Friday, May 31, 2013

Garage sale goers

My family never went garage saleing that often, or really ever that I can recall. Reagan's mom has always been a great garage sale goer. I think she had the right idea.

When you have a lot of kids (she has 7) you have to be able to find the best deals. Today, we bought a train set for Christmas for Noah. Usually, it seems at the holidays that we are lacking money for some reason. Not to mention we are terrible at saving. Hopefully, the day will come when we are better off and can put some aside for things like that.

Even if you don't have kids, garage sales can be great! You just have to have the patience to drive from place to place. The garage sale goers miracle tool is Craig's list, the newspaper and the radio. You find an address for a sale, write it down in advance and then map out your weekend.

Another man's trash is another one's treasure, as they say. Today I got 3 volumes of the 90's X-Men cartoons, 10 outfits for Noah, the train set (which was worth probably 100 normally, because it was really nice), a few movies for Noah and a practically new blender (which we needed). I think we spent like $35.

I wish I had thrift shopped and went to garage sales more in my young life, maybe then, I would be better at saving money. (Maybe). I highly recommend making a day of it.

After a morning of going to garage sales with some friends and family, Reagan and I took Noah out to eat for lunch. I ate half my meal, and we got a piece of pie for later. I am definitely getting better at reducing calorie intake!!! :) What I actually ate only was 460 calories. Not bad for eating out.

P.S: Rogersville, Willard and Mt. Vernon are having their city-wide garage sales tomorrow (if you want to brave the imminent weather)

Noah chowing down on some fries at Perkins Family Restaurant
after a morning of going to garage sales in Willard



Thursday, May 30, 2013

Early mid-life crisis

You know people sometimes say they have a mid-life crisis? Well, I think I am having a mid-mid life crisis. I am probably being over dramatic.

Let me clarify- I am not having thoughts about the fact that half my life is over (because hopefully its not! I am only 24), or insanely depressive thoughts. So, maybe it's not a midlife crisis exactly, but I am going though a slump of some sort where I feel like doing crazy things. I want to go out and spend money I don't have, I want to abandon all responsibility and just throw caution to the wind. 

I have a good life. I have a good job that I love, a great family, good friends and I enjoy a lot of activities in life (working out, watching good movies, writing etc.). I don't know what started it exactly. 

I think maybe I was too well behaved the majority of my life. I never went "crazy" in college as some might say. I have been what most people would consider a good member of society (I think). I try to be considerate of others, I do service, I vote, I stay up on the current events that matter, I go to church, I don't break the law and I treat my family and friends with love and compassion. 

Growing up, I think the worst thing I ever did was throw a party when my parents were out of town. Anyone at that party can tell you, all that happened is we watched movies, ate pizza, talked, played games and listened to music. Yeah, a couple members of the opposite sex stayed over all-night (OH NO!), but nothing happened. We were just watching movies and talking. There were probably about 6 or 7 people who stayed overnight. 

A past boyfriend told me once that if I didn't live a little I would go a little crazy when I got older. I told him he was full of it and didn't know what he was talking about. Now, I am starting to think he might have been right. That is the worst thing ever, when you have to admit an ex (if you can even call him that) was right. 

In the end, all i will probably end up doing is buying a new wardrobe (which I need terribly anyways) and maybe taking a long vacation (once I have enough paid time off anyways). If that is all I need to recharge my batteries, I don't think I am doing too bad. 

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Why Women are so "complicated"

Men often say women are overly complicated. Guess what, the guys have got it right. We are complicated. Why is that? How are regular people supposed to understand them?

Women are just like men in the sense that they cannot be stereotyped into one general area. Not every single woman is going to act and think the same way. For instance:  I tell both Friend A and Friend B that their dresses make them look fat. Friend A thinks to herself "Well, that was kind of mean, but I am glad you told me because now I will never wear that dress again." Friend B thinks "Someone else told me I look awesome in this dress. Karen is such a witch! How could she say such a mean thing? Now my feelings are genuinely hurt and I probably won't talk to her for awhile until I get over this."

Now which one is more rational? Many would probably say Friend A, but really Friend A might be rational about her looks, but when it comes to someone telling her that her child is badly behaved she might react like Friend B did about the dress.

Bottom line: Women rule their decisions and almost everything in their life based on emotions. Some people may disagree with me, but women are VERY over-emotional. With each woman varying to some degree, which also changes by the day.

Now, I want it clear that I am not counting myself out in this equation. I am just as crazy as the rest of them, but yes, women are crazy.

Guys on the other hand are complicated sometimes and some are more feelings oriented than others. However, if my husband isn't invited to a party he doesn't feel left out. He just thinks to him self, "Well, that sucks. Oh well." I am not invited to a party a friend or family member is having, I think, "Do they not like me anymore? Why wouldn't they invite me? Did I offend them in some way?"

That is why guys are so much easier to read and why they seem to be, even for a lot of women like myself, easier to get along with.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying women are annoying or not friendly. They just process and think differently. I am also not saying men have the emotional range of a teaspoon.

