I don't proofread my posts before I publish them... cause I keep my thoughts au naturale.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Me + My BB= LOVE


Blackberry
Blackberry
How I love you so.

You came into my world
and made it a better place.

The ability to become aware
Each time I get a new email
No matter where I am
24/7
is like magic with each vibration.

Your intelligence overwhelms me
and frankly
I'm a bit frightened by it.

Our stolen moments
under a desk
Nervously hoping not to get caught...

At work
at the movies
lying in bed at night

You haunt me
with your blinking red light
and your come hither calls...

Blackberry,
You complete me.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Anyone with white gloves want to buy a red popsicle?

I love money... but not in the way that most people love money. I don't want to be rich, because I like to think of myself as a minimalist at heart. Sure, I have tv's, dvd players and a blackberry, but I don't buy the really expensive ones. Oh, and I drive a Ford Taurus... what does that tell you, haha?

But what I love about about money is making it... my own way. I think one of the coolest things in life is figuring out innovative ways to earn money. Then I feel like I made the money using my brain, which then inflates my ego, which then makes people hate me... oh, wait, I don't want people to hate me- so I'll leave the ego inflation to a minimum.

Case in point, in fifth grade, I had quite the collection of VHS tapes. In my mind, it made a lot of sense to share the wealth with my fellow classmates. I typed up a list of all my movies and allowed my classmates to rent them for two nights for fifty cents. It was quite a lucrative experience and not one VHS tape went unreturned.

Now, as an adult, I don't find too many people that want to rent VHS tapes from me for fifty cents, lol. Although I have been trying to convince Netflix to compete with Redbox by offering individual rentals with a credit card on their website. Redbox charges $1 for ONE night. And of course, their selection is very limited. So, if Netflix would charge $1 for unlimited nights, I definitely think it would appeal to people because they also have HUGE selection of DVDs and it would come to your door. Anyone else think this is a genius idea? I try to tell them, but they ignore me... meanie heads.

Last thing I want to mention is just that currently my fave ways to make money with my brain are on ebay (finding cheap obscure things to buy and then selling them high on ebay) and finding ways to make money on my blog that aren't things like Google AdSense (does ANYONE make money off that?!) and picking and choosing what I review. I know that's not innovative, but I like giving my opinion and making money off it.

But, I definitely don't want to be some rich person who thinks life is great once you have money. I know that's not the case- how many rich people smile non-stop and never cry? I just want a nice, ranch style house with a basement, one beat up truck and one functioning car for road tripping. Life is far greater when you make your own happiness instead of trying to find it through materialistic endeavors.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Tattoed White Trash

As you may or may not know, I am a fan of tattoos.

I like having them, I like seeing people who have them. I think that it is an artistic expression of individuality. Unfortunately, I know that not everyone feels the same way that I do.

Case in point, my dad. When I got my first tattoos, he did not even speak to me about it. He ignored it (my mom said hoping it would wash off) and never once did we speak of it. And it wasn't as if it wasn't somewhere easy to see, it was on my foot and I am a flip flop loving person! He is one of those people that thinks that because you have a tattoo, that means you are not as good as someone who may have no tattoos.

Now, he is not the only one that I know that feels this way. There are some people that stigmatize those with tattoos in the same way that you would discriminate against someone based on their race, hair color, eye color, you name it. Just because I choose to have tattoos, I am not a different person. I'm an educated, friendly, moral being who happens to think that they are fun and a great way to show off your individuality!

So, yesterday we were grilling out with my in-laws and my father-in-law hates hates HATES tattoos- and is quite vocal about it. He about flipped his lid when he saw my husband's first tattoo and everyone he has received thereafter. So we were outside when my sister-in-law was talking about needles and she let it slip that she had seen us get our tattoos. (She went with us for one of our sessions because she said she thought it would be fun to watch.) My father-in-law freaked... and it was one of those, I'm so angry, the best thing to do is just stare type of deals. How dare we take his "innocent" little 17 year old baby girl to a horrid, irreputable, repulsive tattoo parlor!

Basically, my point in this topic was just how it is too bad that people are judged on whether or not they have tattoos, as if that makes them less of a person... have you had similar experiences or know someone who feels as though all bearers or tattoos are heathens?

Friday, August 21, 2009

My First Week

So Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week I had orientation at Western Illinois University. I am enrolled in the English Grad program there and was offered and graduate assistant spot. Our job is to tutor students in the writing center. So the three days this week were orientation for the writing center.

I am super excited about getting my masters! And this job sounds like it will be fun and interesting, plus I've already met several people who I like, some who work with me and/or have classes with me.

Monday will be my first class and this semester I have a night class Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. So, since WIU is about an hour drive for me, I'll be away from home from 11am to 9pm three days a week. It will be a challenge, but I love being busy and I look at it as a well deserved break from my kids.

I will try to keep up on blogging so no one goes through withdrawal!

