Did you know that fake brand name merchandise are responsible for the loss of 750,000 American jobs? I read an article in a magazine at work the other day that was about counterfeit, pirated, or fake mechandise. 7% of our annual world trade, that is $600 billion worth, is counterfeit or pirated. In September of 2007, authorities confiscated close to 160,000 pairs of fake Nike sneakers at an estimated cost of $7.1 million thru an under cover operation. Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted 357 shipments of fake goods worth $71.4 million at the Los Angeles-Long Beach seaport. In October of 2007, former President Bush signed the Pro-Ip Act which establishes increased penalties for counterfeits and strengthens those for sellers of fake goods that cause harm or death. It also granted up to 25 million annually to law enforcement agencies to develop anticounterfeiting programs. Criminals are beginning to practice "finishing" here they legally ship in generic items, then have workers, mostly illegal immigrants, stamp, embroider, or attach the logo. They put logos on whatever they think will sell, which is pretty much everything. The amount of fake merchandise in NY's Chinatown and LA's The Alleys is ridiculous. I've seen it all first hand. . .although they are at great prices and do look pretty close to being real. . .they are crappy and dangerous. I use to love getting that stuff, but once I starting getting the real deal things my desire for the cheap completely changed and the luxurious real models are what I yearn for lol. [= The article provided some tips on how to spot a fake and also the author wrote a book about how luxury has lost its lust [author's name is Dana Thomas ], the tips are below. . .
How To Spot A Fake:
1. Question the price [if its too cheap, then its no bueno]
2. Know the dealer [even Ebay and Walmart have been caught selling fake merchandise]
3. Examine the details [straight stitching?, well made?, edges match up?, polished rivets or cheap screws?, glue residue?]
4. Signature marks[know what the authentic logos look like and look for authentic stamps]
5. Beware of cross pollination [for example: prade triangles on chanel-like stitching]
6. Check the Authentics Foundation [myauthentics.com]
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Some More Tasty Recipes
Penne Pasta and Broccoli
12 ounces penne pasta
1 large bunch of broccoli
12 ounces of grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Boil and salt water. Cook pasta and then when there is 3 mins left of cooking the pasta is left add the broccoli. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water. Drain. Cook tomatoes in a skillet then stir in pasta and broccoli. Add some water that you saved. Remove from heat and stir in the basil leaves and cheese. [This recipe is suppose to have sausage in it, which I'm sure tastes great with it. . .however I am a vegetarian. For those who are not, Before you cook the tomatoes, cook your cut sausage slices in the skillet and then add the tomatoes and as you cook these together then follow the rest of the steps].
Penne Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Sauce
1/4 cup(s) olive oil
1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) paprika
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon(s) ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon(s) dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1/8 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground black pepper
3/4 cup(s) canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree
1/3 cup(s) chopped cilantro or parsley
3/4 pound(s) penne rigate
1 pound(s) medium shrimp, shelled
In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the olive oil and the lemon juice with the paprika, cumin, ginger, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and the cilantro.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the penne rigate until almost done, about 12 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until it and the pasta are just done, about 1 minute longer. Drain. Toss with the tomato sauce. Variations : Penne with Mozzarella and Spicy Tomato Sauce Use 1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch cubes, in place of the shrimp. Toss the cheese in at the end. Penne with Sausage and Spicy Tomato Sauce Use grilled sausage cut into bite-size pieces in place of the shrimp. Toss the sausage into the pasta with the tomato sauce. Penne with Grilled Vegetables and Spicy Tomato Sauce In place of the shrimp, use grilled or sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, or green beans, cut into bite-size pieces. Toss the vegetables into the pasta with the sauce. Wine Recommendation: With its competing spices, strong-flavored cilantro, and acidic tomatoes, this pasta dish calls for a simple Italian white--a pinot grigio, for example.
Vegetable Lasagna
2 1/2 cup(s) ricotta cheese
1 cup(s) Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
3 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon(s) dried oregano
1 tablespoon(s) dried basil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon(s) (each) salt, pepper, crushed red pepper
2 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound(s) Cremini mushrooms, roughly chopped
1 large onion, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 (each) red and yellow bell peppers, seeded and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick strips
12 ounce(s) fresh baby spinach
4 1/2 cup(s) marinara sauce
1 pound(s) no-boil lasagna noodles, such as Barilla
1 1/2 pound(s) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4-inch thick
Make the fillings: Combine the ricotta and Pecorino Romano cheeses, garlic, herbs, and egg with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and the crushed red pepper in a bowl and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, onions, and peppers and cook until slightly softened, about 4 more minutes. Add the spinach and remaining 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss and cook until spinach is wilted and tender, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
Assemble the lasagna: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour 1 1/2 cups sauce into a deep-dish lasagna pan. Layer 5 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with half of the cooked vegetables and a third of the mozzarella. Layer with 5 more noodles and spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1 cup of sauce and add another layer of noodles. Add the remaining vegetables, another third of the mozzarella, and a layer of noodles. Spread on the remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup of sauce, and the last layer of noodles. Add the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake until bubbly, about 1 hour, 20 minutes. Let the lasagna cool slightly before serving.
Sauteed Shrimp on Black Bean Salad
1 1/4 pound(s) large shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 teaspoon(s) olive oil
1 lime
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium red pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1 can(s) (15- to 19-ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Sprinkle shrimp with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil on medium 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook about 6 minutes or until shrimp turn opaque throughout, stirring frequently.
Meanwhile, from lime, grate 1 teaspoon peel and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice; set aside.
Transfer shrimp to small bowl; cover with foil to keep warm. In same skillet, heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil on medium 1 minute. Add onion and red pepper, and cook 8 minutes or until tender. Stir in cumin; cook 1 minute. Add black beans, lime peel and juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper. Cook 3 minutes or until heated through. Spoon black bean mixture onto 4 dinner plates. Top with shrimp and any liquid in bowl; sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Tortilla Pie
1 cup(s) frozen corn kernels
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1 1/2 cup(s) salsa
1 can(s) (15- to 19-ounce) low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
4 burrito-size flour tortillas (96% fat-free)
1 package(s) (8-ounce) reduced-fat (2%) shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray. Spray 12-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat. Add frozen corn, green onions, and cumin; cook 3 minutes or until corn thaws. Remove skillet from heat; stir in salsa and beans. Place 1 tortilla on cookie sheet; top with 1 cup bean mixture and 1/2 cup cheese. Repeat, starting with tortilla, to make 2 more layers. Top with remaining tortilla and cheese. Bake pie 10 minutes or until heated through. Carefully transfer pie to cutting board; sprinkle with chopped cilantro. With sharp knife, cut into wedges to serve.
