Carissasophia: Bi-weekly obsessions

Not Exactly Planned, The Best Thing

2012-02-12T04:47:00.003-06:00

The way I got back to the Twin Cities isn't at all like I imagined it would happen. I lost a new job I moved 650+ miles for... so defaulted back to my real home to recover mentally and financially.

Mentally, I'm good. Financially, meh, I don't think I'll ever get this figured out! :P

One of the best things about being home again is being more involved. I'm getting back into activities I let slip away when I started 'growing up' and working full time. I subbed on a softball team last summer and I've been subbing on a volleyball team the last 2-3 seasons. The most awesome bonus though, is having so many siblings to do fun stuff with... Now we just have to DO IT!

I've done a lot of internal debating over what I should do to improve and grow in life. Creating headbands might seem childish, but they're one of the projects I'm working on that I think will teach me a little about a lot. Dealing with people, a product, business, customer service and then some.

I have the benefit of living cheaply at my grandmothers for the time being. It feels like a good time to explore my options and educate myself on any topic that sparks my interest.

A few things have been on my mind to try for a long time but I'm not sure to what capacity I want to pursue each activity. I have 3 chairs I'd like to reupholster and I'd like to do it well so I may look for classes on upholstery. I mentioned upholstery to my sister Rachel because I think she's done some furniture diy projects and when I mentioned it she seemed interested in learning this skill too! She has dining room chairs she wants to recover. Now we just have to try to do it. We think we can do the project with our own sense and plenty of searching on google and youtube.

Another avenue to develop myself would be health and fitness. I've lost a good amount of weight in the last year or so and I'm still working on losing more and toning up. I love talking about health and fitness. While I'm not the model student to health and fitness right now, maybe getting more involved will be exciting enough to help me turn passion into profession.

The ideas and options are endless. I'll keep working on headbands and in the mean time, research and decide on another project to develop life skills.

What have you wanted to try for a while but haven't for whatever reason? I'd be interested in hearing your ideas, interests and passions. I'll keep you updated on the progress of mine too!

On my Head, I am Creative

2012-02-12T02:48:00.009-06:00

Recently I took up a new hobby. This was my second attempt so I was a little worried about wasting money on supplies... again! Fortunately, it's a great second try!

I'm crafting fancy headbands at home during my free time. It started because I wanted to wear more fancy headbands. But seriously, boo to fancy prices! I grabbed a headband kit to test my interest level and learn how. It was $10 and included all the supplies and directions on how to make a headband and a snapping clip!

But I can't help but go gung-ho... I loaded up on clearance fake flowers and a few expensive but nice headbands. I grabbed a bunch of cute things (feathers and jewels etc.) to incorporate in my creations.

Once I made my first 4-5 headbands I started wearing them around family and friends to see their reaction, if any. Some people surprised me and didn't react or comment at all. Then you start thinking too much... "Maybe it's ugly... maybe it's too big... maybe the colors are weird? Maybe they're shy or it's just not really their thing." You start to question your craft, your art, your judgment... and honestly...

I was bummed when I didn't get reactions, but it just made me want to try harder to make a headband that demanded a compliment! ;)

I went to a baby shower wearing one that I thought was a bit of a statement. How can you not ask about this head piece (pictured right)? But no one did... :(

This headband was a mix of flowers and feathers. The flowers are elegant - almost vintage looking - colors of a golden cream and a nice light teal. I accented each flower with a golden ball center and made it fancy with feathers. This was probably the most advanced headband I had put together in the early days so I wasn't too worried it didn't get the attention I hoped it would because basically I liked it and knew I did a good job and had plenty of room to improve! Surprised, but not discouraged.

I went to my mom's house and made headbands with my nephew and his sister. My mom had plenty of encouragement and was surprised by the lack of comments too. I had fun teaching the kids how to make headbands and I think my sister liked the headband my nephew and I made together for her too.

A short time later I was wearing the same headband and hanging out with my sister Robyn. She commented on my headband! I gave it to her and she's wearing it in the picture. Robyn said she'd love to wear my headbands to work (and her friends would probably love them too! SCORE for word of mouth!), but she she needed them to be all black, or black with some white.

I was encouraged. I made a few more, including the one that I think I'll call my favorite... and I named it Champagne Sparkling Heart. An upside-down heart if anything, but you get it!

I probably wear this one the most, but I still feel like I get more compliments on this one than any of the others I've worn.

I made a few headbands for Robyn. A polka dotted flower, a Zebra striped flower and a nice black rose on a pearl headband with white flower accents. I brought them to a girls night party to hand off to Robyn and with the permission of my sister Rachel (it was her party). I showed some girls at the party some headband creations to get some feedback and the feedback was good. Yay! I even sold a headband quickly and easily that night. I also had more requests for specific types of headband styles. All black and fancy feathers! Challenge accepted.

The all black idea is the hardest one to figure out. But feathers... a little easier to create.

The feather headbands can be a little time consuming. These are all made by hand. There are options to buy pre-made feather pads at the craft store but selection is small and I really like creating these from scratch. What would be the point of just gluing a pre-made feather pad to a headband? Doesn't sounds very crafty to me... so I make the feather pads by hand.

I am on www.pinterest.com and get some ideas for my next creation there often. But I'm a Google'ing machine! I find tons of great tutorials and pictures through google.com and youtube.com

People are so creative! It's easy to get inspired.

I can't say exactly how long this new hobby will last. The potential for my excitement to fizzle is almost tangible. It really hinges on if I can sell any headbands. My first priority is covering the cost of the supplies I've spent money on so far. Even if that's all I do, I'll be happy. I'd have a bunch of cute headbands to wear and I wouldn't have spent any money on them!

I'm working on making this a legit side hustle while I'm living at my grandma's house for now.

I've got other ideas rolling through my head, so I'll post details about those ideas soon!
Thanks for reading!

More than a year!

2012-02-12T02:00:00.004-06:00

I can't believe that more than a year has passed since my last blog entry. Lots has changed since then, but I'm not going to recap, I'm just going to post something relevant to today!

I have a few things I'd like to post about regularly as of today, but I'm not going to make the promise to myself to commit to the topics just yet because the ideas need to be more specifically defined. I may touch on those topics sporadically in the mean time though...

Like as soon as my next blog! Really excited about it! :)

German is hard. Das ich gut. Er something.

2010-08-11T19:35:00.013-05:00

Today I got an email from Mike Posner. Yea the singer of "Cooler Than Me". Ok, not a personal email... I signed up for it. Anyway! Point is, it was a mistake, it was in German or something.

I mentioned it on Z98 today. Oh! Here Listen!

Later I got a call on Q97 from Eddie and he told me German is easy! :)
Listen to him teach me German.

Twas fun. Haha!

What makes a Granola Bar Gooey & Chewy?

2010-08-05T18:17:00.007-05:00

Last night I made a first attempt at making granola bars. I should have made a smaller batch for sure. I have that problem often! Turned out pretty good, but not quite like I wanted them. I dream of making a copycat fiber bar you find on store shelves which get a little spendy when you like them as much as I do!

