Stormy Weather

We have had such crazy weather for over a month now, but I think today's downpour was the most rain I've seen in a very long time. Everywhere you looked, there was rain. Then there was the damn traffic. Everywhere you looked, there was traffic.



Hope everyone's homes did not succumb to the power of rain and are in good shape. Tabasco Man's yard must look worse than it did before.

The "Real" Bunny

Courtesy of a link through Wayne's World, got the following information if you're interested in getting photos with the Bunny and not no fake bunnies.

Ala Moana Center
April 1-16
Visit the Easter Bunny in his beautiful Spring garden beginning Saturday, April 1! Photos start at $15.99. Easter Bunny Photos available Saturday, April 1 through Sunday, April 16, 2006. (Located Street Level, across from Centerstage.)

Photo Hours:
Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Photo Prices:
Premium Bundle ....................................................................$44.99
Three 5x7's, Four 4x6's, Twelve Wallets and a FREE photo CD

Easter Bundle ........................................................................$22.99
Three 5x7's, Two 4x6's and Eight Wallets

Family Special .......................................................................$24.99
One 5x7, Two 4x6's and Eight Wallets

One 5x7 photo & Four Wallets ..............................................$21.99
OR One 5x7 photo & Two 4x6 photos

Two 5x7 photos OR Eight Wallets .........................................$19.99

One Photo CD ......................................................................$17.99

One 5x7 photo ......................................................................$15.99

Additional photo CD with any photo purchase ........................$8.99

Special Offer: Receive one free child's ticket to "Wings of the Islands" with any Easter photo purchase!

Order Pizza Online

For those days when picking up the phone is too difficult and if you like their pizza, Papa John's Pizza upgraded their online ordering system and now you can order online day or night. Of course, delivery can only be made when their stores are open. Looks like you need to fill out a registration form if you haven't ordered online with them before.

Still Around

The "Baked" Chicken turned out pretty good and we're still around to say it was so I guess the first Crock-Pot meal was a success. Don't think I'll be entering any contests such as the Pillsbury Bake-Off with a million-dollar prize(!) but at least we won't have to get take-out every night. Screw the photograph with the Pillsbury Doughboy. A shot at his gut would be more enjoyable. Hoo-hoo...ugh!

First Crock-Pot Meal

After the odor that sometimes occurs with the initial use of new heating appliances (this is explained in the Owner's Guide), our small abode permeated with the aroma of chicken. I have successfully made our first meal in the Crock-Pot that I bought what seems like ages ago. Well, don't know about successful as we haven't eaten it yet and waited to see the consequences (if any). Hopefully, we won't be saying Pienso que voy a vomitar. The recipe for "Baked" Chicken was selected by MSO from our Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly book.

"Baked" Chicken
Eileen Eash

Makes 8 servings
(Ideal slow-cooker size: 5- or 6-quart)

3 lbs. chicken pieces
1 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. coarse black pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. Montreal chicken seasoning
1 Tbsp. parsley flakes
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1 cup water

1. Remove skin from chicken. Rinse. Pat dry.
2. Combine remaining ingredients, except water.
3. Toss chicken pieces with seasoned flour mixture.
4. Brown chicken lightly in skillet in oil.
5. Place in slow-cooker. Pour water around the outside wall of the cooker.
6. Cover. Cook on low 6-8 hours.

I used boneless, skinless chicken instead. Don't know how you would pour water around the outside wall of the cooker as described in step 5. The only thing about this recipe that didn't make this a throw-all-the-ingredients-in-and-just-cook-it meal is the need to brown the chicken first. But if it tastes good then I guess it would be worth it somewhat.

Bye, Graco SnugRide

Never thought it would be sad but we bid farewell to the car seat that baby came home in. My sis' co-worker needed another seat and we bought the convertible seat so we decided to sell it. At least it won't be collecting dust.

Ruby Tuesday With Extras

Bet you never expect to go to a restaurant and get "extras" with your meal. We didn't but we sure did at Ruby Tuesday on Saturday.


For starters, we got extra minutes added to our wait time. It was supposed to be a 15-20 minute wait but felt more like a 30-40 minute wait. It actually wasn't raining while we were waiting, and I might've been able to memorize the menu had I looked at it earlier.


Then the appetizer dishes came with extra color. Yuck! Come on now, don't just grab the stack and not check if the plates are clean before placing them on our table.


