Tragedy down under

Lil S's pet fish Dory has passed away. She (even though it was a "he") was brought home in May of 2008, and passed away today on Feb 10, 2010. She had a good long betta life, and now is in fish heaven. Lil S will miss her always.

We have buried her.


We all said prayers for her.



RIP Dory. You will be missed.

Photography and Mama news

I've started yet another project, but it's a good one!

I'm trying to work on taking better photos!

Here's the link!!!

I'm hoping that I get better and better, and can take superb pictures of my family. I love having a DSLR, but I know that I have to really learn the "proper" way to take photos. :)

All's well out here in our neck of the woods. The lil one just turned 6 months, and I can't figure out where half a year went! It seems so fast that they grow up.

On Monday the older one starts preschool here in Oz, and she will be in school every day! EVERY.DAY.!!! (WOOOOHOOOOO!!) I think she really needs it, as I think she needs an outlet that's not about her sister or being mad at D and me because we have to take care of little sister. I think she'll adjust, just needs time. Lil S is really excited and totally LOVES her teacher whoms she runs up to and hugs each time she sees her!

Can't wait to see the pictures I get for her first day of school!

Hope everyone out there is having a good year so far!

Weather Haiku

(a view of the Todd River here in Central Australia flowing for the first time in 2010 - Picture taken by D)



There has been a flurry of insane weather activity across the globe.. with colder than average temps across North America.. and lotsa rain here in Central Australia... So I got inspired and asked my friends (they are the initials below) on FaceBook to give me a glimpse into their weather via a haiku.

Enjoy!

And if you'd like to submit one, add one in the comments (I do moderate comments, so be nice) :)


My Haiku :

Rainy days are cool
Too many hot days are foul
Drops that cleanse the soul

PC
Beer you are so good
I drink you when it's raining
and all other times.

MB
Fog lowers her veil
the calm before the cold gale
Time for one more ale

JTG
I love rainy days
Few and far between they are
Enjoying the treat

AM
A winter snow falls
Not really but in my heart.
Glad be the penguins.

JG
Sun where have you gone?
Clouds rolled in and snubbed you out.
Now its cold and dark.

When plans go awry

What a heck of a week!!

We celebrated Christmas on the 24th this year since D was working on the 25th. But like the old adage goes... when you plan, God laughs... well D and Lil S got very sick with a stomach virus. They have since recovered, very tired, but overall much better than on Christmas day.

The baby and I remain unscathed (so far). She had a good first Christmas despite all the running around I had to do to help D and Lil S recover.

She played and got a lot of one on one time since the other 2 were passed out sleeping.

Lil S was very happy about Christmas, and she said the prayers at dinner (which are so simple and sweet)... All in all it was a good Christmas, but just not exactly what we planned for...

Hope everyone out there had a good Christmas (or holidays!)

Update right before Christmas

We got back to Oz! Safe and sound!

Didn't love Qantas... lots of issues, but eh.. I guess traveling right before the holidays will always put people in bad moods!

We're slowly readjusting to the heat here.. Last week it was up to 102 before noon!

Well only a few more days til Christmas (and we're celebrating on Christmas Eve - D works Christmas Day) and I better help wrap the presents!

Lil S and Baby M are doing well! S cannnnnnot wait until Santa arrives! All she wants this year is a Corinne Princess doll! She's telling us to tell him every day that she's been super good!

Baby is just getting so round and cute every day!

I've unlocked this blog, but the kids blogs will stay locked, so if you want to see their pages (and I know you) just email me and let me know

ska1ser79(at)gmail(dot)com

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Hectic

So this next month (3 weeks) will be nutso/hectic (traveling/visiting family)... not that posting here didn't already get light with a newborn being in the house... once we get back down under I think it may pick up a bit because it will be 106, and I don't see us being at the park during the afternoon anymore...

But Lil S will start 5 days a week preschool (so that means more driving around)...

I can't believe how quickly a year goes by when there is a little baby in the house... just trying to make it day to day...

Hopefully I'll post again before the new year!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone (if I don't get online again before that)

:)

Wonderfully wonderful

SO more great news!!! Look over at THIS blog :)

I'm so excited! I can't wait to move back (have I mentioned that one or a million times)!

I'm also nervous...we have to look at school districts now... I can't believe the girl who is my first baby is about to be 5... Time feels so crazy and it's going by so quickly.

Lots of big decisions coming up, from where to move to, to what car to purchase, to my school stuff... Gotta do some research and see what's best for all of us. I'm excited, but also relieved that we have about 6 months to make that transition... albeit via long distance!

Here's to great changes!

Can't wait to see the hubby! He'll be here in less than 2 weeks.

