Okay gentlemen, Here's some free advice.
Women, despite popular male belief, are actually quite easy to keep happy, and the things that keep US happy are relatively the same things that keep YOU happy. This is my advice to my clueless guy friends that have women that are frustrated with them on a regular basis over simple things that could be easily remedied.
Keep in mind, that this is a 2 way street, things that are here are applicable FOR men as well.
1. Sex.~ Schtupp us on a regular basis. It's not an ordeal that should be compared to the Queen of England looking up at the ceiling and doing it for the good of the country. It's fun. It's SUPPOSED to be fun. Sure it's a little effort and a little sweat and... Other things... But hey, It's nookie. It's good for your skin, it's good for your soul, it's good for your heart and it keeps your relationship healthy. Get it on! As a bonus, you get the almighty "O" as well, so quit your bitching.
2. Compliments. ~ I don't mean gratuitous fawning, I mean a genuine and sincere sounding compliment every once in a while. You'd be surprised at how receptive your ladyfriend will be to things you suggest afterwards. Try "Wow! Your hair looks really nice today." or "You look great in that outfit." or "This dinner tastes fabulous! You really did a good job." Or the ever awesome "Have you lost weight? You look like you have." Was that so difficult? No. Would it break you to open your gob and let fly with a little verbal love? Nope.
3. If you're Pissed off about something, let us know and ask for space. We'll give it to you. Go eat a sammich and a cup of coffee, and guaranteed you'll feel better. Nothing is worse than a cranky bear of a man that is hungry. God help us, we don't want to get snarled at for something we didn't even know we did wrong because you're cranky.
4. Chores. We appreciate it when you get off of your ass and do something around the house instead of sitting in front of the idiot box watching hockey or baseball when we've been running around with the kids all weekend or at work or whatever it is we've been doing. We come home and the dishwasher has been unloaded and another load of dishes has been run through, or the bathroom garbage is empty or the floors have been mopped or the bookcase arranged properly. Try doing a load of laundry, and not just your stuff, do your kids clothes. DON'T wash our bras, we'll do that ourselves. Those things are tempermental as hell. If you do these things, we'll notice. You'll get kisses. If you're notoriously lazy or disorganized, a great website that teaches you baby steps is www.flylady.net dudes can use it too, and after you've retrained yourself (it only takes 2 weeks to ingrain a new habit into your brain, it's not that difficult!) Hey if it can work on me, miss disorganized and messy, then it can work with you! Attack a clutter hotspot every day!!
5. Flowers. ~ All girls like flowers. Especially if we've been having a really bad day/week. They show you care and they show that you notice that we've been down in the dumps. (substitute electronics, beer or whatever else your dude of the manor appreciates for the guys.)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
In the words of The Dixie Cups...
We're going to the chapel and we're, (Bah-boom) gonna get maaaaarried...
On September 18th, 2010. Woot woot!
Cliff proposed in front of my family on February 20th, 2008, so we figured it was about time to get our shit in gear and actually make my last name match my kid's. *winks*
I am pretty excited about this, Debating on colours and dresses, flowers and who is getting invitations. So far it's gourmet appetizers (both Vegan friendly, vegetarian and carnivorian style, heck yes!) and Orange (shocker, considering it's my fave colour) Bright cerulean blues and Creamy colours, which has me a little nervous, but Cliff want's blue in there somewhere.
The Guest list is about 65-70 people, We are preparing and supplying the food and looking for a cash bar scenario. That being said, I'm struggling to find a venue that isn't extortion expensive. Are there any suggestions from the Local Glamazon Peanut Gallery? Also are there any suggestions for photographers (as well as not being extortion expensive? since Diapers are! Haha!)
Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!
On September 18th, 2010. Woot woot!
Cliff proposed in front of my family on February 20th, 2008, so we figured it was about time to get our shit in gear and actually make my last name match my kid's. *winks*
I am pretty excited about this, Debating on colours and dresses, flowers and who is getting invitations. So far it's gourmet appetizers (both Vegan friendly, vegetarian and carnivorian style, heck yes!) and Orange (shocker, considering it's my fave colour) Bright cerulean blues and Creamy colours, which has me a little nervous, but Cliff want's blue in there somewhere.
The Guest list is about 65-70 people, We are preparing and supplying the food and looking for a cash bar scenario. That being said, I'm struggling to find a venue that isn't extortion expensive. Are there any suggestions from the Local Glamazon Peanut Gallery? Also are there any suggestions for photographers (as well as not being extortion expensive? since Diapers are! Haha!)
Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Infamous "Proust Questionnaire"
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Of my personal misery, would be to be alone, unloved and destitute. I have a particular fear of being destitute. I guess it's years of comfy living that put that there. *she says tongue in cheek*
Where would you like to live?
Somewhere where quiet would be the general theme of the place I lived. I don't like excessive noise when it's not necessary. A thumping subwoofer at 11 am (and especially at 11PM!) isn't my idea of relaxed living. Modern, contemporary, and clean, or historic and well loved before I was there. Either works for me. I want a house with a large enclosed wraparound porch, somewhere safe, welcoming and beautiful for my family, for myself, and for the friends that visit.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Being loved, with a close family. Really, everything else just falls into place when that happens. Everything else is also just the icing on the cake.
To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Clumsy-ness and Naivete. Things that you can't help, or things that show you have learning yet to do. Clumsy-ness, actually I find rather endearing.
Who are your favorite heroines of fiction?
Phedre, from the Kushiel's Dart series by Jacqueline Carey.
Your favorite painter(s)?
Tamara de Lampicka, Don Li-Liger, Van Gogh, Monet.
Your favorite musician?
I have so many. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Norah Jones, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan. A lot of jazz and Blues. I like low, smoky, impassioned voices, or ones that are just purity to listen to.
The quality you most admire in a man?
Logic, in the face of emotion. It's so enviable! Often it can be confused with being cold, but it's more a matter of seeing things rationally when you're hot tempered.
The quality you most admire in a woman?
Thoughtfulness for others. The ability to not be petty, selfish or vindictive.
Your favorite virtue?
Honesty. It so often gets mixed up in the muck.
Your favorite occupation?
Painter/artist, writer or musician. The ability to create is so wonderful.
