My Petite Porch

New year, new me!

2012-01-27T18:47:00.000-08:00

Operation Orchidophile is under way! I am trying new things and dedicating more time to my health. My latest obsession is nail polish. What is it about freshly painted nails that captures people's attention? My colleagues are in awe of my nails, my makeup, my smile. They tell me that I seem more relaxed this semester. They are correct. When I walk into my office, I don't have voicemail messages waiting on me. When I log into my email account, I might see one email a day. There were times when I would receive twenty to fifty email messages. In addition, I would also have ten voicemail messages. Now, rarely one.

Why did I ever volunteer to be chair?

I'm breaking up with meat for a while. My GI tract demands it. I also am quitting my Hardees biscuit habit. Lord, help me because those biscuits are my weakness.

I recognize that when it comes to a healthy routine for my own health and wellness, I lack consistency. I must work on that.

I will start my tomato seeds next month. Goodness, February begins next Wednesday. Wow!

Update: The lovely Miss Kitty requests a photo of my nails.

This week's color is Revlon's Vixen. It is a winner! I have wanted to try black nail polish, but this has satisfied that desire. I have received so many compliments. I have a few new colors, so I'll post another photo soon.

Article of interest

2012-01-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

This post reminds me why I don't tell many people about my goals, weight-related or not: "Unsupportive Friends Tell Me "Live a Little!"

Don't let the title of the web site deter you. A Black Girl's Guide to Weight Loss is fabulous for all girls and guys!

Spring semester begins tomorrow. I'm excited!

2012? Already?

2012-01-01T05:56:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Aha!

2011-12-27T20:14:00.000-08:00

No wonder I couldn't save like the people on Extreme Couponing! Check it out: Mythbusters: Extreme Couponing.

Wow!

Oh, and you should also check out Budgetsaresexy.com! J.Money is all about making that dollar holler!

Another cooking show that I adore!

2011-12-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

I discovered this show a few weeks ago. I'm hooked! The host, Marja, takes the viewer on a journey back to her place of birth. Watch the opening first to understand how amazing her journey truly is.

Here's an excerpt from her show. Enjoy.

Delicious! Did I mention that I love Greek food?

2011-12-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

Goodness...It is so delicious! I made the triangles last week, but I think that the pie version is easier.

Peace and light...

2011-12-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

Done!

The tree stood naked for a week before I decorated it! It is not the best-looking tree, but once I decorated it, I began to like it more! My apartment smells great, and I am in a great mood. Yesterday, the division held its annual Christmas social. It was a wonderful gathering! At the end of the affair, I was presented a card and monetary gift as token of appreciation for my service as division chair! The gesture caught me off guard, and I started to cry a bit. I don't know where it came from! I guess it was great for them to acknowledge the hard work! It was wonderful.

I am so excited about what I have accomplished this year. Did I meet all my goals? No, but I am still working on my weight! I've learned the multiple slices of cheesecake are not good for me! Yes, I said multiple! : ) I've also learned to stop being so anxious and paranoid when things are going great. It's a struggle but I'm getting there!

Beware of dog!

2011-12-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

Wow! I don't remember Jacques' upkeep costing this much!

Which one?

2011-12-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

I like them all, but I must remember that I will have a relatively small backyard. In addition, I don't want the neighbors to be able to see it. Which one do you like?

Link of interest: Wal-Mart Lures Bank Customers Frustrated By Fees

2011-12-03T13:48:00.001-08:00

The Details...

2011-12-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Last August, I decided that my student loan was a burden. Fifteen months and $35,000 later, I am finally free. I had about five more years according to my extended plan, but I hated seeing that bill as a line item in my budget notebook. I was making my payments, but that number just didn't move fast enough. Ugh! Other debts disappeared, but that motherfather remained. I had to pay that debt.

I was already on a path to save more so that my life truly belongs to me, so this endeavor wasn't scary. In fact, the first payment was liberating! I dropped two grand on it! Boom! When I logged in the next month, I saw a difference! I decided that I would pay the equivalent of a week's vacay in the Caribbean...every month. Every month! Wow, I can't believe I actually did that every month without blinking an eye. Of course, that was before the student loan web page became an abyss of problems. Humph...no problem. I mailed in the last two payments. I actually placed two stamps on the envelope. My colleague asked me why two when one will do. My response was simple: "I want to make sure that it gets there. It's worth the extra stamp!" She just laughed and said, "That's so you, O. So you!"

