LET'S TALK LOST

• Again, sorry for the late post. I had a late night again on Tuesday and didn't get to it until last night, and then was too lazy to post my thoughts. But yeah, here goes nothing.
• First off, we got a Hurley ep!!!! Dude!!! Yay! Well, some hurley, mostly Jack. But that's okay, cause any Hurley is good, and only one small scene with Kate equals a very good episode.
• Okay, so is it just me or is it classic Lost that they don't even mention Sawyer, after a cliffhanger like last episode? I mean, really. No mention of him at all or the fact that he was about to do some serious evil work? Hopefully they will get back to him soon.
• Okay, if this good vs. evil stuff could get any more obvious. It's very Star Wars, and God & Satan of them. Good seems to be equaling all the chosen or "candidates" --Hurley, Jack, Jin & of course Jacob and I'm assuming Richard. Bad=smoke monster, sayid, Claire (we'll get to that whole fiasco in a minute) and possibly others. Kate and Sun we're not really sure about. My only hold up, is that it's sooooooo obvious the info they are feeding us, that I'm sort of assuming some sort of crazy switcheroo. Good really is bad. Bad really is not-so-bad. etc.
• Claire. Okay, now I get that they want us to draw a clear parallel to Rosseau what with the crazy hair and traps and stuff, but it's a little too much in my opinion. I like a little more subtlety and mystery personally, but whatever. Plus it's a bit too much of a character change from her previous personality. Not quite believeable or something. Plus, I'm not convinced she is cookoo, but then again I didn't think Rosseau was either. It should be interesting to see how this "illness" Sayid and Claire have all pans out. But that baby in the carriage was slightly bizzare. And killing a guy with a axe, how very axe murderer of you claire.
• Let's discuss Jack for a moment. Loved the flash sideways. I immediately was getting a Jack & Kate vibe with David, but then I remembered that in the flash sideways Jack doesn't know Kate. He recognizes her at the airport but really doesn't know her. So I guess that's out. Plus, would Kate really have a bunny hide-a-key? Yeah, I didn't think so. But again, with the father son relationship popping up again. And then the Asain guy(apparently his name is Dogen) pops up in the sideways flash with his son and tells Jack David has a gift. Creepy. However not remembering and it seems for the first time noticing your appendix scar? Um, lame.
• Let's discuss the lighthouse scene. Does anyone else think Jack needs anger management classes? What is it with this guy and him bashing stuff in? In all honesty, I thought the whole idea of the lighthouse was a little cheesy. I found it rather contrived and a bit much. Like Hurley said, How had they never stumbled upon this extra-large light tower before? Yeah, right. But the numbers were back again. And then we have Jack gazing out into the oean to find all the answers to life. If only it were that easy.
• And finally, I saved the best for last. Best lines of the night of course come from Hurley. Loved that he was able to talk to Jacob even though he's dead. I like this special gift, even if it is a little Haley Joel Osment. (To Jacob) "I just lied to a Samurai" (To Jack) "Very old school man, you and me trekking throught the jungle to do something we don't really understand. Good times." Classic.
• So yeah, those are my thoughts. If ya have any input or ideas to add please leave em in the comments. Thanks!

Do you have a wii fit? Do you actually use it to work out? If so, you must get these cool dumbells that hold a wii controller and nunchuck to up your fitness routine. I saw these on another blog today, and thought, that these were simply genius. If I worked out with my Wii fitt I would totally get these. But mostly we just use the wii fit to laugh at each other as we try to head soccer balls and dodge panda bears, and ski jump and stuff. Apparently you can get these riflex dumbells at amazon.

MATERIAL GIRLS REVIEW

So, one of my favorite things about blogging is finding out what products, places and things people love. So, back on my nursery post I was lamenting about the fact that I couldn't find ANY good fabric for Thing 3's room. And a few of you mentioned I head out to Material Girls in South Jordan. And I thought, all the way to South Jordan for a fabric store? And oh my was the little drive worth it!!! FANTASTIC fabric. Bolts, and bolts and bolts of the cutest, funnest, most perfect fabrics I've ever seen. If you are any sort of crafty or love to quilt then you must get out there ASAP. And take me when you do! I found a number of options for Thing 3's nursery, which I am now starting to get very excited about. I just looked around the first time, and I wanted to let them ruminate and see which fabrics I was still thinking about a few days later. Yes, I know I'm weird. And I think there are going to be some very fun baby items made in the next few months. Car seat covers, burp rags, quilts, Binky straps, and of course the crib skirt and sheets. So fun!!! Thanks for those of you who recommended I head out there. It was simply delish, and I say that cause it was total and complete eye candy. Five out of five stars!

