I’ve been saying this a lot lately

I don’t have a problem with the idea of smaller government. In fact, I’m a proponent of each department having benchmarks and if they’re not hitting them – the department goes away. That’s how it works in business and it’s not a bad idea for government. Now, the benchmarks don’t have to be monetary but they should be something achievable.

My main problem with the Republican party has two parts: 1) Religion. Having run so far to the right, even if I WANTED to vote Republican I can’t because there’ s no guarantee that the extra-loud wingnuts will exert their influence more than already happens. Which leads me to my 2). Even if the liberal wingnuts exert influence, they consider me to be more than my parts. The religion in part 1 seems to mean that lawmakers feel they should legislate those beliefs, which include me not getting to make decisions about how I want to live my life. Their religion says I don’t have control of my body and that the government gets to make those decisions for me.

I’ve never been able to get a Republican to explain how that makes the government smaller and less intrusive, though I think that’s because my vagina has significantly less money than the multi-billion dollar companies that benefit from the so-called ‘small government’ policies the Republican parties embrace.

To be fair, I’ve never met a Republican that believes the entire platform whole-heartedly. But until someone tears up the planks and starts over, there’s no way that I see THEM as the best of any choices. In fact, it’s because the party is SO disingenuous that I’m frustrated. If you really believe that abortion is murder, then you have to prosecute the woman who had the abortion. She should be going to prison for life. If you’re not willing to talk about that – and nobody is, though they’re happy to put the doctor in jail – then shut the fuck up. The doctor can’t perform a procedure that the woman doesn’t show up for. If you’re not willing to talk about how the ramifications of your beliefs are going to play out, I don’t believe you actually endorse them. You’re picking a knee-jerk emotional topic to harp on because you can’t win on the logic front. That makes me sad for our process.

Taxes are a part of our society. It’s how we pave roads and pay for police and fire safety. It’s how we take care of our elderly and people who can’t take care of themselves. Are there people who game the system? Hell yes. In fact, we ELECTED a bunch of them. The same people who are bitching about government healthcare entitlements are currently beneficiaries of some of the best health care in the country – you’ll be shocked to know that it’s provided by the government.

So yeah, there are people who take advantage of food stamps and Medicaid but each of those individuals is still making a shit-ton less money than the people we’ve elected to Congress.

I don’t mind smaller government, but I want a government that sees me as an actual person who is contributing to our tax base rather than a uterus. Oddly, I think I’m more important than that.

Today I made a Thing

On Pinterest I saw a great diy shelving idea where you use laundry baskets instead of shelves. After a little shopping today, I made my own version using a table we already have and scrap wood from our deck project. Basically the project will only cost the laundry baskets and paint.

There’s enough room under each basket for an additional basket. Now I get to remodel the REST of the room…

You can dance if you want to

I watched the new Footloose movie this weekend and I’ve got to say it was far superior than the original.

The original has a soft spot in my heart because, when it came out on video, it was a movie I identified with. My parents had moved us to the suburbs the summer before 6th grade and we also started attending a Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church. It was a strict church and there was no secular music, no movies, no dancing. I’m not sure why video was okay, or if my parents just realized that it was inevitable, but I didn’t get to go to a proper movie in a theater (that didn’t have to do with god – there was some Prodigal Son movie that I got to skip school for) unless I was staying over with a friend and my parents didn’t know or I got my driver’s license. The stuff against the rules didn’t have to actually be the law, it was the law of the house where I lived and that was just as good.

When my mom found a cassette tape of Def Leppard’s Hysteria in my room, you would have thought it was wrapped in pentagrams and soaked in baby’s blood. My parents were nothing if not committed to what the church was doing. I fought for WEEKS to be allowed to go to the 7th grade Halloween Dance – it was the first dance of the school year. I was allowed to go, albeit not in costume, and while it was fun it was SO not worth the month of parental arguing that I’d done to get there.