Along the way, I began learning more about personal finance and more about me. I learned that I had become a girl Friday to so many people that I was losing myself. Don't get wrong; I am glad to help. But some mistake my meekness for weakness. All that had to stop. My time is my own. How dare you hint or boldly state that because I am single with no children, I have time on my hands. "It's not like you have something else to do." Really? Yes, I have plenty to do. I simply must comfortably rest at my home and decide which coop I want for my hens. I must, simply must bake a cheesecake for my family's annual holiday breakfast. I need to take a long, hot bath while listening to TMZ Live (I know...don't judge!) And you must simply get out of my face before my nose melts due to your halitosis.

I feel so great, but now the real work begins. Saving for retirement, finding a house and losing weight are my next challenges. Oh, and finding a puppy! (Poodle, Schaunzer or Yorkshire Terrier are front runners.)

It's official! Operation Die, Debt, Die: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

2011-12-03T03:22:00.000-08:00

MY STUDENT LOAN IS DEAD! PAID IN FULL!

(Drops the mic and walks off the stage!)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS INDEED!

Orchidophile, the Bounty (Towel) Hunter

2011-11-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am on the hunt, the hunt for a cheaper grocery bill. I have been stalking the newspapers and receiving leftover coupons from the local coupon divas. I've debated whether is it better to buy name brand with coupons or generic without them. After a few weeks of being a coupon hunter, I decided to attack my prey, the local Winn Dixie.

The excursion was simple enough, but I was floored at the prices. Yes, I've discussed this before, but people, the prices have jumped yet again! Oy! The largest size of Tide detergent was $24. $24! Wow. Just wow. Of course, I had a $2 off coupon, but still! (Look, I've tried all the brands; Tide's the best. I'm not being compensated for saying that. This has been a PSA from the Orchidophile.) I must say that I saved almost $20. Not bad. Not bad at all. (Update: I reviewed my receipt. The Tide was originally $24. Because of my loyalty card, the Tide was reduced to $18. Then my $2 coupon discount was applied. $16! Okay, I might, just might give Winn Dixie another try.)

I'm not new to coupons. I loved coupons when I was in my twenties. Loved them! But here's the difference. The coupons of yore didn't expire two weeks after you found them in the Sunday paper! They would expire six months or even a year later. Hey, don't you remember when companies not only sent a coupon in the mail, but they also sent a sample so you could decide before you bought it? Ah, the good old days...

As I walked around Winn Dixie (~~I will go back to Publix next time~~), I noticed that there were not many shoppers. I also noticed that most of the shoppers had coupon binders. I felt like a true newbie with my little white envelope of twenty or so coupons. I must admit that I was more focused on my shopping list. No wandering down aisles enjoying the Muzak. I was in it to win it!

I have what I need. I'm good until the next time! Oh, no Bounty towels. No coupon, no purchase.

The weight of medical debt

2011-10-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

This story makes me nervous because the man who was crippled by the debt had insurance. Take a few minutes to listen to it. Check out the Marketplace link: The weight of medical debt.

Goodness! Halloween is next week!

2011-10-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

This is the end of the road for the garden. At the end of the tomato-growing season, I bought a tomato plant from Lowe's. I knew that it wouldn't produce as many tomatoes, but I decided to experiment. Well, it kept producing as long as the weather permitted. Of course, this week the temperatures dropped literally overnight, so the little ones left didn't stand a chance.

I enjoyed my summer garden. The only problem is what to do with the soil that remains. It's spent and overrun with old roots. I am going to give the maintenance guy a few dollars to cart it away. I wish I had a compost pile.

I feel so much better since my bout with my GI bug. I tell you this: from this point, I will research the prescriptions that I am given. Some antibiotics have some adverse side effects. Ay! I aim to remain med-free for as long as I can!

Midterm has come and gone. I can't believe that the semester is winding down. I am relaxed and happy. No one can shake it. Now that I have accomplished a few personal goals, I am able to see that some people just don't want me to be happy. Sad, sad, sad. They feed from others' misery. Parasites. But according to Katt Williams, we all need haters for motivation. I'm not going to repeat the whole quotation, but basically if you have only five haters, your job is to have twenty by the end of the season.

