The Musings of the Absolutely Fabulous Ms. N.

Wow there are others like me out there!

2008-08-19T15:31:00.002-04:00

I am in an organizing frenzy at home (ask Mr. K how we spent the weekend going thru most of the stuff in our basement). I have been thinking of different ways to organize our house. We have a small house and lots of stuff. I came across this really cool site that has given me more fuel!

Worst. Parade. Ever.

2008-07-31T15:36:00.003-04:00

So the Philly Soul Parade consisted of 10 cop cars, 3 Saturn convertibles, the team, Pierre Robert and Ron Jaworski. The whole thing lasted 10 minutes. I went back to work totally dissatisfied. It this were the Eagles (like that would ever happen) people would be hanging off the rafters on Market St. Maybe the mostly white crowd wasn't too keen on celebrating too hard. Who knows.

Arena Football Officially Sucks

2008-07-27T18:08:00.004-04:00

I am sitting here with Mr. K trying to understand anyone would watch arena football. This game sucks. They play on a field about the size of my backyard (ok not really but you get the idea). The Philly Soul almost lost the game in the last 20 seconds of the game. The last three plays of the game involved the quarterback throwing the football into the stands to waste time. Do they even use a real sized football or a mini nerf sized one? I can't believe I just sat through that. I can't wait for REAL football to start.

GO RAVENS!

I'm Back Bitches!

2008-07-16T08:50:00.002-04:00

That's right. I'm BACK! And better than ever! Married and everything. I got a lot of worried readers out there that were like "When are you going to start posting again"? and "I miss your posts". Well fret no more.

There is lots to catch up on and in the coming weeks I'll do my best to do it all. Right now I want to post an an awesome site for all you cooks out there...

A Year of Crockpot Cooking

This chica is cooking in her crockpot everyday. She's got some great recipes. I just got a fabulous crockpot as a wedding gift and I can't wait to break it out. Maybe this will give me some motivation.

Cabin fever.

2008-03-03T16:01:00.002-05:00

I cant believe that its been over a month since I last posted. So much has gone on. My office moved and we are so busy. Things at home are also gearing up. I am just about ready to start clearing a place for my veggie garden. Mr. K, little Mr. K and I went to the Home Despot yesterday afternoon to look for some stuff for the veggie patch. I can't wait to get outside I guess I have cabin fever.

More later.

What have I been up to lately?

2008-01-30T15:18:00.000-05:00

Where do I start? My office is moving to a new location and I have been tagged at the moving coordinator. So I have been dealing with movers, upper management and my own staff to try to make this move as seamless as possible. Tomorrow the movers are showing up (hopefully on time) so this time tomorrow I will be at a new desk.

This weekend is our annual SuperBowl party. We have a few friends coming over and some of my cousins are coming down from the city. SO I have lots of cleaning and preparing to do. Now that we actually have a dining room set I can lay everything out nice and pretty :)

That's all for now.

GO GIANTS!

My morning planning.

2008-01-16T12:05:00.000-05:00

Most mornings I am a mess. I am still so groggy from sleep that I usually cant decide what I am going to wear to work. And what I want to wear to work is usually too wrinkled or dirty. Because I am in a time crunch what I have started doing is scheduling a week's worth of outfits. No, I don't have OCD (at least I don't think I do). So far I have done this for two weeks and it has worked really well. During Michael's (craft store) after Xmas sale I picked up some nifty weekly calendars that have magnetic backs. I have one on our fridge that tells everyone what the week's meals are and I use one for my outfit planning. I have two casual days so I can wear jeans and then I plan three work-appropriate outfits. That seemed more manageable for me. The Sunday before the workweek I pick out my clothing, iron and put in a stack in my closet so I can easily fish it out. The planning ahead also gives me a chance to see exactly what I own and cycle thru stuff.

Pantry Pics

2008-01-06T10:50:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics of the new pantries. I forgot to take before pics but trust me it was a mess. The first pic is the older pantry now re-organized. The 2nd is the former coat closet. K and I pulled out all the old hardware and I sanded and repainted the inside.

Home Happenings

2007-12-31T09:59:00.000-05:00

Wow can you believe that it is already the end of the year? I just returned to work this week and was sort of disappointed that I didn't accomplish all that I wanted to at home. Then I had a flurry of activity. For Xmas Ms. K and I received a gift certificate to The Container Store from the future in-laws. I used is to put install a much needed pantry. We had a small hallway closet that was really too narrow for a coat closet. Friday night Mr. K removed all the shelving and I patched up the walls. I had two sample paint containers from Restoration Hardware saved so I used them to paint the inside. Mr. K installed the hardware and presto a pantry! It looks great and I was able to get a lot in it, which in turn freed-up space in my small kitchen. I took picture I just have to post-it.

BTW! Happy New Year!

