My Life So Far

The Bush Admin Does it Again!

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:25:44 GMT

The Bush Admin announced their new HHS regulation yesterday, descibed in the Washington Post as "a controversial regulation designed to protect doctors, nurses and other health-care workers who object to abortion from being forced to deliver services that violate their personal beliefs...." both supporters and critics said the regulation remains broad enough to protect pharmacists, doctors, nurses and others from providing birth control pills, Plan B emergency contraception and other forms of contraception, and explicitly allows workers to withhold information about such services and refuse to refer patients elsewhere.

This makes me so angry...A doctor should not be allowed to lie to their patients and pharmacists should not be able to deny a prescription against a physician's orders or be allowed to essentially steal that script so that I can't get it filled elsewhere....argh!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/08/21/ST2008082103218.html

Home Kitchen Remodeling in 30 easy steps

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:34:59 GMT

Project Planning
1. 6 weeks ago: Measure kitchen and special order cabinets from Home Depot (2 week delivery time)
2. 4 weeks ago: Find out that 2 weeks really means 5-6 weeks, take day off from work and rearrange plans for remodel around two weeks of company and a planned conference out of town.
3. 1 week ago: Receive cabinets AND a brand new gas range(read: unplanned expense, due to electrical storm).

Day 1 of actual install:
4. Friday: Stop by P's house to borrow saws and stud finder (I found mine already--and married him :P); Ponder the vast amount of dirty jokes that can be made while mounting cabinets, screwing in countertops, rimming sink, etc. Have a beer because P insists.
5. Arrive home and eat dinner (on paper plates, of course)
6. Dismantle and take down UGLY, GINORMOUS (tm) microwave cabinet (2 hours)
7. Dismantle and take down old cabinets (2 seconds)
8. Have wine, watch Heroes and fall asleep.

Day 2:
9. Review downloaded installation instructions for all components of new kitchen including plumbing and make list of ALL items required from Home Depot.
10. Check list multiple times.
11. Go to Home Depot to purchase items from list.
12. Score discount on countertop because of small marker mark that will be cut off anyway (I rule!)
13. Rent truck and take items home. Realize that beautiful cast iron Kohler sink weights at least 80 lbs (actually, the kohler website says it weights: 104 lbs!) Unload truck and take stock.
14. Return truck and go to Lowes (for items not found at Home Depot)
15. Score beautiful oiled bronze faucet on clearance and undercabinet microwave that matches previously mentioned new range.
16. Get Subway and return home.
17. Finish demoing cabinets and realize that you need more plumbing due to the configuration of the cabinets you are installing as opposed to the one's you've just removed--stupid house from 1935! (Vow to forever worship the amazing engineer who created flexible extensions for pvc plumbing).
18. Unpack pallet of cabinets. Realize that Home Depot screwed up your order and that you are missing one upper cabinet. Cry. Try to look on the bright side: at least you can install the lower cabinet, counter and sink and have a working kitchen until the cabinet can be delivered.
19. Have a beer with C and try to keep calm, while J goes to Home Depot.
20. Home Depot promises to place expedited order for new cabinet on Monday with free shipping.
21. Install lower cabinets (mostly). Realize that the "ready to install" lazy susan requires that we build a 2x4 extension to reach wall. (ready to install my ass)
22. Drink wine and go to bed.

Day 3:
23. Go to Home Depot for 2x4's and more shims and to return extra plumbing bits. (If you've recognized a pattern here, you're catching on...)
24. Finish installing lower cabinets.
25. Cut hole for sink and size and cut counter tops.
26. Miter countertop pieces together and install.
27. Install faucet, drains and sink (which remember weighs 104 lbs).
28. Realize that your drain needs 1/4 inch more pvc due to difference in size between massive cast iron sink and dinky old steel one, plan to return to home depot tomorrow...
29. Admire beautiful job and vow to hire a contractor next time.
30. Drink wine, go to bed.