It is also nice being in a grad program where I don't have to listen to trampy freshmen girls talk about how drunk they got the night before. I experience way too much of that the first time I went to WIU. I've burned all my clothes from back then because I was sure they were covered in herpes, lol.

Anyway, just wanted to catch you guys up on what's going on with me and I'll keep you posted on how school is going!

And I hope all you moms with school age children did not cry too much seeing your little ones off this week. I still have a couple years before my oldest is ready for kindergarten, but I'm sure she'll love school like I did!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Megan Wants a Millionaire Update: Crazy!

Okay, color me bummed. Earlier I blogged about how excited I was that VH1 was giving Megan Hauserman (Rock of Love, I Love Money) her own show. It has only been on about 4 weeks and it's being pulled! But, it's not for the reasons you would think.

Apparently Ryan, one of the millionaires on the show is suspected of murdering his wife, a former playboy model. Apparently he married her in Vegas 2 days after meeting her and her body was found in a suitcase in a dumpster. I believe they said he has fled and there is a manhunt on for him.

I found the article via people.

I'm hoping that this is a temporary cancellation, but I doubt that's gonna happen. I'm assuming they can no longer show any episodes that he is in and who knows how long he lasted. Plus, if there's a trial, etc., it takes forever, so this show is probably on some permanent hiatus. Huge bummer! Luckily I can get my skank indulgence fix from Real Chance of Love since it started two weeks ago!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

A Picky Eater? My Kid?!

I was raised the old fashioned meat and potatoes way. Every meal had a meat, a potato and a vegetable. Rarely did it happen otherwise. Now, there was a variety for each, but it was that way on a daily basis. We ate lunch and dinner at the dining room table (unless we were in school) and breakfast was kind of a fend for yourself type deal- cereal, pop tarts, etc.

Now, I appreciate the family meal... I appreciated the good food. But, one thing I disagreed with is that we HAD to eat every bite on our plate before we left the table. And if we didn't like it, too bad. Now, my mom thinks that's an exaggeration, but you remember these things from childhood as they are somewhat traumatizing! (I think my siblings could back me up on this.) But it always seemed to get down to my dad and I sitting at the table long after everyone had left. He watched TV and waited... and waited... for me to finish my supper. I'd outlast him and he would have to use the bathroom or go in the living room cause his show was on. Then I would quickly throw most of what was left out to the dogs and act like I was finishing it when he came back.

Being a parent now, there are all kinds of options on how to feed my kids. But, I'm still a meat and potatoes girl at heart and my husband is too. He could live without the vegetables, though. So, most meals will consist of a meat, a carb and either a fruit or vegetable. I try to throw dairy in there as well. (Cheese is the best!)

A is such a difficult eater! She is a snacker and doesn't eat much at a time. I'm okay with this for the most part, because I'm pretty sure studies are saying that three meals a day is not really the way to go. But the problem is that she only wants to eat junk food. I'm not a big fan of junk food, so I either don't buy much of it (which is hard with a man who likes his ice cream, chips and donuts), or I put it where she can't get to it. Otherwise she'd choose junk over healthy food anytime.

Supper is very difficult. If I make something she doesn't remember or recognize she automatically says, "I don't like it." We hate hearing that! Our response is, "you don't know you don't like it cause you haven't tried it!" If you're familiar with the Yo Gabba Gabba episode there's a song that sings, "Try it, you'll like it..." And "there's a party in my tummy, so yummy, so yummy!" Anyway, we always make her TRY one bite of something. If she doesn't like it, she doesn't have to eat it, but usually she likes it. But getting her to eat more than 3 bites is like pulling teeth. She will tell you she's done and then 20 minutes later ask for junk food because we gave her plate to the cats outside.

She doesn't get the junk food, but we give her a healthy alternative. Sometimes we make her eat a certain amount before she can get down, but that brings me back to the days of having to sit long periods of time at the table when I was young. Sure, we don't make the kids clean their plates (L will eat anything not bolted to the floor!) but is it okay to make her eat a certain amount?

Do any other parents have problems with this and what do you do?

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Kittenpalooza!

If you don't know this about me, you must not know me... and for those of you who do, this comes as no shocker: I love cats!

Since an early age, I've been a huge felinophile. (I just made that up.) The very first cats I remember having were Princess and Muffin. I was maybe 4 or 5, I think. Since then, I can't remember a time in my life that I didn't have cats. They just enthrall me so! And don't get me started on kittens. I want to kiss them, hug them, eat their faces off!

Currently we have ELEVEN kittens! Before you sic PETA on me, let me explain. We live out in the country and our outdoor cats are "barn cats" but are spoiled rotten. I have friends who tell me they can't believe they are outdoor cats because they look so clean and healthy. Anyway, we have a gazillion dog houses for them and they are quite pampered for "mousers."

So lately I will tell my family that I am going outside to do something and not come back for half an hour because I will just sit and watch the kittens play. Is this something normal 27-year-old's do? If not, I'm in trouble.

