i decided i need

to do something to get moving.  Sure, I take walks sometimes but lately it's been so wet it's hard to be consistent.  My back started having issues a little over a year ago, actually, it was more than that but I waited until I couldn't move to do anything about it.  Lately it's been bothering me a little more and I decided I need to move more.  Maybe that'll loosen things up.  Anyway, I did a 15 minute workout I have bookmarked and it's tough.  Cosme does Insanity and this is a shorter version the Insanity guy (Shaun T) did for Dr Oz.  Anyway, he says to do the 15 minute workout for 30 days and see how you feel by the end.  I was struggling.  I was struggling big time... but I finished and I plan on doing it for the next 30 days.  To make things worse, Cosme knows my plan.  All that means is he'll keep pushing me.  (You know how those determined types are...)  I even drank an entire bottle of water.  Sure, I'm having a Coke now (and it's AWESOME) but I did drink a bottle of water.

So after I did the workout, I sat on the couch and started watching food network while I ate a banana.  Then I realized I made bread yesterday.  This bread is good and it's made in a skillet.  See?

Strat hopes for a piece but no such luck.

The skillet is wiped down with olive oil, the dough is put in the skillet, an X is cut into the top of the dough, more olive oil is drizzled over the dough, a good sprinkling of course salt goes on and then it's topped with the rosemary I plucked out of the pot I'm growing it in.  I just had a slice and now I wish I had a big bowl of spaghetti to go with it.

On that note, I need lunch. STAT.

for the last week or

so there's been a lot of chirping somewhere near the front of the house.  The cats have been spending a lot of time staring out the front door looking for it.  They know it's there.  Yesterday I was in here on the computer and something was hitting the window.  It was the culprit.  When he realized he couldn't break through, he flew up top to figure out another way to get in.

Give up, buddy.

Now I have to get some stuff out of the refrigerator before I miss another Thursday garbage pickup.  It's not that I actually forgot it last week, I was just busy doing other things and kept putting it off.  Lesson learned.  After I missed it, I realized Monday was going to be a holiday.  Not sure about the trash pickup, I just put a few things out Monday.  Sure enough, they came.  Now the refrigerator is smelling a little past its due date so I've got to take care of that business.

have i mentioned

that I went to Comicpalooza the other day and got autographs and souvenirs?  I got some things framed and on the wall yesterday, along with Eric's autographed guitar strap from Buddy Guy.

Now I need to get back on track.  Cosme was off on Friday so Friday felt like Saturday, making Saturday feel like Sunday.  Then Sunday felt like Sunday.  Then he was off on Monday and that felt like Sunday.  I convinced him to stay home yesterday since Harris county was in such bad shape with so much flooding, making Tuesday feel like Sunday.  But for some reason, I keep thinking today's Thursday.  Regardless of what day it is, all these lazy Sundays have messed me up and the house has definitely been in better shape.  I'm slowly catching up.  I was scheduled to count money at the church today but they called me at the last minute to cancel.  That threw me off because I had planned on being there and had pumped myself up for the money-counting mode and out of chore-conquering mode.  Now I'm just sitting here drinking a Coke, talking about all the things I need to be doing.  I'll regret this later.  Maybe I should do something about it.  Yeah, I guess I should.

eric came home

from Comicpalooza yesterday.  We couldn't stand it.  We got dressed and the three of us headed back up there.  It was so cool and I'm still excited about it.  Every once in a while I'll say, "That was so cool.  Wasn't that so cool?"  Since my Comicpalooza high hasn't worn off, I'm sharing a few of the souvenirs we came home with.

My signed photo of Henry Winkler.

 Fact: he is VERY nice.

Signed underwear from Barry Bostwick.

Autograph of Patricia Quinn.

My DVD I brought to have autographed by Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell.

