Trader Joe's feeds me almost exclusively these days. Here's my YES list:
1. Mini chocolate chip brownie cups! Add a table spoon of water and put in over for 45 seconds. Remarkably delicious considering the ease of preparation.
2. Gluten free pancakes. I love these skinny toaster pancakes. My friend Brenda, did not like them. I was shocked!
3. Pub cheese. I like the horseradish pub cheese. Addicting. Can't be good for you good.
4. Frozen margarita pizza. Delish for frozen pizza
5. Pesto tortellini bowl. Great to take to work for lunch.
6. Three layer humus. Sometimes hard to find at TJ's.
7. Reduced guilt pita chips with sea salt. Mmnnn
8. Peanut butter filled pretzels and even more decadent, chocolate covered peanut butter filled pretzels. I love the chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels but they are dangerous! And also, melty.
9. Chocolate covered potato chips. The perfect combo of sweet and salty. A must have for that time of the month.
10. Goat milk brie. It's a stronger flavor than regular brie and great on their water crackers
11. Chicken tikki masala. Another favorite of mine for lunch. Add in their naan and you have a big meal.
Showing posts with label Deep thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deep thoughts. Show all posts
Friday, August 28, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Animal Shelters- it boggles my mind
Today I saw an update on Instagram of a cute dog named Junior that had been put to sleep because he didn't get adopted at the shelter in Chicago. I started crying. How in this day and age is there still a pet overpopulation problem? Bob Barker told us for decades to spay and neuter our pets. And people started doing it. You can't take a pet home from the shelter that isn't fixed. Where are all these cats and dogs coming from and who are these irresponsible people who end up surrendering their pets or worse, abusing and neglecting them? It boggles my mind. I just don't get it.
I volunteered at the Sacramento SPCA well over 10 years ago. It was filled with pit bulls and older dogs and I knew in the back of my mind that many if not most were put down without some serious luck. Families didn't want to bring a dog into their home of unknown background that might be sick or aggressive or unfriendly after an unhappy life. But with all the education efforts and the increased willingness of loving individuals and families to adopt from shelters and the decreasing number of pet shops that sell dogs and cats, why do we still have overcrowded shelters? Why, why, why?
Through Facebook and Instagram I follow so many animal rescues and volunteers across the country and I know that I am not the only one that would love nothing more than to quit my job and start an animal sanctuary. There are so many animal lovers out there tirelessly finding homes for shelter pets and fundraising for the medical expenses of the abused.
So how are there still animals being euthanized in shelters? In my mind, shelters should be more like a lost and found at this point in time. There should be a waiting list to adopt a dog.
The only explanation I can think of is that there are still way too many greedy people in this country that think breeding dogs is means to make quick money. And it is those people that abuse, neglect and fill the shelter directly and indirectly with homeless dogs.
I get so angry. I don't even know what else to say.
I volunteered at the Sacramento SPCA well over 10 years ago. It was filled with pit bulls and older dogs and I knew in the back of my mind that many if not most were put down without some serious luck. Families didn't want to bring a dog into their home of unknown background that might be sick or aggressive or unfriendly after an unhappy life. But with all the education efforts and the increased willingness of loving individuals and families to adopt from shelters and the decreasing number of pet shops that sell dogs and cats, why do we still have overcrowded shelters? Why, why, why?
Through Facebook and Instagram I follow so many animal rescues and volunteers across the country and I know that I am not the only one that would love nothing more than to quit my job and start an animal sanctuary. There are so many animal lovers out there tirelessly finding homes for shelter pets and fundraising for the medical expenses of the abused.
So how are there still animals being euthanized in shelters? In my mind, shelters should be more like a lost and found at this point in time. There should be a waiting list to adopt a dog.
The only explanation I can think of is that there are still way too many greedy people in this country that think breeding dogs is means to make quick money. And it is those people that abuse, neglect and fill the shelter directly and indirectly with homeless dogs.
I get so angry. I don't even know what else to say.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Open Letter to Dog Owners at Kate Sessions Park
Dear Kate Sessions Park Goers,
I am aware that Kate Sessions park is regarded as an unofficial off leash dog park (despite the numerous signs stating dogs must be on leash at all times). However, if you are going flaunt the rules, don't be a jerk and ruin the park for everyone. I'm talking to you irresponsible dog owners.
One day I brought a blanket, a book, and my dog to the park and settled in far away from the off leash dogs. I was minding my own business when not one, not two, but three dogs came charging at my dog and I. I yelled No! No! No! at the oncoming dogs and tried to shoo them away while the dogs' owner just watched. The dogs' owner was a blond woman that looked like she came from the La Jolla side of Mt. Soledad.(Yes, what you are picturing in your head right now is what she looked like.)
