Friday Night Non-Political Zen Randoms

[winecat]

I had dinner with my mom and brother. Then I read the Trump thread. Now I'm drinking wine and watching the Great British Bake Off with a kitten on my lap.

[MrsAxilla]

Hanging with the hubs, drinking some wine, planning shit. We are hosting 15 of DH's family for Passover this year!     It was a sincere invitation, but we didn't actually think they'd ALL take us up on it!  Passover is his annual family get together and the aunt and uncle that hosted forever in Orland got divorced :?  so that was out.  We were hanging in our yard, drinking some wine and enjoying ourselves when we got this brilliant idea.  (idea)   Let's start a new Colorado Passover tradition!  We have a nice house!  Colorado is awesome!  It's way cheaper to host than fly to Florida!  I'm both excited and on the verge of a panic attack.  I fucking converted!!!  I don't know the first thing about hosting a fucking Seder!  Hold me and send kosher wine!

[MrsAxilla]

Mar 11, 2016 23:40:42 GMT -5 winecat said:

I had dinner with my mom and brother. Then I read the Trump thread. Now I'm drinking wine and watching the Great British Bake Off with a kitten on my lap.

I know you're really involved with cat rescues, but are you also into dogs?  Or maybe have some co tracts?  We're thinking of adding a puppy this summer or fall and we always rescue.  For the first time ever, we have a breed/mix preference, so we want to be hooked in to some good resources.

[winecat]

Mar 11, 2016 23:44:01 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

Mar 11, 2016 23:40:42 GMT -5 winecat said:

I had dinner with my mom and brother. Then I read the Trump thread. Now I'm drinking wine and watching the Great British Bake Off with a kitten on my lap.

I know you're really involved with cat rescues, but are you also into dogs?  Or maybe have some co tracts?  We're thinking of adding a puppy this summer or fall and we always rescue.  For the first time ever, we have a breed/mix preference, so we want to be hooked in to some good resources.

One of the rescues I volunteer for mainly does dog rescue.    What is your breed/mix preference?  We have people who see all the "in need" dogs from various shelters.  I can ask if they can keep an eye out for a specific breed/mix. 

[nursewife]

I had a pretty good week. Bestie #1 sent me flowers to work on Wednesday, bestie #2 left me a chocolate bar in my car today, and H found out that he is going to be getting a new, much, much better benefit package! I'm beyond thrilled!

Another high note of the week is that bestie #2 and I got some dresses together for my neighbour that is graduating grade 8 in June. The parents don't have much, so getting her a new dress and what not was out of the question. Since bestie is the same size, she was able to give her a dress! The neighbour is beyond thrilled, and she looks fantastic! On her graduation day, I'm going to do her makeup, and give her a corsage and some shoes. I'm trying to figure out a way that I can help them out with the costs associated with her grade 8 trip. She's a good kid, and I want her to be able to go. I can't afford to pay for it for her unfortunately. If anyone has some suggestions, please let me know!

[winecat]

nursewife- gather donated items from your friends/family for a fundraising garage sale? How much does she need?

[nursewife]

Mar 11, 2016 23:54:20 GMT -5 winecat said:

nursewife - gather donated items from your friends/family for a fundraising garage sale? How much does she need?

I think she likely needs around $300 or so. Thanks for the suggestion! I could have a yard sale in May and donate the proceeds to her! I feel like I've been bugging people a lot of things lately due to the refugee work, so at least that's a way I can get some cash for her without bugging anyone! 

[eclaires]

I love our puppy. She is just such a rotten perfect little baby. She likes to lay her head on my face and fall asleep while I give her kisses. She seriously crawls up on my chest, rests her head on my face and goes to sleep.

She's a chi-pug mix (according to the rescue) but seems mostly chi. I told MH we always have to have a chi now, and I never thought I'd be into having one.

[winecat]

Mar 11, 2016 23:57:11 GMT -5 nursewife said:

Mar 11, 2016 23:54:20 GMT -5 winecat said:

nursewife - gather donated items from your friends/family for a fundraising garage sale? How much does she need?