12 ounces penne pasta
1 large bunch of broccoli
12 ounces of grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Boil and salt water. Cook pasta and then when there is 3 mins left of cooking the pasta is left add the broccoli. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water. Drain. Cook tomatoes in a skillet then stir in pasta and broccoli. Add some water that you saved. Remove from heat and stir in the basil leaves and cheese. [This recipe is suppose to have sausage in it, which I'm sure tastes great with it. . .however I am a vegetarian. For those who are not, Before you cook the tomatoes, cook your cut sausage slices in the skillet and then add the tomatoes and as you cook these together then follow the rest of the steps].
Penne Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Sauce
1/4 cup(s) olive oil
1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) paprika
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon(s) ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon(s) dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1/8 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground black pepper
3/4 cup(s) canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree
1/3 cup(s) chopped cilantro or parsley
3/4 pound(s) penne rigate
1 pound(s) medium shrimp, shelled
In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the olive oil and the lemon juice with the paprika, cumin, ginger, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and the cilantro.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the penne rigate until almost done, about 12 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until it and the pasta are just done, about 1 minute longer. Drain. Toss with the tomato sauce. Variations : Penne with Mozzarella and Spicy Tomato Sauce Use 1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch cubes, in place of the shrimp. Toss the cheese in at the end. Penne with Sausage and Spicy Tomato Sauce Use grilled sausage cut into bite-size pieces in place of the shrimp. Toss the sausage into the pasta with the tomato sauce. Penne with Grilled Vegetables and Spicy Tomato Sauce In place of the shrimp, use grilled or sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, or green beans, cut into bite-size pieces. Toss the vegetables into the pasta with the sauce. Wine Recommendation: With its competing spices, strong-flavored cilantro, and acidic tomatoes, this pasta dish calls for a simple Italian white--a pinot grigio, for example.
Vegetable Lasagna
2 1/2 cup(s) ricotta cheese
1 cup(s) Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
3 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon(s) dried oregano
1 tablespoon(s) dried basil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon(s) (each) salt, pepper, crushed red pepper
2 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound(s) Cremini mushrooms, roughly chopped
1 large onion, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
2 (each) red and yellow bell peppers, seeded and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick strips
12 ounce(s) fresh baby spinach
4 1/2 cup(s) marinara sauce
1 pound(s) no-boil lasagna noodles, such as Barilla
1 1/2 pound(s) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4-inch thick
Make the fillings: Combine the ricotta and Pecorino Romano cheeses, garlic, herbs, and egg with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and the crushed red pepper in a bowl and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, onions, and peppers and cook until slightly softened, about 4 more minutes. Add the spinach and remaining 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss and cook until spinach is wilted and tender, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
Assemble the lasagna: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour 1 1/2 cups sauce into a deep-dish lasagna pan. Layer 5 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with half of the cooked vegetables and a third of the mozzarella. Layer with 5 more noodles and spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1 cup of sauce and add another layer of noodles. Add the remaining vegetables, another third of the mozzarella, and a layer of noodles. Spread on the remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup of sauce, and the last layer of noodles. Add the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake until bubbly, about 1 hour, 20 minutes. Let the lasagna cool slightly before serving.
Sauteed Shrimp on Black Bean Salad
1 1/4 pound(s) large shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 teaspoon(s) olive oil
1 lime
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium red pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1 can(s) (15- to 19-ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Sprinkle shrimp with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil on medium 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook about 6 minutes or until shrimp turn opaque throughout, stirring frequently.
Meanwhile, from lime, grate 1 teaspoon peel and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice; set aside.
Transfer shrimp to small bowl; cover with foil to keep warm. In same skillet, heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil on medium 1 minute. Add onion and red pepper, and cook 8 minutes or until tender. Stir in cumin; cook 1 minute. Add black beans, lime peel and juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper. Cook 3 minutes or until heated through. Spoon black bean mixture onto 4 dinner plates. Top with shrimp and any liquid in bowl; sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Tortilla Pie
1 cup(s) frozen corn kernels
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon(s) ground cumin
1 1/2 cup(s) salsa
1 can(s) (15- to 19-ounce) low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
4 burrito-size flour tortillas (96% fat-free)
1 package(s) (8-ounce) reduced-fat (2%) shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray. Spray 12-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat. Add frozen corn, green onions, and cumin; cook 3 minutes or until corn thaws. Remove skillet from heat; stir in salsa and beans. Place 1 tortilla on cookie sheet; top with 1 cup bean mixture and 1/2 cup cheese. Repeat, starting with tortilla, to make 2 more layers. Top with remaining tortilla and cheese. Bake pie 10 minutes or until heated through. Carefully transfer pie to cutting board; sprinkle with chopped cilantro. With sharp knife, cut into wedges to serve.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Doo Doo Head Dummy
So today I've had a blonde-moment day. My doo doo head dummy moments have accompanied all thru out the day and I have thoroughly enjoyed making fun of myself. I am in a great mood tonight, despite knowing that I am gettting a stupid cold. I got my new computer battery so I no longer have to be tethered to the wall and wires of my computer charger in order to use my computer. I am going to be much smarter about this battery and not leave my charger on my computer all the time because that's how my last one got burnt out. I also received my blackberry replacement! yaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy. If any of you have talked to me on the phone or seen me talking on the phone lately you probably noticed that I have been using the speaker phone. That was because I dropped my phone in the toilet [clean water] and a cup of vodka and juice on two seperate occasions and although it was still working somehow on both times [without the white sticky saying there had been water damage] I ruined the speaker and the only way I could hear people talking to me was if I used the speaker phone. Quite aggravating to me and to others around me. Also, I'm playing around with this replaceent phone and it is way better. It has features that my other phone didn't and I got my other phone from Car Toys and not through T Mobile so I think Car Toys ripped me off. Fuckin' bastard children. Oh well. Anyways, so I got those two things taken care of. I also found out that this morning I failed to lock Mark's apartment when I left for work. I'm such a retard because I know he has a bad history with people breaking into his residence and stealing his stuff and I'm leaving an open door invitation basically. I apologized and told him to revoke my key privelege. It won't happen again though. . .I wouldn't be able to handle it if something happened because of my own carelesslness. I turned the key one way and didn't hear anything so I turned it the other way and heard a click and had so much stuff in my hands that I failed to check to see if the door was actually locked so yeah. Thankfully, there were no incidents. [=. When I pulled into work after lunch today I was paying attention to my apple and not where I was going to park so I drove around the parking lot for a little while and then attempted to pull into this parking spot unsuccessfully several times. Yeah I'm sure I looked special. Today was just my special day.
