Light in the Darkroom

Well here we are, the first Monday of the new year...the first work day...and surprisingly it doesn't feel as cumbersome as most Monday's do. Today I am focusing on cleaning out my desk. It's never ridiculously junky or filled up with miscellaneous items, but I just like everything from last month to have a place.

It seems Washington sports were in the news this weekend. The inevitable has finally occurred, Redskins head coach Jim Zorn was fired yesterday. Even though the Redskins did horrible this season, I somewhat feel bad for the guy. I don't think there is just a one person change around solution for this team. Everyone plays a part, and some people are just not pulling their weight. My suggestion would be to look at the bigger picture. Coaches are always the fall guy when things go south, but in this case, there are so many other reasons.

On the other side, Gilbert Arenas, who can now be called a flip-flopper, has conflicting stories as to why exactly he had a gun in his locker at Verizon center. Now usually you can smell a bad lie from far away, "I brought the gun here to keep it away from my baby" really??? Considering this is not his first child did he not feel that way about the other two? They're all under the age of 5, so could he not put it up high? Clearly if he brought it to work than it's not for protecting the home. Then the newest story that he actually pulled it on one of his teammates for a gambling debt?!? I just don't understand some of these athletes. You make so much money, maybe you should use some of it for a personal consultant...someone you can tell everything to before you do it so that you stay out of trouble, since obviously your moral compass is a little screwy. Ridiculous!

Happy Monday!

Happy New Year! We've talked about it and anticipated it and now that it's here...it feels the same as last year! I had been thinking of what it was that I would like to do differently in 2010, but the only thing that has really stood out in my mind is a fresh beginning. That means, letting everything that bothered me in 2009 go...and I mean really letting go of not only situations, but the people that they involved. Life as we know it is really short...too short to be bothered with thoughts, people, and situations that do not mean you well. I just really need to focus on me. I had dinner with a friend last night and we just really talked about putting things into perspective. It's good to be a realist about everything, and to have someone to bounce those ideas around with.

Boy has this week really been a whirlwind of events...I am happy to be in the comfort of my home on a Friday night (~insert the grandma jokes here~) especially with thanksgiving around the corner this will truly be one of my only nights to relax for the next week or so! I'm super excited to cook my new experimental items along with a couple of tried and true dishes in the mix. I'll be sure to post some pictures as they come out of the oven!

So I can't really say that I necessarily ♥ this infomercial, but I saw it last week and it was really weird, but I watched the whole thing! And yes before you ask, how it plays below is how it plays on TV with all of the mixing included for your entertainment. At the very least you'll laugh and if not in the beginning at least at the end when someones grandma is talking and laughing. I hope I don't see this on TV again!!

Sitting at my desk this morning, listening to the radio, and if you live in the area you've probably heard the Washington Post commercials that run down some of the topics discussed in the paper for the day and to my utter surprise, Old Bay seasoning has an article!!! My fingers started typing super fast so that I could read about my favorite seasoning. Old Bay is celebrating its 70th anniversary and as a tribute, there is a separate section to discuss creative ways to use Old Bay because of course, it's not just for seafood - I thought I would list the things I mix Old Bay with:

• Grits - I know you may find this weird but if you try it...I'm guaranteeing you'll love it!! The key is to mix it in the water before you bring it to a boil and add the grits. They will have an orange-ish tint!
• Scrabbled Eggs - Only a little and some pepper jack cheese.
• Ground Turkey - Depending on where it's getting cooked, on the grill is a definite yes!
• Chicken - If it's being fried or broiled
• Vegetables - If they are being roasted in the oven (but not asparagus)
• Ketchup - To eat with french fries
• Ground Beef - Occasionally

Something missing? Yes, I do not like Old Bay on seafood even though it started off as a seafood seasoning because I find it too overpowering! I prefer to taste the seafood as opposed to the seasoning and since most seafood has a light flavor any way, garlic and pepper with a splash of lemon work just fine for me.

Happy Hump Day!!

Happy Monday! My allergies are really having fun...yesterday was the lovely post-nasal drip, today is the congested, I dare you to make any sudden moves head pressure. I really don't know which is better/worse.