We eventually did get clean dishes so that we could eat the (extra) Loaded Cheese Fries that we ordered. "Ruby's million dollar fries topped with melted Jack 'n cheddar cheese, chopped bacon and sour cream" are a "Guest favorite."


MSO had the Steak & Shrimp Combo. He ordered his steak medium-rare but got some extra cooking as it came to him medium-well.




I had the extra fatty Church Street Stacker. Didn't eat the whole thing as making room for dessert was too hard to pass up as the fat on me was calling for additional company much to my chagrin.



Dessert consisted of the Strawberry Tallcake. Now the menu says "strawberry Tallcake, topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream." The keyword here is topped. Apparently no one knew that there was ice cream on the top and cake on the bottom so when MSO gave my sis some and my mom took some, they ended up taking all the ice cream. So nothing left but cake and some whipped cream. There were some extra words of dismay.

Now here comes the extra good part...our friend G got an extra surprise with her meal. I didn't actually see this as baby decided to give me an extra treat of a diaper full of poop, but we got it on camera.



As she slides her Mango-Kiawe BBQ Chicken with mashed potatoes and sugar snap peas into the box, what does she see? It's a friggen label of all things.



Of course, she didn't have to pay for her meal but it sure won't erase the extra visions of labels in future meals.

Sometimes extras aren't always good but despite them, the night was fun and that's all that matters.


(Would've posted this earlier but it was so exhausting trying to get all these pictures in. Blogger has still been acting up.)

Girl Style "Kicks", Sort Of

Saw this article in The Honolulu Advertiser and thought about posting it to Pulpconnection, but wasn't sure how Gee Why would feel about the female aspect of it and these are not exactly the kicks of athletic caliber. Nevertheless, it's an article about footwear and how can one not think of Gee Why when footwear is involved. Just take a look at the wonderful analysis on who's wearing what. Article describes how designer Beverly Feldman believes without hesitation that when it comes to shoes, "too much is not enough," and she has "too many (shoes) to count." Her shoes are worn by high profile celebrities such as Oprah, Halle Berry, and Lindsay Lohan. What I liked reading was that she felt her "real celebrities were women who save their money and buy her shoes." Although, I do wonder how much her shoes are. Okay, I just checked her site and it looked like all the shoes were over $100. Wow. Women gotta be saving a lot for her shoes.
If Gee Why could sum up his life in two words, what would they be? Apple and Kicks? And how many pairs of shoes does Gee Why own? Do we hear a sigh as "countless pairs of shoes - it's a girl's dream"...Oops, it's Gee Why's dream. =)

Duke Is Out!

Yay, the Blue Devils are out of the NCAA tournament, and LSU is going to the Elite 8 since who-the-heck-cares. They ousted Duke!

Lead Jewelry Recalled

Received an e-mail from the CPSC as I signed up for free e-mail announcements regarding recalled products, etc., and there is a recall of jewelry containing lead that has been the cause of a child's death and is hazardous to children. An article also appeared on MSNBC regarding the Reebok charm bracelet. Please be careful.

What's Really On Your Mind

If you could say what was really on your mind when dealing with your in-laws, where would that leave your relationship with them? I'm sure many of you have seen couples in situations where one held back saying something to their in-laws and then complained to their SO about it. Or maybe something else similar. In any case, it seems to be that this is done for a reason. Whatever that reason might be - respect, intimidation, laziness, shyness, etc. - it's usually a logical one and the SO shouldn't scrutinize it too much. Peacekeeping is at work.

Missed Prison Break

Parent duties were of the essence like every other day and MSO and I lost track of time. We missed the first episode of Prison Break after its long hiatus. We like this show and were looking forward to watching it. I did discover that Fox Broadcasting Company posts recaps of episodes. I read the recap of last night's one and found that it was if I was sitting in front of the TV (albeit on the floor) watching it but without the commercials. At least I don't have to wait for the rerun or the DVD to come out.

Only Child

Was talking with MSO about someone he knows that has a reputation for being the type who has to get what he wants. One person has attributed this character trait to being the only child. This person cuts in line at places, freely digs his nose like there's no tomorrow (and put a big chunk somewhere on a chair or something), and scratches his ass like the itch can't be relieved. Oh, and although he does such gross things, he does have a girlfriend who "looks normal". IMO, this person is just plain rude and needs to practice better hygiene.