SPORADIC SMATTERING OF THOUGHTS

1. Let's start with the fact that I HATE being sick. Especially when your prego, and can't take anything good to help. Last night's attempt at sleep was pathetic at best. That might factor into the weird/crazy thoughts for today's post. So sorry about that.
2. Somehow we have inherited some random cat that lives nearby. It comes in our backyard and sits under the shade in the kids plaything. The kids do not like this. For some reason they are TERRIFIED of cats. Which I don't mind, cause I think cats are eery, and evil, and are always looking at you like they know so much and might use it against you. So, my kids spend most of their time at home, yelling at that darn cat and taking their harmonicas, whistles and any other loud item outside trying to shoo it away. The cat just sits there and stares at them all day. However I am sure I am winning points with our neighbors who probably love to listen to my children make loud noise outside all day.
3. For a moment I'd like to discuss the total and complete insanity that the Bachelor has become. Okay, is it just me, or is Jake becoming even more idiotic than before? The lines that he says just make him look rehearsed and unrealistic. It's like every girl is "amazing" and "incredible" and why won't he shut up?! I am beginning to think as I watch him interact with Vienna, that he might really just be that dorky kid who never went on dates, or learned how to socially interact with women, especially on dates. And just for a moment, can we discuss the stupid pirate ship? Was that awkwardly uncomfortable for anyone else? It's like they were back in first grade. Which is exactly where there maturity levels must be. And then he just pushes her off the plank, while then following her into the water with just about the wussy-est dive I've ever seen. Sad. I mean, why do I even watch this crap? Then, the fake phone call from Ali. Oh so fake. I am sure she was contractually obligated to make that phone call. Let's talk about the enormous amount of editing that went into that call. First Jake is wearing one thing, then he's not. Then you see Ali in a hotel bathrobe (of a hotel in LA might I add). We are really supposed to think she is back in San Fran? Please. Who lives in a hotel with two 8x10 photos of Jake on her nightstand? Really? Where did she get those? That was a bit much. We aren't that stupid. Not to mention all of the splicing, and cutting and editing that went into making that fake phone call. Apparently Ali is up for the next bachelorette. At first I was wondering how she was going to get Facebook to give her time off for a whole other season, when they wouldn't even give her time of for Jake's season. Then I found out bachelorette's get paid six figures to do the difficult job of dating 25 guys and finding a husband. So, I guess Facebook will no longer be graced with ali's presence soon enough. And see, well, I like Ali, except for the fact that she liked/likes Jake. Says something about her don't you think? I will eagerly be awaiting the announcement as her as the new bachelorette though. I am hoping it will be after the "After The Rose" cause you know that little piece of television is going to be cra-ray-zee. Yay!
4. Okay, on a somewhat lighter note, Thing 1 has been telling me twelve times a day, every day that for his sixth birthday (which is not until August people--can you imagine how many more times I have to hear about this?) he would like a pair of high tops. Um, what? Do they even make high tops anymore? And where on earth did he hear about them? Rather who on earth told him about high tops? If I knew, then I'd go strangle them. So today, Hubs asks him, why he wants high tops so bad, and he says this: "Well, I don't really like boots, and so if I get high tops, then I can just wear them in the snow and won't get my ankles wet." Classic. I mean really though, who even makes high tops anymore? I'm getting freaky flashbacks of my hightop L.A. gears I rocked all through elementary school. White, with pink and purple laces. saweet.
5. So, I decided to go completely off sugar. For many reasons really, some of which I will share, others I probably still will share. So, even though I've been sugar free since Monday, I have decided to officially give the evil goodness up for Lent. So yes, that means all the way until Easter. At which point I might go gaga on you and eat twelve entire package of those whopper egg things. Yum. So far I have seen no benefits other than I eat more regular food, and I am more agitated. Couple this with the fact that I have adoozy of a cold, and you can understand why I've seen hubs awake for a total of 1 hour since yesterday at 5:30 when he came home from work. It's not really like I eat a lot of sugar, in fact it isn't really even my comfort food of choice, but I do tend to have a handful of something sugary in the evenings, and that has been hard to go without. Also, I've decided to cut out anything where sugar, or a sugar-like-item (think high fructose corn syrup, or aspartame) is in the first five ingredients. You would be shocked how many "healthy" foods have lots of sugar in them. Rice Krispies? Seems boring enough. Sugar is number two on the ingredient list. Even Fiber One has sugar as number five. But really breakfast isn't that hard cause I usually have this really delicious organic 8 grain hot cereal that has zero sugar in it. Usually I put some organic all-natural maple syrup in it, but I've switched to mashed up banana. And it's surprisingly just as sweet. Go me. Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't going to be any sort of easy. Trust me. But I am excited to do it, and see if I feel any different when it's all said and done. So don't hate me if there are a few ode-to-sugar posts here in the near future. Also, thanks to Sabrena, for the idea to give it up for Lent. You should really go visit her blog. She is fun. Also you will be cursed if you offer me anything with sugar in it for the next month and a half. cursed i tell you.
6. I have thoroughly been enjoying the our warm (high 4os) weather as of late. Gets the kids out of the house (yelling at the cat) and me as well (when they are not yelling at the cat). I am looking forward to getting out on walks, and seeing the confused tulips and bulbs popping through the earth. Springtime can cure almost anything I'm sure. Hopefully it can help me with this silly sugar detox.
7. Did I even blog about the fact that I am for sure having a boy? Yep, and a really wiggly one at that. Took the ultra-sound techs like 2 hours to get all the pictures they needed. Everything looks mostly good. I do have a weird placenta thing though. I guess I have an extra lobe of placenta which they are going to monitor with another ultrasound at 26 weeks to make sure that's what it is, and to be sure that the baby is still growing, and to be sure that the lobe isn't covering my c-section scar. If it is, I have no idea what they will do. Maybe I'll get to have two c-section scars? Lucky me. I don't even really know the technical term for this, which is probably a good thing, cause otherwise I'd be googling it, and finding out all the terrible things that can happen. I'm convinced in pregnancy ignorance is sorta bliss.
8. Valentines day came and went. It was nice.
9. I forgot to mention our book choice for next month is Carolyn Jessop's Escape. Now, I know this book is a bit older (2007), but it is absolutely fantastic. I love true stories, and her experience about her escape from the FLDS church is absolutely eye-opening. A must read. So that's the book. If you'd like to read along please do. You will not be disappointed.
10. And last but certainly not least. LOST. I really hope you made it this far. If you did, it will be like your little treat. Sugar-less of course. Okay, so Lost. Where to even begin?