Yesterday was a good day of football. The home team (Redskins) won...finally, although the 1st half was sad and pathetic. The Cowboys lost to one of my favorite teams...the Broncos (4-0)! And my lovely Steelers are finally back in the winners circle. My son's (not really my son) team the Saints are 4-0 as well. I'd say not just good...it was a great day of football.

I definitely have a laundry list of things to complete today, so I wish you the best Monday ever!

Have a productive day!

First off Happy Monday...I can't believe it is yet again a Monday, but I am blessed and happy see another one!

Next, my apologies for being an absentee blogger the past couple of weeks, I've been pretty busy. I promise to do better!

We had the office MWE (model work environment) event on Wednesday and when I tell you I was excited that it went extremely well, that is an understatement. I pretty much planned and shopped for the event myself as my help was indisposed :-/ which didn't really turn out too bad, but I went to the store at least 3 days in a row. I have never cleaned so much chicken in my life, and might I add that I HATE cleaning chicken...that is the worst animal to clean. I definitely cannot clean chicken and eat it the same day, bad bad thoughts! Aside from that making the burgers was pretty simple and the side dishes was pretty quick too. I was really glad that everyone showed up, some with kids in tow and some that hadn't even said they were coming! I would definitely call it a very successful MWE.

I am taking on a project for a friend of mine. I hope to have it done as a Christmas gift as I'm not sure how long it's going to take to complete, but I'm excited!! I will try to show you pictures as I put it all together, but they will be limited as she is a reader.

I also have a thought on the "Cash for Clunkers" program. While initially $4500 sounds like an awesome reward for a car that you no longer want, or may still want, but figure you can get a better one - please weigh your options. You'd be giving up a low insurance, no car note vehicle for a full coverage, 3-5 year monthly bill and maybe only 3-5 mpg increase in gas mileage (which still depends on how you drive). Unless your car is dead to the world, it doesn't sound like such a great deal to me, but to each its own.

A lot has transpired this week...from the metro rail accident to the passing of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. It's still a little hard to believe that MJ is no longer here. We have been singing and dancing to his songs since yesterday evening...just a state of shock, but time is promised to no one. It really just makes the statement "...live life to the fullest..." a little louder. Condolences to all those who have lost someone this week.

Wednesday, Jasmine and I ventured out to the garden across the street from my window at work to check out the sunflowers. If you don't know...SUNFLOWERS are my favorite flowers!! They just make me feel happy and cheery, and not to mention the giant ones are just amazing to look at. I heard from a co-worker that the garden is going to be replaced with a memorial for... ok I can't quite remember so it's either Roosevelt, Ford or another President, I just can't put my finger on it right now. Anyhow the point is we try to enjoy it every year that it's still around since we've been hearing rumors of the memorial coming soon for the last couple of years.

I also have a picture of Joey, our resident groundhog! He comes out often when Sarge (the dog) is not around...I'm not sure what it is that he eats in the backyard but he's hilarious to watch.

I would like to express my condolences and prayers for the the families that lost loved ones in the metro train accident yesterday. Words cannot and will never replace them in your hearts. I also would like to express well wishes for those that were injured in the incident as well.

Here is a link to the Washington Post

(no commercial today.)

Oh this story tugged at my heart a tad. The little youngster had great intentions, but he just didn't know how to quite go about them.

Who is Sonia Sotomayor? According to President Obama:

The much anticipated 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is here!!! American muscle cars have been making a come back and it is only fitting that the Camaro joined the ranks of old, but new again! It's a little bitter sweet I'm sure for General Motors since they have decided to dissolve the Pontiac brand and along with that goes the much loved GTO. Maybe in the future after rebounding, Pontiac may return who knows, but in the meanwhile...the Camaro is back ;-)

photo: motortrend.com

Well I originally started writing this post on Friday and somehow I got lost in translation sooo I am starting fresh this rainy Monday and with that said....Happy Monday and Happy May!!

I attended the open house for the Center for Digital Imaging and Arts at Boston University on Saturday which was completely more than I expected. I enjoyed learning about their photography program and the fact that it's not school all over again (i.e. history of soap lol) which is something I didn't like about Corcoran. It's 18-months if you go part-time, (which I would be doing), and although it's a little pricey, I believe it's totally worth it. So that is one step into a direction I am excited to travel towards.

