I will be writing more on this, but I have to recommend The Wire for pretty much anyone. It was on HBO, so a language/nudity/violence disclaimer is necessary. However, it is the most realistic depiction of the inner city that has ever been written. It watches like a novel in five parts with each season taking a different theme/focus. I do not think that any other television show comes close to the writing, directing, producing of The Wire. Now I can't wait to watch Treme which has I believe the same producer as The Wire. Brilliant.
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Learning Early
I am so excited that my lil guy loves books! I have brought at least one book for him with me each time I have visited since July of last year, and this past weekend, the first thing he asked for was a book. Nevermind that the Mr. Potato Head was right there. He wanted a book. Fortunately I brought him two this trip. I am very excited that he likes to read. It will also make it easy for me to know what to bring him each time I come in - a book of his own. I recently read an article that said that the number of books a child has in the home is a better indicator of educational success than socio-economic level. Books (which usually result in the love of reading) are important. I have a feeling that I will do my part to stock lil guy's own personal library!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
These are a few of my favorite things!
Here are some things that I am currently obsessed with:
1. My Crockpot -
I decided to purchase a Crockpot in April, and I have thoroughly enjoyed cooking in it since. My oven has been broken for a while now, but the Crockpot has been the perfect solution for me. I usually feel like cooking on Saturday mornings, so it is really convenient to put the dish together on Saturday morning, and have lunch for the rest of the week. How is it that more people are not using this wonderful tool?!?! I have made meatloaf, taco soup, chicken chili, Mexican corn chowder, baked regular and sweet potatoes, buffalo chicken, baked potato soup, bread pudding, and French toast since buying the Crockpot. I have been eating good (and cheap)!
2. A Year of Slow Cooking blog - In line with number 1 above, I have found that I can explore my obsession with the Crockpot and create culinary experiments using this blog as inspiration. Who knew that you could make so many different things in a Crockpot?
3. Billy the Exterminator -
If you have not yet watched an episode of Billy the Exterminator on A & E, you do not know what you are missing. I mean, where else can you find a guy who is going to tell you that all household pests are carriers of dangerous bacteria that can kill you. If you are lucky, you will catch an episode where he is bitten by a snake, stung by a wasp, bit by a bat, wrestles a gator, or accidentally kills an animal. It is highly entertaining, although hard to explain what is entertaining about the show. Plus, you get to see all sorts of socio-economic classes on the show. Most of the people Billy "helps" are middle and upper-middle class, but it is extremely funny to see what they choose to wear on TV. Some women dress to impress, have the big hair and full make-up. Others open the door in their pajamas, making you want to say "is that the best you can do for national TV?" Throw in some family drama, and it makes for a very entertaining 30 minutes.
4. Chocolate milk -
Thanks to an article about the benefits of chocolate milk before and after working out, I have made chocolate milk part of my daily routine. I prefer Bordens to the Walmart brand because the quality of chocolate is much better, but really any chocolate milk will do. Considering that I have not lost weight, but I continue to lose inches, at least I can say that the chocolate milk is not hurting me. Plus, it is better for me than the empty calories in Gatorade, so that is a bonus!
5. The Biggest Loser: The Workout - Last Chance Workout
-
I am officially obsessed with this workout. It is tough. Seriously. Do not try this workout. Seriously. The workouts on the 30 Day Shred became a little too "easy" (the term is used very loosely), but this workout is no easier today than when I started almost 5 weeks ago. It is tough. However, this probably accounts more for my continued loss of inches, but not weight, than the chocolate milk. If you have seen the show, you know that it would be crazy to buy, much less do, the Last Chance Workout DVD. However, it is awesome for quick toning of the arms and legs. Consider this your warning if you choose to purchase this amazing, almost-instant liposuction for the small price of $10. As with all workouts that I have tried where Jillian Michaels is the torturer/trainer, this workout is extremely effective and the results start to show pretty quick. However, I would highly recommend using another of her workouts or the Biggest Loser workouts as a starter before jumping to this workout.
1. My Crockpot -
I decided to purchase a Crockpot in April, and I have thoroughly enjoyed cooking in it since. My oven has been broken for a while now, but the Crockpot has been the perfect solution for me. I usually feel like cooking on Saturday mornings, so it is really convenient to put the dish together on Saturday morning, and have lunch for the rest of the week. How is it that more people are not using this wonderful tool?!?! I have made meatloaf, taco soup, chicken chili, Mexican corn chowder, baked regular and sweet potatoes, buffalo chicken, baked potato soup, bread pudding, and French toast since buying the Crockpot. I have been eating good (and cheap)!
2. A Year of Slow Cooking blog - In line with number 1 above, I have found that I can explore my obsession with the Crockpot and create culinary experiments using this blog as inspiration. Who knew that you could make so many different things in a Crockpot?
3. Billy the Exterminator -
If you have not yet watched an episode of Billy the Exterminator on A & E, you do not know what you are missing. I mean, where else can you find a guy who is going to tell you that all household pests are carriers of dangerous bacteria that can kill you. If you are lucky, you will catch an episode where he is bitten by a snake, stung by a wasp, bit by a bat, wrestles a gator, or accidentally kills an animal. It is highly entertaining, although hard to explain what is entertaining about the show. Plus, you get to see all sorts of socio-economic classes on the show. Most of the people Billy "helps" are middle and upper-middle class, but it is extremely funny to see what they choose to wear on TV. Some women dress to impress, have the big hair and full make-up. Others open the door in their pajamas, making you want to say "is that the best you can do for national TV?" Throw in some family drama, and it makes for a very entertaining 30 minutes.
4. Chocolate milk -
Thanks to an article about the benefits of chocolate milk before and after working out, I have made chocolate milk part of my daily routine. I prefer Bordens to the Walmart brand because the quality of chocolate is much better, but really any chocolate milk will do. Considering that I have not lost weight, but I continue to lose inches, at least I can say that the chocolate milk is not hurting me. Plus, it is better for me than the empty calories in Gatorade, so that is a bonus!
5. The Biggest Loser: The Workout - Last Chance Workout
- 
I am officially obsessed with this workout. It is tough. Seriously. Do not try this workout. Seriously. The workouts on the 30 Day Shred became a little too "easy" (the term is used very loosely), but this workout is no easier today than when I started almost 5 weeks ago. It is tough. However, this probably accounts more for my continued loss of inches, but not weight, than the chocolate milk. If you have seen the show, you know that it would be crazy to buy, much less do, the Last Chance Workout DVD. However, it is awesome for quick toning of the arms and legs. Consider this your warning if you choose to purchase this amazing, almost-instant liposuction for the small price of $10. As with all workouts that I have tried where Jillian Michaels is the torturer/trainer, this workout is extremely effective and the results start to show pretty quick. However, I would highly recommend using another of her workouts or the Biggest Loser workouts as a starter before jumping to this workout.
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