• is it bugging anyone else that this is supposed to be the season of answers? Cause really? Am I the only one missing them? Next week's teaser announcer guy said "THE TIME FOR QUESTIONS IS OVER." Somehow I highly doubt that.
• Even though this episode did little to further us, I was pleased that there was not even a smidgen of Kate in it, or the temple. I do have to focus on the positive sometimes people.
• Okay, so Fake Locke/black smoke monster man apparently can not shape shift anymore. We get this info per Ilana. Which is weird cause her character has never really been developed so I'm not sure how much we can trust her. Also, is it just me or does the smoke monster seem to be about death, whereas Jakob is about life? (remember when he brought locke back to life after he fell out of the window)? But then what about the fact that Jakob has been recruiting candidates to the island, all the while removing their free will and changing up the future? Good, evil? Ahhh! Also, weird that Illana takes Jakob's ashes.
• It was nice to see Richard back, although he did not have the elixir of life and save them all. No, in fact he seemed very scared of Fake Locke. And I loved the biblical reference of Fake Locke (evil) asking Richard to come with him, and he would give him information and knowledge. Very familiar LOST producers. Richard of course turns him down. He knows evil when he sees it (apparently through Locke's exterior). But why could he not see the little boy? And who was that little boy? And were his hands bleeding in the first shot? Like stigmata? Could it be young Jakob? And why was Fake Locke so unnerved when he saw him?
• Then Flocke talks Sawyer/James into coming with him. Could it just be that perhaps Sawyer is going to pull the ultimate con-man on the smoke monster? Can you even con the smoke monster?
• Then they go to the cave. With all the names of the chosen or "candidates". Hmmm. So Jakob has been trying to "save" the island, whereas the smoke monster is just trying to get off of it? And he tells Sawyer he was once a man? Hmmm. Love seeing the island from the view of the smoke monster! And then that little boy again tells him he can't kill Sawyer? Cause he is a candidate? Did anyone else notice not all of the Losties are candidates? Only the men it seems. Inneresting. And the numbers again. And Sheperds was 23. The famous Psalm 23 --the famous Lord is my shepard verse. With Flocke/smoke monster seeming so powerful it's interesting that he really doesn't have any power. He must get Ben Linus to kill Locke, etc. So really, he is kinda helpless. A whole lotta religious mumbo jumbo going on here.
• On a side note. In the flash sideways it was fun to see Rose again (who seems to have made peace with her cancer), and Hurley (all confident and sure of himself - and also professing his good luck? ) And Ben Linus as a teacher? Crazy! Did anyone else notice though that Helen said that the wedding could just be her parents and Locke's dad? Does that mean in the flash sideways that his dad never swindled him? I wonder how he gets paralyzed then?
• On an even sider note, did anyone watch the Olympics after Lost? Those men's skating outfits were hilarious. And they just kept getting crazier and crazier as the night went on. Oh the love of glitter. Also watched this lost live for the first time, and there were two pretty hilarious commercials. The sienna one and the old spice. Classic. I can see that commercials have definitely gotten better since I've gotten Tivo.
• Interesting that all the goodie Losties are headed for the temple. The only safe place on the island. Ashes must mean a lot. At the temple they used ashes to diagnose Sayid. And remember the ashes around the cabin? There must be a large significance of Ilana grabbing jakob's ashes.
• So yeah, those are my thoughts. I actually have a lot more, but this post is already turning into one of the longest ones ever, and I'm sure you have more important things to do than read my blog. So I will let you go. Anything you'd like to comment on including the craziness that is LOST would be very welcome.

