Big Green Help

My 6-year old likes to watch Nickelodeon throughout the day, before school and after. I've been hearing this commercial about a project called Big Green Help for Earth Day. From what I've gathered, on Earth Day, we're supposed to shut off all of the electronics in our house for one minute. Okay. So, I'm wondering how this would make a difference. Yeah, it says, according to their site, that we are saving 848547 tons of CO2 by doing this. Still, it's a one time thing right? I can see how this would make a difference if it were done more than once this year. I mean, to me this is a lot like Ashton Kutcher beating CNN for tweets. Who cares? For $100,000 that goes to fight malaria? Come on, Ashton, why do the tweet thing, just write the check and do it 'cause you care.

Good Mexican food

One of the things that bothers me about living in the heart of the Midwest, is that it's hard to find a place that serves really good, authentic Mexican food. Even worse, most of the 'authentic' restaurants in town are the same. There's not much that differentiates any of them.

They all serve something that's fried and covered in some kind of sauce, alongside a pile of rice and drab beans. Some of the dishes clearly look like they've been thrown in an oven or microwave to melt the cheese or to simply re-heat the food.

The simple fact is that the whole idea of freshness, that is Mexican food, has been thrown out the window and has been replaced by easy-to-prepare dishes that just don't look very appealing.

I've mentioned many a time to friends and family that I'd love to open a restaurant where people will get a real taste of Mexico. Not just fried food with your run-of-the-mill rice and beans, but fresh food that's full of flavor, color, and just damn good. After all, those are the things I remember when I was growing up. Picking up recently caught seafood, butchered meat, poultry and pork, freshly made tortillas and decadent sauces made from scratch.

Now that makes good eating and I believe the people in this unassuming town would fall in love with. But, I don't think it'll happen. Not any time soon at least. My husband has jokingly threatened to divorce me if I tried to do something like this, and quite frankly I don't have the training or experience to pull it off. It is needed though because I'm sick and tired of seeing these little restaurants popping up that serve the same boring food and tag it with a Mexican label. While it is Mexican, it's far from what it could be.

Simply irritated at the whole thing

I'm completely stumped about everything that's going on in Washington D.C. these days. So stumped in fact, that I hardly have any words. I just sit and listen and watch what's been going on, and I just can't believe it. While my disbelief subsides, for a brief moment, my irritation increases. More like frustration and, yes, anger.

Of course, President Obama says I should be angry, but I don't think he'd say that if he knew what I was angry about. Before I continue, I want to preface this post by stating that I'm not Republican nor Democrat. I'm conservative, yes, in many aspects of the political spectrum -- social, economic and foreign affairs. In fact, these days, you can probably find me along side the Independent lines and, financially speaking, more Libertarian. Really, I can't claim either party, and I'd like to keep it that way. I think Americans would be better served this way, but that's for another day. On to my rant.

One of the causes of my irritation, there are many, is this whole 'rush' the government is in to try to fix the economy. I don't think there's a need to rush and I also don't think anything needs to be fixed. I'm a firm believer in capitalism, and regardless of companies going broke, yes, even the big ones, I also believe the economy is just fine. That's just how things should be.

This whole rush to fix things has created unfounded fear for many Americans, and the government has taken advantage of this fear to push their agenda. The very thing the Bush Administration was criticized for after 9/11, you know, the whole going to war thing because we were afraid, is exactly what the Obama Administration is doing with their handling of the economy. They are using fear to push legislation that will not only prolong the mess, but will eradicate the very foundation of our capitalist society.

I don't really care about any one's affiliations here, whether it be liberal or conservative, but two wrongs don't make a right. And to sit by while your party says one thing and does the exact opposite, well, in my book that's known as hypocrisy.

Hey, I'm Back

Ok, so it's been 'like' forever since I've written a post here on Musings, but, I'm back. My life got pretty hectic after Carmen's birth. It was a crazy transition time for me.

Now that things are somewhat settled, I decided to make some changes around here. You'll notice I changed the dark color scheme to something much lighter. I'm not sure why I used something so dark, but I couldn't stand it anymore. I worked on the header, and I have to say, I like it a hundred times more than the generic stuff you get from Blogger. Anyway, on to my musings or ramblings for today.