Who would you have liked to be?
That's a loaded question. When I was in my youth, I dreamed of fame without the accompanying tripe that came with it. When I was in college, it was a well known but easy to get along with creative mind, not someone that was in charge of things, but someone that would contribute to important discussion, and one that would make the touches that made a project personal and universally appealing at the same time. Now... Something a little more than what I am, an educator, or instructor with good sense.
Your most marked characteristic?
I think my inherently playful nature. My social tendencies.
What do you most value in your friends?
Their ability to laugh when the world is hard on them. Positivity can be so beneficial not only to you but the world at large. Also, the depth and unquestionable genuine quality of their love.
What is your principle defect?
Laziness.
What is your dream of happiness?
Safety, Security financially. Simple pleasures and watching my son grow.
In what country would you like to live?
I never really thought of it but I'm remarkably lucky to be living in Canada. It's beautiful, relatively clean, welcoming and the autumn (My favourite season by far) in Canada is spectacular.
What is your favorite color?
I've got a deep and inexplicable love of the colour orange.
What is your favorite bird?
Eagles, Crows.
Who are your favorite prose writers?
Jacqueline Carey, Anne Rice, Orson Scott Card, J. R. Ward. Many more.
Who are your favorite poets?
Robert Frost.
Who are your favorite composers?
Satie. Pachabel.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents. My Fiance Cliff, My son for teaching me that every day is a gift, and that every day you can learn something new/that things that we take for granted are fascinating for a one year old. My friends that accept me, never judge me and love me for who I am and what I've done.
What are your favorite names?
I don't really have any favourites, persay. I love Jacob's second Middle name, Nicholas, which I chose. Sophie or Sophia, which we have chosen if we decide to and are able to have another baby and it's a girl. (this is a few years in the future.)
What is it you most dislike?
Greed. Spite. Malice. Deliberate cruelty.
What historical figures do you most despise?
Hitler tops the list. George W. Bush, for being so smart (Yes I do honestly believe he is a smart man...) and playing up the stupid to a ridiculous amount to cover up his Fuckups.
What event in military history do you most admire?
I have no idea.
What reform do you most admire?
The right for women to choose abortion if they so desire. The way that the European states treat Maternity leave (2 years of mat leave there! This is so wonderful!)
What natural gift would you most like to possess?
Physical grace, athleticism.
How would you like to die?
I don't really dwell on these questions. Loved. Elderly.
What is your present state of mind?
Nervous about reentering the writing world. Slightly lost at the fact that for the first time in 10 years, I'm unemployed because I'm taking care of my son.
To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Emotional reactions to things that deserve emotional reactions. When someone tells me "I'm sorry" when they are crying about something that is hard on the heart and soul, I often tell them they are allowed to be upset, if they weren't they wouldn't be a human being.
What is your motto?
I believe that every day you should do at least one random act of kindness towards someone else, that you should spend more time with your family and enjoy the most that life has to offer. You only get one life, live it well.
Of my personal misery, would be to be alone, unloved and destitute. I have a particular fear of being destitute. I guess it's years of comfy living that put that there. *she says tongue in cheek*
Where would you like to live?
Somewhere where quiet would be the general theme of the place I lived. I don't like excessive noise when it's not necessary. A thumping subwoofer at 11 am (and especially at 11PM!) isn't my idea of relaxed living. Modern, contemporary, and clean, or historic and well loved before I was there. Either works for me. I want a house with a large enclosed wraparound porch, somewhere safe, welcoming and beautiful for my family, for myself, and for the friends that visit.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Being loved, with a close family. Really, everything else just falls into place when that happens. Everything else is also just the icing on the cake.
To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Clumsy-ness and Naivete. Things that you can't help, or things that show you have learning yet to do. Clumsy-ness, actually I find rather endearing.
Who are your favorite heroines of fiction?
Phedre, from the Kushiel's Dart series by Jacqueline Carey.
Your favorite painter(s)?
Tamara de Lampicka, Don Li-Liger, Van Gogh, Monet.
Your favorite musician?
I have so many. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Norah Jones, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan. A lot of jazz and Blues. I like low, smoky, impassioned voices, or ones that are just purity to listen to.
The quality you most admire in a man?
Logic, in the face of emotion. It's so enviable! Often it can be confused with being cold, but it's more a matter of seeing things rationally when you're hot tempered.
The quality you most admire in a woman?
Thoughtfulness for others. The ability to not be petty, selfish or vindictive.
Your favorite virtue?
Honesty. It so often gets mixed up in the muck.
Your favorite occupation?
Painter/artist, writer or musician. The ability to create is so wonderful.
Who would you have liked to be?
That's a loaded question. When I was in my youth, I dreamed of fame without the accompanying tripe that came with it. When I was in college, it was a well known but easy to get along with creative mind, not someone that was in charge of things, but someone that would contribute to important discussion, and one that would make the touches that made a project personal and universally appealing at the same time. Now... Something a little more than what I am, an educator, or instructor with good sense.
Your most marked characteristic?
I think my inherently playful nature. My social tendencies.
What do you most value in your friends?
Their ability to laugh when the world is hard on them. Positivity can be so beneficial not only to you but the world at large. Also, the depth and unquestionable genuine quality of their love.
What is your principle defect?
Laziness.
What is your dream of happiness?
Safety, Security financially. Simple pleasures and watching my son grow.
In what country would you like to live?
I never really thought of it but I'm remarkably lucky to be living in Canada. It's beautiful, relatively clean, welcoming and the autumn (My favourite season by far) in Canada is spectacular.
What is your favorite color?
I've got a deep and inexplicable love of the colour orange.
What is your favorite bird?
Eagles, Crows.
Who are your favorite prose writers?
Jacqueline Carey, Anne Rice, Orson Scott Card, J. R. Ward. Many more.
Who are your favorite poets?
Robert Frost.
Who are your favorite composers?
Satie. Pachabel.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents. My Fiance Cliff, My son for teaching me that every day is a gift, and that every day you can learn something new/that things that we take for granted are fascinating for a one year old. My friends that accept me, never judge me and love me for who I am and what I've done.
What are your favorite names?