Notice how Barry Bostwick signed it.  "Be it."  THAT IS SO COOL.  Those are the people I wanted to see and they were some of the few there on Sunday and it all worked out perfectly and it was SO COOL.

okay so

maybe I should add holidays to to that fine print of this month of posting.  Anyway, I got sidetracked on Friday with Eric going to Houston for Comicpalooza.  I thought about going on Saturday and I wish I had.  To keep it simple, there were three cast members from Rocky Horror Picture Show there.  Eric didn't see them but he let me know there ended up being a sing along with the three of them.  It was Magenta, Columbia and Brad.  How awesome would that have been?  ugh.  Oh well, I didn't make it but I did stay home and save money.  That's always a plus.

About five years ago everyone in the neighborhood got letters from the Lions Club, letting us know that for a specified yearly donation we could get a flag placed in our yard for every flag holiday.  Through the years it caught on.  I finally decided that we needed to do it too since just about every house out here had one up.  I made several phone calls and finally found the right person.  I told him we needed a flag because at this point we look like the most un-American house on the block.  He said no problem and he'd put our address down on the list and send the form to me in the mail.  I got the form, filled it out and went to write my check.  You know when you're almost out of checks and the last few in the book have different designs?  It's like the check reorder company wants to convince you to spend more so that every recipient of your check will know either that you like mountains or kittens or whatever.  Anyway, I wrote my check...

All of a sudden I felt like I was getting extra points in patriotism, making up for all those years we'd gone without a flag in our yard.  It was awkward but I sent it.  It wasn't as bad as walking into the liquor store wearing a Blondie tshirt while they were playing Blondie but it was pretty close.

So now we have a flag in our yard for Memorial Day and every other flag-flying holiday, just like the all the other Americans in the neighborhood.

there are days

like Tuesday, days where I spray painted a pot and put flowers and herbs in it.

Then there are days like today, days where I have a bad headache and don't want to focus on anything.  Today's one of those days where I have to have Archer at the vet at 10:45 and then be at the church at 1:00 but I wish I could only pick one place to be and I would if I hadn't had to get a sub for the church for the last two Thursdays or even better, I'd cancel everything but Archer needs his heart worm/flea meds as well.  It's one of those days where I'm not motivated to do anything except sit here and write a few run-on sentences while I'm waiting for ibuprofen to kick in and consider taking something sinus related, hoping that might do the trick.  It's one of those days where I knew I should eat something because food always helps a headache but nothing sounded good so I ate a bowl of cereal and now I'm realizing I ate too much cereal and I just want to keep it down.  For now I'm going to try to get the few things done around here that I can while trying to fix this headache and get presentable enough to leave the house.  (sigh.)

this morning i

dropped Cosme off at the airport.  It was 4:30.  We left the house a little after 3:30 and I've been like a zombie ever since.  I came home and tried to sleep but I couldn't.  My eyes were heavy and I was ready but instead I watched tv.  I am not functioning at 100%.  I had to go to the chiropractor this morning so why totally commit to bed if I've got places to go and people to see?  Anyway... on my way home from the chiropractor I decided I wanted to try a new recipe for pancakes made with yogurt.  I bought the yogurt yesterday since they were starting to sound good.  (Seriously, I'm the last person to keep Greek yogurt on hand.)  I'll back this story up.  When I was taking EVERY time I take Cosme to the airport, he wants to stop for food.  I don't get that.  The last thing on my mind when I've got stuff to do (ESPECIALLY going to the airport) is stopping to eat.  So, not only was he wanting food on his way to the airport but he was wanting food at 4:00 in the morning.  I just really don't get it.  There's no way I can do that.  Honestly, my stomach will not let me.  Whether it's nerves, anxiety or whatever, I can't.  So, I made myself get dressed again and head to the chiropractor and on the way home (when I had no other errands to run and it was a solid 9:00), pancakes sounded good.

So I tried the new recipe.
"The batter will be thick."

You got that right.

"Spray your griddle with cooking spray."

So yeah, a tablespoon or so of butter.

And here's the finished product, minus the syrup.