Library Elf

2007-12-17T13:46:00.000-05:00

I came across this cool website that helps you remember when your library books are due. You can get emails and or text messages reminding you of due dates, over dues and holds. Pretty cool!

http://www.libraryelf.com/

Thinking about my garden...

2007-12-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

I have started a notebook full of ideas for our yard this year. We havea a lot more work to do on the front of the house. I think I am going for a cottage look. Easy and carefree. Kinda like me :)

Home Sick

2007-12-06T14:44:00.000-05:00

I am home sick today. Some kind of headcold. Here is what I am reading and listening to to keep me occupied:

Reading: She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb
Listening To: last.fm. A cool site where you can listen to a radio station you create by typing is what kind of music/artists you like.

Site to Check out: Swap-A-DVD.com

2007-11-29T11:16:00.000-05:00

I love this site. From the founders of paperbackswap.com and swapacd.com comes swapadvd.com. All you need to do is sign-up, post some DVDS and you can start trading with other members. The site is free but you pay for postage. Sign-up and use me as a referral. :)

Happy Gobble Day!

2007-11-20T11:05:00.000-05:00

Before I forget let me wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. Mr. K and I are heading to NYC to visit my family and partake upon the yearly crazy PR thanksgiving.

On other fronts, I am starting to haul out the Xmas ornaments and I am downlaoding all my xmas tunes. I can't wait!

Coming up: My Bday.

2007-11-13T09:58:00.000-05:00

My bday is this week and as a treat to myself I am taking the day off from work and going to the museum. I have done this the past several years and has become a tradition. Why work on my birthday? I am going to make a day out of it and get my nails done. :)

In other news I am still working on my latest knitting project and I am reading several books at the same time. I can't make a commitment I suppose. Also I have become addicted to Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha. They are yummy and pepperminty!

Happy Birthday Mr. K!

2007-11-06T14:42:00.000-05:00

LOVE YOU!

Almost back.

2007-11-01T13:52:00.000-04:00

I am almost back to normal. I have one more training to do next monday and then I am in the office! Who thought I would ever be excited to be back at my desk. Last night was Halloween and we had about 50 kids stop by. It was nuts but fun. I am sad to take down the decorations and the lights. But now I am planning for Xmas! I finished my poncho and started knitting a jacket. It was a labor of love but I love the poncho. More updates soon.

What a deal!

2007-10-25T17:49:00.001-04:00

I stopped a local walmart to use the ahem *facilities* and I walked around to pass the time before I headed home. I strolled thru the clearance aisle before I left the store. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a Lodge 3 quart casserole in its box. I could not believe my luck. I checked it over and there was nothing missing. I couldn't find a price on it so I took it to the nearest scanner. $13.00! Oh yeah. I looked up the price on-line and it retails for $50! I only wish I had picked up the other one that was in the clearance aisle. So in honor of my new friend we are having a pork roast with carrots and potatoes. :)

Say Hello To My Little Friend.

2007-10-02T14:35:00.001-04:00

I got a new Ipod nano in red. Isn't it cute? I had a crappy month and I bought it as a "You deserve it gift". I just got it last night. Its really cool and you can watch video on it. It has an 8 gig harddrive so there is lots of room. All I need is a new laptop to store all of my music :)

She's crafty..

2007-09-14T14:57:00.000-04:00

I have been working on several different craft projects lately. I am half-way done with my poncho. I finished up one side yesterday. I was so relieved to have it done. I am waiting on some more skeins of yarn from Woolbearers to complete the back side. I started working on a knit cap using a skein that I have been saving for just such a project. I am also working on a scarf for little Ms. K in her high school colors. And I am sewing Ms. Greycats Halloween costume! Oh by the way did I tell you that I am also travelling for work this month and next month. Whew!

Bengals 27- Ravens 20.

2007-09-11T09:51:00.000-04:00

Why Ravens Why????

Out with the old.

2007-09-04T13:47:00.000-04:00

I read an interesting article from the Baltimore City Paper about a woman who got so fed up with all the stuff she had in her garage and her home that she decided to give it all away. I am the type of person who loves to throw stuff out and I love even more to give it away. Recently we re-did little Mr. K's bedroom and I went through his stuff and found a bunch of clothing that was too small for his. I put it on Freecycle and it was gone in two days. The guy who picked it up was happy to have it and I was happy to give it away. We have a bunch of stuff in the basement that I need to go thru and decide what is going. I will either Freecycle again or give it to Goodwill.

Forgivenesss and moving on.

2007-08-31T11:07:00.000-04:00

Sometimes someone most dear to you does something so out of character that you cannot believe that they committed an act so heinous. The drama part of me just wants to run as far away as I can. The adult side wants me to forgive. And so I will, but I will not forget. Next time you even think about committing this action again remember all that you will lose and the rain of hell you find yourself in.

Good Morning Baltimore!