The bars I made are tasty but I want to try another round. It'll be a challenge to finish eating this batch before I start experimenting again... I'll probably run out of freezer room!

Have you ever made your own granola bars? Have any tricks and tips to share?

I don't recall my exact ingredient amounts but here's a basic idea. (All stuff I had in my cupboards already)

Quick oats 1 cup
Steel Cut oats 1 cup
Rolled oats 1 cup
Wheat germ 1 cup
Ground Flax Seed 4 Tbs
Rice Puff Cereal 2 cups
About 2 cups of the chocolate nut mix to the right. It's a really good mix on it's own so I thought it'd be great in a granola bar.

Cinnamon 1/2 tsp
Honey about 1/2 cup
Pure Maple syrup 1/3 cup
Brown sugar 2/3 cup approx.
Margarine 1/2 cup approx.
Water 1/6 cup approx.
Sea salt less than 1/2 tsp
Vanilla 1 Tbs
Sprinkled some mini semi-sweet chips 3 Tbs

I think that's it...

Mixed it all together and pressed it into a pan. Baked for 20 mins at 350°

I wonder if I have to use corn syrup to get the gooey chewiness that the store bought brands have...?

I think my next batch will have more rice cereal type stuff and fewer oats to get a lighter texture. Gotta figure out the secret to chewiness though.

-Carissa

2 Months To Go

2010-08-04T21:18:00.004-05:00

For the last 13 weeks I've been working slowing on bettering my habits for a healthy lifestyle. I never intended to be so slow about it, but that's just the amount of effort I've ultimately been putting in each week.

August 2008 was "the good month" I was really solid about my efforts and after that 4 weeks I fell off the face of healthy-living-earth, gained weight and that's where I've been hovering since.

I'm sitting here today thinking: "Man, I'm so drained. I wish I wasn't in this work-eat-sleep cycle." I know what I have to do to fix it, a first step and little bits of consistency is all I need.

Got to break that cycle.

A couple days of waking up earlier than I'd like to after late nights will turn me intoan early-nighter faster than you can shake a tail-feather.

Exercise is the next part. I have this flawed mind set that if I don't work out for 30 minutes or more it's just a waste of time. Why get all sweaty and only burn calories for 15 minutes? Well, nights that you feel too tired to do anything are nights that 15 minutes of sweat will make all the difference right? Right!

I'm feeling really good about the small changes I've made to my eating habits so there's no sense in requiring long hard workouts either - baby steps for real!

I need this month to be another "good month". The second month will be gravy.

It's all up to me.

(That can't be good for your knees... is it?)

Thanks for reading,

Carissa

I'm losing weight on YouTube

2010-05-19T16:52:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling comfortable saying that I am posting regular videos on YouTube and losing weight! Woo!

I'm just getting started really but off to a strong start. I'm posting 2 videos a week. A "Weigh-In" and a for-fun video series called "Hotter Every Humpday".

My Weigh-in's tend to be the longer video and "Hotter Every Humpday" (HEH) I try to keep fun and short (or shorter at least... haha!).

I actually have two YouTube channels:

www.youtube.com/carissav is where you find my weigh-ins and HEH. This channel I recently decided to focus on Health related anything. (so you will find some other stuff posted there, but not from now on)

www.youtube.com/carissasophia is the newer channel for 'everything-else'. Videos unrelated to health junk.

Thanks in advance for subscribing. Assuming you subscribe. If not, boooo! Hehe, kidding... maybe!

Thanks for reading. TTYS.

You Won't Believe These "Brownies" another Rocco recipe

2010-04-07T16:26:00.008-05:00

I went on and on and on about Rocco Dispirito's recipe for cookies made with beans instead of flour but today I'll save you from the on and on and on and just let you know that the brownies are even better!!! And they were much easier to make than the cookies.

http://www.dietsinreview.com/recipes/roccos-brownies/

I can't wait to get my new Now Eat This cookbook!

The next batch of cookies I make I will not use the wax paper because the cookies stuck to the paper even after I oiled it up. If I can't get them off the pan easily then I'll probably make the brownies much more often than the cookies.

Can't wait for my book to arrive!

Cookies Are My Weakness - No Flour Cookies from Rocco Dispirito

2010-04-05T16:55:00.004-05:00

I DVR the Dr. Oz show. I don't get to watch every episode, so I'm soooo glad I caught a recent one about Toxic Bloating because at the very end of the show celebrity chef Rocco Dispirito was on. (He's been on The Biggest Loser a few times)

He made these Triple Chocolate Cookies. (the video is pretty helpful to watch to see how he makes them)

Dr. Oz and an audience member taste tested his cookies and their reaction was SO convincing that I decided I had to try making them.

The outstanding thing about these cookies is that they call for NO butter or flour! You use BEANS instead. And you can eat 5 cookies for the same calories as eating ONE normal cookie.

I made them today with the ingredients I had available. I couldn't find cacao nibs (at Walmart at 2am...) so I just skipped those and added a touch more mini chocolate chips. I couldn't find dark chocolate mini chips so I used regular. Hersey's Special Dark cocoa powder for the fun of it. (Everything else I had)

I don't have a full size food processor so I struggled a bit to get the beans blended, but managed well enough with my $10 mini processor. The bean mixture was really thick and I did struggle to get it out of the mini processor and mixed properly with the egg mixture, but overall I managed well enough.

You really do need to use a spray oil on the wax paper or they will stick. I didn't have any available and skipped pouring oil on the paper and spreading it around, so the cookies stuck to the paper... I had to kinda eat them off the paper. Yes it was very cute. :P Suuuure.

Cook time was about 5 minutes less for me in my gas oven.

Anyhow, these cookies were AWESOME! I couldn't believe it. I ordered his cookbook called Now Eat This. (it wasn't at GC Walmart at 2am so I just ordered online) I can't wait to try more of his recipes, especially the brownies! (you can find that recipe by googling for it if you want)

I'm also going to try finding the cacao nibs, will probably end up ordering those online too.

These cookies are like a miracle to me. I really do have a huge weakness for cookies. I worked at a sandwich shop for 3 years and they have awesome cookies, but it is a major part of how I starting gaining weight and quickly.

I'm going to experiment with this recipe and see if I can make a plain chocolate chip cookie. I can tell you one thing for sure though this is going to become something I make on a regular basis. I mean they are cookies, but they are beans! It's like a meal! Beans and egg whites - get some proper dark chocolate in there and it's a healthy dessert too.

I am SAVED from cookie demise! Thank you Rocco Dispirito!

High Rotation - My Personal Playlist

2010-04-03T08:52:00.002-05:00

In no particular order here's what's popular on my playlist lately:

Ke$ha (her album is EXCELLENT! Go BUY it. I'm singling her out because she's more than you'd expect.)
Black Eyed Peas
LMFAO
Miranda Lambert
Lights
Owl City
Lady Gaga

Some of the other stuff that I've been playing quite a bit but not as much as the list above:

Paramore
Lady Sovereign
Ludacris
La Roux - Bulletproof
Ladyhawke - My Delirium

My playlist is generally Pop heavy, I think mostly because I get 4 hours of Country every Monday to Friday on Q97 versus 2 hours Monday to Friday on Z98. ;)

What's in your heavy rotation?