After she failed to control her three small barking dogs, looked at me and accusingly said "What do you mean "no"? Is your dog not friendly?!?"
I responded “Not when 3 dogs come at her and she is on leash!”
Highlighting what an idiot dog owner she is, the blonde bitch had the nerve to say to me "Why would you bring an unfriendly dog to the park?"
At this time a woman walking by tells the blond bitch "You need to watch your dogs. Dogs are on leash for a reason."
Thank you, Ms. Dog Behavior Expert. She continued on loudly for all to hear that she's witnessed four dogs that were killed at a dog park. At which point the blond bitch looked directly at me with a horrified look as if my dog were a killer. As she walks away, she picks up her expensive purebred dogs and says loudly "I don't want you to get eaten" while throwing dirty looks at me.
As if I were the problem. As if I were not following the rules. As if my dog was the bad actor and as if I were intruding on her and not the other way around. Excuse me?? What the fuck??
Here's the thing, not everyone at the park loves your dog. Maybe they don't want your dogs around their babies. Maybe they are allergic to dogs. Maybe like myself, they are trying to read a book and don't appreciate being run over by your dog, or having their family picnic ruined. Maybe they are like the elderly couple I saw walking on the path that were almost taken out by a rambunctious pack of off leash dogs.
My point is this: Be respectful of the other people enjoying the public park. If you can't control your dog, don't let them off leash. It's as simple as that.
Sincerely,
Michelle
P.S. When the blond La Jolla bitch had to go running downhill into the bushes after her min-pin that was gleefully ignoring her, I was laughing my ass off.
I am aware that Kate Sessions park is regarded as an unofficial off leash dog park (despite the numerous signs stating dogs must be on leash at all times). However, if you are going flaunt the rules, don't be a jerk and ruin the park for everyone. I'm talking to you irresponsible dog owners.
One day I brought a blanket, a book, and my dog to the park and settled in far away from the off leash dogs. I was minding my own business when not one, not two, but three dogs came charging at my dog and I. I yelled No! No! No! at the oncoming dogs and tried to shoo them away while the dogs' owner just watched. The dogs' owner was a blond woman that looked like she came from the La Jolla side of Mt. Soledad.(Yes, what you are picturing in your head right now is what she looked like.)
After she failed to control her three small barking dogs, looked at me and accusingly said "What do you mean "no"? Is your dog not friendly?!?"
I responded “Not when 3 dogs come at her and she is on leash!”
Highlighting what an idiot dog owner she is, the blonde bitch had the nerve to say to me "Why would you bring an unfriendly dog to the park?"
At this time a woman walking by tells the blond bitch "You need to watch your dogs. Dogs are on leash for a reason."
Thank you, Ms. Dog Behavior Expert. She continued on loudly for all to hear that she's witnessed four dogs that were killed at a dog park. At which point the blond bitch looked directly at me with a horrified look as if my dog were a killer. As she walks away, she picks up her expensive purebred dogs and says loudly "I don't want you to get eaten" while throwing dirty looks at me.
As if I were the problem. As if I were not following the rules. As if my dog was the bad actor and as if I were intruding on her and not the other way around. Excuse me?? What the fuck??
Here's the thing, not everyone at the park loves your dog. Maybe they don't want your dogs around their babies. Maybe they are allergic to dogs. Maybe like myself, they are trying to read a book and don't appreciate being run over by your dog, or having their family picnic ruined. Maybe they are like the elderly couple I saw walking on the path that were almost taken out by a rambunctious pack of off leash dogs.
My point is this: Be respectful of the other people enjoying the public park. If you can't control your dog, don't let them off leash. It's as simple as that.
Sincerely,
Michelle
P.S. When the blond La Jolla bitch had to go running downhill into the bushes after her min-pin that was gleefully ignoring her, I was laughing my ass off.
Monday, May 20, 2013
When I am old
When I am old I'm sure I will have mixed memories of my younger self. Some good, some bad, some sad, some glad. (Dr. Seuss, anyone?) But what I really want when I am old...what I really want is my grandkids to think I was some sort of graceful badass when I was young.I will burn all ugly photos and delete all evidence of weakness and failure guaranteeing that they will have no other option but to think I was awesome.
What?!?! I'll be be a senile old bag of bones in a mu'umu'u. Think I'll give a fuck about historical accuracy?? Hell no!!