I worked in Division 2 this morning again and then in the afternoon I switched to Division 6. Nothing different in what I was doing. However, I don't like working with that judge really. She talks quite fast and she doesn't really seem to care too much. On the other hand though, I don't like working with the Baliff who is training me in Division 2. He like expects me to follow him around like a little puppy everywhere he goes. That drives me nuts. I think he's just trying to be really friendly, but I'm not that type of person. . .I need my space and I don't like cling ons. A lot of the people who work there make the job seem to be a lot harder than what it really is and I know they've been there longer and have more experience but I just don't think it's hard, like at all. lol. One of the reporters told me to wait for a "hellish day" and then I'll change my mind so we'll see. I have to go to my tax job tomorrow. . .they have some work for me, thank God since I'm not on the courts schedule til like the week after next. [smh still frustrated about that and actually one of the new people mentioned that she was frustrated about it as well this morning.]
We're having a Super Bowl Party on Sunday. I'm making jello-shots and 7 layer bean dip. Yay I'm excited. Jessie comes in tomorrow. This shall be very interesting. I really hope it works out! I'm definitely here for her if it doesn't though because I know that if I were in her situation and something were to go wrong, I would hope that atleast one person would be there to lend a hand to me if needed. Mark and I had some good conversation last night at dinner. I like having controversial discussions with him because they are always very intellectual and I don't feel like we go in circles. I do need to learn how to express what I'm thinking in better terms so that I don't get misunderstood though. I really like how he understands where I coming from on certain things just because of the type of person that I am and the type of personality that I have. [= I'm going to bed here soon. . .quite tired and I am trying to defeat this cold before it gets any worse. . . stupid sicknesses. . .need to stay away from people so I stop catching this crap. Really frustrating because before I got the flu, I hadn't been sick in a really long time and then I get that stupid nasty bug and now apparently it seems like they're just going to keep trailing one right after the other. I shall overcome! Have a good weekend. [=
I worked in Division 2 this morning again and then in the afternoon I switched to Division 6. Nothing different in what I was doing. However, I don't like working with that judge really. She talks quite fast and she doesn't really seem to care too much. On the other hand though, I don't like working with the Baliff who is training me in Division 2. He like expects me to follow him around like a little puppy everywhere he goes. That drives me nuts. I think he's just trying to be really friendly, but I'm not that type of person. . .I need my space and I don't like cling ons. A lot of the people who work there make the job seem to be a lot harder than what it really is and I know they've been there longer and have more experience but I just don't think it's hard, like at all. lol. One of the reporters told me to wait for a "hellish day" and then I'll change my mind so we'll see. I have to go to my tax job tomorrow. . .they have some work for me, thank God since I'm not on the courts schedule til like the week after next. [smh still frustrated about that and actually one of the new people mentioned that she was frustrated about it as well this morning.]
We're having a Super Bowl Party on Sunday. I'm making jello-shots and 7 layer bean dip. Yay I'm excited. Jessie comes in tomorrow. This shall be very interesting. I really hope it works out! I'm definitely here for her if it doesn't though because I know that if I were in her situation and something were to go wrong, I would hope that atleast one person would be there to lend a hand to me if needed. Mark and I had some good conversation last night at dinner. I like having controversial discussions with him because they are always very intellectual and I don't feel like we go in circles. I do need to learn how to express what I'm thinking in better terms so that I don't get misunderstood though. I really like how he understands where I coming from on certain things just because of the type of person that I am and the type of personality that I have. [= I'm going to bed here soon. . .quite tired and I am trying to defeat this cold before it gets any worse. . . stupid sicknesses. . .need to stay away from people so I stop catching this crap. Really frustrating because before I got the flu, I hadn't been sick in a really long time and then I get that stupid nasty bug and now apparently it seems like they're just going to keep trailing one right after the other. I shall overcome! Have a good weekend. [=
Problem with the courts. . .]=
So I'm a little frustrated with this new job for one reason: I'm a "relief" assistant basically so our chief baliff puts up the schedule for the month of February. . .guess how many days I am working. . .TWO literally only two days. Needless to say. . .I'm pretty pissed because I really like this job it's really easy, it's a great foot in the door, but the amount of hours that they are going to have are not going to cut it. Granted I may pick up more hours if someone calls in sick or asks to go on vacation or whatever, but still. . .that's maybe like once every couple of weeks I think. I really like the job and I doubt that I will just give it up, but this means that I just have to find ANOTHER job because I'm trying to save up money, not only for a trip to Vegas in April, but just to save in general. Unfortunately, I have to get a third one because the amount of work that the tax agency is going to have for me is decreasing a lot because tax season is nearly over and they don't have much for me to do really. Kind of sucks but hopefully I'll find something that will be well paid, easy, and convenient. ]=
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Keep your word
I recently have been dealing with someone who contradicts their self a lot. She'll say one and do another thing or she'll say she'll do something and not do it. I've always thought word is bond and so when you don't keep it, it drives me nuts.Basically the bullshit has made me to come to the conclusion that I really can't believe or hold her to anything and that if I even try to its going to turn out to be a waste of time. Anyways, I just wanted to vent my frustration and point how important the statement of word is bond with me. =/
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Division Two
So I worked in a different division, division 2 today. I think its pretty much the most boring division on wednesdays. It starts out with zoning issues and then we go straight into trials, pre trials, hearings, reviews, and citations for the rest of the day. Today, we didn't have any trials but I work there again in the morning on Friday morning so maybe I will catch one then for the experience. The only thing about the trials though is I don't really do much of anything, just sit there and hand the judge papers if the attorneys request to approach the bench. We got some of the schedule for February. . .hopefully he edits it some more and I pick up some more hours otherwise I have to to hope for a lot of work from my other job, but they already told me the amount that they will have is going to be declining.
I'm quite tired. I stayed up late last night to watch Nip/Tuck which was totally worth it because it was a really good episode. However, I have a feeling that I am getting a cold because my stupid throat is feeling kind of weird and I've been sneezing quite a bit. Hopefully if I do it's not that bad. . .basically I'm not missing work again because I'm sick. Not a good impression. If I do get sick I'll take Tues and Thurs off from school to sleep and get the rest to get healthy. I'm quite tired tonight though so I think I'm going to head to bed early.
