Take
Bridget

IT'S ALL COMMING TOGETHER

2008-05-23T12:55:00.000-05:00

"Is it hot in here, or is it just me? I wonder if these people have the ac on or what?" Just a couple of thoughts that crossed my mind yesterday as I was writing a nice big check for my new couch. Now, just a little history...I USED TO BE a big spender. I would spend a few hundred dollars on clothes or this and that at the drop of a hat. (I kinda had a problem, I'm an emotional shopper). Well I used to be anyway. I've changed my ways (can you say Budget Queen?) and now that I know that I'm like that I can prevent some pretty serious binges.

So going into the furniture store yesterday after work and buying a couch was a pretty huge deal...more than I realized at the time. I had to call and confirm my choice with the drummer. I remember at one point saying, "remember it's the one with the tufted back" to which I quickly came back with "I mean, with the buttons?". Like the drummer knows what the hell tufted means (forgot who I was talking to for a minute)!! So the ever so eager and surprisingly helpful sales lady asks, "have you made your choice? You going with the Berkley? WHAAAAAAAAAA, WHAAAAAAA, WHAAAAAAA, (alarms sounding in my head) Mini panic! Do I? or Don't I? AHHHHHH!!!!! (Ever so confidently, like the good pageant trained girl that I am) Yes! I made my fabric and wood color choices and before I knew it woman salesperson had my ticket drawn up and my plush total ready! Now don't get me wrong, I didn't spend a fortune. I was reasonable. But having gone from ultra Save mode to spending mode has been a little more difficult than expected. I mean, I swear I felt my throat closing up last night. Who makes themselves physically ill by spending money?? Jeeze! Next on the agenda...Refrigerator! Doom Doom Doomm!

Here is what all the stress was about...only difference is mine is a little lighter in color!

*And I scored a super sweet deal on a treadmill!! I'm on a role!

Just A Blonde's Take

Bridget

READY FOR NORMALCY

2008-05-12T09:34:00.000-05:00

I'm officially on countdown. I have 14 days until I get to move into my house (that I bought back in November). My tenants have out worn their stay (they've been great, but I'm ready to live in my own digs). The original deadline has been extended for the one and only time and I will officially be able to move into my house on May 26th (Memorial Day)! Here recently my life has been feeling very chaotic. I don't feel like I'm living the life I want and that I'm supposed to be living. Everything feels like it's put on hold and it's driving me crazy! I'm ready to start cooking again and lounging on the couch watching MY TV shows (instead of every crime/forensics show that's out there, that my roomies like to watch) **side note, my current roommates are my parents** Gotta love them! I'm ready to have a closet!!! My current space is a small twin mattress and box spring on the floor of my brother's old room, my dad's current junk room, with just enough space on the left side to store all my dirty clothes (on the floor), space at the foot of the bed for my unmentionable baskets and assorted clean clothes. I'm living out of hamper baskets and over night bags. I have no real space to call my own. Not even a small cabinet or cubby. However, I did manage to clean off one small shelf in the shower for my shampoo and conditioner. Believe it or not my tom boy of a sister has just about as many beauty products as I do (minus all the makeup). I guess I'm just ready to start this new sub chapter of my life..."Home". I'm already a home owner, but I've yet to live in the house I purchased. I mean I'm so desperate to start my life up again that I'm actually getting excited about texturing and painting! I'd even mow the lawn at this point as long as it's mine (and for those that know me, know I HATE cutting grass). I'm ready to spend my weekends at Lowe's and Home Depot. I'm excited about making what's already mine, truly MINE!

With all this excitement about getting my life back to normal, I can't help but anticipate EVEN MORE, starting a new life (ummm...slightly tweaked life) with the drummer! He's embarking on this journey of moving into a new house with me and I can't wait to live with him and ALL his stuff! Ummm yeah, I'm pretty sure he has more clothes and more stuff than I do! I can't wait for him to finally put to use the budget I've made for him (at his request, no I'm not a psycho controlling girlfriend type that makes budgets for her boyfriend without his knowledge or asking). He's even said that when we live together he has no excuse to not follow his budget. (Damn right he don't! This girl is all about accountability) Ok, so I expect people to follow through on what they say, I am a woman after all. It would be unnatural if I wasn't at least a little naggy.

And I can't forget my little Riley. She's my buddy and has been through a lot with me (not to mention moved A LOT with me, this will be her 7th place to live in her short 4 human yrs of life). She's my golden girl and I can't wait for us to be our own little family again. She's queen of the house and it won't take her long to claim her kingdom! She's a kind ruler though, she let's me have a small space on the bed at night (As long as her treats are bountiful).