2007-08-27T16:42:00.001-04:00

I am sitting here writing from my 28th floor hotel room overlooking the Baltimore Inner Harbor. I am in training mode at work and I am teaching three classes this week. Last night I stayed at a Marriott near the DC convention center. Tonight I am in Baltimore. I plan on going to a bookstore and having dinner at the Inner Harbor. Going to turn in early so that I can get ready for tomorrow. I miss Mr. K and all the kitties but I will see them soon.

PS Go see the movie "Hairspray". It was awesome. I want to go see the Broadway musical!

Home Happenings

2007-08-24T14:21:00.000-04:00

Mr. K and I just added two new beings to our hosuehold. We got two little kittens Eva and Marty (now re-named Jazz). We got them from the Camden County Animal Shelter. We had the intention of just getting one but after we saw all the kittens we had to get two. We finally introduced them to Dude and Leo and it went ok. There was some hissing, some running away but mothing major.

We also got our dining room table, an heirloom from Mr. K's grandparents. We unpacked it last nite and brought it in with just enough time to log in for our football draft.

We'll post pics as soon as we can get the kittens to sit still :)

Sunday Nite Viewing

2007-08-12T19:49:00.000-04:00

On Sunday Mr. K and I watched a marathon of Flight of the Conchords on HBO on demand. I caught an episode this past week when I was travelling for work and I thought it was pretty funny. I showed the episode to Mr. K and four hours later we had watched the entire season. We are going to DVR tonite's episode cause Mr. K wants to see the Flavor Flav roast on Comedy Central. Click below to see a clip from the show.

Summer Reading

2007-08-01T15:42:00.001-04:00

This summer I have read a few books that I never thought that I would be interested in. I discovered some great fiction writers. Holly Black writes books about teens and the supernatural. Stephenie Meyer writes about teenage vampires and Jennifer Weiner a wonder chick lit author. I have just been browsing bookstore and picking stuff up that sounded interesting. I have also gotten a few books from paperbackswap.com. I will be travelling again for work in the next few months so I am collecting books to keep me company.

Greetings from AK.

2007-07-26T15:47:00.000-04:00

Mr. K and I have been in AK for almost a week now and the weather has finally started to cooperate. For the past few days the weather has been overcast, drizzly and nippy. Not that I have minded I actually like that type of weather. I guess it compliments my often grumpy mood. I have been relaxing and catching up on some reading. So far I have read "Little Eartquakes"and I am almost done with "Guy Not Taken" both by Jennifer Weiner. I have done a bit of knitting and some sightseeing. Tomorrow I am actually going fishing at Seward. Lookout AK! Puertorican with a fishing pole! Hopefully I'll stay in the boat, not toss my cookies and have a good story for this blog. Till then.

Green or Stone?

2007-07-20T16:17:00.000-04:00

Is it a sign of sickness when you look at coats online and you are trying to decide which color to get based on what color scarf you are knitting? HeHe. :)

I found $200!

2007-07-19T08:15:00.000-04:00

Well kind of. Cleaning my desk drawer out today I found a receipt for my last eye doctor appt. It was for $200. I faxed it over to FSAFEDS so that I could get my medical reimbursement. If you have access to a health savings account I highly recommend it. I take out $40 per payperiod to put into the plan and I always make sure that I use it all up by the end of the year. Makes working for the feds that much sweeter.

Stuck inside all day.

2007-07-10T09:08:00.000-04:00

We are experiencing quite the heatwave here in the Philly metro area. Luckily I have been sick for the past two days so I have stayed home inside with the A/C cranked. I can't wait till Mr. K and I head off to AK at the end of the month. 65 degree weather never seemed so good.

I am Marthatron!

2007-07-05T10:20:00.001-04:00

Yesterday afternoon I saw the new Transformers movie with Mr. K, Mr. K's cousin, Ms. CWV, and Mole. It was AWESOME! I had my doubts but they were blasted away by the first 5 minutes of the movie. I actually shivered when I heard Optimus Prime's voice. This morning I read on Wikipedia that there are going to be two more sequels. I emailed this info to my movie going crew and I got the following back from Mole...

hiya marthatron
transform and knit a sweater.

Freaking hilarious!

I am Marthatron!

Thanks Mole.

Breadmaker follies

2007-07-01T14:47:00.000-04:00

I hauled Mr. K's grandmother's electric breadmaker out of the basement today. I tried to bake a loaf of bread and thought everything was going ok until I opened the breadmaker at the end of the bake cycle. Intead of a nice loaf of bread I saw instead a hard brick of bread. I dont know what I did wrong. I threw it out and went out to the store and got more supplies. I am not giving up!

RIP: The Sopranos

2007-06-11T09:29:00.000-04:00

Well, last nite was the final episiode of The Sopranos. I can't say that I enjoyed it. I turned off the tv lasat nite more confused than ever. I rmember telling Mr. K "That episode sucked". But the more I think about it the more I believe that David Chase did us a favor by not giving it an predictable ending. Maybe Tony did get popped in the end? Or maybe it was Meadow? Who knows.