P.S. Did I mention that the baby LOVES to watch football (Longhorns or Cowboys only, thanks)! She sits with her Appupa and coos at the players!

Catch up- catch all!

I guess with all the moving we've done, and will do in the future it made some sense to put this blog to private just to the few of you that occasionally visit...

So the good news is that we're moving back to Texas! So excited.. we left back at the very beginning of 2002 and return mid-2010... so that's about 8 LONG years we've been gone!

I'm so ready! Other than that baby M is doing beautifully, growing big and strong! Lil S is gearing up for Halloween, not sure exactly what/who she wants to be... but I'm sure she will let me know hopefully the day before, and we'll scramble to figure out an outfit!

Hopefully off to the movies soon, lots of great ones out there!

Tell me what y'all have been up to!!!

Update... a month later almost!

(a picture of my gorgeous girls)


Quick note

We're all doing well!

Baby M is now up to 7 lbs 7.5 ounces, so getting bigger and cuter!!!

I have put up a blog of monthly letters for her.. so far she only has 1 letter there...

Here is the link.

I can't believe how the time moves when you have a small baby in the house again.

Lil S is about to start 4 year old pre-school on the 31st, she's so excited and we even met a couple of the kids that will be in school with her!

Will try to keep updating, but so much time is eaten up with trying to keep up with the everyday stuff :) Isn't that the case with most of us? ;)

Birthstory

So on the 25th of July, I woke up at about 5am... I thought, oh great... why can I not get a full night of sleep here... well.. it turns out that contractions decided to start right then...

so from 5 am til about 10am they go from 12-10 minutes apart down to 3-2 minutes apart...

at 9 am I called and told the doctor what was going on, they said to come in at 10 am if the contractions held at 2-3 min apart..

needless to say, at 10 am Dad and Mom drove me up to the hospital while my Lil S stayed and hung out her with Aunt RMR and Uncle Seb.

I asked for epidural as soon as I was checked in, received it within that hour.

Dr. Jones was awesome, the numbing agent - not so much!

Then the OB, Dr. Gomez who was checking on baby, told me that with every contraction baby's heartrate was dropping. She thought it was a cord issue. They had given me pictocin, and the next 2 times it was administered they saw that each time baby's heart rate dropped. Dr. Gomez then told me that it would be up to me, but she thought it was a good idea to consider a c-section because if the baby was having issues at this earlier stage of labor, that it might be really traumatic for baby otherwise.

I opted for the c-section, because of her heartrate issues. I didn't want to chance anything with her health.

So they prepped me, and then we were wheeled into the OR... Mom came in with scrubs on, and sat close to me. She seemed very worried, and I just talked to her and told her to breathe. Then as I was talking to her, I hear a scream, and I look up to see this wrinkly lil screaming blood covered baby girl. She was born at 4:50pm.

They take her away (Mom goes over to the baby warmer to see her) and clean her up and get her Apgar scores (9 and 9). She's got a little hat on and bundled up when the nursery nurse brings her over to my head, and I'm able to give her, her very first kiss. I tell her I love her very much. It's when I kiss her that I feel that her cheeks feel like a fluffy little cloud, then I instantly know what her name will be... one that D and I had agreed we both liked, and one that we know that just fits her....



Meghana. (pronounced like Meghan with an Ahh on the end)

Welcome to the world baby girl. We love you so much!


Sisters

Happy Birthday D!

Happy Birthday D!

You're now 30!

We miss ya, hope you eat a whole cake to celebrate!

Love,
your 3 lovely ladies
Mama, Lil S, and Baby M

7 years, no itch!!!

Big Sister giving Baby M a kiss!


Baby M likes her poppi (pacifier) just like big sis used too!



Mama, Lil S, and Baby M



Big Sister S and Little Sister M


Happy 7th wedding anniversary D! I love you, I've loved you for the last 12 years, and every day we've been married has been better than the last. Thank you for both my happy, healthy daughters!

We love you! All your ladies miss you!

:)(:

Our Baby Girl is here!!!

Hello everyone! The kiddo finally arrived today!

Details:
450pm
25 July 2009
5 lb
7 oz
19" long

Her name is Meghana Eleanor
and she's a Leo :)

Baby #2 Update

Unless baby girl actually decides to come on her own... I will be induced on Tuesday and most likely have baby #2 on Wednesday sometime...

Baby is looking good, and everything is going well, just too cozy, so she doesn't want to leave!

Will update once we can!!!

Hurry up will you!!!

Here we are approaching what I hope is the last week, I hope next week this time the kiddo arrives. I remember passing the due date last time, and every day (for 9 days) I was feeling like it was an eternity. I couldn't wait to meet the lil one and it drove me nuts that she was taking her own time...

I'm patient up til the due date, but after that I just can't wait!