So seeing a movie – even though my friends thought it was so improbable to be in a place where dancing WASN’T ALLOWED – that reflected part of my crazy life experience and captured my frustration was kind of awesome. Especially since it was part of my life that almost no one else COULD empathize with. In my public school, I didn’t know anyone who went to church regularly and it was pretty much the only social outlet I was allowed. It was outside of the town where I lived so there was zero overlap between school and church. There weren’t a huge number of kids who were in the youth group at my church and, I suspect, almost none who were experiencing MY frustration with the rules. Now let’s be clear, the kids in neither Footloose film are advocating for dancing in the name of the Lord. And Spouse will tell you that a hangnail was better than the first film, so yes it was admittedly not great. For me, it was the novel characterization of something similar to my own experience that I remember resonating strongly with for the first time.

The new film is a pretty loose remake – modernized a bit and some of the over-the-top asshole characters have been changed or improved. There are some funny music callbacks and overall I think they did a better job with the story and setting. Everyone was a bit more believable than in the original and folks even have a southern twang.

All of this is a long way of saying I really enjoyed the new film and would watch it again before the original.

When I say I’m a NERD

No. Seriously. Let me tell you a story about my morning.

I logged into Pinterest and saw a super cute printable recipe card. I had trouble opening the page in Chrome (it opened in an IE tab. whatev.) which led me to googling. I found a bunch that were printable but not so many that you could actually TYPE your own recipes into BEFORE printing. Which led me to a tutorial on creating a recipe template in Word.
Which led me to making this.  recipecards

On the cards I made, you’ll find a chili recipe of Spouse’s from college (it’s really good and you can do TONS of tinkering) and the recipe for General’s Chicken that I love from The Chew on ABC. If you want a copy of the template, comment here and I’ll make a separate post for it.

I found the clip art sort of randomly and it grew on me. I got some free fonts from 1001fonts.com.

I spent my morning making tables, columns and downloading fonts. If that’s not nerdery, I’m not sure what is.

There is a strong likelihood of a trip to the store in my future, so that I can print these on cardstock (they should be 4×6) and replace my current ‘customizable’ 3 ring recipe book that 1) I have never loved 2) is handwritten in varying states of care and legibility and 3) is chock full of recipes written on scraps and stuffed inside.

Food vs Snacks

I’ve been working 12 hour Fridays since January. I do not love the 12 hour shifts, but they have brought something very important to my attention.

At work, I don’t have time to eat a proper lunch. This is a huge change from my job of the last two years, where we had structured breaks and I was doing enough (literal) heavy lifting that I had to  schedule caloric intake.

I think that this week I’ve finally found a way around it.

Step 1: Hummus. I really, really love hummus. So I’ve been bringing snacks that work with hummus – pita chips, cut vegetables and (occasionally) boneless buffalo wings from the grocery store (surprisingly tasty with hummus!). It turns out that a hummus break can pack great calories into a few bites and has enough flavor to make it feel worth my while. I buy a bag of baby carrots (ready to eat) at the beginning of the week, a chunk of celery to chop, and three green/red/yellow peppers. For 20 minutes of chopping and bagging, I don’t have to do it again for the rest of the week.

Step 2: Green Monster. I’m making this shake for breakfast. What I like about this – minimal prep on my part. I cut and freeze the bananas. I buy the triple-washed baby spinach buckets. I dig that it’s got protein and some serious nutrients, not to mention PEANUT BUTTER. I’m hoping this is going to give me enough jump to get through the first part of my day.

Those that know me know I DO NOT drink coffee. I’m also not big on breakfast unless it is accompanied by sleeping in. I’ve used about every liquid nutrition option  out there (Slim Fast, tofu smoothies, etc). The canned slim fast is effective and fast but not especially cost efficient. Tofu smoothies typically require a bit more prep.  I’m digging the ‘chop the banana and put it in the freezer’ plan.

Spouse has been using spinach in his shakes for years but I’ve always been skeptical. This is the first recipe that made me think I’m going to like it.

So that’s the plan I’m using to see if getting through the work week can be made a little easier.

Why news matters

My friend was assaulted.