There is a nice article about this last episode on nj.com. The author, Alan Sipenwall, tells us tat compares that a poster on the nj.com blogs compared that last nine epsiodes of the season to the nine rings of Hell from Dante's "The Divine Comedy". He also poitned out that another reader found similarities between the Eugene Delacroix painting "The Barque of Dante" and the Annie Leibovitz photo from the season five DVD set. Freaky huh?

Anyway, I am sure that we all have mixed feelings about what we saw last nite. At least Silvio is alive (somewhat) and I know I enjoyed Paulie's antics with the cat. I look forward to re-visiting my favorite mobsters on DVD and on A&E.

"Oh marrone, those chompers"

2007-06-04T09:55:00.000-04:00

RIP Silvio Dante. My favorite Soprano. Funny. loyal and not afraid to slap a ho. I am still upset about your untimely demise. May the strippers at the Bada Bing hang up their g-strings for a moment of silence.

"This American Life"

2007-05-23T20:20:00.000-04:00

I haven't listened to NPR in alsmost a year. I used to listen to them in the morning but all the news about Iraq really made me sick. I have recently discovered "This American Life" on Showtime. It gives me a NPR fix without the depression. I usually have it on in the background while I am blogging or cleaning. It makes for some interesting fodder. They are some really wacky stories/people out there. Plus Ira Glass reminds me of Cameron from Ferris Bueller :)

I've Been a Very Bad Bear.

2007-05-16T08:45:00.000-04:00

I'm a celebrity!

2007-05-15T11:35:00.000-04:00

Well, not really. I did a presentation for work a few months ago in Ocean County, NJ. My contact there took some photos and a couple of weeks ago my photo ran along a story. One of my bosses brought the article to work. I'm so kewl :)

Ocean, County NJ

Holly Black

2007-05-14T19:47:00.000-04:00

I picked up two teen fantasy novels that have piqued my interest in writing again. Holly Black writes gothic, funny and intriguing novellas that you find yourself wrapped up in. She has also written a series called the "Spiderwick Chronicles" that have been optioned into movies (as have the rest of her books). I have been toying with the idea of writing some teen novels based on some of my life experiences but the fantasy genre has been very compelling. I'll start some writing and see where it takes me.

Home happenings.

2007-05-10T09:16:00.000-04:00

Now that I am finally home I can concentrate on working on the house. My K and I are somewhat satisfied with the condition of the yard. Things have grown in nicely and we are enjoying sitting under our trees and BBQing. I started two compost bins. I attended a class given by our county a couple of weekends ago and purchased a bin. The second bin is just some leaves that I have out in the open. Last night I went to the library and borrowed a book on vermicomposting (or composting with a worm bin). It looks rather easy to make and maintain. This weekend I am going to go out and look for a suitable worm habitat (aka tupperware bin from Walmart).

Tornando warnings, think I saw the wicked witch.

2007-05-02T08:14:00.000-04:00

I am halfway thru my final work trip (until the fall anyway). I was in the Venango county area and had a nice lunch in Franklin, PA. There is a good pizza place on the main street and a nice cofee shop. I had a nice hour or so there and then headed back to the hotel to get some work done. Last night we had a Tornando watch and the weather got really nasty here. Apparently something touched down near Oil City (where I had my meeting). I thought about staying in that area when I was planning my trip, I am glad I didn't! That was a rough couple of hours last nite. I cant wait to get back home. There is a Wegman's in Erie (where I will be on Thursday) I am def going to hit that!

What's happening with me.

2007-04-24T20:34:00.000-04:00

When did the second season of Twin Peaks get released? And how was it done so that I wasnt aware of it!!! I went to Tar-jay tonite in beautiful Altoona, PA. Actually it is really pretty. I was in Hollidaysburg which is right next door. Very picturesque and quaint. Can't wait to get back to watch Twin Peaks.

Freaking Hilarious Justin Timberlake SNL skit

2007-04-18T21:11:00.000-04:00

Tonite I am sitting in Butler County, PA on business. I am trying not to watch all the news coverage on the senseless murder at VT. Instead I finally remembered to search on You Tube for the SNL skit with Justin Timberlake "Dick in a Box". This is hilarious and not safe for work. Last month I went with Ms. CWV to go see Justin Timberlake in concert. He put on a pretty good show but I was shocked to see how many mothers brought young children to the show. There were aspects of the show that were not meant for kids. Boy has Justin come a long way from NSYNC :)

"Dick in a Box" from YouTube

Sending my prayers out...

2007-04-16T18:48:00.000-04:00

My heart goes out to the victims and the families of those who were murdered at Virgina Tech today. It seems that you can't even send your kids off to school and expect them to be safe. Mr K's daughter's school was the target of three bomb threats a few weeks ago. Luckily they were pranks but at the same time they called off school for two days and now two local teens have been arrested and are facing criminal charges. What is wrong with people these days?