And then, there's our indoor cat whose name is Koala, but we always call her "gray kitty." Why is she so lucky to get to be inside? Well, she's a genius! She housebroke herself to the doggy door and we have no litter box inside! She will either use the doggy door or wait by the back door and meow. Can't beat that!

Below you will see three pictures that show my lifelong love affair with cats. Two are from when I was like 3 or 4 and the other is my senior picture. Enjoy!



Monday, August 10, 2009

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

I'm having a conflict within my mind.

I want to move to Maine. I love Maine, my husband loves Maine and I think it would be a great place to live. We've talked about when we might move, whether it's after grad school or later on if my parents ever pass away (hopefully they won't!)

But then I get torn... should we just stay in the midwest and travel to places like Maine? We've talked about taking a trip to a different state each summer with the kids and both Nick and I want to see the whole country at some point in our lives. I've been to California, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Maine, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota and I think that's about it. I have good friends in Arizona and California along with family in Missouri, Iowa, Florida and Maine. So, I have the potential to visit these places and have free room and board during my stay.

I know that you appreciate things more when you don't have them. Maybe I wouldn't like living in Maine. But by traveling to Maine, I can enjoy it and appreciate it more. I live in a small town where the only excitement is watching the grass grow. You have to make your own entertainment. The nearest major airport is 180 miles away.

Then there's family. My parents and Nick's parents live in my town. So does his grandmother who we are close with. I'd feel terrible separating my kids from their grandparents.

Has anyone else had this same dilemma? What do you guys think I should do? I know it would be at least 2 years away, but I like to plan ahead...

Friday, August 7, 2009

Coricidin: Scary Stuff

I am taking a break from my usual jokester ways to get a message out that is very important to me.

Coricidin is an over the counter medication that is not regulated whatsoever. You can go in and purchase 100 boxes without being asked any questions, required to show ID or informed in any way of the repercussions of this potentially dangerous drug!

It is dangerous because it contains a hallucinogenic agent known as dextromethorphan. Known on the street as "skittles", people are popping these things like candy and at dangerous levels. Many take a whole box (32) at a time! It is my stance that the sale of Coricidin needs to be regulated just like the sale of Sudafed and other medications used to make meth that are now only available from BEHIND the counter and ID must be shown and necessary precautions are taken.

Why am I so passionate about this?

Without getting into details or naming names, a relative of mine was taking Coricidin on a daily basis and generally taking a whole box at a time. He and his friend would do this to get high every day.

Unfortunately during one of those periods of hallucinations, he murdered his wife and child. He was out of his mind, had no idea what he was doing and now not only are those two lives lost forever, but the families of the victims and his family will never be the same. He is currently on trial and the levels of this dextromethorphan in his system were about that of someone on LSD. He loved his wife, he loved his child, but unfortunately he also loved taking this drug.

What can you do?

I think that the law and legislation need to become aware of the need for regulations of this powerful drug! I am not the first with stories such as this. Read this article from another man whose life was turned upside down after being introduced to Coricidin. It can even be found in the urban dictionary!

Please, please, please repost this blog! Whether it is on your blog, on facebook, linked on Twitter, what have you, the word needs to be spread. You can also feel free to print this and send it to the legislation in your state.

I know that people voluntarily take this drug, just like people voluntarily take meth. And I in no way am saying that the actions people take while on this drug should be forgiven. I am trying to say that Coricidin should NOT BE AVAILABLE over the counter and should have limits placed on the quantity purchased, just as they have done with Sudafed and medicines used to manufacture methamphetamines.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please pass this message on!!

Sincerely,

hamsterkitten

Monday, August 3, 2009

MOTR Recipe: Chili Cheese Dog Pizza

I know, this sounds odd, but it is GOOD! My husband was saying to me one day, "wouldn't it be cool if they made a chili cheese dog pizza?" which to me, sounded like a challenge- and I was up for it! We love pizza and we love chili cheese dogs, so why not have a chili cheese dog pizza? It's super easy, fast and YUMMY!

Ingredients:

Crust
: (I used to make the jiffy packages, but that takes a few more minutes and makes a bit of a mess.) I buy Pilsbury pizza crust, which you find near the tubes of biscuits.

Hot Dogs: You can use as few or as many as you want.

Chili: 1 can of no bean chili per pizza.

Cheese
: I use 1 cup of mozzarella before baking and then 1 cup of cheddar for the top when it comes out of the oven.

Chopped onions: Optional

Stretch the crust out on your pan. (Best if it's square or rectangle.) Pour chili on crust and spread it out evenly. Slice hot dogs into small piece and spread it out on the chili. Add onions. Spread mozzarella evenly on top. Bake according to crust instructions. After removing from oven, spread cheddar over the top and let pizza cool. Cut and serve.

Serves 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 small children.


This is a regular in our house and we all love it! It's cheap to make (ingredients cost less than 10 bucks total), it's a conversation piece and best of all, it tastes great!

Let me know how it goes when you try the recipe!