I don't really have any favourites, persay. I love Jacob's second Middle name, Nicholas, which I chose. Sophie or Sophia, which we have chosen if we decide to and are able to have another baby and it's a girl. (this is a few years in the future.)
What is it you most dislike?
Greed. Spite. Malice. Deliberate cruelty.
What historical figures do you most despise?
Hitler tops the list. George W. Bush, for being so smart (Yes I do honestly believe he is a smart man...) and playing up the stupid to a ridiculous amount to cover up his Fuckups.
What event in military history do you most admire?
I have no idea.
What reform do you most admire?
The right for women to choose abortion if they so desire. The way that the European states treat Maternity leave (2 years of mat leave there! This is so wonderful!)
What natural gift would you most like to possess?
Physical grace, athleticism.
How would you like to die?
I don't really dwell on these questions. Loved. Elderly.
What is your present state of mind?
Nervous about reentering the writing world. Slightly lost at the fact that for the first time in 10 years, I'm unemployed because I'm taking care of my son.
To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Emotional reactions to things that deserve emotional reactions. When someone tells me "I'm sorry" when they are crying about something that is hard on the heart and soul, I often tell them they are allowed to be upset, if they weren't they wouldn't be a human being.
What is your motto?
I believe that every day you should do at least one random act of kindness towards someone else, that you should spend more time with your family and enjoy the most that life has to offer. You only get one life, live it well.
All we need is just a little patience...
I hope I still have readers after my lengthy hiatus.
I'm back. We'll see how well I can do writing this after such a long break, and FYI, I've changed the URL to http://www.mslinds.blogspot.com/
This may throw people for a loop, but hopefully I can reestablish my readership and develop a new one in the process!
I'm back. We'll see how well I can do writing this after such a long break, and FYI, I've changed the URL to http://www.mslinds.blogspot.com/
This may throw people for a loop, but hopefully I can reestablish my readership and develop a new one in the process!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Revelation.
I absolutely hated being pregnant. Seriously, it was 9 months of hell, I'm absolutely never doing it again.
I hated my personality. Hormones wreaked havoc on my body and my mind. I hated my body feeling like it wasn't just my body, (sometimes) and I hated feeling nauseated just from walking near a public bathroom, or into a supermarket. By the time I was in the late 3rd trimester, everytime Jake moved it was excruciating. And I had a relatively easy pregnancy! I had no gestational diabetes, and I carried only 1 day past my due date (though I was in labour for 2 days prior to it).
I spend pretty much every hour of every day in the company of my son.
And I love it. I LOVE being a parent. Nothing in my life has made me happier than hearing his teeny baby giggle or seeing his gummy smile. There is nothing in this world that compares to the feeling of knowing that you are responsible for someone, that you created something more important than a piece of art, or song, or writing, or cuddling your beloved pet, and it is nothing in comparison. There is someone in this world that lives and breathes and smiles at you, someone who trusts you unconditionally, because you provide love and support and consolation, and also, just for being you. they hold you in regard as the center of their universe, which is only fair, because they are the center of yours.
If you have never had a child, you will never understand this. You may think you do, but seriously, you don't. You won't until you have had one. You suddenly become willing to sacrifice everything you are and everything you have for the safety and happiness of your kid.
And I know this is deep. but these are the thoughts that continually circle around in my sleep deprived brain. The thoughts that go, "Shit, Linds, you didn't know WHAT the fuck you were in for, did you?"
Sure didn't!
But just think of it this way, They're really cute, even when they fart in their sleep.
I hated my personality. Hormones wreaked havoc on my body and my mind. I hated my body feeling like it wasn't just my body, (sometimes) and I hated feeling nauseated just from walking near a public bathroom, or into a supermarket. By the time I was in the late 3rd trimester, everytime Jake moved it was excruciating. And I had a relatively easy pregnancy! I had no gestational diabetes, and I carried only 1 day past my due date (though I was in labour for 2 days prior to it).
I spend pretty much every hour of every day in the company of my son.
And I love it. I LOVE being a parent. Nothing in my life has made me happier than hearing his teeny baby giggle or seeing his gummy smile. There is nothing in this world that compares to the feeling of knowing that you are responsible for someone, that you created something more important than a piece of art, or song, or writing, or cuddling your beloved pet, and it is nothing in comparison. There is someone in this world that lives and breathes and smiles at you, someone who trusts you unconditionally, because you provide love and support and consolation, and also, just for being you. they hold you in regard as the center of their universe, which is only fair, because they are the center of yours.
If you have never had a child, you will never understand this. You may think you do, but seriously, you don't. You won't until you have had one. You suddenly become willing to sacrifice everything you are and everything you have for the safety and happiness of your kid.
And I know this is deep. but these are the thoughts that continually circle around in my sleep deprived brain. The thoughts that go, "Shit, Linds, you didn't know WHAT the fuck you were in for, did you?"
Sure didn't!
But just think of it this way, They're really cute, even when they fart in their sleep.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
The newest addition to GSD territory!
His name is Jacob John Nicholas,
born June 30th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
9 lbs, 8 ounces, 53.5 cm length
born June 30th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
9 lbs, 8 ounces, 53.5 cm length
Friday, March 28, 2008
profile view, 6.5 months along
Most recent ultrasound, taken March 27th, 2008 @ a little over 6.5 months
It's a boy!
Profile shot!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Queer bird for the straight guy?
My mom's lovebirds deciding that Cliff needed a new hairstyle.
This photo makes me giggle inccessantly.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Maintaining My Privacy...
I've removed all of my contact information from this blog, as I'm getting unsavory emails and some spamgalore in my IM everytime I logged in, so it's all gone from the main page.
Those of you that know how to get ahold of me, can still get ahold of me, those that don't, leave a comment on my entries, and I get a notification that I've recieved one in my email inbox.
I'm starting to get a little creeped out, so this was my resolution.
Those of you that know how to get ahold of me, can still get ahold of me, those that don't, leave a comment on my entries, and I get a notification that I've recieved one in my email inbox.
I'm starting to get a little creeped out, so this was my resolution.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
I know I'm partial to Vampire Smut, but come on!!!
Dork online: hi
Dork online: im Brian
Dork online: nice to meet you
Dork online: im from england im a vampire
Linds: One would think you're retarded, with an introduction like that.
