I had a party.

Ice Cream Sundae Party. Need I say more? Check it out at:

http://jandnay.blogspot.com/

Glasses No More!

J just got fitted with contacts today. He is trying them out for a week to see if he likes them. He has always been a little afraid of sticking things in his eye but he did great.

Weirdly I want to wear contacts. I have no idea why I would want them. So I get to live through him. That's another reason why I love him :)

37 Years...It Can Be Done

From Family

This is a couple of days late but I've been lacking on posting for some reason. I am so proud of my parents. They have been married 37 years as of two days ago. They are amazing mates and parents.

They met in a library at college and he charmed her. He had the boyish smile. She was the campus bell ringer. I see pictures of my parents at that age and I just smile. They are as cute as they are now. I see them lying on the couch together cuddled up like teenagers and I can't help but smile.

My parents are wonderful and they are amazing. So Happy Anniversary Arnold and Cynthia Crocker. Through all the trials and tribulations, you all have stood by each other's side. I look up to them in so many ways. Thanks Mom and Dad.

Pursuing Your Happyness

I watched this movie for the first time today. I am so blown away. So blown away. I hardly have words. I hardly ever cry. Rarely. But this movie made me cry...and I mean I cried. I usually cry on movies that are based on true stories because it affects me to know that it really happened.

This movie reminded me that everything I have, I should be grateful for. I have so much. And every time I think that I don't have enough something rocks me back to earth and I realize how I have sooo much. I don't own a house, I have a late model car, and I don't have the latest in fashion.

But I have my health, somebody who will always believe in me and stand by me, and I have my family. I have everything that somebody needs in life. I have food, shelter, clothing, and my peace of mind.

I don't need "things" to prove that I have a good life. Yes, "things" are nice. But I think where I would be without the things that make me happy but with the "things" that people covet.

When a movie makes you reflect on your life you know it's a good one. This is one that touches my heart and helps me see what's important. Life is too short for pettiness. We are all humans and make mistakes. Just being a good person is what matters. So to all who read this, make sure you are good to your fellow man. Life is too short to not be nice. Just...be...nice.

Rain...Ha! You were Too Late!

So it rained today. Before my company picnic and after. So it didn't spoil my day any! I had an awesome time. Ate good food, had a great time with friends and scored some awesome stuff at the Huber's farm gift shop. I pet some goats and watched people catch baby catfish. Good times.

Make sure to head on over to J and I's blog http://jandnay.blogspot.com. Pictures and video of India Arie and and John Legend there. Plus you should be reading it anyway. Everybody needs another blog to read.

Work Is Becoming A War Zone

We have lazy people at work who instead of putting their dishes in the dishwasher, put them in the sink. I have no idea why they do this. A attribute it to laziness. So that leads to signs like this (click to see larger version):



And this:



Priceless.

Rapper Feud!!!

So on my way to work this morning, I was listening to NPR as usual and there was an awesome interview that I didn't expect. An expert in foreign policy, Mark Lynch relates the world of rapping to foreign policy.

I loved how knowledgeable this guy was about rap and how interesting he made foreign policy sound. I could totally see this being a lesson in any high school or college. Give it a listen, I promise you won't be disappointed and it's only about 8 minutes long.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106857447

Happy Birthday Crocker Sisters!

From Danielle and Kim's Graduation

So yesterday was Danielle and Kimberly's birthday and today was Deidre's birthday. My sisters are so awesome and I couldn't ask for better sisters. They are always amazing and I love hanging out with all of them!

Today we went out for dinner with the whole family, my cousin and her kids included. Twelve people! Which is a lot for us. The twins racked up (cha-ching!) and I loved spending time with them.

Afterwards was Graetar's for ice cream. J's turtle sundae was lame however...sorry babe.

I love you guys!

Scott Finds His Voice

I read an amazing article today. It's about how Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert lost his voice, and through a lot of failures, trial and error, and persistence, he found it again.

http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/magazine/17-08/ff_adams?currentPage=1

The article is here. This story touched off a lot in me for some reason. I can be a persistent person. I believe persistence leads to getting what you want. But there are things in life that I am persistent about but not so much others. This article reminds me that if I want something, I have to really want it and work for it. Even through a lot of failures and setbacks, if it's something I really want and I'm working for, it will happen. And if it doesn't happen, it will help me prepare for the future.