All in all I'm ready. Kinda sorta have a name...

We're just ready. Get here lil one, get here soon!

Background change in honor of impending arrival!

In honor of the impending arrival of baby #2 (oooh still no concrete-100%-for sure name)
I changed the background. This is kinda the color scheme... we'll be roomies, since I'll need to be close. The room is a chocolate color and her bedding and her carseat are all a blue-green and chocolate.. it's so cute and yummy looking. Mom got me the cutest cover for the boppy and it's cupcakes on one side and the other side has chocolate sprinkles... Totally cute and delicious looking!

I can't wait to meet her, and I know Lil S is excited about becoming a big sister! It's all she can talk about and tell complete strangers...

Will update as I can or D or my sis RMR will update.

Any day now! :)

30th birthday presents!

Thank you honey (Dennis) for my sweet birthday roses! They are gorgeous! Lil S approves of the beautiful color as do I!

30 is going to be great (tomorrow)! :)


Edit :

Here's a picture of what my family here in Texas did for me :


(sorry it's all backwards.. but I took the pic on iphoto... but you get the idea!)


They made me a wonderful scrapbook of my 30 years! It's such a wonderful surprise! Thank you! I love it!

Hey Shirley...

My lovely husband has given me a nickname... Shirley... and honestly that's about how I feel right now at week 33 of the pregnancy.. (like that huge sheep!) (Plus we LOVE watching this show)

hehe... But he says it with a smile in his eyes, so I always forgive him!

Texas update!

Oooooh! It's been a good week and a half back in the "promised land" of Texas! We've been having a great time visiting with friends and family!

Saw D's Vette, and entered it into a car show and won a trophy! Lil S was so proud! (pictures to come soon!)

We've missed everyone so much this last year! 1 more year to go til we move back!! :)

We're back!!! :)

We got back to the US safe and sound...

Happy to be back and see family and friends!

Trying to get over the jet lag... I'm sure it will take me longer than Lil S!

All is well with baby #2, she's been kicking constantly with approval of all meals (i.e. all of Ammuma's(grandma's) home-cooking!!)

DH - I love you!

Internet,

Have I told you lately (publically) how much I love my dear Husband? (also love this picture of him looking like he's all mad or something, but he looks so mysterious)

I love you Dennis!

Love,
Me :)

Now I'm waiting for the comments where ppl are *gagging*, but hey.. I'm pregnant and hormonal, and I can post whatever the heck I want to!!!

random but important update!

I will be in Texas mid-may! Soooo excited! That is the big news!!!

Ready to be see friends and family and just relax a bit before baby #2 joins la familia...

So no names yet, and not sharing the list! :)

Lil S is no help as her contributions are Sleeping Beauty or Ariel... not the names we're thinking of... but she's so sweet to contribute.

Just going to get busy and slowly start packing!

Hope everyone who celebrates has a Happy Easter and otherwise have a good long weekend (well at least it is here in Oz)!

What I got in my email today!

I'll let him live another day! :)

x-file

I wish I could say this is how I met Dennis. Alas, it is NOT, but I can't imagine why this is news, other than the fact that time, money, energy was wasted. Amazing what comes up in the news nowadays.

Angel in Queens

Why can't we all be like him? I love reading news like this.

Happy Birthday to Debbie up in NY!

Also Happy Friday the 13th!

Idea Emergency

If you're a parent you can tell by the title of this post that I get to watch Imagination Movers on Playhouse Disney with the kiddo...


This is a great idea. Feel good story, and I really hope something the workers suggested really works. They need everyone there to make the whole place work... hopefully Obama will take a lesson from this CEO and make it apply to the whole country.

Great ideas start in the unlikeliest of places.

Baby is a...

hand



legs



face - profile shot

(sorry.. couldn't figure out the scanner, so I just took pics with the Photobooth application on my mac.. they pics are turned around... )

Baby (with about 75% certainty according to the sonographer) is a girl!

Lil S is over the moon as are we. Sisters!

D will be surrounded by women! He loves that!

Bleck and EWWWWW!

Ick, I don't think I could ever stomach this!

Will post later regarding gender of baby #2!

Catch-up post

Wow, so much has happened since I last posted... but I've been kept too busy to really have a second to blog about it...

Lil S started school. Here it's called 3 year old kindy, and she absolutely loves it! See more on her blog! Also because she has to get up earlier, she ends up having to go back to having a nap time (otherwise she is SUPER grouchy the rest of the day.. did I say how much I love having naptime back????I LOVE IT!)

On the baby front, in about week 15 I felt a few of baby #2's movements.. not major ones... just every once in a while.. but sleep is out the window..I can't get comfortable.. so I end up napping during Lil S's nap time a lot now!