Linds: one would also think you would have better sentence structure if you were an immortal.
(To Jerilyn after copy and pasting the initial conversation:)
Linds says: Oh man, why do I get the idiots?
Jeri: hehe
Jeri: You'd think, that being an immortal, he would have had eons to perfect his pickup skills
Jeri: it's almost as bad as 'Hey, baby..wanna see my fangs?'
Linds: LOL
Linds: I am just shocked that someone would say that to hit on someone.
Jeri: THIS is why I don't date
Jeri: Dear Lestat, I have garlic, my room is covered in crosses...and I have a stake with your name on it...get lost!
Linds: Brian the vampire. how intimidating sounding eh?
Jeri: Ohhhh...poor guy...he's the geekpire.
Linds: lol
Jeri: None of the other vampires want to stalk victims with him.
Linds: He wears fangs held together with cellophane tape.
Jeri: hahahahha! Genius!
Linds: I looked at his message, which was an offline one, and actually snorted.
Linds: Cliff says I should have said, Hi Brian, I'm buffy, a vampire slayer.
Jeri: Cliff wins the internets.
Linds: lol
Dork online: im Brian
Dork online: nice to meet you
Dork online: im from england im a vampire
Linds: One would think you're retarded, with an introduction like that.
Linds: one would also think you would have better sentence structure if you were an immortal.
(To Jerilyn after copy and pasting the initial conversation:)
Linds says: Oh man, why do I get the idiots?
Jeri: hehe
Jeri: You'd think, that being an immortal, he would have had eons to perfect his pickup skills
Jeri: it's almost as bad as 'Hey, baby..wanna see my fangs?'
Linds: LOL
Linds: I am just shocked that someone would say that to hit on someone.
Jeri: THIS is why I don't date
Jeri: Dear Lestat, I have garlic, my room is covered in crosses...and I have a stake with your name on it...get lost!
Linds: Brian the vampire. how intimidating sounding eh?
Jeri: Ohhhh...poor guy...he's the geekpire.
Linds: lol
Jeri: None of the other vampires want to stalk victims with him.
Linds: He wears fangs held together with cellophane tape.
Jeri: hahahahha! Genius!
Linds: I looked at his message, which was an offline one, and actually snorted.
Linds: Cliff says I should have said, Hi Brian, I'm buffy, a vampire slayer.
Jeri: Cliff wins the internets.
Linds: lol
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Linds's Classic Apricot Marinated Roast Beast.
Cliff was the subject of experimentation from my past, tonight for dinner. My parents used to make this when I was younger, and it has been years since I've had it. Thankfully, we didn't die, and neither will you, if you eat my fancy shmancy Apricot marinated Roast beef dinnah!!
This meal is both sweet and savory, the apricot marinade/gravy adds a flavour you wouldn't expect into your dish! (and for those who think I'm crazy, what do you think HP sauce you have with your steak is made from? That's right, PLUMS, vinegar, and spices!!)
Ingredients:
1- 2 or 3 pound Beef Roast, your choice in cut.
1- bulb of garlic, 1/2 of this bulb should be chopped into coarse chunks.
2- containers of pureed/strained apricot baby food
1/3 cup of White vinegar
3 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped fine
15 or so bite sized baby white potatoes
1/2 pound of carrots, chopped in bite sized chunks
1 medium white onion, that has been cut into 5ths
approximately 10 large white mushrooms, cut into halves
extra virgin olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper
Using a sharp paring knife, place strategic stabs into the roast and using your finger, stuff the roast with peeled garlic segments. (This feels quite dirty, to be honest. Ignore the slightly pervy sensation and continue to make your roast deeeeffinglicious.)
In a large plastic ziploc bag, place roast, chopped garlic, vinegar, apricot baby food, rosemary, pepper and mix thoroughly until roast is covered in it.
Zip up and place into fridge to marinate in overnight. A bowl works great to keep the marinade covering the entire roast as it sits there absorbing the flavours.
The next afternoon, take the roast out of the bag of marinade, but DO NOT throw the leftover marinade away. This will be used later. Add 1/2 a cup of water to the mixture.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Farenheit.
In a large cooking pot that is suited to being in the oven for extended periods of time, heat and drizzle olive oil in, and when the oil starts to smoke slightly, you know it's hot enough to sear the sides of the roast to keep moisture in during the time it's in the oven. Sear roast until it is browned on all sides, and turn heat off.
Wash your potatoes, mushrooms, and carrots, and layer them in however you want, I'd suggest carrots on the bottom, mushrooms, onions, and potatoes on the top, to get them all brown and gorgeous.
Pour your remaining apricot marinade over the top of the roast and potatoes, and place in the oven to cook.
When your roast is at the right level of done-ness, (depending on size and cut of meat, and center temperature) place the meat on a cutting board to rest for approximately 10 minutes.
While your roast is resting, take a strainer over a bowl, and pour your veggie/gravy mixture into the strainer, separating the gravy.
Pour the gravy back into the pot that you were roasting everything in, on low heat, simmer until it thickens into real gravy as opposed to Au jus, and slice your meat against the grain in thin slices to get the best results. Sometimes a bit of beef gravy mixture adds some more flavour. Add some salt and coarsely ground pepper into the gravy to taste.
I also placed the veggies back in the oven for about 5 minutes to add a bit of crisp to the potatoes.
Enjoy.
This meal is both sweet and savory, the apricot marinade/gravy adds a flavour you wouldn't expect into your dish! (and for those who think I'm crazy, what do you think HP sauce you have with your steak is made from? That's right, PLUMS, vinegar, and spices!!)
Ingredients:
1- 2 or 3 pound Beef Roast, your choice in cut.
1- bulb of garlic, 1/2 of this bulb should be chopped into coarse chunks.
2- containers of pureed/strained apricot baby food
1/3 cup of White vinegar
3 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped fine
15 or so bite sized baby white potatoes
1/2 pound of carrots, chopped in bite sized chunks
1 medium white onion, that has been cut into 5ths
approximately 10 large white mushrooms, cut into halves
extra virgin olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper
Using a sharp paring knife, place strategic stabs into the roast and using your finger, stuff the roast with peeled garlic segments. (This feels quite dirty, to be honest. Ignore the slightly pervy sensation and continue to make your roast deeeeffinglicious.)
