Archives for February 2010

PS3, Let’s Fight

February 9, 2010 by Amy 9 Comments

Me and that thing? Are about to fight.

It just irritates the fire out of me that you have to BEG Scott to turn the volume up on the TV normally. I mean, literally, beg. PLEASE, I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND THE WORDS COMING OUT OF THEIR MOUTHS. I have to put the closed captioning on whenever possible just so I catch everything. His ears are sensitive and he can’t handle it. But last night after he hooked that thing up? He had it up so loud that the bass was almost knocking my glass shelves off the wall in the bathroom. I am not even joking. What gives?

Also, it may irritate me a bit that he has barely left his recliner since getting it.

If I knew how to turn it in to this. I would.

Except I wouldn’t be grilling whatever that is on the grill. Gross.

P.S. I realize I’m being hypocritical and all since I rarely leave my computer. Which this post pretty much confirms because I’m taking the time to post a picture of a PS3-turned-grill. But just let me complain. Please? I have PMS and I’d rather not yell at him because he really is a great husband and deserves some fun time. OK, whew, I feel better. Therapy session OVER.

P.P.S. After he got off the game this morning he cleaned the whole kitchen and put in a load of clothes to “stay out of trouble”. We might keep this thing after all. Bwa ha ha ha.

P.P.S. He’s playing again.

Sunday Highlights – Anxiety

February 8, 2010 by Amy 4 Comments

I love what Jenni does for Crosspoint on her blog where she recaps the outline from the sermon for her blog readers. It may feel a little like simple regurgitation but as a non-attendant at the church I love getting any snippet of wisdom from Pete’s sermons. I always, always enjoy Chris’ sermons at North Rock Hill so why not share? Not everyone has time to check out the podcast, so yeah, I’m gonna start doing this weekly I think. Rambly enough? Here we go.

This series has been about Vital Signs. This week our blood pressure is about anxiety…surprise!

Chris listed several symptoms of anxiety from an article in Time. And yes, I wrote them all down.

mood swings
depression
tired
angry outbursts
eye-twitching
fragmentation of the mind (mind is always 100 different places)
checking out (sort of like daydreaming)
paranoid/suspicions (always assume worst case scenario. a card from your husband means he’s cheating and trying make up for it)
weight gain/loss
panic
fatigue
self-medicating (drugs-prescription or not, alcohol and may I add food?)
irritable
reckless
headaches
spending money
stomach issues (ulcers, etc)
high blood pressure

As Christians, instead of leading the world to peace and contentment we follow the world to find peace and contentment.

The Time article recommended the following things to help with anxiety: therapy, drugs, tranquilizers, exercise, lifestyle changes. While Chris pointed out that medication has its place as well as exercise (obv) those are often not dealing with the real issue.

Philippians 4

We need to live so others can mimic us and live like Jesus as Paul did.

The one thing: I can have peace and contentment through intimacy with Jesus regardless of my circumstances.

If you have to manage your anxiety, it’s in control of you.

From Philippians 4, here are some Biblical points on how to deal with the root cause of our anxiety

1 – You have the Holy Spirit. You must ask yourself: When is Jesus enough?

2 – Constantly approach Him specifically and thankfully with requests. This should be all day, any time you find yourself becoming anxious.

3 – Dwell on good things. Anxiety is a very me-centered issue. Move from Me to Him. You can’t live with the peace of God until you live for the God of peace.

4 – He redefined the often misinterpreted “I can do all things through Christ”. This is not a message of blessings but whether you are in a state of riches or poverty, you find contentment and can do it all with Christ. In riches, be humble and be generous. In poverty, you still have Jesus and He’s more than enough.

John Ortberg says we need to abandon pursuit of peace and contentment altogether and pursue Christ.

Recommended book: The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg. I bought this from the church two weeks back and it has so much great stuff in it. Highly recommend as well!

Good stuff, right? A great reminder for all of us! He’s enough!

IE, Y and Other Acronyms

February 6, 2010 by Amy 1 Comment

In the past two days, I’ve worked 18 hours, 3 of which occurred between 3:30 and 6am last night. We finally implemented some systems that we’ve been working on since my visit to Indianapolis last Spring. The last three days have been an orchestration of probably 20 or more people and at least 50 different tasks, several of which I was assigned to or had to coordinate. And it’s been nothing but geeky computer stuff filled with acronyms…DTS, FTP, NDM, G2, PROC, and the list goes on.

I got done with work about 4 this afternoon and then this evening was happy to get out with Heather and spend the evening at a VIP event at a local restaurant we were invited to. Free food! Imagine the place a little like a mix between Applebee’s and possibly Hooter’s (in that they had short shorts, not little tops). There was music playing and a full house because of the event and TVs going. In short, it was a little hard to hear.