I've been tutoring a couple sweet girls here. They are really a lot of fun to work with and I love it... I know I'm a good teacher, I just hate the bureaucratic stuff!

We're gearing up to go on our vacation to Tasmania and Melbourne soon. We are excited!

Also please keep the people affected in Melbourne by the fires in your thoughts or your prayers... the whole situation is so horrifying and so sad!

That's really about all for now, and I can't wait to watch my copy of SD Millionaire! I just need to get a day or evening and just watch it! Can't wait!

Time Warp

This was very interesting. I'd never heard of this before...

I'm sure there are a few people I know that would enjoy this!

Would you do this? Is there an era you'd really like to live?

I think I'd go back to the 80s again!

Thanks Stella :)

Happy Inauguration Day!

I am so glad that this day has come! It's the middle of the night here in Oz, but I'm joyously watching all the inauguration proceedings online! It's so thrilling. I don't think even the diehard Republicans are immune to such a time in this country's history. Even outgoing President Bush has said he was excited to have a front row seat to such a historic time. I wish I was in DC now, it's going to be a hell of a day and so wonderful!!

I'm just so thankful it happened. Now's time to see the change that's due.

Take your best guess

OK, so on March 5th we'll be finding out the sex of the baby! We're very excited! But if you'd like to know, then you'll have to guess!! Leave your guess in the poll, but if you'd like to add a comment to expound on your theory as to why it's a girl or a boy feel free.

Here's some info in case any one believes in old wives' tales :

I've been sick the entire 1st trimester (morning sickness is an evil curse) and still have no appetite.

I've lost about 10 kilos (about 20 lbs)

Almost all symptoms are quite different from my first pregnancy with Lil S

and last but not least baby is estimated to be due on July 23, 2009.

Good luck, and we'll probably do another fun naming poll (we're going to keep it to ourselves til we meet baby #2, but it's always fun to guess)

Homecoming (these are for Courtney)

Stefanie with Adelynn

Classic "Dad" pose

Daddy holding Adelynn while Mama looks on

A very thrilled Mama who is finally happy to be at home with her little girl!

Adelynn is here! Some pictures...

Me holding a sleeping baby Adelynn while Mama Stefanie looks on



Dennis holding baby Adelynn while Shivani is looking to drink up some water!



Mama holding baby Adelynn

1st Baby of the year (from our friends)

OOOhhhh our friends Stefanie and Randy are having their baby! Mama is in labor right now, please send happy labor (and epidural vibes)!!! It's so exciting! I can't wait to meet their little girl! I bet they can't either!!!

3:00pm (Alice time) : Mama's had the epidural,and is feeling better, their 2 puppies are staying at our house, and Lil S is excited to have 3 puppies to play with right now.


Will update when Baby Dickens arrives!

EDIT : Baby Adelynn Faith has arrived at 8:50pm Alice Springs time today! Happy Birthday little one! Congrats to Stefanie and Randy! New Mama and Daddy!

Happy New Year 2009 edition!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year... we're watching Strawberry Shortcake with the kid, and then after she goes to bed...we will play Mario Galaxy (so much fun!!!)... since they don't show the ball drop here... so it's going to be pretty low-key since I can't drink this New Years! (Should've drank up last year!!!)

Maybe I'll celebrate tomorrow (when USA does)!

Happy 2009!

Here it is!!!!

Ok so the big news is that we're expecting baby #2, estimated due date is July 23, 2009!

We're pretty excited, and looking forward to the day!

Lil S is excited to become a big sister and help with her (she adamantly says it's a girl!)

So that's the big news!

Merry Christmas from Down Under, best wishes for the New Year!

Guess?

Ok so I'm going to post something big on Christmas... well at least big for me (and no not my weight! ha)... Post a comment if you can guess... hehe... but if you already know then don't post a comment, just wish me a happy new year or something...

Happy Holidaze!

Love,
All of us down under! (It's going to be 104 Fahrenheit on Christmas Day here!!!)

A Room at the Heartbreak Hotel

1. Put your music on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing the note as well as the person you got the note from. (Whoever wants to do it, though I'd like to see Stella and E's, as well as Booyah and RMR's)....