10 Lessons Learned:
1. No matter how many times you check your list, you will have to return to Home Depot multiple times...it must be a law of the universe
2. Nothing ever goes as planned, corners are not square, floors are not level, walls are not straight...of course, those who write installation instructions do so with those truths in mind...
3. Did I mention: nothing ever goes as planned?
4. Little challenges are best handled with a positive attitute, a partner to work through them with (and J is a wonderful partner) and a glass of wine.
5. I heart shims
6. A weekend of eating take out = unhappy Steph tummy.
7. The more subcontractors involved, the longer it takes to get your order and the more likely you are to have a problem.
8. No one ever has to know how you got the countertop level or the cabinets installed...it's like sausage...all anyone cares about is the final product.
9. There is a reason that contractors get paid so bloody much!
10. There's NOTHING like the satisfaction of a job well done...well half done, anyway!

stolen from bailey21975

Thu, 01 May 2008 19:13:10 GMT

Total comments: 2024

1	whitetigermoon	738
2	justjoe1980	199
3	gazellesoncrack	166
4	heygabe	149
5	jazz7471	138
6	angrydeeto	119
7	mordant_lilith	104
8	gypsy_kitty	102
9	bailey21975	45
10	stephilyn	44
11	bleed_you_dry	36
12	mauryarose	30
13	minofsin06	20
14	lemlems	19
15	mazecontroller	13
16	drejamoon	13
17	nyghtwolf	11
18	vaslittlecrow	11
19	bella_peligrosa	10
20	dark_tsquall	9
21	skank_o_tron	8
22	seribus	8
23	hazard2dream	6
24	radishthegreat	6
25	big_papa75	4
26	badrahessa	3
27	arsenalangel08	3
28	love_priestess	3
29	worldofmin02	2
30	hazard77506	1
31	tutgame	1
32	jackie_shaun	1
33	lazaruslong2004	1
34	realtan_dannan	1

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Alien Abduction

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:48:14 GMT

Is it strange that the first thing I thought of when I read this was that she _must_ have been abducted by aliens?

I've been watching too much x files

Greek team finds ancient skull that underwent surgery: reports

Wed Mar 12, 10:28 AM ET

SALONIKA, Greece (AFP) - Archaeologists have unearthed the skull of a young woman in northern Greece who is believed to have undergone head surgery in the third century, Greek news media reported Wednesday.
ADVERTISEMENT

A Greek team discovered the skeleton at an ancient cemetery in Veria, with the skull including an injury that led them to conclude the surgery had been performed.

"We think that there was a complex surgical intervention that only an experienced doctor could have performed," said Ioannis Graikos, the head of the archaeological dig.

"Medical treatment on the human body in the Roman Veria is part of a long tradition that began with Hippocrates up to Roman doctor Celsus and Galen," he said, cited in the Ta Nea newspaper.

Hippocrates is believed to have lived in the fifth century BC, Celsus between 25 BC to 50 AD, and Galen from 131 to 201.

The procedure believed to have been carried out was a trepanation, an ancient form of surgery to address head injuries or illnesses.

In 2003, Greek archaeologists discovered a man's skull in a tomb on the Aegean island of Chios from the second century BC that had also undergone a trepanation.

The patient was believed to have lived a number of years after the operation.

Another trepanation was discovered in 2006 in Thrace on a young woman from the eighth century BC believed injured by a weapon.

Daily Yoga/Strength Training Pose

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:25:33 GMT

In order to both get over my fear of having my photo taken (and viewed) and to provide a valuable service to the public, I am going to start posting my favorite yoga poses/strength training moves in photo form with a brief explanation of how to perform them. I will try to start tomorrow, but may have to wait until Wednesday, because the one and only drejamoon is in town for tonight, and we will be drinking wine and eating pizza.

disclaimer: I am not a medical or fitness professional so one should perform any of these moves at their own risk, preferably under the care/advisemnent of a physician or fitness professional.

A children's holiday classic meets George A. Romero

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:01:29 GMT

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Wisconsinites: Don't Forget to VOTE today!

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:57:35 GMT

I was excited to actually have to wait in line this morning at 7:10!

For Joe

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:28:44 GMT

SNOW DAY

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:57:44 GMT

I would be much happier if I weren't going out to shovel...for the SECOND time today!!! But it is nice to have a day off with my hubby.

Eastern Promises

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:02:30 GMT

Saw this film at a friend's home on Saturday and LOVED IT. Viggo deserves an Oscar--it was so unlike any other role he's ever played--you forgot that it was an actor! Was very moving, fast paced, emotional, violent, emotionally violent, kept you guessing till the very end and the Russian language and accents were top notch.