We’re nearing the end of dinner and Heather asks for our waitress’s name and after she (Katie) leaves she looks at me and says something but I didn’t catch the whole thing. I heard something like “Y or I E” but asked her to repeat it. She says the same thing and I still have this really confused look on my face. I lean way over the table, right in her face. Heather rolls her eyes and I ask her to say it one more time. So Heather slowly and loudly says it again but I only catch the end. So I say still confused, “It sounds like you’re saying Y or I. E.” She yells, “I AM! I WONDER IF HER NAME IS SPELLED WITH A Y or IE!!” I bust out laughing, barely able to swallow my food and once composed enough explain that I THOUGHT she was trying to say something about the “YMCA or Internet Explorer” using the “Y or IE” acronyms and couldn’t possibly grasp why they would be used in the same sentence.

#imadork

also

#ineedsleep

The Official Santa’s-Not-Real Convo

February 6, 2010 by Amy 5 Comments

So it finally happened. Santa died. Here’s how it went down.

The big topic of conversation around the house today has been buying the girls a power wheels Barbie jeep. We even went to look at them at WalMart this afternoon just for them to see which they might be interested in getting. Upon finding out they are $300 I explained that we would not be buying one there and we might find one that someone has for sale. Lexi had a suggestion I would love to see work out: “I know! We need to find somebody that’s rich that doesn’t want their money!” If only!

So this evening, devoid of rich people throwing their money away, we searched craigslist and were able to find a few in the area available. So the bedtime conversation consisted of WHEN they were going to get these. I said it was still a little cold to be outside riding them so maybe Easter would be a great time to get a present like that. And this is where we drop in.

Emma: Do you remember last Easter when you surprised me with my bike?

Me: Yep.

Emma: The Easter bunny isn’t real is he?

Me: No. (thankful to have that one off the list)

Emma: Santa’s not real either?

Me: No. *pause* How did you know that? Was that a guess?

Emma: Yes.

(whoops!)

Me: Oh, well, I’m sorry but he’s not real.

Lexi: The tooth fairy either right?

Me: No, not the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny or Santa.

Lexi: So who does the presents?

Me: Me and Daddy. We bought your Nintendo DS’s at Walmart. And we ate the cookies and milk.

Lexi: And who puts the money under the pillow?

Me: Me and Daddy.

Emma: So how do you get under there without waking us up?

I demonstrate sneaking under the pillow which they find amusing.

Lexi, with her little mommy voice on, serious but joking all at the same time: You should be ashamed of yourself!

Me: Why? We were just pretending for a while.

Lexi: Because you were lying for too long!

Me: I’m sorry, I thought you would be mad if you knew Santa wasn’t real.

Lexi: It’s not nice. You lied!

More apologies and an explanation of course that God and Jesus WERE real which was met with basically a “Duh, Mom” reaction.

Emma seemed pretty unphased by all of it. It surprises me Lexi was more mad that we lied versus that any mascots, as Emma calls them, are not real. Kids surprise you sometimes.

So it’s done. They’re all dead. The lying’s done and I’m relieved.

Random

February 5, 2010 by Amy 1 Comment

1 – My ring

I lost another diamond in my ring today. Third one since I’ve had it. I enjoy the cluster of diamond versus one diamond but it sure has been a pain in the neck for the 18 months I’ve had this one. Thankfully it’s all covered under guarantee.

I can’t help but laugh when I see it though because it makes me thing of this:

2 – My butt muscles are sore from my run yesterday. Anyone know any good stretches?

3 – The tooth fairy is officially dead at my house. In the car yesterday:

Lexi: I believe in Santa, God and Jesus

Emma: Do you believe in the Tooth Fairy?

Lexi: Yes

Emma: Well she’s not real.

Lexi: Well, how does the money get there?

Emma: Mommy and Daddy put it there

Lexi: Oh.

So that’s done. That’s what big sisters are for I guess. Still so tempted to say the same goes for Santa but something stopped me. Not sure why.

Couch to 5K – Just Hand Me a Cap and Gown

February 4, 2010 by Amy 10 Comments

I think I graduated anyway. Today I went to finish up week 8 of 9 with 28 minutes of running. I’m still kind of slow with all the running, usually running about a 12 minute pace so I knew when I got to the final week 9 it was unlikely I’d actually make the 3 miles (5K) in the 30 minutes it had set.

I got to 10 minutes today and really thought I might have to walk for a bit. I hadn’t eaten much today, didn’t take any Advil, didn’t have an Energy gel and haven’t been stretching well so things were stacked against me. But if I’ve learned anything over the last 8 weeks, it’s if I push through, I can do it. Shocking revelation, I know. I guess Nike was right all along, Just do it! So I did. I slowed the treadmill down from a 5.7 (10-11 min pace) slowly down to a 4.8 (12 min) and ran through it. By 25 minutes I realized I was feeling great and decided I would run longer than the scheduled 28 minutes. Week 9 you run 30 minutes I guess in hopes you are at a 10 min mile by that point but I wasn’t quite there. I was already over my time though and really nothing hurt. I was tired but my breathing was regulated so I just kept going. And for the first time, I had legit ran 3 miles. Over 3 miles in fact.

It all started with an inspiring and INSISTENT friend

Continued with the help of an awesome iPhone app

About all ended with a tough week 4

And actually ended unexpectedly early. I’m calling myself a graduate. I have gone from my Couch to a 5K.

