Garden "Friends"

Today when we went out to pick from and tend to the garden we found that we have had a friend visit. Our squash and zucchini have been sat on.

Lost River Cave

A couple of weeks ago we went to Lost River Cave. It was actually the first time I had ever been and we got a year membership. Which is pretty cool because now we can go anytime we want. It was really nice. I just wish the weather was a little less hot and humid so that I could enjoy it a little more.

Neat

I love this show on FitTV called Neat. Every time I watch it I want to purge. I am addicted to organization shows... Maybe because I feel very unorganized half the time!

# 1 Unhealthy American Drink

The Unhealthiest Drink in America
Baskin Robbin’s Large Heath Bar Shake (32 oz)
2,310 calories
266 g sugar
108 g fat (64 g saturated)

Let's look at America's Worst Drink in numbers:

73: The number of ingredients that go into this milkshake.
66: The number of teaspoons of sugar this drink contains.
11: The number of Heath Bars you would have to eat to equal the number of calories found in one Baskin Robbins Large Heath Bar Shake.
8-12: The average number of minutes it takes to consume this drink.
240: The number of minutes you’d need to spend on a treadmill burning it off, running at a moderate pace.

McCain

FLL Event Coordinator

This is the new title of my new prospective job. It hasn't started yet and it's not guaranteed, but August 4th through the 9th I will be at a conference in Columbia, SC to learn all about the job. I am pretty excited. The job is only a part time job lasting until (maybe) February, but I'm still excited. FLL stands for First Lego League. I will be helping coordinate Kentucky's State Championship. It's pretty exciting... some of that undergraduate work may finally be paying off in the form of (some type) of job.

Sandra Boynton

Sandra Boynton is a writer of children's songs, I guess you could say. She writes really cute funny music. Linked above is her website where you can go and check it out. I just love them because I think it's really cute funny stuff that you can play with the kiddos and they and you can enjoy it... With songs like Tickle Time and I Love you more than cheese; how can you not smile?

Online Library

This is so cool. Archive in an online library in which you can go and check out books, music, and much more.... This is super cool!!!!

Kentucky State Fair

Reusable Shopping Bags

While at the store the other day I was scoffed at by a cashier when I handed her my reusable cloth shopping bag. She said something to the effect of, "Do you really like those? I hate them!" Well, here is my answer, Yes, I really like them.

Reasons:

1. They are more durable. Every time I get plastic bags there always seems to be one that falls apart, throwing my things literally everywhere... There goes my soda rolling away.


2. Plastic bags seem to reproduce in my house... I feel guilty throwing them away and so they collect. and collect... and collect. Until I have tons of them and have no idea what to do with them.

3. I can fit more into a reusable bag and throw it over my shoulder. Quick and easy...

4. I can use them for a variety of other purposes.

5. When I go to the mall I only need one bag... usually I can fit everything from any store in one reusable bag... eliminating the 4 or 5 I may have been carrying around.

Today, you can buy your own at practically every store out there or you can go to Greenopolis and buy one.

Water Bottle

One of my new favorite things is my water bottle. I searched high and low for one that I liked. In an effort to reduce our outgoing waste we opted to purchase a water pitcher with a filter instead of using bottled water all the time. I really like this idea, but needed a bottle that I could take with me on the go. I a hot pink one exactly like the one on the left at Target. It is so convenient and, I think, stylish.

Blogging

Thanks to Ashley I may now be addicted to blogging. It just seems so nice to put all the random thoughts that I am constantly having down somewhere....

Recycling

I'm pretty excited- I just found out that I have recycling pick up. Mental note: Tuesday night put out the recycling.

Walmart- Evil Empire

Today I read a story, yes I know it's old, about Debbie Shank. The story is tragic. A woman working at Walmart. She is in a terrible accident and is now mentally and physically handicapped. After years they are awarded one million dollars. Equaling a little under $500,000 after fees are paid. Walmart takes this money from them. It is taken because of the fine print in their insurance plan. Like Walmart needs the money. This woman can't work ever again. Walmart a multi billion dollar company hurts this woman to recoup a small amount of money comparatively. I know that this is just part of their health care plan, but the point is that they make such revenue they could have a much better plan. They could take care of their employees and provide them with a really great plan.

Roz Savage

Roz Savage: The craziness... How crazy cool is her life? She is, one day, working a regular job when she decides she would rather be rowing. Then she rows across the Atlantic Ocean. Now she is attempting for the second time to row across the Pacific Ocean. I'm not that brave.

EXED 532

For all those concerned, I have now completed my midterm. I have not completely lost my mind. I am closely done with my class. I have three article reviews, a project, a discussion board, and a final all due by Wednesday... I'm fine really.... Completely fine.... HHHHHHHHHHhAAAAAAAAAaahahahhahahahahha

Netflix

It always makes me happy when I open up the mailbox and get a red envelope. I know it sounds silly- I always know when they are coming- I get the emails. They just still make me happy. I heart Netflix.