And I just want to point out. . .mainly to "shaboobie" that I'm not going to give up trying to convince him to get a puppy with me. I know that I can make him fall in love with a bichon and maltese mix so I'm going to keep on trying til he gives in!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
New Recipes
Lemony Scones w dried fruit
2 cups flour
2 tsps baking powder
1/2 tsps baking soda
1/2 cup butter
1 8 oz carton sour cream
1 egg
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp finely shredded lemon peel
2/3 cup snipped dried apricots
2/3 cup snipped ptted dried plums
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 375. Grease a large baking sheet. Stir togehter flour, baking powder, baking soda, 2 1/2 tsp salt. Cut in butter to resemble coarse crumbs then set aside. stir together sour cream egg, sugar, 1 teaspoon of the peel, add flour to mixture. Combine until moist. Stir in apricot and dried plums. Drop dough onto baking sheet. Bake 18 to 20 mins. Any left over ingredients are for a glaze. Put powedered sugar and walnuts on top.
Pita Cheese and Veggie Grill
1 8 0z block feta cheese, quartered
1 medium zucchine, halved lengthwise
1 medium red onion cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/4 cup italian salad dressing
4 pita bread rounds
2 medium tomatoes cut in wedges
1 tablespoon honey
Drizzle cheese zucchini and onion with 1/2 the salad dressing. sprinkle salt and pepper. place zucchini and onion on grill, heat cheese for softening on a skillet. grill for 8 mins or until tender turning half way through. remove then grill pita and tomatoes for two mins. place cheese in skillet until soft one to two mins. cut zucchini, drizzle cheese, veggies with honey and remaining salad dressing.
Fresh Corn Rice Salad
4 ears corn grilled
1/2 cup cooked rice, cooled
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved
1 cup fresh aurgula
1 small red onion in thin wedges
1 jalapeno pepper thinly sliced
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
husk corn and remove silk w stiff brush. rinse. cook corn in boiling lightly salted water for three mins. remove and let cool, cut into planks. combine cooked rice, tomatoes, aurgula, onion and jalapenos. top with corn, drizzle with vinegar and olive oil. season to taste with salt and pepper.
Kiwi Fruit Lemonade
6 kiwis
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup lemon juice
1 liter carbonated water
peel kiwi place in blender and blend until smooth. strain mixture through a seive over a bowl discards seeds. in pitcher mix sugar and lemon juice til sugar juice stir in kiwi cover and chill. pour in carbonated water.
Women in today's society
So I am in a Women and Violence class this semester and we had a discussion today about how it is to be a women in today's society. Several responses were as follows: "It's hard." "It's challenging." "It's discouraging." "It's empowering." "It's unfair." Some of the reasons were because of the stereotypes and expectations that we have to live up to through magazines, music, movies, television, etc. We are paid on average $.67 less than men. We are exploited as sex symbols through the media and more. The list can go on and on and I agree with a lot of these opinions of how hard it is to be a woman as well as why it is hard. . .although I do believe that we are provided with the opportunities to better ourselves and the stereotypes and expectations that we are suppose to live up to, but I think that the "short term goal" [I will discuss further] that woman are expected to fulfill holds us back. The short term goal that I am speaking of is that women are expected to have a main goal of finding a man, maintaining a relationship, getting married, having children, and finally being successful mothers. This goal occupies some women's minds so much so that they are constantly obsessing over how they want their weddings to be, the perfect dress, the perfect colors, the perfect flowers, the perfect location. . .etc. The obsession does not end here though. . .there are some women that I know that aspire to be stay at home mom's. I have to wonder if they have this goal because they feel that they are incapable or unsure of being able to do anything else with their life or if they are lazy, or if they are taught that that is what women are suppose to only do? My teacher brought up the idea that once a woman achieves her "short term goal" do they ever feel cheated, betrayed, lied to, or frustrated because once the dreaminess of everything dies away, then they realize that not every aspect of the married life is what it is cracked up to be? Isn't it kind of like. . .now you're just cooking, cleaning, and more for two people instead of just one lol? Instead of women feeling lost or frustrated at the idea of them not being allowed or capable of doing anything else in their life, I think that women need to be taught that it is okay to overcome the past thoughts and teachings of only being stay at home moms and to pursue their passions and dreams, to challenge themselves to over come the stereotypes that society portrays on us. We have overcome a lot through out the years, establishing that we are equal to men, that we should be allowed to vote, that we are capable of earning the same amount of money that men earn, that we are capable of performing the same jobs that men are capable of doing and more but we still have more to overcome. . .Hillary Clinton said there's now 18 mil cracks in the ceiling. . .she did work, obtaining 18 mil votes in this past election in order to create those 18 mil cracks and we have to do even more work to break completely through that ceiling!