Unless you've been living in a hole, you're aware of the Chris Brown-Rihanna incident at the Grammy's. Every media outlet is covering this, and I really don't have a problem with it like I do other celebrity crap they post as news. You know what I'm talking about. So, I hit CNN.com this morning to get my daily dose of biased news and saw that Chris Brown says he's sorry 'for what transpired'. Really? He's sorry. Well, golly gee, Chris. I guess that makes it okay. I mean, saying your sorry for hitting a woman will make everything just go away, right. Heh, you know what's sad? In his case, it probably will.

Oh, the funniest thing I've seen this morning (other than the crusted snot on my baby's face from overnight sneezing that we couldn't get to), is a YouTube clip that's been making the rounds on most media sites. If you haven't seen it, take a look at this lady having a bad day at the Hong Hong airport. What's funny about it is that anyone that's ever missed a flight has wanted to throw a tantrum like that. We just never do. Unless of course we've made a little stop at the bar, and then we just can't help it. But this lady is sober when she goes nuts. Too funny.


Well, Obama's keeping his promise of bringing change to America. (It was probably the single-most successful presidential campaign I can remember.) Most Americans would agree that something needed to be changed. I'll be honest, I voted for W both times, and I didn't vote for O. But, I did agree with him on that one topic. We did need change.

But it's really scaring the **** out of me at the way big O is going about it. He's inching us closer and closer to socialism, and if that weren't scary enough, Americans are loving him for it. I just don't get it.

Isa's Favorite Songs

Isa has been on this Laurie Berkner kick lately. Her and her band write and play kids songs that are quite a hit with little ones. We found about her on Nickelodeon, and I picked up the DVD/CD for Isa. Now, every time we get in the car, that's what she wants to listen to.

Her favorite songs are:
I'm Gonna Catch You


We Are The Dinosaurs


I have to admit, I enjoy listening too. I like those two songs, and these:
Victor Vito


Bumble Bee (Buzz Buzz)

Dear friends

Last week we were given some heartbreaking news. Our dear friends and neighbors are moving away. Matt said, not too long ago, that we always believed buying our house was God's blessing. But, we soon realized the true blessing was the friends we came to know and love just down the street from our new house. That would be the Todd family - Bill, Jody, Kaleigh, Hannah and Liam. It would be difficult to imagine our neighborhood, our church and our lives without them, alas, God has called them away.

Bill recently accepted a position at Bellevue Community Church in Nashville, Tennessee. That's about 2 hours east of the college Matt and I attended down there. While we are excited for them, our hearts are saddened by the news. Bill and Jody have become dear friends, friends I truly consider family. And, just like the absence of a brother and/or sister, they, along with their 3 wonderful kids, will be missed. I know we're not alone. There are many in the Woodcrest family who will feel their absence. They have become ingrained in our little community of believers.

We'll have the opportunity to visit them. But, it hurts to think that they won't be down the street anymore, the happy little bunch that is the Todd clan. I miss them already just thinking about it. Who are we going to watch the UFC with? Or, hang out for no good reason? And, who's gonna play Gears of War 2 and Guitar Hero with me?

Good luck you guys and may God bless you in the new chapter of your lives. We love you!

The niceties of life

I can't help but think that I'm a lucky woman. I'm married to a man who still holds value in the gentleman mentality. Something that is losing merit as our society progresses. I think about the little things he does that are a sign of respect for me and for women in general. Little things like holding the door as we walk in/out of a building, opening the car door as I get seated, and waiting to eat only when all the women are seated at the table and have themselves began to eat. Yes, these niceties that I worry my daughters will never experience for themselves from someone other than their father.

I know it's something that isn't in my hands, but God's. But, being human, I still tend to worry about my daughters missing out on the niceties. Isa, my oldest, is only five years old, and I wonder if other boys her age are being taught these little things. My father, for example, knew and understood these gentlemen attributes, but never was a gentleman himself. As a result, my brother, the only male sibling, never learned what it means to be a gentleman. In fact, I recall a specific moment when I visited my family last in which I was enjoying a meal with my dad. My brother and his girlfriend joined us not long after. As they prepared to eat, she got up to grab a drink and he began to chow down on his food. I looked at him and said, "you know, you should really wait until she gets back before you start." He looked at me with this puzzled look on his face. "Nuh uh," he retorted. I continued to tell him that it is rude to begin eating before your woman is ready. He looks at my dad, who responds, "well, you're supposed to." He was surprised by my reaction, but even more so by my dad's response. He gently put his fork down and waited for her to return.

