No Soup for me

Hello. My name is Yvett and I'm a soupaholic. I love, love, love soup. Imagine my surprise when I found out that January is supposedly National Soup Month. What? Why. Didn't. Anyone. Tell. Me?!?!? Besides, who makes these things up anyway? ARGH, I could've been making soup after soup after soup this whole month by having the excuse that it's soup month. : P I've only made some a few times this month. I've made chicken noodle soup, tortilla soup, a roasted tomato soup with bacon and yesterday I made egg drop soup - with perfect, no clump egg ribbons thankyouverymuch.
Although I love soup, I try to avoid canned ones like the plague. I am forever trying new recipes. So now I'm asking you to share your favorite soup recipe with me. Pretty please? I like any kind. Yum, tonight I think I'll make albondigas (meatball soup). I can't wait.

feeling: in the mood for warm soup
listening to: Rufus Wainwright (Cigarettes & Chocolate Milk)

my furry baby

It's been a while since I've shared pictures of Badger. Here are some . . . .


A-ha! Badger caught on a couch. Big no-no.



Alec and Badger like to watch Dada leave to work each morning.



Badger likes lying down wherever there's sun. Except for outside, of course. If the sun is right on the stairs, then that's where he is.



Nap time.

OK, everyone say "aww". I love my puppy.

feeling: what's with this cold weather?
listening to: The Ting Tings (That's Not My Name)

. . and then she scared me at the store.

A lady I know always talks to me as if we were in the middle of a conversation. I love it! Of course, I love it mainly because it amuses me. We know each other casually; not enough to call each other up. I wish we would, though. I'd love to pick up the phone and have her talk to me like she does.
So, the kids and I are the grocery store picking out produce. She was there but I hadn't seen her. Then she came up behind me and said something like "well I had to come back because I was here earlier and didn't buy what I came for". I laughed and said I hated when that happened to me. The thing is that I laughed because she startled me and started off as though we'd already greeted each other. My theory is that she does this because she's always in a hurry. By the time I answered, she was already walking away. I figure she doesn't have the time to properly begin or end conversations.
At home I told Rodrigo about it and he said I do that too. I suppose I do, but only with him. Even then if I start talking about something it's about something that we had already started talking about. Even if it was days earlier. (Hence his usual question, "you're still with that?) Anyway, I'll tell you stuff that's happened here in the last few days already begun.

- but he said he didn't like snakes anymore and we had to do another project.
- they were cheaper because I can fit into children's size shoes.
- and that's why I only have 7 hours left to record on DVR.
- she pretty much made me explain why I wear the clothes I wear if I don't work.
- because he says he wants his hair as long as Joe Jonas.
- so I guess I'll find out what new phone I'll have once I get it in the mail.
- that's why I think the dog is obsessed with him.

feeling: hungry . . what time is it, anyway?
listening to: Zoot Sims Quartet (Blinuet) <-- I call this "Badger's song"

Happy Inauguration Day!

Finally! Don't ask me how many times I cried. The kids were really excited today. They wore their shirts all day long. Alec asked me if he looked like Barack Obama once he put it on. I answered no and he looked really disappointed almost on the verge of tears. I explained I hadn't gotten a good look and told him that yes, he definitely looked like Obama. : )
Look at the cake they decorated. It looked really nice. The kids had some then Badger helped himself to some too -- A Christmas Story style. He's lucky I'm in a really good mood.


feeling: the sun is shining, the birds are singing, strawberry fields forever
watching: coverage of the inaugural balls

am I a bad parent? . . . . 7,249th edition

Alec loves this movie! When I friend told me that a bunch of artists had redone the soundtrack, I bought it immediately. Now he loves this soundtrack and I end up feeling like a toad for having my kindergartner listening to the likes of Marilyn Manson and Korn while I have a ten-year-old that listens to all the popular Disney artists. Is that super horrible of me?
I have to admit it's pretty good, though. Find it here or itunes, of course.



feeling: excited!
listening to: Jack's Lament from above album

100th Day

Yesterday was Alec's 100th day of school. Well, I suppose it was Brianna's too, only her grade didn't celebrate. Anyway, we had this conversation . . .