In a large plastic ziploc bag, place roast, chopped garlic, vinegar, apricot baby food, rosemary, pepper and mix thoroughly until roast is covered in it.
Zip up and place into fridge to marinate in overnight. A bowl works great to keep the marinade covering the entire roast as it sits there absorbing the flavours.
The next afternoon, take the roast out of the bag of marinade, but DO NOT throw the leftover marinade away. This will be used later. Add 1/2 a cup of water to the mixture.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Farenheit.
In a large cooking pot that is suited to being in the oven for extended periods of time, heat and drizzle olive oil in, and when the oil starts to smoke slightly, you know it's hot enough to sear the sides of the roast to keep moisture in during the time it's in the oven. Sear roast until it is browned on all sides, and turn heat off.
Wash your potatoes, mushrooms, and carrots, and layer them in however you want, I'd suggest carrots on the bottom, mushrooms, onions, and potatoes on the top, to get them all brown and gorgeous.
Pour your remaining apricot marinade over the top of the roast and potatoes, and place in the oven to cook.
When your roast is at the right level of done-ness, (depending on size and cut of meat, and center temperature) place the meat on a cutting board to rest for approximately 10 minutes.
While your roast is resting, take a strainer over a bowl, and pour your veggie/gravy mixture into the strainer, separating the gravy.
Pour the gravy back into the pot that you were roasting everything in, on low heat, simmer until it thickens into real gravy as opposed to Au jus, and slice your meat against the grain in thin slices to get the best results. Sometimes a bit of beef gravy mixture adds some more flavour. Add some salt and coarsely ground pepper into the gravy to taste.
I also placed the veggies back in the oven for about 5 minutes to add a bit of crisp to the potatoes.
Enjoy.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Heather and Linds
We won tickets to go Chill in the effing SWEET Rogers corporate box at GM Place to watch the Blue Man Group perform on Saturday, September 29th, 2007.
We were well watered and well fed, it was good times! H is such a cutie!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
For The Record...
Happy Anniversary, Cliffy. My pirate, my cowboy, and my gentleman, all rolled into one.
You've held my hand during our tough times, shared our joy together during everything we've been through, and captured my heart for the past year. I thank whatever god(s) exists in this universe that I had the chance to go out with you one year ago today, for that dinner at the little neighborhood restaurant where we had our first date. I love the feeling of your body next to mine at night. I love that you want to make this relationship actually work. I love how you kiss me goodbye every morning, even if I'm so asleep I don't remember it until later that afternoon. I love the sound of your voice from the other room when you sing with the radio. I love how you smell after I haven't seen you for the entire day. Like male, and wood, and cologne you put on that morning and... I cannot find the words to do it justice... It just smells like... Home. Where I belong.
Just know, I love you. So very much.
P.S. Dinner? It was amazing. Dessert? Even better. *wink*
You've held my hand during our tough times, shared our joy together during everything we've been through, and captured my heart for the past year. I thank whatever god(s) exists in this universe that I had the chance to go out with you one year ago today, for that dinner at the little neighborhood restaurant where we had our first date. I love the feeling of your body next to mine at night. I love that you want to make this relationship actually work. I love how you kiss me goodbye every morning, even if I'm so asleep I don't remember it until later that afternoon. I love the sound of your voice from the other room when you sing with the radio. I love how you smell after I haven't seen you for the entire day. Like male, and wood, and cologne you put on that morning and... I cannot find the words to do it justice... It just smells like... Home. Where I belong.
Just know, I love you. So very much.
P.S. Dinner? It was amazing. Dessert? Even better. *wink*
Friday, August 31, 2007
Stupid Chuffing Fish!!!
I've recieved 3 betta fish now, from my mom, one has survived, and is enormous, the other (red one) was apparently sick from the get go, and after copious TLC, finally bit the big one after coming back from my trip to Puntzi lake with Cliff. Damnit.
So, my mom gets me one more betta, to replace the now deceased Siddartha, (who I renamed "ugly" because of all of his hideous fish diseases. Seriously. That was one ugly fish...) I decide to get 2 mini catfish, and see if they will be the little tank cleaners that my mom's is with her betta. No dice. Both Blue (Gautama) and Turq, my new turquoise betta attempt to beat the snot out of these two, terrified little catfish. *grumble*
Well, fine! I'll put them in a new, smaller tank, unoccupied by my big, territorial guppies in drag. Lets put this one up on the shelf, and the two larger tanks (I purchased another, with gravel and awesome decorations, to house turq, that was another 50 bucks out of my pocket.)
Wait... I can't see them. They are BOTTOM dwelling fish. Super. Fine. I'll put them in the middle of the two larger tanks on the desk. Awesome, except they are algae and fish waste eating fish, and they are the only things in the tank, thusly no poop to munch on.
Okay. Lets go get some tetras. Harmless. 10 for 15 bucks at the pet store. Awesome cheap and easy, just like my women.
Linds: "Can I put these in a tank with no filter?"
Fucking stupid twat at pet store: "Oh yeah, no problem. These guys can handle it."
Linds: "Sweet! Gosh they are pretty."
I arrange tetras and catfish together in tank. Pretty little zippy fishes. Nice! Pooping and wasting all over the place, lots of nibblies for the catfish. What a great little ecosystem I've got!!
Later that night...
Cliff: "Hey, honey? Are they supposed to be swimming all at the top of the tank like that?"
Linds: "Uhm... They weren't doing that at the pet store. My guess is 'No'."
Cliff: "I think they need a bubbler or a filter or something... Don't tropical fish need stuff like that?"
Linds: "Dammit! That stupid bitch!!! I ASKED HER THAT! Now I feel bad! How irresponsible and money grubbing!"
Cliff purchases me a filter/bubbler at walmart, 20 bucks. I place it in the tank, which is now 1/3 filter, 2/3rds water and plants etc. I'm one catfish and one tetra short now. They've gone to the happy goldfish bowl in the sky. I've also picked up some catfish/bottom feeding tablets for the lone, sorry little catfish in the tank. another 8 bucks out of my pocket.
Linds: "Dammit!"
