Abolish Cold Toilet Seats!!!

So the other day I my facebook status said something about how I would give anything to have a heated toilet seat. And to be honest, it was kind of true. Our heat pump is broken for the time being, and the bathroom is most definitely the coldest room in the house.

Well, my sister-in-law saw my post, and promptly sent me this:

Yes, ladies and gentlemen... that is a toilet seat cover. And it is very warm. There is an inlay is of the cover being put to good use. Now, some might say "what about germs!?" well... it's machine washable! My husband's review was:

"You would expect some cold to still come

through... but it doesn't. It was very warm."

From the mouth of Brandan. It was a joke of a gift, but I really love it, and I don't know why any one would sit on a cold toilet seat ever again.

The End.

Sweet Sleepy Slumber

Sometimes I want to sleep. All day. I wake up, knowing that I am going to be tired all day.

I think I am getting sick again. A few months ago I had a monster kidney infection and I was tired and sluggish all the time, and I'm definitely feeling that way again. I am trying to figure out how to make a Dr. appointment... I've never had to do this outside of the military. How does this work?

Any way, I don't have a lot to blog tonight, because I am just exhausted. BUT, tomorrow I will try to be a better blogger. Yup.

Sweet dreams!

White fluffy stuff.

You should see the snow coming down outside my window.

I don't want to drive in it.

Sadly my bowling class is very strict about attendance.

Oh... and how could I forget!

PS: I got new boots! I've been searching for cute boots, and I finally found them... on sale!

A funny conversation...

Sometimes kids say the darndest things. And then sometimes it's my husband saying the darndest things.

When we "go to bed" I like to talk. A lot. And we're talked about this talking. It's my unwinding, calming down, brain dump before I go to sleep. Like his video games. I don't stop his video games, and so he listens to me talk. It's a good thing we have going on.

So last night we were laying in bed, talking. Here's the gist of the conversation:

Me: So when are we going to have a baby?
Him: By the time I'm 24.
Me: You're 23.
Him: What? Really? Well... 25 then.

I guess he's getting to be that age where you forgot your age?

That lasted statement involved a lot of moaning and asking "really!?" but I assured him that this October he would be turning 24, and that we still have 9 months to get the baby baking. Lol. Just kidding!

I think my ovaries recently realized that I'm married now, and thus they have kicked in. BUT, we're waiting... a bit. Until I finish school, and as Brandan says "ready." What ever that means.

Oh dear...

Puppy Love...

We let the puppies sleep in our room, since we have the heat turned way down low and we're just using the space heater, but I kicked them out in the morning.

Good morning Sunshine, I want to take your picture!
B-man did not approve of this picture. I love snuggling. I did not know I loved snuggling until I met him, but he is the best snuggler I have ever met.

B-man got up to go potty, and I laid out a towel (to protect the sheets from B-man's amazing ability to get syrup any where) and then brought in the breakfast. It was nice to just enjoy the space heater and talk about the puppies we had kicked out of the room.

Then I gave him my gift. We hadn't really talked about exchanging gifts, and I didn't expect him to get me anything, but I wanted to give him a little something to show how much I appreciate him. A small gift, weighing in at $6 and a home made card. He likes it when I'm crafty.

We finished out breakfast, and I decided to be nice and humor his choice in netflix (Transformers...) so I was clearing off the couch to settle in for a two and a half hour snuggle, when I found my present from him!

We had been in the car listening to the soundtrack when I said that it was probably my favorite movie of all time, but that I didn't have a copy of it. So thoughtful. He told me that we could watch it "sing-a-long" style, with the subtitles. Hmm. My favorite! (those peanut butter cups where part of my gift to him... they're the wal*mart brand. A million times better than Reese's cups. Reese's where his favorite, then I told him these were better. He was willing to give it a try, and he whole-heartedly agreed. So I bought him his own bag... that he shared. Hm, love!

So, first we watched transformers, which was... interesting. Then we stopped for dinner.

I made fancy, heart shaped pizza. There was no pre-shredded cheese, or store bought crust. It was much better than I expected. We made it together. Well, I made the dough, and baked the crust, and did most of it... but he put on the Italian pepperoni, and some of the fancy sliced mozzerella cheese. He helped. Then we made dessert:

Strawberries aren't in season, so the tops were almost all greenish... but they were good none the less. I also made chocolate dipped banana... but those weren't as pretty.

We sat down to watch the Phantom of the Opera, ah! Love! It was perfect, sitting on our uncomfy sofa, with our deca from the bed, and the dogs at our feet. I know, it doesn't sound picturesque, but I love my beautiful life with my fabulous husband.