2010 Resolution Update

2010-02-15T20:04:00.012-06:00

Listen to the audio version of this blog.

Click here to read my first resolution blog of 2010.

I am not well on my way to achieving my 2010 goals, but all is not lost. I still have time, and I even remember what 2 out the 3 goals were when I wrote my resolution blog at the beginning of the year.

1. Pay Off Visa

This is the goal I think about most often, and the one I feel I'm still most likely to achieve even with limited success so far.
Current Balance: $881.52
Current Minimum Payment: $19 (11.7% APR)
To Pay Off by January 1, 2011 Minimum Payment: $90 per month (that's up from $81 when I first decided to make this a goal)

2. Eat More Vegetables

This is the goal I forgot about... Kind of! My crappy diet is something I'm always thinking about but often ignore. I specifically chose to focus on eating more vegetables to simplify the goal of "eat better". Instead of focusing on switching every bad food I eat for a good food I want to attack the goal differently by incorporating one segment of a larger goal and inadvertantly achieving the bigger goal in the process.
Thinking about adding more vegetables to my diet is a lot less stress inducing than thinking about all the chocolate I shouldn't have eaten or can't eat anymore of. My progress on this goal is slim to none. I am trying to journal my food at least twice a week on Sparkpeople.com. I used to log my food everyday but I fell out of that habit a while ago and I'm trying to build it back into my routine. I will journal one day I feel I've done well, and one day I know is not going so well. That way I'll really know if my idea of a good day is all that good and see what kind of damage I've done on a bad day.

3. Fit into a smaller bridesmaid dress than last time.

I am not succeeding at this goal. I LOVE going to Project Fitness, I LooooOOovve the workouts. My trainer is excellent. I am just not consistently going. It's a shame. I can change it, but I need to focus hard on changing my routine and using work time for work. Then winding down at least 8 hours before getting up for the day and going to my noon Pfit class.
Simple as that. Just have to make it happen.
I have sacrificed sleep and/or a good breakfast to make it to class. The results are not good. The workouts are very intense and when I sacrifice sleep and fuel to get there I get sick and then feel like a whiner-drama queen. For this goal I will focus on getting a good nights sleep with at least 8 hours before heading to Project Fitness.

The Bottom Line:

Each paycheck I will pay $45 (or more) toward my visa.
I will make vegetables the "star" when thinking about meals.
I will focus to make sleep a priority.

Valentine Love Music Mega Mix - Part 2

2010-02-12T23:58:00.005-06:00

You did such a great job saying your I Love You's to your Valentines on Z98 this week. Thank you for making the show so much fun! :)

Monday and Tuesday's playlist is in the previous blog. Check it out.

Wednesday February 10th, 2010
Mix1
Owl City - If My Heart Was a House
Paramore - crushcrushcrush and My Heart
Black Eyed Peas - Missing You

Mix2
We The Kings - Secret Valentine
Sixpence None the Richer - Kiss Me
David Archuleta - Crush
Colbie Caillat - Fallin' For you

Thursday February 11th, 2010
Adam Sandler - Grow Old With You
Cobra Starship - Three Times a Lady
Mozella - Love is Something
The Bird and the Bee - My Love
Jason Castro - Let's Just Fall in Love Again

Friday February 12, 2010
Amy Winehouse - Cupid
Snoop Dogg - Sensual Seduction
Natasha Beddingfield - Love Like This
Jason Mraz - I'll Melt With You (50 First Dates Soundtrack)
Butch Walker - You Belong With Me (a Taylor Swift Cover)

Happy Valentine's Day!

-Carissa

Valentine Love Music Mega Mix

2010-02-10T15:33:00.003-06:00

This week I've been taking your calls so you can have a special message aired on Z98 for your Valentine. Here's the music I've played so far this week. Hope you've enjoyed so far. Today I've got another couple mixes I think you're going to like and Thursday, Friday will be ultra special since we'll be doing Children's Miracle Network programming.

(I'm also going to be outside your Walmart from 10am-1pm collecting your donations. Thursday at the Garden City location and Friday at the Dodge City location.)

Monday February 8th, 2010
Mix1
Ke$ha - Your Love Is My Drug
Mika - Love Today
Leighton Meester (Feat. Robin Thicke) Somebody To Love

Mix2
Angel Taylor - Like You Do
Hellogoodbye - Oh, It Is Love
Adele - Make You Feel My Love
Rilo Kiley - Give a Little Love
Jay Sean - Down (Candlelight remix)

Tuesday February 9th, 2010
Mix1
Lady Gaga - Alejandro
Michael Buble - Haven't Met You Yet
Mary J. Blige (Feat. T.I.) Good Love

Mix2
Lights - Drive My Soul
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Say Hey (I Love You)
The Bird and the Bee - Love Letter to Japan

I buy my music on iTunes. I like buying one track at a time. :) Makes me feel like I have more of the music I want and less fluff. :) And I can sample something new without investing a ton of money in something I'm not sure I'll like.

How do you get your music?

Crappy Customer Service Costs More

2010-01-12T02:07:00.004-06:00

(I was going to audio blog this like usual, but A. I sounded very annoyed and will save you from hearing so much negativity you can read it and interpret the level of vexation! B. my website reached the bandwidth capacity for the first time in the 5+ years I've run it. Wow, must be that Ke$ha song. haha!)

I'm usually pretty easy going... and generally find it easy to NOT be critical of crappy customer service. I chalk it up to them having a long day, or they just don't realize or whatever. But lately I've had some of the crummiest customer service at just about every place I've been lately.

And it is NOT because they are having a long day or they're just not realizing they're missing something... it's absolutely because they are lazy, uncaring and unconcerned with doing. their. job! It's as if they really don't want me to come back. I'm a major pain in their neck with no ability in padding their wallet.

I don't expect backward cartwheels. I'd just like it if you paid some attention.

I'm really concerned that I'm going to become a customer service psycho! Gosh I hate those people! Please don't make me do it!!!

As much as I'd love to sit here and hammer out all the ways that customer service has ticked me off lately, I won't. You've probably experienced it all yourself and don't need to hear every moan and groan from me but the last few months your customer service has sucked. Please fix it.

And... to the girl at that one place... who saw a $0.00 tip on the credit card receipt and then suddenly changed her super nicey nice (fake) vibe into a totally annoyed one. GET REAL!! We left cash on the table! More than you deserved even after you held us hostage waiting for our bill while you socialized with your friend... we gave the benefit of the doubt! You can bet your bottom dollar I'll remember you next time... You won't remember me but I'll remember you. ARrrgg you suck.

*sigh*

I wish I didn't care... I don't want to be so negative and nasty...

Thanks for stopping by. Share your stories of crappy customer service.