I think she likely needs around $300 or so. Thanks for the suggestion! I could have a yard sale in May and donate the proceeds to her! I feel like I've been bugging people a lot of things lately due to the refugee work, so at least that's a way I can get some cash for her without bugging anyone! 

I bet a garage sale would help.  Do you have a Nextdoor site in your neighborhood?  I bet you could put out a call for items and if you pick them up, people will want to get rid of stuff and help a kid out.  

[nursewife]

Mar 11, 2016 23:59:03 GMT -5 winecat said:

Mar 11, 2016 23:57:11 GMT -5 nursewife said:

I think she likely needs around $300 or so. Thanks for the suggestion! I could have a yard sale in May and donate the proceeds to her! I feel like I've been bugging people a lot of things lately due to the refugee work, so at least that's a way I can get some cash for her without bugging anyone! 

I bet a garage sale would help.  Do you have a Nextdoor site in your neighborhood?  I bet you could put out a call for items and if you pick them up, people will want to get rid of stuff and help a kid out.  

We don't have that. We have a community wide yard sale day in May, so I'll have it then. I can always bug my parents and friends for stuff though. I'm sure I could likely get around half the amount from the yard sale.

[meshaliuknits]

Eating Norwegian tortillas with cinnamon butter & watching all the network TV I missed over the week.

[winecat]

Mar 12, 2016 0:01:25 GMT -5 nursewife said:

Mar 11, 2016 23:59:03 GMT -5 winecat said:

I bet a garage sale would help.  Do you have a Nextdoor site in your neighborhood?  I bet you could put out a call for items and if you pick them up, people will want to get rid of stuff and help a kid out.  

We don't have that. We have a community wide yard sale day in May, so I'll have it then. I can always bug my parents and friends for stuff though. I'm sure I could likely get around half the amount from the yard sale.

Can you add in some baked goods/beverages/snacks to sell during the garage sale?  If she's there selling food, I bet people would buy.  I would definitely.  

[nursewife]

Mar 12, 2016 0:05:02 GMT -5 winecat said:

Mar 12, 2016 0:01:25 GMT -5 nursewife said:

We don't have that. We have a community wide yard sale day in May, so I'll have it then. I can always bug my parents and friends for stuff though. I'm sure I could likely get around half the amount from the yard sale.

Can you add in some baked goods/beverages/snacks to sell during the garage sale?  If she's there selling food, I bet people would buy.  I would definitely.  

That's another fantastic idea! I actually really enjoy baking, so I could easily whip up some goodies to sell that day!! Thanks so much for the suggestions I'm so glad I'm able to make a difference in their lives. They are such good kids, aways polite, and will always help me out when I need it. They deserve nice things. They are a family of 6, with 4 young girls. Their dad is an alcoholic, and doesn't have the greatest paying work. At Christmas I always get them some new clothes, but this is the first special occasion I'm trying to help them out with. I really want to make it a special and memorable day for her since they don't get too many of those.

[winecat]

Mar 12, 2016 0:01:25 GMT -5 nursewife said:

Mar 11, 2016 23:59:03 GMT -5 winecat said:

I bet a garage sale would help.  Do you have a Nextdoor site in your neighborhood?  I bet you could put out a call for items and if you pick them up, people will want to get rid of stuff and help a kid out.  

We don't have that. We have a community wide yard sale day in May, so I'll have it then. I can always bug my parents and friends for stuff though. I'm sure I could likely get around half the amount from the yard sale.

Or maybe a car washing during the garage sale?  

[nursewife]

Mar 12, 2016 0:09:06 GMT -5 winecat said:

Mar 12, 2016 0:01:25 GMT -5 nursewife said:

We don't have that. We have a community wide yard sale day in May, so I'll have it then. I can always bug my parents and friends for stuff though. I'm sure I could likely get around half the amount from the yard sale.

Or maybe a car washing during the garage sale?  

