was away for a few days

actually, i wasn't. i was here all along. i was just feeling boring. i'm really freaked out about the weather. why aren't they freaked out on television? why does the weatherman keep saying how "nice and warm" it is??? it isn't NICE. it is SCARY. i'm really really freaked out. i know i said that but... damn! double damn.

in personal news, one of my best friends, Alyson, is coming to visit this week! yay, Alyson! we're going to watch television and movies and maybe go to the mall and cook meat-free / dairy-free food and maybe go to the gym! then christmas comes and then i go to florida for almost 2 weeks.

a few notes

i cannot see an inconvenient truth. i spend my of my day deliberating in what ways i can make less of an impact on the earth -- paper or plastic? i know i should bring a bag with me to the market but i use the plastic grocery bags for garbage bags. should i bring a bag to the grocery store and buy biodegradable garbage bags? i buy biodegradable products as often as i can (laundry detergent, dish soap, cleaning products) but that doesn't mean that the chemicals in the products are not harmful so i make an all-purpose cleaner out of white vinegar and i try to buy organic white vinegar and am not sure if i should buy vinegar in glass or plastic -- which has less impact considering that i recycle both? anyway, i saw al gore (for maybe 4 minutes) on oprah but he talked about how the polar bears are drowning and i started crying. seriously, if i see that film i will be sent over the edge because the edge is near anyway.

Pretty Okay Day

Today was a pretty okay day. We went to mass at the parish where our wedding is going to be. It is probably going to be OUR parish too but we're trying to figure out where we want to go. We went out for brunch and then Lowes to get blinds and Pier 1 just to browse at the crap and then Whole Foods. Home again to get Franklin so he can spend some CAR TIME while we went to Penny's to get more drapes (obsessed with covering windows? yes - we just got that awesome new tv.) At church, we picked up a name of a little boy to get gifts for and went to a toy store to get him a few things. We had some cozy time and then to Ryan's parents' for dinner.

Oh and last night we saw For Your Consideration which sadly did not live up to my expectations. But I probably need to see it again. Personally, I think that Waiting for Guffman was the best of the bunch.

Also Friday night I hosted dinner for Ryan's family which was REALLY FUN and I got to fuss and cook all day and clean and stuff. (I'm not being sarcastic -- I really like it!)

PS I'm so boring!

did you want honesty?

i went to the doctor yesterday and had some blood work done and she put me on provera to ... regulate... some female stuff. when the blood work comes back, then we'll see what is wrong. it might be polycystic ovarian syndrome. let's hope not! to add to the suffering, this provera is making me dizzy and depressed and giving me headaches and a metallic taste in my mouth. its basically awesome, is what i'm saying.

Exactly What I Don't Want to Do

Exactly What I Don't Want to Do
Originally uploaded by lambgarden.

Woops!

I'm in such a funk today. It is one of those days when you realize that your life has run away without you actually getting to catch up to it.
Luckily, the new television came and it is great.

New Television from Gimme-Gimme Friday

Yesterday morning, Ryan and I participated in the black friday madness. My dad had given us the gift of purchasing an awesome television so Ryan had been tracking the prices of awesome televisions and we realized that if we didn't take advantage of a post-thanksgiving sale, we probably wouldn't be able to get the tv until after Christmas. We got up at 415am and went to Circuit City and got a 40" Sony Bravia for $1000 less than the original price and about $600 less than the sale price. Holy moly! It will be delivered MONDAY and my Dad (go Dad!) got us an early Christmas gift of this!

OH MY GOSH! SLACKER!

We were living with Ryan's parents last week so (even though I had internet access) I didn't update the blog. I guess it was because I actually interacted with people... and was busy! Anyway, we lived there because we were having wood floors installed in our house which took 2 days and then the fumes from the glue took a few days to dissipate. Then on Friday night, we went up to Olivebridge NY for the weekend with my family. We did some awesome hiking! It was great! Sunday night we started to reassemble our lives by putting back the furniture. Tomorrow, the carpet on the stairs and in the hallway is being installed and then all flooring is DONE! Yeah!

This week is my favorite holiday! Ryan's parents are hosting Thanksgiving again this year and including my mom, sis, Marty, and my grandparents (like last year)!

And that's it!