I don’t HATE running now. I don’t love it like I do spinning still but it’s amazing how my body has adjusted. Everything on me used to hurt when I ran but today, nothing but a little pain in my left hip. My ankles which always felt like they might dislocate my feet from my body are now stronger. My shins which would ache don’t give me any trouble. The burning in my calves is gone. My breathing is easier to control. I guess it figured out that I was serious about this running thing.

Now I haven’t won any races or even signed up for any races but I really want to do a few thank-you’s for getting this far. Just imagine me on-stage with the music playing and Kanye sitting in the crowd ready to interrupt.

I want to thank Melissa and my dad for being the runners they are and inspiring and encouraging me. C25K app creators for making all the cues easier and TrySports Charlotte for setting me up with some fabulous equipment and doling out spot-on advice. I’d like to thank my family for letting me have time away to take care of myself. And yes, God, thanks for the well-being, means, and strength for getting me through.

</cheese>

So what’s next? I think a spinning class is in order to be honest! Melissa promised me a piece of chocolate cake at graduation back in week 4. And yes, I think I’ll keep running. Maybe even run a few races this Spring. But even if I don’t know, at least I know for a fact I CAN! And more importantly, if I can, you can too! Go get started!

Beginning of the End: Favorite LOST Stuff

February 2, 2010 by Amy 5 Comments

Tonight’s the big night…the beginning of the end of LOST. Man, I’m going to miss this show. So here we go, some of my favorite things. T-shirts:

Sawyer!

The numbers! I hope we find out what they mean!

Java Station! HA!

All of Sawyer’s nicknames

And now some favorite scenes. I don’t really pretend to understand everything that is going on. Numbers, smoke monsters, hieroglyphics…they keep me watching but funny and sweet? I understand these well.

I love Hurley! Funny Hurley Moments:

Great Sawyer Quotes:

And all the kissy face time. Their #4 is actually my #1. Team Jate!

Cooking with The Pioneer Woman: Weekly Update

February 1, 2010 by Amy 7 Comments

Yes, I think I’m making it official. I need weekly updates to what I’ve cooked. Now I’m not going all Julie on her but I am cooking enough to give some decent updates.

OK, so here’s what we made this week. Chocolate sheet cake, Marlboro Man’s Sandwich, Onion Strings, Oatmeal Crispies, Cowboy Calzones, Enchiladas. I also made a pizza from her pizza crust but didn’t do one of her exact pizzas.

Chocolate Sheet Cake

Let me tell you a little story about chocolate sheet cake. It does NOT work to substitute the sugar with Splenda and a few tablespoons of butter with Country Crock. Trust me on this. But when you use sugar and butter? Angels sing and your mouth does a dance. Now there’s nothing new about this cake. If you’ve had sheet cake, you’re not going to be surprised. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth making. I did find the cake especially fluffy and moist and it lasted all week as our dessert.

Marlboro Man’s Sandwich

Dear Marlboro Man, I love your chaps but I do not love your sandwich. It had a fantastic taste and was very moist but I’m just not a fan of cube steak. I really should have known better. Even Scott was not impressed :(. I will say the girls did love the steak cut up as a main dish.

Onion Strings

I actually made them twice this week. I’ve never been good at duplicating the taste and texture of onion strings from restaurants but I think these get darn near close. They are fantastic. Perfect for on top of a steak or hamburger or all on their own.

Oatmeal Crispies

I’m not a huge fan of oatmeal cookies but these are really good. Just imagine a whole lot of sugar and some oats rolled around and baked.

Cowboy Calzones

These almost didn’t happen. I planned them on Thursday when the girls had gymnastics so I almost canceled them. I ended up running home during my longest break at the gym and got everything together and baked. But really, I shouldn’t have made so much effort. They were edible, but nothing to brag about. I think the Cowboy part of this should be stressed. It’s no surprise Scott liked it a lot. If you’re feeding someone that likes more meat and less everything else, this might be the dish for them. The rest of us found we wanted more cheese. Lots more cheese even after I added extra cheese! This was definitely not the calzone you find at your local Italian restaurant. But I guess I should have known that. It is a Cowboy Calzone after all.

Enchiladas

This was probably the biggest disappointment of the week. It was a lot of work to put this dish together and in the end, the girls wouldn’t eat it and the rest of them choked it down. It was HOT. The meat filling was delicious though and Emma was willing to eat that separately. But I think the Enchilada sauce we used was over the top hot. I didn’t care much for the texture of the cooked corn tortillas either.

Onion Blue Cheese Sauce

This one I didn’t directly make but I must include it. Mom made it on Saturday night with filets and it was OUT OF THIS WORLD good. You know when you go to the restaurants and the sauces make the dishes perfection and you just know you can never duplicate it at home? Well, this tastes like one of those sauces but it is SO easy. Mom gave me the leftovers and I also used it with some leftover fish I had. Perfecto!

What I’ll be making again ASAP: sheet cake, onion rings and blue cheese sauce

What I won’t make again (I’m so sorry, PW, I still love you and I’m very sure every other family loves these): calzones and enchiladas