Anyways. . .that's just the jist of the conversation that we had today. I thought it was very interesting. I have to get some homework done, but I'll probably throw up those recipes that I discussed in the post before this later. [=
Anyways. . .that's just the jist of the conversation that we had today. I thought it was very interesting. I have to get some homework done, but I'll probably throw up those recipes that I discussed in the post before this later. [=
Monday, January 26, 2009
Complete Exhaustion
I still really want a bichon and malti poo mixed puppy. They're expensive but maybe when I move back home and save up some money I can finally be successful at convincing Mark to get one with me. I know he'll fall in love it once he spends some time with it. Hahahaha. . .I will convince you one day babe. . .I am determined. [=So last night I went to sleep far too late to be waking up at 6 am to get ready for work. I was pretty sleepy through out the whole day. I worked at the courts again today. . .same division. We didn't have too many arraignments, then we had 9 domestic violence arraignments, and then only 12 walk-ins. Not too busy for a Monday, but I think this shitty as weather had a big hand in that. I got some new recipes today from a co-workers Better Homes magazines. They sound and look pretty good so I'm excited about them. I will post the recipes at another time. Everyone blows this job [in particular working in division three] out of proportion to me and makes it seem a lot more complicated than what it really is. It's kind of weird and I have to wonder if I just haven't got the full experience yet. I don't really want to go to class tomorrow, but I just need to stop being lazy. For a couple weeks I had really good motivation. . .doing both my abs and yoga work outs, not whining about having to go to class, not cheating on my diet. I need to find that motivation again. . .I need to follow my rules really lol. I'm watching Anthony Bourdain's show. I love this guy. His personality is one of a kind and he gets to travel to all the places I would love to go to and try all the amazing differents foods. I'm so jealous. . .wish I could get into what he does but I don't think I'm much of a television personality and don't think I would make enough money to support my habits without a t.v. show doing a show like that. sad day. I'm quite tired so I think I'm going to sleep early tonight. . .Enjoy your night [=.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Life With SuperMan
You Are My Roc
These are the lyrics to the song "You are My Roc" By Beyonce. I really really like them [=. I guess you can say that it is somewhat of a dedication type thing too hahaha [=
If I wrote a book about where we stand
The title of my book would be "Life with Superman"
That's how you make me feel
I count you as a privilege
This love is so ideal
I'm honored to be in it
I know you feel the same
I see it everyday
In all the things you do
In all the things you say
You are my roc
Baby you're the truth
You are my roc
I love to rock with you
You are my roc
You're everything I need
You are my roc
So baby rock with me
I wanna kiss ya, feel ya, treat ya just fine
I wanna touch ya, love ya, baby all night
Reward ya, for all the things you do
You are my roc
I love to roc with you
I love to roc with you
Oh oh oh ah
If I wanna try to count the ways
You make me smile
I'll run out of fingers
Before I run out of time
The things to talk about
Jigga you keeps it going on
Make me wanna keep my lovin strong
Make me wanna try my best
To give you what you want and what you need
Give you my whole heart, not just a little piece
More than a minimum, I'm talking everything
More than a single wish, I'm talking every dream
You are my roc
Baby you're the truth
You are my roc
I love to roc with you
You are my roc
You're everything I need
You are my roc
So baby roc with me
I wanna kiss ya, feel ya, please ya just right
I wanna touch ya, love ya, baby all night
Reward ya, for all the things you do
You are my roc
I love to roc with you
I wanna roc with you
If there's options, I dont want them
They're not worth my time
Cuz if it's not you, oh no thank you
I like us just fine
You're a rock in the sand
You're a smile and a cry
You're my joy through the pain
You're the truth through the lies
No matter what I do
I know that I can count on you
Oh oh oh ah, oh oh oh ah
You are my roc
Baby you're the truth
You are my roc
I love to rock with you
You are my roc
You're everything I need
You are my roc
So baby roc with me
I wanna kiss ya, feel ya, please ya just right
I wanna touch ya, love ya, baby all night
Reward ya, for all the things you do
You are my roc
I love to roc with you
I love to roc with you
Oh oh oh I, oh oh oh I
I wanna kiss ya, feel ya, please ya just right
I wanna touch ya, love ya, baby all night
Reward ya, for all the things you do
You are my roc
I love to roc with you
I wanna roc with you
If I wrote a book about where we stand
The title of my book would be "Life with Superman"
That's how you make me feel
I count you as a privilege
This love is so ideal
I'm honored to be in it
I know you feel the same
I see it everyday
In all the things you do
In all the things you say
You are my roc
Baby you're the truth
You are my roc
I love to rock with you
You are my roc
You're everything I need
You are my roc
So baby rock with me
I wanna kiss ya, feel ya, treat ya just fine
I wanna touch ya, love ya, baby all night
Reward ya, for all the things you do
You are my roc
I love to roc with you
I love to roc with you
Oh oh oh ah
If I wanna try to count the ways
You make me smile
I'll run out of fingers
Before I run out of time
The things to talk about
Jigga you keeps it going on
Make me wanna keep my lovin strong
Make me wanna try my best
To give you what you want and what you need
Give you my whole heart, not just a little piece
More than a minimum, I'm talking everything
More than a single wish, I'm talking every dream
You are my roc
Baby you're the truth
You are my roc
I love to roc with you
You are my roc
You're everything I need
You are my roc
So baby roc with me
I wanna kiss ya, feel ya, please ya just right
I wanna touch ya, love ya, baby all night
Reward ya, for all the things you do
You are my roc
I love to roc with you
I wanna roc with you
If there's options, I dont want them
They're not worth my time
Cuz if it's not you, oh no thank you
I like us just fine
You're a rock in the sand
You're a smile and a cry
You're my joy through the pain
You're the truth through the lies
No matter what I do
I know that I can count on you
Oh oh oh ah, oh oh oh ah
You are my roc
Baby you're the truth
You are my roc
I love to rock with you
You are my roc
You're everything I need
You are my roc
So baby roc with me
I wanna kiss ya, feel ya, please ya just right
I wanna touch ya, love ya, baby all night
Reward ya, for all the things you do
You are my roc
I love to roc with you
I love to roc with you
Oh oh oh I, oh oh oh I
I wanna kiss ya, feel ya, please ya just right
I wanna touch ya, love ya, baby all night
Reward ya, for all the things you do
You are my roc
I love to roc with you
I wanna roc with you
Trying to enjoy my Sunday
After finishing up watching Righteous Kill, which btw is a pretty decent movie [I liked it], I came across a reaction video my friend did of 1 Guy 1 Cup. I had no idea this video even existed however I have seen the 2 girls 1 cup video [absolutely disgusting and they should be ashamed]. Mark decides that he wants to watch it so we go for it. So you don't have to subject yourself to watching it out of curiosity, I'll just tell you about it. A guy sits down on a glass jar which upon sitting on it, the jar inserts into his booty. As it is completely in the glass jar breaks inside of him and as he squats this guy digs around pulling the glass pieces out of himself. Our main concern was that this guy was going to bleed out because there was so much blood but just how rough he is and the size of the glass pieces that he pulls out are horrendous and disgusting. I can't imagine the pain he goes through, but surprisingly he does not scream once. At the end he stands up and walks away. I am thoroughly amazed and disgusted at the pain tolerance level this guy has. I also believe that he should be ashamed of himself. I feel that people are way too desperate these days to get their fifteen minutes of fame and its pathetic the things that they will do to get it. I completely agree that there are a lot of people in this world that have way too much time on their hands to do such idiotic things, but unfortunately. . .we can't control them. [hahahha]. Seriously, find something productive to do with your time other than be dramatic and gross to get peoples attention. I really wonder if this guy like walks around saying "oh I want you to see this video I made or I saw. . .it's really unique. . ." enticing his friends and family etc to watch him play a sexual fantasy or something. He has some serious issues. Ew.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Re-up
So I decided to revert back to an old template for my layout because I don't really like that other div as much as I like something that is simple. I'm still working on understanding the whole gadgets application and asking for advice on how to get a music player up and running. Hopefully I can get this finished pretty soon. I would like an image for a header that has Skinny Bitch in a nicer font but, we'll see if I can find someone to make the image as well as help me figure out how to put it in place of my current and original header.