I can't see that working well, as we are a pretty small town, and a lot of the vehicles that do by that day are horse and buggies!

[isabel]

We just flew into Indiana and are driving up to H's grandparents' house. DS is a mess and didn't sleep on the plane at all. He was so, so good though. This is 5th time flying in his first year of life and he's always been fantastic. I don't expect it to last, but it's nice when it happens.

We're spending the weekend here and get home late on Monday. I like spending time with his family, but it would have been nice to hang at home too. All good though. The Greats get to see their grand baby and that's what matters.

[winecat]

Mar 12, 2016 0:08:41 GMT -5 nursewife said:

Mar 12, 2016 0:05:02 GMT -5 winecat said:

Can you add in some baked goods/beverages/snacks to sell during the garage sale?  If she's there selling food, I bet people would buy.  I would definitely.  

That's another fantastic idea! I actually really enjoy baking, so I could easily whip up some goodies to sell that day!! Thanks so much for the suggestions I'm so glad I'm able to make a difference in their lives. They are such good kids, aways polite, and will always help me out when I need it. They deserve nice things. They are a family of 6, with 4 young girls. Their dad is an alcoholic, and doesn't have the greatest paying work. At Christmas I always get them some new clothes, but this is the first special occasion I'm trying to help them out with. I really want to make it a special and memorable day for her since they don't get too many of those.

I think I remember some stories about her.  

I haven't been out at garage sales in a while but when I used to do it on weekends, I'd never remember to bring food/drinks so I'd totally buy a snack.  I'd put out a poster board with the story of what she's trying to earn and put a tip jar out.  People will have oodles of change/small bills at that kind of event.

[winecat]

Mar 12, 2016 0:11:57 GMT -5 nursewife said:

Mar 12, 2016 0:09:06 GMT -5 winecat said:

Or maybe a car washing during the garage sale?  

I can't see that working well, as we are a pretty small town, and a lot of the vehicles that do by that day are horse and buggies!

lol  My mom's neighborhood has a big garage sale and people drive in for it and then walk around so they leave there cars which would be a perfect opportunity to pay someone to wash them.

[nursewife]

Mar 12, 2016 0:14:44 GMT -5 winecat said:

Mar 12, 2016 0:08:41 GMT -5 nursewife said:

That's another fantastic idea! I actually really enjoy baking, so I could easily whip up some goodies to sell that day!! Thanks so much for the suggestions I'm so glad I'm able to make a difference in their lives. They are such good kids, aways polite, and will always help me out when I need it. They deserve nice things. They are a family of 6, with 4 young girls. Their dad is an alcoholic, and doesn't have the greatest paying work. At Christmas I always get them some new clothes, but this is the first special occasion I'm trying to help them out with. I really want to make it a special and memorable day for her since they don't get too many of those.

I think I remember some stories about her.  

I haven't been out at garage sales in a while but when I used to do it on weekends, I'd never remember to bring food/drinks so I'd totally buy a snack.  I'd put out a poster board with the story of what she's trying to earn and put a tip jar out.  People will have oodles of change/small bills at that kind of event.

I don't want them to feel like I'm treating them as a charity care, which makes me a bit hesitant about the tip jar.

[winecat]

Mar 12, 2016 0:19:38 GMT -5 nursewife said:

Mar 12, 2016 0:14:44 GMT -5 winecat said:

I think I remember some stories about her.  

I haven't been out at garage sales in a while but when I used to do it on weekends, I'd never remember to bring food/drinks so I'd totally buy a snack.  I'd put out a poster board with the story of what she's trying to earn and put a tip jar out.  People will have oodles of change/small bills at that kind of event.

I don't want them to feel like I'm treating them as a charity care, which makes me a bit hesitant about the tip jar.

Maybe not do the storyboard then?  If she's serving/selling people food, tipping is normal here.  I don't know where you are though.  