I pick up a tank with a built in gravel filter and bubbler that occupies the side of the tank. Awesome. 20 more dollars out of my wallet. My last resort, because the tank is too small, and I don't make shitloads of money at my job. I've probably spent close to 120 bucks in fish, fish supplies, tanks, gravel, filters, nets, aquarium salt, water treatment/dechlorinator, medication, and aquarium toys/decorations, including plants. I've followed instructions religiously, gradually aquainted these new fish into their living environment, and spent hours in the past 2 months, pampering these tempermental little shits.
I come home, to find little bodies floating in the bubbling water.
Linds: "Dammit!!!!!! DAMMIT! Waste of my TIME, WASTE of my MONEY, I feel so BAD! I killed these stupid effing FISH! Cliff I'm a bad fish parent!!! BAD!"
I scoop up turq, and toss him into the new, now happily (properly) bubbling tank. Hopefully he does well in there, it's got an adjustment for how much air comes through the filter, and will stay cleaner sans-catfish.
I swear to jeebus above and all that is holy, If these ones croak, I'm getting a pet rock. Zero responsibility, Zero cost, and zero disheartening experiences. This has to be one of the most expensive, effort wasting, time consuming hobbies I've ever decided to pick up. This is why I spend time reading. It costs me less and is far more enjoyable. Plus, I don't end up committing fish genocide.
Does anyone want to buy a couple fish tanks? I've got a 1.17 gallon and 2 - 0.5 gallon tanks, with toys. I need to recoup my funds after this whole fucking scenario.
I tried, I really REALLY tried to make this whole thing go smoothly, what the hell is wrong with me? I feel so crappy.
So, my mom gets me one more betta, to replace the now deceased Siddartha, (who I renamed "ugly" because of all of his hideous fish diseases. Seriously. That was one ugly fish...) I decide to get 2 mini catfish, and see if they will be the little tank cleaners that my mom's is with her betta. No dice. Both Blue (Gautama) and Turq, my new turquoise betta attempt to beat the snot out of these two, terrified little catfish. *grumble*
Well, fine! I'll put them in a new, smaller tank, unoccupied by my big, territorial guppies in drag. Lets put this one up on the shelf, and the two larger tanks (I purchased another, with gravel and awesome decorations, to house turq, that was another 50 bucks out of my pocket.)
Wait... I can't see them. They are BOTTOM dwelling fish. Super. Fine. I'll put them in the middle of the two larger tanks on the desk. Awesome, except they are algae and fish waste eating fish, and they are the only things in the tank, thusly no poop to munch on.
Okay. Lets go get some tetras. Harmless. 10 for 15 bucks at the pet store. Awesome cheap and easy, just like my women.
Linds: "Can I put these in a tank with no filter?"
Fucking stupid twat at pet store: "Oh yeah, no problem. These guys can handle it."
Linds: "Sweet! Gosh they are pretty."
I arrange tetras and catfish together in tank. Pretty little zippy fishes. Nice! Pooping and wasting all over the place, lots of nibblies for the catfish. What a great little ecosystem I've got!!
Later that night...
Cliff: "Hey, honey? Are they supposed to be swimming all at the top of the tank like that?"
Linds: "Uhm... They weren't doing that at the pet store. My guess is 'No'."
Cliff: "I think they need a bubbler or a filter or something... Don't tropical fish need stuff like that?"
Linds: "Dammit! That stupid bitch!!! I ASKED HER THAT! Now I feel bad! How irresponsible and money grubbing!"
Cliff purchases me a filter/bubbler at walmart, 20 bucks. I place it in the tank, which is now 1/3 filter, 2/3rds water and plants etc. I'm one catfish and one tetra short now. They've gone to the happy goldfish bowl in the sky. I've also picked up some catfish/bottom feeding tablets for the lone, sorry little catfish in the tank. another 8 bucks out of my pocket.
Linds: "Dammit!"
I pick up a tank with a built in gravel filter and bubbler that occupies the side of the tank. Awesome. 20 more dollars out of my wallet. My last resort, because the tank is too small, and I don't make shitloads of money at my job. I've probably spent close to 120 bucks in fish, fish supplies, tanks, gravel, filters, nets, aquarium salt, water treatment/dechlorinator, medication, and aquarium toys/decorations, including plants. I've followed instructions religiously, gradually aquainted these new fish into their living environment, and spent hours in the past 2 months, pampering these tempermental little shits.
I come home, to find little bodies floating in the bubbling water.
Linds: "Dammit!!!!!! DAMMIT! Waste of my TIME, WASTE of my MONEY, I feel so BAD! I killed these stupid effing FISH! Cliff I'm a bad fish parent!!! BAD!"
I scoop up turq, and toss him into the new, now happily (properly) bubbling tank. Hopefully he does well in there, it's got an adjustment for how much air comes through the filter, and will stay cleaner sans-catfish.
I swear to jeebus above and all that is holy, If these ones croak, I'm getting a pet rock. Zero responsibility, Zero cost, and zero disheartening experiences. This has to be one of the most expensive, effort wasting, time consuming hobbies I've ever decided to pick up. This is why I spend time reading. It costs me less and is far more enjoyable. Plus, I don't end up committing fish genocide.
Does anyone want to buy a couple fish tanks? I've got a 1.17 gallon and 2 - 0.5 gallon tanks, with toys. I need to recoup my funds after this whole fucking scenario.
I tried, I really REALLY tried to make this whole thing go smoothly, what the hell is wrong with me? I feel so crappy.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Oh Fish, Fishy, Fish, Fish, Fish...
I'm getting a present from my Mom, because she works at a pet store and I'm not allowed to have (due to space constraints and the fact that we're usually working more than home) a "real" pet.
So I'm getting 2 betta (siamese fighting fish) as a gift. One red, and one blue/purple. Obviously, due to their aggressive and territorial nature, I'm NOT keeping them in the same tank, since the delicate little buggers would butcher each other.
While sitting on my coffee break yesterday, inspiration! People eating sushi! I had a revelation, Asian fish, named "Sake" and "Wasabi". Both things pack a punch. Cute, humourous. Perfect. Great for fishes with temperment issues.