I did want to highlight some things that were of interest to me...

~I had a subscription to Oprah's magazine for my mother and along with that I now get emails from them...most of which I ignore, but this particular one sparked my interest so I thought I would share. On Oprah's sister site, thedailygreen.com, they have an article on the cleanest 15 foods that you do not have to buy organic due to their low exposure to pests, which means little to no pesticides. They also have a list of the dirtiest 12 foods that you should buy organic due to their high pest likability, and high pesticide exposure. Surely I'm not the only one bombarded by organic this and organic that everywhere you turn. It's nice to know that I don't have to pay 50% more for every single thing in the store.

~~As much as I am against touch screen technology...Dell has a new all-in-one touch screen desktop. Admittedly it is pretty hot!

~~~I'm six days late but Happy 100 Days in Office President Obama!!! Here's what he had to say...



Well enjoy the rain....Seattle anyone?!?

So Swine Flu cases are slowly increasing in the US...just from conversations I had yesterday with some co-workers a lot of people are unclear of what exactly Swine Flu is, where it comes from, etc...so I have included a link for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most if not all of your questions should be answered here. The information is changing and on going as more is learned so please check it often. In general though, basic hygiene is VERY important...making sure you wash your hands often, sneezing and coughing with your mouth and nose covered by a tissue, keeping your hands out of your face...all things that we have learned as children. The most important in my opinion is if you are feeling sick STAY HOME!! I hate seeing people who are under the weather still trying to work and go to school....it does not make you feel better and you put everyone around you at risk.

Stay Informed!

So a couple of months ago I became more than just a crab-sitter. My sister had decided that she no longer wanted her hermit crabs and that I could have them. Well I had already planned to get two of my own so now I have four crabs. I of course had to get them larger living quarters so everyone could be happy. They have a ten gallon tank to climb about in and they seem to enjoy it! Below are some pictures of their home.

Also being the dog lover that I am I could not resist sharing the Obama's debut of Bo the Portuguese Water Dog.

I hope you all enjoyed your Easter holiday as much as I enjoyed mine! I did revert back to childhood and color eggs. When I went to the store to buy coloring kits for my eggs, I was overwhelmed...egg coloring has come a longggg way. There is this egg commando kit that has a little bit of everything in it (i.e. stickers, foil, and dye), an all sticker kit, an all foil kit, the traditional kit, a glitter kit, and a tye-dye kit. Of course being the unconventional person that I am, I elected to get the glitter and the tye-dye kit. You would think I would stay away from glitter considering my holiday cards had glitter on them and I was shiny for a few weeks, but it's just something about those shiny little squares that I can't get over :-) By the time I was prepared to color though I didn't feel like doing both kits so I elected to leave the tye-dye for another time and just use the glitter kit. Well, apparently you have to leave the eggs in the dye for 5 minutes or longer for vivid colors. I left the eggs in the dye's for 20 minutes and the only colors that came out correctly were the blue, green and yellow. The orange was barely there, purple looked pink as did red. I still like my eggs even if they are color challenged, but I decided to forgo the glitter for the sake of less mess.

My Christmas cactus developed a single bloom in time for Easter...I thought that was pretty amazing timing. I still have one cactus that hasn't had a bloom on it since I first bought it with buds. I don't know if possibly it doesn't like it's location in the house, but the flowers have a really vivid color. Hopefully there will be some flowers on it by the summer time. Back to the timing... I say it is pretty awesome because this Christmas cactus which blooms during the season of celebration for the birth of Christ, has bloomed during the season of his death and Resurrection. I don't know if that makes you think, but the wheels in my mind are turning.


I did make it to see my favorite baby in all the land. She is growing soo fast. We are at the 7 1/2 month mark already...where does the time go? I of course took tons of pictures and if you have access to my picture site you can click the link on the side. This is one of my favorites because Z has character even while sleeping! I had taken two shots before this one, but I guess Z wasn't feeling the flash (red eye reduction flashes 3 times before the picture is taken, but it works) and she let it be known with the arm in front of her face! Too cute!

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday and if you haven't completed your taxes yet, tsk tsk, you better get going! If you are using snail mail to get them in, go here to find out if the post office near you has extended hours.

OMG I can't believe it's been 9 days since my last posting! Shame on me!! In lieu of being missing in action...I will do a brief recap of events:

~February 10-12th, I don't really remember so nothing to discuss there!

~~February 13th, Whoo hoo it's Friday the 13th, but again nothing I remember!