Alec: let me read you my 100th day paper
me: OK
Alec: I wish I had 100 me.
me: 100 of you?
Alec: yes. 100 robot me's so that they could do my chores
me: (thinking) chores, huh?
Alec: I'm glad I don't have 100 red
me: red?
Alec: yeah, red
me: red what?
Alec: (scoffing) red zits, you know, like on my face
-here I have to try super hard not to laugh at him
Alec: I could eat 100 apples. I can not eat 100 candies.
me: that's really good!

So, he has a project due this week where he has to make something out of 100 somethings. It was a little easier helping Brianna with these kids of projects because we tend to think of the same sort of things. 100 flowers? Yes, please. 100 sparkly thingies? Absolutely! Alec, on the other had, wanted 100 storm troopers or 100 ninjas. He finally agreed to a snake. I made 100 little poms almost like these . . .



(those I'd made when I was coaching cheer) Anyway, I made 100 of those but in "snake color". Then we took some more yarn and are tying all those poms onto the string to make the snake. It's taking a little long because I'm having Alec do a lot of the tying. It is his homework, afterall. We're not going any faster by having him pretend to be Voldemort every five seconds. I'll share a picture once I'm done.

feeling: hungry
listening to: Korn (Kidnap the Sandy Claws)

guilty Christmas Morning

I hadn't told you anything about the holidays, so here goes . . . . The very same day that the kids were let out of school, I came down with what I think was the flu. I wasn't sneezing or coughing, I just hurt all over. I didn't want any noise and really just wanted to stay in bed. Now, the kids have a tendency to run into our room and jump up on the bed as soon as they wake up on days they don't go to school. Rodrigo was awesome when I was sick. He took care of the kids and Badger and just let me sleep as long as I wanted to. He asked the kids to please not run into the room in the mornings. Keep this in mind.
As long as I've been alive, we've always celebrated on Christmas EVE. My family would always stay up late for gifts. Of course I liked this as a kid, but I really, really wanted a Christmas morning . We decided to stay home this year and do the whole gift thing in the morning. I made Christmas Eve dinner. The kids went to bed at their normal time. Christmas morning I heard them at about 7:00 AM. I waited for some screaming or something but nothing came. I figured maybe they'd gone back to sleep. I was awake still waiting to hear their reaction to Santa having come the night before. Nothing. I finally went to check in on them. They were both in Brianna's room sitting on her bed. They looked like they had ants in their pants saying "There's presents! There's presents!" I asked what they were waiting for and they said they weren't supposed to wake me. They had to wait until I got up myself. Can you imagine? I felt like Snow White's evil stepmother. The one time they decide to listen to something we tell them. Geez. They ran downstairs and started passing out gifts. I told Rodrigo and all he did was laugh. I felt sooooooo guilty. Poor kids. But, yeah, it is kind of funny. (cackling)

feeling: I know I was supposed to do something today
listening to: Ride (Vapour Trail)

iPod Meme

I'm short on time again (surprise, surprise) but I really wanted to play this meme that I received from the lovely Giao.


To Play Along:

1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 12 friends who might enjoy doing the game as well as the person you got the game from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Speak Free - Incubus

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Where is My Mind? - Nada Surf

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Zero - Smashing Pumpkins

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Everything'll Be Alright - Joshua Radin

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Starlight - Muse

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Connection - Elastica

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Shake The Disease - Hooverphonic

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
No Brakes - The Bravery

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
All Sparks - Editors

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Across The Universe - Fiona Apple

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Never Enough - The Cure

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
I Want You Now - Depeche Mode

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Shaft! - Incubus

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Blue Monday - New Order

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Upside Down- Jack Johnson

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Under The Milky Way - The Church

