tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70831571092831683032024-03-12T16:54:50.350-07:00Distractible JaneA blog about my life and... oh look! A butterfly!Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.comBlogger487125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-83512186384600132452014-02-19T23:22:00.001-08:002014-02-19T23:50:12.290-08:00Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm not sure if anyone is still subscribed to this after all this time, but I thought I'd update you all on what has happened in the past 16 months.<br />
<br />
<br />
We still celebrated Halloween like a couple of dorks:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX_LiKZIUuI/UwWnd7elwLI/AAAAAAAABDs/_6fF6qNraWs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+12.57.36+AM.png"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX_LiKZIUuI/UwWnd7elwLI/AAAAAAAABDs/_6fF6qNraWs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+12.57.36+AM.png" /></a><br />
<br />
I embarked on a fitness challenge:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpzcMseQMQE/UwWn6HCshgI/AAAAAAAABD0/q0ryiuOsQQw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+12.59.18+AM.png"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpzcMseQMQE/UwWn6HCshgI/AAAAAAAABD0/q0ryiuOsQQw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+12.59.18+AM.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I made some things:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmPzfj6ga-c/UwWoxMwMu3I/AAAAAAAABEA/AjVkppPa9uo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.01.10+AM.png"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmPzfj6ga-c/UwWoxMwMu3I/AAAAAAAABEA/AjVkppPa9uo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.01.10+AM.png" width="196" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4YYwYiC23U/UwWoxN2GplI/AAAAAAAABEI/mjnYn48Choo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.01.18+AM.png"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4YYwYiC23U/UwWoxN2GplI/AAAAAAAABEI/mjnYn48Choo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.01.18+AM.png" width="182" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mr7I_gSr9q0/UwWoxGF85aI/AAAAAAAABEE/uPBDc2J0IfI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.02.55+AM.png"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mr7I_gSr9q0/UwWoxGF85aI/AAAAAAAABEE/uPBDc2J0IfI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.02.55+AM.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSYPaDIwVsA/UwWoxtnGJTI/AAAAAAAABEY/9YGnIOo2l0c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.03.07+AM.png"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSYPaDIwVsA/UwWoxtnGJTI/AAAAAAAABEY/9YGnIOo2l0c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.03.07+AM.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Wait, what was that again? <br />
<br />
Yup.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24votpjlcfc/UwWqDUozrFI/AAAAAAAABEk/vANPcAhktz4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.05.09+AM.png"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24votpjlcfc/UwWqDUozrFI/AAAAAAAABEk/vANPcAhktz4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.05.09+AM.png" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_O3JA691Pg/UwWqDRS9WSI/AAAAAAAABEs/NOBx8KV-hZo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.05.23+AM.png"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_O3JA691Pg/UwWqDRS9WSI/AAAAAAAABEs/NOBx8KV-hZo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.05.23+AM.png" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkC63EoG1Zc/UwWqEFoAOVI/AAAAAAAABE8/8Tzsaxx3IFY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.06.28+AM.png"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkC63EoG1Zc/UwWqEFoAOVI/AAAAAAAABE8/8Tzsaxx3IFY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.06.28+AM.png" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OktRpPBaoRg/UwWqEnKzibI/AAAAAAAABFo/Wh91tri83Mw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.06.45+AM.png"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OktRpPBaoRg/UwWqEnKzibI/AAAAAAAABFo/Wh91tri83Mw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.06.45+AM.png" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQEz6WXWNXo/UwWqEgVUpkI/AAAAAAAABFY/AyviClbrO7s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.07.20+AM.png"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQEz6WXWNXo/UwWqEgVUpkI/AAAAAAAABFY/AyviClbrO7s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.07.20+AM.png" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPsLO2wDiOQ/UwWqFndKcPI/AAAAAAAABFg/KCj6A25Z-yQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.08.10+AM.png"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPsLO2wDiOQ/UwWqFndKcPI/AAAAAAAABFg/KCj6A25Z-yQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.08.10+AM.png" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy8sJyPGYX8/UwWqFxfqOII/AAAAAAAABFw/FhrMA6EjQYQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.08.41+AM.png"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy8sJyPGYX8/UwWqFxfqOII/AAAAAAAABFw/FhrMA6EjQYQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.08.41+AM.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Then I met this little person on 11/12/13:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1yfb4gPfto/UwWsGV-IflI/AAAAAAAABHM/3sH8EeHiRv8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.10.13+AM.png"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1yfb4gPfto/UwWsGV-IflI/AAAAAAAABHM/3sH8EeHiRv8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.10.13+AM.png" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjfbDmiopAE/UwWsHKxl7_I/AAAAAAAABHY/8fu4R-XYLmQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.11.14+AM.png"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjfbDmiopAE/UwWsHKxl7_I/AAAAAAAABHY/8fu4R-XYLmQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.11.14+AM.png" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eLQesEJ1y9k/UwWsIT3rJRI/AAAAAAAABHs/e6USB3u8RRw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.11.47+AM.png"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eLQesEJ1y9k/UwWsIT3rJRI/AAAAAAAABHs/e6USB3u8RRw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.11.47+AM.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y36I_2lJUwU/UwWsHsTWO2I/AAAAAAAABHc/WDQPeVUJIsw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.12.40+AM.png"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y36I_2lJUwU/UwWsHsTWO2I/AAAAAAAABHc/WDQPeVUJIsw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.12.40+AM.png" width="146" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIXVRFMppEs/UwWsIZKIGeI/AAAAAAAABHo/DNgHQHcjcFU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.12.53+AM.png"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIXVRFMppEs/UwWsIZKIGeI/AAAAAAAABHo/DNgHQHcjcFU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.12.53+AM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0VHaXciwXcU/UwWsJGSIg_I/AAAAAAAABH4/6Vf4lZN84Lg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.14.13+AM.png"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0VHaXciwXcU/UwWsJGSIg_I/AAAAAAAABH4/6Vf4lZN84Lg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.14.13+AM.png" width="159" /></a><br />
<br />
Things have been pretty good, Internets.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpCLyZukayk/UwWsJnvFPcI/AAAAAAAABIA/MihQnEhYu-Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.14.32+AM.png"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpCLyZukayk/UwWsJnvFPcI/AAAAAAAABIA/MihQnEhYu-Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.14.32+AM.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Love always, <br />
<br />
Jane<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-xy8sJyPGYX8%2FUwWqFxfqOII%2FAAAAAAAABFw%2FFhrMA6EjQYQ%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.08.41%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy8sJyPGYX8/UwWqFxfqOII/AAAAAAAABFw/FhrMA6EjQYQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.08.41+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OktRpPBaoRg/UwWqEnKzibI/AAAAAAAABFo/Wh91tri83Mw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.06.45+AM.png" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OktRpPBaoRg/UwWqEnKzibI/AAAAAAAABFo/Wh91tri83Mw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.06.45+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIXVRFMppEs/UwWsIZKIGeI/AAAAAAAABHo/DNgHQHcjcFU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.12.53+AM.png" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIXVRFMppEs/UwWsIZKIGeI/AAAAAAAABHo/DNgHQHcjcFU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.12.53+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OktRpPBaoRg%2FUwWqEnKzibI%2FAAAAAAAABFo%2FWh91tri83Mw%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.06.45%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OktRpPBaoRg/UwWqEnKzibI/AAAAAAAABFo/Wh91tri83Mw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.06.45+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX_LiKZIUuI/UwWnd7elwLI/AAAAAAAABDs/_6fF6qNraWs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+12.57.36+AM.png" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX_LiKZIUuI/UwWnd7elwLI/AAAAAAAABDs/_6fF6qNraWs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+12.57.36+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F--1yfb4gPfto%2FUwWsGV-IflI%2FAAAAAAAABHM%2F3sH8EeHiRv8%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.10.13%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1yfb4gPfto/UwWsGV-IflI/AAAAAAAABHM/3sH8EeHiRv8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.10.13+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-mr7I_gSr9q0%2FUwWoxGF85aI%2FAAAAAAAABEE%2FuPBDc2J0IfI%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.02.55%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mr7I_gSr9q0/UwWoxGF85aI/AAAAAAAABEE/uPBDc2J0IfI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.02.55+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1yfb4gPfto/UwWsGV-IflI/AAAAAAAABHM/3sH8EeHiRv8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.10.13+AM.png" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1yfb4gPfto/UwWsGV-IflI/AAAAAAAABHM/3sH8EeHiRv8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.10.13+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-mQEz6WXWNXo%2FUwWqEgVUpkI%2FAAAAAAAABFY%2FAyviClbrO7s%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.07.20%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQEz6WXWNXo/UwWqEgVUpkI/AAAAAAAABFY/AyviClbrO7s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.07.20+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