Definitely see it or if you are like me, see most of it, but look away for the really violent scenes. Warning: there were some really graphic and emotionally charged scenes involving pregnancy, child sex trade, sexual assault, and a bloody, painful to watch knife fight and an infant. Viggo was actually naked for the knife fight, but the fact that he was getting is ass kicked, detracted from any pleasure one might derive from seeing him naked.

The emotional intensity maintained throughout the film was startling at times...while the action didn't move forward at a mile a minute, the film kept you riveted with pure emotional response. I was even able to overlook the violence...it was THAT good.

This one's for you justjoe1980

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:35:44 GMT

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

borrowed from maurarose

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:36:26 GMT

94%DRUNKARD

Miami Dating

The only one I got incorrect is questionable. :)

Early Sesame Street Episodes No Longer Suitable for Children

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:22:13 GMT

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/magazine/18wwln-medium-t.html

I guess I must be completely screwed up for life, then.

Happy Halloween/Samhain/New Year!

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:58:07 GMT

Hope everyone has a great day!

too funny

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:45:35 GMT

what could be cuter than a sleeping puppy?

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:09:54 GMT

puppy love

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:36:17 GMT

Sorry no posts lately. I will post a full update later. However, I did want to let all the Milwaukeeans know that J and I just purchased season tix for the Broadway series at the Marcus Center. We did balcony, because we are poor AND tix were only $112 for the whole season. We chose Sunday evening, because of price and having worked at the theatre, I know that Sunday nights are typically slow. We got tix in the front row center of balcony!

https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/pack_planlist.htmI?l=EN&CNTX=&team=mcpa1&selID=3

The season ROCKS this year, bringing 2 of my all time fav musicals (My Fair Lady and Avenue Q) and two that I am dying to see (Spamalot and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). The Lion King is just icing.

Ever wonder what goes through the minds of abortion protestors

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 13:43:05 GMT

Or what doesn't? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk6t_tdOkwo

Pay It Forward

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:54:01 GMT

Pay It Forward meme, borrowed from bailey21975: I will send a handmade gift to the first three people who leave a comment requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet, but you will receive it within 365 days. The only thing you have to do in return is "pay it forward" by making a similar agreement on your journal.

The "gift" you send doesn't have to be hand made. It can be fic, icons, whatever.

Comments are screened, so feel free to leave suggestions (which may or may not be paid any mind) and your address, please.

Simple Pleasures

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:19:04 GMT

This exercise is borrowed from gypsy_kitty

What simple pleasures bring you the most joy? How could you incorporate these simple pleasures into your life on a consistent basis? What changes or shifts would you need to make in order to ensure they become a part of your lifestyle?

Alone time with J
whether it is watching a favorite TV episode or movie or something special. We are totally homebodies and love hanging out together...so much so, that we rarely get out anymore. :) I really don't have to change a thing to ensure this simple pleasure remains a part of my lifestyle.

lounging on my "porch swing" in the backyard reading brain candy
J bought me a two person swing for my b-day. I love it, especially in my park-like back yard. And I love escaping into a good book. Now...if only I had the time to read in my backyard. I need to start scheduling more "me" time.

lounging on the beach reading brain candy (I am beginning to see a pattern here)
Same as above. Even if I am sitting in the shade. There is something about the beach that evokes memories of past vacations, lighthearted feelings and total relaxation. We are planning a trip to Mexico for January, but until then, maybe we can explore some local beaches/state parks for some fun in the sun (with tons of sunblock of course)

massages from J
He has some natural healing talent and with my RA, it rocks to have a husband who is both good at and willing to give me massages.--especially my feet/legs and hands.

cuddling with kittens
Need I say more. My kitty babies make me smile and love me unconditionally.

spa treatments: massages, pedis and especially FACIALS
Treating myself once in a blue moon to spa days is something I have just started to do in the last year. It feels good and makes me feel good and is oh so relaxing and rejuvenating. Too bad my favorite spa just increased their rates...however, there is still the cheap nail place on Capital.

hosting parties and gatherings of friends at our home
We used to do this every couple of months, but it has been 7 months since we had a big gathering at our home. Maybe after we install our new patio, we can have a open patio party or maybe we can host a welcome to Milwaukee party when S and C move up here.

a cold beer or a nice glass of white wine on a hot day like today
Nuff said. But only on the weekends...:)

The exhileration of a long run, a difficult yoga class, 20 mile bike ride
Endorphins rule! This is one thing that remains a part of my daily routine for my health and my wellbeing.