Goals And Stuff

In November 2004, two years ago, this was my goal. And now I'm a lawyer - I guess I'm done! Although I still want a classy suit.

Yesterday Today Tomorrow

Yesterday, I arranged with Lowes the removal / delivery / install time for the replacement washer. Even after all of this ridiculousness, the Lowes employees were very nice, professional, and accommodating. I also did some cleaning, went to the gym, and did some more finishing touches on the hallway which is painted what I call "hallway grey" but is actually granite grey whereas the living room is called "squirrel." Granite meets the squirrel in the corner above the door.

Anyway, today I'm waiting around for the plumber and the flooring delivery guys and I'm finishing up the painting in the guest bedroom which is painted "grass cloth" and I swear is the same color as a paint sample I picked up a few years ago called "avacado."

Tomorrow, we're finishing up the floor molding, pulling up the carpet in the bedroom, and going to my mom's house for Simon's surprise 5th birthday party! (He is her dog.)

It isn't all bad news!

Tomorrow's the plumber who is moving the drain for the washer and putting in a new hot water heater, Saturday morning the washer is being replaced, Sunday we're finishing ripping up the carpet and moving the furniture off the floors, and then we're off to Ryan's parents' house for a few days while the floors get put in.

We put in our deposit for the wedding and that's pretty exciting!!!!!!! We're going to have a happy fall wedding next October!

I can't believe what a bum I am. I am dressed in gym clothes but I'm watching Maury. I guess I should be at the gym watching this.

I Had a Drain...

Today, the plumber came to give his estimate on moving the drain over to the other side of the closet near the gas line. $500. So we bought more expensive appliances reasoning that it was worth the extra closet space we would gain only to have to pay $500 MORE in order to MOVE THE FREAKIN' DRAIN. Would I do it again? No. I would buy the side-by-side GE energy star washer / dryer and call it a day. We're also having our hot water heater replaced on Friday (about $800) so that we don't damage the $8000 floors that are being installed on Monday. This kind of thing makes me feel like smoking again -- although at this rate, I wouldn't be able to afford it anyway.

Our Washitty Washer / AKA "When You Have Lemon (Washer) What Should You Make?"

The install / delivery guys came back today. I waited between 10-2 and they got here at 2:30 only to tell me that the washer is not working. Hmph. I knew that already. But the guys couldn't take the lemon-washer back to Lowes with them because they didn't have paperwork that would authorize that. I had to call my "friend" Charlie at Lowes who said they don't have the washer in stock but it is coming in tomorrow or the next day and then the guys will come install a new one. In the meantime, I called a plumber to come give us an estimate for moving the drain under the washer to the other side of the closet closer to the gas line. Fun times!

In other un-washer related news, I bought a new cereal, Ezekiel 4:9, today that I LOVE! It is like Grape Nuts' super-powered more honest and thoughtful fraternal twin. Go twins! Also, my neighbor and I, when we went to the plumber, stopped off at a bakery in Princeton that was AWESOME. It is the Witherspoon Bread Co. and my neighbor treated me to an organic loaf of ciabatta with green olives!!!!!!! WOW!

Wash, You Freakin' Washer!

Yup, there is no water going into the washer. So, Lowes is sending my best friends, the install guys, back so they could do the job right this time. Update to follow. Waiting between 10-2 again. Good thing I don't have to go to work.

Lesson of the Day: Things are Never What You Expect Even When You Pay For It

Ryan and I purchased a brand new washer and dryer two weeks ago. We had searched extensively for affordable energy star appliances and thought we found a set of GE appliances that met the criteria but when we got to the store we found out that they were mislabeled on the website. The GE set that was energy star was a few hundred dollars more expensive and just as ugly, if not more so. We looked further and found a stackable, energy star, front loading Frigidaire set. It was a little more expensive but the least expensive of all the front-loaders. We figured that if we stacked them, that would effectively buy us a half of a closet! Wow. Major storage space. So we bought it.

Unfortunately, we accidentally bought an electric dryer because our home inspection says that our existing dryer was electric. Not so. The night before it was supposed to be delivered, we pulled the dryer away from the wall and saw that it was a gas dryer. Great. So we called Lowes at 6 am an hour before the scheduled delivery and cancelled the delivery. I went to the store and "returned" the electric dryer and exchanged it for the gas dryer which was more expensive and also there was an install fee. I paid up and then rescheduled the delivery.