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
London Calling (The Clash)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
One of US (Abba)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
So Tell me Why (Poison)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Frozen (Madonna)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Life Goes on (Poison)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Panama (Van Halen)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
No More Lies (Alice DeeJay)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Pinhead (The Ramones)

WHAT IS 2+2?
Hairspray (James Marsdsen - the Movie Soundtrack)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Close My Eyes (Matisyahu)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Got my Mind Set on You (George Harrison)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
I'm going to Love You (Barry White)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Most Beautiful Girl (Prince)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Vietnow (Rage Against the Machine)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
White, Proud, and Stupid (Propagandhi)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Inside Out (Eve 6)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Signs (Tesla)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Read My Mind (The Killers)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Rudie Can't Fail (The Clash)

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Love is Blindness (U2)

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Miami (U2)

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
You got another thing comin' (Judas Priest)

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Breakfast at Tiffany's (Deep Blue Something)

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Satisfaction (Rolling Stones)

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Lovestoned (Justin Timberlake)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Brand New Man (Brooks and Dunn)

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Heaven (Live)

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
When Smokey Sings (ABC)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
One of These Days (Pink Floyd)

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
A Room at the Heartbreak Hotel (U2)

It's not very cerebral Stella

This is my response to this article in Slate...

I don't know what to think really. It's (terrorism) stupid.
Stupid people who think that it's okay to kill people they know nothing about except that they don't want them around. They don't care except to disrupt lives. Bombay's financial market was shut down for the day and maybe day after. Was that their goal? I think they (terrorists) don't have anything to live for, so they decide that going to a city and giving out their vision of justice is okay.

I'm pissed. I've been to Bombay as a kid. It was still called Bombay then. My impressions from back then was that it was super crowded, and I remember that we really didn't leave from the place we staying to roam around. It was never safe in my mind.

I agree that in India, this kind of attack isn't new. Just the fact that they are now OPENLY saying they are targeting Westerners.

There are many Indians in India that are Westerners if you think about it.

Bombay is a multicultural haven, and India has been for many centuries. Jews, Christians, Hindus, and Muslims have lived in India forever... I'm sure back then they fought as well.

In the end, once people realize there is no point killing in the name of a GOD or GODs... there is nothing to gain, just sorrow.

This has happened for centuries, we're just aghast now because we're supposed to be more enlightened than our medieval counterparts.

Sick, so sick!

I just saw the news... and I can't believe the violence. Can't we just stop fighting? What good comes out of killing? Why can't the bloodshed stop? I feel so sick.

Thanksgiving

I am thankful for : (these are in no particular order)

1 My husband
2 My daughter
3 Family - Parents, sis/bro-in-law, the rest you know who you are ;)
4 Friends - you know who you are (my bloggie friends too!)
5 an exciting year, traveling, seeing the world
6 an an even more blessed 2009
7 having a most wonderful and very blessed life.

What are you thankful for?

I'm not an alcoholic, but I like stories

Not that I drink a lot, but I really like crazy stories, and sometimes the truth is pretty interesting...Enjoy!

This was too thought-provoking to pass up!

From the Huffington Post blog, this article was really excellent. I love the idea of compromise in life as well as in politics. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all just get along and make the world a better place?

Enjoy!

8 things tag

8 things!
My sister tagged me!

The 8 Things Tag

8 TV shows I love to watch

well here I don't watch TV at all (and if i do it's either Discovery Channel or History), most of the time I read... so 8 books really for me.. and 5 of them will be the Harry Potter Series since I am the only one on earth who hasn't read the books or seen the movies. And the rest are in my wish list (see link on sidebar)


8 Favorite Restaurants (Didi, I hate that you have to rub it IN MY FACE that you live in HEAVEN there... so I guess local places here in Alice is all I will list...

1. The Glen Helen Gorge Resort Restaurant
(about 1.5 hours from us, but TOTALLY worth the drive)
2. Hanuman - and Indian and Thai fusion restaurant located I think at the Crowne Plaza
3. La Casalinga - good pizza
4. Jade Ebony Cafe - in Alice Plaza, and they have good sandwiches
5. Dennis's house restaurant (open 4 days a week when he's home) - the best food ever!
even good Tex-Mex!!!
6. Flavors of India - but lately their Naan has been over buttered (and didi it's
called Clay Pit, not Pot)
7. Yummy Noodle Box - a really good noodle place
8. My friends' houses - cause they are gourmet cooks unlike me!

8 Things that Happened Today
1. Internet was down (somewhere in Coober Pedy fiberoptic cables were cut shutting
down Internet from there up to Tennant Creek).. cue depression
2. Internet came back up... cue rejoicing!
3. Made breakfast
4. made lunch
5. about to make dinner
6. talked with Dennis about getting a few groceries since he's got his truck today.
7. Thinking about folding all my laundry, and then not doing it!
8. Procrastinating about EVERYTHING!!

8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Thanksgiving- spending time with family!
2. Christmas- love this whole time of year.
3. Shopping for Christmas and decorating!
4. 2009 and hearing prayers answered!
5. Traveling
6. Spending time with the hubby
7. Seeing my family- wish they lived closer.
8. Hanging out with friends and family!

8 Things on my Wish List
1. A sibling for Lil S one day
2. For us to move closer to family one day!
3. world peace
4. getting rid of poverty
5. getting rid of cancer and AIDS
6. i don't know what else...
7.
8.