My next blog will be much happier! Promise! :)

2010 Resolutions

2010-01-02T09:09:00.007-06:00

Listen to the audio version of this blog. (sorry... I'm kinda sick right now, but I tried...)

Setting goals are important and all that jazz.

There are a couple things that I think are really important when you set goals. These are generally things I've picked up on while reading articles on how to achieve goals, so they may not be anything new to you either.

First, be specific about your goals. Simply saying "I want to lose weight" is not enough.
Second, figure out a way to measure your success. "I want to eat more vegetables" that's nice, but how much more?

I've decided on 3 goals. I don't want to commit to too much so that I actually have a chance at success.

1. Pay off Visa card.

I actually should focus on a different card with a higher rate of interest, but the balance due on that card is much higher and feels impossible for the moment. On top of that, I've been making little to no headway on all my cards for a long time... so paying off one will feel like a huge accomplishment. I know I can pay off my Visa with a current balance of $907.
Current Minimum Payment: $20 (11.7% APR)
Payment needed to pay off in less than one year: $81 per month
Credit Card Repayment Calculator
Spending on this card won't be a problem because the account is already closed. Which is a stupid story I won't bore you with, but bottom line is, Wells Fargo lost a loyal customer that day.

2. Eat more vegetables (and less meat)

It is really easy to make meal after meal with not a single vegetable! (At a Mexican restaurant the other day I had rice, beans and chicken in red sauce with a dab of guacamole and some shredded lettuce.) I want to eat a more balanced diet including a vegetable at every meal including breakfast, sometimes. I will log my food at SparkPeople.com (it's free, check it out)

3. Fit into a smaller bridesmaid dress than last time.

I've gained weight since Ashley's wedding September 2008. Now my sister Beth is getting married October 2010. And while I'd like to be at my goal weight by then, it's just not a realistic goal. I will need to lose a minimum of 35 pounds. Eating more vegetables will help me achieve this because my diet will probably get better over time altogether. Keeping a steady exercise routine at Project Fitness and home workouts. Once the weather warms up again biking to work and doing C25K training will help too. I will log my meals and exercise at SparkPeople.com.

I'm going to try to blog at least once a week here so I'll keep you updated on how I'm doing.

More Blogging in 2010

2009-12-28T22:36:00.001-06:00

Even if no one reads or understands my blogs it's a good creative release so I'm going to try to blog once a week minimum in 2010.

Talk to you soon!

Driving a Race Car This Saturday!

2009-09-10T19:57:00.003-05:00

Listen to the audio version of this blog.

Listen to my interview with Ed Beckley from Dodge City Raceway Park.
How fast will I go?
What should I wear?
Do I have a chance to win at all?

To all my competitors: "You're goin' DOWNNNNN!!" Woooo!

What Drives You? Join me in a 5k run?

2009-08-21T20:28:00.001-05:00

Listen to the audio version of this blog.

HI!? It's been a while!

I'll start by saying my garden looks TOTALLY different now than it looks in my previous post! I'll have to get a new picture up!

I don't think I have ever blogged about weight loss here before because I usually save that topic for my SparkPeople.com blog readers, but maybe you'll be interested enough just this once. :)

I have been struggling with my weight for a long time. Sometimes half heartily sometimes whole heartily and sometimes I attempt not to struggle at all and just ignore the problem.

I am excited to get to go to Mexico this coming December (108 days from when I type this) and I wish I could say that the vacation is enough to get me into a workout frenzy to make sure I'm as beach ready as I can be, but not so. I do have an idea of something that could get me feeling the urgency. Signing up for a 5k run (or many)!

To my own surprise there are runs scheduled within my area of Southwest Kansas! So I'm going to sign up for something... Not sure which ones yet so that's why I'm blogging about it. Can you suggest any runs in Southwest Kansas? And is there any chance you'd want to join me? Whether it be running the actual 5k or just training for it.

If your interested please leave a comment or get a hold of me otherwise and I'll open up a message board on Sparkpeople.com so we have a place to gather our team up.

I googled and found this website runningintheusa.com for Kansans. I was thinking about the Jingle Bell Run in Dodge City on November 22nd.

I'm really out of shape. I want to change that, so I figured it'd be a pretty good challenge! :)

To train I'm using the C25K program on coolrunning.com but I make it easier and run to a music track made by a guy named Robert Ullrey. He breaks into the music each week to tell you when to run and when to go back to walking. Makes it a whole lot easier than watching a stop watch!

So, do ya wanna run with me?

Do you know if there are any charity runs that benefit Fibromyalgia? (does that fall into the arthritis category??) I don't know a lot of about the disease, but it's one that I'd like to run for if it's supported...

Take that Rabbit!!

2009-05-06T18:10:00.007-05:00

Listen to the audio version of this blog.

If I owned a BB gun I'd camp out and wait... k, I'm all talk... but I'm still in a bad mood about my plant!!

I got this gorgeous red pepper plant on Saturday from the Home Depot ... I also bought zucchini, yellow squash and two tomato plants because almost none of my darn seedlings made it through the 50 mph gusting wind a few weeks ago.

I was so excited to plant these new plants that I went straight home and got to work, filling my tires with grass clippings and then dirt (and some kind of humus/manure dirt thinger???) and I gently pealed back the peat pot and planted my new stuff and even planted some more potatoes too since I had seeds to use up. (I know, tires? Not the most awesome thing to see from my neighbors lawns... so I've done what I can to try to make it look organized... at the least. I've been thinking about painting the white buckets pretty colors but I don't want it to look tacky... *ahem* tackier...)

Anyway I'm still steamed about it... some darn animal (I assume a rabbit) ate my gorgeous red pepper plant!!! Right down to the top of the dirt. It's GONE. Not the wind this time. It was eaten! And that was the only thing eaten! The plant I want to grow the most and it's eaten less than 48 hours after planting!

I bought a new red pepper plant today. AND I bought the green fencing and posts! Nobody's eating my peppers but ME! I'm just bummed because I didn't want to sink any more money into my gardening project... it's reusable for next year though so I'll get over it...

This is not quite the gardening blog I meant to write up weeks ago, but that's what's up with the gardening junk right now.

I made some really awesome (healthy-ish) chocolatey dessert type snacky things this week so I'll blog about that next! :) I have pictures!!

Wordle

2009-04-23T23:23:00.004-05:00

My wordle is made of the words in this blog! :)
Blogger really shrunk down my wordle so check it out in full view by clicking here:

http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/776946/carissasophia.blogspot.com

I saw fox news use something like this but they input a speach Obama made a little while ago. Mines cooler! ;)

Thanks for stopping by.

Carrie Underwood is an EMBARASSMENT to us ALL

2009-04-07T20:54:00.008-05:00

Listen to the audio version of this blog.

Ohhh Pa-lease!

I happened to read this article on yahoo's front page today :
Carrie Underwood Apologizes to Matthew McConaughey for Off-Color Joke

Short and sweet all I'm going to say is... if you didn't actually mean that you do want to "get lucky" with Matthew McConaughey then just laugh it off. It was funny! The audience thought it was funny and I'm sure the audience, Matthew McConaughey and his baby mama can take a joke.