I just want to leave a legacy like my grandmother's left for me. I want my grandkids to think I was as cool as I think my grandmothers were. My grandmothers lived through the depression, they worked hard, they raised families, they stayed married until death did them part. They were young once and had adventures. Then they were old and had a lifetime of experiences to be proud of.
The legacy I intend to perpetuate is not entirely unfounded. There are certain things in my life that I will look back on with pride. I'm proud of leaving home when I was 17. I worked, played sports and maintained a B+ average in college. I briefly had my own petsitting business. I earned everything I had and was dependent on no one. I ran a half marathon when I was 33. I travelled solo. I overcame debilitating depression. I became a competitive dancer. I loved and I lost.
And I'm sure the list will continue to grow with time.
It's interesting to find out what accomplishments people are proud of. Usually you are proud of things that you did that were really fucking hard or challenging, but you did it anyway… somehow. Sometimes you aren't even sure how. It wasn't planned. It just happened. Or it was planned and you worked really, really hard for it. But you did it. You. Because you set your mind to it, or,as Bill Cosby said, “you decided you wanted it more than you were afraid if it”.
I think I want to be proud of my younger self, and my life, when I am old. It's still a work in progress but I'm getting there...
What?!?! I'll be be a senile old bag of bones in a mu'umu'u. Think I'll give a fuck about historical accuracy?? Hell no!!
I just want to leave a legacy like my grandmother's left for me. I want my grandkids to think I was as cool as I think my grandmothers were. My grandmothers lived through the depression, they worked hard, they raised families, they stayed married until death did them part. They were young once and had adventures. Then they were old and had a lifetime of experiences to be proud of.
The legacy I intend to perpetuate is not entirely unfounded. There are certain things in my life that I will look back on with pride. I'm proud of leaving home when I was 17. I worked, played sports and maintained a B+ average in college. I briefly had my own petsitting business. I earned everything I had and was dependent on no one. I ran a half marathon when I was 33. I travelled solo. I overcame debilitating depression. I became a competitive dancer. I loved and I lost.
And I'm sure the list will continue to grow with time.
It's interesting to find out what accomplishments people are proud of. Usually you are proud of things that you did that were really fucking hard or challenging, but you did it anyway… somehow. Sometimes you aren't even sure how. It wasn't planned. It just happened. Or it was planned and you worked really, really hard for it. But you did it. You. Because you set your mind to it, or,as Bill Cosby said, “you decided you wanted it more than you were afraid if it”.
I think I want to be proud of my younger self, and my life, when I am old. It's still a work in progress but I'm getting there...
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
On texting
[Warning: I drop a lot of F bombs below]
I've never been a big phone chat person. Never liked calling people and spending hours on the phone. I like to have stuff to talk about when we see each other in person. I've never had the gift of gab and also, I've always had friends that could go on and on and on and on in a one sided conversation about stuff I don't give a shit about.
So you would think I would prefer texting. Nope. I hate it. I hate having to get up to get my phone or dig it out of my purse to reply. I don't like keeping my phone next to me all the time either. It's distracting and I don't like the alerts beeping at me, demanding my attention. Fuck you. I don't have to read you right now. Leave me alone.
Don't even get me started on group texts. Do me a personal favor and turn that option OFF. I might be stoked that you are having a baby (and thankful that you texted instead of called me). But I do not, I repeat do not, want my phone blowing up with 50 different versions of "congrats" from all of your friends and family.
Friends, family members, random dudes I gave my number to, doctors offices, stores, phone companies- stop texting me! Unless you do not need or want me to respond right away and whatever that needs to be communicated is 12O characters or less. Call me, leave a voicemail, facetime me, email me, mail me a letter (preferably a pretty card from Papryus) or Facebook message me if what you need to communicate is longer than a tweet.
And for fucks sake don't ask me out on a date via text. I hate going back and forth over when and where to meet and what kind of food I like. You know all that back and forth could have been avoided by a 2 minute phone call and I wouldn't have to spend 35 fucking minutes thumb typing.
I know I am the anomaly here. I know most girls luuuuuuv texting and even guys like it because they can be a fuckwad coward and ask girls out or blow girls off without any cost to their ego, self respect, time or feelings. Shit, the only time I LIKE texting is when I'm blowing off some guy I'm not interested in and I'm the fuckwad coward.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm not completely heartless. On those rare occasions when I have a boyfriend or am seeing someone I am excited about do I like a “good morning beautiful” text? Hell yeah I do! I love it. It's great to know someone you have the hots for is thinking about you and can tell you in a completely non intrusive way.