She was in a bar with some people – including her husband – and as she was trying to leave, a drunk dude  leaned in, put his arm around her and kissed her on the cheek. Appalled, she pulled away but he did it again. At this point, a friend noticed what was happening and dragged the drunk dude away.

This was several weeks ago and we were talking about it tonight. What she said that struck me is, “I keep thinking – I’ve got all this training and should know how to back the guy off.” My response: “Because it never occurred to you that something like that would happen or that you would actually NEED to defend yourself.”

Here’s the problem with the current debate about contraception and abortion and unnecessary/unwarranted medical procedures: they continue to give people the impression that women’s bodies are fair game.

Rather than teach boys and men that they shouldn’t assault women, we teach women that they shouldn’t dress “slutty” or drink too much. Note that guys don’t get that same warning. That legislators – largely men – think they should have control over any PART of women’s bodies implies that women are JUST PARTS. Not actual PEOPLE who are entitled to respect and personal space – parts that are subject to whatever men want to do to them and we should just shut up and take it.

I makes me FURIOUS that THAT has become the default female response- guilt over ‘why didn’t I do more to prevent this’ than anger that society has made it okay to make us less than “people.” The fact that news agencies are not talking about this should infuriate EVERYONE who knows a woman.

Sew close!

I’ll stop the sewing puns any time now, I swear.

After my initial cutting and pinning push, I will not lie, I was intimidated by my sewing machine. I took the sewing machine manual and literally read the entire thing twice. Then I reread my sewing books. Tonight I decided “Fuck it” and bit the bullet.

I did some practice stitches on my scrap fabric to get a feel for how fast/slow the pedal was. Let me say to you – again – that I love living in the future. This machine made loading a bobbin (which seems like it was unnecessary for the project but I used anyhow, since I’m making work clothes) wicked fast and there’s an automatic needle threader, y’all. What did we even DO before an automatic needle threader?!? I’m officially classifying the sewing machine as a geek toy. Now it just needs a name.

This project is a really easy pattern and I’m pretty happy with how it’s coming together. After a false start or two with a pocket, I got into the swing of it and just plowed through most of the project. I tripped over a couple of my own errors but found ways to fix or work with them (yay easy pattern!) and after the time-intensive neckline, all I’ve got left is the body seam and hemming the sleeves.

The best part of the sewing machine is multiple stitches. So instead of just reinforcing the bottom of the pocket, I reinforced the whole thing. Since I’m constantly putting heavy things or too many things in my pockets, it seemed like a logical option. I did the same with the neckline and shoulders since they’re the places where I’m most likely to put stress.

I love how deep the pockets are and I’m pretty stoked to see how the whole shirt turns out. Tomorrow I’ll finish the sewing, Scotch-gard it and then wash and dry.

All in all, this was a pretty great reintroduction to sewing. First, it was complex enough to let me work with my machine. Second, it’s going to be enough of a complete ‘thing’ that it feels like I’ve actually MADE something. Third, it’s a thing I’ll be able to use right away.

I’ve got a few more patterns in line – a blouse and slacks – after I make some more scrubs and hopefully before  July I’ll be ready to tackle the Victorian costume.

As an added bonus, when I see cute clothes now I’m not tempted to buy them, I’m tempted to figure out how to make them. w00t! Money saver!

Lunch

I made these Crispy Chicken Tacos for lunch today and they were pretty fantastic. While I was at the store, I’d forgotten to buy sour cream. Since I happened to have heavy cream on hand, I kind of made my own with a splash of heavy cream and juice of half a lime. It worked out perfectly. I also used fat free mayo, in case you care.

Tonight’s menu includes Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas so unfortunately I have to clean the kitchen again.

It turns out

Given enough beer and not enough pizza, I’ll get tuned up. But not tuned up enough to not ace a coding test.

Sew what?

I’m currently parked in a Big O Tires awaiting a much-needed alignment (*cough*accident in OCTOBER*cough*), a less-needed-but-have-to-do-it-anyhow tire replacement and an oil change. This after getting a windshield chip-repair thanks to the asshole on Monday morning who felt compelled to drive up the mountain on the shoulder of the road rather than the actual. fucking. road. So what I’m saying is that I’ve got some time to kill. Yay Big O wifi!