So, I'll see you all on the flip side and let you know how everything goes. I hope to do a post of BEFORE and AFTER with some lovely pictures. You can bet there will be a party to introduce my home to you all. Can't wait, til then!

Just a Blonde's Take

Bridget

O, I KNOW THAT'S NOT POOP IN MY SHOWER!

2008-04-22T11:43:00.000-05:00

I am dedicating this post to Roomates! I've had my fair share over the years and I have to say, the ones I have now top them all!! Roomates can be great! They can provide wonderful company, financial help, as well as security. However, be warned that there are some REALLY BAD roomates out there. Luckly enough for you I have the 2 worst ones on the planet (sucks for me). For those who haven't heard the stories along the way, let me just give you a peek into why my roomates suck: (I will refer to them now on as the Hippie, and the Redneck)

1. The Hippie thinks paying a bill "on time" is waiting until they send you a cut off notice and paying it on the day that the utility company says they are cutting you off!

2. The Hippie thinks the check I write her every month for rent and bills is beer money and not for rent and bills (thus all the cut off notices).

3. The Hippie thinks cleaning her 4 cats litter box once every quarter is plenty and maybe she should cut back on cleaning it so much! (REALLY?)

4. The Redneck and Hippie think the floor and any other surface are great places for beer bottles, caps, cans, and used dip!

5. The Redneck and Hippie think having 20 people over during the work week til all hours of the night/morning drinking and carrying on outside while driving their vehicles really fast down the street making tons of noise is a normal activity that most people partake in.

6. The Redneck and his white trash friends think that threatening to take my dog and put a pillow case over her head while holding a big gun and taking a picture of it like terrorists and then sending it to me is really funny and a good idea!

7. The Redneck, Hippie and their friends think closing doors, much less locking them is just an option...especially when leaving the house.

8. The Hippie thinks it's ok to drive your car through your garage.

9. The Hippie and Redneck think cleaning is....actually I don't think they even know what cleaning is.

10. The Hippie thinks it's a great idea to buy a brand new puppy...especially when she has just gotten fired from her job and doesn't take care of the animals she already has. And of course needs a brand new digital camera to document the young pup! (while she doesn't look for a job)

11. The Hippie and Redneck think it's perfectly fine to have their animals SHIT in MY shower and then leave it...let's not forget to close the door back! (the only time that ever happens!)

12. The Hippie and Redneck think the garage is the perfect spot for garbage when the trash bill hasn't been paid. (For 3 months)

13. The Hippie thinks that cat vomit only adds to the decor.

14. The Hippie and Redneck think Tostino's Pizza is gourmet.

15. The Hippie and Redneck think it's ok to drink all my organic milk and eat all of my food and then drink and eat the replacements they bought before I do.

I could really go on and on, but instead of dwelling anymore on how terrible they are, I'm now redirecting my focus on being happy that I'm moving out and far away from them into my new house I bought! Even though it does kinda stink that I'm having to shack up with the parental units until my house is ready. At least I won't have to wallow in the nastiness of my roomates filth anymore!

IF YOU ARE UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO PERFORM THE REQUIRED TASKS FOR THAT SEAT PLEASE MOVE!!

2008-03-21T12:20:00.000-05:00

Hey kids, I'm back from Paris and finally able to take a break from all the piled up work I had waiting for me. Paris was wonderful...and I don't think one can really know what it's like until you go (I know that's really lame and I'm sure you're like whatever bitch spill, but it really can't be described). It's wonderfully cliche with it's busy Parisians, delicious bakeries, and snobby pigeons (yes even the damn birds snub you). The buildings almost knock the breath out of you (even the ones in Pigalle, who would have thought sex shops could be so chic?). I have decided instead of going on and on about all the details of my trip I would make a list of things I loved, hated, and wish I would have done.

1. Da Bread! If your ass loves carbs as much as mine does then there is no further explanation needed. It was great and I miss it already.

2. The Metro. We have nothing like it here at home and I loved how I didn't' have to drive anywhere and worry about having gas in the tank. It was great. They take you everywhere and it's so cheap!

3. How everyone (including non homosexual males) wear scarves. Everyone does! I have never seen more scarves in my entire life and I loved looking at everyones. I never realized how many different kinds there were and how you can almost tell how a person is by their scarf.

4. Love/Hated the Euro. The dollar sucks my right funky lookin pinkie toe. Exchanging money was no fun, but the actual money looked really cool. And I thought it was funny how they used commas instead of decimal points.

5. Walking. I actually really liked it (yes it made me tired and my ankles are still pissed at me) but I really enjoyed strolling around and being able to walk to places instead of drive. Americans need to walk more...maybe if we did we all wouldn't be a bunch of big fatty boom ba latties!