BOOK CLUB - THE HELP

Okay, so here is my little book report/discussion group post for The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

I had heard so many great things and recommendations about this book, that I felt like it would be a great pick for our book club. And the book was really good. I wouldn't say great, but I'd say really good. Not one of my favorite books I've ever read, but I'm glad that I read it. Provided me a new perspective of slavery, segregation and civil rights.

So, some of my thoughts. . . First off, I had no idea what a long book it was. Wow. And I will be honest, it was a little slow going at the first. In fact, if I hadn't been reading it for a book club, I'm not sure if I would have finished. It's that kinda slow. But, once I got into it a ways, I couldn't put it down. Especially the 2nd half of the book. It just completely speed by. The story really picks up, and this is where I ended up falling for the characters of the book.

The book is set in the early 1960's in the deep south. Mississippi to be exact. The author writes from the point of view of three different characters. First is Aibileen, who is and always has been, a African American nanny/maid for white women and their families. She raises the kids, does all the cooking and cleaning for them. She tells her story about why she does this, and her experiences waiting hand and foot (and often treated like a slave) for these rich white women of the south. Even though slavery was outlawed years ago, racism, and segregation still lie deep in the hearts of white people throughout the south. Then there is Minny, Aibileen's good friend, who is also a maid/housekeeper for a white women, but who is much more outspoken and rough around the edges. Being an African American women in the south has taken it's toll on Minny. And lastly, Miss Skeeter, who is a young, unmarried, white women who was raised and cared for by an African American woman much like Aibileen and Minny. The story is of these three women and how their lives intersect and combine in a way that almost doesn't seem possible.

At the end I was so impressed to learn the book's author Kathryn Stockett was a white woman. This is so surprising because of the way in which she is able to so easily speak/write and portray the thoughts of a black women of the early sixties. She was raised in Jackson, Mississippi and had a family maid of her own Demetrie, growing up, which is where much of her inspiration and knowledge about this unique situation stems from.

I would very much recommend this book to others who enjoy enlightening fictional reads. Although not completely true, the book still lends to a unique authenticity that is often found only in memoires and non-fiction. Out of five stars I give this book a hearty four.

THE JOURNEY TO A NURSERY

So, just mulling a few ideas around here, for the baby nursery, and I'd love your input.

So, I have decided to make my own crib bedding for baby #3. And since this is mostly the jumping off point for the rest of the nursery, I thought I'd start here. Since we gave away our other crib sets (for thing 1 & 2), and the ones I keep seeing in the stores and online for boys are either dorky jungle animals and race cars (no offense if that's what you like, it's just not my style) or $400 and up for a modern looking set. And well, I just don't wanna fork out that kinda cash, especially when I'm not even going to use the bumper or blanket (sids hazard). So I decided I can make a crib skirt and fitted sheet lickedy split. Pretty easy really. And for a lot less cash.

But my other problem has been finding boy-friendly fabrics that aren't cheesy or have automobiles or bears, or rattles all over them. I can find lots of modern boy fabrics (think Amy Butler, Michael Miller etc.), but the problem is, they usually have flowers or birds on them. And I don't want flowers. Or birds. What I want is modern, clean, simple, and unique without being too geometrical. Is that too much to ask?

So, I have found one fabric that I really like at Piper's Quilts, but it's $24 bucks a yard, and well, that's just a lot. But it's still cheaper than the $400 options, since it takes only about 2.5 yards for a skirt, and I have found a $5 a yard fabric I like for the sheet, and that is only 2 yards per sheet. But even $25 is a lot since I will only use the crib skirt for about 9 months (till baby can stand) and then we will move the mattress down, and no longer need a skirt. So, is it worth $60 for use of only nine months? Oh decisions decisions. I also found another fabric that I LOVED at a design store, it was light turquoise with orange koi fish on it, but it was $96 a yard. Um, no thank you.


So, then I put my thinking cap on, and started to think outside the box a bit. I thought what if I bought a sturdy plain cream fabric (canvas maybe?) that is cheap ($5-10/yard) and stencil on it? This would actually solve a lot of problems because the color combinations I am loving now, aren't to be found in any modern prints. Plus, it's fresh, unique, cheap and easy. And no one else will have the same bedding -- even if they made theirs, and so his room will be, just his.

I have rustic brown furniture, a cream chair and flakati rug, and I'm thinking grey walls. With that neutral background it leaves me pretty wide open for small amounts of color to be added here and there, since my basics are pretty neutral. I am thinking that I really like a creamy orange with pops of turquoise, but it's been hard to find. I also really like red too. But not with orange and turquoise.

Then I came across this stencil book by Lotta Jansdotter at Barns & Noble and picked it up. It has the most modern, unique, gender-neutral stencils. Most of which are not even intended for a nursery, which is exactly what I like. And I wouldn't go overboard, but maybe a few stencils on the crib skirt in one color, and the same stencil in cream along one wall, and maybe the smae stencil on a pillow in the chair. Repeating, simple theme, but not really. Just to tie it all together. She has a really nice leaf stencil I love, or these patterned circles I thought would be good. Just some thoughts.