I understand that some folks will find it to be a not that funny joke. But when it boils down to it, gutter brain aside, I'm sure she meant what she said. She wants to see the boots signed by George Strait, what Strait fan wouldn't??

It was funny, but not so funny that it deserves -this much attention-!

Thanks for reading this non-gardening related blog. As promised I'll have a gardening progress blog up soon. Not that I think you're going to be all upset... if you're reading this... whoever is out there... :)

Going to see Lily Allen and The Ting Tings in concert Wednesday and Thursday in Denver this week too, so I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures from that... just another one of my obsessions... Britpop baby!!

Absolute Best Banana Muffins Ever

2009-04-04T06:30:00.005-05:00

Listen to the audio version of this blog.

And that says it all really. You must try this recipe next time you have borderline bananas.

I googled "banana muffins" and this was the second result on my search. The ingredients and instructions for these muffins are so simple that I didn't think they could really be as good as all the reviewers were saying. But I went with the recipe because it's simple with limited ingredients.

I did only two things different: I added a touch of vanilla and used 1/2 cup white flour with 1 cup wheat flour. (I guess technically I did 3 things different, I used margarine instead of real butter)

Another thing I saw was important was not to stir the wet with the dry too much, just enough so I made sure to do that.

I also didn't mash the banana completely to liquid form. I left some pea size chunks of banana. The muffins baked with perfect density not too airy and not a weird mushy gushy blob thunky lump of bread. Just perfect muffins. The picture shown doesn't really do justice.

Check out the recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Banana-Muffins-II/Detail.aspx

Be on the look out for my next blog. I have a draft in the works about my gardening progress! :)

Thanks for reading!

Blizzard Warning Southwest Kansas

2009-03-26T16:21:00.007-05:00

Listen to the audio version of this blog.

It feels like it's been a while since we've seen a good amount of snow. So I'm thinking to myself, what I do I have to do to be prepared... all my seedlings are in the house, is the hose wrapped up? Where's my snow shovel? Are my tires in good shape? Do I need anything before traveling would just be stupid??? Yes! TOILET PAPER!!

The national weather service says:
TRAVEL WILL BE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE AND IS STRONGLY
DISCOURAGED. IF YOU MUST
TRAVEL...CARRY A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT WITH YOU. IF
YOU GET STRANDED...STAY WITH
YOUR VEHICLE.

So I found a few links that can help us prepare if we really really really do need to travel.

Pack a Winter Survival Kit - Just in case!http://www.ksdot.org/offTransInfo/511Info/511WinterStormSurvivalOct2007.pdf

You can also call 511 for road conditions. I was able to access the Kansas road conditions on my Minnesota based cellphone number.

Before you leave the house make sure your cellphone is charged fully and bring a car charger if you have one.

Here is a Coffee Can Winter Survival kit:
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/motorist/winterdriving/survival-kit.htm

And last but not least a Winter Survival Kit inspired by the unfortunate death of James Kim:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Emergency-Car-Survival-Kit/

Keep Safe this weekend! And hopefully we'll see you at the Better Home and Better Living Show this weekend at the Finney County Exhibition Building.

One Hit Wonder Request Line Battle

2009-03-10T20:43:00.013-05:00

Listen to the audio version of this blog.

I'm putting together a One Hit Wonder - Request Line Battle Tournament and I'd love your input for songs and/or artists that should be considered to compete.

I have only ONE REQUIREMENT: Chose a song(s) from the last 10 years. (And the more current the better) Oh yea, and it has to be a Country song.

I'll also say that they don't technically -have- to be a one hit wonder. Just someone or group that you don't hear much of anymore... Maybe they had a couple good songs.

It's your chance to have one of your favorite One Hit Wonders played a couple times, assuming they advance through the tournament. ;)

16 songs will make a good tournament. So think hard. We can start the tournament with as few as two contenders.

For the latest in RLB go to http://www.wksradio.com/rlb

Ukuleles are trendy instruments

2009-02-11T03:53:00.009-06:00

I totally want one. I know they're like the hottest thing in music right now! I've only wanted one for maybe 6 months or so, but I think I totally want one!

I think stringed instruments are the lamest instruments. Except for Ukuleles, cellos, banjo and mandolin, steel guitar is alright and bass guitars are the sexiest of the stringed instruments... and dental floss is ok if you want to get back to your roots... or something.

I guess I really only have beef with the lead guitar... it's such a self-righteous instrument...

I know that I will be a self-righteous Ukulele player though for sure. I know I won't know more than a few bars to a song and I'll be like "Look at me, I play the Ukulele and I'm Awesome!"

Seriously though, I looked up Youtube videos of Ukulele playing and crafting and teaching, but mostly playing, and it's such a cute group of people playing... that I have to join in.

This website was especially helpful: http://ukulelehunt.com and this page in particular: http://ukulelehunt.com/buyaukulele/

The reasons I chose Ukulele is because:

Fun past time
Start a Hobby
It's small so maybe I could actually get my short fingers around it to play...
And on and on.

This is the first song I want to learn. She does such a cute job, I know I won't be so cute, but I'll try.

And I'm pretty sure it won't be as easy as she makes it look.

The Ukulele I found that I think I want is $34. You can even find Ukuleles cheaper, but I like that one.

Can't wait for my tax return! Yay!

25 Things (facebook trendy quiz) took me 3 days...

2009-02-04T20:45:00.006-06:00

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1. I have a big mouth and I'm about to tell you things that I really should keep to myself!!

2. I rarely shave my legs. No, it's not gross. Puss is gross, gangrene is gross. Hair on legs is really not gross.

3. When I was little I wanted to be a body builder when I grew up... then an OB.GYN. or pathologist and when I realized I wasn't quite cut out for that line of work I wanted to be on SNL and when I realized I wasn't dirty minded enough to be on SNL I wanted to go to Seminary school. And then I figured out my real passion -Radio. And you'd be surprised by how much silence I listen to. (I have to give credit to my high school TV Journalism teacher for planting the radio idea in my head) And sometimes I still want to be in body-builder shape.

4. When I looked like this (in red):

I thought I was a little chubby. Now I -wish- I was in that kind of shape.

5. I color and cut my own hair most all the time.

6. I want to be the most famous "Carissa" on the internet.

7. I have a really bad memory... and deep down I think that diet and exercise would help it a lot.

8. If I hadn't been "threatened" by family and signif. others... I'd probably be a freegan by now. I'm fascinated.

9. When I was looking at getting my own website back in 2004-ish I wanted carissa.com but by the time I had my ducks in a row to put up my own site carissa.com was turned into a porn site. That was a bummer. I'm pretty sure it still is, but I'm at work, so I can't check right now. :P

10. I have a thing for Britpop... Lady Sov, Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, Adele, M.I.A. <3<3 I feel like I missing someone.... (three days later... "OH YEA!!! The Ting Tings!!! Duh!")

