After a few U-turns and some misdirections, I got a new library card for the city of Phoenix library. They do their Culture Passes a little differently, and I'm excited (for those of you unfamiliar with them, you can check out passes to local attractions but they are in high demand, as you can imagine). First, you can see what will be available what day. Second, they are first-come, first-served at opening. While this might seem annoying (the lady told me you have to be in line at least 20 minutes before the library opens), the libraries open at different times depending on the day of the week, so it's not always early AM or mid-afternoon. The Mesa libraries put the passes out in the middle of the day randomly, to try to give everyone a fair chance, but no amount of planning ahead will help.
I'm hoping to snag one to the Children's Museum of Phoenix tomorrow. Wish me luck!
P.S. We're back online, obviously.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
annoying things about this move
1. Having to sign up for Qwest internet. Our apartment signed an exclusivity agreement with Qwest which means it's our only option, but we don't get a discount or anything, we just have no other choices. Grr. So, we have to buy one of their modems (which are $60, or free if you sign up for 2 years. Yeah, right.) and pay for them to come turn it on (we only have to pay this the first time this address signs up!) even though the entire complex is supposedly "hooked up already." Whatever. Oh, and orders take 2 days after they're placed, but I ordered it yesterday (Thursday) afternoon and we're not getting internet until Wednesday. Even my most generous calculations put that over 2 days.
2. APS. I opted for the "call you back when a line is available" option to save cell phone minutes and after waiting on hold for 7 minutes after they called me back, decided to go online. I dislike signing up for these services online because it's usually longer that way, I've found, or requires signing up for an online account. I did it anyway, however, and now have an email saying I need to pay my deposit online ($6 service fee) or by phone and then call to tell them it's paid so they can schedule my turn on. Tell me how this is easier than doing it all on the phone again? Since I won't even pay a $.10 fee to use my card, I'm definitely not paying $6 when I have to call them later anyway.
3. Accounts with no "also allow changes from..." option. I can either pretend to be Josh, sit next to him and dictate, or go online. In the case of our insurance, which is in his name, there was an error and they request I call in, but when I call in, they tell me to go online. Yippee! Lots of the accounts I've signed up for recently give an option, thank goodness, because we like to alternate who gets what so that not everything is in just one name. I've always wondered what would happen if I say I am Josh. Do you think they'd call me on it? I bet someone would get fired for saying "you don't sound like a man"...
4. Packing while Jonah is awake. He likes to take things out of boxes and is faster than I am at putting them in. He's only broken one plate so far, though, which is a testament to my mad reflexes.
On a happy note, I was able to fanagle us a $50 gift card with an online coupon and we're saving a ton of money on move in and the first month's rent because Josh is a federal employee. Also, we signed up for renter's insurance (which we should have done a long time ago) because it's mandatory at this apartment complex. It's $11/month to go through our apartments. However, it's only $13.50 a month with Farmer's and we also save $8 a month on car insurance, so...$5/month? Not bad.
See the post below for cute pictures of Jonah.
2. APS. I opted for the "call you back when a line is available" option to save cell phone minutes and after waiting on hold for 7 minutes after they called me back, decided to go online. I dislike signing up for these services online because it's usually longer that way, I've found, or requires signing up for an online account. I did it anyway, however, and now have an email saying I need to pay my deposit online ($6 service fee) or by phone and then call to tell them it's paid so they can schedule my turn on. Tell me how this is easier than doing it all on the phone again? Since I won't even pay a $.10 fee to use my card, I'm definitely not paying $6 when I have to call them later anyway.
3. Accounts with no "also allow changes from..." option. I can either pretend to be Josh, sit next to him and dictate, or go online. In the case of our insurance, which is in his name, there was an error and they request I call in, but when I call in, they tell me to go online. Yippee! Lots of the accounts I've signed up for recently give an option, thank goodness, because we like to alternate who gets what so that not everything is in just one name. I've always wondered what would happen if I say I am Josh. Do you think they'd call me on it? I bet someone would get fired for saying "you don't sound like a man"...
4. Packing while Jonah is awake. He likes to take things out of boxes and is faster than I am at putting them in. He's only broken one plate so far, though, which is a testament to my mad reflexes.
On a happy note, I was able to fanagle us a $50 gift card with an online coupon and we're saving a ton of money on move in and the first month's rent because Josh is a federal employee. Also, we signed up for renter's insurance (which we should have done a long time ago) because it's mandatory at this apartment complex. It's $11/month to go through our apartments. However, it's only $13.50 a month with Farmer's and we also save $8 a month on car insurance, so...$5/month? Not bad.