Anyhow, this is the book. {On a side note, I am so tempted to cut my hair like hers. This is what I originally wanted last time I cut my hair (think long pixie in front), but I wussed out and went for an easy shoulder-length do. I wanted to wait until I was no longer prego and had lost some of my weight, but I'm thinking this short do, would be great with a brand new baby. So, who knows, maybe Lotta will be more of an inspiration than I thought. }




My other options for the walls instead of doing them all grey paint with a few stencils, is to do wallpaper on one wall. (Now, for those of you like Hubs who are thinking grey is going to make the room look tiny and small, please know that I'm not thinking of going super dark, and the room has two windows, a large closet, and with a crib, rocker and changing table, there really won't be that much wall showing.) I am not really into patterned wallpaper so much, but I love these simple, textured wallpapers I found. They aren't wild, but give interest and add a touch of texture in the room. And, most importantly, it doesn't scream boy or baby.

These are some of the different textures. Think of these in grey, only behind the one wall with the crib, so as to not over do it, and the other walls painted in a matching grey. Also, I love this wallpaper, cause I could still easily hang a picture or painting on the wall over it, since it's still fairly plain. I really enjoy that layered, texture look.

I know this is a jumble of mess and ideas, but I thought I would throw my ideas out there, and see what y'all thought. My overall idea is a simple, modern-ish, yet comfy, light room that doesn't look anything like a nursery except for the fact that there is a crib in it. Any ideas, thoughts, or vetos are surely appreciated.

Oh, and yes, I am planning on taking before and afters of the room once it is all said and done. I always have a lot of ideas when it comes to decorating, and usually I have one idea, let it ruminate a bit, and then find myself being inspired by something else entirely and then I tweak my thought and design completely till it's exactly where I want. It's a good thing I've got a good 5 months before Number three arrives.

WORST EPISODE OF LOST EVER. AND THE RECAP TO GO WITH IT.

SPOILER ALERT. LOST RECAP.

Okay, so first off, I am sorry that this post is a day late. The reason is simple. The episode sucked. Yeah. As in so it sucked so bad that on Tuesday night after book club, when I decided to sit down and watch it i actually fell asleep! Never in my entire life, or the last five seasons at least have I ever, ever fallen asleep watching Lost. It seems almost impossible, right? What with all the smoke monsters, and tropical polar bears and time jumping. But last nights episode was just terrible. I hate the temple. I hate the temple people. I miss Daniel Farraday and his crazy antics. Can we bring him back instead?

Okay, so I finally did get through the episode last night and here are some of my totally crazy thoughts.

• Okay, so obviously we are getting a parallel story line of all the characters had the plane not crashed, and arrived safely in LA. I get it. Claire would still have her baby, Ethan would still be involved, as well as Kate. I don't like this parallel lives thing. I much preferred the flash backs and flash forwards. These just suck. I did notice however that Kate noticed Jack mid hijack. Strange.
• I liked seeing Claire again. Her little Australian accent is so nice. But her acting is off. The whole going into labor thing was a bit much for me.
• What is with these temple guys? They are way boring, and in no way exciting. I am confused though. Did Jack swallow the pill or not? At first I thought they got it up, and then Mr. Toga and Harry Potter glasses guy get all weird and sketchy. I really just hate this story line.
• So, is it just me, or is Sayid not really acting like Sayid? I'm not sure if it's the way he's acting or if his accent is different, but I'm still under the impression that it's not Sayid, and it possibly could be Jakob.
• Okay so for these temple people being all about "fate", they sure seem concerned about getting Sawyer back. Speaking of Sawyer, the whole throw the ring in the ocean was a bit lame, no? Wah, wah. What a crybaby.
• And Kate, um yeah. She is an idiot. Juliet just died last episode. I mean, give the guy some time lady. And the way Jack looked at Kate when she left the temple? This love triangle is so tired, and I'm over it. I guess it's just that I feel like Kate should have heard me the last five seasons when I was yelling at her through my TV screen to "stay with Jack!" She must have not heard me.
• I am so confused as to what year it is. Can anyone clue me in? I am so LOST.
• According to this screen still in LA of Claire's ultrasound picture it is apparently 2004. Still doesn't clear up the island time though.
• Best line of the night: By Miles - "We'll be in the food court if you need us." Classic.
• Now lets talk about Crazy Rousso Claire. Um, what? Last time we saw her on the island she was all chill rocking away in the rocking chair with her Dad in the cabin, right? Now, she's got cookoo, with the sickness we were told about via harry potter glasses guy (really wish I knew his name) to Jack.

Now, these are the things I am hoping happens soon.