Then it hit me, like a mack truck, Dammit, these aren't japanese fish. They're Siamese ones. What language did they speak in Siam? Sanskrit. (Thank you, Anna and the King, and Suzie for remembering that...) Does Siam even exist? Nope, not anymore, it's now Thailand and the surrounding areas. What language did they speak in ancient Siam? Sanskrit.
Going with that theory, I looked up names in Sanskrit, for my wee angsty fishes. Meena is cute, it means "fish" in Sanskrit. You can't get any more literal than that, really. Except I'm getting male fish. Hrm. I don't want to gender confuse my guys.
In my profile, I admitted to collecting buddhas. I collect Fat, happy, Chinese style buddhas. Cliff made me a shelf at his work for my 11 or so figurines, and I wanted to put either tank on the ends of my shelf. Oh look! Boys names in Sankrit! How about "Siddartha" and "Gautama"? Siddartha means 'One who has accomplished his goal. A name of the Buddha. ', Gautama is literally 'the name of the Buddha.'
Since it's going on my buddha shelf, I figured, 'Hey, why not name them after buddha?' But wait! Siam/Thai buddhas are the slender, Indian style buddha. Dammit. Roadblocks everywhere!
So, my question for you folks, is thus.
Should I name my fish "Sake and Wasabi" or "Siddhartha and Gautama"?
Please, let me know your thoughts, I have until Saturday evening to name them.
So I'm getting 2 betta (siamese fighting fish) as a gift. One red, and one blue/purple. Obviously, due to their aggressive and territorial nature, I'm NOT keeping them in the same tank, since the delicate little buggers would butcher each other.
While sitting on my coffee break yesterday, inspiration! People eating sushi! I had a revelation, Asian fish, named "Sake" and "Wasabi". Both things pack a punch. Cute, humourous. Perfect. Great for fishes with temperment issues.
Then it hit me, like a mack truck, Dammit, these aren't japanese fish. They're Siamese ones. What language did they speak in Siam? Sanskrit. (Thank you, Anna and the King, and Suzie for remembering that...) Does Siam even exist? Nope, not anymore, it's now Thailand and the surrounding areas. What language did they speak in ancient Siam? Sanskrit.
Going with that theory, I looked up names in Sanskrit, for my wee angsty fishes. Meena is cute, it means "fish" in Sanskrit. You can't get any more literal than that, really. Except I'm getting male fish. Hrm. I don't want to gender confuse my guys.
In my profile, I admitted to collecting buddhas. I collect Fat, happy, Chinese style buddhas. Cliff made me a shelf at his work for my 11 or so figurines, and I wanted to put either tank on the ends of my shelf. Oh look! Boys names in Sankrit! How about "Siddartha" and "Gautama"? Siddartha means 'One who has accomplished his goal. A name of the Buddha. ', Gautama is literally 'the name of the Buddha.'
Since it's going on my buddha shelf, I figured, 'Hey, why not name them after buddha?' But wait! Siam/Thai buddhas are the slender, Indian style buddha. Dammit. Roadblocks everywhere!
So, my question for you folks, is thus.
Should I name my fish "Sake and Wasabi" or "Siddhartha and Gautama"?
Please, let me know your thoughts, I have until Saturday evening to name them.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Oh...
I've been very busy the last 2 months. I suppose it shows, what with lack of posts.
I suppose... I should give you some small details from the things that have happened in the last while, since I've neglected this page, for quite some time.
As of 3 weeks ago, I was pregnant with my first child. Yes, a big, momentous event, indeed. I was thrilled. Cliff was beyond thrilled. My parents were totally stoked. Unfortunately, on June 11th, at 5 am, I lost my baby, three and a half months into my pregnancy.
I was leery of writing about being pregnant, mainly for the fact that I wasn't over my first trimester, and I wasn't comfortable discussing it in a fairly public venue. I'm still not too comfortable discussing it in a public venue, but maybe that might shed some light as to why I wasn't writing very much. Most of the time I was sleeping, bitchy (not a big change from the usual...) and when I wasn't sleeping, I was working. Or eating. Or bitching. Or massaging my sore feet. One of those, just pick one at random.
I was... Am... Highly traumatized by the whole event, even though I keep on telling myself to "Get over it". I don't really want to discuss it. I've learned more about my mental state, or lack thereof, more than ever in the past 3 weeks. I spent a week lying in bed, mourning the loss of my baby, and recuperating, and the last 2 weeks struggling to make ends meet from that week that I had to take off of work, that isn't covered by medical leave from my work despite my bosses best efforts to make it that way. Fun? No. Not so much.
It's been very hard for me, to contemplate writing in here, when all I've been trying to do is clear my thoughts, and remain calm and collected. I'm not doing a very good job. It's really difficult to maintain a happy face when my thoughts are so troubled and cluttered with grief.
Once again, the brightest spot in my life is Cliff, who outshines my highest hopes and expectations, giving me love, affection, devotion and support; and expecting nothing else other than for me to be myself in return. I am a very lucky woman.
If I don't return to write in here for a while, I'll beg your pardon for the bloggus interruptus. I'm still sorting through how I feel and for once, GSD doesn't feel like a welcome, reliable outlet to gush my feelings out into. Nothing personal of course, it's just that this whole scenario hurts too much for me to put out there for the whole world to dissect.
I'll see you guys on the flip flop, when I've waded out of the mire in my head, and back into Glamazon Shoe territory.
I suppose... I should give you some small details from the things that have happened in the last while, since I've neglected this page, for quite some time.
As of 3 weeks ago, I was pregnant with my first child. Yes, a big, momentous event, indeed. I was thrilled. Cliff was beyond thrilled. My parents were totally stoked. Unfortunately, on June 11th, at 5 am, I lost my baby, three and a half months into my pregnancy.
I was leery of writing about being pregnant, mainly for the fact that I wasn't over my first trimester, and I wasn't comfortable discussing it in a fairly public venue. I'm still not too comfortable discussing it in a public venue, but maybe that might shed some light as to why I wasn't writing very much. Most of the time I was sleeping, bitchy (not a big change from the usual...) and when I wasn't sleeping, I was working. Or eating. Or bitching. Or massaging my sore feet. One of those, just pick one at random.