See the post below for cute pictures of Jonah.
a few favorite things
Watching the cars and "bid truts" drive down Power. He will do this multiple times a day for 10 minutes at a time. The semi's are the big trucks and his favorite. One time, I asked him if he was ready to go to bed to which he responded, "no, no, bid trut."
His new toy. Luckily, I think Josh is done with lab goggles for a while, because they have been confiscated.
Eating chips and salsa with Josh. Yes, he dips his chip. In fact, he either loves spice or is immune, because I stopped giving him a separate portion of spicy foods long ago. He just eats whatever I eat (and Josh, of course, eats something 10x more spicy than that).Not pictured: Making cars "dance" (twisting from side to side) to the Phantom of the Opera CD. If there are no cars available, he'll use whatever is: outlet covers, pencils, shoes, etc.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
the best sauce ever
It has taken almost 3 years, but I have finally perfected Kneaders sauce. You see, when I worked at Kneaders, I only made it by the gallon, so it's been a long time coming perfecting it for home use. This is just about enough for one sandwich (I like it medium-thick):
1 T. mayo
1 T. sour cream*
1/2 t. mustard
Mmm. Since Kneaders roasts its turkey overnight, it's pretty dry, so if I really want a Kneaders sandwich, I'd probably have to double the sauce. Since I was using regular sandwich meat, this was enough. It was so good last night that I had a real lunch today for the first time in a long time (instead of goldfish and whatever I can grab on the run). Oh, so delicious.
Now, I just need to figure out how to make Paesano bread.
*Rosalyn told me that plain yogurt can take the place of sour cream in lots of recipes, so I'm totally going to try it in this next time I have some yogurt.
P.S. I just saw someone win $6,200 on the Cash Cab. Wow.
1 T. mayo
1 T. sour cream*
1/2 t. mustard
Mmm. Since Kneaders roasts its turkey overnight, it's pretty dry, so if I really want a Kneaders sandwich, I'd probably have to double the sauce. Since I was using regular sandwich meat, this was enough. It was so good last night that I had a real lunch today for the first time in a long time (instead of goldfish and whatever I can grab on the run). Oh, so delicious.
Now, I just need to figure out how to make Paesano bread.
*Rosalyn told me that plain yogurt can take the place of sour cream in lots of recipes, so I'm totally going to try it in this next time I have some yogurt.
P.S. I just saw someone win $6,200 on the Cash Cab. Wow.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
packing books
I packed up my last box of books this morning. To be perfectly honest, I've packed the "last box" 3 times already, but I think this time I really found them all (except the ones I think I'll need desperately right after the move which will be packed with my toothbrush). I ended up with three books I didn't know what to do with.
Getting rid of books is hard for me, but if I can't see myself reading it again, or can't imagine one of my children, nephews, or house guests enjoying it on an afternoon that begs for a good book, I try to donate it or sell it. I have more boxes of books than I'll admit, after all, and at least 2 or 3 moves coming up in the next few years. I finally decided to get rid of a book on photographing Navajos which I picked up at 75% off at the BYU bookstore. I must have been missing home, since the pictures nor the text are particularly enlightening. I'm also getting rid of a book on imagination in literature which was not one of my textbooks and was not written by anyone renowned in the field, so I won't use it ever for anything academic and certainly don't want to read literary theory for fun.
The third book is Out of Time. I read (and enjoyed) this series in high school and for some reason at Barnes & Noble my freshman year in college I just had to have this book. I don't remember why, but it was a driving need. Being out of money, I begged Quintin to buy it for me. Looking back now, he wasn't rolling in dough either, so I don't remember why I felt justified pleading for this paperback. I think it might have been my birthday or something. Well, this is not the first book in the series, and I'm not sure I'll ever buy the rest. So, if we go back to my original deciding factors, I probably will not read it again (4 years of Comp. Lit. classes and 2 semesters of creative writing have made it difficult for me to re-read some of my favorites knowing it will never be the same) and without the first book in the series, no one else will understand it. I boxed it up, of course, like I do every move, because it's special to me. It was a gift from my brother (even if I did beg) and I like to keep as many things of his as close to me as I can.
Getting rid of books is hard for me, but if I can't see myself reading it again, or can't imagine one of my children, nephews, or house guests enjoying it on an afternoon that begs for a good book, I try to donate it or sell it. I have more boxes of books than I'll admit, after all, and at least 2 or 3 moves coming up in the next few years. I finally decided to get rid of a book on photographing Navajos which I picked up at 75% off at the BYU bookstore. I must have been missing home, since the pictures nor the text are particularly enlightening. I'm also getting rid of a book on imagination in literature which was not one of my textbooks and was not written by anyone renowned in the field, so I won't use it ever for anything academic and certainly don't want to read literary theory for fun.