The delivery-men were supposed to come between 10-2. They showed up at 4. With only the washer. I had to reschedule.

Today, the delivery-men came to deliver both the washer and dryer. They discovered there was a hole in the floor under where the dryer was. They couldn't put both units where the washer had been because the gas line didn't reach but couldn't put them both where the dryer was because the drain was on the other side. So we bought STACKABLE washer / dryer just to have them side-by-side. And to boot -- we can't open the tray where the laundry detergent is supposed to be poured because we have bi-folding doors and the detergent drawer doesn't clear the doors.

martha's blunders

today begins the first installment of 'martha's blunders' and was inspired by martha's question to emmy rossum. emmy was explaining that she is studying french in college and that she knows enough for the essentials in france: shopping and ordering food. and martha says.... 'what about making love?' wow. that was uncomfortable. emmy said: isn't this a daytime show?

tasting

Last night, Ryan and I went for our first tasting for the wedding! Wow - it was delectable but so rich that I was up for part of the night with a stomachache. Is that a bad sign? I think it was just a visit from the anti-dairy fairy after having the pumpkin ravioli in cream sauce ....wow.... Are you guys looking forward to it?

back attack

On Thursday, at the gym, I worked out on the elliptical machine which indicated that I had "run" for a mile and a half so I felt happy with myself. On Friday, I decided that I should kick that "running" into high-geer by actually running so Ryan and I went for a run. I felt awesome until Saturday when my back started hurting to the point that on Saturday night I was unable to lift myself out of a chair. I am only starting to regain my mobility this evening!

You Were Never Lovelier

Today I watched one of my favorite types of movies... a Fred Astaire movie! I saw "You Were Never Lovelier." It was great - Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth - how could anything be lovelier?

Crimes and Misdemeanors

This is a good one too.

My Movie Journey

Rope and King Creole

Too many movies. I really shouldn't be recording these ahead of time because then I watch them.

Rope is a Hitchcock movie about two thinly veiled (at best) gay guys who choke a friend to death and then throw a party over the trunk they placed him in. It is known for an early example of homosexual characters in film and also for very few film cuts.

King Creole is an Elvis movie with Dolores Hart as his co-star. It is pretty good. An interesting fact is that Dolores Hart is a nun now in Connecticut.

Here Comes Mr. Jordan

Today the movie is "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" (1941). Pretty Good.

Good Weekend!

We had a great weekend! We drove out to Tinton Falls to buy a little retro 70's mid century modern type dresser from someone who posted on craigslist - for 20 bucks! Saturday we went apple picking with my sister and her fiance and then I made an awesome veggie stew w/ dumplings. Sunday we went to start registering.

Watched the Whole Thing!

Wow - that was a weird movie. Marilyn Monroe plays a woman who definitely has some psychological problems who is deeply haunted by the memory of her sweetheart who was killed in war. Her uncle, who operates the elevator of a hotel, refers her as a babysitter for the evening. She meets a man who has been hardened for unexplained reasons and has had a falling out with his woman just that evening. Marilyn Monroe's character invites this man into the hotel room and begins to mistake this man for her dead sweetheart, Phillip. She gets so obsessed with him that she thinks that the child she is babysitting is trying to get in between her and "Phillip" so she gags and binds the child in the adjacent bedroom. She also bashes her uncle over the head with a brass umbrella stand.... and then she gets carted off and the man finds love with his woman. Just so you know, the child is fine.

Don't Bother to Knock

I keep trying to watching this movie but... it is kind of uncomfortable and creepy so I just watch it in 5 minute increments. It is going to take me just as long to watch the movie as it would take me to read the book... if there was one.

Other than that, I might drive out to Tinton Falls to buy a little 3-drawer telephone table. That's an hour. I'm very torn because I want to buy already existing furniture because it is better for the environment (and I prefer it) but when I drive an hour to buy it that kind of defeats the purpose.

Speaking of things good for the environment, I tried to use a homemade house cleaner I made out of white vinegar, water, and essential oil (tea tree oil) but it STINKS. I smells like I'm making an old moldy salad. And then I had the bright idea (because I didn't have any other essential oils) to put cloves in it to spice up the smell. Unfortunately, I only had the powder for so it jammed up the spray bottle. I had to abandon ship after that and I just picked up my "Method" cleaner instead. I think I might need more essential oils to mask that vinegar smell... pee-yew!