Cake Mania

I love Cake Mania!!!! It is addicting and super fun! Just wanted to share.

IPod Touch

There is an IPod that I have just learned about... It's called the IPod touch. It may not be new but it is super cool. I see that it has tons of fun apps and you can get online. Now you can stream Pandora through it.... It's just super cool!!!!

Children's film festival

Every summer Great Escape Theaters holds a film festival for kids. It's free and they play three days a week at 10AM. Today I took my niece. It was tons of fun and nice to see a movie. When Lilly wanted to leave 40 minutes into the movie we got up and left. It's GREAT!!!!!!!11

Knitting (for Ashley)

Cast on video at KnittingHelp.com

Here is a link to videos that can help you with casting on. I find that this website is very helpful when trying to learn something new.



The only thing she forgot is to mention that the end of the yarn that is not attached to the ball will be around your thumb.

Happy Knitting!

Knitting

I'm frustrated!! I'm trying to knit an envelope pouch and every time I try to decrease for the top flap it only decreases on one side. I have read several websites and the book that I have on how to do this evenly on both sides. The problem is that when I'm knitting I do the stitches that the recommend, but it only decreases on one side. I'm going to do some more researching... Ripping out is NO fun!

Storynory

Storynory is one of my favorite sites!!! When I have Lilly or Rycken with me I love to turn on the laptop and pick a story for them to listen to. It is great because it is free audio books and some videos. I have downloaded some of them to my laptop and when I want can put them on a cd to give to them or to have with us if we are out. I love when they are listening to the story and start to laugh or the look on their faces when they are really into it. I love this website, you should check it out.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama votes yes for immunity for telecommunication companies using wire taps for the government (without a court order). What???? I feel betrayed. Obama just practically gave the government permission to spy on anyone for any reason. Who cares about a person's rights! Email, phone conversations, internet viewing, viop, and basically anything that involves technology over the internet/phone is up for grabs. Your voice mails are no longer completely private. McCain opted out. Clinton voted no.

Washington Post article

Goodnight Bush

Funny book

This is a parody of a great children's book Goodnight Moon. This is hilarious!!!! Makes me laugh.

The Fatted Calf Meat Market

While we are speaking of places I love to get food from I have to mention The Fatted Calf. This is our local butcher shop. I have only recently began purchasing from them due to my previous lack of knowledge. They get all their beef from the Green River Cattle Company, located in Green Co.


The Fatted Calf

1505 Us 31W Byp
Bowling Green, KY 42101

(270) 783-0505

The Green River Cattle Company
http://www.greenrivercattle.com/findourbeef.html

My favorite Cheese!!!

My favorite cheese is tomato basil from Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese. You can only get it in summer from the farmers market. I love love love it on grilled cheese with tomato soup. This is one of my all time favorite meals.... I can't wait until the weekend-- I'M GOING TO THE MARKET!!!


http://www.kennyscountrycheese.com/

JD Counrty Milk

I just learned about a new product available in the Bowling Green area. I'm so excited!!!

JD Country Milk
1059 Ellis Road
Russellville, KY 42276
270-726-2200
butter, eggs, cheese, canned goods, farm fresh milk and chocolate milk in glass bottles (pasteurized, but not homogenized) This is the only on-the-farm bottling plant in the state.

Circus Square park

Bowling Green has added a new wonderful park. Today
I took Lilly there and we had a blast!! Here she is playing in the fountain. The greatest part of the park is it is really a place where everyone can go, play and cool off. This is one of my favorite parks now. I'm happy that they put it in. The water is perfect!

Quli (Chili)

Quli (Chili) the Chinchilla is our softest friend. I wish I could say that he was very cuddly but that is not the case, he is cute and sweet and loves raisins. But you have to bribe him with them to get him to acknowledge you.

Wicked

A delightful grown up twisted fairy tale. I could not put this book down. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the sequel Son of a Witch. This tells a story how it should be told. There is really no one side. Things are never clearly right or wrong. This story shows a story of a girl always the outcast, trying to do the write thing, being to muddy headed to see that her actions were not clearly good and that her opponents were not clearly bad. A great read and a Broadway show I can't wait to see.

Dr Who

Dr. Who is a cult classic. Running since the early 1960's it appears again and again. There have been ten Dr Who's with the latest being David Tennant. I love TV and I love this show. Surprisingly, since I have began watching it again I find references to the show in unexpected places. (Like in the Sims: the Tahdis wardrobe.) England is three weeks ahead of the US and it's driving me a little crazy. I just can't wait to find out what is going to happen next. There are these great spin off shows like Torchwood with characters like Jack that make me fall in love. There are relationships that make your heart beat... Every week I'm sitting on the edge of my seat. I feel that this is a show that will be continuous; reappearing again and again throughout my life like an old familiar friend.

ITALY STEALS BIG RED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Addicted to the internet

There is a website that I can't stop going to. I feel like I'm spying on people. They post anonymous confessions and I read them... I read them and read them and hours later I feel guilty for spying on people's private thoughts.