24votpjlcfc/UwWqDUozrFI/AAAAAAAABEk/vANPcAhktz4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.05.09+AM.png" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24votpjlcfc/UwWqDUozrFI/AAAAAAAABEk/vANPcAhktz4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.05.09+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkC63EoG1Zc/UwWqEFoAOVI/AAAAAAAABE8/8Tzsaxx3IFY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.06.28+AM.png" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkC63EoG1Zc/UwWqEFoAOVI/AAAAAAAABE8/8Tzsaxx3IFY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.06.28+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-BkC63EoG1Zc%2FUwWqEFoAOVI%2FAAAAAAAABE8%2F8Tzsaxx3IFY%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.06.28%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkC63EoG1Zc/UwWqEFoAOVI/AAAAAAAABE8/8Tzsaxx3IFY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.06.28+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mr7I_gSr9q0/UwWoxGF85aI/AAAAAAAABEE/uPBDc2J0IfI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.02.55+AM.png" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mr7I_gSr9q0/UwWoxGF85aI/AAAAAAAABEE/uPBDc2J0IfI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.02.55+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpCLyZukayk/UwWsJnvFPcI/AAAAAAAABIA/MihQnEhYu-Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.14.32+AM.png" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpCLyZukayk/UwWsJnvFPcI/AAAAAAAABIA/MihQnEhYu-Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.14.32+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ZSYPaDIwVsA%2FUwWoxtnGJTI%2FAAAAAAAABEY%2F9YGnIOo2l0c%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.03.07%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSYPaDIwVsA/UwWoxtnGJTI/AAAAAAAABEY/9YGnIOo2l0c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.03.07+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-mjfbDmiopAE%2FUwWsHKxl7_I%2FAAAAAAAABHY%2F8fu4R-XYLmQ%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.11.14%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjfbDmiopAE/UwWsHKxl7_I/AAAAAAAABHY/8fu4R-XYLmQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.11.14+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0VHaXciwXcU/UwWsJGSIg_I/AAAAAAAABH4/6Vf4lZN84Lg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.14.13+AM.png" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0VHaXciwXcU/UwWsJGSIg_I/AAAAAAAABH4/6Vf4lZN84Lg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.14.13+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-G_O3JA691Pg%2FUwWqDRS9WSI%2FAAAAAAAABEs%2FNOBx8KV-hZo%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.05.23%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_O3JA691Pg/UwWqDRS9WSI/AAAAAAAABEs/NOBx8KV-hZo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.05.23+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy8sJyPGYX8/UwWqFxfqOII/AAAAAAAABFw/FhrMA6EjQYQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.08.41+AM.png" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy8sJyPGYX8/UwWqFxfqOII/AAAAAAAABFw/FhrMA6EjQYQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.08.41+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y36I_2lJUwU/UwWsHsTWO2I/AAAAAAAABHc/WDQPeVUJIsw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.12.40+AM.png" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y36I_2lJUwU/UwWsHsTWO2I/AAAAAAAABHc/WDQPeVUJIsw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.12.40+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPsLO2wDiOQ/UwWqFndKcPI/AAAAAAAABFg/KCj6A25Z-yQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.08.10+AM.png" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPsLO2wDiOQ/UwWqFndKcPI/AAAAAAAABFg/KCj6A25Z-yQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.08.10+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-n4YYwYiC23U%2FUwWoxN2GplI%2FAAAAAAAABEI%2FmjnYn48Choo%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.01.18%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4YYwYiC23U/UwWoxN2GplI/AAAAAAAABEI/mjnYn48Choo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.01.18+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmPzfj6ga-c/UwWoxMwMu3I/AAAAAAAABEA/AjVkppPa9uo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.01.10+AM.png" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmPzfj6ga-c/UwWoxMwMu3I/AAAAAAAABEA/AjVkppPa9uo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.01.10+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-eLQesEJ1y9k%2FUwWsIT3rJRI%2FAAAAAAAABHs%2Fe6USB3u8RRw%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.11.47%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eLQesEJ1y9k/UwWsIT3rJRI/AAAAAAAABHs/e6USB3u8RRw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.11.47+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-DpzcMseQMQE%2FUwWn6HCshgI%2FAAAAAAAABD0%2Fq0ryiuOsQQw%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B12.59.18%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpzcMseQMQE/UwWn6HCshgI/AAAAAAAABD0/q0ryiuOsQQw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+12.59.18+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjfbDmiopAE/UwWsHKxl7_I/AAAAAAAABHY/8fu4R-XYLmQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.11.14+AM.png" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjfbDmiopAE/UwWsHKxl7_I/AAAAAAAABHY/8fu4R-XYLmQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.11.14+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IpCLyZukayk%2FUwWsJnvFPcI%2FAAAAAAAABIA%2FMihQnEhYu-Q%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.14.32%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpCLyZukayk/UwWsJnvFPcI/AAAAAAAABIA/MihQnEhYu-Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.14.32+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fX_LiKZIUuI%2FUwWnd7elwLI%2FAAAAAAAABDs%2F_6fF6qNraWs%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B12.57.36%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX_LiKZIUuI/UwWnd7elwLI/AAAAAAAABDs/_6fF6qNraWs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+12.57.36+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-0VHaXciwXcU%2FUwWsJGSIg_I%2FAAAAAAAABH4%2F6Vf4lZN84Lg%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.14.13%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0VHaXciwXcU/UwWsJGSIg_I/AAAAAAAABH4/6Vf4lZN84Lg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.14.13+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eLQesEJ1y9k/UwWsIT3rJRI/AAAAAAAABHs/e6USB3u8RRw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.11.47+AM.png" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eLQesEJ1y9k/UwWsIT3rJRI/AAAAAAAABHs/e6USB3u8RRw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.11.47+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-gmPzfj6ga-c%2FUwWoxMwMu3I%2FAAAAAAAABEA%2FAjVkppPa9uo%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.01.10%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmPzfj6ga-c/UwWoxMwMu3I/AAAAAAAABEA/AjVkppPa9uo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.01.10+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-SIXVRFMppEs%2FUwWsIZKIGeI%2FAAAAAAAABHo%2FDNgHQHcjcFU%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.12.53%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIXVRFMppEs/UwWsIZKIGeI/AAAAAAAABHo/DNgHQHcjcFU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.12.53+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-JPsLO2wDiOQ%2FUwWqFndKcPI%2FAAAAAAAABFg%2FKCj6A25Z-yQ%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.08.10%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPsLO2wDiOQ/UwWqFndKcPI/AAAAAAAABFg/KCj6A25Z-yQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.08.10+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Y36I_2lJUwU%2FUwWsHsTWO2I%2FAAAAAAAABHc%2FWDQPeVUJIsw%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.12.40%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y36I_2lJUwU/UwWsHsTWO2I/AAAAAAAABHc/WDQPeVUJIsw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.12.40+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSYPaDIwVsA/UwWoxtnGJTI/AAAAAAAABEY/9YGnIOo2l0c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.03.07+AM.png" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSYPaDIwVsA/UwWoxtnGJTI/AAAAAAAABEY/9YGnIOo2l0c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.03.07+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-24votpjlcfc%2FUwWqDUozrFI%2FAAAAAAAABEk%2FvANPcAhktz4%2Fs1600%2FScreen%2BShot%2B2014-02-20%2Bat%2B1.05.09%2BAM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24votpjlcfc/UwWqDUozrFI/AAAAAAAABEk/vANPcAhktz4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.05.09+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpzcMseQMQE/UwWn6HCshgI/AAAAAAAABD0/q0ryiuOsQQw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+12.59.18+AM.png" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpzcMseQMQE/UwWn6HCshgI/AAAAAAAABD0/q0ryiuOsQQw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+12.59.18+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4YYwYiC23U/UwWoxN2GplI/AAAAAAAABEI/mjnYn48Choo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.01.18+AM.png" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4YYwYiC23U/UwWoxN2GplI/AAAAAAAABEI/mjnYn48Choo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.01.18+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_O3JA691Pg/UwWqDRS9WSI/AAAAAAAABEs/NOBx8KV-hZo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.05.23+AM.png" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_O3JA691Pg/UwWqDRS9WSI/AAAAAAAABEs/NOBx8KV-hZo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.05.23+AM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQEz6WXWNXo/UwWqEgVUpkI/AAAAAAAABFY/AyviClbrO7s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.07.20+AM.png" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQEz6WXWNXo/UwWqEgVUpkI/AAAAAAAABFY/AyviClbrO7s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-20+at+1.07.20+AM.png" -->Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-52226010679482080002012-10-04T05:06:00.000-07:002012-10-04T05:06:00.079-07:00Au revoir <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Internets,<br />
<br />
I think it's time for me to say goodbye (for now) to this blog.<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about this for a while. (I even had a dream about it, which I won't tell you about, because as <a href="http://www.collegehumor.com/malarious/">Ron Swanson Uncle Henry</a> says, "Dear, no one likes to hear about dreams.")<br />
<br />