I was... Am... Highly traumatized by the whole event, even though I keep on telling myself to "Get over it". I don't really want to discuss it. I've learned more about my mental state, or lack thereof, more than ever in the past 3 weeks. I spent a week lying in bed, mourning the loss of my baby, and recuperating, and the last 2 weeks struggling to make ends meet from that week that I had to take off of work, that isn't covered by medical leave from my work despite my bosses best efforts to make it that way. Fun? No. Not so much.
It's been very hard for me, to contemplate writing in here, when all I've been trying to do is clear my thoughts, and remain calm and collected. I'm not doing a very good job. It's really difficult to maintain a happy face when my thoughts are so troubled and cluttered with grief.
Once again, the brightest spot in my life is Cliff, who outshines my highest hopes and expectations, giving me love, affection, devotion and support; and expecting nothing else other than for me to be myself in return. I am a very lucky woman.
If I don't return to write in here for a while, I'll beg your pardon for the bloggus interruptus. I'm still sorting through how I feel and for once, GSD doesn't feel like a welcome, reliable outlet to gush my feelings out into. Nothing personal of course, it's just that this whole scenario hurts too much for me to put out there for the whole world to dissect.
I'll see you guys on the flip flop, when I've waded out of the mire in my head, and back into Glamazon Shoe territory.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Linds' Hot damn, that's a really good Penne Pasta Cassarole!
This is a massive layered pasta dish, with approximately 6 to 10 servings. Or my 2 regular servings and the rest for my boyfriend after a long day at work. He loves Loves *LOVES* this dish, and it's super easy to make.
I use a 5 by 9, 4 inch deep ceramic cassarole/lasagna dish to bake it in.
Ingredients required
1 bag of Penne Pasta
1 large white onion, diced
2 or 3 cloves of garlic, diced fine
1-2 pounds of lean ground beef (or ground turkey, or tofu, or whatever rings your bell)
1 to 2 pounds of shredded mozzarella
1 large container of either ricotta cheese or relatively dry cottage cheese
1 large can/jar of premade tomato based pasta sauce (any kind you prefer)
1 small can of tomato paste (I use garlic tomato paste)
various italian seasonings for the meat while browning.
optional ingredients
8 to 10 white mushrooms, sliced
1 large green and 1 large red pepper.
Directions
Preheat your oven to about 400 degrees.
Boil water with a teaspoon full of salt and add penne until it is al dente. Drain completely and take off of heat. It's okay if the pasta cools.
Sautee onions and garlic in a large deep sauce pan until onions start to get translucent. Add hamburger, browning until it is fully cooked, adding spices until you get it seasoned to your preference. This is where you would add the optional ingredients at this time, and let cook for approximately five minutes, on medium heat, until flavours start to mix.
I usually premix the canned pasta sauce and can of tomato paste, to make it easier to pour on top of the meat and ingredients in the sauce pan. Let meat sauce simmer on low heat for approximately 10 to 25 minutes.
As I mentioned before, this is a layered dish. Put a layer of penne on the bottom of the cassarole dish, until it's just under halfway full, and then spread the entire amount of ricotta/cottage cheese and half of the mozza on top of this pasta. Spoon half the amount of meat sauce onto the pasta.
Repeat the layer of pasta on top of this and then top the dish liberally with the remaining mozza. Place in the center of the oven, and let bake for at least 20 - 45 minutes, checking periodically to ensure that the cheese is not overbaked. It should be bubbling and the cheese should look nice and browned in places on the top, but not burnt!
This goes great with a salad, and though it's a bit high in calories and carbs, it's the best comfort food you can imagine when it's blah outside and you want some good ol' italian fare!
Enjoy!
I use a 5 by 9, 4 inch deep ceramic cassarole/lasagna dish to bake it in.
Ingredients required
1 bag of Penne Pasta
1 large white onion, diced
2 or 3 cloves of garlic, diced fine
1-2 pounds of lean ground beef (or ground turkey, or tofu, or whatever rings your bell)
1 to 2 pounds of shredded mozzarella
1 large container of either ricotta cheese or relatively dry cottage cheese
1 large can/jar of premade tomato based pasta sauce (any kind you prefer)
1 small can of tomato paste (I use garlic tomato paste)
various italian seasonings for the meat while browning.
optional ingredients
8 to 10 white mushrooms, sliced
1 large green and 1 large red pepper.
Directions
Preheat your oven to about 400 degrees.
Boil water with a teaspoon full of salt and add penne until it is al dente. Drain completely and take off of heat. It's okay if the pasta cools.
Sautee onions and garlic in a large deep sauce pan until onions start to get translucent. Add hamburger, browning until it is fully cooked, adding spices until you get it seasoned to your preference. This is where you would add the optional ingredients at this time, and let cook for approximately five minutes, on medium heat, until flavours start to mix.
I usually premix the canned pasta sauce and can of tomato paste, to make it easier to pour on top of the meat and ingredients in the sauce pan. Let meat sauce simmer on low heat for approximately 10 to 25 minutes.
As I mentioned before, this is a layered dish. Put a layer of penne on the bottom of the cassarole dish, until it's just under halfway full, and then spread the entire amount of ricotta/cottage cheese and half of the mozza on top of this pasta. Spoon half the amount of meat sauce onto the pasta.
Repeat the layer of pasta on top of this and then top the dish liberally with the remaining mozza. Place in the center of the oven, and let bake for at least 20 - 45 minutes, checking periodically to ensure that the cheese is not overbaked. It should be bubbling and the cheese should look nice and browned in places on the top, but not burnt!
This goes great with a salad, and though it's a bit high in calories and carbs, it's the best comfort food you can imagine when it's blah outside and you want some good ol' italian fare!
Enjoy!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Safety First!
There's nothing as exciting as working in a "family oriented" shopping center, and experiencing the entire marvel comics cadre dressed up and MIC'ED up, blasting children's safety information at top volume throughout the mall.
Eugh.
Whilst I appreciate the whole 'safety oriented' factor involved, nevertheless, I'm quite sure it doesn't need to be that damned loud.
Eugh.
Whilst I appreciate the whole 'safety oriented' factor involved, nevertheless, I'm quite sure it doesn't need to be that damned loud.
Monday, April 30, 2007
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