I am stating the emotional range women have is the reason other women have trouble fitting in, finding the right "click", or keeping a best friend for a lifetime. For young girls in high school or college, I have news for you, it doesn't get any easier. You go from clicks of the popular kids and nerds to divisions between single women, married women, women with kids, women without kids, religious women, non-religious women, stay-at-home-moms and working moms. You just have to find a good friend and as a wise woman once said to me, stick to her "like supa' glue!"

It's also the reason there are a lot of single men and women out there. The man who can handle a woman's crazy is hard to find. When you find someone who can handle your level of crazy, don't let them go!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Memorial day thoughts

Later in the week my column about Memorial Day will be available in The Marshfield Mail newspaper and online at www.southcountymail.com. However, I definitely have some thoughts to share now.

I didn't go to the cemetery, and I didn't get together with family. I went to work like any other day. 'The news never sleeps' as they say. It might be more accurate to say 'the newspaper never sleeps because people expect to get it at the same time on the same day.'

Sometimes there is not a lot to report or we are reporting on what might be considered "old news," especially when you work for a weekly newspaper in a small community. However, people would be shocked and upset not to get their paper, even if they already knew a few details about what was written.

Yesterday, I wanted to write about many things for my column because I had a lot on my mind. However, I went with the obvious, and addressed the holiday.

Both my grandfathers served in World War Two. My grandfather on my mother's side was a radar man on an aircraft carrier and was involved in the D-Day invasion. Later in life he worked for the FBI, spying on Russian communist groups (since he was a Russian professor).

My grandfather on my mother's side was a gunner on a fighter plane. He ended up in the Stalag 17 prison camp as a Prisoner of War.

I am grateful to their sacrifices along with others in the armed forces I have known.

I may not be the most patriotic person. You may not see me flying a flag on my apartment balcony, speaking out against things in the government I don't agree with very often or having an array of American flag collectibles, but I still can appreciate the freedoms we have because of those who have served our country.

Freedom isn't free, and I hope many Americans can remember that, even when there is so much that seems to go wrong in our government. We are very fortunate for those who have served and will serve in our armed forces.

The video below is pretty awesome. I really like it a lot from Britain's Got Talent.


Sunday, May 26, 2013

Overachiever and moochers

Yesterday as I was taking a jog around the inside of my courtyard that is closed in by my circular apartment complex, I noticed some real geniuses taking advantage of the Memorial Day weekend.

There is a couple I often see around who has tattoos and wears torn up clothes. Now, before now I haven't judged them. I mean, if you don't have money to wear nice clothes, don't want to take the time to go to the store to pick out new ones, just like the outfits better you have now or are a cheapskate, I get it.

I hardly ever buy new clothes. Why? 1) I am a cheapskate. 2) I am not rolling in the cash. 3) I really hate the idea of buying new clothes until I lose weight. (I did give in recently and buy a pair of pants, two dresses and a pair of shoes).

Also- I think tattoos last forever and will look saggy when they are old, but if you want to get one that is your business. I had a roommate who had one on her foot that was the date her brother died in a car accident. To her, it is a reminder of his life and who he was. Each member of their immediate family has the same one. If you want to get a tattoo, that is your thing and I am fine with it.

But I have to admit, yesterday I did judge them a bit. The guy was leaning over a mini-grill where he had just poured lighter fluid. He was trying to light the charcoal grill and he had a cigarette in his mouth. His cigarette was about five inches away from the grill (no joke!) Maybe he was trying to kill two birds with one light so to speak?

I did notice that there wasn't anyone celebrating the weekend in the pool. Oh, that's right, IT'S NOT OPEN YET! I guess it doesn't open until June 1st now because of some new regulations. Of course, that hasn't stopped people from sort of inviting themselves over. Not that I don't want to see them, or have them over. I just like how people who haven't had time to hang out or call me for anything in the past 6 months, ask me if they can come swim. Multiple friends and family mention it.

I mean, I get it, but it is just a bit irritating. It's like when people constantly ask to borrow a truck to move or people ask for free advice  from people who make their living on that advice (etc psychiatrists, doctors, accountants, lawyers etc.)

I like giving service, so don't think I never do that. Yesterday Reagan and I both helped at a baby shower (which we were glad to do), did favors for a family member and Reagan picked up his small trailer so he can help people when they ask for it (which is a lot). It just gets to a certain point.

Sometimes people stop becoming real friends and turn into people who get along, but only call each other when they need a favor. Personally, I have been guilty of this myself in the past, but overall this has to stop. I don't mind helping a friend, or even someone who is an acquaintance and sometimes even a stranger (depending on the favor. I mean, I a not going to loan a stranger on the street my car or anything, but I might give them a ride if Reagan is with me.)

It's just, if you are going to be my friend, be my friend. Not someone who only cares to talk to me when it's convenient for you.

P.S.: I probably lost 300 of my Facebook friends just for saying this.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Grand prize winning cake....not

Why I can never make a decent looking cake I will never understand. I was craving cake big time today and thought that I could bake one for my monthly recipe column in the newspaper I write for.