(Don't judge me. Katt is out there. His comedic style is blue; you have been warned. Five years ago, his wrapped hairstyle was to be envied and copied.)

The student loan has forty-five days to live. ::evil grin::

Yes, I'm still here...

2011-10-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

This week I suffered from a mean case of what we usually call the stomach flu. I was out all week and still haven't truly recovered yet. Sheesh! I don't wish it upon anyone! I have lost eleven pounds in a week! That is incredible and dangerous. I am moderately dehydrated and can barely eat. I've eaten only two full meals in the last week. Ugh!

I hope to return to work Monday. I missed teaching my students! I'm sure that they didn't miss me! LOL!

May I Have a "No Junk Mail" Sticker Please?

2011-09-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

Chez Larsson is one of my favorite bloggers because she loves to organize! I get many ideas from browsing her blog. Her recent entry discusses her installation of an American mailbox. Check out the sticker that she is allowed to stick on her mailbox.

Good Advice for the Unexpected Events of Our Lives

2011-09-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

You should know by now that one of my hobbies is personal finance. I'm always yammering on and on about emergency management and the like, but I admit that I haven't done this yet. I'm on it, and you should be too!

I cannot believe that the fall semester is in full swing! I always feel so exhausted at the beginning but usually snap out of it by the fourth or fifth week. Believe it or not, the pepper plants, cayenne and jalapeno are still producing! However, I know that the tomato plant is done, but for now they all will remain because I have a mean case of tennis elbow. I was given a brace to wear, but that devilish thing makes it hurt worse! Ay! This too shall pass. Like my back, it needs time.

Baking season is a few weeks away, but I have already warned my buddies that there will be fewer baked treats because butter is $4.00 a pound. Of course, two of the resident Coupon Divas told me to fire up the oven because they have coupons for butter and anything else that I might need. Okay!

I didn't want to tell them that I don't have eggs and that I am not planning to buy eggs from the supermarket. Why? The last time I bought them and prepared them, they made me ill. Look, I'm not trying to start mess; I'm being honest. There is nothing like fresh eggs. It is what it is. I have some local sources who have given me dozens for free, but let's be honest. Why give them away when they can make money from them? They were good too.

Great...now I'm hungry.

Look at what I saw on my way to Hardee's...

2011-09-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

I see this little one any early morning that I'm heading to Hardee's. I decided today that I must capture its likeness with my camera phone.

Health-related link of interest

2011-08-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

Half of hospitals buy back-door drugs, new survey shows

Check it out!

Random

2011-08-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

This commercial tickles me. That is one loyal dog!

Thank God for the weekend! In addition, my Internet connection has been restored! I lost my connection a week ago, but since I am busy 9-5, the only time the repair person could come was Friday evening. (Don't worry: the bill shall be prorated.) At first, I missed the Internet. I felt so disconnected.

After a few days, I loved it. I realized that I spend too much time on the 'net. Oh well.

The first week of class is OVER! My body ached so because I pull twelve-hour shifts four days straight during the first week of the semester. This is one of a chair's many duties. However, this is my last time doing this because I am stepping down as chair at the end of the semester. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I am excited, just a skosh.

I love having more time for fun stuff such as collecting coins. No, I don't mean in a savings account. I mean collecting coins as a hobby. I used to collect them as a child, but I outgrew it. Now I am smitten with the presidential dollar coins. I didn't even know about them until NPR produced a series of podcasts and articles featuring the coins. People aren't exactly walking around with a pocket full of these dead presidents. Americans like their dollar dollar bills y'all. (Sorry about that...I had to do it.) But I love the coins. The only problem is convincing the teenagers working in retail that they are real. In addition, some retailers don't really want to accept them. Oh yes, you will take them because they are legal tender. Don't play with me because I will step in here with a roll of them. Don't believe me? Ask the ladies at my credit union. When I stroll in with that mean limp, I am not strutting. My collection of rolled pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters is slowing me down.

And yes, for the record, I rolled coins before I became a debt assassin. I just used the last of the old coin holders I bought in 1995.