Some Blogger Observations

Noticed that the cute little envelope next to the number of comments for each post is gone. Instead we see this ugly underscore...At least I see it. And been having trouble adding images to posts. Could this be the cause of my severe stress? I think Yes!

Macromedia Is Now Adobe

Old news to me but while I was looking for something one night, discovered Macromedia got acquired by Adobe. Wanted to learned how to use Flash but never got around to it. Had to use Dreamweaver (an older version) for a school project and liked it. But then again, I'm just a novice in progress.

Project Complete

In addition to putting all of baby's clothes, etc. in the new dresser, I was able to complete the jewelry project that I had started last week in time for the wedding today. Actually finished the rest of the four necklaces and earrings on Wednesday. Didn't keep track of exactly how long it took, but I estimate it took about 3-4 hours total time. That's probably slow to experienced jewelry makers.

Fundraiser Help

Friends are in need of help in obtaining funds for travel to a basketball tournament (to Las Vegas) in July. Anyone know of businesses or individuals who may donate to the 808 Basketball Club?

Super Bowl In Paradise?

Never! But got your attention right? While listening to Sports Radio 1420AM this morning, heard part of a discussion between Bobby Curran (BC) and the Mayor about the possibility of having the Super Bowl here. Now don't get your hopes up 'cause I'm sure it'll never ever happen in our lifetime. What I heard was BC asking the Mayor what he thought it would take to get the Super Bowl. The Mayor mentioned a few things, but basically replied by saying either renovation to the stadium to expand capacity or a brand new stadium. The Mayor said he personally would prefer a new stadium, but money is the biggest factor. Maybe we can get the Yankees to buy us a new stadium since they have all kinds of moolah to be spending on players that don't give it their all just because they are MLB stars. Sorry Tabasco Man, B and sis, for picking on your team but they got the most money.

March Is On

March Madness has started and I have submitted two losing picks entries. You can just feel the excitement as tip off of the first games have commenced, especially in our office. As the days go on we'll just have to see who's buying the chips and salsa, and who's winning the big pot of Monopoly cash.

The Bus

Was on my way to work today and I noticed through my side view mirror how The Bus lowered when the doors opened for someone to climb aboard. Not having caught The Bus for many years, I was a little surprised to see that. Has anyone else seen it? Or am I just seeing things 'cause I didn't get a good night of sleep due to the dog taking over my space on the living room floor. MSO is sick once again and I've put myself in isolation to take preventive measures.

Company Redemption

The two missing packages of dog poop bags arrived in a small USPS Priority Mail box yesterday. Although the company did not include a letter of apology like The First Years, we'll consider them off the hook. After all, they did send me an expeditious e-mail reply, with apology, sixteen minutes after I informed them of their error. Guess another plus is that they did include another magnet.

School Memories and Laughs

While searching for something in his old room, MSO and I came across some yearbooks. Scanning through the pages brought a lot of memories and laughs for MSO. I was fortunate to see two candid shots of MSO in his eighth grade yearbook. It was pretty funny that these shots displayed him playing football and tennis - sports in which he doesn't really play. Another funny thing, and I'm sure I would laugh at what I wrote too, is what his friends wrote in the yearbook. And remember signing "Frenz, (your name)"? Frenz...haha. Do kids still use that "word"? Tabasco Man, did you see what your friends wrote in your yearbook? It's amazing how people change over the years and years and years. When was the last time you picked up your yearbooks and reminisced?

Frenz,
Angry Asian Girl

Busy Weekend

It was a busy one that didn't allow me to post about Baby Dog Days. We finally got baby's dresser in the room after many months, many delays, and many frustrating experiences. Some of the frustration is due to MSO believing that baby did not need a dresser. But most of the frustration was with USA Baby where we got very bad customer service from management. We ended up cancelling our order there and purchasing the dresser from Naked Furniture. The owner helped us out and it was a very pleasant shopping experience. After all the bumps in the road encountered for the dresser to get to our humble domicile, I think we'll be keeping this dresser forever. Oh, and we're hoping never to shop at USA Baby again.

Murphy's Bar and Grill was our Saturday night stop to celebrate our friend's birthday. Was supposed to be a surprise but MSO and I ended up blowing the deal 'cause he saw us in the parking lot even though we were late as usual. We ate there and had a hamburger and a grilled chicken breast sandwich. Really big sandwiches and good. Unfortunately, MSO got obnoxious as the night wore on. He still doesn't learn that the consequences are rough when he drinks too much. I actually did not hear the "I'm not going to drink again" statement but his demeanor sure showed it.