[winecat]

Mar 12, 2016 0:19:38 GMT -5 nursewife said:

Mar 12, 2016 0:14:44 GMT -5 winecat said:

I think I remember some stories about her.  

I haven't been out at garage sales in a while but when I used to do it on weekends, I'd never remember to bring food/drinks so I'd totally buy a snack.  I'd put out a poster board with the story of what she's trying to earn and put a tip jar out.  People will have oodles of change/small bills at that kind of event.

I don't want them to feel like I'm treating them as a charity care, which makes me a bit hesitant about the tip jar.

Or maybe frame it as though you're helping her earn the money with the garage sale/bake sale?  Then she won't see it as charity?  And you get some help?    

Either way, I've seen people raise a good chunk of change with garage sales. 

[MrsAxilla]

Mar 11, 2016 23:46:12 GMT -5 Dig Ophelia said:

Wow, MrsAxilla ! That's quite a houseful. Are you planning on doing all of the cooking yourself?

Is this going to be a hangover regret, tomorrow morning? LOL

FUCK NO I AINT COOKING!!!  I'm "saving" $2K by not traveling, I can afford to cater dinner.  Still, there is a lot to prepare, like hard oiling and peeling 3 dozen eggs.  And making sure my house is in tip-top shape.  "Luckily" MIL has "agreed" to come a few days early to help me (God help me!)

We're way past the hangover phase now.  We initially extended the invite last Passover (shortly after the divorce), and then renewed the offer around Christmas (when we discovered the entire family made it to Florida for grandma's 85th birthday but us.). We totally brought this on ourselves.  Please remind me of that in five weeks - lol.

[MrsAxilla]

Mar 11, 2016 23:46:28 GMT -5 winecat said:

Mar 11, 2016 23:44:01 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

I know you're really involved with cat rescues, but are you also into dogs?  Or maybe have some co tracts?  We're thinking of adding a puppy this summer or fall and we always rescue.  For the first time ever, we have a breed/mix preference, so we want to be hooked in to some good resources.

One of the rescues I volunteer for mainly does dog rescue.    What is your breed/mix preference?  We have people who see all the "in need" dogs from various shelters.  I can ask if they can keep an eye out for a specific breed/mix. 

We want a Rottweiler or Doberman mix.  Preferably not mixed with Shepard.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE shepards.  We've had three and they are awesome dogs.  But after fifteen years of molting dogs, I'm DONE.  Do you know how many vacuums we've destroyed with dog hair?  I'd like a female because we've never had one.  DH prefers a male (because that's what he knows) but he's open.

[winecat]

Mar 12, 2016 0:48:33 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

Mar 11, 2016 23:46:28 GMT -5 winecat said:

One of the rescues I volunteer for mainly does dog rescue.    What is your breed/mix preference?  We have people who see all the "in need" dogs from various shelters.  I can ask if they can keep an eye out for a specific breed/mix. 

We want a Rottweiler or Doberman mix.  Preferably not mixed with Shepard.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE shepards.  We've had three and they are awesome dogs.  But after fifteen years of molting dogs, I'm DONE.  Do you know how many vacuums we've destroyed with dog hair?  I'd like a female because we've never had one.  DH prefers a male (because that's what he knows) but he's open.

Age range preferred?  

[orangeblossom]

Mar 11, 2016 23:58:53 GMT -5 eclaires said:

I love our puppy. She is just such a rotten perfect little baby. She likes to lay her head on my face and fall asleep while I give her kisses. She seriously crawls up on my chest, rests her head on my face and goes to sleep.

She's a chi-pug mix (according to the rescue) but seems mostly chi. I told MH we always have to have a chi now, and I never thought I'd be into having one.

She sounds adorable, but you know the rules! We need a pic.

[alleinesein]

I made a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese and ate all of it. They changed the noodles (or I got a bad batch) and it is now kinda mushy and weird. I did make it with heavy cream b/c the milk was bad; it is way better made with cream.