Of course, I consider myself spoiled sometimes because of what my husband does. For example, I couldn't tell you the last time I pumped gas in any of our vehicles. Matt has made every effort to make sure that when I get into our truck or car, that they have sufficient gas for my trip that day. Of course, I think he's going out of his way now because of my current physical state. I'm 32 1/2 weeks pregnant. Still, I appreciate his efforts and make sure to thank him for everything he does.

I understand that a woman's independence is held in high regard nowadays. I really don't have a problem with that. I mean, as a woman, you have to be able to take care of yourself. But, there's nothing wrong with letting your husband be a man and take care of you and the family.

Oops, Baby? Give me a break

I found this clip on Fox News today. Survey: Nearly 50% of U.S. pregnancies are accidents.


Let me just tell you. Pregnancy is never an accident. Let me tell you, when you dance the horizontal tango, stuff happens. The accident, in many cases, is the 2 that tango in the first place. C'mon people!

So .. Matt wants Wii Fit

I got a call from him today. He said they had some available at Best Buy if I wanted to get one for him for his birthday. Of course, I acted like I really didn't care. And ran over there. But, nothing doing. They were out. Well, technically, they had some in-stock, but they were pre-ordered. Argh.

Oh well. The hunt begins.

In case you don' know what Wii Fit is, here's a brief look:

wii fit full trailer from E3 2007 - Watch more free videos

More information:
Wii Fit Nintendo
Wii Fit

Sleepless in Columbia

Ugh. It's 3:45 a.m. and I can't sleep. On top of this horrible headache, it's so stinkin' windy that I just can't get back to sleep. Instead of tossing and turning, I figured I might as well just surf a bit, maybe post on the blog, and get caught up on my email. So, here I sit, staring at the monitor, typing what seems coherent to me at this hour (hopefully, it makes some sense later). As I write, something in our back porch just toppled over. It's crap like that that's keeping me up. Oh well, enough griping for now.

I was bummed that we had to cancel FPU last night. There was a widespread power outage in the southern part of town that forced us to call it a night. Although some folks were upset, there was nothing we could do, and most of the couples that had kids and sitters, used this opportunity for date night. Can't really complain about that.

Matt and I enjoyed our evening. Sarah tagged along with us to Coldstone. We knew Kaleigh was working so we thought we'd crash and maybe take her up on the 'pregnant' woman discount she'd offered before. Sure enough, she was good on her word. I got me a little Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip in a waffle cone that hit the spot. Kaleigh was getting off work soon after, so we hung out for a bit to taxi her home later. Later because we had planned on grabbing a pizza and hanging at Sarah's for a while. No sense in ending the evening so short. Especially when Isa was enjoying her time with grandma.

On our way to Sarah's, we placed an order to Domino's so it'd be there shortly after our arrival. By that time, the power was back up and all was well in the world. Well, at least in south Columbia. Traffic lights were up and running so people could actually appear to know how to drive. Maybe it's just me, but it seems that drivers have forgotten how to operate a vehicle. Too many folks have forgotten what a red light means, especially in the turning lane. Most drivers don't even understand what 'Yield' means, especially at a round-a-bout, which annoys me to no end. And, to make things worse, with the power out last night, people forgot how to do the 4-way stop at an intersection with no lights. I guess they are just living up to the state's billing, the 'Show-Me' how-to-drive state.

Well, even with the wind blowing, I think I'm gonna make an attempt at catching the early morning's z's. **Crossing my fingers .. **

Friendships

I was talking with a friend yesterday about her weekend. Her family had come into town for a few days and Matt and I were able to visit with them for a bit on Friday night. Anyway, my friend mentioned briefly a conversation she had with her mom. Her mom told her that she liked her friends and that our group is like a family. I couldn't agree more.