11. I'm prone to warts, especially on my feet, so I'm particular about clean showers, lots of clean socks and I always rinse my feet well last thing before exiting the shower, and then dry them well and put on socks. I rarely go bare foot, anywhere.

12. I'm addicted to the internet and computer stuff.

13. In January I tried to do a "computer fast" ... that lasted about 5 seconds.

14. I overuse the ellipsis...

15. I've met four internet friends in person, and 3 live in foreign countries.

16. This is day number 2 of working on 25 things about me... I'm going to have to start making things up about myself... (I don't really have any hobbies...)

17. I'm dreaming about buying an iMac with my tax return, plus I'll have to save some extra money too... but I have second thoughts about this daily because I could pay a credit card off instead... but that's so not fun. I'm torn. I want to make cool media type things with a cool computer.

18. I want to run my own at home business doing commercials and radio imaging and narration and whatever else audio recording related stuff that will make me some fun extra money. I try to rationalize my iMac desires by convincing myself I could use the iMac for business... and I have extremely minimal experience with any kind of Mac.

19. I get really zoned out watching TV. You can try to talk to me, but I'm not really there. -Even during commercial breaks. This is why I don't really like watching TV because I can't multi task.

20. I started watching TV to relate to my radio listeners better... I watch <3Heroes<3 and Ugly Betty. Those are 'my shows'. I've gotten into 30 Rock recently and sometimes I watch The Biggest Loser. Usually I watch TV on the internet...

21. I like riding my bike to work. I wear a skating helmet for protection. My bike is pimped out. I have a rear light, a back rack, a front basket and I used to have a front light but it got corroded so now I wear a head lamp. Biking gives me more time to listen to my Britpop.

22. I have a 'double jointed tongue'. You can see for yourself on www.youtube.com/carissav it was the first video I posted, and attracted a few perverts right off the bat. I'm tongue tied too, but I don't have a video of that... maybe I should make one?

23. I've decided if all seven of my siblings get married(1) and have kids(3) before me I'll at least know I didn't rush into things.

24. I use mint.com and quickenonline.com and because of that I know I'm somewhere between $68,588 and 69,742 in debt. Mostly student loans and I'm not sure how 'normal' that is...?

25. I want an aerogarden.

Enough about Money! More about Gardening!

2009-01-22T14:46:00.008-06:00

I talk a lot about money it seems... isn't it constantly on your mind too?

Well, the last few weeks I've been trying to spend a little less time putzing around on my computer and more time being productive. I've made lists of things that I need to do, and stuff that I'd like to start working on.

And this warm Southwest Kansas "Winter" is getting me thinking about gardening again!

Last year I wasted money on a gardening project I never followed through on. This year is going to be different. You can find out how to do just about ANYTHING on YouTube! Seriously.

This year I'm going to plant a small garden, maybe 4-5 different veggies. I will plant potatoes (if I get all the details worked out), tomatoes, maybe some bell peppers, not sure what else... maybe some kind of bean??? or a hot pepper???

Being a renter planting a garden would typically be out of the question. I've thought about asking the landlord if it would be ok to start a small garden. But nah, not gonna ask, because I'm going to try a different kind of garden!!

My potato garden will be completely contained in a stacking tire system or a different similar material if I can't get my hands on some old tires. Tomatoes and other veggies I'll grow in an upside down hanging method! Cheap and easy. And no need for digging up anything. :)

I'm excited and I will learn everything I need to know about these kinds of gardens by watching YouTube videos!! W00t!

I'll keep you updated... of course that might be a while from now... since it's still "winter" and all...

Online (high yield) Savings

2009-01-06T22:54:00.004-06:00

I saw a TV commercial for HSBC direct while in bed. Got up and straight to the computer. What's the big deal with online only savings accounts? (HSBC or ING or FNBO)

Yes, the interest rate is better. Six to eight times (2.5% vs. .42%) your average local bank savings account interest rate. It's obvious why the rate is that much better, but I want to know more about the process of an online only savings account.

I want an online savings account.

My savings will be modest, but $20 per month saved is better than... $0!

So, any thoughts on the companies? I've looked into a few just briefly. I want a savings account with Bill Pay and Debit Card options. Minimum start up deposit should be $1. Higher the interest the better, but I'm not interested in shuffling savings chasing a better rate. 2.5% -ish would be great. I don't want to deal with early withdrawl fees, but I'd allow my money to be 'held hostage' for a max of one year. Unlimited free transactions (and reimbursements for ATM fees is a bonus).

Ultimately I want a savings account with a great rate and the added bonus of checking account features (just in case).

I'll keep looking into my options but your comments and suggestions are appreciated.

I'll let you know what I come up with.

Resolution Strategy: in 3 words

2009-01-05T19:58:00.009-06:00

The great thing about Twitter is, I don't feel obligated to read, word for word, what every person I follow is thinking or doing. So if I'm behind in reading tweets I scan over them for things that pop out at me.

Today I caught a link to a blog with an idea on how to attack your new years resolution. Cool I thought. I'm going to attempt at accomplishing my many goals with three words. http://www.chrisbrogan.com/your-3-goals-for-2009/
His idea really simplifies an overwhelming feat to tackle lots of 2009 goals. And he's used this strategy for the past few years.

I've come up with my three words:

Save. Pay. Finish.

Save:

Save time
Save money
Save memories
Save the environment
Save the drama for yo' mama
Save my computer
Save for a new computer
Save your excuses
Save my health
Save my breath

Pay:

Pay attention
Pay with cash
Pay down debts
Pay it forward
Pay a visit

Finish:

Finish what you've started
Finish "unpacking"
Finish work daily
Finish with a bang
Finish for a fresh start
Finish strong
Finish with forward momentum

These three words quickly got my brain churning. This is the start of a list I expect could be pages and pages long by the end of 2009.

Yet, I'm not overwhelmed in the slightest. All I have to do is apply these three words to my everyday. If I'm thinking about doing something that doesn't fit in with any of these words then maybe it's not worth doing. I can evaluate and move on.

What three words apply to you?

Champagne or Beer Budget

2008-12-15T23:33:00.003-06:00

Ok! Before you judge me... I should clarify... I don't currently live a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget... but I am trying to recover from when I probably was... My debt to income ratio isn't awesome, but like everybody, I'm working on managing it. Read on for my take on some online financial tools I've been using.

In serious need to evaluate my spending on wants vs. needs I scoured the Internet for tools that would help me keep better track of my spending.

There are credit and loan calculators that'll tell you to input your Balance, Minimum Payment and Interest Rate and it'll tell you how much you'll pay in the by paying the minimum. Those are handy, but I needed something I could log into daily to look over my spending and evaluate the direction I'm headed.

If you need that kind of guidance, right now I'm a part of 2 websites: http://www.mint.com/ which I've been a member of since April-ish 2008 and just this past mid November I became a member at Quicken.intuit.com .

Best thing is, they are both FREE services!

My financial position is fairly average (for a single childless female). I have a steady job, I have credit debt and student loans. I don't have any kind of investments, car loans, or mortgages but both of these websites are great tools for me, and can be to you even if you do have a more complicated financial lifestyle.