It was interesting.  It wasn't quite done in the middle so I made another and after flipping it, smashed it with the spatula.  It was pretty eggy but I kind of liked it.  It's not a pancake I would want all the time but it was good for today.  Oh, I also used vanilla yogurt instead of plain.  Maybe the sugar from the syrup will help me crash for a nap... eventually.  In the meantime, those pajama pants are calling my name.

i saw dark stuff

on the couch the other day.  At first I wondered if somebody sat in something then I wondered if, ugh, it was something from the cats.

Then I looked closer.

And noticed a print about the size of a dog's paw.  I realized that it was probably from the dogs, more specifically Maggie, when they got in the other day.  She's done this thing several times of running past the bar, circling through the kitchen and into the living room and over the back of the couch.  I should've been a detective.  Even if I'm not right, my theories are usually more entertaining.

Speaking of animals, no sign of the kittens today.  And I've even found takers for them!  Well, one at least.  Anyway, they haven't been back but I searched online and this is what they looked like.

No, I did not search "what did the kittens in my backyard look like".  I wondered if they were Siamese so I searched "Siamese kittens".  Sure enough, that's what they are/were.

Now I'm off to spray paint and wash clothes and get Cosme's suitcase ready for tomorrow.  (He's going to West Virginia in the morning.)

i need a break after

the weekend.  Well, I think there's still action to come but seriously...

Friday - the night before was the possum incident.  Fine, the barking quit and that was that.

Saturday afternoon - Antonio showed up to mow so I went to the back to pick up debris and firewood.  Walking to the stone patio, I smelled death.  "Oh, somebody must have dumped som... CRAP.  THAT POSSUM IS HERE SOMEWHERE!" I slowly looked around and saw flies and fuzz on the woodpile.  (Insert scream and run)  Cosme came outside to scoop it up about the same time Antonio was coming with his shovel too.  The smell was horrible but luckily I was wearing my locket with a drop of Young Living Oils in it.  Anyway, Antonio tossed it and Cosme asked him why he got rid of it, he was planning to cook it.  BLGH.  So after the mama was gone, Cosme used his shovel to scoop up the fetuses that Maggie had apparently ripped out.  TMI?  I'll stop.  Which reminds me, I need to clean the blood off the back porch tomorrow.

Saturday night - the dogs WOULD NOT SHUT UP.  I went outside Sunday morning and realized they were probably barking at the people wrapping the two houses at the end of the street.

Sunday - more barking.  I saw Maggie had torn the fence wire down and was basically trying to eat through the fence to get to the neighbor's yard.  Cosme changed the battery in her collar while I put the wire back in place.

Sunday (about an hour later) - CRAZY BARKING.  I looked out the window and saw a kitten on the top board (rail?) of the fence.  We locked the dogs up in the cage to get the kitten.  It hissed and climbed down the fence to the highway.

This morning (before the sun came up but after Cosme left) - CRAZY BARKING.  I got the flashlight and saw 4 eyes glaring back at me.  I got the dogs locked up. (do you know how hard it is to lock up two strong dogs when they've got a critter in view?  HARD)  I went back to the fence and found two kittens on the top rail of the fence.  They both climbed over the fence.  I know they had to have been dumped.  They are probably 4-6 weeks old, going by the size of Lucille when we got her and the vet saying she was about 4 weeks. 

Which reminds me, I need to get to the vet to pick up heartworm pills.  In the meantime, please make it stop.  No more critters.

Before all the dog chaos yesterday, we were catching up on dvr with Texas Bucket List.  It was too much and before I knew it, I was at Kroger.  About two hours later we had this

Cheeseburgers with bacon and green chile

And...

Roasted corn (insert drool here)

I cut mine off into a bowl with butter, mayonnaise and seasoned salt.