Life has settled into a comfortable routine that is pretty darn great. Sadly, "My Comfortable Routine" doesn't exactly make for gripping blog material. The internet is already full of so much white noise; I don't want to put writing out into the world that doesn't sing (or at the very least, rap out a catchy drum beat).<br />
<br />
I'll still be around, reading and commenting on your blogs. Maybe I'll even post again, someday. But for now, it's time to say "so long."<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
Jane</div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-71570460589121795752012-08-30T06:47:00.003-07:002012-08-30T06:47:46.522-07:00Empty bucket<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was talking to a friend the other day about why I haven't done any stand up for so long. I told her really miss it, but I feel like I have run out of things to say. It's like I had a certain sized bucket of funny insights, and I used it up in 2010-2011. <br />
<br />
I feel the same way about writing. I haven't been blogging or journaling regularly for over a year. The stories I *could* tell don't feel like they belong to me. <br />
<br />
Maybe it's a question of just doing it. Maybe I really have run out of things to say.<br />
<br />
Do you ever feel this way? If so, how do you get over it?</div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-59459793848678598862012-08-19T12:36:00.000-07:002012-08-19T12:40:55.458-07:00About me 3.0<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been about three-and-a-half years since I last wrote an "<a href="http://distractiblejane.blogspot.com/2009/03/all-about-jane.html">About</a>" page (well, technically, since <a href="http://gretchenalice.tumblr.com/">Gretchen Alice</a> wrote it), so I figured it was time for an update.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-UlrWiapeI/UDE6iJeOHBI/AAAAAAAABAA/Dn_-_c7yOW0/s1600/-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-UlrWiapeI/UDE6iJeOHBI/AAAAAAAABAA/Dn_-_c7yOW0/s1600/-1.jpeg" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">
My name is Sandra, not Jane. I originally wanted this blog to be anonymous (hence the "Jane,") but I gave that up and use my real name (Sandra) now. I comment on other blogs as Jane <strike>to be confusing</strike> <strike>out of laziness</strike> for consistency. I don't blog (or comment) as much as I used to. Sorry about that. (Or, if you don't like me: you're welcome.)<br />
<br />
I'm in my early 30s. I live in Austin, TX with my husband Abe (formerly known as <a href="http://distractiblejane.blogspot.com/2009/10/as-promised.html">Achilles</a>), my dog <a href="http://distractiblejane.blogspot.com/search/label/bailey">Bailey</a>, and our three <a href="http://distractiblejane.blogspot.com/search/label/chickens">chickens</a>. I have an adorable niece and nephew, another niece on the way, and the obligatory best friends and family ever.<br />
<br />
Abe and I recently bought a house as close to the old neighborhoods in downtown Austin (where we both grew up) as we could afford. We are not very close to downtown Austin.<br />
<br />
As far as my interests (particularly what I like to blog about), I like to consider myself a dilettante. For me, the term does not have a negative connotation. Everyone has their passions; my passion just happens to be trying lots and lots of different things (and watching scripted <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0412253/">television shows</a> that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1235547/">get canceled</a> or <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1439629/">changed</a> due to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367279/">criminally low ratings</a>). I have tried my hand at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/sortasandy/videos">stand up comedy</a>, animal husbandry, baking, cooking, learning Italian, triathlons, knitting, playing the ukulele, sewing, <a href="http://distractiblejane.blogspot.com/2009/07/spiderman-cupcakes.html">cake decorating</a>, gardening, and probably some other things I've forgotten about. I have a three-page (and counting!) list of other hobbies I want to try.<br />
<br />
I like to think everyone has a little bit of Leslie Knope inside them; I am the Leslie that <a href="http://distractiblejane.blogspot.com/search/label/pressssents">puts a lot of thought into gifts</a>. (And possibly also the Leslie Knope that eats waffles a little more often than she should.)</span><br />
<br />
I work as a computer programmer, which I mostly enjoy. Recently, I took a year or so off from computer programming to work from home for a Really Big Company (a "fruity" electronics company that made me sign one heck of a confidentiality agreement when I left). It was a good experience, but working from home turned out to be bad for me as a human being. So now I'm back to programming. I go to work at a Big College Campus, which requires me to do all sorts of exciting things, like change out of pajamas and ride the bus and interact with other humans who are not yelling at me.<br />
<span style="text-align: left;">
<br />
A couple of years ago, my husband Abe gave up his lawyer job to become a police officer. I've since come to the conclusion that the only people the general public hates more than lawyers (until they need one) are cops (until they need one). I understand that you may have strong feelings about police. I prefer not to discuss them with you. Honestly, policing is not my first choice for Abe's profession, but he's happy, so I'm happy.*<br />
</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNeAb-Nluho/UDE6jPrEv6I/AAAAAAAABAI/74Uz_URR-Q8/s1600/-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNeAb-Nluho/UDE6jPrEv6I/AAAAAAAABAI/74Uz_URR-Q8/s1600/-2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">
My interests include food (eating it), funny people, all types of animals (especially dogs and elephants), <a href="https://pinterest.com/distractedjane/">Pinterest</a>, reading, and watching teenage angst from afar. My dislikes include all manner of biting insects/arachnids, feeling broke, Facebook, and watching teen angst from up close.<br />
<br />
Since it is the question I'm most frequently asked lately: there are currently zero babies in my home or uterus**. Someday, maybe, we'll have a kid that combines Abe's writing skills with my math skills, and everyone better watch out, because, wow, that kid is going to ace his or her SATs. (That, or s/he will inherit my writing skills and Abe's math skills and both of our ADHD and everyone should still watch out, because wow, that kid will be a hot mess.) Or maybe we'll adopt a child, or maybe we won't have kids at all. I promise, I'll let you know if there is any development on that front.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions or want to be best blog friends, please do <a href="https://twitter.com/distractedjane">tweet</a> or <a href="mailto:distractedjane (at) gmail (dot) com">email</a> me. If you want to contact me for some other reason, you should know that I don't do sponsored posts, and generally speaking, I don't do product giveaways.<br />
<br />
Also, I try to be a nice person, but sometimes I am bad at humor/life/social skills. Let me know if I offend you, and at the very least, I'll try to do better next time.<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
Sandra<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I never even felt like a "police wife" until a few months ago. One night, a call came out about a possible shoplifter. My husband, a rookie who was expected to take that type of "annoying, routine call," was about to assign when an officer who was closer took the call instead. The officer who took the call was shot and killed in the line of duty. I bring this up to explain why I am not interested in debating police use of force or civil rights here: it's just not something I can be unemotional about.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**But thanks for asking, random coworker I met three minutes ago.</span><br />
</span>
</div>
</div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-26216007390423406682012-07-03T11:17:00.001-07:002012-07-03T11:17:09.362-07:00House!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We closed on our house last week, and moved in over the weekend. We're still waiting on most of our furniture, an electrician, and some other boring (to the Internets) things, but we have some pictures! (The nice ones are from the original listing. Sorry about the weird small sizes; Blogger is confusing me.)<br />
<br />
Front:<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e57Qm9OnbAY/T_MukbkGvSI/AAAAAAAAA94/rGDmj578fSw/s1600/door.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e57Qm9OnbAY/T_MukbkGvSI/AAAAAAAAA94/rGDmj578fSw/s1600/door.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e57Qm9OnbAY/T_MukbkGvSI/AAAAAAAAA94/rGDmj578fSw/s1600/door.jpeg" /> </a> <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fSS9Nwaxvg/T_Mukl12X8I/AAAAAAAAA-A/QtKauzWjQkY/s1600/front.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fSS9Nwaxvg/T_Mukl12X8I/AAAAAAAAA-A/QtKauzWjQkY/s1600/front.jpeg" /></a><br />
<br />
Back:<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_TeuVjMf2k/T_MvHUYAcdI/AAAAAAAAA-I/QvwEXoxta7k/s1600/back.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_TeuVjMf2k/T_MvHUYAcdI/AAAAAAAAA-I/QvwEXoxta7k/s1600/back.jpeg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--OjRxk9MEP8/T_MvH6mkGtI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/Ktl8SJB_9n4/s1600/back2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--OjRxk9MEP8/T_MvH6mkGtI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/Ktl8SJB_9n4/s1600/back2.jpeg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Kitchen:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJnyY5y0hdI/T_MyGQBXLVI/AAAAAAAAA-c/2BBQN1Em7Vs/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJnyY5y0hdI/T_MyGQBXLVI/AAAAAAAAA-c/2BBQN1Em7Vs/s1600/kitchen.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5m5OIQbKHr4/T_MyHDfXMpI/AAAAAAAAA-k/IaQbH2yJ79k/s1600/kitchkitsch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5m5OIQbKHr4/T_MyHDfXMpI/AAAAAAAAA-k/IaQbH2yJ79k/s200/kitchkitsch.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Living Room:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fr-OSAm9dhc/T_MzsAaH57I/AAAAAAAAA-s/OxdlMJYrPwc/s1600/living.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fr-OSAm9dhc/T_MzsAaH57I/AAAAAAAAA-s/OxdlMJYrPwc/s1600/living.JPG" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zp2-l9BHgHY/T_MzspYUl8I/AAAAAAAAA-0/SYPHgmPaMh0/s1600/mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zp2-l9BHgHY/T_MzspYUl8I/AAAAAAAAA-0/SYPHgmPaMh0/s200/mantel.jpg" width="149" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Master Bedroom:<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6dXoKQCTUCM/T_M0A0tqL7I/AAAAAAAAA-8/cykH5qT0-DY/s1600/Unknown-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6dXoKQCTUCM/T_M0A0tqL7I/AAAAAAAAA-8/cykH5qT0-DY/s320/Unknown-3.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPsJ6w4Uikk/T_M0BWghTKI/AAAAAAAAA_E/XNRZ3N01VC8/s1600/closet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPsJ6w4Uikk/T_M0BWghTKI/AAAAAAAAA_E/XNRZ3N01VC8/s200/closet.JPG" width="150" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-suH7pngWTQM/T_M0F_l33LI/AAAAAAAAA_M/u3zRsNg18tI/s1600/bathroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-suH7pngWTQM/T_M0F_l33LI/AAAAAAAAA_M/u3zRsNg18tI/s200/bathroom.JPG" width="150" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3gdzPohmrc/T_M0gAk_TrI/AAAAAAAAA_U/IMdl00NOfMA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3gdzPohmrc/T_M0gAk_TrI/AAAAAAAAA_U/IMdl00NOfMA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3gdzPohmrc/T_M0gAk_TrI/AAAAAAAAA_U/IMdl00NOfMA/s1600/photo.JPG" /></a></div>