Before you sign up! I will tell you that you should look into the services thoroughly and decide for yourself if you feel they are reputable companies because they BOTH ask for information that most outlets will tell you to never give up. These sites ask for log-in info to your banks online service. That is how all of your financial info is gathered up and displayed in one place.

I have had no problem as of yet with either company. Personally I feel my information is secure, but please look into it for yourself.

I really like using both services, and while it is probably not necessary to use two competing services because they ultimately are doing the same exact thing, there are little features from each that I like. I'll give you a couple examples.

What I like about Mint.com

"Trend" reporting is better, I like the pie chart better, aesthetically and functionally. Overall, to me, Mint.com is more aesthetically pleasing.
Comparison spending, you can compare your spending to others in your state, the United States, or choose from many large cities across the country. I like to compare my Fuel and Food spending habits especially.
"Ways To Save" this will give you ideas and options on ways to get lower interest rates on debt, higher rates on savings and so on. This feature so far hasn't benefited me at all, but probably because of my debt amounts and credit score. So I look forward to seeing that feature become useful.

What I like about Quicken

Text message alerts are very customizable and Quicken offers more options than Mint does. (Quicken is also on http://www.twitter.com/ although, to be fair I haven't searched for Mint.com there)(edit: Just found Mint on Twitter too)
The front page shows "What's Left" until your next paycheck and your risk of having a low balance and overdraft. And there's a "view chart" option that forecasts into your next paycheck future to try to show you what you'll have left after your typical spending.
Transactions section offers an "Upcoming Transactions" category, so you can schedule things you know are coming up and it can show you your potential balance after that transaction(s). It will load many of your recurring expenses automatically and input the average debit. It is customizable and quite enlightening.

I could go on an on about both services, and I'm going to use both for a while and if one outshines the other dramatically I may cut back to just one account.

One feature neither company offers, and is incredibly irritating... Cash Accounts. Neither offer a good way to track any cash that you spend. So if you take $60 out at the ATM and give $20 as a gift use $20 to buy a card and other miscellaneous and hold onto $20 for dinner and drinks later there is little to no way of tracking this cash. There are things you can do to distinguish how to spent it, by 'splitting' transactions with mint.com or with notes or tags... but it's a hassle to split the transaction and still have it incorporated with your bank rather than an 'envelope account'. Possibly a more valid argument is, let's say you owe your grandma money she lent you for car repairs (or whatever) Tracking balance owed to your grandma is impossible with these services, so you can't track the money that you paid back to her efficiently either. Pen and paper works, sure, but how can you get a full scope of your spending if you can't manually manage this account online??? RARG.

That's really my only complaint truthfully, I'll keep using the services whether or not they have that feature, but the one that does add it, wins!

(actually I found out about Quicken's online version through a Mint.com message board I was searching to find out if I could track cash through mint.com, on the message board users have been requesting this addition for about a year and obviously it hasn't happened. One user pointed out that with competition (Quicken and others ie: Rudder.com, Wesabe.com and Yodlee.com) now offering free services and choices it's a wonder there is no cash account option...)

Just found this link... so click it for a more comprehensive comparison of Mint and Quicken : http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20081015-hands-on-mint-com-vs-quicken-online.html.

I realize this blog is incredibly long, and applaud you for getting to the end.

(I began working on this entry on 11/25/08 if that explains the length...)

Bankrupt this, Bailout that

2008-12-08T20:22:00.004-06:00

How do you help cuts costs at work?

Seems like everybody has to tighten their belts a notch or three... so how can you help your business or employer prevent from the Too Little Too Late scenario we're seeing happen quite a bit the last few weeks.

Or is it too little too late already? Could your job be at risk and if you could turn back time what would you change?

Lots of offices use lots of paper... is going "paperless" a possibility? Which will also save lots of toner, and probably a little electricity too.
Do you use a space heater at work that you could do without? Do you turn off a light and open a window?

If you have any ideas for cutting costs or saving money in your personal life I'd love to hear about that too.

Personally, I've been collecting pop cans. It doesn't add up to -that- much, but it does add up over time. Last time I made a drop off aluminum was 50cents a pound.

I also started actively using Upromise.com to help pay my college loans. Please shop through my online link to help me out (just click and search): http://www.upromise.com/guest/2981031749

What kinds of changes are you making?

I'm excited to post a blog I've been working on for a while... it'll give you great ideas for keeping track of your personal budget. Look for that coming soon. (It's a long read right now, so I'm going to tighten it up and then I'll let you have at it!)

Thanks for reading!

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

2008-12-05T18:24:00.011-06:00

Compiling a quick list of gift ideas for you, if you're having a hard time figuring out what to get someone who has everything, says they want nothing, or you don't know well enough to get them something you know they would want (like a co-worker gift exchange).

Gifts for any age, male or female.

Are you cold or do you know someone who is cold? Why not GetSnuggie? Yes, it's a blanket with sleeves... and yes, some may think it's cheesy... but it could be the perfect gift for the cold blooded. (I don't know that a -Manly man would like it, but a boy might...)

Pillow Talk for someone special... Some like to fall asleep with background noise, some can't fall asleep with background noise... Everyone can fall to dreamy sleep with this Pillow.

Watch your change add up with this Digital Coin Counter. Fun gift for all ages. Really adults like it too! And kids can get excited about learning to count and save money. Browse around, they offer Piggy style ones and different colored ones for kids too. OU!! Check out this awesome one for the car cupholder!! (browse that site a little bit, and you'll find golfball/baseball/football digital bank(s) too!) I totally want the car cupholder one! hint hint... ;)

For girls-women...

I recently got this for my birthday and I LOVE it! Mine was from Coastalscents.com and they even gave me a free sample eyeshadow too! This is the 88 Ultra Shimmer Palette, it's about $24. plus shipping. I first learned about this palette watching this YouTube.com video.

There's a list to get you started... Leave your comments on some of your last minute gift ideas! Merry X-mas!

I'm a Scorpio, just barely...

2008-11-20T06:10:00.005-06:00

Today is my B-day. Woo! That makes me just barely a Scorpio, but a Scorpio is a Scorpio is a Scorpio! ;)

Yesterday I got a very nice gift from a co-worker. :) My Scorpio Sister. Her Birthday is today too.

I try not to make too big-a-deal of my birthday... and I suppose the older I get the less big-a-deal I'll make of it...

I got an email from Sparkpeople.com for my birthday...

I like it... and then it makes me think of the past year... Not everything that I wanted to make happen did I. And the one thing I want most and need most, I didn't commit enough to. And on top of that, I -could have- completed my weight loss goal and been on a maintenance routine.
I won't dwell on it. I won't 'hope to lose weight' because then I'm waiting for something or someone else to do the work for me.

I'm ready for another year of 'making things happen'. Or even 'fakin' it til I make it' a little closer.