Shout out to Mr. K.

2007-04-13T11:38:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Mr. K for keeping the fort while I was away on business. He did a FANTASTIC job setting up little Mr. K's closet and cleaning up the house.

BIG THANKS AND KISSES FROM ME!

On the road again.

2007-04-10T09:02:00.000-04:00

This morning I am in beautiful Lancaster County, PA. I am on a three day tour for work. Its much colder out here so I am glad I brought some warm clothes. I also brought lots of stuff to entertain myself with so that I dont get bored. I was glad that I was able to watch Seinfeld and The Sopranos last nite, I totally forgot the last season started. Mr. K if you are reading this set the DVR!

Ciao.

For Ms. CWV!

2007-04-06T08:13:00.000-04:00

Blades of Glory!

2007-03-26T12:55:00.000-04:00

Do any readers out there want to get together to go see Blades of Glory? I am dying to see this. Will Ferrel, ice skating and outrageous costumes equals comedy gold!

Dumbasses.

2007-03-22T17:03:00.001-04:00

NoemiPics 005, originally uploaded by hockeygrrl75.

There are plenty of cat beds in the house and yet Frick and Frack fight over the same one. You can even see a bit of the red one behind this one. Sometimes these cats are so dumb :)

Too good to be true?

2007-03-14T16:37:00.000-04:00

It has just come to my attention that Mr. John Waters has scored himself a tv show. It will air on Court TV starting next week. Ohh! John Waters and Eddie Izzard I must be dreaming!

Happiness is...

2007-03-14T10:25:00.001-04:00

Noemi Pics 032, originally uploaded by hockeygrrl75.

Sleeping on carpeted steps warmed by the sun.

Call me "The Composter".

2007-03-13T15:18:00.000-04:00

That sounded a lot funnier in my head. :) I signed up for a composting workshop in April sponsored by my county's recycling dept. I like the idea of using our leftovers to make something that we will be able to use. Plus I am cheap and if I can get some dirt/mulch for free I'll do it :)

The Riches.

2007-03-13T12:16:00.000-04:00

Is anybody else excited that Eddie Izzard is on tv? I love his stand-up stuff and have enjoyed the bits he has in recent movies. Yet, Minne Driver I can take or leave. I missed the premier episodes last nite but I am dvring the show from now on.

One more kitchen pic.

2007-03-05T15:37:00.000-05:00

That darn cat never cuddles with me!

Kitchen renovations.

2007-03-05T15:32:00.000-05:00

Not so much of a renovation as a decoration. This weekend I added more wallpaper and bought some paint. Here are some views of the kitchen. Small but it does the job.

Our House 3.

2007-02-25T20:35:00.001-05:00

photos, originally uploaded by hockeygrrl75.

View of the garage and our yard. We have a huge yard that needs lots of work.

Our house 2.

2007-02-25T20:34:00.001-05:00

photos, originally uploaded by hockeygrrl75.

Side view. The prior owner removed the old dormers from the back of the house and leveled out the roof. The upstairs window in is the master bedroom. Downstairs is the living room and the kitchen.

Our House.

2007-02-25T20:31:00.001-05:00

photos, originally uploaded by hockeygrrl75.

Well we finally got a digital camera! Here is a front view shot of our house. We have a lot of work to do this spring. :)

Home Happenings.

2007-02-21T16:41:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. Things have been hectic. We had the death of a hamster, loads of work, more painting at home, catching up on cds from the past as well as dealing with the snow. Good news though, we now have a digitial camera. I gave one to Mr. K for vday so we should have some snaps up soon.

Happy VDAY!

2007-02-14T15:00:00.000-05:00

From the DivineMsN.

Eyes of a Stranger! (For all you Queensryche Fans Out There).

2007-02-12T22:11:00.000-05:00

Wow I really am that old. I was loading some new songs onto my Ipod. I have been in the mood for some really old metal that I haven't heard in a long time. I was unpacking some boxes and found my Queensryche cds. I uploaded "Empire" and their greatest hits. I decided to google the band and see what they were up to. They came out with an "Operation Mindcrime II". Holy Cow! I love the first OM. I heard a couple of songs from their site and they werent bad. I saw Q a few years ago and I still love them. I'll have to see if I can pick the album up on Ebay. Until then ....

"People always turn away from the eyes of a Straaanngeeerrrr!"

Home Happenings.

2007-02-11T08:36:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to wallpapering the kitchen. I used Waverly Striped Saged that I bought from Target.com. It's a knock-off of the striped walls that Food Network's Ina Garten has in her kitchen. It was a little intimidating at first but I got the hang of it. I did make the mistake of not ordering enough of it but I found a few places online that have it that are much cheaper than Tar-jay. I am hoping to get everything done my March.

Cassandra Says:

2007-02-06T15:31:00.001-05:00

What comes around goes around.