So, I'm letting you know. If there is something you want. And you thought it impossible and people told you that it would never happen. Make up your mind, right here, right now, that you will get it. Work towards it and never give up. You will make it happen. Believe it.

Meatballs...and I Don't Mean The Movie

So I made homemade spaghetti and meatballs today. Was a little wary since I had never made meatballs before and I think I was scared to mess them up because I LOVE meatballs. But if I must say, they turned out wonderfully.

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs (I used regular)
1/3 cup water (more or less)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium onion (optional, I had none today)
1 bell pepper (optional, I didn't have any of this either /cry)
garlic
salt
pepper
*I also added basil and italian seasoning
Preparation:

Mix all ingredients together. Don't add all of the water at one time. Mixture should be moist but not so that the meatballs fall apart.

From July 2009

Shape meatballs to desired size and place on a broiler pan (I wet my hands before shaping each meatball and it helps make a nice meatball.) Broil until outside is slightly brown on one side and then turn and broil the other side.

From July 2009

When finished, add to spaghetti sauce and simmer at least 20 minutes.

From July 2009

From July 2009

Break It Down Now

So last night I had a complete break down. It was about something that I didn't know that I was feeling inside and like most of my feelings, they burst out all at once.

I consider myself a stable person so when this happens it scares me. My feelings are even keel and I don't normally go off the deep end. And I don't usually cry. You can ask J about that.

But last night, there was an issue that I didn't know that I had been wrestling with and it came to the surface. I had a break down of sorts. And J was there for me. I didn't know what I would have done if he hadn't of been.

He was EXACTLY who I needed at that moment. He let me be me and get it all out there. That's why I love him and that's one of the reasons why I'm so glad I'm marrying him. He is amazing. Thanks J.

Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

I have gotten many requests for the chicken fried rice recipe so I'm going to post it here. Also, I think I will continue to post recipes here so all can share in the eating :)

The recipe calls for bacon but I took the slightly healthier alternative and used extra virgin olive oil to keep the veggies from sticking and it worked just as well. I doubled the recipe so I could have leftovers! Serve with eggrolls and sake for maximum effect :) I boiled the chicken for about fifteen minutes and that worked out great. Happy eating!

From July 2009

Note: This recipe can be highly customizable. Add or delete whatever you like. Have fun!

Easy Chicken Fried Rice
3 strips of bacon diced OR extra virgin olive oil (for healthier option)
1/2 red bell pepper diced
1 Egg beaten
4 tablespoons of Soy Sauce
1/4 cup scallion finely chopped
1/8 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
2 cups cooked rice (cold)
2 cups chicken cooked (shredded or cubed, your preference)

If you use the bacon: Cook the bacon in a wok (a pot or large pan works just as well) until crisp. Remove the bacon (if you used it). Add the extra virgin olive oil (if you chose healthy!) and saute the scallions, red bell pepper, and peas for 1 minute. Add the egg and scramble. Stir in the rice, chicken, bacon (optional), and soy sauce. (Add more more or less soy according to taste). Serve immediately.

Dog Operated Door

I think Toby thinks the door will open by himself sometimes.

From July 2009

From July 2009

Fixed My Chinese Craving

Usually when J and I have a craving for Chinese, we usually hit up the Chinese fast food place up the street. It sounds good in theory, but often as I'm eating it, I'm wondering....why did I get this?

So this time, instead of taking the easy way out I decided to make my own chinese. Voila!

From July 2009

It was awesome! I love to cook!

This American Life

J has gotten me addicted to the show This American Life. It's a show that gives three stories in documentary form. They are amazing stories and in your face. It started off as a radio show and now it's a television show. If you have Netflix you can stream it. Give it a chance. I really really urge you.

This Is Saying Something To Me

Something about this screams asshole to me. What do you think?




-- Post From My iPhone

Awesome Morning Off

So J and I took today off. We needed it. Took Toby to the groomer's and went out for breakfast to Cracker Barrel. Nom mom nom!