I loved every bite and told Cosme I could eat roasted corn every day.  And when dinnertime came and there was still corn left, I fixed another bowl.  After throwing a quarter of it into the garbage, I corrected myself.   I probably couldn't eat roasted corn every day.  (But I do love it.)

the dogs were

going crazy last night so we had to investigate.  It was a possum... opossum, whatever.  When Maggie has a critter cornered, everything else is tuned out.  She is focused on the capture and nothing else.  She doesn't hear us calling her but when we come out, it almost inspires her.  We were on the back porch and she got it and came running to us.  Remembering what happened last time (when she brought the possum inside), I ran inside (yelling for Cosme to hurry) and shut the door.  I know she's proud of her catch and wants to show us but no.  I can't stick around for that.  I told her she was good and she'll have to accept that.  I haven't been out there this morning to see how it all ended but hopefully Antonio will be able to come today make any gruesome discoveries before me.  Here's a little clip from last night.

Now I'm off to do grocery shopping.  How about possum stew for dinner?

look at me

over here posting all late in the day and stuff.  Oh well, it's been a busy day.  I had shopping to do!

I was on my way home from Brazoria and I passed that field again.  Today it was a little sunnier but the yellow still isn't as vibrant as it is in person.

I'm about to submit a picture for a different photo challenge.  I could take the time to explain but it doesn't really matter.  I do the one on a regular basis and it's strictly Instagram and FB but this other is a separate app created for this.  Anyway, today's "Do of the Day" is "When kids make you nervous".  That wasn't difficult.  Well, maybe it was because most people are posting pics of their little kids doing crazy things and I don't exactly fit into that category.  So this pic is of Eric's skateboard and the hospital bracelets from that night he decided to hang onto a car and fall off... I won't talk about it anymore but here's the pic I got this afternoon.

Now I'm off to do some party planning.

i was going

to take the dogs for their walks this morning.  I had my doubts since it's been raining so much and I know there are already slick spots in certain areas.  I don't even want to imagine Archer seeing something and me trying to hold him back and then slipping and lying there on the ground in pain while he turns his attention to me and starts with the licking.  So yeah, I had my doubts... but I decided I'd do it.  I went out to get Archer on the leash and was trying to get him inside but Maggie was fighting too hard to come in too so I said forget it.  I told them both that Maggie just ruined it for everyone.  So there.  No dog walking today and on top of that, I totally avoided the situation I didn't even want to imagine.  Instead, I had a nice, peaceful walk down to buy the newspaper and that was that.

Last night I made Shrimp Jeannine.  I've talked about it before but it's really good and so easy to make.  I made cheese grits to go with it but they weren't as thick as I'd hoped.  Oh well, I ate them anyway.

Now I need to decide what I'm going to make tonight and get to the store before the next round of rain comes.  I'm thinking carne guisada.  I'm also thinking it'll be a while before my fence can actually be installed.  I'm bummed and ready for things to dry out a little.

it has been

raining all day.  It wasn't like this when I was stuck at home last week.  No, it was pretty most of the time.  I've had the car back for a little over 24 hours.  It's been raining (off and on) for a little over 24 hours.  We had a little break earlier but now it's pouring again.  Luckily I stopped at the store during that break and bought ingredients for dinner and dog food.  Unfortunately, the dog food is still in my trunk.  Oops.

I went to Brazoria this morning and on my way home I saw a field that is waiting to have portraits made in it.  So, whoever gets there when the rain lets up and before it's mowed, lucky you.  Here it is but the cell phone pic really doesn't do much for it.  There is so much more yellow than what the pic shows.

Ever have those days where people just get on your nerves?  I do but I'm too nice to do anything about it.  I know, "Melanie, why don't you just block those people or unfriend those people so you don't have to be reminded of what arseholes they are?"  Because.  That would be rude to delete or unfriend and I just don't have the heart.  So instead of turning my back on those people, I stick around and put up with it.  I really need to get over that.  But I probably never will.  Although, I find myself less tolerant of BS and self-centered people more and more so who knows.  Maybe one day I'll snap.  Cosme would often tell me I just need to say "no more mr. nice guy".  I could never say it without laughing.  He gave up.  Instead of being mean, I'll probably just keep coming back to this blog and complaining about having to deal with people who get on my nerves.  (You're welcome.)

last monday

started off bad and the rest of the week just kind of took note and followed.  One week later and it's amazing how things can turn around.  With last week's beginning of a FAIL on Cosme's inspection and a week of me being without a car, this week started with me picking the car up from the shop and getting a PASS on the inspection.  Attention to the rest of the week: TAKE NOTE AND FOLLOW.