And now I'm ready for a birthday nap. ;)

New Website Stuff

2008-11-10T19:41:00.000-06:00

SUPER RADIO AUCTION Check out a partial list of items available during the Super Radio Auction that we'll hold November, 15th. The preview starts at 8am. Bidding starts at 9am.

New pictures are up from the United Wireless Text Master Contest! We've also got some slightly lengthy videos up on youtube. See yourself possibly!

If you're not signed up for Free Text Alerts from your favorite radio station yet.... what are you waiting for??? Sport Scores, Daily and Severe Weather, Secret Contests... Pick and choose what you want to be alerted to. We're excited to bring you this service for free. (your service provider charges will apply though)

Transitioning from one sport to the next so keep your eye out, we'll have updated schedules posted for you so you know when to listen for your favorite local team.

Last but not least. Q Jocks will be updating their bio pages and contact info. I'll let you know when that happens.

Talk to you again soon.
-Carissa

Back from Vaca, Back to Business

2008-11-06T18:41:00.000-06:00

No matter how awesome the vacation... it's always good to be back home. Back to normal routine...

First night on the boat (correction: ship! ;) ) was a woozy one. I'm sure the 2 glasses of champagne didn't help much. Then Joey and I went to the company cocktail party... we were excited to get drink on the company's bill... I sipped on one Bahama Mama... I couldn't finish it, we were in the Viking Crown Lounge and that's the 14th floor... the very top of the ship, and that made things more woozy. hehe

Nassau was the first stop and it was just as windy as Kansas... but the temperature was nice. When we got off the ship we were bombarded with locals trying to sell us taxi rides and tours and scooter rentals and hair braiding! It was nutty... I got hustled... Tell you about that in a second though...
Nassau was pretty neat, Joey and I walked around together checking out shops and picking up little souvenirs here and there. We went to Senor Frogs, the public beach and even Haagen Daz. While checking out Bay Street a guy asked us "You guys gonna party tonight?!" I was like "Woo ya! We're gonna party!" He said "I've got weed, coke..." I chuckled "Oh Man! Not -that- kind of party!" I'm so naive! Why did I even chat with him at all. :P
Later a man waiting along with us to cross the street said "Are you an American citizen?" I said "yea" he said "Are you going to vote for Barack Obama???" I giggled and said "Oh well, I don't know, I suppose I might... are you going to vote for him?" He said "I pray for him every day that he'll win, that Palin lady is a wacko" we laughed along with him... Neat to hear some one's perspective like that.
On the way back to the ship in Nassau Joey and I were prepared to be harassed by the locals for cab rides and more hair braiding... As we walked I saw a group of three girls approach the ladies in front of us and get rejected... I was ready to reject them too, but the one with the huge colorful beehive tricked me and quickly put a cheap and cheesy bracelet in my hand as I was walking... she put one in Joey's hand too and said 'no one leaves the Bahama's without a souvenir. I thought "cool, bye!" and she followed us and told us some story as we were walking about the disabled kids who made the bracelets and could use a donation. I thought "CRAP!!" so I reached in my bag... I had $13 and I wasn't giving her the $10 even though she said she could make change, I pulled out just the $3 as she was saying that usually people give at least $5. I handed it to her and said "that's all I have." She asked Joey for money, he said he had no cash and then she said "alright well we'll just take this one back then" and took the bracelet back from Joey. LOL. It was funny and irritating all at once. I was in a little bit of shock at how fast it all happened...

Next Port of Call: CoCo Cay (aka Little Stirrup Cay) A Beach Day. Joey and I hung out quite a bit... so we went Kayaking together on CoCo Cay (which is the commercial name of the island, if you want to look it up on the map look up Little Stirrup Cay). It was a simple Kayak journey... out a ways from the shoreline, then park a little ways down on a different part of shoreline, then back to the starting point. While we were parked we saw a really big Star Fish and a member of the Conch family shell fish. Also another shell creature... can't remember the name of it, but she said that Sponge Bob Square Pants has this animal as a character... a snail type that only pokes it's eyeball-tentacles out of the shell... Similar to picture. The tour guide also yelled for our attention as a sting ray swam under us on the way back to the main beach. I bought a severely overpriced water camera so when i can come up with a few bucks I'll get the camera developed and post those pictures... I'm hoping I got a picture of the sting ray... barely.
After Kayaking we had a BBQ lunch and then hung out in a hammock! Super relaxing. Somehow I even got a little burn on my back while in the shade... I used sunscreen for my face and arms! (heart) Sunscreen!

Last Port of Call: Key West! I think that Key West was my favorite day. Joey and I went on Lloyd's Original Bike Tour. I won't talk much about it here because I'll have plenty of video of it and I'll link that up later. It was a great time! Really fun, and Lloyd is a comedian! Or at least, funny!
After the bicycle tour we went to Margaritaville. I got Conch soup and some fries... the fries were sooo tasty and the soup was super good too. I also got some kind of blue margarita. Joey had a regular margarita and a Cheeseburger in Paradise, of course! We walked around to shop a little... ran across a curb side bar and got a Strawberry Daiquiri Slushy in a souvenir cup. Delish! Then got turned around and started freaking out because we thought we could miss the ship. We hustled back, to figure out we were fine... there'd be an hour before we set sail! :P

The trip was a lot of fun... I don't think I have any real regrets, except for that I didn't actually try the Conch Fritters that were everywhere... every time I thought to get some it was bad timing... Next time... If there is a next time. :P

I've got some great pictures up at a couple different places and eventually I'll have video too.

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I think that'll wrap things up for now. Thanks for reading!

Cruisin' to Key West

2008-10-23T20:13:00.000-05:00

View Larger Map

Try this link if you can't see the google map, or you want to see the pictures and stuff that I'll mention later in the blog.

What you're looking at is the directions to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.

I was lucky enough to win a cruise from my employer and I decided to take Joey from The Late Show as my guest. So lucky him too!! He wants to go to Margaritaville, so I've mapped it out. Because we'll also be going to Sebago Watersports and we won't have time to waste to get from one to the next.

The cruise will also include stops at Nassau and CoCo Cay, Bahamas and it leaves from Miami and arrives back in Miami.

I'm excited that I finally have a camera so plan on seeing tons of pictures! I'm even going to grab an 8G SD card so I make sure I have room for video too. Can you believe that they make 8G SD cards now... and it's just 35 bucks! I remember when my first SD card was 30 bucks for 256MB!!

I'll tell you what... I love Google Maps. I was actually able to look down the road through a webcam 360 view of the street that Margaritaville is on. So I'm sure I'll be able to find it because I know what the surrounding area looks like. I googled a picture of the front of Margaritville and just looked for that in the google maps webcam! And you can even post pictures of places, historical buildings or of certain beaches and link them on the google map.

Anyway. Other than those couple of plans I think I'll play the rest of the trip by ear... a floating beach mat for rent all day at ten bucks sounds very nice... even the giant water slide would be great! :)

A Glass Bottom Boat ride will be cool if I'm too scared to snorkel at Sebago...

Anyway, I think that'll be it for now. Thanks for reading. TTYS.