Today we went to the grocery store, because after all of the cooking I did this weekend, we were out of a bunch of things. I also wanted to start in on our food storage. So, we bought some canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, and evaporated milk. I need to buy another can opener. We also bought a little camp stove to keep with all of this, and the gas to go with it. It's not a lot, but it's a start.

Then we passed the flowers. Marked half off. I couldn't resist. I picked some out. Then B-man told me that he had looked into ordering some to be delivered (since we have but one car, and I use it to drive to school, since he works from home), but it was too expensive. I'm so glad he didn't. I do love flowers, but I loved them more when they cost $7.50.

All in all it was a wonderful Valentine's day. Last year Brandan put together a bunch of elaborate plans to treat and surprise me, and this year I kind of got to dote on him. He was worried about "living up to" those plans, but this year was perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. We spent the whole day together, just watching movies and enjoying each others' company.

And he did all the dishes.

I love...

... doing stupid things to make my husband laugh. Some time I will say things I know are inappropriate or awkward, but to get that little smile on his face.

... when my puppy jumps around because I'm in the room. Instant love.

... Tennessee. I know... for some one who hates living here so much it is a weird thing to say. But my cute little family is here. So I want to be here too.

... playing board games with my friends.

I watched quite a bit of the olympic opening ceremonies. Very impressive. I wonder what the ad looks like for that kind of event:

"Wanted, people who can dance, jump around, and play the violin like crazy... all at the same time."

Hmmm...

It's getting late, so I am going to bed soon... as soon as B-man finishes the dishes. <3

I took a beautiful picture today.

With Brandan's camera.

It ended up having a bunch of static in the file.

So I have nothing to share.

But I will take the same picture again tomorrow with my, better, camera.

0oO0oO0oOo0

I don't have any new pictures to share. It's been so cold in the house, I mostly stay cuddled up as much as possible. PLUS... my batteries died and apparently we don't have any more, but it's so cold I don't want to do and buy more at the store.

So I had been petitioning a class, and my petition was accepted! My major requires us to take this ethics class. At some point I'm sure this class was actually an applied ethics class, but now it is completely theory based. I was unhappy to find this out. So, I went and talked to my advisor, and told her about this class I had already taken which was an applied ethics class and she petitioned it for me and now I have one less class to take this semester! That was the high light of my week. On a Wednesday!

Today I started this game that Brandan really enjoys. It's like, a game within a game. It's called the Legacy Challenge, and it's a part of Sims 3. Which is like... playing house, for big kids. Except in this version, you start out poor, there are no cheats allowed, and you have to *hopefully* have 10 generations live after your "founding" Sim. It's more complicated than this, but I didn't think it would be my kind of game. I usually start out with a Sim that is super smart and super rich. Then I give them everything they want and they don't have to work. It gets boring. So I am trying this out. My second generation is born!

Tomorrow I have four classes.... that's it! Yippee!!!

I can't spell any of these words.

My list is long.

My list of things I would prefer to do is longer.

Tonight B-man and I watched "Memoirs of a Geisha." It was a very interesting, albeit sad and kind of stressful, movie. I did not realize that Japan had such diverse culture during WWII even. The life of the Geisha, and the meaning and "rituals" behind it were very interesting. Though, is is based on the book... which was written by a man... who was definitely not a Geisha. So... take everything with a grain of salt. Especially things men say.

Today I turned in beautiful, honest work. We do these reading journals, and for the fist time I didn't just do it for the sake of doing it. I really did my homework to learn and to ask questions. This is a new thing for me. There might be more of it.

Tomorrow I have a test, and a presentation. I'm not really sure what I am going to do. I will probably have to take my computer tomorrow so that I can work on it. But I know I will not be able to get a lot of work done just because I really need to pay attention in my class so that I can learn. That's how I learn... the listening.

I wish I could write more, but my husband just pointed out that I have homework and sleep to catch up on. Boo. I was enjoying this blogging thing.

We had a party!

It's time to get your party hats and decorations out....

Why? Because it's ZUKO's BIRTHDAY!!!!!

He's my wittle puppy!

Happy Birthday!

Today our little puppy, Zuko, turns one year old! It's crazy how fast the little bugger grew!

This was when I first got him. Her was so tiny and could fit in my hand. He's probably only a few weeks old here.

Compared to Gretel her was itty-bitty! Not that he's huge now, but he has grown considerably!

Then he grew these huge ears and this super long snout. He's too cute for his own good.

Now he is considerably longer, larger, and muscular. BUT, he is still the best snuggler in the world, and very home. Such a tolerant dog, great with kids and with other dogs. Good thing, the vet told us that he'll probably live to be about 20 years old!