Yesterday was Mother's Day and today is Cosme's birthday.  We did a lunch for both since Eric was home and made it easy by calling Chili's to pick up.  I looked at the menu online and went a little crazy with the appetizers, making my meal an appetizer sampler.  Before lunch we had cake.  (Makes sense... right?)  Anyway, Cosme requested a lemon cake so I made one.  (I don't know what's gotten into everyone this year.  Eric wanted strawberry and now Cosme asking for lemon?)  Anyway, he liked his cake so I was relieved.  (Tried a new recipe)

After some tv and naps, we picked up Chili's.  Sometimes excess isn't a good thing.  I ordered the fried cheddar cheese appetizer and for my sampler chose the sliders, chicken strips and fried pickles.  I was loving the cheddar cheese... too much.

I couldn't finish one slider or tender.  I did manage to put away a decent amount of pickles.  Then I felt totally sick.  Normally when I have too much junk or greasy food, a bowl of ice cream always helps settle my stomach.  So, I had a little ice cream.  I found something out yesterday.  When I'm settling my stomach with ice cream, it needs to be Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla, NOT Blue Bunny.  That made everything worse.  "Hey Melanie, why don't you top off all that greasy food with really nasty ice cream."  Blue Bell needs to hurry back.  I can't handle Blue Bunny.  I guess I'll buy another popular brand next but I know it won't hold a candle to my beloved Blue Bell.

So here's hoping this week turns out better... and Blue Bell hurries back.

i'm stuck at

home today with no car.  Eric has his in College Station and Cosme has mine in Houston.  Not that it matters because there are so many things I could be doing right now.  You know those things you're always wanting to get done but something's always getting in the way?  It's funny because right now I don't feel like doing any of that.  The only thing I feel like doing is picking up Taco Bell and watching a movie.  Figures.

I was expecting a magazine in the mail today so I walked down to get it.  Now I don't feel like reading it.  What sucks is, it's a photography magazine so the more I look at it, the more I want to get in my car and go for a ride.  Isn't that usually how things work out?

And remember that app that made me get out of bed for pictures the other night?  I can't get it to open.  Figures... again.  I was really counting on that for some sort of creative inspiration today.  I guess it's a sign.  I'm just supposed to go make a sandwich or eat spaghetti (for the third day in a row) and watch a movie.  I'll watch a chick flick and eat a bowl of spaghetti.  That's exactly what I'll do... unless I lose interest between here and there.

i can't

sleep so I figured I'd do tomorrow's post right now.  I was lying in bed playing Words With Friends and then I opened a photo app.  I read a prompt of "Grown-Up Things to Do".  Then an idea hit and I couldn't stop thinking about it so I had to jump out of bed and grab my camera... after I asked Eric if he had any cheap cigars lying around.  I went to the garage and worked on my idea.  Here it is.

I am happy with it.

Earlier today I was frustrated, just from all the car stuff and then people irritating me on top of that.  I came in here and grabbed my sketchpad to express exactly how I was feeling.  This is it.

Eric saw it when I was finished and asked if he could have it framed for his room.  So I signed it "Mom" with a smiley face.  I thought that finished it off nicely.

On a much lighter note, my bread turned out moist and buttery.

