I KNEW IT!

I'm sorry this blog has turned into less of an account of Aaron and me and more into a sounding board for my crazy thoughts, but I just had to post this! For every one who thought I was a nutty tree hugger for saying that lobsters DO have feelings and we should not boil them alive (thus my refusal to eat lobster, see my February post on the subject), check out the link below. I found an article on MSN today regarding recent scientific studies showing that lobsters and crabs do have feelings! How could they not? Although I didn't care what anyone said before, I feel vindicated in my anti-lobster stance.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29915025/?GT1=43001


While reading the article I discovered that some people actually rip off crab's legs while they are alive. Honestly, who does this? Is that a common practice when you eat them? Seriously though, does anyone know?

Can you even imagine?

I stumbled upon the story of this bridge on the internet today and read it was the world's tallest suspension bridge, so I googled it to take a look. Are you kidding me? I'm pretty sure there is no way you could get me across that thing. I've been skydiving and stuck my head over the top of Rockefeller Center in NY, but no thanks. This is the Royal Gorge Bridge above the Arkansas River in Colorado.

We're going to Yosemite!

It only took 7 people in two states to get resevations for a site in July, but we're going to Yosemite! Yea! I'm so excited! I think Aaron is a bit apprehensive about Half Dome (Sunday was the first time he ever saw a picture of it), but I can't wait. I'm already planning every detail and it is months away. Any camp cooking tips or camping tips in general would be appreciated. Also, thanks to every one who helped us get the reservation!

Lonely Vanilla

Although we don't have any mysterious cleaning fairies around our house, we do seem to have an elusive chocolate chip thief. Last night I thought a bowl of chocolate chip ice cream sounded delicious, so I pulled the carton out of the freezer only to find that vanilla ice cream had magically appeared in it's place. Where did all the chocolate chips go? This was my first bowl, so I asked Aaron, who had NO idea where they all could have gone. Luckily I had an open bag of chocolate chips on hand so I made my own.

Proof

Aaron can fall asleep in like two seconds. It's amazing. I'll say goodnight to him and as soon as I roll over, I can hear him snore. I wish I had that talent. I was talking to him from the kitchen on Sunday, he responded while he was watching a DVD, mere seconds later I leave the kitchen and find him asleep, still trying to operate the DVD player. So, I had to get proof.

Weekend at the Cove

We didn't spend all weekend at La Jolla Cove. That's just my lame West Coast attempt of a "weekend at the cape". I watched Legally Blonde this weekend. If any of you are as nuts about movie lines as I am, you'll remember when Elle says that. Moving on...Aaron's parents came for a visit in January and we tooled around town on Saturday. Even though I've been in Southern California for almost 9 years (crazy talk), I'm still amazed at the weather! The sea lions are soaking up the sun on the beach, but will get a little angry if you disturb them. Kind of like the sea lion I'm posing with below. We also rented tandem bikes and rode around Coronado Island (tandem bikes. I know, but it was fun), but our pictures magically disappeared from Aaron's camera. I probably deleted them on accident. I'll see if I can find them and post some shots.

Although I love Salt Lake

I must admit that the San Diego temple is pretty great. Come visit me on a Saturday morning. (and that's not too shabby of a picture for a simple little camera)

Lovely Banff

While Aaron and I were in Calgary for a weekend in October, we went with his parents to Banff for an afternoon. The only time I'd ever heard of Banff was in The Burbs, but apparently there is something to this cute little town. When we left Calgary, the sun was shinning (although it was still FREEZING), but the weather deteriorated on the drive and, to my delight, it was lightly sprinkling when we arrived. Although I was not dressed properly for the weather, the rain and fog only added to the wonderful atmosphere. We window shopped among the charming shops on the cobblestone main street. I had no desire to leave, except maybe to warm up, because as you can tell from my scowl below, the hot chocolate just wasn't cutting it.

Would you wear this?

This beauty of a picture is from an ugly sweater Christmas party I went to in December 07. I just stumbled upon it. I bought my crocheted creation at a thrift store in SD and actually had some adults tell me they would wear it. And then they asked the theme of the party I was wearing it to and it was awkward.