Sunroom:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Office, 3rd Bedroom, guest bath:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66vHygce6_Q/T_M0vtmNuQI/AAAAAAAAA_s/qdBWQEDrh68/s1600/office.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66vHygce6_Q/T_M0vtmNuQI/AAAAAAAAA_s/qdBWQEDrh68/s320/office.JPG" width="320" /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sv1KYrks-HE/T_M0vNEfpHI/AAAAAAAAA_k/xzzqsGWroIA/s1600/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_RRAJQkQV0/T_M0u6zxLMI/AAAAAAAAA_c/VmIpyMPUOiE/s1600/3rdroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_RRAJQkQV0/T_M0u6zxLMI/AAAAAAAAA_c/VmIpyMPUOiE/s200/3rdroom.JPG" width="150" /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_RRAJQkQV0/T_M0u6zxLMI/AAAAAAAAA_c/VmIpyMPUOiE/s1600/3rdroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sv1KYrks-HE/T_M0vNEfpHI/AAAAAAAAA_k/xzzqsGWroIA/s200/Unknown-2.jpeg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We love it so far. I'll probably post more pictures and things as we get going (and get furniture!) and start various projects.</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-72383746212082229822012-06-24T19:52:00.001-07:002012-06-24T19:52:42.630-07:00Info Hoard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEWpJ0P6LU0/T-fRMlAtQEI/AAAAAAAAA9s/TelZtpM6SkY/s1600/file5761247085684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEWpJ0P6LU0/T-fRMlAtQEI/AAAAAAAAA9s/TelZtpM6SkY/s320/file5761247085684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I think I might be an information hoarder.<br />
<br />
I have thousands of bookmarks, <a href="http://pinterest.com/distractedjane/">Pins</a>, lists, and Google documents all neatly filed away into various categories: interesting online shops, things to make, places to visit, workouts or recipes to try. I see something interesting and tuck it neatly into a folder to look at "when I have time."<br />
<br />
In fairness, I'm relatively organized about my hoarding; I can find anything I'm looking for within a few seconds, and I keep my computer desktop, browser windows, and dock clean. My information is easy to access, and since I mostly store everything online, my hoarding doesn't really cost me anything but time. And when Abe is working nights, and I'm bored or lonely, it is pleasant to browse through my online lists and make vague plans to do something with the stuff I've accumulated.<br />
<br />
The thing is, though, that I'm not doing anything with all this mental fluff I'm saving. For me, planning is the ultimate form of procrastination.<br />
<br />
Now that I've recognized the problem, I'm not sure what to do about it. I'm pretty sure if I make some sort of plan to deal with all my links, I'll just be procrastinating anyway.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'll just shut the virtual closet door and ignore the problem until it goes away.</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-91384355590246366512012-06-20T10:00:00.000-07:002012-06-20T10:00:05.067-07:00Moving day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We (hopefully, fingers-and-toes-crossed) close on our new house in one week. Two days later (fingers-and-toes-and-eyeballs-and-anything-else-we-can-cross) sell our condo two days later.<br />
<br />
Yikes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-B1aMq-Cjk/T-BJoSJ-IZI/AAAAAAAAA9g/KJuh7hTXA8Y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-06-19+at+4.42.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-B1aMq-Cjk/T-BJoSJ-IZI/AAAAAAAAA9g/KJuh7hTXA8Y/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-06-19+at+4.42.32+AM.png" width="243" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's our new kitchen. I'm excited.</div>
</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-12866881815933093392012-06-19T02:37:00.004-07:002012-06-19T02:37:59.016-07:00Flirtation with frugality<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm a big fan of personal finance and frugal-living blogs, and over the years, I've tried a lot of tips to save money. For example, I'm willing to try just about any DIY beauty or cleaning product at least once. Lola the Corolla has been paid off for several years, and I'm in no hurry to replace her (and I'm willing to do some car maintenance myself), and when I do, I'll probably buy another used car, or consider becoming a single-car family if it's feasible. I'll also happily make my own lunch, reuse plastic food containers for other things for a while before recycling them, and take the bus when it's practical.<br />
<br />
However, there are a few common frugal-living tips that I've come to realize I'm just not going to do:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b style="background-color: white;">Turn the thermostat way up.</b><span style="background-color: white;"> I work from home. In Texas. </span><span style="background-color: white;">I firmly believe people should be comfortable at work, and </span><span style="background-color: white;">one can only take off so many articles of clothing. I'm perfectly willing to bundle up in the winter, but in the summer, I want my <strike>MTV</strike> A/C. </span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white;">Completely kick my caffeine habit.</b><span style="background-color: white;"> I would like to do this. Really I would. I just function so much better on caffeine. (I blame ADHD. And Abe's and my weird sleep schedules.) I do try to avoid ordering soda at restaurants and getting fancy coffees too often, but I don't know if I can ever give up caffeine entirely.</span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white;">Make my own laundry detergent/Oxy-Clean</b><span style="background-color: white;">. It's cool that people do this. However, making my own laundry detergent seems kind of messy, and (considering how much you make at a time) kind of a waste of space. Frankly, I'd rather just wear my clothes a few more times between washes. Oxy-Clean is a necessity in our house - it's the only thing that keeps Abe's gym clothes from smelling like dirty filthy grossness. Keeping gallons of hydrogen peroxide around to make my own just feels a lot less practical (and seems like it would generate a lot more plastic and gasoline waste) than getting a giant box of of Oxy-Clean from Costco every six months or so when I have a coupon. </span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white;">Cancel cable. </b><span style="background-color: white;">I'd actually be perfectly happy without cable, but it would make Abe miserable. I'm not willing to sacrifice one of my hub's favorite ways of relaxing for the sake of saving money. He has a stressful job. </span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white;">Buy cheap beer/shoes/meat/dog food.</b><span style="background-color: white;"> With the exception of flip-flops, I've learned I always pay for cheap shoes with my comfort. (Flip-flops just aren't going to be comfortable regardless.) As far as meat goes, I'd rather eat a few extra vegetarian meals a week than eat tons of growth hormones and pink slime. I'd probably feed Bailey less expensive dog food, but he's allergic to a lot of the ingredients in cheap dog food. I'm willing to pay a little more for grain-free food to avoid doggy IBS accidents and excessive trips to the vet. L</span><span style="background-color: white;">ife is just too short for cheap beer.</span></li>
<li><b>Tip poorly. </b><span style="background-color: white;">If customer service jobs suck, waiting tables sucks to the power of 11. </span><span style="background-color: white;">If I were to have service that was bad enough to warrant not leaving a tip, I would consider it my mistake for not speaking with a supervisor or letting the waiter/waitress know there was a problem. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">What do you think? Do you have any frugal tips for me to try? Is there any frugal advice you just won't take?</span></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-27414478935115952912012-06-12T18:14:00.003-07:002012-06-12T18:14:58.179-07:00Bullet points and some pictures of my dog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdZB5t-MR_g/T9fnQdY5XhI/AAAAAAAAA9M/s_O5vyi8a5s/s1600/0208927ab13b11e181bd12313817987b_7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdZB5t-MR_g/T9fnQdY5XhI/AAAAAAAAA9M/s_O5vyi8a5s/s200/0208927ab13b11e181bd12313817987b_7.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>We got Bailey one of those dog couches at Costco. He likes it.</li>
<li>I'm applying for a new job that I probably won't get. It pays more, and I wouldn't be working from home full-time anymore. I think it would be a pretty enjoyable job, but mostly, I just need to stop answering phones for a living. Last week a guy told one of my coworkers that if she turned out to be wrong about some information, he'd find her, gut her, and string her intestines up like Christmas lights. Um. Yeah.</li>
<li>I think my family is pretty much fed up with me. At least Abe's family likes us. </li>
<li>I am overwhelmed with Things To Do. I just don't know where to start so I stare paralyzed at my to-do list while it continues to grow.</li>
