Friday, July 09, 2010

Damn, it's hot!!!

I'm looking for recipes good for summer. And it they happen to be mildly healthy, even better.

Anyone????

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Does anyone else see a problem with all the Lindsay Lohan buzz? Maybe it's because I have a teenage daughter, but I don't care if Lohan has to go to jail. She's been in trouble before and 90 days seems a minor sentence for repeated alcohol violations. I mean, really! This 90 days is because she broke her probation from a 2007 arrest and conviction.

And she's making the news. Give me a break.

Meanwhile, we have oil leaking into the Gulf of Mexico and the Idiot in the White House has done nothing about it. Oh, wait. He blamed the last guy in office. Okay, so the actual leak may not be his fault, but the administration's lack of action is. Since this guy didn't receive his early eduction in the U.S. maybe he didn't learn about Harry S Truman and the plaque on that President's desk. It said "The Buck Stops Here." The guy in the Oval Office should learn from history.

But he probably won't.

At the very least, he should force someone to try this:




At least then it would look like he was pretending to care...

If you're tired of hearing about the oil spill, there's always the woman about to be stoned to death for adultery. Sakineh Mohammadie Ashtiani, an Iranian mother of two, has been in prison since 2006 for adultery. Yes, she confessed. And later recanted, saying she only confessed under torture. 99 lashes, to be exact.

Amnesty International is trying to get her released.

Stoned. To. Death.

And we're hearing about how Lindsay Lohan is crying because she broke her parole and has to go back to jail.

You have got to be joking....

Me

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

This blog has been idle for a very long time. I have decided to revive it. Sort of.

First, let me introduce myself.

I am me. I am a modern woman, who likes to be pampered and spoiled by my husband. I hate women who pull the "feel sorry for me because I'm a woman" or the "I can't possibly do this for myself because I'm just a girl" cards. I believe in equal pay for equal work, and that women can do anything. I also believe that society, as a whole, was better off in the days when women stayed home to raise the family.

I am me. I really like art and crafting things. I sew, I paint, I write, I knit and crochet. I make candles and soaps. I take pictures. I cook. I'm a perfectionist who sees the errors in everything I create.

I am me. I believe that if you can't say something nice, you should keep your mouth shut. But if you're going to ask for someone's honest opinion, you can't get pissy because they gave it to you.

I am me. I believe in the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I think this country was founded on Judea-Christian beliefs, but that freedom of religion means freedom of all religions. I don't think all religions are created equal, but I do think all people are. I won't push my religion on you, and I expect you not to push your's on me. I believe most religions have more in common with each other then they have differences. I believe karma will get you and that there are both good and bad consequences to our actions.

I am me. I believe in freedom of speech and spent seven years of my life defending your right to say whatever you want. I believe you don't have to support a war to support the troops fighting it. I believe that talking will get your further than violence every time. But you have to be prepared to stand up for your beliefs and sometimes that means kicking some ass.

I am me. I think people curse too much. I think vocabulary is important and most of the time there is a better choice of words than a string of profanity. But sometimes a curse word is the one that fits better than any other.

I am me. I am lazy. I walk three miles most days. I want a wii so I can exercise during bad weather. I try to remember to do yoga each morning, but often I forget. I like beer and wine and rum. I really like ice cream and chocolate. I'm pretty sure this is why I'm about 30 pounds overweight and not an alcoholic. I think most women have some gene that tells them what clothes look good and how to create a perfect outfit. I don't think I have that one. I think lipstick or lip gloss can go with anything and will make you feel better about yourself. I think my jeans and flip-flops are among the most comfortable things I own and I wear a dress once a week and a formal at least once a month. Almost always with high heels. I think people should be allowed to express themselves, and have no problem with tattoos (I have 2) or piercings (yep, them too), but there is a time and place for everything and people should be able to sit in a five-star restaurant without looking like a freak. Sometimes you have to conform in order to get things done. I don't think you are ever too old for blue nail polish.

I am me. I try to take responsibility for the screw ups I've made in my life. I think we are a product of our nature and our nurture, but we all have a free will. Do what's right. Don't screw up and then blame an event that happened years ago. Get over it and move on. Treat people better than you expect them to treat you. Give them your respect until they prove they don't deserve it. I think everyone should be required to give something back to society. Not just once, but often and forever.

I am me. I believe education is the most important thing in the world. You should learn something every day of your life. Education should be free for everyone. But the public school system in this country is failing our kids.

I am me. I love technology. I am a web designer and just had my first mystery novel published this year. I'm so excited about the novel! I had to use a nom d' plume. I want to raise honeybees and live more "off the grid." I own 5 computers. I want an iPad just because. I love my macs. I have an HP. I love movies but don't watch many of them. I own 100's of DVDs. Some I've never seen. I love candle light and sitting outside during the summer. I am a city girl who loves museums and cute shops. I hate shopping for myself. I love nice things. I hate spending money. I live in the country and spend way too much time on the internet. I read. A lot.