Flippin' Bavarian Preztels!

I ate pretzels over my keyboard and now the R key is jammy...

More Movies

I don't know if you have noticed but I've been watching old(er) movies. Probably the biggest fascination for me is the way the world looked then. Not only the buildings but also the design. Like in Beauty and the Beast yesterday, it was supposed to be a timeless fairy tale but the interior design was 60's meets the Dark Ages. Actually, I was reading that the director was Edward Cahn who directed all these cool b-movies like "Invasion of the Saucer Men" and "Creature with the Atom Brain." Awesome! I wish AMC would show those... maybe for Halloween.

I just watched "The Only Game in Town" with Liz Taylor and Warren Beatty from 1970. I found it really sweet but there was a little too much gambling in it -- a lot of close up on the dice. Most of the movie was set in the apartment which had a lot of funky mid-century modern furniture that she so didn't care about that she was putting her high heals on the ottoman.

Next I'm watching "Don't Bother to Knock" with Marilyn Monroe. That was filmed in 1952. Update to follow.

Does anyone know if Netflix or something like that has old movies? I think they have a few but I'm looking for a huge almost unlimited selection.

Bad Freakin' News!

So it turns out that the church is not available on 10/27/07. We either have to find another church, another ceremony location, or another date!

Beauty and the Beast

I saw Beauty and the Beast from 1963. It was very... 60's... and I kind of liked it but it was definitely funny how Mark Damon couldn't speak very well because of all the beast-make-up...

obsessed with my dog

I'm obsessed with my dog, Franklin. I spend almost every moment of the day with him and I dread plans that do not include him. He is such a great buddy. We are great friends.

What I Do With My Time

I'm writing this book about procurement law and I don't know anything about it.

I'm also watching some movies on television -- like Silver Streak with Gene Wilder.

Do you like the new colors on the blog template? I made some changes.

The Bachelor

that sucks that he didn't keep sarah. really sucks. and he should never have picked erica. it is clear that she is a moron.

The Ryan Dinner Review

It appears, based on his subtle hints of inflection, that Ryan did not prefer the quinoa dinner. I think it might be because I did not have roasted pepper on hand so I just put some different types of squash in the dish instead. Squash just doesn't add that toasty flavor you might need. As for the creamy tofu pesto, he loved it. He wants to put it everything from fish to salad. He's taking the leftover for lunch tomorrow! Personally, I really think it needs to have the pine nuts that the recipe calls for and I think that some chopped scallions would be good on top.

Other than that, we met with a monsignor today and talked about the wedding. He was so nice and we're going to go to church at his parish on Sunday.

Awesome Dinner

Tonight I made quinoa with shitake mushrooms and 2 types of squash and a salad with organic carrots! It was delicious! Tomorrow night we're going to have creamy silken tofu pesto with (probably) jasmine rice!

Wedding Plans

It is looking likely that the wedding date is 10/27/07! That's a nice date right?

Bachelor Results - Episode 1

Hmmm... there were definitely some of the ladies there that might have been good for him... I really liked Rosella...

WOAH - but the other episodes look GrEAT!

update!!!!

lisa is very drunk and she should have stayed sober!

A Note

Things here are going fine. We're putting together the house and making a lot of changes. We're going to be putting down wood floors (mahogany on the first floor and bamboo on the second) and completely gutting the kitchen (cherry cabinets and slate floors). But we've also been enjoying ourselves and sitting cozily by the fire. And I've been cooking some awesome meals and have been watching a great cooking show called Christina Cooks!. I am thinking about trying out quinoa.

Right now I am watching the Bachelor! YAY! I love this show! But oh gosh the first few weeks are very uncomfortable. So far I would narrow it down to Claudia, Sadie, Lisa, Meri, Rosella, and Sarah. I might have chosen some of them because those are pretty names... Speaking of names... here is a preview in the crazy-planning that is Mary... here are the female names selected for if I have a daughter:

alice
amelia
camille
eve
fern
frances
gina
gloria
grace
hazel
jane
joanna
judy / judith
martha
olive
sarah
ramona
rosanna
rose
ruth
sadie
sylvia

I've been working on the book and working out. And I've been enjoying the heck out of my sweet dog, Franklin.