What I am reading. Feb 2007

2007-02-01T10:31:00.000-05:00

I have re-joined GreyCats' bookclub so this month I am reading "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole. It's a very funny read and gives an insightful view into New Orleans' life. The lead character, Ignatius Reilly, is a pompus ass who reminds me of too many people in my life. I am also tag reading "Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote. There are some short stories included with the novel that are quite enjoyable.

SU Alum for President!

2007-01-31T10:14:00.000-05:00

Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) has decided to run for President. He is a SU alum (College of Law 1968).

I have been waiting for this annoucement for months!

Where do I sign-up?

2007-01-29T12:15:00.000-05:00

A UK church has decided to switch their usual Sunday hymns for some U2 songs. Now there is a church I would attend on a regular basis. Now what I want to know is ,will Bono be serving communion?

Check out PaperBackSwap.com!

2007-01-25T11:10:00.000-05:00

Ms. GreyCats hooked me up with this cool site where you can swap your old books for with other people. So far I have sent two books and I am waiting to get one back. It's easy and free.

http://www.paperbackswap.com

Home Happenings.

2007-01-24T13:31:00.000-05:00

Well I got another room in the house painted. Its the small hallway that joins the living room to the bathroom and the dining room. It's this really cool shade of green that is a nice complement to the silver sage that's in the dining room. Mr. K and I are still at a loss as to what to paint the living room. I have a feeling that we wont be getting to that room until this summer so we still have some time to think about the color. I did manage to get the wallpaper for the kitchen but I wont start on that until after we have our SuperBowl party in a couple of weeks. I have never wallpapered before so this should be interesting :)

Blockbuster vs. Netflix

2007-01-19T20:36:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I signed up for a Blockbuster online account. I already have a Netflix account but I wanted to compare the two and take advantage of a free month from Blockbuster. I cant say that I see any difference between the two services. I like the fact that you can take a DVD back to a Blockbuster store for a free rental though I don't think that I am going to take advantage of that. I hate going into Blockbuster (that is why I gave up my membership ling ago).

So far I have rented a few old black and white films that I have wanted to see for a while. So far I have seen Some Like It Hot, Holiday and Mary Queen of Scots. I have been in a Cary Grant mood so I have a bunch of his stuff on both queues. Tonight I am watching Baby Doll while nursing my cold. I plan a weekend of moving watching and nose blowing.

I'm sick of being sick.

2007-01-18T19:45:00.000-05:00

I have been sick these past few days so that explains the lack of posts. I still have been busy though here at home. I finished painting the dining room. I used the leftover Silver Sage that I bought from Restoration Hardware. I used it in the downstairs bathroom and still had over half of it leftover. It looks really nice in the dining room. My next room to tackle is the hallway that starts downstairs and heads to the second floor.

I also bought another DVD player for the living room. I was checking out some HTIBs (home theaters in a box) at BJS today and almost made a purchase. I decided against it and got a DVD player instead. This one has a component hook-up and I thought about getting the cables for it but I could not remember if my TV had the correct inputs for it. Turns out it did. I'll pick up the cables at a later date.

So if anyone out there reading this has any suggestions for some speakers,sub woofer and a receiver (I am leaning towards a Denon) drop me a line thru the comments. Please be price conscious since I am on a budget :)

Home happenings

2007-01-12T10:37:00.000-05:00

I opened up a on-line savings account thru HSBC. I am going to make monthly contributions until I get my $3000 so I can open up a Vanguard IRA. I keep saying that I am going to open on up and then something always happens and I don't. No more excuses now.

Also I am contemplating getting some X10 remotes to remotely control some of the lights around the house. Eventually I want to set up a server to do this for me. Mr. K knows I cannot sleep if I think there is a rogue light on at night. He is getting some timers for some of the lights as I write. He's a good man.

Right now I am working on finalizing the color for the dining room. I am eventually going to put in a new light in there too. But only after I switch the doorknob on the bathroom door and get a new light in the bathroom. I think I am going to get one from Restoration hardware unless I can find a cheaper version at Lowes.

Here is a cool recipe for Dr. Pepper flank steak. I googled for it after I saw that Super Suppers was going to offer it next month.

My New Year's Resolutions

2007-01-11T20:27:00.000-05:00

GreyCats posted her resolutions so I thought that I would post mine.

Save enough to open my Roth IRA
Have all of the rooms in the new house painted
Get some dining furniture
Not let a co-worker drive me nuts
Add to my emergency fund

I think that is it.

In the nick of time.

2007-01-10T16:21:00.000-05:00

Our fridge is about to go. Luckily we saw it coming and ordered a basic white fridge from Home Depot. We got a gift card from Mr. K's parents and got it for just around $500. There is a rebate for the delivery that we need to send in. So far we have spent over $1000 on appliances. We eventually need to replace the washer but I am using that sucker until it falls apart.