Whew! That was much longer than I expected. But I think you get the idea. I'm "unusually unusual" (to quote a country song). And opinionated. Feel free to disagree with me, but do it with respect.

I won't say I'm going to blog everyday. But I'm going to try to at least a few times a week. I have a schedule of "daily topics," but don't expect me to stick to them. I plan to only use those if I feel like writing and have no idea what to write about. I may spend hours a day plotting murder, but that doesn't mean I can always blog off the cuff.

Leave me a comment if you like. It's nice to know I'm not alone in the world!

Me

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Which Fraggle am I?


GOBO! - The Leader


Gobo Fraggle is the leader of the group. He wasn't elected or anything; he just sort of got the job. Red tries to take it away from him now and then, so sometimes they share it, but most of the time, Gobo's the one who decides what everyone is going to do. Gobo is an explorer. He comes from a long line of explorers - his very own Uncle Traveling Matt even left Fraggle Rock to explore the far reaches of Outer Space, the Ultimate Quest. So, being brave and daring and adventurous come naturally to Gobo and are qualities his friends all admire and respect.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

FINISHED!!!!!!

Well, at the first draft is.

At a local writer's retreat yesterday, I had multiple, uninterrupted (read: "no dogs to let outside, no children to feed, no husband to ask if he could get me anything") hours to write. And write I did.

Ghost Mountain is now finished. Done. Complete. Well, the first draft is. Now for edits and the new task of finding either a publisher or agent.

I'm so excited I could spit!

Friday, November 07, 2008

It snowed. Yes. Yes it did.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The kid's Halloween costume. Made by me. (I swear it has to weigh 20 pounds, there's SO MUCH fabric!)

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I remember when Beaches came out and I saw Bette Midler do this song on Johnny Carson. It's made me laugh ever since!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

My lastest completed project -- socks for me!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Monday, September 08, 2008

This quilt is to be raffled off during my year as Queen of Nile. The emblems are all Masonic in nature and the flowers are all significant to the various Masonic bodies: lilies and red roses for Eastern Star; lily of the valley for Job's Daughters; red rose for Rainbow; red and white roses for DeMolay; white rose for Daughters of the Nile; forget-me-nots for Masons. All the money for the quilt will go to Shrine Hospitals and I really want to earn $1500.

Wish me luck!

OK, I seriously hate photos of me. Unfortunately, they are occasionally a necessary evil. I have to have business cards for Nile made, and they need my picture. YUCK!

So Hubby took these of me this morning. Which is better? Anyone?

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Lupin


You like a nice, kind guy with a bit of a fierce streak and you don't mind if he comes damaged. Sure, he may take some convincing since his self-esteem's so low, but once you win him over, you know he's yours for life. Unless of course he has an attack of "I'm not good enough" and runs away, but luckily he's also good at making friends who will push him back into line if necessary.




(Art by Gold-Seven http://gold-seven.deviantart.com/ Used with permission.)

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Just a quick update on my iLasik surgery. It went VERY well! My prescription before surgery was about 20/400 (or a -5 in each eye, or "can't see the big E on the chart!"). I had the surgery about 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19. At my follow-up appointment at 8 a.m. Wednesday (which I drove myself to, by the way!), they checked my prescription and it was 20/20 in each eye! I even managed to get one letter on the 20/15 line.

Talk about massive improvements! I totally recommend having this surgery! If you're thinking about it, do it! And the folks at the Black Hills Regional Eye Institute are fantastic!!!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008


Here are the washcloths I'm doing. If you look at the tan one, you can see the star. I have 16 done. 4 to go!
My kid sister has a unique sense of humor. At least I hope she's trying to be funny with my latest birthday present.

Actually, my sis is a very talented seamstress and she made this hat. Yep, it's sewn and lined and I think it's kinda like the sorting hat from harry Potter. Or Professor McGonnegal (which I probably spelled wrong, of course!)

What else did I get yesterday? CHOCOLATE! The kid went to the local candy store (where they actually make it!) and got me a box of truffles. And some chocolate covered oreos that said "Happy Birthday" on them.

I also got Chinese take out for dinner (no cooking!). I figured if I told hubby I really wanted egg drop soup for dinner, he'd have to make a run for it. Yeah, I'm sneaky! But he did dishes, too, so ya gotta love that!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Next week will be a busy one. No doubt about it.

First, the Central States Fair is in town and the kid has (once again) convinced us to let her get a "Big D" pass. So, she gets to ride the rides all week (Monday through Friday at 9 p.m.) for "one low price. She'll have fun anyway.

On Monday, I turn 30-something. No, I'm not trying to hide my age. I'm just too tired and haven't had enough coffee to do the math. Ages/dates/numbers were never my thing. Lets see, it's 2008. I was born in 1971. That's what? 37? Ok, so that's how old I'll be. (Yes, M, S & H, I know you're all younger than me. So what? I'm cuter and smarter.)