Work-Out Girl - Day 2

Hey this gym thing is pretty awesome. I watched tv the whole time I worked out on the eliptical and time flew by. I love that I can mix something I really really love (tv) with something that makes me feel good about myself (working out). The result is that a really really love feeling good about myself. Huh? Anyway, I'm going to some political fundraiser thing tonight at Ryan's parents' house. Unfortunately, our DVR doesn't work so I can't watch a recorded season premier of HIMYM (How I Met Your Mother) from bed. I will have to watch it from Ryan's parents' DVR... Wow. That is totally not a problem. Isn't my life great when that's my biggest problem? Cheers!

By the Way...

I feel bad for Tony Danza. I mean, his show really was awful, but still....

"Slow Moving Thunderstorm is Dumping Heavy Rain" So Says ABC 6

I really think that the use of the word "dumping" was not the right choice. It actually grosses me out. But hey, I guess it is pouring pretty hard but not in a dumping motion. Nope.

This morning I realized that I really like Kelly Ripa. She's a funny gal.

Those are all of my thoughts so far this morning. I can't believe how lazy I was yesterday. I laid around reading and was too lazy to cook so we got take out and Devin (Ryan's brother) came over to eat with us. Fun right???

Little Miss Idle Pants

We successfully completed the closing and the move. I spend a few days in Olivebridge with my family. And now I'm back to my "real life" however I don't actually have a "job" (in quotes because I will be working from home editing that book starting Monday) so I have been a little miss idle pants. I've been spending my ENTIRE days watercolor painting the very same subject - the view out my back sliding doors of my yard from where I sit on the couch. I have been alternating this activity with reclining on the couch reading books. When I am not on the couch, I am in the kitchen preparing meals for me and Ryan like a good little house-fiance. Tomorrow, I'm joining the local gym. Yesterday, I ventured out to get a library card. Today, I have been so "busy" (in quotes because it is really sarcasm) starting and finishing "The Castle of Otranto" by Horace Walpole. I thought, for fun, I should read the novel that is purported to be the beginnings of gothic fiction. I mean, why not? I have not, however, gotten around to eating anything yet today because of my extreme "busyness." Aren't my priorities totally whacked?

Moving and Stuff

Friday was my last day as a law clerk and then Saturday we moved to Lawrenceville. Ryan is still living out of our barren apartment in Montclair on an air mattress, because the furniture is in Lawrenceville, for the remainder of his clerkship which lasts until tomorrow. Last night I stayed in Montclair with him, on a foam mattress I brought, so he wouldn't be too lonely. (Aren't I the sweetest fiance, ever?)

This weekend I went to Olivebridge NY with my mom and grandparents where my mom is renting a house. I LOVE it there. I would definitely (next time I move) packed it up and move to Ulster county. That might be in the cards for Phase III (whatever that means).

I will be without internet for a while because the previous owner of our house failed to cancel her cable so we can't set up our cable and therefore we don't have internet access at our new house yet. Free cable = inconvenient. I will be starting that textbook soon though so we will have to have the internet up and running by then because I will be working from home.

I think that I'm going to start a few hobbies and make a few resolutions. I think in my "old age" I am becoming... judgmental... Isn't that terrible?

Changes Like CRAZY

Tomorrow is my very last motion day at my job! Woah Nelly! I can't even believe it. I just have 6 more days left.

We are closing on our very first house ever on Thursday and we're moving on Saturday!

And... I will probably be working as a consultant writing a legal textbook on government procurement from home for a few months. Sooo... things are pretty cool.

UPDATE!!!!

The bird is OKAY!!! Animal control went to pick up the bird and called my mom to let her know and tell her that the bird is in GOOD SHAPE!!! YAY KESTREL!

Weekend Update

This weekend Ryan and I went to the wedding of my long-time friend, Madeline. It was at the Richmond County Country Club and was absolutely lovely. She looked beautiful and the wedding was really fun!

This morning my mom, Louise, Marty, Ryan, and I went to Century 21 to do a little shopping but when we pulled into the parking lot, we saw an immature American Ketrel.

.

