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Is it Albuquerque or Everywhere?

Monday, June 15 Albertsons grocery store Despite their marketing claim of "3s a crowd", there were only 2 cashiers open at Albertsons, resulting in a choice between a long line and a slightly longer line. I opted for the latter, as it was the express lane. You know those stereotypical seniors who ramble on about everything, Grandpa-Simpson style, just to have someone to talk to? That was the express lane cashier. My ice cream was frozen when I put it on the conveyor, and melted by the time it rejoined the basket. Yes, I do like ice cream. No, I do not want to discuss the other flavor options I passed up or how I decided upon this one. That's a great story about how you won at the casino last year even though you hadn't been paying attention to the slot machine as you played because it was only $20 worth of quarters which you'd happened to be carrying and were just happy to be able to get rid of because of their weight in your pocket and I can believe you wer

My Salad Has a Secret (Ingredient) You'll Never Guess

There's a crazy wildfire burning and we're getting the smoke and even some of the ash here in Albuquerque. Sexy Nerd and I have been stuck inside every night for the past week and have been advised not to run our swamp cooler or open our windows. It is HOT! To compensate, we're being extra lazy lately. Ahh, what could be more relaxing than kicking back with a big glass of iced tea, a cool salad, and a magazine? But, did you know that the tasty salad you're looking at has a SECRET? Are you intrigued? That big, crunchy, delicious crouton in the corner? It's not a crouton! Photos like this aren't going to make me any friends at Tastespotting. It's actually fried tofu ! Now, if you're anything like Sexy Nerd, you're thinking that this new information is just about the most revolting thing you've ever heard. As you can see from the photos, even Kitchen Pig wouldn't endorse this one. But hear me out! Tofu takes on the fl

Random Phone Photos, Displayed Randomly

So, I went to see Ira Glass speak at Popejoy Hall. He was excellent, but the highlight of the day had to be the man standing in line ahead of me for the parking shuttle. Why, yes, that is the most professional-looking shirt with pigeons that I've ever seen. There is the teensiest baby bunny living in the parking lot at my office!!! I was a minute late clocking in (I'm never late) because I spent so much time adoring him. Don't leave your To Do list where Sexy Nerd can find it.  I was able to cross everything off in a single day of errand-running...except that. It's the wrong time of year, Sexy Nerd. Thank goodness (for both of us!) that my window wasn't rolled down.  This bird will not leave my car alone. He flies up to it as soon as I park and spends most of the day admiring his reflection in the mirror and tinted window. Apparently, my office has morphed into some sort of wildlife habitat. He's cute, but there's poop e

The 4 to 5 Day Weekend

Sexy Nerd never gets to spend 4 days relaxing at home. Over the weekend, however, that's exactly what happened. He tidied up our patio, did some telecommuting (because even during a holiday weekend, he misses his job.)(Also, he's insane.), rearranged his cactus collection, did laundry, hosted a barbecue for my parents (though one of them stood us up), caught up on his schoolwork, and watched hours and hours of racing. Then, he was bored. There was nothing left to fix or build or dismantle. In fact, he became so bored he got the itch to buy a new house, rather than wait to build our own, simply for the sake of having something to do. The plans are out to bid, Sexy Nerd. Be patient! (Truth be told, I actually really like this house . Isn't it charming? It would be like living inside a Mexican restaurant.) When it was finally time to return to work this morning, Sexy Nerd was thrilled. He got up, stepped into the shower, and... ...discovered our hot water heater had di

#MyDepressionLooksLike

Spoiler alert - the tea does nothing. Tuesday, May 17th I wish I could talk to someone about depression but I don't know where to start and I worry it will be too expensive and I don't want to risk being dropped from my medical insurance. I was so happy this morning and now I just feel empty and there's no reason for it and it happens all the time. Even Derek doesn't understand at all and he pretty much just ignores it. One day I'm going to lose though and there's nothing I can do to stop it and I don't want to do that to him or to my parents but the thoughts just come so naturally, like it's the most casual thing in the world that I would go sit in the car in the garage and never wake up again, like "Oh, I'll just go do that now" and I always stop myself before I even get up from my chair, but what are the odds that my crazy broken brain will or can prevent it forever? I felt great this morning. I had such a productive day. Everythi