Tuesday night I get my eye surgery. I'm really starting to get excited. But also nervous. Because of that, no makeup all week. That will be OK. Makes getting ready in the a.m. a little quicker I suppose.

Wednesday I just may get my nose pierced. Yep. You read right. I found out that hubby thinks its "sexy" as long as it's "tasteful" (read: small and conservative) and I do have a bit of a wild streak in me. Yeah, I know that comes as a shock to those who know me IRL. Oh well. On a side note, is it an oxymoron to use "conservative" to describe a nose piercing? Something to think about.

Thursday, I'm supposed to go to a birthday/going away party for a friend. The problem is that it's a "dress up in your favorite costume" thing, and I have no idea what to wear. So, I haven't RSVPed either way. Hmmm...

Friday is my (and hubby's) anniversary. Nope, can't tell you off the top of my head how long. Let's see, the kid was 4. Now she's 15. 11 years, I suppose. Or 111 some days. No, no idea what we'll do. We did already exchange gifts.

About the gifts. My old embroidery machine kinda died (long story) and hubby bought me a new one. As far as I'm concerned that counts for birthday AND anniversary. But he also bought me a Sturgis shot glass when he went up for the rally (birthday) and a new motorcycle helmet (anniversary). His wallet was literally falling apart , so that's what I had gotten him for the anniversary and I couldn't stand his whining about it anymore. I finally gave it to him. Complete with a dollar that he promptly gave me! What a guy!

So that will be my week. I have some new yarn that I got on e-bay. (It's SOOOO pretty and will make some beautiful socks!!!) I'll try to get a picture later. Same with the motorcycle helmet.

Oh, I have to finish a dress for Daughters of the Nile. I got it cut out last night and that's the part I despise. I need to run to the fabric store for thread, a 7 inch zipper, 5 buttons (which I won't use, I'll use snaps -- I hate button holes!), and some interfacing. I'm hoping to have that dress done by the September 13 meeting. I finally did all those embroidered bookmarks (128 of them total) that I wanted by the time my term as Queen starts and will get a picture of those, too. I'm even working on corsages for my installation in March. I need to work on the lap quilt I'll be raffling, though. I need that finished by my installation, as well. I have 4 blocks embroidered and the design for one more ready. I need to decide what other color fabric I'm going to use, though, and purchase the designs I want to use that I don't already have.

And I'm knitting 20 washcloths with stars in them for Eastern Star in November. I have 15 of those done. Also got a perm this week, since the step-kid is attending beauty college and needed a "head model." So a new picture of me is probably necessary, too. (Hubby is getting his hair cut today by her for a school assignment.) Although, step-kid says she is learning color next week, so I might get the gray hidden before I get a new picture. As hubby would say, "NCT" (Never Can Tell).

Oh! On the writing front, I have an idea for book two. Well, I have TWO ideas for book two. If you're interested, I'd love some input on them. (Either here, or at my writing blog: http://www.nicholerbennett.com) Anyway, the first idea is the murder has to do with sacred Native American land, a casino/resort/campground, and a rancher loosing grazing land. Idea number two has the murder being more of a revenge killing between an outlaw motorcycle gang and a "cop gang" with maybe a campground, and definitely some Sturgis Rally flavor. Oh, either way, the murder will happen at a sacred Lakota site in the Black Hills. That's a given. I don't want to go into too many details in case someone just don't care, but if anyone wants more info, let me know at either site. I want to really work on book two during NaNoWriMo in November. And for those wondering, no book one isn't finished yet, but is about half to two-thirds of the way.

Well, I guess that's enough for now. I hope to get those pictures up and be more faithful in writing here.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Finished these socks for the kid. I'm not sure I like them. They were knitted on straight needles (not circulars) and then sewn up the top. Plus, I need to get another pompom maker, I think. I couldn't remember how full the first one was and I think the second isn't *as* full a pompom. The kid is visiting her grandparents, so these will be ready for her when she comes home.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

I entered a writing contest.

Well, not really. I entered a contest and I had to do some writing as a part of it. Not exactly the same, but what the heck.

The Black Hills Regional Eye Institute sponsored a contest for military family members (known as "dependents", though I really hate that!) to win a free iLasik surgery. It had something to do with NASA approving the surgery for astronauts. Anyway, people had to write an essay (250 words or less, thank you very much!) about why they were the best candidate.

I did and I guess I am! I won the surgery! I will be getting my eyes "fixed" on August 19 (the day after my birthday, how cool is that?) at 5:45 p.m. and people can watch. OK, so that part is a little odd, but I'll live with it! Honestly, I'm so excited! I found out Friday and couldn't say anything until today, so it's been a long couple of days...

So I guess, I entered a writing contest -- and won!