6. Marlene's shower. (hated it) Sorry girl, but 2 minutes of hot water for the whole day and no holder to put the shower head on really sucked. However it all makes for great stories and I wouldn't have traded it even for a room at the Ritz!

7. The French's version of a Latino Bar. (LoVeD iT!) We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, but let's just put it like this...All male waiters, spanky shorts (more like underwear) and nothing else, sleazy cocktail menu, item on menu roughly translated as the Server's Sperm, bras hanging from ceiling, crazy lights, and one horny DJ. Need I say more?

8. Marlene's blatant use of the word fuck (and varying forms of) in public and around her grandparents! Direct quote..."you can say fuck, mother fuckers whatever, they don't know what you're saying!"

9. The french Party! (loved it) It was so much fun beating all the french kids at their own drinking game. We got to make rules and I got the first one which happened to be that no one could speak French without taking a drink! Cha ching! Now we could understand what everyone was saying and even if we couldn't a beer lashing was in store.

10. The Eiffel Tower. I got to see it during the day and at night...it was awesome! However, climbing up 400 stairs just to get to the first floor was a little too close to a buns of steal workout. Wish we would have gone all the way up!

11. Stupid pink Paris umbrella. No Rhianna you can't stand under my umbrella ella ella eey, because it's turned inside out and in the trash can of the Metro. Stupid made in China crappy umbrella + rain and wind= wet and unhappy Bridget.

12. Notre Dame. Way cool. I swear I could see 'ol Quazi Moto swinging from the bells as they chimed. I'm Catholic so it was like given an ADHD kid free roam of a candy store.

13. Euro Disney. Wish we would have gone. Marlene's friend was kind enough to score us some sweet Vip tickets and we didn't go. Boo! Only regret of the trip.

Overall the trip was great and I can't wait to go back. Hopefully next time the drummer will come along and we'll be able to go to Marlene's home in South of France when it's warm! Until then I'm just about out of vacation days so my pictures and memories of Paris will have to last me until next January!

Just a Blondes Take
Bridget

I'M BETTY CROCKER THE BAKE ROCKER

2008-03-06T10:43:00.000-06:00

So I love to bake! And Actually I'm pretty darn good at it. However on the opposite end of the spectrum I'm a terrible microwaver (if there is such a thing). I'm like Betty Crocker with an oven and like Jim Carry in Dumb and Dumber with a microwave oven. I have set butter on fire (damn foil wrapping), burnt popcorn til it was unrecognizable (what? you're not supposed to put it in for 5 minutes and then leave it?), and managed to overcook and under cook a lean cuisine all at the same time! Maybe I should consider myself talented and not stupid when it comes to microwaving!? I mean how many people do you know that can screw up nuking stuff that badly? I definitely didn't get my microwaving skills from my dad, or lack of. He used to microwave us everything! If it couldn't be microwaved or poured from a box we didn't eat it! I'll NEVER forget his famous green chicken. Tyson Chicken breast with poultry seasoning on top (that's the green part) nuked on high for however many minutes and you've got yourself me and my siblings our dinner every other night of the week! Don't forget the all important mixed frozen veggies that of course got zapped as well. And don't kid yourself thinking there was any kind of seasoning or spices put on them. Dad's motto seemed to be the more bland the better. My dad could even make scrambled eggs in the old micro! Not that they were the most appetizing looking things, but I guess we lived and I'm here reasonably healthy! So last night I'm baking some ever some yummy blueberry muffins for my boss's birthday today! I've got the batter in the muffin tin and I'm about to sprinkle the strussel topping on when I lick me fingers (yeah I was going to wash them before I touched anything else). G-ROSS! I forgot the sugar!! Instead of muffins they were blueberry biscuits. So I had to scoop the tins out and put the batter back in the bowl so I could put the sugar in! It was almost a disaster, but being the savvy baker I am I saved the day and they turned out great! I was scared for a minute...I mean I could have been stripped of my title: Bridget Betty Crocker the Bake Rocker! That's why any good baker knows you gotta lick your fingers! Right?