Selling the Shirt Off My Back

In the market for a new summer wardrobe? Check out my Tradesy store ! Brands I'm selling include Shabby Apple, Coldwater Creek, Laura Ashley, Charter Club, Longchamp, and more. There are dresses, suits, sweaters, jackets, shoes, shirts, vests, and pants. I have more clothes to upload (like, a million more. How did I run out of storage space with 2 oversized walk-in closets?!) so if you like what you see, email me for details on more clothes. If you really like what you see, I can put together a discounted bulk lot for you. Not my size? Many of the clothes I'm selling are too small or too big for me, so check it out. And, to sweeten the deal, you'll get an additional $20 off your $50+ purchase (!!!) through this link . It's good for my clothes and clothes from my competition other sellers. Did I mention everything includes FREE shipping? Like this prom dress? It's for sale! Like this Shabby Apple Waimea dress? It's for sale! Like my Mad M

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcakes

You know those children's books that don't have any words? A favorite of mine was always Pancakes for Breakfast  by Tomie DePaola. I did a little baking yesterday and decided to create a wordless Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcakes recipe. You can totally figure out how to make this recipe, even without any words. Cupcakes for breakfast, anyone?    

A Bucket List of Crazy

I recently discovered bucketlist.net and have been compiling a list of everything I hope to do in my lifetime. Some of my goals require planning, like finally finishing my novel, seeing Britney Spears perform in Las Vegas, and building our dream home. Others are easier to cross off, like flying a kite with my Sexy Nerd. I'd like you-know-who to write his own list and he probably would have if I hadn't mentioned it. He's so stubborn. Bucketlist.net is great because it lets you see what other users have written, which can be a great source of inspiration, as well as amusement. Amusement, I say? Here are some of the errr...unique bucket list goals I've come across: 1. Wrestle a bear. 2. Beat a woman in an argument. 3. Prove everyone they were wrong about me. (Let's hope they weren't doubting the bucket lister's grasp on English...which, admittedly, is quite the bold insult considering I used the "word" lister in the same sentence. Lister??)

Crazy Purchase of the Day

The title implies that crazy purchases are going to become a regular feature here on my blog. Yes, that sounds about right. I might buy something crazy today. I have nowhere to put it and I'm skeptical that it even works and Sexy Nerd thinks I've lost my mind (even more so than before) but I must have it. Remember my red light therapy post? I think it's time to purchase my very own red light therapy bed. I can leave the door locked or unlocked and it won't make a difference because I'll be safely within my very own home. (Kidding, of course. I always have our door locked.)

The U.S.S. Sexy Nerd

A few years ago, Sexy Nerd decided he needed a boat, desert living be darned. Not just any boat, of course - he planned to create a homemade, folding boat! Google "How to Build a Folding Boat". Not many results, right? Only my husband is crazy enough to try such a thing. Here he is, attempting to paddle from the shore: When you're the captain of a folding boat, a lifejacket is a must. Who cares if the water is shallow?  Here, his dad tries to give him an unexpected, helpful push: Here is Sexy Nerd, caught off balance and falling (almost) overboard:  Whoops! So, did Sexy Nerd's folding boat sink or float? Take a look: For the record, I thought my music choice was mean and only played it to Sexy Nerd as a joke, but he loved it. He embraces his redneck ways. I'm still impressed...but have to point out that, many years later, the time above is still the only time this folding boat has ever been taken out of our garage. Thank goodnes

Wood Chandelier (How Did They Know?!)

My lovable, wacky boss finds it concerning that the internet knows so much about all of our lives. Google a product and suddenly ads for the exact same thing appear on every website you visit. If I search for something at work while logged into my boss's Gmail account, it affects my browsing when I go home, though I'm using a completely different account on a completely different computer. The internet even knows who-knows-who. Well, my boss is going to be FREAKED OUT by this one. I was browsing through old design magazines last night, trying to get ideas for the house we're building . I was reading an old issue of Country Living, from 2007 or so, and came across a photo of a kitchen with the most amazing wooden chandeliers. Where a typical chandelier would have dangling, sparkly crystals, this one had wood hanging from each light. They were perfect for our mountain home! The article detailed where to buy everything in the house, from the valences down to the throw rug