Keeping up with The Pickles

Migraine Pantie Packs

2011-10-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

I had a horrible headache today. It felt like twin chisels being pounded into my temples. I mentioned this on Twitter and a helpful tweep suggested that Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer and works great for headaches.

Good to know. I could have used a handful today.

Note to self: Buy Magnesium.

So I mention this to my friend Andrea who suffers from migraines a lot. She tells me about cervical injections that the AZ Pain Center offers for permanent migraine relief.

Apparently men may be on to something when they suggest that sex relieves headaches.

Andrea confirmed this - orgasms are a proven natural remedy for migraines (she is the expert) but the pain returns when the afterglow fades.

So this gets me thinking...

If orgasms cure headaches the manufacturers of those vibrating panties should jump all over that.

Yes, I am a marketing genius (actually, Andrea and I are a formidable team when presented with an opportunity - watch out world).

Imagine this... Migraine Pantie Packs!

Each kit includes: One pair of vibrating panties, one bottle of Magnesium, Valerian (another herbal known to help with headaches), Sprite (for the accompanying nausea), caffeine pills, a heating pad, ice mask/light blocker, ear plugs and a sign for your doorknob that reads "Go the F*@& Away, RIGHT NOW!"

Frequent migraine sufferers could have one Migraine Pantie Pack at work and one at home.

I'm thinking that the panties and Magnesium might come in handy for particularly stressful days at work period, headache or no... (just sayin').

Wendy's Clam Soup

2011-09-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

This is supposed to be a clam chowder recipe, but I never make it thick or chowdery. I've been making this for years now, the original came from a cook book so old that it told you to shuck your own clams. I have modified it since then and "just make it" so I apologize for the vagueness of some of my measurements.

Wendy's Clam Soup
1 lb of regular bacon (i.e. not maple, etc. you can use low fat, etc. if you want)
1 medium onion, diced
8 6.5 oz cans of chopped clams
6-8 potatoes, diced
Paprika
Milk - your choice on which fat level. I use 2%.

Slice the bacon into small pieces (I find this easier than cooking it and then cutting it) and cook in a large soup pot until slightly crispy.

Remove bacon and most of the bacon fat, leaving enough to cook the onions in. Saute the onions.

Once the onions are cooked, add the clams, including the juice and potatoes. The clam juice should be enough to cover the potatoes. Add paprika to taste. Potatoes absorb salt, so you'll probably be using more than you'd think. My guess is at least a tablespoon. Bring to a boil and then let simmer until the potatoes are cooked through.

Add milk - approximately 2 cups. Be careful not to add too much, or you'll thin the clam juice too much and it won't be as flavorful. Taste it and add more if you'd like.

Add the bacon and let all the flavors mix for about 5 minutes and it's done!

It doesn't sound like much, but it has a great flavor. Experiment, add other spices and make it your own :)

Photography Challenge Day 14: Eyes

2011-09-13T18:14:00.002-07:00

It's funny, since Angie was born various people have told Lenny and I that she looks just like us, yet Lenny and I don't look much alike. For this photo challenge I thought it might be fun to compare our eyes. So, whose eyes does Angie have? :)

Next up in the Photography Challenge: Silhouette

United We Stand

2011-09-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

I've tried to write two other blog posts tonight, but my mind just kept wandering. It's not hard to figure out why... tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. For ten years now any time anyone says nine-eleven, no matter what they're talking about, my shoulders tense ever so briefly.

I found this via Google Images, but couldn't find original artist. Great picture.

My 9/11 story isn't overly dramatic. I spent the day at work, crammed into an office with my other co-workers glued to a small tv screen. We watched the towers sway, then collapse. It was surreal. I will never forget it.

I am proud of my country, of the people on Flight 93 who were the first to fight back, of those who saved lives that day, and those who died trying to, of the servicemen and women who responded to an unforgivable act and the feeling of unity that came in the days afterwards. Sure, Americans aren't always united - just look at our politics, but you can be pretty damn sure that if you attack us, especially on our own turf, we're going to come after you.

It's just a shame that "United We Stand" often only happens during the worst of times.

Time

2011-08-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned, I'm doing two photo challenges at the moment. This week's challenge in the other contest was time. I tried several different ideas, but settled on this one.

Photo of our HUGE assortment of watches, with effects added.

The next two challenges in this photo challenge are Open Study, followed by Stop Motion.

Photography Challenge Day 13: Yourself with 13 things

2011-08-25T20:31:00.003-07:00

This one took me forever. It's awfully hard to take a picture of yourself, let alone figure out 13 things to put in the picture with you.