I saw two of the greatest videos I've ever seen from youtube today. One was a Beyonce "Single Ladies" and Barack Obama pun. The other was a clip from a Family Guy episode that even though I am extremely addicted it seems I haven't seen. As soon as I figure out how to post those without having to save and upload them I will do so.
Now, the reading away of my life must continue. Back to homework
=\
I saw two of the greatest videos I've ever seen from youtube today. One was a Beyonce "Single Ladies" and Barack Obama pun. The other was a clip from a Family Guy episode that even though I am extremely addicted it seems I haven't seen. As soon as I figure out how to post those without having to save and upload them I will do so.
Now, the reading away of my life must continue. Back to homework
=\
Friday, January 23, 2009
New Job
So I finally started my new job today at the Aurora Municipal Courts. I was suppose to start last Friday but I had the flu and was unfortuantely unable to. Apparently I missed some welcome party that they held because they hired three other people so they had some party or something. Anyways, basically I am a baliff but my official title is a courtroom assistant. There is a lot of components to the courts because there are different divisions and the divisions cover different types of cases at different times but I'll explain what I do each day and hopefully it'll be better to understand.
So today I was in division three. In the morning I have to go through specific duties opening the court room and preparing it, making sure that it is ready and open. I have to go and pick up the dockets for the day and then as the defendants come in to the court room I grab their jacket and I give it to the court room reporter so she can check them into the computer. In the mornings we deal with Adult Arraignments, which if anyone doesn't know, arraignments are the first time people appear in court and make their plea of guilty or not guilty. After arraignments we see domestic violence arraignments. By then we should be closed for lunch. In the afternoon we have Walk-In Court where people can come in early for their arraignments, deal with warrants or money issues, etc. And then finally we deal with pretrials and contempt reviews. Through out the day, as cases are closed or addressed, the judge will hand them over to me I will stamp a date on the papers and the papers "jacket" and then I "tube" the files over to case management. Pretty simple, easy, and relaxed job. It will have some good entertainment times as well with the type of cases that we will be seeing hahahaha! So far the people are really nice, welcoming, and helpful.
I don't forsee any stressful situations like when I worked at the ambulance dispatch job, THANK GOD! I am just hoping for as many hours as I can possibly get really, because really my second job is already telling me that they aren't going to have that much work for me. I need the money but I'm not complaining too much because if I'm picking up a lot of hours at the courts then I'm going to have to go to the other job on the weekends and I don't like working weekends anymore. I like to relax and enjoy the time I don't have to be at campus or work.
All in all, I'm very pleased with my new position so far and I am looking forward to working there. It's a great foot in the door for working for the police department if I decide to work for Aurora. Actually in fact, I think this position will look good on my resume to any department, just good experience overall. The only downfall of this position I think is going to be the early start. I have to be there at 730 and I am definitely not a morning person but I think that I'll eventually get use to it. So yay for a new job. For those who are out there still looking for one, just keep your head up, make sure you get your name out there as much as possible, use all of your resources [friends, family, temp agencies, etc.]. Although the economy is bad, there are jobs out there so just keep trying! Good luck!
So today I was in division three. In the morning I have to go through specific duties opening the court room and preparing it, making sure that it is ready and open. I have to go and pick up the dockets for the day and then as the defendants come in to the court room I grab their jacket and I give it to the court room reporter so she can check them into the computer. In the mornings we deal with Adult Arraignments, which if anyone doesn't know, arraignments are the first time people appear in court and make their plea of guilty or not guilty. After arraignments we see domestic violence arraignments. By then we should be closed for lunch. In the afternoon we have Walk-In Court where people can come in early for their arraignments, deal with warrants or money issues, etc. And then finally we deal with pretrials and contempt reviews. Through out the day, as cases are closed or addressed, the judge will hand them over to me I will stamp a date on the papers and the papers "jacket" and then I "tube" the files over to case management. Pretty simple, easy, and relaxed job. It will have some good entertainment times as well with the type of cases that we will be seeing hahahaha! So far the people are really nice, welcoming, and helpful.
I don't forsee any stressful situations like when I worked at the ambulance dispatch job, THANK GOD! I am just hoping for as many hours as I can possibly get really, because really my second job is already telling me that they aren't going to have that much work for me. I need the money but I'm not complaining too much because if I'm picking up a lot of hours at the courts then I'm going to have to go to the other job on the weekends and I don't like working weekends anymore. I like to relax and enjoy the time I don't have to be at campus or work.
All in all, I'm very pleased with my new position so far and I am looking forward to working there. It's a great foot in the door for working for the police department if I decide to work for Aurora. Actually in fact, I think this position will look good on my resume to any department, just good experience overall. The only downfall of this position I think is going to be the early start. I have to be there at 730 and I am definitely not a morning person but I think that I'll eventually get use to it. So yay for a new job. For those who are out there still looking for one, just keep your head up, make sure you get your name out there as much as possible, use all of your resources [friends, family, temp agencies, etc.]. Although the economy is bad, there are jobs out there so just keep trying! Good luck!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
14 Month Lease
So. . .my first apartment lease is up at the end of February and in order to keep the same rent rate at my apartments we have to sign a 14 month lease. I think that the lease length is ridiculously long. . .I would be okay with a yr lease, which is too much different, but the number 14 is so big and my fear of commitment in every aspect of my life is holding me back. Today, the thought came to mind that I am trying to save money and paying rent, cable, electricity is not helping me do that. So, in my crazy mind I came up with the idea of moving back into my parents house in order to save money.
Now, I say crazy because although I am 21, if I move into my parents house I am going to have a curfew. It's extremely aggravating, although the majority of the time I go out, it's with Mark and I normally just stay the night with him. However, the whole idea of having a curfew is out of respect for my parents basically, so they don't have to stay up all night wondering where we are and whenever we are coming home or when we do come home we aren't waking them up. If my brother or sister were to move in, even they would have a curfew. Another down side is that I'm seeing my parents everday and the nagging won't stop lol. I'm not really saving money towards any specific goal so there's no amount of money that I am shooting for, but I think that it would be smarter for me while in still in school to live with my parents rent, electricity, and cable free and save money. As long as am in school my parents will provide a roof over my head for free and I think that I should take advantage of that for as long as I can. I'm a little nervous of what fights and other things could explode from living with them, but I think in the long run it will be worth it.