<li>Sometimes, I think Bailey and I should just trade places Freaky Friday style.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jex-GCS2eIE/T9fnRn56OHI/AAAAAAAAA9U/I6ZklYDVKb8/s1600/30d942c0b13b11e19894123138140d8c_7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jex-GCS2eIE/T9fnRn56OHI/AAAAAAAAA9U/I6ZklYDVKb8/s320/30d942c0b13b11e19894123138140d8c_7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-76124305455225252442012-06-05T18:54:00.001-07:002012-06-05T18:54:43.801-07:00Oops.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You know how sometimes you accidentally delete your blog template, header, everything? And you are pretty sure you backed it up at some point, but you're not sure where?<br />
<br />
No? Just me?<br />
<br />
Well. Welcome to my new blog layout.<br />
<br />
I call it "Better than nothing."<br />
<br />
xoxo,<br />
Sandra</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-66293613111932497942012-05-05T19:35:00.001-07:002012-05-05T19:35:27.226-07:00Demystified: In Bullet Points<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My last post was sort of cryptic. I feel like I owe the Internets an explanation.<br />
<br />
Life has handed us some lemons in the past few weeks, though only one <a href="http://distractiblejane.blogspot.com/2012/04/blue.html">major</a> one thankfully. [That particular story is not really mine to tell. Very short version: Abe was closely involved in that situation. We had a lot of difficult Life Conversations we'd been putting off, and dealt with some Very Sad Things.]<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We sold the condo. Then the <a href="http://distractiblejane.blogspot.com/2012/02/leap.html">sale fell through at the very last possible moment</a>, due to some new government regulations that our HOA had (unbeknownst to us) completely ignored. We were disappointed.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then we (almost) bought a house. It was a wonderful house, in a neighborhood I've dreamed of living in since I was old enough to have those kind of dreams. Unfortunately, it turned out that the reason we could afford the house was because it had such severe structural damage that it needed to be torn down and rebuilt. We could not afford to do that. We had to back out. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We found two more (nearly) perfect houses. They were sold minutes before we put in offers, for more than we could afford to pay.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My best friend at work (and sort of in life right now) found a new job. I'm happy for her, of course, but sad for me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
I got (what I thought was) a promotion at work. Then it turned out the position I had been offered didn't exist. My supervisor had offered me a new position in order to get me to step down from my current position, so that she could give my job to a friend of a friend.<br />
<br />
I sobbed at Abe, updated my LinkedIn, and considered quitting. Instead, I wrote a carefully worded letter that got me transferred to another team, and <a href="http://distractiblejane.blogspot.com/2012/04/thoughts-on-lemons.html">documented the situation just in case</a>. (I have a record of Very Shady Things my supervisor has done, such as changing time cards so we wouldn't get overtime and encouraging us to work off the clock.) Most days, I feel like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRifKEf0xr8">Tom Smykowski</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Weirdly enough, though, things are basically going well. A few weeks ago, we sold the condo again, hopefully for good this time. (We'll know for sure by the end of the month.) My new schedule is much closer to Abe's, so we have more time to spend together. We found a contractor who is going to help us find an affordable home and remodel it. I started a new workout regimen. Parks & Recreation and Community had new episodes on the same night.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nothingsgonnastopmenow.com/">Nothing's gonna stop me now</a>.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-83789796159289462012012-04-19T21:24:00.001-07:002012-04-19T21:25:36.448-07:00Thoughts on lemonsWhen life hands you lemons, I think you should put the lemons in the freezer (in case you need them as evidence) and go get yourself some donuts.Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-30368149271062602512012-04-06T14:31:00.002-07:002012-04-06T14:41:32.624-07:00Blue<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRH_aBbokwE/T39g8R324kI/AAAAAAAAA5g/nI9uxENP9cM/s1600/imgres.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 174px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRH_aBbokwE/T39g8R324kI/AAAAAAAAA5g/nI9uxENP9cM/s320/imgres.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728403839744664130" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>I don't have any words right now. Today was a <a href="http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/06/11053664-austin-police-officer-killed-at-a-wal-mart-leaves-two-daughters">tragic, tragic day</a>.</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-37150392398244765292012-03-22T19:15:00.009-07:002012-03-22T19:45:03.585-07:002nd Anniversary - Cotton<span style="font-size: 100%;">Almost two years ago, Abe and I got </span><a href="http://distractiblejane.blogspot.com/2010/03/wednesday-wedding-weecap-weedux.html" style="font-size: 100%; ">married</a><span style="font-size: 100%;">. One of our favorite pictures from the day was this one:</span><div style="font-size: 100%; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NIDHsD-x_5E/T2vdfBQNbJI/AAAAAAAAA3E/WP5f3U2m3PM/s1600/mustaches.jpeg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NIDHsD-x_5E/T2vdfBQNbJI/AAAAAAAAA3E/WP5f3U2m3PM/s320/mustaches.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722911276486454418" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px; " /></a></div><div><span>photo by (and mustaches courtesy of) <a href="http://www.melaniedoddsphotography.com/">Melanie Dodds Photography</a></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; ">Since the traditional second wedding anniversary gift is cotton, I decided to design a t-shirt for Abe. Here's how it turned out. (Artwork by me, printing by <a href="http://www.customink.com/">CustomInk</a>.)</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfFiiPqLE70/T2vjA3pbj7I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/6KG4XhkpY48/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-03-19%2Bat%2B9.06.57%2BPM.png"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfFiiPqLE70/T2vjA3pbj7I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/6KG4XhkpY48/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-03-19%2Bat%2B9.06.57%2BPM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722917355581575090" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 286px; " /></a></div><div><span>Finished shirt</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPWk-bzlkq4/T2vewpGLbSI/AAAAAAAAA3c/lSAbdKOZqaA/s1600/mustache2.tif"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPWk-bzlkq4/T2vewpGLbSI/AAAAAAAAA3c/lSAbdKOZqaA/s320/mustache2.tif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722912678751202594" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 183px; " /></a></div><div><span>Close-up of design</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BLFAB4ftEM/T2vhlP39gYI/AAAAAAAAA4M/c4zLeNVZzB8/s1600/153090865084752969_12558832.jpeg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BLFAB4ftEM/T2vhlP39gYI/AAAAAAAAA4M/c4zLeNVZzB8/s320/153090865084752969_12558832.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722915781537005954" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><span>How awesome is this wrapping paper? Half Price Books!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Even though I'd like to consider myself a competitive gift-giver à la Leslie Knope, I suck at waiting to give people gifts, so I gave Abe his shirt about ten minutes after the mailman delivered it. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sziwbJ6n0KA/T2vhWe5cWCI/AAAAAAAAA3o/6czioC0VWG4/s1600/153090308827767879_12558832.jpeg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sziwbJ6n0KA/T2vhWe5cWCI/AAAAAAAAA3o/6czioC0VWG4/s320/153090308827767879_12558832.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722915527871715362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>He approved.</div><div><br /></div><div>And because it wasn't too much more (and I already had the credit card out) I got one for me, too.</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TWLpWEjdrg/T2vjBMvN0XI/AAAAAAAAA4k/35HoGbSTBb4/s1600/153091479197967434_12558832%2B2.jpeg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TWLpWEjdrg/T2vjBMvN0XI/AAAAAAAAA4k/35HoGbSTBb4/s320/153091479197967434_12558832%2B2.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722917361242984818" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><span >I'm threatening to force Abe to wear the shirts every time we go on vacation so we look like we just stepped off the <s>weirdest</s> most awesome tour bus ever.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Distractible Household Anniversary everyone! Have a great weekend!</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-5281826373006623612012-03-16T20:42:00.003-07:002012-03-16T21:07:47.964-07:00Chicks, manHowdy Internets. Nothing is really new in my life. I probably watch too much television. Here are some pictures of the chickens:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCO7osoqW7s/T2QN2zNsxLI/AAAAAAAAA2I/aKhJLa1Ego4/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCO7osoqW7s/T2QN2zNsxLI/AAAAAAAAA2I/aKhJLa1Ego4/s320/IMG_0487.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720712661779137714" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSAg6MtqpxU/T2QN2oP7W_I/AAAAAAAAA2A/tze035A7xDY/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSAg6MtqpxU/T2QN2oP7W_I/AAAAAAAAA2A/tze035A7xDY/s320/IMG_0486.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720712658835692530" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1da5mB0Gr0E/T2QN2bpHktI/AAAAAAAAA10/FuPEN3LwP-o/s1600/IMG_0479.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1da5mB0Gr0E/T2QN2bpHktI/AAAAAAAAA10/FuPEN3LwP-o/s320/IMG_0479.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720712655451689682" /></a>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-18488779905830814452012-02-29T14:57:00.005-08:002012-02-29T15:14:24.882-08:00LeapWe were supposed to close on the sale of our condo today. That did not happen, due to a cluster of annoying factors not really related to us. The offer we had is most likely going to fall through, and we'll have to start the whole process over.