-- Post From My iPhone

Adventures in Cooking

So I cooked again because I love it and the result turned out not too shabby. Check it out for yourself.

Hot and Rich Clam Dip (it was sooo cheesy)

From July 2009

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

From July 2009

The Breakup

Now, now before you go getting upset, I'm not talking about J and I. And I'm not talking about the movie either. I'm talking about....a comic book. Superman/Batman specifically. I have decided to break up with one of my comic books and believe me, for a collector like me, it's not an easy decision.



The relationship started off hesitantly for I was a Marvel and it was a DC. But it brought me in with it's compelling stories so I bought into it and read. For over 60 issues. But the time has come where i have to say goodbye to Superman/Batman. They have become silly and uninteresting. Now every issue is about alternate realities and yes, I know DC is into that sort of thing but it's not really my deal anymore.

So goodbye Superman/Batman. I hope you find someone who can appreciate you for what you are.

Late Adopter

The title of the blog and the comic below didn't used to describe me when it comes to video games but I think it's starting to. I used to be up on all the latest games, consoles, and even got the gaming magazines and read them cover to cover. But now I don't have the time, energy or money to keep up so this makes me laugh. It reminds me of a time when I used to play computer and console games other than WoW. If there were ten more hours in the day, I still would. But I have fun playing WoW so that's where I am. When I get tired of it, I will drag my old PS2 out and have fun playing my old games that are gathering dust. Then I will buy a PS3 when I'm done with those. Expensive console problem solved. *dusts off hands*



Thanks to xkcd.

Awesome Fourth and a Freaky Dog

I had an awesome fourth with the family as usual. D (Danielle's boyfriend) brought his little sister over to the house and we were our crazy selves. i love how we don't put on airs when people we don't know come around. We act like ourselves and we welcome people into our home.

We had awesome BBQ (thanks Mom and Dad!) and generally chilled out with everybody. I'm glad I went over there even though it was a rainy day.

Our dog freaked the heck out though. He was never fond of large noises so we knew the fourth was going to be kinda bad for him. He took to either hiding under one of our chairs or in the closet. I felt so bad for him. We had to take him to at least try to pee that night. That didn't happen at all. He spent most of the time trying to get back home.

That night we had drinks with Danielle, Kim, D, and Sabrina. Cheddar's was out of melon for their Midori Sours *facepalm*. So after I had a Tahitian Sunrise, J was awesome and took me over to Buckheads for a Midori. It was sooooo good. That is my premiere drink. I will probably have to take a trip to the liquor store.

Overall, the kind of fourth I like. Chilled out and fun. Here's to another great fourth.

Fourth of July 2009

Spinelli's Once Again

Spinelli's Pizza is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the pizza. When you first walk in the first thing you notice is there are two spliced backs of a huge Cadillac that firms a booth. You actually have to open the doors to get in. We ordered pizza by the slice and fountain drinks. The back dining room speaks the most about the place. The floors are pieces of stone, pottery, and mirrors laid together.


The walls have paintings (including an intimate one of Tom Selleck).


One of the walls is covered in comic book covers which I loved because I love comic books.





There is even a Zoltan machine sans the movie Big.


The chicken fingers were good but a bit of fair warning the blue cheese tastes like mayo.


The slices were bigger than I remembered and what my fiancé expected. They were foldable and excellent with a little salt and Parm added.





One slice was more than enough. I will definitely go back.




-- Post From My iPhone

More Cherries Please

So I decided to bake a cherry cobbler yesterday. I went and looked for cherry pie filling and I came across two cans of cherry pie filling. One said cherry pie filling and the other said Extra cherry pie filling.

From July 2009

J and I were bit confused on what exactly was extra in the pie filling. A kind woman informed us that there were more cherries in the extra cherry instead of goop. We got a can of each.

So I made the cobbler. With three ingredients. It was soooo simple.

From July 2009

I thought it turned out perfect if I do say so myself.

From July 2009

We had it with whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. PERFECT!

From July 2009

Another home run for the Valentine and future Valentine.