• Next episode actually keeps me awake.
• Lost writers pull their heads out of their a%$es.
• Richard and his eyeliner come and give them all the elixir of life and are saved by his goodness.
• Daniel Faraday comes back one way or the other. Even if it is in a parallel universe. He was good TV.
• Hubs wants Echo back. Sadly, I'm not sure this is going to happen.
• I want a Hurley episode. I love Hurley. And I love his episodes.
• Kate to just get lost in a time warp. Oh man does she bug me.
• Jin to find Sun.
• Where are Rose and Bernard? Do they have Aaron? I'm so confused. But I want Aaron to be found. I can't remember where he is.

And those are my thoughts. Discuss.

OVER AND OVER AND OVER

Can't stop watching this. Total and complete brilliance. Pink was graceful, and lovely this year at the grammys. If you haven't yet seen it, you must. I was so glad she decided to perform this song. It's my all time favorite pink song. Enjoy!

LOST RECAP -- total and utter confusion, and loving it.

SPOILER ALERT: IF YOU ARE AIMEE OR ANYONE ELSE PLANNING ON TIVOING ALL EPISODES TO WATCH AT A LATER TIME, OR HAVE NOT YET SEEN THE FEBRUARY 2ND EP DO NOT READ ON.

Okay friends. Here are some of my thoughts about last nights episode. Sorry if you were there last night, and have heard some of them already. (Also sorry about the crazy dulce de leche fiasco and freezer burnt ice cream. I mean really. I am totally ashamed. But at least the apple crisp was delish.)

• Would have been not-so-smart to have missed the very obvious good vs. evil thing they've got going on. The entire episode I felt as though I maybe was at a sermon. So much religious imagery.
• I really wish I knew the guy's name in the black shirt who is now resurrected (see religious) Locke. Or fake Locke. Or Flocke for short. And who is also apparently the smoke monster. Hmmm. So they answered one question. What is the smoke monster all about? Apparently it's some guy. But we don't get any more other info. Classic Lost answer.
• Does anyone else think it is ridiculous that no one asks any questions on this show? I mean, they all just stand around quietly and do what they are told. Ask questions people. I mean really. Remember when they were in that weird pendulum place with daniel farraday's mother, just watching it go back and forth to decide what plane to get on to take them back? Well, why didn't they ask Ellie a few questions? I guess it would have been too easy, or she woulda just gave them a LOST answer, which is really a question.
• Does anyone else think that Sayid might be the resurrected Jacob? Just a thought. Which is why they didn't flip him over once he became conscious. They needed him to die, so he could be resurrected as someone else. Which is why that weird Asian guy who doesn't like English on his tongue cuts himself to be sure the water won't heal him. If that is true I will be sad cause Sayid the torturer is pretty cool too.
• I'm glad Jacob is back one way or another, cause it was really pissing me off that we'd heard about this "Jacob guy" for like 5 seasons and then bam, in one episode we finally meet him, and then he dies. It just wasn't enough. So, I'm glad there is more to him that just that short 60 minutes.
• So the plane really does NOT crash. Um, what? Or it does, and they are living two separate lives in a crazy time continuum. Huh? I need a Tylenol. stat. And does Jack remember? Is he the only one? Or does he not remember? Tricky Lost producers. Real tricky. Loved seeing Boone again. And so glad I remembered his name out of the blue and yelled it at the screen. Slightly embarrassing. And Desmond is on the plane? But I guess if the island doesn't exist than he doesn't have to go crazy and push a button in a hatch for twenty years. Good for him. At least, that version of him.
• Were we supposed to believe that ALL of their lives would have just kept on sucking had they not crashed? That in fact crashing was a blessing? And Jack's dad not making it on the plane? So not surprised. Cause it would have been Locke. Or something. So confusing.
• Is anyone else sensing some big father/son thing going on with Lost? Jack and his dad. Miles and his dad. Ben and his dad. Claire and her dad. Where are all the mothers? Only men could have messed stuff up this much.
• It was nice to see Ben scared out of his wits all episode and not the creepy know-it-all I'm used to.
• Yeah. That VW bus totally can move a steel beam. Classic.
• Did anyone else think it was weak sauce that Juliet gives her whole I need to tell you something really important speech and then dies? Come on writers. That is just lame. Even for you all.
• I think the guy who plays Locke and Fake Locke in real life should earn an emmy for his performance last night. Absolutely brilliant. Those scary crazy flocke eyes? Creepy much.
• And lets not forget the most important/confusing thing of the whole night. At the beginning when Lost goes all Finding Nemo on us and the island is seen underwater. Um, What??! I am totally confused out of my brain and loving every single second.

I just don't understand people who hate this show. I mean, why watch it? Part of the fun is being totally confused out of your mind and getting to think about it for a week until the next episode. It's the most brilliant TV show I've seen in quite a while. Totally unique and different than anything else on TV. And most importantly it's not a medical drama, or a lawyer drama, or reality TV. If you haven't seen this show, you should get to your library stat and reserve all the previous seasons. Watch them, and then enjoy this final season along with the rest of the world. It's definitely started off with a bang, and I am sure it will only get better.

So, those are my thoughts. Discuss

UM, WHAT?!!