Actually, some of the "13 things" are cut off at the bottom of this picture. Yes, I know, there are a lot more than 13 things in this picture, but the ones I specifically included were (from left to right):

Cathy - my baby doll from my youth.
Chauncy Bear - one of my favorite bears
Perry the Platypus - because he's just that cool
Secret deodorant - because I got a years supply free because I have "Klout"! LOL
The Ladybug pillow pet - because she's cute and reminds me of Angie
Bud Light with Lime - because it's yummy
My iPad - because it too is just that cool
Stephanie's Clown - she gave it to me when I left New Orleans. Her mother gave it to her and it means a lot
The Heart Aunt Pat sent me (barely visible on the clown's lap) - because she means a lot to me
Kermit the Frog - he was my first love
Pooh Bear - he's been with me since I was born
My iPod Touch - I use it almost daily. Best thing I have ever purchased, hands down.
My Kindle - my newest geeky gadget and I love it :)

Don't you just love my library, not to mention my Eeyore jammies? :)

FINALLY this photo challenge is behind me! Next up, Eyes.

My Ode to @BulldogBackup

2011-08-18T19:02:00.001-07:00

After several years of backing up my computer ~~about once a year maybe~~ periodically, I decided to look into an online, automatic backup system. I stumbled across @BulldogBackup on Twitter and after checking out their website I signed up.

I am so glad that I did. Not only have they always been great to work with, but my computer died this week, taking my hard drive and thousands of pictures, songs, documents, history and dozens of other irreplaceable things with it. I tried to access the hard drive with my new computer... dead.

I would have hated to lose this picture
and about 12,000 or more like it.

I cannot stress to you how important it is to get an online backup if you have digital pictures or other things on your computer that you wouldn't want to lose. In fact, earlier this week someone I follow on Twitter was very upset for just that reason - all her children's baby pictures were gone because her hard drive died.

I can already hear your excuses...

It's expensive... not really, Bulldog has very reasonable prices. Are your children's pictures worth $6.14 a month? Or $63.27 per year? I think so. And that's for unlimited space. Yes, you crazy picture-taking fool, unlimited.

It's hard to use... no, not at all. Yes, the initial backup took awhile, but the system allows you to throttle your upload and you can pause it if you need to and let it run overnight. Set up was a breeze and once you tell it what to back up, it automatically backs up new files and new revisions to existing documents. It even stores older versions. My system was backed up to right before it died - I didn't lose anything except the things I didn't tell it to backup (like my desktop - doh)

I backup on disk... that's great, but what if (God Forbid) your house were to burn down? Not only would your computer be gone, so would your backups. I think this thought alone was enough to convince me.

And the best part, their customer service is great. I was having problems today with restoring my files, so I emailed them. I got a response back almost immediately. They were very patient and helpful, and ultimately we got my issue resolved with very little hassle.

So seriously, get off your duff and get an online backup service. Do it now, don't wait until you have a problem. Some day you'll be so very thankful that you did it. I recommend Bulldog Backup.

Note: I'm not getting, or expecting, any perks for this post. It really is a great service, and deserves a "shout out" :)

Laugh your way to a better marriage

2011-08-16T12:54:00.001-07:00

A few years ago someone sent me this hilarious clip by Mark Gungor called "A Tale of Two Brains"

It's so funny, because it's totally true. I have reenacted that scene so many times to friends, and they always get it. After digging around a little, I discovered that this is just one scene from a marriage seminar.

Now, I know what you're thinking... I hate marriage seminars. I don't need a marriage seminar. It's given by a Pastor? No way, I hate preachy stuff.

I get it, I'm the same way. However, we've owned this DVD set now for two and a half years and we watch it all the time. We recommend it to everyone. Mark Gungor does a fantastic job of keeping things funny, and totally spot on. And the entire seminar is not preachy at all.

He talks about sex, a lot. Like this clip about men's sex drive:

Your marriage doesn't have to be in trouble to get and enjoy this DVD. Watching it will help you communicate better. It explains mysteries like why women have to ask men to do things more than once, or why men can completely zone out and women typically can't.

A few weeks ago I was talking to some workmates and pulled from what Mark taught me when explaining why men and women talk about their problems - and how it's for totally different reasons. Men only talk about their problems if they want a solution - and that's why they're always offering us ladies unsolicited ones! Women talk about their problems because it helps them to figure out how they feel about what's going on. My male friend said "wow, that totally makes sense! I always knew I shouldn't talk or offer solutions when my wife was complaining about something, but never understood why that was!"

I cannot recommend Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage by Mark Gungor more. It's fantastic. It's funny. It's spot on. It will help you communicate better and understand each other better.

The sky tonight

2011-08-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

It was just gorgeous...

Film Noir

2011-08-07T20:25:00.002-07:00

I'm doing another photo challenge, and this week's theme is Film Noir. What's that? ""Film Noir" is a genre of film between 1940 and 1960, originating in the United States, employing heavy shadows and patterns of darkness, in which the protagonist dies, meets defeat, or achieves meaningless victory in the end."