Finally, the weekend ended in what many of us want to forget. MSO's A&E game ended in a loss (21-49). There seemed to be confusion as some players were playing man while others were playing zone defense. The opposing team had this really tall guy that had some good blocks and even started launching from the outside like he was supposed to be the shooting guard. An exciting part of the game was when one of MSO's teammates got ejected for fouling someone hard. Never thought you'd see that at an A&E game huh? MSO's team almost made a comeback but it wasn't enough to hold off the other team who we thought were actually beatable.

Hope you all had a good weekend despite the rain!

At least our dog will have the day to catch up on her sleep.

Positive Referral

Last weekend my friend G asked me if I knew of any massage places. Being a non-massage-at-a-spa-kind-of-person (partly because I believe it would make me more tense to have a stranger massage me), I could not think of any place at the time. But remembering that I've read about Elements Spa and Salon Hawaii on Pulpconnection many times, I referred her there and also forwarded the Honolulu Star Bulletin article that Gee Why featured on his blog. She took me up on the reference (yay!), thought the decor was very nice, and bought two gift certificates for a friend and her moms! Now, who can I refer to Club 939?...

Work Out Supporter and Foe

MSO has once again become my supporter and foe when it comes to working out. Mostly brought on because of a 23-22 win at an A&E league game. After the game...Wait, first let's start with that final score. Sorry, but I think there are higher final scores at many high school games, girls high school games. Anyways, after the game, MSO tells me we gotta start working out. He wants me to start lifting weights with him as a workout. I appreciate that he wants to get me going with working out (everyone knows I need it) and I don't mind being his motivator but really, I rather not lift weights of the male gruntin' and sweatin' kind. Been telling him my choice for a workout is doing Pilates among other things. I used to do it before I met MSO, who feels that Pilates is not a workout. An article in today's Honolulu Advertiser about Shawn Ching (Thanks, Tabasco Man) refutes that. When you have a 245-pound man who held the leg press record for the football team with a 2,125-pound max leg press saying the "first session was tough," then come on now.

"It was one of the hardest things I had ever done," Ching admitted. And after it was over: "I felt like I got a massage from the inside out. I had never felt that way before. It was just a really refreshing feeling."

So for the past three nights we've been trying to get going with our workout routine, but we haven't been successful. The baby and dog have been getting their workout though.

Next Project

Unlike work projects which you can get booted off of or which can sometimes be disagreeable and you're also just a lowly Data Scum Two, this next project is guaranteed to bring some fun in my angry civilization. My task is to create four necklaces and four earrings from the objects you see in the picture. The jewelry will be making their appearance at a March 19 wedding unless they get booted as well.

Pothead Dog

She wanted a piece of the Crock-Pot action,

but we couldn't have any of that so she got her Air Dog Jack that MSO bought while on his shopping trip to the pet store, and tackled that object.

Wanna Be a Pothead

No, not that kind of pothead. Just say no to drugs! I'm talking about a Crock-Pot. In my effort to simplify life, we purchased a Rival Crock-Pot. The determination to have warm, cooked meals upon arrival from work (rather than take-out or dining out anywhere from 3-5 days a week) has almost consumed me. I even bought a couple of books with slow cooker recipes. Probably got some good ones online as well. Of course my first attempt at this slow cooking thing will be on its way once I can get to the store to get some ingredients.

Novice In Progress

Baby Dog Days has been up for about a month now although I haven't posted an average of one post a day for that whole period. Sort of started it to emancipate (no, not Mimi) some frustration that sometimes can take over oneself. But I have found it has actually allowed me to keep my mind thinking and working (in a good way) and to reduce stagnancy since there are no school papers or exams to think about. I've also enjoyed reading blogs by Tabasco Man, Gee Why, and Wayne's World, and have learned a lot of what's going on in the world including the important news that Jessica Alba was on the cover of Playboy without her consent.

So with that said, I'm probably not going to avoid all of the Top 10 Design Mistakes for Blogs, but I'd like to make some improvements. I'm currently reading some blog information provided by Pulpconnection and others to see what I can do. First off in my list is adding links to the sidebar. Is there an easy way to do that and make simple design changes? And any suggestions for a new name to replace Baby Dog Days 'cause there has been commentary that it may not be up to standards?