Why does it never resemble the photo? I hate that! Maybe one day I will perfect the cake baking skills I desire, but for now I am at a loss.

Sheet cakes and rectangular cakes aren't hard. I am a natural at baking cheesecake. When it comes to making a layer cake I fail every time.
Raspberry and Chocolate Ganache Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream
This is the cake I attempted to make off
of evilshenanigans.com 

Should you care about my cake making skills? Maybe not if you aren't attempting to bake one of my recipes or if I am not cooking for you. I guess I should realize that everyone has their skills.

My cakes don't taste bad. On the contrary, they taste pretty darn good if I do say so myself. However, they just don't look pretty.

This is how my cake looks. Of course I didn't go
to the effort of decorating, but the icing didn't
spread on smooth and the layers didn't come out
right. 
I guess we all have our own skills and I should just be happy with what I have. I am excellent at cooking (not baking), I sing well (unless you ask Reagan because he hates my classical training) and for the most part, I am an outgoing and friendly person.

Maybe we all should just accept that we can't be great at everything. Maybe my Achilles heel is baking. Or maybe I will be great at it by the time I am a great-grandmother, assuming I live that long.




Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Of Weather and Painting

The weather has been really messed up in Missouri over the last couple months. To be honest though, that is nothing new. Anyone who has ever lived in Missouri can tell you the weather is fickle and changes at the drop of a hat. 

The first week in May we had snow. Two days ago I was driving home from work in flood weather. Many people had pulled over to stop driving, but being the fool I am, I just wanted to get home. So, I kept on.

Thank goodness today reflects summer weather. I feel like we were ripped off though. Where is our spring that I enjoy almost every year? Apparently, in 2013 that spring is going to remain non-existent. 

However, being Memorial Day and all, I have major plans to soak up some sun and water in our apartment complex pool. 

Before floating in my complex oasis and burning some major calories, Reagan and I are going to go paint my parents' garage. That garage has haunted my dreams since I was young. I am sure it will haunt my dreams again if they don't ever clean it. That leaves me with having cleaning it out someday when they pass away. (assuming they don't outlive me!)

That garage often reminds me of the room of requirement from the Harry Potter series. If you want to lose something where no one will find it, the garage at "Gaddy Mansion" as my dad calls it is the perfect place. Maybe I will share the Gaddy Mansion story another day. If I shared all the stories I have heard from my dad, I could write a blog of just that for probably 30 years. 

I think it's so funny how paint companies will mix exact colors for you. The company my parents buy their paint from named the exact color "Cox Brown." (my maiden name was Cox). 

So this weekend try to have fun and not think about me painting a garage "Cox Brown," a very unappealing name. But, if you must, be happy for me because I am getting paid for it. 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Superhero movies: Just a bit overrated

I have always considered myself a fan of superhero movies for the most part. I love X-Men, Spiderman (minus the Tobey McGuire emo moment in the trilogy, through it was worth a good laugh), and Batman. Even as a kid I enjoyed these cartoons on TV, the older films and the comic books, however I think the movies of late have gone WAY downhill. 

I will say I was a huge fan of The Dark Knight Rises and even a bit of The Amazing Spiderman. Christopher Nolan really outdid himself on tying the entire Christian Bale trilogy together. In fact, if anyone asked me The Dark Knight Rises would be among one of my all time favorite movies, maybe even in the top 10 or 20. 

Apparently though, lots of people out there liked the Iron Man trilogy, which I found boring with not a great story line and The Avengers, which I consider totally pointless. I can't believe Robert Downey Jr. made $50 million for pulling of the same usual junk that he always does throughout each and every movie he acts in.

 Don't even get me started on the likes of The Green Lantern, The Green Hornet, The Fantastic Four and the like. Those films just wanted to make me barf. 

How could I relate to the likes of Tony Stark, Thor or The Hulk? Simple, I can't. A friend of mine would probably say it's because I like that "chickflick crap," but I think it's because the story has to have some emotion to it. Maybe those films are aimed to a fully male audience, scientists who want to be recognized for their lifesaving work or women who are expected to gush over Chris Hemsworth and his muscles. 

It's too bad these movies are being overdone and ruined. In this day and age while we are all struggling with financial difficulties and the like, the idea of a super hero is kind of nice. I guess I better not write my own comic book anytime soon. Chances are some producer or movie director would ruin it. 







Writing something different

I have had several blogs in the past, and I am still working on a few of them. I have tried having a niche, but it is hard to post on the same topic day in and day out.

This blog is just going to be a place for me to share a variety of thoughts. If anyone reads it or not, I could really care less. It's just a great place to pour out my thoughts and if anyone who happens to be reading cares, has similar thoughts, opposing thoughts or anything to add, so be it. In fact, that might be kind of a good thing.

I chose the name Blissful Ranting because of the irony. My last name is bliss, a happy one, while rantings are usually far from a happy thing.

Happy reading.....maybe.