So yeah, I'm still watching. I have no idea why even though I HATE Jake. I think he is the biggest dork ever. He is a total wuss, and makes me want to barf on the TV screen, but for some reason, I get sucked in. And what's even worse, is I watch even though I know who Jake is going to choose. I mean, what is up with that? But I did have a few comments about last nights episode anyway, cause really, it was just too ridiculous.

1. A turtleneck Jake? Really? 1994 called, and is embarassed that you are ruining it's finest fashion of the day. Terrible. Girls, you really want to date a guy who wears a turtleneck somewhere other than the ski slopes?

and last but certainly not least,

2. Vienna, what on earth was with your George Washington hairstyle last night? So. Not. Cute.



And on to bigger and most definetly better. LOST starts in approximately 54 minutes. I am beyond excited. Can't wait.

VALENTINES DAY FHE

Family Home Evening. A day late and a dollar short. Sorry about that.


I totally spaced that yesterday was Monday. FHE didn't even cross my mind. How pathetic is that? Our first FHE we've missed this year. So much for that resolution! And I had a whole awesome lesson and activity planned and everything. Oh well. Monday night FHE turned into Tuesday afternoon FHE. I think it still counts.


So I got this idea off of Blond Designs Blog, where she has printed up for the holiday season these adorable I LOVE tags. And I decided that we would make mailboxes for each of us, and then everyday, till Valentines Day, we would write something we love about someone else (or everyone else) on the I LOVE tags, (ex: I love your smile. I love your laugh. I love the way you sing. etc.) and then put them in the appropriate mailbox. Then, on Valentines day morning during our heart pancake bonanza we will get all our "love mail" out of our mailboxes and read them together.


So far this has been a real hit with the kids. They loved decorating their mailboxes, and they love writing the love notes, and mostly they love delivering them. I got all my supplies at The Dollar Tree for under $5. Package of six Manila envelopes, package of glitter glue, package of heart stickers, package of foam valentines stickies, and 6 magnetic clips.


So the kids spent a good hour and a half decorating their mailboxes while I cut out about 4 sheets of the I LOVE tags that you can get here. Then, after much debate between the refrigerator and our back door (the back door won--who knew it was even magnetic?), we hung up our mailboxes, and started in on a few pieces of mail each.
Thing 2 decorating away.

Thing 1's finished product. And well, let's just say I'm pretty sure he won't be majoring in art in college.

Cutting up the tags.

My finished product. Aren't you impressed?

Thing 2 made one for Dad. Isn't it beautiful?

The I LOVE tags are hung next to the mailboxes for easy access.

The finished product. Our Valentines Mail Door.

If you have small kids, you might want to give this a go. You probably have most of this stuff in your house anyhow. I thought about small leftover envelopes we had, but went for the bigger ones cause I thought it would be funner to decorate them. If you have markers, glitter glue, and some assorted left over stickers then you are all set. And I am sure you could just tape up your mailboxes, and once you print, and cut out the tags, you are in for a fun project for only free ninety nine. That's a good price my friends for a ready made Valentines day kid-friendly project.

Happy Valentines Day Friends!

MICHAEL POLLAN part 3

Okey Dokey folks. It's time for round 3. The last and final on our little Michael Pollan journey. Hope you enjoyed it.

How Should I eat?

44. Pay more, eat less. -- quality over quantity. Food experience over more calories.

45. . . . Eat Less. --Calorie restriction has repeatedly been shown to slow aging in animals. Now who doesn't want that?

46. Stop eating BEFORE you are full. --somewhere between 67-80% full, stop. Don't ask yourself if you are full, but, is my hunger gone?

47. Eat when you are hungry not when you are bored. --Oh Michael, if only it were this easy. " if you are not hungry enough to eat an apple, then you're not hungry." Love that.

48. Consult your gut. --are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

49. Eat Slowly. --savor your food. Put down your fork between bites. It's good manners and good advice.

50. "The banquet is in the first bite." --No other bite will taste as good as the first. law of diminishing marginal utility. More bites doesn't mean more pleasure, but it does mean more calories.

51. Spend as much time enjoying the meal, as it took to prepare it.

52. Buy smaller plates and glasses. --the bigger the portion the more you will eat.

53. Serve a proper portion and don't go back for seconds.

54. "Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper." --You've heard this before. Also, "After lunch sleep a while, after dinner, walk a mile." Good advice.

55. Eat meals. --unless your snacks are real food (i.e. fruit, veggies or nuts) stick to meals.

56. Limit your snacks to unprocessed plant foods.

57. Don't get your fuel from the same place your car does. --gas stations now sell more inside on over processed food than from gas.

58. Do all your eating at a table. --Common sense. You eat more in the car or in front of the TV.

59. Try not to eat alone. --when we eat alone we eat more. Usually.

60. Treat treats as treats. --another idea. Follow the S rule. No snacks, no seconds, no sweets--except on days that begin with the letter S.