Happy Birthday my Puppy Love.

A bit about me...

*your cell phone? ~Usually dead. I kind of like being able to go about my life without the constant interruptions of my phone. If you need me leave a message. I'll get back to you. Or better yet - send me an e-mail.

*your hair? ~shoulder length, with what used to be purple/pink streaks that have turned red now.
*your mother? ~is awesome.
*your father? ~awesome, but not as much as my mom.
*your favorite food? ~Macaroni and Cheese, bananas, wheat thins
*your dream last night? ~B-man was leaving for something, my Mama was mad at me, and some girls from high school where there. Weird dream.
*your favorite drink? ~ lemonade
*your dream/goal? ~I aspire to be a happy, thinner, crafty, kinder version of myself. I'm always working on that.
*what room are you in? ~the office
*your hobby? ~sleeping, taking pictures, being crafty.
*your fear? ~being alone.
*where do you see yourself in 6 years?~ being a Mommy.
*where were you last night? ~watching TV with my hubby and painting
*something that you aren't? ~studious.
*muffins?~ warm ones.
*wish list item? ~Honestly - I have everything I need, and most of what I want. If I could get anything else it would be to improve on my home organization or to improve my disaster readiness/food storage.
*where did you grow up? ~college.
*last thing you did? ~edit pictures
*what are you wearing? ~ lounging clothes?

*your tv? ~inherited from my parents.
*your pets? ~ Gretel (dog, 11 y/o Australian Shepard mix), and Zuko (dog, 1 y/o, Chihuahua Spitz mix)
*friends?~ My husband, Chrissy, and an expanse of friends from my youth that now cover the globe.
*your life?~ blessed
*your mood? ~unmotived
*missing someone? ~extended family
*vehicle? ~honda civic
*something you aren't wearing? ~bra!
*your favorite store? ~wal*mart...Target... JoAnn's...
*your favorite color? ~BLUE
*when was the last time you laughed?~I'm always laughing. I married B-man!
*the last time you cried? ~ I cry all the time. I'm just crazy like that.
*your best friend? ~B-man.
*one place you go to over and over again? ~bed
*facebook?~ all the time
*favorite place to eat? ~ any where, as long as they serve chicken.

So, there you had it. My life all bundled up into a neat little package.

Live.Laugh.Love

Brandan's Christmas present to me was a beautiful silver locket. I had wanted it engraved, but when he bought it, he wasn't sure WHAT to engrave on it. Since I haven't legally changed my last name I think he gets a little nervous about pushing things on me. Regardless, I went with my new set of initials, JNR. I think it looks like "junior" but that's ok.

You know what I love about being married? Doing nothing. I love doing nothing together, and I intend on enjoying it while I can. We watch TV together, or do our own thing, at the same time. Last night we watched a show on the History channel. We watch a lot of History. I think today I am going to let him play Sims 3 while I go work on my crafty craft projects.

I love that my hubby supports me in all of my crazy and random hobbies. I painted this last night as we watched the history channel. This canvas was left over from a previous art project, and it was just waiting to become something. I had planned on doing something like "reed" in coke red and the coca-cola text to go in my red kitchen, but I just didn't have the time, inspiration or energy to make that work. Maybe next time. For now I just have this.

My mother has a a sign in her home that says "Live well, Laugh Often, Love Always." and I have always really like it. So, I decided I would do my own version of it. A constant reminder to enjoy what I've been given. To appreciate waking up at 11 and B-man cooking mac'n'cheese for me, and him taking the dogs out so I don't have to. He does the little things that make me feel spoiled. I love him so much.

I need more time in my day...

If days had 100 hours in them I would still never accomplish what I want to. Here are a few pictures of my current projects.

1) Mommy & Me quilt.

Fabric: Figgy Pudding by Basic Grey for Moda

My mom and I made the quilt, and then I used a friend's long arm machine to do the actual quilting. I just need to finishing hand stitching the binding, and then it is done!

A close up of my quilting.

The trees on this quilt are 3-d, so it's a very fun, graphic quilt. I love it. =)

2) Brandan's Quilt

I made it for Christmas last year, and still haven't finished it. The sewing is all done, but I need to clip the edges and wash/dry it so that it becomes all fluffy.

3) I started making stockings with the left overs of the figgy pudding fabric, so now I just need to get them ironed, sewn together and put the binding on. All of the cutting is done. lol.

There is a lot more things I want to do, but these things need to happen first. I just need to remember "I enjoy this stuff!" lol.

A little preview...

A small hint of what's to come!

Snow, Snow, go away...