8 People I Tag

8. any one else that wants to do this!

Remembrance Day

Thank you to all the veterans. Past, present, and future...

It's called Remembrance Day here rather than Veterans' Day as it is in the USA...and I thought that it was a good name. To remember why we have what we have and live in such a wonderful country (countries)...

I usually HATE cooking! But this... well it was fun!

Ok so at the urging of my friend who told me this was an easy recipe. I tried it.. here are my results.. ALL pictures are what I took of the process and the final result. It was pretty tasty, and it was really easy!

Baked Ziti

For variety, add one half cup chopped fresh basil, or eight ounces Italian sausage meat, cooked and crumbled, to the ricotta layer. ( Or Vegetables, eggplant or zucchini cook well with this)

Prep: 40 minutes (Cooking ziti plus throwing together all ingredients into baking dish)
Bake: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
Marinara Sauce (approximately 3.5 cups)
16 oz. ziti (approx 450g)
15 oz. part skim ricotta cheese (approx. 425g)
1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. salt (If you like it saltier, double this to 1/2 tsp.)
8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded (approx. 225g)

*If you want to go all out, shred your own cheese, but if not, the bag kind tastes just as good and is fast ;)

Aussies : A good substitute for marinara here in Oz is the Latina Fresh Tomato & garlic sauce (in the refrigerator section)

1. Cook the pasta as label directs, drain.
2. Preheat oven to 350F or 175C. In large bowl, combine pasta and marinara sauce, stirring to coat. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and salt (and meat/or veggies). Spoon half of pasta into 13''x9'' baking dish. Spread evenly with ricotta mixture,





and top with remaining pasta.



3. Cover ziti with foil and bake 20 minutes.

Remove foil and sprinkle with mozzarella.





Bake until cheese has melted, about 10 minutes longer. Makes 8 main-dish servings.




Thanks, Jen, for the recipe!!!

Comic Relief

I thought this was a cute video, but then again I could never even beat Mario 1. There are many fun ones on this site, and like the title of the website... well it's called College Humor.

Enjoy :)

Beauty

I think this is a beautiful idea and I think Lil S and I and Dennis will have to do this. I want to think up something great so we can pick it out whenever we go and visit.

I think the more people that do this, the better. It's so we never forget!

Thanks nkleyva from Xanga for the link to the site!

Yes!

Thank goodness it's over!

I thought McCain's concession speech was excellent, and he was really admirable and gracious. He is a good man (I never thought otherwise), and I think he is really sweet in wishing the President-elect well.

I am SO glad that the new president is Barack Obama! I understand that the weight of the world will be on his shoulders on Jan 20th, and beyond, and I truly hope that he will deliver.

We shall see!

Vote

If you are able and ready to vote, please go do it.

:)


VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

Sounds too good to be true!

My friend, Adrienne, told me about this: If we ever have another cat, I am TOTALLY going to try this!!!

Indian "Thriller"

I couldn't resist, hope this makes you smile!

Happy Halloween, y'all

Lil S as Snow White

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!

AWWWWWWWW!

This is going to send me into a depression. I love him!!!! (So did D!!)

I loved this... Obama has a great sense of humor!

At an event Wednesday in Raleigh, North Carolina, Obama said McCain has spent the last few days calling him "every name in the book."

"I don't know what's next. By the end of the week, he'll be accusing me of being a secret communist because I shared my toys in kindergarten. I shared my peanut butter and jelly sandwich," Obama said.

from Cnn.com

Why can't I write like her???

She just voiced it MUCH better than I ever could! (read the Oct 28th entry!)

And after Nov 4th, I will quit putting up so many politically motivated posts... but I can't just sit here and not say what I think about what an important election this year is..... GOOOOOO AND VOTE!!!! PLEASE! It will make a difference, and you're doing the country a lot of good by going and voting. You will feel better and maybe get that motivation (from voting) for making changes in your life!


Go Vote!!!

Sad and dishonorable

Why is it that SOME people try to get away with everything during an election season, and try to hide the other less desirable traits?

I applaud the decision to be with your kids if you are a working mom and trying to get them to your job to see what you do is a good move, but to USE state money, it's just atrocious, and dishonorable, and also just plain bad politics. I hope she gets kicked out of Alaska as governor, and has to pay back the 21,000 + dollars that she's ummmm borrowed (yeah,right) from the state!

A Purple State?

Very good, if Utah is saying this, maybe more states will go blue this year!

Seen on Blurbomat's site, but told to him via southerngirl.

Reasons for not voting for McCain, and it's not ONLY because of Palin

This is a reason to not vote for McCain as is this.