Half Dome

Aaron and I are planning a trip to Yosemite in September and I really want to climb Half Dome. Aaron has yet to see a picture of Half Dome (I know, how do you not know what Half Dome looks like?) and has agreed to the hike, but might wonder what I talked him into when he's standing at the base of the mountain. Anyway, I've read lots of info on the internet and felt fairly secure about hiking it, but I also stumbled upon a page from the SF Chronicle which listed all the people who have died while climbing Half Dome and how they died. It freaked me out a bit, so now I'd like to hear from people I know who have hiked it. Does any one have any tips? I'm also open to tips on camping in Yosemite. We'll be using a tent and I must be at a site near a shower... Thanks!

MEOW

I know this looks totally fake, but it is a real cat. Google "Verismo". There is a man that breeds massive Maine Coons and his website has plenty of pictures. In fact, Leo, the world's largest cat is one of his and Leo even has his own web page with pictures and stats. Can you imagine if he wanted to curl up in your lap? I'd seriously be afraid this cat would kill me in my sleep. So, until I find our elusive camera cord, check back for more of my random blogs...

Please, have mercy

I was browsing online "Romantic dinner for two" recipes and came across this horrifying picture. When I came to the realization a few years ago that lobster were boiled alive, I stopped eating the little guys. I never really like them in the first place because you dip them in butter and I hate the flavor of butter, but now I don't eat them based on principle. I eat meat. And I am well aware all animals must die in order for us to eat them. I'm sure none of it's pretty. But, I am fairly certain that a chicken or cow are not BOILED ALIVE in order to kill them. What? Can you imagine being boiled alive? And, even better, this romantic recipe specifically tells you to put the LIVE lobster in the pot, HEADFIRST. Yeah right. In 12 minutes, presto, you have dinner. No, I am not Tom Hanks in Castaway and therefore have choices about my food. I prefer to think we can do this in a more civilized manner. And I've heard this nonsense about lobsters not having feelings. That rumor was probably started by someone who eats at Red Lobster so often he has his own embroidered bib. So, for any of you who feel like having a homicidal romantic dinner for two tomorrow night, here's the link to the recipe. http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/steamed-lobster-seafood-recipes

Apology

I'm sorry our blog is so boring! We actually have been doing things and have pictures to post, but we can't find Aaron's camera cord to download them to my computer. You think we'd be able to manage what little space we have, but no. I'm pretty sure it's my fault because I used it last, but I'm still deflecting the blame. I'm going to our storage unit tonight for some other stuff, so I'll see if it happened to make it's way over there. Stay tuned...

Remembering Dr. King

I know Martin Luther King Jr. Day isn't until Monday, but I won't be by my computer then, so I'll remember him now. After doing a year of black studies in college from an amazing professor, my eyes were further opened to what an incredible person Dr. King was and the tremendous service he did for all mankind. Be thankful on Monday, and every day, for people who are willing to stand up and do something for the injustices they see. And then be one of those people! Below are two photos (of many photos) of events in Dr. King's life. Click on the link below to read, hear, and see his magnificent, "I have a dream" speech.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Firemen turned high-powered hoses against peaceful demonstrators, who were knocked down in Kelly Ingram Park. By coming together and holding on to one another, they were able to stand up to the fire hoses, 1963.
© Bob Adelman / Magnum Photos

WASHINGTON, D.C.—At the climax of his "I Have a Dream" speech, King, the final speaker at the March on Washington, raises his arm on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and calls out for deliverance with the electrifying words of an old Negro spiritual hymn: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, we are free at last!" 1963.
© Bob Adelman / Magnum Photos

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm

Neti Pot

Has anyone ever used one of these before? It's a Neti Pot and it clears out your nasal passage! Aaron and I have been sick and my poor nose won't stop running, so we decided to buy one last night. Oh heavens. I was so scared to use it because the concept pretty much disgusts me, but I did it anyway. It was amazing! It totally works. I've only had to blow my nose about 3 times today versus about every 5 minutes in days past. I'm still grossed out by it, but will a repeat customer of this bad boy. Click here for more information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasal_irrigation