Seems all of our family is snowed in, and we are snowed out. We had intended on driving up to VA today, but no such luck and the weather is being ridiculous. So I am homemaking fudge and sugar cookies, cleaning up around the house, and packing for our eventual trip north!

Welcome Home, motivation!

I really like blogging. But blogging takes time, and lately all I've wanted to do was sleep. Thankfully, and a little adjusting of my body chemistry, I'm awake. I even do dishes and laundry now!

Recently I spoke with a nutritionist, after a trip to the doctors of course. I was told that I'm too pale, anemic, and having kidney/liver problems. So... a few days later, I'm working on this "whole foods" things. Going "organic"... lol. It seems more like a fad, but I think I will manage. Brandan doesn't mind so much, since it means I put time and thought into the meals and we don't go to prepare dinner and have no food in the pantry. One day I will be one of those super prepared people who plans out menus and what not, but for now I just buy the "organic" version of whatever I was buying before + more green food. We tried edemame (spelling?) tonight. I added it to my fried rice. So... it was soy bean, broccolli, corn fried rice. I don't think I cooked the beans the right way (despite following the directions to a T...) so I will have to give it another shot. But Brandan was a good sport and told me it tasted good (I'm sure he would've preffered chicken to the soy beans, but in the middle of finals I can't do the two meals thing... plus... I would probably want the chicken too and then my calorie count would be blown and then poof! I'd probably gain twelve pounds just for thinking about the delicious ice cream I got to consume thanks to the low-cal version of dinner we had. So... take that!).

School is almost over. I have three take home exams, and a filmed test on Tuesday. Tomorrow will be test day. Tuesday I am meeting up with my Botswana-friend to do another take-home exam, and then I am taking my filmed-test... and then I will be free to gallivant around my house in pajamas and a leopard print apron making bread a cookies! I got this... clay baking pot thing from Brandan's mom for Christmas, so I am going to christen it by making bread in it. I have all of the ingredients, so now I just have to do it!

So... now I am going to go swiffer the kitchen because yesterday it snowed and Gretel tracked in mud. Despite the cuteness of her pay prints around my house, I don't think Brandan likes it very much!

Picture Time:

Four Score and Seven Years Ago...

So, I got a text message today suggesting I update my blog. Now, I could update with everything I have been doing lately, but that would be extremely boring as all I've been doing lately is school. Lots of school. Back in October I got really sick, I had a kidney infection, was anemic and sleeping far too much. So... when I wasn't in class or doing homework I was sleeping!

Now I am trying to catch up on all of the stuff I've been missing! Brandan and I are doing well. Our house is put together, our two dogs are perfect, and our fish is just bubbly! Brandan is enjoying his work, but looking forward to actually working in an office again!

I am currently in the middle of crazy exams! I have a paper I should be writing at the moment, due in like... 4 or 5 hours... but I figured this wouldn't take too long! On Sunday I went and interpreted for Deaf Awareness day at Dollywood. It was a lot of fun and a good experience. I am really starting to step into the "interpreter" shoes and enjoy what I am studying, instead of constantly worrying.

Tomorrow Brandan and I are heading up to Northern VA to spend some time with our families, so that should be a hoot, albeit a lot of driving! That's ok. Brandan could use the practise. In the meantime I am going to go write my paper about the affects of having a deaf child and how that changes the family. Good times!

PS: My title is an ode to a recent assignment I had... interpreting the Gettysburg Address. Yippee

One month down, a bunch more to go!

So yesterday was our one month anniversary. I didn't feel like cooking, and so we went to eat at the Texas Steakhouse. It was pretty good. Then we went back to the house and watched out Netflix, Baby Mama. I guess it didn't get rave reviews, but I thought it was pretty funny.

School is definitely rolling now. I took my first quiz this week, and I got a 90% on it. I have two more, and I definitely need to study for them. I'm kind of frustrated because I ordered my books online, and I only have 3 of them right now. I definitely need the rest to get here ASAP. I guess two of them were sent to my parents' home, so Mama is sending them to me now, and then the last two are coming from Great Britain... so they have quite the trip to make. If they don't get here soon then I will be forced to go and buy them some where else. I should look and see if I can borrow them from the library. I guess I can do that after class this evening.

Other than school... life is great. Being married is so good for me - a person who hates to be around people, but hates to be alone. I know it probably bothers Brandan that I never want to go out and do anything, but I try to step out and have some fun. It's hard. He spends all day at home, working, and wants to get out, and I spend all day out and about - and I just want to go home and stay there. We need to find the balance. Still working on it.

He is so good to me though, and I couldn't have asked for a better man. Life, for the first time in... ever... is purely good, and I love it, and him.