Especially women. Especially if you only vote on abortion issues. Read these two excerpts and think about what it means to you.

Seen on Dooce... thanks for posting these!

Go here, educate yourself. Some thoughts.

Again, Stella Tex to my rescue, but go here,

Read it all, please, especially if you are just not sure what to think, and want more information.

Then think about it all.

Then on Nov 4 or during early voting, PLEASE GO AND VOTE, make a difference, make a change. Voting is a privilege and not something to be taken for granted or discarded like trash. Please please go vote.

Thanks.

Oh save us all!

For ones suffering visions of Palin as President... I give you this.


Click around and see what's going on...


Enjoy, you can thank me later!

(Thanks Stella, for the link) It was hilarious!

Just for Steve! and all you SAD OU fans!!!!

READ IT AND WEEP! SO happy here!

Hook'em HORNS!!!!!

What do you think?

The class war Before Palin

I find some truth in it...

Thanks David Brooks (his op-ed piece)

Just go and it's about 2 min 16 seconds...

Click this link if you want to smile! SO good! Thanks Stella!

A few reasons why Sarah Palin should've NEVER been the VP choice

This is a link from my friend Stella's site. It is not eye-opening, but completely something to think about before voting.

Let's say you are in the middle and not sure which way to vote... well not even counting the highly volatile topics... think about books... would you CENSOR books in this day and age at a public library? If it was up to your town to vote, would you vote for that?

Would you be excited to get $150, if you shot and killed a wolf and brought the leg to her office? Seriously what was she thinking?

"Drill, baby, Drill"? I can't even start with this one, but this GOP VP candidate doesn't even care that after her life is over that her kids will end up with a crappy world, but RIGHT now she wants to drill and make her SUV or whatever she drives go a few more miles.

Don't vote for a candidate or anyone who would endorse this insanity. Thank goodness she's not from Texas, we've had enough of those.

This is the first time I have had a blog during election season. I think it's an exciting time, and I really hope that this election, UNLIKE THE 2004 election, something changes and for the better!

Revolutionary Road

Must read the book in enough time before the movie is released in December

CANNOT WAIT..but I don't think it will be ANYTHING like Titanic...

Miscellaneous catch up post but also a Happy Birthday shoutout!

(ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.don't steal the pics on my site please)

We're still around...had power knocked out again 2 days ago, but only for a few hours..and yes we had another storm.. It's been cloudy and WONDERFUL (that means in the 70s here)... so needless to say we have been outside and playing while it's good. Soon it will be so HOT.

SO been keeping busy taking pictures and trying to settle into a routine.. we all had coughs/colds for the last week and a half... Also I will be doing NanoWrimo (www.nanowrimo.org) during the month of November. Hopefully will reach 50K! It will be fun. I have posted a counter to keep me somewhat accountable! Keep checking and give me good ideas! hehe

ALSO A Happy belated birthday to our nephew/cousin Andy in NY! We are sending something.. might take a few days! We miss ya! Hope your birthday was wonderful!

Chaos

There has been much chaos in the last week. We landed safely in the middle of a Category 1 Cyclone (that's the rumor anyway) and then came home to find that a tree had fallen onto the top of the carport ripping out the power line. We then had no power for 3 days.

It was crazy. We are all well (other than allergies). Photos from all vacations (especially Hawai'i) are up on flickr. If you need to have me add you to see the family/friend pics just email me.

A view from our place in Hawaii

Treasured Moments!

My friend Sru took this picture when we met up earlier in August. We had a great time.

My child is captured so beautifully! Thanks!

Flashback

Very fun and addicting site! Please post a message with the link to your picture if you decide to do this, this is even better if you get a pic of your significant other and do THEIR picture! I will post Lil S's pics and D's pictures later on...

Also as a note for any new reader, I am not THIS old! but it's amazing how much I COULD actually look like this!

Sigh...

Bittersweet! Won't see family for a year, but we are so excited to travel. In about 1 month will be back down under. I am looking forward to less traffic and a more traveling in and around Oz, but will miss everyone back here, HOME.

Happy 3rd Birthday my sweet pumpkin face!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Olympics watching!

8-8-08!

Is time getting faster, or is it just me?

7 years ago yesterday D and I were engaged, we had a great engagement party, and were about 3.5 months away from graduating from UT Austin. I can't believe it's been that long. Time is flying.. I know that's so cliche to say.

This weekend is Lil S's 3rd birthday, and we're doing a small get together. She is excited but worried that everyone will eat her cake and she won't get any. She is also up late going over a checklist and making sure that I have hats.

I can't believe how much we looked forward to coming to the States for the summer and pretty soon we will be back down under in Australia. It seems like this last year and a half (almost) has really been moving quick. I guess when you have things always coming up (moving, travelling, school, birthday, anniversaries, etc) that it all just seems quick.