<div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">However, I'm trying to stay positive, because today is Leap Day. When you have a whole extra day in a year, you should not spend it being sad. So here are five things I'm grateful for today:</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">1. Even though I would have liked to have a bambino (here, or on the way) by now, it's nice to be able to maintain a laser-like focus on Getting This Condo Situation Taken Care Of ASAP. And it wouldn't be as crowded if (ugh, worst-case scenario) we end up moving back into the condo.</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">1b. This also meant that last night (when everything fell apart) I was able to enjoy a glass of wine. (OK, two glasses...)</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">2. My sister/Realtor is awesome and being super helpful.</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">3. Bailey is unaffected by this. And adorable.</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7klL6zbOuCA/T06xFAFvp2I/AAAAAAAAA1k/08nEsmQ8_-c/s1600/photo.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7klL6zbOuCA/T06xFAFvp2I/AAAAAAAAA1k/08nEsmQ8_-c/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714699676661294946" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">4. Rather than dreaming about new houses, I can go back to my (even more enjoyable) fantasies about quitting my job.</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">5. We will probably have our tax refund back in time to use it to pay any additional condo-related expenses that come up.</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; ">Everything will work out eventually. And even though I'm not sure that this quote really applies to our situation, it still makes me feel better:</div><div style="font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div><i><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure...than to rank among those poor spirits who neither enjoy much or suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat"</span><br style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">~Theodore Roosevelt</span></i></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-40458836480544028712012-02-21T12:46:00.000-08:002012-02-21T13:05:07.623-08:00Chocolate and Tea and Me<div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">A week or so ago, I won a giveaway on </span><a href="http://crystalgoestoeurope.blogspot.com/" style="font-size: 100%; ">Crystal's blog</a><span style="font-size: 100%; ">. This morning, the mailman left this in my mailbox:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykwD_fICD2k/T0QC_ZKA4_I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/BMcBBQ65myQ/s1600/photo.jpeg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykwD_fICD2k/T0QC_ZKA4_I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/BMcBBQ65myQ/s320/photo.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711693515520533490" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Swiss chocolate, tea, and a handmade keychain that will be perfect for holding my keys while walking Bailey? You had me at chocolate. </div><div><br /></div><div>I ate the chocolate for breakfast (because I am an adult and I am allowed to do that, Mom) which made me think of my short study abroad in Switzerland, which made me think of how that trip finally got me away from a lying, cheating, scumbag of an ex-boyfriend and allowed me to move on with my life. I am a fan of Swiss chocolate, is what I'm saying.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Crystal! You made my day!</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. <a href="http://crystalgoestoeurope.blogspot.com/">Crystal's blog</a> is awesome, and you should read it if you aren't already. She writes about some of my favorite things (Canada, food, cats in sweaters, husbands who are police officers), and some of my less-favorite things that I can still absolutely relate to (dogs that panic and bark all day when you leave them alone, jobs that are four-letter words). </div><div><br /></div><div>P.P.S. Thumbs up to the French & U.S. Postal Services. Crystal's package arrived at my house in Texas in about a week.*</div><div><br /></div><div>*This may impress me because I picture overseas post getting to my house through a combination of old-fashioned carriages, rickety boats, and the Pony Express. But still. Good job postal services!</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-30734975942741132482012-02-14T18:08:00.001-08:002012-02-14T20:32:46.794-08:00How to Make Valentine's Cupcakes in 46 Simple Steps (with pictures!)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1CiZkbbN5A/Tzs1YQ7eDgI/AAAAAAAAA1I/t811OGzbgv8/s1600/IMG_0406.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1CiZkbbN5A/Tzs1YQ7eDgI/AAAAAAAAA1I/t811OGzbgv8/s400/IMG_0406.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709215643599769090" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; ">Step 1. Several weeks before Valentine's Day, be inspired by </span><a href="http://www.bakerella.com/cupids-arrow-cupcakes/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">adorable cupcakes on Bakerella's website</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; ">. Tell everyone who will listen that you are making these cupcakes for Valentine's Day.</span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 2. Forget step 1 entirely. Forget that Valentine's Day exists.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 3. Remember Valentine's Day and cupcakes. Decide you would rather make vanilla cupcakes, as red velvet always reminds you of a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K6Y-YGZUec">song about a prostitute</a>.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 3a. (optional, but encouraged.) Schedule a dentist appointment the same day you plan to make cupcakes. Get four or fewer hours of sleep.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 4. After your dentist appointment and/or a few hours before your dinner reservation, remember that you had planned/promised to make cupcakes as a Valentine's gift. Realize you lack nearly all necessary ingredients.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 5. Head to store to purchase ingredients. <span style="font-size: 100%; ">Get distracted by cute Valentine's-themed mini cupcake liners. Decide that you should make twee little mini cupcakes instead of full-sized cupcakes.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> Head home.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 6. Mix cupcake batter. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 7. Fill 36 mini cupcake liners with batter. Realize you have only used 1/4 of the amount of batter you mixed.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 8. Continue filling mini cupcake liners with batter.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 9. Continue filling mini cupcake liners with batter.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 10. Begin to question the wisdom of making mini cupcakes instead of full-sized cupcakes. Tell yourself you are almost done and to stop being so whiny.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 11. Continue filling mini cupcake liners with batter.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 12. Get bored and color the rest of the batter pink. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6xzMp0Bm4A/TzsZ4DTnF3I/AAAAAAAAAzE/TJpaSAFpbWw/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6xzMp0Bm4A/TzsZ4DTnF3I/AAAAAAAAAzE/TJpaSAFpbWw/s200/IMG_0401.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709185403373164402" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Add Image" border="0" class="gl_photo" style="font-size: 100%; " /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 13. Continue filling mini cupcake liners with batter.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 14. Finish filling mini cupcake liners with batter. Realize you haven't cut out the little hearts that are supposed to adorn the arrows shooting through the cupcakes. Decide to do this while cupcakes bake.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; ">Step 15. Realize how tiny these little hearts are going to have to be to fit on mini cupcakes.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6i4O6p3A8JY/Tzsa0fB6xJI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/BMVK39Te18Q/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6i4O6p3A8JY/Tzsa0fB6xJI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/BMVK39Te18Q/s200/IMG_0405.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709186441607300242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 170px; " /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><i><span>Unpainted Ron Swanson Christmas ornament shown for size reference.</span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><i><span><br /></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>Step 16. Cut out tiny hearts.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>Step 17. Cut out tiny hearts.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>Step 18. Contemplate telling people most of the cupcakes burned so that you can stop cutting out tiny hearts.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>Step 19. Hear the heater turn on. Watch in horror as your tiny paper hearts flutter to the floor. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>Step 20. Feel the tiny heart inside your chest flutter to your stomach. Wonder if the five-second rule applies to tiny paper hearts. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>Step 21. Decide that the floor, even if clean, is still, you know, <i>the floor</i>, and sweep tiny hearts into the trash.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>Step 22. Cut out more tiny hearts.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-reqZfNqfibE/Tzsch_ziRBI/AAAAAAAAAzc/dR06gsVS6o8/s1600/IMG_0403.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-reqZfNqfibE/Tzsch_ziRBI/AAAAAAAAAzc/dR06gsVS6o8/s200/IMG_0403.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709188323011085330" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 23. Look at small pile of tiny hearts. Think of 100+ cupcakes baking in the oven. Contemplate <i>actually</i> burning the cupcakes.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span>Step 24. Finish cutting out tiny hearts. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><br />Step 25. Remove cupcakes from oven. Put them on plates to cool. Realize almost your entire counter is covered in tiny cupcakes.