I confessed something and they took off my confession!!!! I'm so mad! I read the rules-- I did not violate them! Also, I read some pretty disturbing information.... Getting mine taken off is really upsetting!

Wii

The Wii is such a fun addition to our collection of things that distract us from what we really should be doing!!!! I love it so much because it can be a link between generations. Groups of people can gather together to play- all laughing all having fun. Nintendo is for everyone!!!! I was playing someones Wii Fit recently and found that I would love to add it to the collection. While I highly doubt anyone will be losing weight on it I think that it has the potential to help me achieve hours and hours of fun.

Baseball

Billy is so in love with baseball that sometimes I wonder if he loves it more than me. To the left is a list of overtime hours Billy is putting in to justify his purchase of $1200 season tickets. Next summer I'm pretty sure I know what I'll be doing almost every day. At lease I don't HATE baseball. Sometimes, it could be ventured to say, I have fun at the games and if I get a DS for Christmas I'll have something else to occupy me. I am actually kind of getting to the point that I'm excited that we may have tickets....

Nintendo DS Lite

The Nintendo DS Lite is on my wish list. It is so cool!!! I look it up on line and check out the games. For the first time I feel that game developers really had me in mind when they made this product. Games like Brain Age, Brain Academy, Flash Focus, and Professor Layton and the Curious Village make me itch to play them.

Cous Cous

Some people may not know, some may not care, but some people realize the truth. Our cat is part devil and/or vampire. She starts by rubbing up on you. You think, "OH, how cute... how sweet." She's mesmerized you. You're falling in love with her. When she has you fooled she's purring, you're rubbing her, and she's cuddling up next to you... Then pow she's got a death grip on you. Her teeth are sinking in.. she won't let go. She has left deep gash wounds in your arm or wherever she could get a hold of. There are claw marks all over your body. And you are left feeling like an idiot, for trusting her. Yet, you will do it over and over again. She will continue to hold some type of power over you. She is after all your master.

Composting

This is a picture of our compost bin. Composting is not as difficult as I may have once thought. We have space for it and it's nice to put organic matter in a place where we know where it is-- not in the garbage being crated off to some unknown destiny. Composting is not as hard as I may have originally assumed. We just set up the bin and put our uneaten organic food matter in. Quick and easy. The only problem I have currently is that I'm not sure why we have a few flies swarming around it. It may be because we do not have enough matter to sufficiently stir it in currently. We may be missing brown matter. I will have to research and post my findings at a later date.

Summer concerts

Billy's concert series is over. Every Thursday night in the beginning of summer he participates in the Southern Kentucky Concert Band. I go, sit, listen, and knit. It is really a fun time for both of us. I wish they lasted longer!

I love our house!!!!!

Last November we moved into a new house. It is so awesome!!! I feel like we moved from our little apartment to a relaxing retreat. Coming home is really a treat. We live in the woods, completely surrounded by trees. If feels like we are in our own little world.

Burn out

This is how I feel.... Except I'm not smiling...

Knitting

I am at an strange point at this moment. I love love love love knitting. It is one of my all time favorite hobbies (and I am like a super queen when it comes to hobbies). I have so many it's hard to count. But knitting I love to do. I want to knit all the time. Right now my hands are itching to knit. However, my problem is I have no idea what to knit. Even though I have been knitting for a while, I have not quite mastered all the parts of knitting. (I'm thinking after I graduate I can take a class.) I would like to knit a kids sweater next.... I found a semi-simple pattern. I might try that one.

Hot Hot Hot (Air conditioning)

Today is so hot! Yesterday, the 4th of July, we noticed that our air didn't seem to be working. Today, we confirmed our air conditioning is not working... It's hot! Needless to say, being a holiday, no one is going to come and visit without charging a crazy amount. Mr. Beirman came and looked at it and said it may have finally given out... it may be dead!!! It's hot. He said this after I explained that two days ago I heard a loud pop and a hissing sound. I should have thought that meant something, but no one else seemed to hear it and I dismissed it. It's hot!!! At least we will probably get a new air conditioning unit if it died. It's HOT!!!!!!!!

Our little plot of land

This year we started our very first "real" garden. We planted tons of vegetables and fruits. When looking at our garden, sometimes I feel that it is puny... Compared to some our garden is so small, but when we were tilling the ground I thought it was really something. A big piece of land for our garden. (Truthfully, it is only about 15' X 20'.) In the beginning we wanted be completely organic. This lasted shortly. We had to give up and put Sevin on the garden. Our vegetables were being eaten by tons of bugs. No matter how much we read on the net about how to take care of the problem organically it didn't seem to work. We put corn meal on the ground, used dish soapy water, picked the bugs off by hand, and more... nothing worked until the Sevin. Mostly, at this point, we are having success with our veggies. Our poor watermelons, though, have not survived... Nothing has seemed to work. We have put out four plants and everyone has died. I think we are giving up on them at this point.