New look and vacation soon!

Wanted a new look, hope you like it!

8 more days of school! I can't wait! I am so ready.

Lil S is getting ready to turn 3 (has it really been that long!!!)

Hawaii in 1 month! I can't wait!

Happy Anniversary Honey!

7/27/02

7/28/02

5-16-2008 (Sydney, Australia)

Happy 6th Anniversary! Love you!

What to do

I read cnn.com and I just want to cry. I hope the future is brighter than the present. I wonder what kind of world that we are making and leaving behind.

I hate the news, very very rarely any good and uplifting news.

I think it's easy to try to live in a bubble and ignore everything, but it's even harder to crawl out and see the suffering everywhere else. It almost feels useless to care because the world is just going to hell. I don't want it to, but what exactly can I actually change? Someone tell me and I'd do it. I can't end any wars, I can't make people understand. I can't get heads of state to do a damn thing.

Bill Clinton recently said the country is becoming more and more polarized. I find that to be so true. Despite what people say and do, you can see it in most every issue.

I am not an apathetic person. I try to do my own little bit. But it's never enough.

Turning off the lights at night, and conserving water won't end wars or genocide, or injustice, it will just stave off the eventuality that we need other options. It will happen. My generation is going to have to make the change toward new fuel options and actually do something about it, instead of just making talk. We don't live in an endless surplus and bounty. We can't guarantee that everyone in the world wants to share with us. We can't go hand in hat to the countries that sit on oil and hope they stay our friends. It's silly to even think that anymore. The signs where there in the mid and late seventies, and then were banished.. and now we're all boo-hooing about the cost of gas.

I really honestly wish that the world could get along. I honestly do wish that whenever I sleep. I wonder how it would be done. That's never very clear, but one day I hope that through education (the crux of having some degree of peace) is that my children and grandchildren will see that the world is not a scary place like it seems to be right now.

Feeling a tad patriotic

So I've had another birthday, and getting up there in age.. but it's still the new young. Or so I'm told. Most of us in my immediate family have summer birthdays.. ok well the cutest ones! ;)

Lots to be thankful for. Doing well in classes. Kiddo is such a joy.

Good times! What are you grateful for? I love how good life can be when it's good. And I still remember to be grateful. Here's a sweet pic of Lil S, and hope everyone has a good and safe 4th of July.

Also make sure you get registered to vote. This year it's especially important to vote (as it is in every election), but make sure to get your vote out there and get it counted! I've voted every year since I have been eligible and make sure to read up on all the issues and candidates you can. The information (and mis-information is out there). Read up, you have til November.

Happy 4th of July America.

Photos are my friends

Our friend took this picture of Lil S and I swimming at their pool a couple weeks back. I love how this camera (Nikon D60) makes the pictures look so amazing!!! We are going to invest into one of these cameras soon, and I can't wait to get better acquainted with photography. I really enjoy it. :)

First Carousel Ride

She had a blast, so did I!

Leftover wildflowers and a juice break

leftover wildflowers at a nearby park


Lil S having a juice break with Appupa after watering the plants

Arrived

Arrived in Texas on the 21st after 22 hours in airports and planes. Lil S slept a lot on the planes and I did not. She recovered from jet lag in 1 day. I did not.

Oh well. We're loving being here in Texas but we do miss Daddy, but we do see him every day on the cam. Lil S really only wants to see the kitty and the doggie.

Lil S is in heaven getting her every movement praised by Ammuma and Appupa and getting spoiled rotten! She tells me to go away and for Ammuma and Appupa to help her, but I secretly love it that she loves them so much. Even if it is to boss them around!

Ok, better try to shake off this jet lag! Will post more before summer school starts!

P.S. I AM SO HAPPY THAT DAVID COOK WON American IDOL! YEAH!!!! even though I was flying, I didn't care I missed the finale, but glad that an actually talented person won! So I will watch next year.

Good times!

Dennis, Lil S and, Me

We made it to Sydney safe and sound. Tomorrow's a shopping day, and we found a really good local joint to eat one night! Pictures to follow on Flickr, if I know you just email me and I'll add you to my Flickr account.

We really miss being in a big city, so it's pretty nice. It sooooo noisy and everywhere we go (walking) Lil S covers up her ears.. but the plus side is that she likes publc transportation. Loves planes, trains, and buses!

Heard around our house today

(Lil S at Glen Helen in the Northern Territory of Australia)

D : It [scale] says that the kid weighs 26 pounds [~13kg] .

Me : Last time when we went to the vet I thought she weighed more.

D : Next time we go to vet we'll have to weigh her again.

{we look at each other giggling, and then I run over here to post}