Just a Blondes Take
Bridget

THE CITY OF LIGHTS

2008-02-26T16:46:00.000-06:00

That's right I'm going to PARIS (and I'm not talking about the one in Texas) Those Parisians aren't gonna know what hit them. But in all seriousness I'm on freak out mode just a little. We leave in a week and a half and I've yet to find/get some luggage to haul all my goodies in. And since I have been in stress mode a lovely super chic cold sore has taken up residence on the corner of my mouth (don't worry this Blonde got some meds, so we should be good)! And as long as I don't leave my tickets, passport, money, and all other important trip stuff locked away at my work again I should be ok (yeah, I'll share that story). Aside from all of that I'm really looking forward to spending time with some of my best friends! Marlene is being the most gracious hostess and letting me and Deb crash at her place (gotta love free lodging). Along with playing hostess Marlene is going to be our tour guide, our cabbie and our translator. She's my French sister and I love her to the fucking moon and back (hope I don't offend, I only cuss b/c Marlene loves English cuss words). Anywho, I can't wait to soak in everything France has to offer...the markets, the bread, the men (oui, oui), and of course the sites. Paris is going to be this photographer's heaven (I only wish I had a more professional camera. Oh well, I guess a real photag doesn't need one right?). I've already started to mentally pack (Deb knows, she does it too...I'm not the only OCD one) and from the looks of my mental suitcase I have nothing to wear!! I'm so nervous about what to wear...will everyone think I look totally out of style and silly. I hope I don't look like a tourist...all I can see in my mind is some huge balding guy with a button up Hawaiian shirt, shorts, white socks with brown loafers and camera around his neck!

I really don't know how I found a picture of the exact man I described...I swear I didn't find the picture first!! Anyway, I am way pumped and I can't wait to share all my stories with you when I get back...now for those of you wondering what I was talking about when I mentioned leaving all my travel vitals at work here you go:

So me and Deb went on a cruise about a year ago for our friends wedding. I have my ticket book, passport everything I need in a nice neatly labeled (Deb!) folder in my desk at work. We were leaving on a Sunday. Saturday I get up and me and Deb are talking and packing when I realize I have left everything I need for the trip in my stupid neatly labeled folder AT WORK!! Well, I work at a bank and we aren't open past noon on Saturday and of course it was after noon! I rush up to work to find everyone gone! So I call my boss (no answer, go figure he has a life on the weekend) I call another co-worker/friend and get her password and code to get in and shut off the alarm (of course I can't remember my own) So I rush up to work and never having had to turn the alarm off and on I set the alarm OFF! Oh yeah, I did...I'm trying to retype my friends password over and over hoping it will work...No it doesn't so now the key pad is flashing red and more alarms are being set off by me running around like a chicken with it's head cut off freaking out and not knowing what to do (I did contemplate sitting on the back steps to wait for the police so they wouldn't storm in with guns blazing). But then I heard a phone ringing and being the ever clever girl that I am I remember that the security company tries to call in case it's a false alarm. So I dash across the bank picking up every phone I can (of course it's the last phone on the teller line and I had to slide across the sit down area to get to it). I answer out of breath and the man on the other end asks me if everything is ok? I go into my story about leaving everything for my trip at work and my code didn't work, gave him the id number my friend gave me (Thank God that was right!) And he gave me enough time to get my stuff and head out! I'm sure the security tapes are pretty funny to watch (of which I'm still trying to get and destroy, don't need that being shown at the Christmas party). I immediately call my friend to inform her that her code sucks and doesn't work in case she ever needs to go to work after hours (wouldn't want her to experience the same mental breakdown I did). So you can bet that this time I'm bringing my neatly labeled Paris Trip folder with me...BEFORE I leave for the weekend (b/c we are again leaving on a Sunday)! I really don't think I could forget again, I mean after all the torture I experienced the first time (ummm...Debbie please remind me to get my folder of stuff on Friday before we leave).

Just a blonde's take

Bridget

INSPIRATION

2008-02-20T09:49:00.000-06:00

I have recently found inspiration from a friend of mine...aahem Debbie...to start a blog of my own. She has like 10 so surely I can handle managing one (note hints of scarcasim). So here it is love it or hate it! And for all of you crazy English majors out there let's just get somthing clear from the start, I suck at spelling and puncuation and I know it so there's no need to point it out...I know there's probably all kinds of things way wrong with my blog but my lack of skill in this area is something I've accepted. You should too. If your wondering where the title for my blog came from it was also inspired, no not by Debbie, but by my dad. He loves the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind (for all you non science fiction geeks it's basically a cheesy alien movie from the 70's). The movie title stepped into my mind (probably since this is all strange and forigen to me) and I took it from there. I'm not completely sure how I will use this space, but I'm sure whatever direction I take it it will evolve into something else. I guess that's how life is. Mine is no exception. I am not the same person I was 9 months ago much less a whole year. I have grown so much in the last couple of years and my priorities have changed. I'm now a homeowner (even though I have yet to move in) and watching way too much HGTV. I have a budget. I get excited about saving and paying my way to financial freedom. I get my hair done every 7 weeks as opposed to my every 5 weeks (and for those of you who were born naturally blonde but now that you've aged you aren't anymore but still want to be, know that's a long time to go without some highlights). Overall I appreciate everything I have more, and instead of dwelling on what I don't I look forward to having it someday! I'm looking forward to all the turns my life is going to take this year and hopefully this blog will help me share it all with you.

Just a blonde's take
Bridget