Not sure if these fit the bill, but it was fun. I have the best husband ever - it was still 104 degrees outside and he put on a dress shirt, dress pants, an overcoat and a fedora for me.

Photography Challenge Day 12: Sunset

2011-08-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

They don't call Arizona the "Land of 1,000 Sunsets" for nothin' :)

Next up in the photo challenge: Yourself with 13 things.

Maybe I'll set up the tripod and take some pictures with the timer. Otherwise it's hard to take good photos of yourself.

Hidden (basically useless) Talent Showcase!

2011-08-06T13:59:00.001-07:00

I can color!

Picture from Piers Anthony's Visual Guide to Xanth.

Photography Challenge Day 11: Something Blue

2011-07-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

With the new pool, I have several blue photos.

Next up in the Photo Challenge: Sunset.

Note: If you'd like to do the challenge too, all of the days are listed here. I think there's an actual month long challenge, but I'm not doing it. I'm just doing them when I have time or just the right picture happens. If you like to take pictures, I encourage you to do the same. I'd love to see your photos too :)

Smart(ass) Kid

2011-07-31T13:31:00.001-07:00

Everyone wants their kid to be smart, I'm no different. Everyday I see in her talents that will one day lead to a successful career; some examples:

She'd make a great manager - she bosses us around all the time.
A food tester - assuming I can actually get her to taste it.
A Wal-Mart Door Greater - Anytime we go shopping she randomly hellos people. She also greets all of her classmates enthusiastically in the mornings, or so I am told.
IT Manager - she's really good with computers and has been for more than two years now.

A mischievous smile if I ever saw one...

I also note a few things she probably won't excel at, like:

Babysitter - she carries her doll babies around by their hair. Note: she did not learn this from me. Also, they are always naked. Again, not something taught by mommy.
Lifeguard - she refuses to go under water.
Anything requiring a lot of patience. Note: I have no patience for this characteristic. I'm certain she got it from her father.

Angie sure is smart though, at least in my opinion. I've never been around small kids much, so I could be wrong, but I doubt it. Let me give you an example.

Last week on the way home from school (which is an hour drive) she tells me "Mom, I need to go potty."

"Can you hold it until we get home?"

"No, but I can hold it until we get to McDonald's..."

"But can you hold it until we get home?"

"Mom, I already told you," she says slowly and distinctly, "I. can. hold. it. until. we. get. to. McDonald's."

Smart ass kid, "but we're not. going. to. McDonald's. Can you hold it until we get home?"

Heavy sigh from the backseat, "yes..."

Mom 1, Angie 0.

She's 4. What's my life going to be like in 10 years??

In other news, I bought the book Monsters Eat Whiny Children, as I said I would. It's very cute and Angie loves it. Probably because it's fun for mommy to read. It's not scary at all.

However, one night when she was trying to delay going to bed (again) she said, "mommy, there's a monster in my closet."

"Honey, as long as you don't whine, the monster won't eat you"

She offered no further resistance and I went on to earn a Top Ten Tweet of the Week from @RubySpikes.

Mom 2, Angie 0

Don't worry though, the score is probably more like Mom 2, Angie 1,274. She certainly keeps me on my toes. For example she peed in my car the week prior to the day mentioned above, without even telling me that she had to go potty! So, the whole McDonald's ploy may have had pre-planning.

Today was a good day

2011-07-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Nomnom enjoyed her meals.

Angie helped make dinner.

Lenny made fried cauliflower, broccoli and shrimp.

Can't you just feel the love? I can :)

Photography Challenge Day 10: A childhood memory

2011-07-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

Pooh Bear has always been with me, since the very first day of my life. I am almost positive that he was a gift from my Aunt Pat.

Yes, I was a fat baby. 9 lbs. 2 oz. I was also a month late.

Pooh Bear has been "re-furred" twice over the course of his life, because I loved him bare.

Hehe, a bare bear.

I still have him. He now hangs out in my library with many of my other old toys and books, and every time I see him, I can't resist giving him a hug.

He's been with me through thick and thin for over 40 years. It's had to find a better friend.

He's not as fuzzy as he once was, and one of his eyes has been replaced, but he's still my best friend.

My friend Wendy (yes, I have a friend Wendy. No, I'm not referring to myself in 3rd person) linked me this yesterday and it seems so fitting I'm putting it here:

Image from www.rockpapercynic.com

Photography Challenge Day 11: Something blue

The Lady Bug Game

2011-07-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

Recently I bought Angie The Lady Bug Game. Here's a short review.

The game is for kids aged 3 and up. There are small pieces, which seems to be the criteria for ages under 3. (I'm here to tell you that wanting to put everything in your mouth doesn't always stop at 3, but I digress).