 

Now that I got some sleep, let's see what today brings.

with all this car

stuff that's been going on, I decided one thing might help.  Homemade bread.  Okay, so it might not help anything but what could it hurt?  I take that back, every bit of it.  It could totally hurt my clothes fitting looser but it will totally help me feel better.  I'm all about comfort foods and I won't deny it.  For example, certain tv shows require a bowl of cereal while other shows require cinnamon or peanut butter toast.  Computer time usually requires a Coke, except for times like this when I opt for a Diet Dr Pepper.  Just like a long car ride is the perfect time for a Coke, bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos and a bag of cherry sours.  It reminds me of a time last year, driving around and running errands in small towns with my mom.  Every once in a while I'd point out certain porches that would be the perfect porch for drinking a glass of iced tea.  Some people might say I have a problem.  I say I know what I like.

Here's a picture of my dough that I believe already doubled (and then some) in size.

I guess it's time for me to go butter the bowls for baking.  Yes, I said "butter the bowls" and it makes the bread awesome. (DUH...)

i'm not going to let

yesterday's car crisis get me down.  I dropped it off at the shop yesterday and this hiccup will soon be solved (and hopefully that'll be an inexpensive solution).  Today I'm going to brag about the things that are working out.  Well, they're basically the same things.  Home improvement.  I guess "improvement" might be a little harsh.  Let's face it, new flowers are just pretty.  Anyway, here are a few things going on:

1. Those flowers I just mentioned.  I bought pots and flowers and am hoping to have a little collection of prettiness going on before too long.  The short pot is snapdragon and the tall is gardenia.  The gardenia is going to get a few more things at the base for now, this is what I have.

2.  That fence I've been talking about for a LONG time.  I'm expecting an email today with all the details for me to send to the HOA.  It's not like they're going to deny it.  I mean seriously... look at what we have now.  (It looks worse in person.)

And speaking of how bad the driveway looks in this pic

3.  The other day I pressure washed the back porch (only to have paw prints across it an hour later).  I got carried away and tackled the front porch and walkway next.  It might not be a professional job but hey, it's better than it was.

Up next on my wish list is a walkway from the driveway, through the new gate and to the back porch.  I'm not expecting it next week or anything but eventually...

today is what

most people would consider a typical Monday.  It's just one of those days where things aren't going the way I'd hoped... also known as the best way.  It's car stuff.  More specifically, inspection stuff.  Sure, it wouldn't be as bad if I hadn't waited until the last minute but I did and here we are.  And yeah, things could be a lot worse but for now, I'm going to moan and complain about the crisis at hand.

I don't know much about cars but I'm pretty sure all this high tech stuff found in cars these days is the biggest pain in the butt.  Sure, it might make certain things more simple but if it wasn't broken, why'd they have to "fix" it?  Oh, so they could get more money out of us... that's right.  This whole emissions testing with cars gets me so worked up I don't even know where to start.  I have so many points I want to make.  I won't even bother.  All it'll do is get me worked up more and make me sound like I'm some loon building up a conspiracy theory.  (Hey, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck... just saying.)  And while we're on the topic of emissions testing.  They've managed to find a way to eliminate the inspection sticker but we're still having to go through the same trouble, if not more to pay for the hassle of an inspection.  Sorry, I'll stop.  I'll just throw two words out there: Organized Crime.  Fine.  I'm done.  I'll stop.

Over the weekend I did realize something.  Promising to do a blog post on Saturday and Sunday is difficult.  Perhaps I'll revise my month of blog posts to add a line of fine print.

*Specifically but not limited to weekdays

i have no picture

for today without duplicating one I've already posted on fb.  That being said, I did post pics of two things I've done today.  1. I went to Mi Tienda and found a luchador mask I want.  2.  I went to La Michoacana and bought about 20 pounds of meat.

Wait, I do have a picture to post.  This is one of the sweets from the bakery at Mi Tienda.  It's basically a Hostess Cupcake on steroids.  (Yes, I already dissected it.)

I could really use a nap right now but I've got to get motivated and TCB.  Tomorrow night is the big Manny Pacquiao/Floyd Mayweather fight.  And for the record, I want Mayweather to lose.  Big time.  It's not that I'm a big boxing fan but I know when I want somebody to lose.  Mayweather needs to lose even if it's just for being obnoxious.