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BB-RbRiQCyE/TzsdiDxqvkI/AAAAAAAAAzo/32fWCqXHStA/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BB-RbRiQCyE/TzsdiDxqvkI/AAAAAAAAAzo/32fWCqXHStA/s200/IMG_0400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709189423588621890" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 26. Wait for cupcakes to cool. Realize your dinner reservation is in two-and-a-half hours, and you haven't showered yet.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 27. Stab a cupcake with a toothpick. Notice that due to the size of the mini cupcake (or perhaps due to aggressive nature of toothpick stabbing) that the cupcake becomes slightly misshapen once it has been "shot."</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0eK5HQ51VU/Tzsh4ZZw8tI/AAAAAAAAA0A/sdMWD98niZA/s1600/IMG_0402.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0eK5HQ51VU/Tzsh4ZZw8tI/AAAAAAAAA0A/sdMWD98niZA/s200/IMG_0402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709194205397578450" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 88px; " /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 28. Decide the cupcakes look sort of heart-shaped, and you will tell people you did this on purpose.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 29. Sing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrZHPOeOxQQ&feature=related">Bon Jovi</a> until you notice the dog burying his head under blankets in the other room.<br /><br />Step 30. Sing even louder. Accidentally-on-purpose stab a few cupcakes hard enough that they break in half. Sample broken cupcakes.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 31. Add little paper hearts to cupcakes. Develop carpal tunnel. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdVwN0u-I2M/TzsfQSu_6jI/AAAAAAAAAz0/08FoMcNMHFg/s1600/IMG_0399.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdVwN0u-I2M/TzsfQSu_6jI/AAAAAAAAAz0/08FoMcNMHFg/s200/IMG_0399.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709191317389568562" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 188px; " /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 32. Realize you used the only bowl large enough to make frosting to mix cupcake batter. Wash dishes.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 33. Mix frosting. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 34. Sample frosting. Discover it tastes of sadness and despair. Throw away frosting.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 35. Wash dishes.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 36. Make as much frosting as you can with remaining butter. Frost about half of the cupcakes. Run out of frosting. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br />Step 37. <span style="font-size: 100%; ">Wonder if it's too early to start drinking. Look at clock.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> Realize your dinner reservation is in an hour-and-a-half, and you don't have time to go to the grocery store. In desperation, make more frosting with strawberry cream cheese. Don't measure anything or write anything down.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 38. Sample frosting. Discover it tastes of rainbows and magic and is a lovely pink color. Realize you will never be able duplicate this frosting. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 39. Frost remaining cupcakes. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDfwbmoYg1Q/Tzsiz-_Ye1I/AAAAAAAAA0M/d19psEXmWro/s1600/IMG_0407.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDfwbmoYg1Q/Tzsiz-_Ye1I/AAAAAAAAA0M/d19psEXmWro/s200/IMG_0407.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709195229099752274" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 178px; " /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 40. Text your sister: "If I ever say I'm going to make mini cupcakes again, please slap me in the mouth."</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 41.<span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Decide it is not too early to have a glass of wine.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> Add cheerful sprinkles to cupcakes. Decide they look rather cute.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2BvrXC5aHs/TzsjiQBfw3I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/byZYs2BzUNc/s1600/IMG_0409.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2BvrXC5aHs/TzsjiQBfw3I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/byZYs2BzUNc/s200/IMG_0409.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709196023946003314" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 42. Box up cupcakes. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 43. Get ready for dinner with minutes to spare. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 44. Present cupcakes to husband, who has just returned home with flowers.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7MSE2F--O4/TzskHVM6yuI/AAAAAAAAA0k/oAa_g8lZrP4/s1600/IMG_0408.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7MSE2F--O4/TzskHVM6yuI/AAAAAAAAA0k/oAa_g8lZrP4/s200/IMG_0408.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709196660991249122" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 45. After dinner of Mexican food and mojitos, decide that cupcake adventure was not so bad after all. Eat a cupcake.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 46. Realize that when the front heart is removed, the cupcakes sort of look like tiny hearts being stabbed with tiny stakes. Tell anyone who will listen that you will be making vampire heart cupcakes for Halloween. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ieemKN-I5rE/Tzsl7dsdu5I/AAAAAAAAA08/lHO1ESjBuDc/s1600/IMG_0413.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ieemKN-I5rE/Tzsl7dsdu5I/AAAAAAAAA08/lHO1ESjBuDc/s200/IMG_0413.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709198656135871378" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><b>Alternate Time-Saving Valentine Cupcakes (that your 30-year-old husband, 2-year-old niece, and 5-year-old nephew will appreciate just as much)</b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 1. Purchase cupcakes.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Step 2. Present cupcakes. </div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-2371683038996713802012-02-09T21:57:00.001-08:002012-02-09T21:59:48.002-08:00Put down the tablet, Jane<div>Dear Self,</div><div><br />Put down the tablet.</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9yY1V6aNbyc/TzSx8_cU8PI/AAAAAAAAAyk/sVv36xgy_5g/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-02-09%2Bat%2B12.09.10%2BAM.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9yY1V6aNbyc/TzSx8_cU8PI/AAAAAAAAAyk/sVv36xgy_5g/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-02-09%2Bat%2B12.09.10%2BAM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707382289165775090" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_Qq8QXDHmk/TzSx8rWpTBI/AAAAAAAAAyU/x6IKkVdk7pA/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-02-09%2Bat%2B8.28.33%2BPM.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 153px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c_Qq8QXDHmk/TzSx8rWpTBI/AAAAAAAAAyU/x6IKkVdk7pA/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-02-09%2Bat%2B8.28.33%2BPM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707382283773234194" /></a><div>I mean it.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EveiCUj0M6U/TzSx8ZEz-AI/AAAAAAAAAyI/2YjYhHL7NTw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-02-08%2Bat%2B7.36.33%2BPM.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 153px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EveiCUj0M6U/TzSx8ZEz-AI/AAAAAAAAAyI/2YjYhHL7NTw/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-02-08%2Bat%2B7.36.33%2BPM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707382278866597890" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgSe8y2eXQw/TzSx9N4BnaI/AAAAAAAAAys/ENTNPYJ5Sxo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-02-09%2Bat%2B11.55.33%2BPM.png"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgSe8y2eXQw/TzSx9N4BnaI/AAAAAAAAAys/ENTNPYJ5Sxo/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-02-09%2Bat%2B11.55.33%2BPM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707382293040045474" style="cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div>Put it down.</div><div><br /></div><div>Love,<br />Yourself</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-1499535876277165042012-02-08T23:30:00.001-08:002012-02-08T23:31:11.571-08:00Someone got a drawing tablet<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHufxD6tYdI/TzN2JLd-oNI/AAAAAAAAAx8/HxtXUS_PG4w/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-02-09%2Bat%2B1.28.28%2BAM.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHufxD6tYdI/TzN2JLd-oNI/AAAAAAAAAx8/HxtXUS_PG4w/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2012-02-09%2Bat%2B1.28.28%2BAM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707035052877979858" /></a>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-76675576673584602152012-01-31T18:13:00.000-08:002012-01-31T18:14:36.822-08:00Why I will never drink another Dr Pepper<a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/01/11/3653725/dr-pepper-deal-leaves-small-town.html">Screw you Goliath</a>.Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-43485638171284731402012-01-30T10:50:00.000-08:002012-01-30T11:53:49.557-08:00My favorite thingsI always love blog posts about people's favorite things, so I thought I'd share some of my own favorites of the moment.<div><br /></div><div>1. Favorite winter addition (and possibly my favorite <i>thing</i> in the world right now):</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tr3WiRTk3i8/Tyboq-SEjhI/AAAAAAAAAxA/l9uMXqciLTA/s1600/imgres.jpeg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tr3WiRTk3i8/Tyboq-SEjhI/AAAAAAAAAxA/l9uMXqciLTA/s320/imgres.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703501803082255890" style="cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px; " /></a></div><div>My sherpa blanket from Costco. It has a super soft, fluffy, fake sheep side, and a velvety reverse. I bought one on impulse, and have regretted not buying them all ever since. I have had dreams that I found these on sale and bought all of them. I love this blanket so much. I hope Costco rotates them back in next season.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Runner up: the ultra soft bamboo sheets and memory foam pillow my mom gave us for Christmas. Being in bed is like being wrapped in a warm, soft cocoon. Love...</i></div><br /><div>2. Favorite technology product: </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAQ7g77Mx-M/TybpjgYN2ZI/AAAAAAAAAxM/xbqQp3qmjJ8/s1600/pageHeroImages_bookbook2_.jpeg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAQ7g77Mx-M/TybpjgYN2ZI/AAAAAAAAAxM/xbqQp3qmjJ8/s200/pageHeroImages_bookbook2_.