It was not able to fly. We were really worried and we gently put in it a box with a towel covering the top and put water in the box and a little chicken. And we called Animal Control and let the manager of the store know and the parking lot attendant ... but that's the best we could do. I think my mom is going to follow-up later to make sure they came to get it.

Tonight we got Chinese food and I'm sitting bum-style on the couch. Maybe we'll go on a walk.

No Long-term memory = My own best friend

There may already be a post just like this one on my blog. It may even be identical to this one. And that's because I have a sluggish long-term memory. It is very selective and will not retain useless information, i.e. information not used daily. This results in my inability to remember new ideas of mine and past blog postings. When I reread my blog (which I do on occasion), I laugh out loud as if my blog was written by someone with my exact sense of humor and who understands me implicitly. So, in a way, I'm like my own best friend.


__________________________
In other news, I have only 14 days left of my clerkship... but I do not have a job for afterwards. I interviewed for ONE job and I just got the REJECTION letter. "Unfortunately, we do not have a position to offer you at this time." Hmmmm... It looks like I'm going to have some QUALITY gym time getting myself in "bride shape."

ENGAGED!!!!!

Ryan and I are engaged!

Here are some pictures of our new house pre-Mary&Ryan decor.

And, I have a confession.... I LOVE "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE" pretty much more than ANY OTHER SHOW!

House on the Horizon!

Ryan and I put in an offer on a townhouse in Lawrenceville and the offer was ACCEPTED!!!! So, we are waiting through attorney review and then the home inspection... we have our fingers crossed even in our sleep. It is VERY exciting!!!

Idol Update

Just so you all out there know -- Elliott is my favorite contestant.

update

i've been getting some comments/complaints that i haven't been updating my blog. i guess things are not that interesting!

this weekend we spent the whole time at home in montclair. friday night my dad came for dinner which was really fun and relaxing. yesterday we read the newspaper in bed, had breakfast, went to the willowbrook mall and then to the supermarket (general mills cereals were on sale for $1.99) and then we came home to take franklin to the park where we played ball and walked the trail around the park. today we read the newspaper in bed, looked through the coupons to clip, had breakfast, took franklin to the park to play ball and then walked the loop. And tonight we're going dancing at a Portuguese club in the Ironbound in Newark. And then work begins again for another week. We're going to see Sweeny Todd on broadway in a few weeks which is exciting and... that's about it!

American Idol 2006

I don't know if it is just because I'm getting older and this is getting tired but for some reason I am totally unimpressed with American Idol tonight. That being said, I think Chris will or at least should be the winner this year. These other kids are just mediocre. Although, I haven't seen Chris perform yet tonight so things may change for me (dog).

Sleepy Sunday

Today I went to IKEA to spend some time with my mom. We met up and walked around and had soda and shared a piece of apple cake. The place was pretttttty mobbed.

Right now, I'm laying on my couch covered up and may take a nap while Ryan watches the BC basketball game. I'm not a basketball fan at all. And Ryan doesn't look happy.

In a while, we're going to go to the supermarket to get ready for the week like we do every Sunday.

Lately, I've been doing a lot of research about Bungalows and the Arts and Crafts style of architecture. And I also enjoy looking at historic homes for sale.

YAY its me!

Here I am! Sorry it has been so long! I have a few updates:

1) my birthday is coming up and i would like a baby panda for my birthday

2) i will be starting the job search soon

3) we might be moving to princeton

4) i love my dog !!!

5) i took 3 advil and my eyes are getting blurry

6) i've been watching american idol and enjoying it immensely

Fun Snow Day

here are some pictures of our fun snow day at our place in montclair:

Did I or did I not fall off the face of the earth?

Nope, I guess I didn't yet. I'm still here.

Things are so mundane that it would be silly to report them. But I will anyway.

Franklin is a darling boy and Ryan and I feel lucky to be sharing our lives with him. The job is ... a job. A very... um... a job. And the job search is non-existant so far... so I have to work on that. Student loans are kicking in -- really fun. I still have to get sworn in to both NY and NJ -- there was a mix up at the post office (is it illegal to blame the post office?).

We may or may not move to the Princeton area in September ... so that's something ... or not.

And that's it.

Franklin and things

Here is another cute cute picture of our cute cute dog Franklin.



Also, I have 169 days left at my job. Ahhh.