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:22:41 GMT

86%

Mingle² - Free Online Dating

Way too funny

Wed, 16 May 2007 14:15:15 GMT

http://xkcd.com/c262.html

Raspberry Apple Cream Cheese Baked French Toast Recipe

Tue, 01 May 2007 13:54:43 GMT

Raspberry Apple Cream Cheese Baked French Toast (recipe can be doubled or tripled for more than 2-3 people)

Toast
1/2-1 loaf cinnamon raisin/whole wheat bread
1/2-16 oz. bag frozen or enough fresh raspberries to cover first layer of bread
1 tart apple, cored, peeled and sliced
1/2 - 8 oz. package of cream cheese (I use reduced fat)
1/2 cup milk
5 eggs
2-3 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp sugar or splenda

Struesel topping
1/8 cup butter (softened
1/2 cup rolled oats
1-2 tbsp brown sugar

Directions:

The night before:
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on enough slices of bread to cover bottom of a 9 x 13 " greased baking dish. Place bread slices cream cheese up in bottom of pan. Add berries and apple slices to thoroughly cover bread. Sprinkle with sugar and half of cinnamon. Spread remaining cream cheese on what will be the top layer of bread. Place cream cheesed side down onto berries/apples. Beat milk, eggs, remaining cinnamon and vanilla together and pour over bread mixture so that it covers top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Next morning:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix topping and spread on top of layered french toast. Bake for about 50 or so minutes. Top will be slightly brown and kinda crusty when done. Serve with pure maple syrup and or preserves.

I have made this with rasberries, apples, blueberries and strawberries. My next plan is to try it with rhubarb! We are definitely serving this at our B&B!

hint hint

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 15:45:29 GMT

Go to IMDB.com and look up 10 of your favorite Movies.
Post three official IMDB "Plot Keywords" for these 10 picks.
Have your friends guess the movie names. This is much more difficult that the T.V. one.

1. Female Nudity / Profanity / Corruption
Ed Norton sure is creepy

~~2. Fantasy Life / Beast / Good Versus Evil~~ Labyrinth guessed by the beautiful bailey21975
You have no power over me.

~~3. Magic Book / Trust / Brownie~~ Willow--guessed by Milwaukee's newest biker babe gypsy_kitty
"I love you Sorsha, I worship you Sorsha"

4. Chained / Moon / No Opening Credits
"Can someone get be out of this bikini?"

~~5. Super Power / Kicked In The Crotch / Brotherhood~~ Id'd by the darling stephilyn who shares my name.
Mmmmm Hugh Jackman

6. Servant / Passion / Gentle
Supposedly takes place in France, but with no French accents. Some of the prettiest costuming evar.

~~7. Goddess Worship / High Priestess / Religion~~ The Mists of Avalon, id'd by the lovely bella_peligrosa
Based on my favorite book...actually a mini series

8. Battle Scene / Historical / Interracial Relationship
Loosely, and I mean loosely, based on a work of early American literature

9. Suspected Lesbian / Gay Slur / Friends Who Hate Each Other
I can sometimes be one

~~10. Bisexual / Finger Cuffs / Lesbian Scene~~ Chasing Amy, guessed by minofsin06

I decided to do the film one, too

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:58:17 GMT

Go to IMDB.com and look up 10 of your favorite Movies.
Post three official IMDB "Plot Keywords" for these 10 picks.
Have your friends guess the movie names. This is much more difficult that the T.V. one.

1. Female Nudity / Profanity / Corruption
2. Fantasy Life / Beast / Good Versus Evil
3. Magic Book / Trust / Brownie
4. Chained / Moon / No Opening Credits
5. Super Power / Kicked In The Crotch / Brotherhood
6. Servant / Passion / Gentle
7. Goddess Worship / High Priestess / Religion
8. Battle Scene / Historical / Interracial Relationship
9. Suspected Lesbian / Gay Slur / Friends Who Hate Each Other
10. ~~Bisexual / Finger Cuffs / Lesbian Scene~~ Chasing Amy, guessed by minofsin06

I would not be able to guess most of these. Who writes these?