Anyways, I'm definitely not going to make a living blogging but we're hoping it helps to reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Down and Up Saturday

Started the day off with some disappointment. Opened up a box full of dog poop bags that I purchased online from a pet supply store only to find that they gypped me two packages. I was very happy with this order as I had gotten 10% off my order which about equated the cost of shipping here. And they included two free magnets of the advertising variety. Then I made the disappointing discovery. Now I have to see how this company will redeem themselves or else take my business elsewhere.


But it was a great basketball Saturday. Just finished watching the game between UNC and Duke, um #1 Duke, and guess who won?! Didn't get to see the whole game but saw what was important. UNC managed to hold on and get the 'W' with the last win in Cameron being in February of 2001. Sorry J.J. Redick for ruining your Senior Night. NOT!!! Yeah, go Heels! Who needs caffeine on a high like this?

Bottle Humor

Something that always seems to be useful in your life so that you're not angry all the time is humor. My sis and I actually got some from bottles which probably have been around for awhile. But it started from Glaceau's Smart Water which my friend drinks. I decided to take a looksy at this clear, pristine looking bottle. Was surprised to find that the description on this bottle was very entertaining.

"you hold in your hand a bottle of vapor distilled, electrolyte enhanced water. once you remove the cap and tilt the bottle into 'drinking position,' water will begin to flow through your body, purifying and rapidly rehydrating you. if you find the idea of being purer and moister disturbing, please place the bottle back where you found it and continue on your dirty, arid way"

The how pure is your body? meter is pretty witty as well. Could it be describing steps for Gee Why to get through his addiction to kicks?

Then my sis discovered that Glaceau has Vitamin Water as well. So she started reading the labels and these were just as clever. Here are a few of the ones that we found to be comical.









































HAVE A HAPPY, HUMOROUS WEEKEND! =)

Restroom Observations

You're sitting in the restroom. You hear someone go into a stall, do their business, and then you hear the door to the restroom shut. Wait. Did you hear the water at the sink running? NO!!! This person decides to skip the hygiene step and return to work as if nothing happened. So, now you're sitting there thinking:

a) Wow, that person was quick. Wish I could be just as quick.
b) That's disgusting! That person didn't wash their hands and now I may touch objects that they may have touched with their filthy hands (such as door knobs).
c) You're not sitting, thinking anything of it 'cause you're that person.
d) Other: (Fill-in-the-blank)

Does management need to start posting signs requiring employees to wash their hands prior to returning to work such as those you see in restaurants and stores?

Guess I'm a slight germaphobe (actually, looked up the real word which I think supposed to be mysophobia, although mysophobia has also been defined as an abnormal fear of dirt or contamination which I don't think I have) so I do wash my hands after using the restroom. Further, if the door to a public restroom opens towards you as you exit, I tend to use a paper towel to open the door just for instances when someone doesn't wash their hands after doing their business. Alright, I won't go further with the idiosyncrasies. But I do know that there are others who do these kinds of things...

Thanks, Pulpconnection!

Thanks to the informative Pulpconnection, MSO and I have purchased our two convertible seats. We went with the Britax Marathon as Gee Why did. We had read that it was a good seat but went with it pretty quickly partly because MSO doesn't like to shop much unless he's shopping at Lowe's, City Mill, Woodcraft,...you get the gist of it. $50 and 25 pound difference between the Marathon and the Roundabout. Our choice of patterns was the All-Star and Houndstooth. Baby seems to like his All-Star one which has already been installed. 'Cause you know it's the law!
Thanks again! =)

It's the Law!!!

Yesterday, MSO mentioned to me that he saw a child not restrained in a moving car. And I've seen too many times the same thing. So my bitch for today is about child restraints not being used on the road. That just gets your blood pressure rising when you see kids not buckled in at all or are incorrectly restrained. The child passenger restraint law here requires children under 4 years of age to be restrained in a federally approved child safety seat, and children 4 years and older are required to use a safety belt. Some information that even I was unaware of is provided at these sites:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/whatis/regions/Region09/09cps.html
http://www.honolulupd.org/community/traffic/seatbelt.htm
http://www.iihs.org/laws/state_laws/restrain.html
http://www.statehighwaysafety.org/html/stateinfo/laws/childsafety_laws.html

If anyone knows of additional child safety seat information specifically for our state, please share.