My mom used to be concerned with us, with me, all alone in the Midwest with no family. It wasn't until she met my friends that she realized, we are just fine. She was glad that I had such great friends that really are like my extended family.

I hold my friends dear to my heart. Since I've been away from my family, my friends are an important part of my life. It was that way in college and, even more so now that I'm married and have a family of my own. In fact, I sometimes think good friends should be cherished. It sounds cheesy, I know. But, family is supposed to like you. They're family after all. Friends, on the other hand, they hang out with you if they really like you, not because they have to.

So, here's to all of my friends out there. I love you and pray that God pours His blessings on you. :)

A wonderful man in my life

I was reminded just a bit ago, that I'm married to a wonderful man. We just spent our lunch break together, eating and just hanging out. We chatted about work, about Isa, and other stuff as it came up. And, as he dropped me off here at work and kissed me goodbye, I couldn't help but think about the fact that I really do enjoy spending time with him. He is truly my best friend.

For the life of me, I can't figure how in the world God saw it fit to give me such a tremendous blessing. Lord knows I'm not perfect and will never be. Still, to be able to share my life with a man that has an honest, compassionate and sincere heart dumbfounds me. I tear up whenever I think about the man he is and is becoming; a man truly after God's own heart, truly committed to his family, a dear friend to many, and passionate about our financial ministry at the church.

For all of this, I am grateful to God. For all of this, I feel extremely blessed.

Weird dreams

I've heard it said before, that weird dreams are usually a part of pregnancy. I can't recall any dreams out of the ordinary, if I can even say that, when I was pregnant with Isa. My memory isn't what it used to be so I'm guessing I had a few here and there.

Last night, however, I had a dream, or set of dreams that kept me from sleeping soundly. Not anything freaky or anything. They just got my mind racing. Of course, I'm not sure I would qualify the dreams as weird, but I wanted to mention them since they got my mind racing.

Anyway, my first dream of the set I believe was a direct result of me watching Raymond Blanc's The Last Restaurant Standing last night before I went to bed. I'm addicted to the show, as with Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. So, in the dream, I was actually a part of the show, as the chef of one of the couples. I vividly remember discussing the menu and describing in detail some of the dishes I wanted to prepare. I woke up not too long after that thinking about the menu. Of course, it featured authentic Mexican dishes but presented in a modern way within the British background. It makes me laugh just thinking about it.

I've told Matt before that I would like to open a restaurant at some point in the future and give the Columbia folks a true Mexican treat. I love cooking for my friends and family and I've been thinking about how I can make the transition from home cook to commercial chef. Blanc's show has been quite enlightening in that regard. I assumed it's a tough transition, but the show has made it clear that I would require some serious training if I ever made that leap.

The second dream was an extension of the first. Almost like a continuation. I found myself going the catering route instead of becoming a restauranteur. Again, I discussed a similar menu and actually met with a potential client about everything.

Both dreams were very crazy but felt so real, I couldn't go back to sleep because my mind was going 100 mph over the menu and the little flavors each food item presented. Crazy. Maybe it's a hint of something to come. Or, it could just be that I got into the show. Who knows?

Reaching the fallen man

Matt and I had a great discussion last night about one of our pastor's quotes. The statement read:

"As Christians we love talking about the benefits of the cross, but we are generally unwilling to grapple with the reality of the fall."
Dr. Rod Casey

The topic came up because we were talking about worrying. I'm the one in our relationship that doesn't worry. Matt tends to be the worrier. But, Matt said that he would get so frustrated growing up because he was a worrier. He also grew up in a good Christian home along with a devout extended family. He was made to feel like he didn't have adequate faith because he worried. In reality, we both agreed, that this has more to deal with the human factor than with lack of faith.

Why is it that Christians like to paint pretty pictures about our faith and life, and neglect the fallenness of man? Faith plays into both aspects, I believe.

One of the things that irks me is when the Christian community gets all up in arms about TV shows or movies or music that isn't necessarily ideal. You know what? Life on Earth isn't exactly ideal. And to complete dismiss secular media as lacking in any value or truth telling is detrimental to our purpose of reaching people for Christ. Sure, I'd like to see or listen to more values-based, family-centric media, but if we completely ignore that other side, how can we even attempt to reach those who aren't?