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703502774307510674" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 90px; " /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQVQDIlDuhc/TybpjjnYuWI/AAAAAAAAAxc/upWZIl0EW2o/s1600/productImage_bookbook.jpeg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQVQDIlDuhc/TybpjjnYuWI/AAAAAAAAAxc/upWZIl0EW2o/s200/productImage_bookbook.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703502775176444258" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 196px; " /></a></div><div>My <a href="http://twelvesouth.com/products/bookbook/">Book Book case</a> for my MacBook Pro. My MacBook Pro is sort of large, so the Book Book case makes it look like I'm carrying around a giant ledger. It's amazing. My friend has a Book Book case for her iPhone; people always ask her why she's carrying around a tiny Bible.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Runner up: my iPhone 4S. I may be required to use Apple products for work, but my love for my iPhone runs deeper than any filial respect for my employer's product choices. My iPhone 4S was my first foray into smartphone territory, and I fear I'll never look back.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>3. Favorite vegetable currently in season in Texas:</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YYiIKt76DQ/TybuWJcFW5I/AAAAAAAAAxk/VvqZuxAkK-8/s1600/Leeks_produce-1.jpeg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YYiIKt76DQ/TybuWJcFW5I/AAAAAAAAAxk/VvqZuxAkK-8/s200/Leeks_produce-1.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703508042369555346" style="cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div>Leeks have a really nice, delicate flavor. I like to put them in soup. They're usually a spring or summer vegetable, but Texas benefits from milder winters.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Runner up: Kale. It's sweeter and milder than a lot of leafy greens. I like to lightly saute it with a little minced garlic.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>4. Favorite TV Show:</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXW3iLc8rk0/Tybv_YpwC5I/AAAAAAAAAxw/DBQiBFAtZZQ/s1600/51hZaE237-L.jpeg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXW3iLc8rk0/Tybv_YpwC5I/AAAAAAAAAxw/DBQiBFAtZZQ/s200/51hZaE237-L.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703509850339675026" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div>There is no contest here. Team Knope all the way. I love scripted television more than a person should. I love this show more than I should. It is the best ever.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Runners up: I am afraid to list all of the runners up lest you realize exactly how much television I actually watch. I particularly love 30 Rock, New Girl, Raising Hope, and Being Human. We'll pretend that's all I watch.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I am off to enjoy the first of three days off work now. Days off work = perhaps my favorite thing of all.</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-74344031227999083072012-01-18T12:23:00.000-08:002012-01-18T14:20:03.352-08:00Quitting Facebook<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Id6BXjfcq-k/Txc5v7VXq1I/AAAAAAAAAwo/3hHqPbAGVUk/s1600/imgres.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 216px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Id6BXjfcq-k/Txc5v7VXq1I/AAAAAAAAAwo/3hHqPbAGVUk/s320/imgres.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699087349004610386" /></a><br />I deleted my Facebook account a few months ago. I told people it had to do with <a href="http://distractiblejane.blogspot.com/2011/10/pooped.html">Crazy Poop Lady</a>* and wanting more privacy online, but that was mostly a lie for the following reasons:<div><ol><li>I generally don't believe in <a href="http://users.softlab.ntua.gr/~taver/security/secur3.html">security through obscurity</a> as a matter of principle. </li><li>Most of my Facebook profile took full advantage of the limited privacy options the site offered. </li><li>I was too lazy to update it much anyway.</li><li>I still have a Twitter, a Tumblr, Google+, a Pinterest account, an Instagram, an old MySpace account that I find too hilariously bad to delete, a LinkedIn account, a half a dozen more accounts that I've probably temporarily or permanently forgotten about, a half a dozen other online profiles and wishlists that would probably give you more ammunition against me than anything I ever posted on Facebook, and this blog. And it's all easy to find, even if you're not a semi-professional Creepy Internet Stalker like me.</li></ol><div>No, to be honest, I mostly quit Facebook because I found it annoying. It got to the point where it reminded me of a high school cafeteria (with the addition of cousins, advertisers, and, most recently, grandmothers): everyone talked about the <a href="http://www.stfuparentsblog.com/">Same</a> <a href="http://www.stfucouples.com/">Damn</a> <a href="http://www.gq.com/entertainment/humor/201001/scary-facebook-friends-profiles#slide=1">Things</a> all the time, and there really weren't a lot of healthy options on the menu for people who just wanted to extend metaphors way too far and mostly be left alone. By the end, I had taken full advantage of the "hide all posts" option and I felt like last <a href="http://www.theteachersguide.com/Songs/ten_in_a_bedthere_were_ten_in_a_.htm">Little One in the bed</a>: my News Feed consisted of months-old status updates from my high school art history teacher and a few interesting science-related articles and infographics posted by a guy I hadn't talked talked to in 12 years. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>So after the last big round of "Facebook changed it's privacy/filtering options and it is over-sharing/over-informing and I don't know how to fix it" I deleted my account. There was minor drama -- "Sandra deleted me from Facebook?! Can you ask her what I did?" "OMG, she deleted me too!" -- which I ignored, because the people I want to talk to generally know how to use telephones and email and don't overreact to perceived internet slights. Mostly, there was a general "Yeah, that makes sense that you'd do that" consensus. </div><div><br /></div><div>How is life Facebook-free? Well, it's pretty much the same, except I have a little more free time to waste watching scripted television and I don't get irrationally irritated with friends and acquaintances as often. There are a few websites I can't use because they require me to sign in with a Facebook profile, but honestly, I find that sort of pushy and am more than happy to take my business elsewhere. A few local businesses use Facebook pages instead of real web pages, but Yelp comes in handy for those cases, and I figure eventually those businesses will grow up, realize they aren't a lemonade stand, and set up real websites like the big kids have**.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't see myself creating a new Facebook profile any time soon (or ever, at this point). I want to do things because I find them interesting, not because the pictures would make me look cool on a social networking site. I want to be friends with people, not "friend" them. </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess saying all this may make me sound just as smug and annoying as people who "don't <i>own</i> a television." So I'll qualify with this: I don't think quitting Facebook has done anything to magically improve my quality of life (or will do anything magical for anyone else). It's just that the choice between using something that annoyed me on a daily basis and not using it? Was kind of an easy decision.</div><div><br /></div><div>/ end rant.</div><div><br /></div><div>Any questions?</div><div><br /></div><div><span>*Seriously. Between Facebook, Google, and Libertarian websites that take the Freedom of Information Act to its creepy extremes, I could write Poop Lady's back story for an episode of Intervention (complete with pictures, work history, and obituaries). The Internets can be a scary place.</span></div><div><span>**Maybe I am a <i>little</i> bitter about businesses not having real webpages. But graphic designers and webmasters need jobs too! Oh, the economy!</span></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-31081410024742422542012-01-05T21:40:00.000-08:002012-01-05T21:42:17.099-08:00State flags humor<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2BPJIDdiVw/TwaJhO3MVHI/AAAAAAAAAwY/2R_c9iqkq-8/s1600/alabama.gif"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2BPJIDdiVw/TwaJhO3MVHI/AAAAAAAAAwY/2R_c9iqkq-8/s320/alabama.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694389982874850418" /></a><br /><div>"<span style="background-color: rgb(241, 250, 254); font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><a href="http://thehairpin.com/2011/07/sometimes-state-flags">Sometimes state flags look like images that cannot be displayed.</a>"</span></div><div><br /></div>This is the funniest thing I've read in a while.Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7083157109283168303.post-42458558496833406652012-01-03T21:33:00.000-08:002012-01-03T21:53:04.354-08:00Happy New Year! (Now with less stomach virus!)I spent the last week or so of 2011 in bed with some sort of stomach bug. It made me feverish, achy, and interested only in listening to Alec Baldwin's podcasts and episodes of Radiolab. I'm sure my inner high-school-student-finishing-a-term-paper could turn the experience into some sort of metaphor that captured the essence of the entire year, but my outer 31-year-old is too lazy for that. Being sick during the holidays sucked, but I feel better now. End of story.<div><br /></div><div>I'm feeling pretty positive about 2012. Like most people, I'm planning to be healthier, funnier, happier, and more productive. Whether I'll achieve those goals remains to be seen, but it's nice to have a more positive outlook for a change. I even took down the Christmas tree before New Year's and finally scheduled a lady doctor appointment like a real adult. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAizEJTzorU/TwPpHun8cjI/AAAAAAAAAwM/DCL-D7RMyKQ/s1600/photo.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAizEJTzorU/TwPpHun8cjI/AAAAAAAAAwM/DCL-D7RMyKQ/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693650672910365234" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Onward.</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08417356206569429078noreply@blogger.com2