On top of a really long lease that I'm not comfortable signing, Tina is trying to move up here. And hopefully, she gets here sooner rather than later and I recently found out that she may be coming alone so therefore she is going to need a roommate and I definitely am not going to make her live with some random new person over me. I don't really want to move my stuff again, but once again. . .it will be worth it in the end. I don't mind living with my brother, had no problems and it's not that I can't afford to live on my own it's just that I would rather save up some money while I can otherwise the feeling of never having enough money is never going to end. In the end, I think this is going to be the best decision for the time being. Now, I just have to run the idea by my parents and see what they say.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Fatty's Delight
So I'm trying to think of what I'm going to take with me for lunch tomorrow and I need to figure it out quickly so I can go to sleep but in the mean time I've been looking up recipes and I need a quick place to store them.
Heirloom Grilled Tomatoes
Ingredients
4 large firm heirloom tomatoes (about 10 ounces each), cored, cut horizontally in half
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves, divided
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, divided
5 tablespoons (about) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Preparation
Arrange tomatoes, cut side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then 1 1/2 tablespoons each oregano and thyme leaves. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons oil. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush grill rack with oil. Place tomatoes, cut side up, on rack. Cook until bottoms are charred, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn tomatoes over and grill just to sear, about 1 minute. Turn cut side up onto platter. Sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon each oregano and thyme, then drizzle with more oil, if desired. Serve warm.
Avocado and Tomato Sandwhiches
Hummus
2 slices thick-crusted sourdough bread
4-6 avocado slices
1-2 leaves lettuce
2 thick tomato slices
• Spread desired amount of hummus on both slices of bread.
• Place avocado slices, lettuce, and tomato in between.
Tortilla Soup
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
7 cloves garlic, minced
2 chipotle or fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
1 pasilla or Anaheim pepper, seeded and chopped
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups faux chicken broth (try Osem or Telma brands, available in the kosher section of supermarkets)
Vegetable oil for frying
12 white corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
2 tsp. salt, plus extra to sprinkle on the tortillas
Juice from one freshly squeezed lime
2 ripe avocados, cut into small chunks
4 Tbsp. nondairy sour cream (try Tofutti brand at Tofutti.com)
1 green onion, chopped
2 sprigs cilantro, chopped
• Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until golden.
• In a blender, purée the onion, garlic, peppers, and half the can of tomatoes. Transfer the purée, along with the remaining half can of crushed tomatoes and the broth, to a large pot. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil for frying in a heavy pot over medium-high heat or in a deep-fryer. Add the tortilla strips and fry until golden brown. Transfer the strips to a paper-towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
• Just before serving, add 2 tsp. salt and the lime juice to the soup and stir. Divide the avocado chunks into four soup bowls, ladle the soup over them, and garnish each with 1 Tbsp. nondairy sour cream, fried tortilla strips, green onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
I'm dead tired and still don't know what to make for tomorrow. G'night!!
Heirloom Grilled Tomatoes
Ingredients
4 large firm heirloom tomatoes (about 10 ounces each), cored, cut horizontally in half
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves, divided
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, divided
5 tablespoons (about) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Preparation
Arrange tomatoes, cut side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then 1 1/2 tablespoons each oregano and thyme leaves. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons oil. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush grill rack with oil. Place tomatoes, cut side up, on rack. Cook until bottoms are charred, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn tomatoes over and grill just to sear, about 1 minute. Turn cut side up onto platter. Sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon each oregano and thyme, then drizzle with more oil, if desired. Serve warm.
Avocado and Tomato Sandwhiches
Hummus
2 slices thick-crusted sourdough bread
4-6 avocado slices
1-2 leaves lettuce
2 thick tomato slices
• Spread desired amount of hummus on both slices of bread.
• Place avocado slices, lettuce, and tomato in between.
Tortilla Soup
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
7 cloves garlic, minced
2 chipotle or fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
1 pasilla or Anaheim pepper, seeded and chopped
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups faux chicken broth (try Osem or Telma brands, available in the kosher section of supermarkets)
Vegetable oil for frying
12 white corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
2 tsp. salt, plus extra to sprinkle on the tortillas
Juice from one freshly squeezed lime
2 ripe avocados, cut into small chunks
4 Tbsp. nondairy sour cream (try Tofutti brand at Tofutti.com)
1 green onion, chopped
2 sprigs cilantro, chopped
• Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until golden.
• In a blender, purée the onion, garlic, peppers, and half the can of tomatoes. Transfer the purée, along with the remaining half can of crushed tomatoes and the broth, to a large pot. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil for frying in a heavy pot over medium-high heat or in a deep-fryer. Add the tortilla strips and fry until golden brown. Transfer the strips to a paper-towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
• Just before serving, add 2 tsp. salt and the lime juice to the soup and stir. Divide the avocado chunks into four soup bowls, ladle the soup over them, and garnish each with 1 Tbsp. nondairy sour cream, fried tortilla strips, green onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
I'm dead tired and still don't know what to make for tomorrow. G'night!!
Smoking
I just want to address how badly I hate when people smoke around me. It's absolutely disgusting and inconsiderate. In fact, I have resolved to tell, not ask because I feel it's totally rude to not go somewhere else in the first place, people to not smoke around me at all. I completely agree with Colorado's law of no smoking in public businesses and whatnot and I really think that we need to do away with cigarette production altogether. However, the likelyhood of something like that happening is extremely unlikely.
I have asthma and allergies and I can't stand the smell of the shit during and after a person smokes. If you smoke near me and I cuss you out don't get surprised. That shit is totally selfish. My manager smokes and he stinks so bad that when he comes near me I have to cover my nose and mouth so that I can't smell him because it makes me sick to my stomach. I am working on my own health and don't need someone else to detoriate it by smoking around me and giving me second hand smoke. I dealt with working in Bingo halls before smoking was prohibited and if I didn't get use to that shit then, then there is no chance of me ever getting use to it. I thank my boyfriend a 982938938595958987753 times for quitting smoking. He didn't do it for me, but if he hadn't quit smoking I don't think I would have gave him much of a chance of being with me and I am incredibly happy with him.
Now instead of just bitching about how badly smoking affects me I want anyone who reads this that smokes to take a look at your options for quitting. I know how hard a feat it is to quit something that is like a drug addiction, but imagine the happiness that you can bring not only to yourself, but to the others that are in and around your life. Check out smokefree.gov, lungusa.org, or even nicotine-anonymous.org.