The third book is Out of Time. I read (and enjoyed) this series in high school and for some reason at Barnes & Noble my freshman year in college I just had to have this book. I don't remember why, but it was a driving need. Being out of money, I begged Quintin to buy it for me. Looking back now, he wasn't rolling in dough either, so I don't remember why I felt justified pleading for this paperback. I think it might have been my birthday or something. Well, this is not the first book in the series, and I'm not sure I'll ever buy the rest. So, if we go back to my original deciding factors, I probably will not read it again (4 years of Comp. Lit. classes and 2 semesters of creative writing have made it difficult for me to re-read some of my favorites knowing it will never be the same) and without the first book in the series, no one else will understand it. I boxed it up, of course, like I do every move, because it's special to me. It was a gift from my brother (even if I did beg) and I like to keep as many things of his as close to me as I can.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
one mommy, all alone
..calls two mommies on the phone! Hippos Go Berserk anyone? If you haven't read it, do. Jonah finally appreciates the fact that in the middle of the book the hippos all party and screams and does weird things with his hands (like a mastermind plotting, but at 200% speed) on that page. It makes it hard to read before bed, but I'm happy it's finally a favorite because I've been rooting for it since last year when I got it for him for Christmas. Anyway...
Yesterday, Josh was at work for 11 hours. Bleh. We survived by pretty much eating and going to the park. We did make dinner (go us) and sort of clean the house, but other than that, we went to the park twice and went running.
Before you tell me how awesome I am for running on a busy day, I'd like to point out that Jonah is best behaved outside and we didn't have time to go to the park again. Maybe this new schedule will be good for my health?
And now, a few belated pictures from our family Christmas party:
Me and my senior nephews. Aren't they cute? Collin's taken, but I might be able to get you a date with Ryan for a one-time fee of $50. Just kidding. Especially since most of the people reading this are either related to him or married or both. Although seriously, Quintin told Ryan he should come be his wing man. "You can have the young ones" he said. Sarcastic comments will remain inside this time.
Jonah loves oranges, but still manages to forget every time that they must be peeled first (hence the surprised look).
Quintin & Jonah. We have far too few of these pictures because we're usually too busy when he's around.
The Tabasco of love. As far as I know, Josh is the only person to use this, but my mom always makes sure it's around. Rosalyn also has a bottle at her house for his use. If that's not love, what is?
Yesterday, Josh was at work for 11 hours. Bleh. We survived by pretty much eating and going to the park. We did make dinner (go us) and sort of clean the house, but other than that, we went to the park twice and went running.
Before you tell me how awesome I am for running on a busy day, I'd like to point out that Jonah is best behaved outside and we didn't have time to go to the park again. Maybe this new schedule will be good for my health?
And now, a few belated pictures from our family Christmas party:
Me and my senior nephews. Aren't they cute? Collin's taken, but I might be able to get you a date with Ryan for a one-time fee of $50. Just kidding. Especially since most of the people reading this are either related to him or married or both. Although seriously, Quintin told Ryan he should come be his wing man. "You can have the young ones" he said. Sarcastic comments will remain inside this time.
Jonah loves oranges, but still manages to forget every time that they must be peeled first (hence the surprised look).
Quintin & Jonah. We have far too few of these pictures because we're usually too busy when he's around.
The Tabasco of love. As far as I know, Josh is the only person to use this, but my mom always makes sure it's around. Rosalyn also has a bottle at her house for his use. If that's not love, what is?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
a few things
I hit my head, really hard, on the side of the car yesterday and have been fighting a blinding headache since. That may be why, but doesn't this quote's punctuation seem off? "The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased; and not impaired in value." (Theodore Roosevelt) I stopped in the middle of shopping at Bass Pro to point out, louder than I had intended, that I think the semicolon messes up the quote. Will someone with a clearer mind than mine please help me out on this one?
Also, I talked to my niece about If I Stay. She said that she did not like it because she felt it ended too soon; that there were still too many things to sort through at the end. I can see what she means. I also have a feeling that the passion in her dislike may have faded now that she's not sobbing as she did admit that one of the big reasons she disliked it was because it was so sad.
I found an outgoing mail slot. This might not seem like a big deal, but I have been whining (to myself and to anyone who will listen) about how I have to drive 3 miles to mail anything. I'm embarrassed to admit how close the mail slot is to my own mailbox: 3 feet. I'll be sure to send lots of letters in the next month to get some good use out of it!
