Batteries and puddles and feline hair loss...oh my

I don't have one subject to focus on for today's blog, so I think I'm just going to do a little random blog-rambling /ranting.

I seem to be having a rough week. First, Sunday night, after returning home from an awesome lunch date with Morgan of www.LifeAfterBagels.com and Andie http://andieasawriter.blogspot.com/ at Fresh in Toronto, my battery in my car dies. No reason, I've just drained it a few times and it gave up. So just over $100 later and a visit from the CAA truck, we have a new battery.

Monday, all but 1 of my clients cancelled. It was obviously that last client of the day that kept the appointment. Thankfully, or i would have made no money at all. (focusing on the positive, it gave me a chance to help show around our new staff member and give him some training.)

Tuesday, the rain came. Normally I love storms. I love listening to the rain. Well, now that I own a home with a wet basement, not a big fan!! Rollin and I ran behind for our appointments and such due to a very large puddle that formed in the basement coming from the wall behind the water heater. It isn't as bad as it seemed when I discovered it. It seems I have a tendency to over react. AKA a puddle is not a flood.

The most disturbing problem I've come across this week is that my cat is losing her hair. At first it looked like she was losing weight, which is understandable, the cats are getting a lot more exercise. I noticed a patch missing by her tail on Monday when she walked past. Then as she walked away I noticed that she was also missing fur from her tail and back paws, making her appear really thin. Yesterday she was sucky so I was able to inspect her further. I don't know what is causing it, she could be stressed from the move and just reacting now. Someone mentioned it could be fleas and she is having a severe reaction, so I tested her for fleas using the methods taught on the good old internet. No fleas.

So I have to take her to the vet and I want to be optimistic but I'm really quite scared I'm going to lose my baby. She was my gift to go along with my marriage proposal from Rollin. We picked her name before we even picked her out. She was purring like crazy in her cage and when it was opened she jumped out at us to cuddle. I hope my pretty Perogi is feelin gbetter soon and its nothing too serious.



Perogi is the kittie on the right, Parker is on the left.

weather cravings

Its getting chilly, and its been raining all day. All I could think of was coming home and having some hearty flavourful SOUP. The only problem was that I didn't know what type of soup I wanted. I automatically cooked up some pearl barley because its a staple comfort food. (even great for breakfast, yum.) I could eat soup all year round, and I do, but usually I go crazy for soups in the fall and winter.

I decided to ransack the canned foods: chick peas, romano beans, crushed tomatos.

I don't have photos, this process happened faster than I expected.

SOOOOO I cooked the barley.
Then I strained the chick peas and added it to the olive oil on the bottom of the pan. I added a premixed tikka misala, cayenne pepper and black pepper. After letting the chick peas get hot and full of flavour. I added the rinsed romano beans, crushed tomatoes, a can of water, 2 cloves of garlic and let it cook. BLEND. Add previously cooked barley. EAT. remember to take a photo half way through the bowl. Eat more.



What food cravings do you get this time of the year?? Do your craving correspond with weather?

premiere time

Ok so it began last week. Thursday was the Vampire Diaries, last night was Parenthood. Soon my schedule will literally revolve around my favourite shows, or at least around recording them to watch later. So I suppose its a good thing that I have almost reached my goal of 26 books.

The other week, when the Emmys were one, there was a commercial to tell me when Grey's Anatomy was coming back. I actually scheduled it into my blackberry calender. At least I can admit it.

Are you excited about fall programming on tv? what shows are you most excited about?
I'm a fan of House, HIMYM, Biggest Loser, Parenthood, Modern Family, Cougar Town, Vampire Diaries, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practive (thursdays are busy), Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters. I'm trying not to add any show to my list of shows I watch, its quite the committment. Maybe once I figure out how to use the internet to watch a lot of these shows, I'll be better off or perhaps I should get a PVR.

september and I'm almost there...

So I've tried very hard to maintain all my resolutions from this year. http://asking-cookeatreadpaint.blogspot.com/2010/01/happy-new-blog.html

I haven't gotten very far on the paintings, but hey I threw in buying a house and painted some walls instead. I haven't been the greatest blogger, but I'm taking inspiration from some of my favourite bloggers as to how to go about it. Time to shout out to Morgan @ lifeafterbagels.com because I enjoy her blogging style.

My year of being vegan, which began at the end of last fall in exception to the shrimp on Christmas eve and a few accidental moments inbetween has been a journey. I think that after this year I will still remain mainly vegan, but I think I will introduce local farm eggs and seafood back into my diet soon and on an occasional basis.

One goal I have almost finished has been my goal to read 26 books in 2010. Its mid-September and oh my, I'm on book 24 and 25. I started 2. I really shouldn't do that, it makes me try and read faster than I already do and I get a headache, seriously, its a sick addiction once I get going.

So there is my update on my goals, I would love some feedback on blogging. Should I talk more food, more books. Should I review the books I've read this year?