And of course there are situations where a text is the most rational form of communication. Here are examples of acceptable text messages:
"Please pick up milk on the way home"
“Be there in 10 minutes”
"Left your money on the nightstand"
"Made it home safe"
"I'm leaving you"
(Kidding. Just checking to see if you are actually still reading)
These situations (excluding the last one) do not require verbal interaction or lengthy explanation. Unless you are like me and need to clarify what type of milk. 2%? Nonfat? Organic? Gallon sized or quart? Please be specific. Too many options paralyze me with indecision and make my brain hurt. But I digress. What was I saying? Oh. Don't text me. Unless you are perfectly okay with me not responding at all (most people are not as it turns out) or at all quickly. Pretty much the only time you will get a timely response will be something like "YOU ARE $200 SHORT" or "WTF? I have been waiting for your ass forever".
Dial my phone number and let me hear your voice. It's beautiful. Okay maybe not. But if I like you enough to pick up and not hit the ignore button, I probably want to hear what you have to say. And I probably don't want to read what you have to say unless it's really funny and posted on facebook.
I've never been a big phone chat person. Never liked calling people and spending hours on the phone. I like to have stuff to talk about when we see each other in person. I've never had the gift of gab and also, I've always had friends that could go on and on and on and on in a one sided conversation about stuff I don't give a shit about.
So you would think I would prefer texting. Nope. I hate it. I hate having to get up to get my phone or dig it out of my purse to reply. I don't like keeping my phone next to me all the time either. It's distracting and I don't like the alerts beeping at me, demanding my attention. Fuck you. I don't have to read you right now. Leave me alone.
Don't even get me started on group texts. Do me a personal favor and turn that option OFF. I might be stoked that you are having a baby (and thankful that you texted instead of called me). But I do not, I repeat do not, want my phone blowing up with 50 different versions of "congrats" from all of your friends and family.
Friends, family members, random dudes I gave my number to, doctors offices, stores, phone companies- stop texting me! Unless you do not need or want me to respond right away and whatever that needs to be communicated is 12O characters or less. Call me, leave a voicemail, facetime me, email me, mail me a letter (preferably a pretty card from Papryus) or Facebook message me if what you need to communicate is longer than a tweet.
And for fucks sake don't ask me out on a date via text. I hate going back and forth over when and where to meet and what kind of food I like. You know all that back and forth could have been avoided by a 2 minute phone call and I wouldn't have to spend 35 fucking minutes thumb typing.
I know I am the anomaly here. I know most girls luuuuuuv texting and even guys like it because they can be a fuckwad coward and ask girls out or blow girls off without any cost to their ego, self respect, time or feelings. Shit, the only time I LIKE texting is when I'm blowing off some guy I'm not interested in and I'm the fuckwad coward.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm not completely heartless. On those rare occasions when I have a boyfriend or am seeing someone I am excited about do I like a “good morning beautiful” text? Hell yeah I do! I love it. It's great to know someone you have the hots for is thinking about you and can tell you in a completely non intrusive way.
And of course there are situations where a text is the most rational form of communication. Here are examples of acceptable text messages:
"Please pick up milk on the way home"
“Be there in 10 minutes”
"Left your money on the nightstand"
"Made it home safe"
"I'm leaving you"
(Kidding. Just checking to see if you are actually still reading)
These situations (excluding the last one) do not require verbal interaction or lengthy explanation. Unless you are like me and need to clarify what type of milk. 2%? Nonfat? Organic? Gallon sized or quart? Please be specific. Too many options paralyze me with indecision and make my brain hurt. But I digress. What was I saying? Oh. Don't text me. Unless you are perfectly okay with me not responding at all (most people are not as it turns out) or at all quickly. Pretty much the only time you will get a timely response will be something like "YOU ARE $200 SHORT" or "WTF? I have been waiting for your ass forever".
Dial my phone number and let me hear your voice. It's beautiful. Okay maybe not. But if I like you enough to pick up and not hit the ignore button, I probably want to hear what you have to say. And I probably don't want to read what you have to say unless it's really funny and posted on facebook.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Dating is like trying on dresses
First you have to find one that fits. Most don't. Then when you do find one that fits sometimes it doesn't make you feel the way you want it to make you feel. It's so hard to find a dress that not only fits but makes you feel great when you wear it. Had a date last night that fit but didn't make me feel the way I want to feel about a guy. While he could have been perfect for me, I found myself wanting the date to be over, instead of wanting it to never end. Big sigh. 
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Plenty of Fish
Observations:
There are plenty of fish in the sea. The problem is that most of them are, like, big mouth bass or sardines or mudsuckers or one-eyed halibut (which are creepy). I'm not a statistician but I'm fairly positive that there are relatively fewer of those tuna or marlin you were hoping to snag in the sea.