61. Leave something on your plate. --"Better go to waste, than to waist."

62. Plant a vegetable garden if you have the space, a window box if you don't. --grow your food. It's fun and healthy and good for you.

63. Cook. --you have all the control.

64. Break the rules once in a while. --I like this rule.

So there you have it. I went to the grocery store today and you shoulda seen my cart. Not a processed food in there. Go me. I took a few minutes this morning, perused a few cook books and made a menu plan for the week, and made a coordinating shopping list. My mother would be so proud. We had a delicious dinner tonight of organic BBQ salmon, green beans with honey- cashew sauce (DELISH), and roasted red potatoes. I was going to do a salad too, but that was just too much food. I've got some fun new recipes to try this week. Including curried vegetables and tofu, and vegetarian chili. It should be interesting. I'll let you know how it goes.

FEBRUARY

Dear February,

You are: finally here. the month of love. one day closer to spring. spelled funny. fewer snow storms. more sunshine.

welcome. welcome. welcome. It's so good to see you.

Most Sincerely,

Amy

FOOD RULES part 2

Okay, so by now you should get Mr. Pollan's point. Eat whole, real, natural food. Forget about diets, low-fat, low-carb, whatever. Just eat food. But what kind of food you ask? Well let me tell you.

What kind of food should I eat?

22. Eat mostly plants, especially leaves. --antioxidants, fiber, omega 3s. All good.
23. Treat meat as a flavoring or special occasion food. --hmmm. I've feel as though I've heard this before. Eat meat sparingly. Yes, I have.
24. Eating what stands on one leg (mushrooms and plant foods) is better than eating what stands on two legs (fowl), which is better than eating what stands on four legs (cow, pigs and other mammals).
25. Eat your colors. --Vegetables that is.
26. Drink the spinach water. --in the words of MP "the water in which vegetables are cooked is rich in vitamins and other healthful plant chemicals. Save it for soups or add it to sauces."
27. Eat animals that themselves have eaten well. --"the diets of the animals we eat strongly influences the nutritional quality of the healthfulness of the food we get from them, whether it's meat, eggs or milk." Grass fed and antibiotic free meat, eggs and dairy is more expensive, but more more healthy, not to mention tastes much better. You either pay out now (at the grocery store, or later at the doctor.)
28. If you have the space, buy a freezer. -- "when you find a good source of pastured meat, buy in quantity and freeze.
29. Eat like an omnivore. --"the greater the diversity of species you eat, the more likely you are to cover all your nutritional bases."
30. Eat well grown food from healthy soil. --or he could have just said Eat Organic.
31. Eat wild foods when you can. --very complicated explanation in book. Just do it. It's healthier.
32. Don't overlook the oily little fishes. --less mercury lots of omegas.
33. Eat some foods that have been predigested by bacteria or fungi. --Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and sourdough bread are good sources of B12 an essential nutrient you can't get from plants.
34. Sweeten and salt your foods yourself. --you will consume much less than if the company does it for you. Maybe my mom was on to something not letting us have sugared cereals. However we were allowed a small sugar spoon worth of sugar on our cheerios and grape nuts. Hmmmm. Very wise mother indeed.
35. Eat sweet foods as you find them in nature. --sugar in a fruit also has fiber. Not so much in the juice. Just eat the apple already.
36. Don't eat breakfast cereals that change the color of your milk. --again, highly processed and full of chemical additives. Guess I should go thank my mother today.
37. "The Whiter the bread the sooner you'll be dead." --Eat whole grains.
38. Favor the kinds of oils and grains that have been stone-ground. --olive, sesame, palm fruit and peanut are good oil choices.
39. Eat all of the junk you want as long as you cook it yourself. --How often are you really willing to make real french fries? Or homemade ice cream? Or Pie? Not everyday I bet.
40. Be the kind of person who takes supplements--then skip the supplements. --be wise about your health, but don't waste money on supplements you don't need. If you are eating mostly plants you will get enough.
41. Eat more like the French. Or the Japanese. Or the Italians. Or the Greeks. --they all eat real food. Not processed crap. And the live much longer and are much healthier.
42. Regard nontraditional food with skepticism.
43. Have a glass of wine with dinner. --Or don't. Your choice.


And there you have it. Are you feeling wiser? Or just lost? Basically what I got from that was Eat mostly plants. Organic if you can. If you are going to eat meat, make sure it is organic grass-fed meat, and eat it sparingly. Eat a variety of foods. And eat junk only if it is homemade. Easy enough, eh?

I know this kind of eating takes time. And frankly lots of it. Pretty much if you are going to eat this way, you have to be willing to think ahead. Plan your meals, get to the grocery store often for fresh produce, and then cook them. And that is the key I think. Preparing your own meals. This way you get away from fake food, and into real food. And I know none of us feel we have the time, but hey, I just found time to write this blog post, and you found time to read it, so well, I'm betting you do have some extra time now and again. So get out of the fast food line, and back into your kitchen. Your family and body will thank you.

Next up: Part 3 How Should I eat.