Let's Craft Something!

Ugh, we finally got out router problem fixed.  We tried using a few other routers from my tech-savvy uncle, but no dice.  We did discover it wasn't the modem, which kind of sucks because then it would have been our power company's issue since we technically rent it from them.  But anyway, one huge headache and a new router later, I have internet again.


Unfortunately, the router issue isn't the only bummer we've had.  Our outside dog of 9 or so years, Harley, had to make an emergency vet visit.  He just wouldn't get up last Saturday.  The vet said he apparently had a stroke; he didn't think he would be able to get back up because he's such a big dog.  (He's a Border Collie/Great Pyrenees mix.)  That wasn't his only issue, but it was the most life-threatening.  The vet called the next morning to say that he wasn't getting up, but about fifteen minutes later, he called back saying that he did get up.  We brought him home on Monday and have been keeping an eye on him for any signs that he needs to go back.

We know with so many issues, it's just a matter of time, but he's still there.  If he had a vacant or pained look in his eyes, it would be an easier decision.  But that's not the case.  He still looks like a puppy -- just happy and loving in his eyes.  He looks like he's not ready to go.

Anyway, let's get off of these depressing topics...

Did you guys get to check out the meteor shower on the 10th through 13th?  I got two good nights of star gazing out of it; it was pretty cloudy the rest of the time.  We saw some that were so big that they looked like missiles!  Huge orange comet-like tail and everything!  I was so amazed.


Remember my huge upgrade from the Droid R2D2 to the Galaxy S4?  My mom just made an even bigger upgrade due to dropping her phone in a pool.  (The bag of rice trick didn't work.  I guess it had been too long or it was just beyond repair.)  She went from the Samsung Alias to the Droid Razr M.  Holy crap, Batman.  I tried to take care of as much of the initial setup as I could.  Zach said, "Aw, isn't that sweet of you!"  There's a fine line between "sweet" and "selfish."  I did it to save the headache of walking her through doing it.  She's adjusting.  It's taking a while for her to get the right touch for the touch screen, for some reason, but it's coming right along.

I've mentioned before that I'm reading the A Song of Ice and Fire series, right?  (The Game of Thrones television series, if you're more familiar with it that way.)  I made it to the second book, where things start to differ from the television series.  As you may know, the second book is called A Clash of Kings; however, I've renamed it to "A Crash of Kings" because every time I try to read it, I struggle to stay awake.  I don't know why.  So, I decided it may be a good idea to get the audio book so that I could listen to it while I was on the treadmill or something.  Such a great idea.  In one day I listened to about four chapters.  It usually works out where I'm on the treadmill for about one chapter.  I'm over halfway done with the book now.

Speaking of being on the treadmill, when we last talked, I said I was trying to lose weight.  During my absence, I've lost about 10 pounds!  Yep, about 5 pounds a week.  Not too bad, if I do say so myself.  I've been dieting and walking on the treadmill to build stamina before I start running.  I started doing half a mile each day, then a mile.  Next week, I'll do a mile and a half.  Of course, right now, I'm just walking; I'm afraid I'll hurt my legs if I start off trying to run.


Last matter of business: I had considered adding a blog post per week mentioning some of the things I had pinned or saw on Pinterest.  What do you guys think about that?  Just like a little highlight of a few pins, nothing too extravagant or anything.  It was just something I had been toying around with while I was only able to surf the internet through my phone.

Alright, sorry for the huge wall of text!  I had to catch you all up with what had been going on while I was semi-off-the-grid.

 

Happy August, everyone!

Alright, guys and girls, I mentioned on Wednesday that I was trying to start meal planning for myself.  I say myself because I'm a vegetarian and I would honestly never have a clue how many to cook for if I even did plan something that I could omit the meat.  That's neither here nor there, though.

I'm starting meal planning (or hopefully starting it) to help myself lose weight.  Like Zach pointed out, the less time I spend dwelling over what's for dinner, the less time I would think about food, so the less hungry I would be throughout the day.

Meal planning is also a great way to budget if you're trying to watch your spending.  It's also great for families with children so you don't have to hear that infamous "What's for dinner?"  Whatever your reason for meal planning, I'm sure it was difficult to begin with, but has made life easier.

I admit, I'm a fan of hand-writing things.  I know it's easier to type it -- at least for me -- but I remember more if I write it by hand.  When I ran across printable meal planners, I was happy.  (Because, of course I also like things to be cute.  Duh.)

Of course, if you want to be fancy, you can always make a pretty little display.  I like this one with chalkboard paint because it's reusable.  Although, why is Sunday missing?  Maybe that's a fend-for-yourself day.


Me? I had just planned on doing something simple like this planner from Grace Got Healthy for right now.  At least for while I'm just planning for myself.  I've found that I don't need a snack between breakfast and lunch, nor after dinner.  If I do grant myself a dessert, it's just a fruit, though.

You can find plenty of printable meal planners and how people use them on Pinterest.

I also found that there were a few on Microsoft.  I was looking for "planner" because I doubted they had meal planner templates.  I was wrong, though!  If you don't find one you like on Pinterest or through Google, you can always make your own by tweaking the templates in Word.

Do you guys meal plan?  What method do you use?

Have you ever had a last minute gift to come up and no suitable wrapping paper?  Or just someone who you cannot find the perfect wrapping paper for?  I have.

I have gifts on the mind since Heather's Harry Potter Party is tonight.  While I didn't worry about not having suitable wrapping paper this time, I thought it was a good idea to share with you since you never know what will pop up.

Have you ever thought about printing wrapping paper?  Yeah, from your computer.

Now, of course, I wouldn't recommend this for big gifts simply because of the cost of ink.  Granted it would build up over time, but if you just need a quick bit of wrapping paper, why not just print it?  It sure beats going to the store for it.

The website I was thinking of has been taken down, but of course Pinterest saved the day.  There are also plenty of results on Google.  I would think that you could also make your own just as easily. (Maybe with a little help from Pic Monkey?)


Trinkets in Bloom has this great tutorial for actually making wrapping paper if you have time in advance.  This would be adorable for Christmas time!

So there you have it.  If you're in a bind, just print some wrapping paper!  If you have to wrap for a lot of people and the price just adds up, you can always make pretty paper yourself.