In addition to there being statistically fewer desirable fish, you might not have the right bait for the fish you want to attract. Hell, maybe tuna isn't even native to the sea you're casting your net in.
See, so while technically, there are plenty of fish in the sea, it's still a stupid saying.
More to come on this topic...
There are plenty of fish in the sea. The problem is that most of them are, like, big mouth bass or sardines or mudsuckers or one-eyed halibut (which are creepy). I'm not a statistician but I'm fairly positive that there are relatively fewer of those tuna or marlin you were hoping to snag in the sea.
In addition to there being statistically fewer desirable fish, you might not have the right bait for the fish you want to attract. Hell, maybe tuna isn't even native to the sea you're casting your net in.
See, so while technically, there are plenty of fish in the sea, it's still a stupid saying.
More to come on this topic...
Hey Beautiful, what's your name?
Monday, June 16, 2008
Superstar
I've been listening to Lupe Fiasco a lot lately. His song "superstar" made me think about being famous.
I don't ever want to be famous. Being adored by people that don't know you seems shallow and dissatisfying. Unless of course the adoration is based on merit. But even then what does it matter if strangers worship you but you don't have loved ones. My main thing is that I want to be viewed as a shining bright star by those I love. I want those close to me to want to be near me. I want to have children that think the world of me. I know I have a long way to go before I ever reach "star" status and maybe I won't ever receive that recognition from the people I care about but it's something to work towards.
"If you are what you say you area superstar then have no fear the crowd is here and the lights are on and they want a show oh oh oh oh yeah "
I don't ever want to be famous. Being adored by people that don't know you seems shallow and dissatisfying. Unless of course the adoration is based on merit. But even then what does it matter if strangers worship you but you don't have loved ones. My main thing is that I want to be viewed as a shining bright star by those I love. I want those close to me to want to be near me. I want to have children that think the world of me. I know I have a long way to go before I ever reach "star" status and maybe I won't ever receive that recognition from the people I care about but it's something to work towards.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Bone to Pick with the Term "Cancer Awareness"
Who in america is not aware of cancer?? I feel like I am reminded of the existence of cancer on a daily basis. Almost every day I know someone or know of someone going through cancer treatments or cancer scares. And as much I appreciate and value the various fundraising efforts to raise awareness and money for research, how effective are these efforts? Walks, runs, auctions, and charity events have been ongoing for many years. What has really been accomplished by these efforts? I feel as though I am surrounded more, not less by cancer. And I am so so over it.
Does anyone here have any groundbreaking ideas on effective cancer management? Not treatment, management. Because it's a widespread, pervasive, life altering, life interrupting, expensive problem of epidemic proportions.
My personal believe is that with the growing number of incidences of cancer that it should be treated in the same way as getting your blood pressure and cholesterol checked at the doctor's. Everyone should recieve routine cancer exams. Inside and out. Take those millions upon millions of dollars donated to cancer research and develop a cost-effective head-to-toe cancer scan.
Instead of waiting to reach a certain age for mammograms, colonoscopies, prostrate exams, pap smears, checking one body part at a time for cancer, do it all at once. Instead of having to rule out all other possibilities before being referred to a specialist, check for cancer first. Don't wait until the cancer has grown and spread. Start the exams young and continue them regularly.
I think early detection and management is the key. Because I don't wonder if I might have cancer someday, I wonder when I am going to have cancer and how bad it will be.
And awareness of cancer doesn't do a damn thing to change that.
That was my random thought of the day.
Does anyone here have any groundbreaking ideas on effective cancer management? Not treatment, management. Because it's a widespread, pervasive, life altering, life interrupting, expensive problem of epidemic proportions.
My personal believe is that with the growing number of incidences of cancer that it should be treated in the same way as getting your blood pressure and cholesterol checked at the doctor's. Everyone should recieve routine cancer exams. Inside and out. Take those millions upon millions of dollars donated to cancer research and develop a cost-effective head-to-toe cancer scan.
Instead of waiting to reach a certain age for mammograms, colonoscopies, prostrate exams, pap smears, checking one body part at a time for cancer, do it all at once. Instead of having to rule out all other possibilities before being referred to a specialist, check for cancer first. Don't wait until the cancer has grown and spread. Start the exams young and continue them regularly.
I think early detection and management is the key. Because I don't wonder if I might have cancer someday, I wonder when I am going to have cancer and how bad it will be.
And awareness of cancer doesn't do a damn thing to change that.
That was my random thought of the day.
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