It's been a long, trying day with a very independent child. I'm now trying to decide on the proper care of my nerves: brownies & ice cream, cookies & ice cream, ice cream by itself because I don't feel like cooking anything, or straight to bed. Wish me luck! (And yes, Stephanie, I know what your vote would be.)
Also, I talked to my niece about If I Stay. She said that she did not like it because she felt it ended too soon; that there were still too many things to sort through at the end. I can see what she means. I also have a feeling that the passion in her dislike may have faded now that she's not sobbing as she did admit that one of the big reasons she disliked it was because it was so sad.
I found an outgoing mail slot. This might not seem like a big deal, but I have been whining (to myself and to anyone who will listen) about how I have to drive 3 miles to mail anything. I'm embarrassed to admit how close the mail slot is to my own mailbox: 3 feet. I'll be sure to send lots of letters in the next month to get some good use out of it!
It's been a long, trying day with a very independent child. I'm now trying to decide on the proper care of my nerves: brownies & ice cream, cookies & ice cream, ice cream by itself because I don't feel like cooking anything, or straight to bed. Wish me luck! (And yes, Stephanie, I know what your vote would be.)
Saturday, January 2, 2010
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
For my sake more than anything else (I ended up with too many books at 4 stars last year and I definitely preferred some of them over others) here's how I think:
5 stars: Practically perfect.
4 stars: Great. Enjoyable enough to read again.
3 stars: Not bad. Most likely great writing/bad plot or the other way around (or just not my cup of tea).
2 stars: I did not enjoy it.
1 star: Not worth finishing.
-----------------------
And to kick off the year, a 5 star book!
Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Rating: 5 stars
If I Stay surprised me. I knew what it was about and that it was supposed to be great, but I was still pleasantly surprised. The book is a mix of flash backs and out-of-body type observances, but it was not choppy, nor was I skipping ahead. In fact, I skim when I get excited (not on purpose!) and found myself slowing down often so I would not miss a single word. She does not waste words and finds ways to describe intense feelings with a short story.
For example, Mia (the main character) and her best friend Kim divide the world into groups: those who drink coffee straight and those who drink caramel-mocha cappuccinos, those who think about their funerals and those who don't, those who have boyfriends in high school and those who have boyfriends in college. When Mia unexpectedly gets a boyfriend, she plays down the significance to Kim because she is hesitant to be in the first group and lose that bond. She has no doubts about the boy, just about how it's going to change her relationship with Kim. As I read this passage, I totally got it. I tried describing it to Josh, though, and he didn't see my point. Maybe it's a girl thing?
There are many poignant scenes, and as promised, I bawled like a baby the whole way through, but it was mostly a good cry. My 16-year old niece read the book one evening while she watched Jonah for us, though, and hated it. She said it was "weird" and "a waste of her evening" which leads me to my only possible criticism. Part of what makes the book so wonderful is the difficult choices she makes, which might be a little heavy for some teens. After all, I identified with her parents as much as I did with the main character, so I can't honestly say what a real live Young Adult would think.
Either way, I loved it.
5 stars: Practically perfect.
4 stars: Great. Enjoyable enough to read again.
3 stars: Not bad. Most likely great writing/bad plot or the other way around (or just not my cup of tea).
2 stars: I did not enjoy it.
1 star: Not worth finishing.
-----------------------
And to kick off the year, a 5 star book!
Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Rating: 5 stars
If I Stay surprised me. I knew what it was about and that it was supposed to be great, but I was still pleasantly surprised. The book is a mix of flash backs and out-of-body type observances, but it was not choppy, nor was I skipping ahead. In fact, I skim when I get excited (not on purpose!) and found myself slowing down often so I would not miss a single word. She does not waste words and finds ways to describe intense feelings with a short story.
For example, Mia (the main character) and her best friend Kim divide the world into groups: those who drink coffee straight and those who drink caramel-mocha cappuccinos, those who think about their funerals and those who don't, those who have boyfriends in high school and those who have boyfriends in college. When Mia unexpectedly gets a boyfriend, she plays down the significance to Kim because she is hesitant to be in the first group and lose that bond. She has no doubts about the boy, just about how it's going to change her relationship with Kim. As I read this passage, I totally got it. I tried describing it to Josh, though, and he didn't see my point. Maybe it's a girl thing?
There are many poignant scenes, and as promised, I bawled like a baby the whole way through, but it was mostly a good cry. My 16-year old niece read the book one evening while she watched Jonah for us, though, and hated it. She said it was "weird" and "a waste of her evening" which leads me to my only possible criticism. Part of what makes the book so wonderful is the difficult choices she makes, which might be a little heavy for some teens. After all, I identified with her parents as much as I did with the main character, so I can't honestly say what a real live Young Adult would think.
Either way, I loved it.
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