It's very reasonably priced and actually quite a lot of fun. The game is simple enough for kids to grasp quickly, yet interesting enough to keep everyone involved until the end. There's no reading required, once the kids learn what the cards all mean (which didn't take long at all).

I find it to be enjoyable to play, which is good because I've played it several times a day since we got it.

I highly recommend this game for young children. It teaches them basic math skills, taking turns and how to win and lose well. And best of all, it's fun to play! :)

Photography Challenge Day 9: Someone you love

2011-07-23T21:21:00.001-07:00

Since I take so many pictures, especially of Angie, this is a pretty easy challenge for me. I mean, I have literally thousands of pictures of her. People compliment me on my photos, but really when you take as many as I do, you're bound to get some great shots now and then. Just go look at some of my earlier pictorial posts of her.

If I had to pay to process film I'd be living under a bridge at this point. Thank God for digital cameras.

So, I figured that I'd take some pictures of my darling husband instead. However, although they're nice, they're not great examples of photography.

Since this is a photography challenge, I'll post a few recent shots that I really like.

I need to Photoshop this into a Forest scene. She looks like a Fairy.

This is now known as "the eating position" for our newest family member. Nom nom nom.

Look at that smile. OMG she's so beautiful.

Not the posed picture I took. My husband has a great smile too. I love this picture of him.

Really, I could go on and on with this particular photo challenge, but four photos is enough. Next up: A childhood memory.

My Very Own Fairy Godmother

2011-07-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

I know you've heard of Fairy Godmothers, they've been around for awhile now...

Cinderella had one

Fiona had one

Well I'm not a princess, but I have one too. My Fairy Godmother goes by the name of "Aunt Pat". She's not really my Godmother and she's not really a Fairy, but she has always been one of the most special people in my life. I honestly don't think I would be where I am, or be the person I am today, without her.

Yesterday I came home to find these...

For me: To my girl, you are like the Daughter I never had. I Love You, Hugs and Kisses. Your Fairy Godmother Aunt Pat.

For Angie: To my girl, you are like the Granddaughter I never had. I Love You, Hugs and Kisses. Your Fairy Godmother Aunt Pat.

Mine and Angie's Very Own Fairy Godmother

Aunt Pat, I couldn't love you more if you had been my mother. Thank you... from both Angie and I... for everything. We love you very, very much!

Photography Challenge Day 8: A bad habit

2011-07-19T18:09:00.003-07:00

So, today's photo challenge is "a bad habit". Well, there are lots of things I suppose I could photograph for that. I received several funny (and a few scary) suggestions from my Twitter friends when inspiration struck...

Friends don't let friends drink and Tweet.

Ok... that's so not true (can anyone say #wineparty?). But still, it could be considered a bad habit, although often highly amusing for one's followers.

This also explains this tweet from last night...

Tomorrow's challenge: someone you love - this should be easy :)

Photography Challenge Day 7: Fruit

2011-07-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.

Wisdom is not putting it into a fruit salad. ~ Unknown

Next up on the photo challenge: A bad habit. O.o

Photography Challenge Day 6: From a low angle

2011-07-17T15:58:00.000-07:00

Today my daughter helped make my from a low angle picture interesting by making a mess of her room instead of napping. Thanks Angie!

Related... did you know that sarcasm is lost on 4 year olds?

Next up in the photo challenge: fruit.

Bananas make everything better

2011-07-16T20:47:00.001-07:00

I love bananas and for about the last year or so I've been adding them to recipes.

Brownies: no matter how you make the brownies, add a mashed up banana to the batter. They will turn out super moist and taste like what would happen if Banana Bread mated with a Brownie. Even the cheap mixes from the store will be improved.

Speaking of Banana Bread, this recipe is the best I have ever tasted. It's great as is, but I add an extra banana, cinnamon, nutmeg and sometimes peanut butter to the mix. Only add a big spoonful of peanut butter though, because more than that and you'll overpower the banana.

And finally pancakes. I use Bisquick. On the back of the box are directions to make "melt in your mouth" pancakes. Use this version - basically they have you add lemon juice (to make the milk buttermilky), sugar, vanilla and baking soda. I also add a mashed up banana, extra sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. They are so good that you don't need to put syrup on them (although my husband still does).

Anyone else hungry? :)

Photography Challenge Day 5: From a high angle

2011-07-16T17:58:00.001-07:00

This photo challenge was the hardest so far. I took a whole bunch of really awful pictures around the house. Finally I decided to climb the pool ladder and take a picture from up there.

I am not a big fan of heights, so this is about as high as I'm willing to get :)

Next up in the challenge: From a low angle.

Photography Challenge Day 4: Something Green - Meet Guido!

2011-07-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

The fourth day of the Photography Challenge calls for something green, so I took a picture of...

Guido, the Guacamole Tree!

Yes, we grew him from a seed!

If you'd like to grow your own avocado tree, check out this How To.