I also came across an almost exact replica of the wallpaper that Barefoot Contessa has in her tv kitchen. In her instance it's painted walls that look like wallpaper. I found it at Target.com. I can't wait to order it :) I also plan on starting to paint the dining room soon. This weekend we have to drylock our basement to prevent further flooding. Oh joy.

Sunday chores

2007-01-07T20:19:00.000-05:00

Today was a pretty nice day. I went out to breafast with Mr. K, then we put away the rest of the Xmas decorations. We went out to our local BJs and also bought a new fridge at Home Depot. Now Mr. K is out with the kids and his cousin at a friends house to watch the football game. I went out to Target and used a gift card I got from a co-worker and bought some curtain rods. I got some nice ones for under $20 a piece. I hung them up and added curtains. Now I am watching tv with some candles and my cats. Ahh the sweet life.

Furry Heat Hogs.

2007-01-05T11:46:00.000-05:00

As many of you know I am cheap with the heat. I installed (ok Mr. K installed) a programable thermometer for the new home. I have set it up so that it turns on at 5:30 in the AM just as Mr. K is getting up in the morning (and convienently the house is nice and warm when I get up at 6). We have been having a warm spell lately so I have been making sure that there has been no unnecessary heat usuage. My cats do not approve. Apparently it is too cold for them in the house and they have taken to laying in front of the heat registers and using all the heat up. There have been a few times when I have been looking for them and have found them splayed out in front the the heat vents. Dude likes the one in the living room and Leo is partial to the one in our bedroom. What the heck? They have fur!!!!! If the humans can keep themselves warm then the cats should be content. They have turned into furry little heat hogs. Stop stealing the heat cats!!! We (occasionally) need some too.

The Cheapo Homeowner.

2007-01-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

One of the things that I want to do now that I am a homeowner is to watch our energy consumption. As the "electron nazi" I cannot sleep at night knowing that there may be a lamp or a tv on that is sucking energy. I do (or make Mr. K do) a nightly patrol of the house before going to bed making sure everything that needs to be off is turned off. I need to train the cats to either turn off all the unnecessary lights or come and tell their mom if there is a light left on. I am investigating using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). I bought some at Ikea a couple of years ago that I don't really care for. Turns out that these bulbs are actually quite shitty. I think I am going to start with the lamps in the living room and see how I like them. Here is a site that is recommended.

All packed in.

2007-01-02T07:48:00.000-05:00

Well, we are all settled in. I turned in the keys to the old apt on Sun and now there is no turning back :) Still plenty of boxes to unpack but so far so good. Now if Mr. K can teach his children to not yell at 6:45 in the morning and h0w to lock the door things would be perfect. I have the day off today (due to Ford's death) so I am going to go back to bed and run some errands later.

Believe in the power of Santa or Die!

2006-12-22T10:06:00.000-05:00

From The Blog Of: The DivineMsN

Taking a hiatus until the new year. Merry Xmas, and Happy New Year to all of my readers!

DivineMsN

Candies of Death!

2006-12-21T11:33:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted about the new foamy cartoons in months! Here is a new Xmas one. Also check out the vault for other finds. I personally like the "Mexico es muy bien".

Check us out on Catster!

2006-12-21T08:26:00.000-05:00

Leo and Dude are both on Catster check out their profiles :)

Dude

Leo

My Inner Bob Villa*

2006-12-19T15:37:00.000-05:00

So Mr. K, the Kevinitos, the cats and I are all settled in our new home. I was off from work yesterday to supervise my move and did a few things around the house. I did a paint test patch in the downstairs bathroom, hooked up the tv/stereo equipment in the living room, put up the new mailbox, unpacked more boxes and ran to the laundromat. Needless to say my body is aching today. I want to send a shout out to all our friends who helped moved Mr. K's stuff on Sat. Thanks so much!

*stealing this phrase from Mr. K.

It's almost here.

2006-12-14T20:51:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the big day! We're closing! WOO HOO! I can't wait to get the keys to our home. Now the real fun begins. And if anyone is interested we are accepting donations of Home Depot cards :)

STOP RUINING THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT!

2006-12-13T13:26:00.000-05:00

Please join my petition to ban the Dan Fogelberg "Same Old Lang Syne" from the radio. How is this even a Xmas song? Damn it is so depressing. STOP RUINING THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT!!!!!! So readers, tell me what other Xmas songs piss you off?

Boxes, boxes everywhere....

2006-12-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

This Friday Mr.K and I will be first time homeowners. But until then I am living with boxes. My poor cats are like "What the hell is going on"? I keep telling them that by Sat they will be in a new home so chill out. They are not pleased that the new house does not have a porch where they can sun themselves. I told them that Mr. K and I are working on it. I did tell them that there were many windows that they could look out of and they seemed pleased with that. Anyway there may be a lack of posts for a while but I am sure my readers will understand :)

Thank you FHA!!!!!!