Remarkably, I somehow managed to leave my phone at home this morning. Well, it’s either in the house or buried in snow in my driveway. I’m really  really hoping for HOUSE. It’s remarkable because living in a rural area means I drove 45 miles across a mountain pass for my auto services today – not because we don’t have auto services but because we don’t have windshield repair and since I’m down here I might as well get everything done at once. Not having my phone means limited internet and a crippling lack of apps for restaurant/store hours/movie times. I’ve used google voice on my laptop to contact anyone I think might be trying to reach me today and let me just say that I love the future and I really, really miss my electronic tether. Big Brother, you have won.

In blog-title-related news, I finally got out my sewing machine. After our move here, there was an unfortunate dropping incident which resulted in mom’s old machine becoming less a machine and more a bucket of tiny parts. Last year I did some scouring of the internet to find out what kind of machine would work for me – someone who has sewn before, albeit years ago, but with some room for development to do cooler and more complex stuff. I settled on a Project Runway Brother machine. It’s got a bunch of pre-programmed bad-ass stitches which means I can probably work without a serger and still do just about any project I want. Also, sewing machines can do button holes BY THEMSELVES THESE DAYS. What the WHAT?

Thanks to the marvel that is pinterest, I found some pretty sweet vintage Vogue patterns and a Simplicity pattern with a steampunk/psuedoVictorian costume that I can use for Wild West events. Before I get all jazzed up and attempt to sew shantung, however, I’m going to bust out some scrubs. Since I wear the same thing pretty regularly and the patterns aren’t complicated, I’m looking forward to making my own versus dropping $20 a shirt. For my first attempt, I got a cool sugar-skull pattern for a top, coordinating purple and navy solids for pants and an additional shirt. Depending on how the results go, I may even photoblog.

I’m really excited about the Vogue dresses and the Simplicity costume, though. I’ve got a bridesmaids dress in my closet that I’ll attempt to modify before I do anything on fancier cloth.  It’ll be nice to make things that custom-fit me and – because I’m making them myself – I’ll feel a lot less guilty if they don’t get worn all that frequently. On the other hand, assuming they turn out well, I’ll be coming up with as many occasions to wear them as possible. I also had the idea today to get some canvas and make an overnight bag.

My friend Jen has also started a little online writing project community, so between work, school, sewing and the writing project, it’s safe to say that I’m firing all corners of the brain these days.

Random Phantom

I first saw The Phantom of the Opera in high school as part of an AP English trip to Toronto (sophomore year – junior year we saw Miss Saigon in Chicago) and one of my favorite songs and performances is Masquerade.

I wasn’t exactly jazzed that they were making a film and, let’s be real, Gerard Butler is decidedly NOT great but BY FAR my biggest disappointment in the film was their spectacular inability to capture the amazing spectacle that is that particular song performance on stage. It was just… anemic. I think it’s because they felt compelled to NOT show the entire room, which is what makes the stage performance so stunning.

And – because the internet truly does have EVERYTHING – both versions for your viewing comparison:

Partial of the stage performance: http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/sights-sounds/videos

Film version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_dHz2PkGTE

Internet vacation OR random miscellany

I’ve been largely away from the internet for about a week now. Some had to do with travel and FrankenDog and work and school but more of it was about trying to finish 1Q84 before my library loan expired. I managed to finish it today and get caught up on some of the shows we watch.

Twitter has fallen rather by the wayside these days, as I tend to be busy at work enough not to have time to check it. I miss it as a way of keeping up on things but not enough to have carved out time for it. All things considered, I suspect it means I’m finished with it.

Things I have checked: email and GReader. GReader is my primary way of keeping up with the news.

I’m continuously disheartened by the elected assholes who claim to represent the people. It’s that or admit I’m increasingly disappointed that there continue to be assholes who think they should control my reproductive organs but I can’t have any say-so about theirs.