Truth can be spoken in the secular as well, not just in the Christian form (whatever that means).

Week 14 couldn't come any sooner

Today, marks the beginning of my 14th week of pregnancy and the beginning of my 2nd trimester. As excited as I am about the new person growing inside of me, I couldn't wait to get to this point. To me, the 2nd trimester is the most exciting part of being pregnant. At this point, you are more likely done with the nausea and sickness, which, thank goodness, is the case for me. And, from my previous experience, the final trimester was more uncomfortable than enjoyable.

With this 14th week, if am finally feeling better and have actually enjoyed food (some food, not all). Which is more than I could say just a week ago. The fatigue is still here, but I can deal with it. I was just hoping the nausea would go away so I wouldn't have to resort to taking any more pills than I have to. I was merely holding on for the 14th week to see what was going to happen.

I'm also excited about this stage of the pregnancy because I'll get to feel the baby for the first time in a few weeks and we'll get to see what we're having in early April. Matt and I really don't care what we have, as long as it's healthy and has 10 fingers and toes. Matt worries more about the baby being healthy because of his medical history, but I trust that God will take care of us regardless.

This week has been a little rough on me. Matt's been on a work trip since Sunday, thankfully returning tonight. I have to say, I am exhausted. Taking care of a 5-year old, 2 50-lbs dogs and the house work has left me pretty tired. I don't know how you it Natalie. And, work has been crazy busy with a handful of urgent projects along with lots of little ones that pop up. That's not even including my freelance work which has taken a hit. As soon as Matt gets home, I'll be glad to have someone to share the responsibilities with, and finally get some rest.

Home with a sick child

No work for me today. At least not in the sense of my job work. I've got plenty to do here at home like washing dishes, finish the laundry, and pick up toys. Funny how the housework never ceases. There's always something to do. So, with my sick little girl watching cartoons to forget her puniness, I'm off to the call of chores. Until tomorrow.

Are you sick of hearing about Britney and Kevin?

I know I am. And this morning, I couldn't have been more sure of it.

I went to CNN.com to get an update on what's going in the world around me. I look down the list of links in the Latest News section, and, to my utter disgust, there's an article about Britney Spears. Apparently there's a video that shows Britney running a red light. Not that it's not a bad thing, but is it front-page-latest-news worthy? I don't think so. I'm to the point now where I'm ready to boycott the mainstream news sites for this kind of crap.



So, if anyone has any suggestions on reliable news sites I can check out where I'm not going to get bombarded by celebrity crap, please, please let me know.

Quick notes..

Quick notes is simply a collection of ramblings about whatever the heck is on my mind. It might be confusing, but I'm just writing what comes to mind.

The rumors about Joe Torre were validated late last week as news of his signing through 2010 for $13 million filled the airwaves and Internet. Great news for Dodger fans, like me. Finally, a top caliber manager running the show.

The weekend was great. We did absolutely nothing. I had the girls (from MBS) over Friday night for some food and Guitar Hero III. Jennifer and Jenny got into it. Saturday, Matt, me, and Isa just sat around the house watched TV, played together, and did nothing, all day. It was great.

Yesterday, Sunday, we attended a great service at Woodcrest. They started a new series called Sex, Drugs, and I Want Control. You hardly ever hear churches deal with the issues of sex and drugs head on. Well, Woodcrest isn't your typical church. The dove right into a topic that needs to be talked about, especially today. The main ideas from the service, sex was designed by God for a man and woman to enjoy, not just to procreate, and that it was intended within the marriage commitment. Next weekend, they're tackling the subject of drugs.

The Chiefs almost pulled it out yesterday. Almost, but the great Brett Favre stole the show. The Packers are having a great season, and I was torn between who to root for. I respect Favre and am a Chiefs fan. While I don't like to see the Chiefs lose, I like that Favre and the Packers won.

More football, the Colts and Patriots match up lived up to it's billing. The game went back and forth, and, in the end, Brady came out on top. I like both teams, and think that these two teams will meet again in the post-season.