2006-12-06T19:14:00.000-05:00

Good news! Mr. K and I got our house!!!!! The FHA re-inspection went thru and we are closing in less than 2 weeks. I am so thrilled! I am currently out of town on business and Mr. K called to give me the good news. We're homeowners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moment of Zen

2006-12-01T16:51:00.000-05:00

Williamsburg Bridge summer 2006.

Homicide

2006-11-30T09:10:00.000-05:00

I finally managed to pick up a copy of "Homicide" by David Simon at my local BN. Every other time I went to look for it they were sold out this last time I decided to give it one more shot and there it was. I am a huge fan of the tv show (mmmm Tim Bayliss) so I naturally wanted to read the book. So far I am about 1/4 of the way thru it and it is fantastic. I am a cop junkie and always thought that I was better slated for a life on the force so this book is filling this void for me. I also managed to pick up a used copy of the first 2 seasons of the show from Ebay.

Here are some great Homicide quotes:

Pembleton: You're not Catholic and you took communion?
Bayliss: Yeah. Is that wrong?
Pembleton: If my god wins, you're screwed.

Bayliss: You never say please. You never say thank you.
Pembleton: Please don't be an idiot. Thank you.

Bayliss: I'm a detective, Frank. I'm a keen observer of the human condition. I pick up on the subtlest clues, I react to the slightest suggestion. In short, I deduct.
Pembleton: Who told you?
Bayliss: Brodie.

Kellerman: You sure you want me with you?
Bayliss: Yeah sure, why not?
Kellerman: I don't know. Uh, last time we worked together you were kind of snarky. Bayliss: Snarky?
Kellerman: Yeah, snarky. You know, from the ancient Greek, meaning butthead.

I'm Royalty, Bitch!

2006-11-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

To my court jester:

Thank you for referring to me as "Her Highness". It's nice to know that I am treated to such an honor. I will forever cherish this title you have bestowed upon me and I promise to live up to my name. I will forever be your queen and you will always be my court fool (Fulana). Your antics amuse me and allow me to appreciate how far I have come (and how low you have fallen). Now kiss my ring and get back to work.

Sincerely,
Her Royal Highness DivineMsN

Chingedy-ching!

2006-11-24T09:26:00.000-05:00

I found it! I have been telling Mr. K for the past two years about the Lou Monte Xmas song "Dominic The Donkey". I love this stupid song. Here's a web site that plays the song!

" The label on the inside says he's made in Brooklyn."

It wouldn't be my life if I didnt have any car drama.

2006-11-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

So this morning I start my car and no problem. Then, I turn the car off and go back to my apt because I left my cell phone. Guess what? The car won't freaking start. Actually, it does crank and then nothing. I am guess dead battery, Mr. K said it might be the alternator. Effing wonderful. Let's see how much this is going to cost.

Bleh

2006-11-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

I feel really "Bleh" today. Work is really becoming a chore and all I want to do is go to bed in my pjs. I realized that I haven't done any sewing in weeks. Maybe that is what my problem is. I think its the weather. Plus I have been feeling under the weather lately. (Weather connected? Hmm)? Maybe I'll break out a pattern tonite.

Calgon, take me away.....

2006-11-14T16:48:00.000-05:00

Sorry about the lack of posts lately. Things have been busy with a side project. I wont post anymore here because I don't want to jeopardize it. Let's just say that I am hoping to have some good news by the the of the month. Oh and by the way my 31st bday is tomorrow. I was planning on taking the day off but guess who is the good employee who is coming in for a half-day tomorrow? That's right, me.

At least I can sleep again at night.

2006-11-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

I, for one, welcome our new Democratic overlords.

For all you Simpsons fans out there. :)

Has hell frozen over?

2006-11-07T16:50:00.000-05:00

First Britney Spears files for divorce and then this. Tucker Carlson in wearing a normal tie! What the hell? Maybe the Dems will take over Congress. Maybe I will vote next time.

Because my cat Leo should run the country.

2006-11-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

He doesnt take any crap and he'll cut you up if you try and mess with him.

DOH! Belated Happy Bday!

2006-11-07T08:02:00.000-05:00

No, I didn't forget I just didn't post it here. Happy Blog Belated Birthday Mr. K!

US Map of Active Hate Groups

2006-11-03T13:49:00.000-05:00

I was sad to see that in my little town in NJ we are a hotbed of white supremacy.

http://tolerance.org/maps/hate/index.html

Be still my beating heart!

2006-11-03T09:59:00.000-05:00

Holy crap how did this escape me? Clerks II is coming out on DVD on 11/28!!!!!! Oh I CANNOT WAIT to get my hands on this.

2006-11-01T20:47:00.000-05:00

How cute is this?

Fabulous Find: Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter.

2006-11-01T15:55:00.000-05:00

Today I had a Hershey kiss that was filled with peanut butter. It was delish. When a peanut butter cup is too much peanut for you, try this little beauty.