[alleinesein]

Mar 12, 2016 3:28:39 GMT -5 peachy said:

Mar 12, 2016 1:58:33 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

I made a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese and ate all of it. They changed the noodles (or I got a bad batch) and it is now kinda mushy and weird. I did make it with heavy cream b/c the milk was bad; it is way better made with cream.

Which kind did you have? They definitely changed the spirals but the original
Is still good as long as it's not over cooked. I have made it with cream or half and half and surprisingly didn't like it as much. It was kind of blah.

I'm a Kraft Mac expert

Just the plain old boring original stuff.  The noodles even looked different when I opened the box so I am hoping that it is just an off batch. I've seen similar complaints about mushiness. Flavorwise it was fine and it didn't seem as salty as normal. I usually cook the noodles for 1-2 minutes less than the stated time so I'm kinda leaning towards it being an off batch.

[MrsAxilla]

Mar 12, 2016 0:51:22 GMT -5 winecat said:

Mar 12, 2016 0:48:33 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

We want a Rottweiler or Doberman mix.  Preferably not mixed with Shepard.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE shepards.  We've had three and they are awesome dogs.  But after fifteen years of molting dogs, I'm DONE.  Do you know how many vacuums we've destroyed with dog hair?  I'd like a female because we've never had one.  DH prefers a male (because that's what he knows) but he's open.

Age range preferred?  

Puppy preferred.  We're open to an older puppy/young dog, but it will really depend on the pack dynamic at the time.  We have three dogs now.  The youngest is three and a half, and the older two (both Shepard mixes) will be celebrating their 14th and 15th birthdays next month.  I'm sure I don't need spell out what that means.   We can't introduce a fourth pack member, that's why we're thinking summer or fall.  

[MrsAxilla]

Mar 12, 2016 1:03:31 GMT -5 Dig Ophelia said:

Mar 12, 2016 0:45:31 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

FUCK NO I AINT COOKING!!!  I'm "saving" $2K by not traveling, I can afford to cater dinner.  Still, there is a lot to prepare, like hard oiling and peeling 3 dozen eggs.  And making sure my house is in tip-top shape.  "Luckily" MIL has "agreed" to come a few days early to help me (God help me!)

We're way past the hangover phase now.  We initially extended the invite last Passover (shortly after the divorce), and then renewed the offer around Christmas (when we discovered the entire family made it to Florida for grandma's 85th birthday but us.). We totally brought this on ourselves.  Please remind me of that in five weeks - lol.

Whew!  I was going to say!   

I mean I love cooking big batches of food, but that freaked me out a little.  I'm glad you're outsourcing as much as you can so you can actually relax and enjoy yourself as the hostess.  

At least it's an excuse to do a thorough cleaning of your house. lol  That's why I have a love-hate relationship with house guests.  It makes me super OCD about cleaning every inch of my house, but I love the end result.   

When I converted, one of the things we discussed was how many Jewish commandments have both religious and practical components.  Passover is a great example.  We're supposed to rid our homes of all chametz, which is leavened products, before Passover.  The practical effect is that Jews are supposed to clean their homes from top to bottom every spring.  That's where the concept of spring cleaning comes from!  Do I think God will smite me if I don't vacuum up those Cheerios in my closet?  Of course not.  But it probably is a good idea to vacuum out the closet at least once a year.  How did the Cheerios get there in the first place?!?  That's MY closet, kiddos!

[winecat]

Mar 12, 2016 14:04:56 GMT -5 MrsAxilla said:

Mar 12, 2016 0:51:22 GMT -5 winecat said:

Age range preferred?  

Puppy preferred.  We're open to an older puppy/young dog, but it will really depend on the pack dynamic at the time.  We have three dogs now.  The youngest is three and a half, and the older two (both Shepard mixes) will be celebrating their 14th and 15th birthdays next month.  I'm sure I don't need spell out what that means.   We can't introduce a fourth pack member, that's why we're thinking summer or fall.  

I'm so sorry.    

I'll ask the person who pulls from shelters what she thinks and let you know for whenever the time is right.