We rewatched Crazy Stupid Love today and it’s still the best possible things a romantic comedy can be. We watched The Help this week and, while enjoyable, was predictably less nuanced than the book and the result was a bit more insulting.

I had a Ginger Blossom at Ling and Louie’s which is a surprisingly delightful beverage.

I’ve discovered the joys of endless.com and overstock.com respectively, which is hurting my resolution to start sewing more of my own clothes. Not that I’ve PURCHASED much, it’s just the LOOKING.

In unsolicited product endorsements (warning: Ladynerdery Ahead)-

I’ve been hearing for ages from both the internet and my friend Melissa that Clinque’s Black Honey Almost Lipstick is AMAZING and lo, I have found it to be true. I’d tell you to try it first but good luck finding it in-stock at a Sephora location. What I can say, without a doubt, is that it will look fantastic on you and it feels incredible on your lips. Totally worth it. Also, it means I can throw out a half-dozen lipsticks now.

Speaking of lipstick- MAC’s Russian Red. Not too blue, not too orange and destined to be the one red lipstick you’ll love. The key is getting used to seeing the intensity of the color. It looks great day OR night and is somehow never “too much.”

In eyeshadow news, I’ve been using the Cover Girl Intense ShadowBlast in Brown Bling. I put it on over my lid and a bit in the crease, then use my finger to blend it in/smooth it out. Super easy and it looks fantastic – one of the few “intense” billed shadows that I can honestly say works great day and night. I put it on with brown liner and it really does last all day without creasing.

As part of my Sephora order, I got a sample of Caudalie’s Fleur de Vigne perfume which is pretty fantastic.

————— end of LadyNerdery

While I’ve been watching the usual TV shows, I find I’m disinclined to talk about them. The Walking Dead is back and feels a bit gorier than previously seen.

Piper is doing well. Staples and stitches are out and the little spot that had reopened is scabbed over and apparently healing. She’ll be out of T-shirts in no time.

Work this week will be another bit of hectic, but I’m hoping to get started on Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow.

Org geek and lady nerdery

The coworker I was replacing decided rather abruptly that she was done at work on Monday. Things got a bit hectic, predictably, and I stayed at work an extra hour and a half last night rearranging/straightening/otherwise cleaning out the desk which is now mine. Pros- desk is actually now something I’d USE. Cons – extra hour and a half. Ah well.

We’ve got a fancy event to attend on Saturday so I’m breaking out my cocktail dress. It’s been ages since I’ve worn it but that’s the proof that you never go wrong with basic black. I’ve got red shoes and nude shoes. I’d been planning to wear the red, but realized I didn’t have a bag. I found a super cute mini-bag on endless.com and it arrived today. Sadly it’s cherry red and the shoes are closer to candy apple red. I’ll try it with both to see if it’s workable but otherwise I may lose the shoes to keep the bag.

In other lady nerdery, I got some MAC Russian Red lipstick to finish the look (I’ve also got a pearl choker) so I’m going to be pretty stoked to see the event photos. The haircut I was due for next week is getting moved up to today so my hair should be extra hot. I was sorely tempted to get stockings with a back seam but I’m managing to resist so far. They seem like they’d be higher maintenance than I want to worry about.

Pics of nude and red shoes and mini bag on pinterest. I’m planning a very light eye since the lipstick is no joke. That particular pinterest board also has a pic of the closest thing I can find to my dress.

Rural living means you take advantage of these events when they happen. It also makes you rather grateful that they don’t come around all that often.

It turns out

That if you get up at 7 am, don’t eat breakfast, go to work and run your ass for 8 and a half hours without really eating anything and then do an hour and a half of yoga, there’s a fair to middling chance that you, too, might consume a footlong 600-plus calorie Subway Club at 7:30pm.

It was motherfucking delicious.

ARGH

Spoke too soon. Sometime in the night, Piper managed to reopen her leg. I’m off to get bandaging supplies until we can get her to the vet tomorrow.