~~~February 14th, the day of love, (Happy B-Day C) I had a lovely Cupid Day and I hope all of you did too!! I'm not a big fan of commercialized holidays, but that does not mean that I don't enjoy the presents, I mean who wouldn't! But hopefully you tell somebody (even if it's just yourself) that you love them everyday and not just on occasion.

~~~~February 15th, Good ole' soul food dinner at Mama J's house. And it was sooooo good!! She even fixed some collard greens and I don't even like greens, but they were so good! And the company was hilarious! I thought I was watching Comedy Central for a brief moment.

~~~~~February 16th, President's Day, While the only thing I know about this holiday is, the celebration of Washington and Lincoln's B-day's and all the stores have sales, I enjoyed the free day off from work. I went to visit my favorite baby in all the land and of course took some pictures. Some were better than others, but I have an absolute favorite. The lighting worked, Z was still for just the right amount of time, and I actually figured out how to work the camera a little bit more (I don't read instruction manuals so I learn by trial and error). I was so impressed with myself (can I say that?!?), because not all photos come out the way I have them imagined in my head (go figure). Anyhow, here it is:

Isn't she just a doll!?! I am so ridiculously proud of myself for this shot, I just can't stop looking at it! And her socks give just enough color without it being too much. I love black and white much better, but this is a great color photo. I may have to actually order the print for this and surprise her mommy with it, (hope she's not reading this, well surprise if you are). Back to my recount,

~~~~~~February 17th, Pres. Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which is to create or maintain 3.5 million jobs, cut taxes for middle and working class families and help with health care and clean energy. The administration has developed a website, that will track milestones and show you, the public, exactly how money is being spent. While I think it's nice to be informed, I really hope that this new development will have a deep impact on our current situation. Just driving down the street and being able to see all of the yellow and black signs in the front yards or homes that used to be inhabited by families is sobering.

~~~~~~~February 18th, Today, fake snow prevails again...while I am still holding out for my 2 1/2 feet of snow, time is not on my side. All in all it's going to be a long day...Oh how I ♥ angry people...I hope I make it.

Have a better day than me, or at least try :-)

Good Morning and Happy Monday!

Not much to say today, but some interesting items for you to watch. They are not too long so check it out!

Have a Great Day!

Octuplet Mom

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

First off, Congratulations Mike Tomlin!!

Superbowl parties are the best, especially when all of the guys are going for the losing team. When I say I have half a voice today from yelling and talking trash, I definitely mean I had the best time ever!! Although I had Ben's jersey in his own special chair, he got abused at halftime by a salty Cardinal fan. I tried to get them to convert during Springstein, but they wouldn't commit. I unfortunately had to quiet down in the 4th quarter since the Steelers made me nervous and let the Cardinals get in two touchdowns, but fortunately that was only for a little while!! By the end of the game it was pretty quiet in the house, quite funny!

There are a few things that I would like to highlight;

~Jennifer Hudson was awesome doing the Star Spangled Banner, even if she didn't sing live. I was really happy to see her!
~~James Harrison with the 100 yard return touchdown. What more needs to be said about that.

~~~Santonio with the beautiful catch with seconds on the clock in the fourth quarter.
~~~~Fitzgerald's walk off the field...I don't know if anyone else caught it, but the people I was watching the game with did and it looked real sweet to us!
~~~~~Halftime show sucked majorly (thanks Janet)

The commercials were rather dull and boring. I only liked four of them.

The Sobe Life with the lizards, mostly because I like the lizards.



The spaceship getting jacked for it's wheels...that was funny



The talking flowers, partially because I'm mean and thought it was hilarious!!!



And finally the Coca Cola ad with the bugs because it was cute!



In other happenings, it is Groundhog Day. I'm not particularly interested in it, but for those of you who believe in this superstition, I hope Phil does or does not see his shadow (whichever you prefer).

Happy Monday!