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
In God's Country - U2

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
The Bends - Radiohead

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Say It Ain't So - Weezer

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Three Imaginary Boys - The Cure

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Anyone Else But You - The Moldy Peaches

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Consequence - Incubus

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Wild Horses - The Sundays

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Theses Photographs - Joshua Radin

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Stay - U2

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Punk Rock Girl - Dead Milkmen

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Comfort Eagle - Cake

WHAT WILL YOU REPOST THIS AS?
Twisted Logic - Coldplay

I loved this! The answers that fit, really did. I was laughing here by myself. Badger thinks I'm crazy. I won't tag 12 people but I hope you play! Let me know if you do!

feeling: I ADORE my iCal
listening to: Coldplay (Twisted Logic)

popping in

I just finished putting away all the Christmas decorations. The house is a mess. I'm sleepy and seem to be having a hard time getting back into the swing of things. I don't think I'll be away from home for over a week anytime soon. I feel like a need a break from the break.
Meanwhile, my vow to blog more in the new year is not going well. I've been working on this for little moments at a time for a few days now, so here it goes. Happy new year, all!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Got married.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Pretty much, really. I was into organization this year. I feel I accomplished a lot.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yeah, it was baby year. Preggy is in style right now.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank goodness.

5. What countries did you visit?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
More time, more time, and more time. Better yet, better time management.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm horrid at dates but I remember events (along with what I was wearing). I'll remember when we went to get the marriage license because I was having a laughing fit, the day we got married, Alec starting kindergarten, election night, getting Badger, Brianna turning TEN, and our first Christmas with just the four of us at home.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
keeping my sanity.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not managing my time wisely. . . . . again.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
nothing more than colds.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
my living room set. I love it.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My mom's. I'd have strangled some people if I were her.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
A certain vice presidential nominee and some parents who don't take care of their kids

14. Where did most of your money go?
The house, the car, the kids, the kids, the house, the kids, the house . . . .

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I won't bore you with details any longer . . . getting married and the election.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Burning Up from The Jonas Brothers because it was constantly on around here. Constantly. Both the kids love it.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a. happier
b. thinner, sucka
c. richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
just random projects I keep putting off like decorating my loft and organizing pictures in REAL albums. Oh, and blogging. I was a total blog slacker this year.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
cleaning

20. How did you spend New Year’s Eve?
At my mom's in Texas.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
absolutely

22. How many one-night stands?
None but we bought two lovely night stands, does that count? ; )

23. What was your favorite TV program?
30 Rock

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Yes, people I hadn't heard of this time last year. -insert evil grin here-

25. What was the best book you read?
The last book in the Twilight series is all I can think of now. I liked that one the best. Oh and I really liked The Namesake which I also barely read this year.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
My Morning Jacket (I know they're not new, but I didn't pay attention before) and Coconut Records.

27. What did you want and got?
a bunch of boring house things I really wanted.

28. What did you want and not get?
a maid/chef/chauffeur

29. What was your favorite film of this year?
There Will Be Blood but I think it's from 2007,

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On the actual day, we had the open house for the kids' school to meet their teachers. I turned 30 something.

31.What one thing made your year measurably more satisfying?
you know, I'd have to say it was getting a pet. We all love Badger and he's definately a new family member.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
strawberry : )

33. What kept you sane?
Rodrigo and caffeine.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
This would still have to be Brandon Boyd. -sigh-

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Come on, you know this would take days.

36. Who did you miss?
My mom and grandma. I was used to seeing them anytime not just once every couple of months.

37. Who was the best new person you met?
The kids' teachers. I really, honestly like them both sooooo much.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
If you want something done, you can't sit back and wish for it to happen, you have to do something about it.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I give up. I've been searching lyrics for over an hour trying to find something fitting. No such luck.

feeling: busy, busy, busy
listening to: Weezer (Velouria) <-- yup, the Pixies one