First Mixed President
So as are a lot of people around the world, I am very excited for the new President, Barack Obama. I have high hopes for a successful administration and expect that he will put his best foot forward in dealing with everything that he faces. Unfortunately, his predecessor has left him with a huge amount of problems to deal with on his plate. . .and I don't believe that Obama will solve them all, but I'm sure he'll take some swings at them atleast. I was wondering the following though throughout the day of the inauguration and the day before:
Why is everyone portraying Obama as "superman"? I expect him to do a lot but we need to keep realistic expectations of what he is going to be capable of achieving while he is in office.
Where is all the sudden support coming from? A lot more people seem to be supportive of him now. Don't get me wrong, this is a great thing!
What are people expecting him to address first? What do they think his priority list is?
Are people expecting an attempt of assissination on Obama at any time of his time in office?
I wanted to also point out how the fighting in Gaza was put on hold for Obama's inauguaration. The mere election of Obama has had a huge impact not just on the history of the U.S. but the world. Many countries celebrated the fact that we elected him and the idea that violent fighting could be placed on hold for him alone says a lot about the impact he has had already worldwide.
News stations were asking whether the fact that we have our first black president has finalized and fulfilled Martin Luther King's "Dream". . .I personally believe the steps toward fulfilling that dream have been taken but we aren't there yet. I definitely think with the success of our new President those steps will come smoother and quicker, not in leaps and bounds, but a huge difference from our previous slow progression.
I heard someone say "the days of tit for tat have to end" andI think getting Bush out is a huge ste towards progress in that area simply because I believe his attack on the Middle East was based on revenge for the attempt on his father's life.
There was over $ 28 million spent on security alone. At 11 a.m. on the day of the inauguration, there were no reports of any incidents. The only threat I heard of was from a lady who said her son was bringing a bomb on the Jersey Turnpike. They pulled him over and there was nothing. The security organizers said they would rather apologize for over security then have to apologize for something they could have prevented.
Medically. . . during the inauguration there were only 30 transports out of 94 calls.
Anyways, I look forward to the changes! I wish Obama and his administration the best of luck! Stay positive in the hard times, because you can only go so low, before you have to come back up! [=
Why is everyone portraying Obama as "superman"? I expect him to do a lot but we need to keep realistic expectations of what he is going to be capable of achieving while he is in office.
Where is all the sudden support coming from? A lot more people seem to be supportive of him now. Don't get me wrong, this is a great thing!
What are people expecting him to address first? What do they think his priority list is?
Are people expecting an attempt of assissination on Obama at any time of his time in office?
I wanted to also point out how the fighting in Gaza was put on hold for Obama's inauguaration. The mere election of Obama has had a huge impact not just on the history of the U.S. but the world. Many countries celebrated the fact that we elected him and the idea that violent fighting could be placed on hold for him alone says a lot about the impact he has had already worldwide.
News stations were asking whether the fact that we have our first black president has finalized and fulfilled Martin Luther King's "Dream". . .I personally believe the steps toward fulfilling that dream have been taken but we aren't there yet. I definitely think with the success of our new President those steps will come smoother and quicker, not in leaps and bounds, but a huge difference from our previous slow progression.
I heard someone say "the days of tit for tat have to end" andI think getting Bush out is a huge ste towards progress in that area simply because I believe his attack on the Middle East was based on revenge for the attempt on his father's life.
There was over $ 28 million spent on security alone. At 11 a.m. on the day of the inauguration, there were no reports of any incidents. The only threat I heard of was from a lady who said her son was bringing a bomb on the Jersey Turnpike. They pulled him over and there was nothing. The security organizers said they would rather apologize for over security then have to apologize for something they could have prevented.
Medically. . . during the inauguration there were only 30 transports out of 94 calls.
Anyways, I look forward to the changes! I wish Obama and his administration the best of luck! Stay positive in the hard times, because you can only go so low, before you have to come back up! [=
Monday, January 19, 2009
Recipes
So I have this recipes sitting around on my desk and would like to get them out of the way so I'm going to type em up and trash the paper. I am a vegetarian so none of my recipes will have meat. Feel free to try em!
Baked Ziti
2 1/2 cups of ziti noodles
1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
mushrooms
zucchini
Boil noodles, preheat oven to 375
Drain noodles and mix in tomato sauce
add veggies
top with mozarella cheese
cover with aluminum foil
bake for twenty mins
uncover and bake til the cheese is bubbly
Brazilian Black Bean Soup
2 cups dried black beans
8 cups of water
4 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup of onion
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 tablespoon of hot pepper
lime juice
salt and pepper
Put beans water garlic salt and pepper and onions cumin ground pepper and lime juice into a large pot. Bring to a boil and then let it simmer.
Veggie Soup
3 cubed potatoes
chopped onions
2 carrots
2 zucchini
sliced mushrooms
3 tablespoons of olive oil
salt and pepper
Cream Cheese Jalapeno Peppers
1 package cream cheese
12 Jalapenos
1 package of bread crumbs
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
oil
Slice jalapenos length wise and remove seeds and tops
Fill jalapenos with cream cheese
put milk and flour in seperate bowls. dip jalapenos in milk and then in flour let dry for ten mins
dip in milk and roll in bread crumbs. repeat til entire surface is covered
place in oil and fry
Baked Ziti
2 1/2 cups of ziti noodles
1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
mushrooms
zucchini
Boil noodles, preheat oven to 375
Drain noodles and mix in tomato sauce
add veggies
top with mozarella cheese
cover with aluminum foil
bake for twenty mins
uncover and bake til the cheese is bubbly
Brazilian Black Bean Soup
2 cups dried black beans
8 cups of water
4 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup of onion
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 tablespoon of hot pepper
lime juice
salt and pepper
Put beans water garlic salt and pepper and onions cumin ground pepper and lime juice into a large pot. Bring to a boil and then let it simmer.
Veggie Soup
3 cubed potatoes
chopped onions
2 carrots
2 zucchini
sliced mushrooms
3 tablespoons of olive oil
salt and pepper
Cream Cheese Jalapeno Peppers
1 package cream cheese
12 Jalapenos
1 package of bread crumbs
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
oil
Slice jalapenos length wise and remove seeds and tops
Fill jalapenos with cream cheese
put milk and flour in seperate bowls. dip jalapenos in milk and then in flour let dry for ten mins
dip in milk and roll in bread crumbs. repeat til entire surface is covered
place in oil and fry
A Healthy Start
I'm a newbie! Yay. . .I like to pretend that I have nothing better to do with my time then sit here and tell about my days with two jobs and 12 credits a at school. . .but oh well. Glad to be healthy and over the horrible flu. I hope everyone is protecting themselves from that bastard child illness. I must return back to work. . .sad day. To new and interesting beginnings! Cheers! =]
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