The garden is still going strong. I have one tomato plant, one jalapeno, one cayenne and several onion plants. Let me be honest: I forgot about the onions until I cleaned up the patio and started rearranging the plants. They are still growing! I didn't know that it took so long for them to grow. I'm glad that they thrive without much fuss.

I'm still house hunting. I won't be able to go all in until next year, but I am performing reconnaissance missions to see which areas are chicken-friendly. What? I told you that my love for them is real.

I'm ready for fall. Are you? Of course, I am not rushing my life away because I am enjoying each and every day.

Random bit of humor

2011-08-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

I love the ghost's response after the officer tells him to have a good night!

Do you really know your credit score?

2011-08-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

What? Are you kidding me?

A drone that hacks cell phones and much more!

2011-08-07T14:58:00.001-07:00

Scary stuff! Have a listen!

Space age 'maters!

2011-08-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

People, we have a resolution!

2011-08-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well. What have we here? The repairmen! Yes, after almost a year, the water pipe issue may be over. I arrived home to see this glorious sight!

Victory!

Can they do that? Well, I guess they can!

2011-07-27T16:29:00.001-07:00

Article of interest: Real estate investors beat the banks to profit on foreclosures

This is why I am leery of home owners' associations!

Is your home safe?

2011-07-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

Article of interest: Tampa retiree says he lost belongings in foreclosure blunder

Imagine going on vacation and returning to find that all your possessions are gone!

Just when I think that I have a plan...

2011-07-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Since my student loan is on life support, the next project on my list is my weight. I would like to lose a chunk, so I decided to simplify my lunch routine. I decided to buy a week's worth of frozen meals produced by a well-known brand. I thought that I was on the right path until I noticed something that I hadn't experienced in years, dizziness.

A few hours after eating the meals, I felt woozy and downright dizzy. After flushing my system with copious amounts of water, I would recover and carry on with my day. I noticed the pattern and passed the meals on to a colleague who seems not to suffer the same effect. The truth is that I will have to produce my own healthy meals. I knew that, but I thought...

My favorite quick meal is a salad of spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms. I will research and create my own daily meal plan. Wish me luck.

Just read the entry. Oy.

2011-07-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that I've been dealing with a major water leak in front of my building, in front of my door? I have been looking at this mess for three weeks now. Click on the picture to see it in its full glory. The situation has existed for years. Let me give you the quick and dirty version.

When I first moved into the building five years ago, water was always present around the air conditioning unit that cools and heats my apartment and my upstairs neighbor's apartment. Of course, I brought it to the attention of the employees of the leasing office and others who are responsible for such issues.

"Oh", the maintenance man would say, "it's the air conditioning. When we repair the unit, the water will disappear."

It didn't.

Last year, the water leak (which isn't the proper term for the size of it now) progressed to the point that it started flowing out to the street. During the winter, it froze. The ice was so thick that we the residents had to request that sand be thrown on the frozen water so that we didn't fall and break our necks.

Now, in the heat of the summer, the area is a wildlife sanctuary. Birds come in the morning for their baths, and dirt daubers are everywhere. Dragonflies are everywhere. Dragonflies! Don't they congregate where there is a continuous stream of fresh water? YES! Did I mention the flies and mosquitoes? Ugh! A health hazard for all! Also the water on the street never evaporates, even in 98 degree heat!

The complex has been purchased by new owners, out-of-state owners.

We shall see what happens.

By the way...

2011-07-10T05:38:00.001-07:00

I didn't mention my mammoth Jalapeno that has been quietly growing in a corner. It has three peppers and has no intentions of stopping. I transplanted it into a bigger pot. It might stop producing for a while, but I think it will start again once the roots settle in this pot. Let me also mention that I had to remove the jalapeno from the whiskey barrel. After almost three months it never produced a pepper while the cayenne in the same pot is lousy with peppers. In fact that cayenne owns that whiskey for nothing has been able to grow in the same pot. Next week I will pull the other Sweet 100. Once they started producing, I realized that I didn't like the taste of the tomato. Oh well...lesson learned.

Here is the late season tomato plant that I mentioned in an earlier post. I am looking forward to what it has to offer.

Before the season is over...

2011-07-08T17:05:00.001-07:00

I just purchased one of the last tomato plants at Lowe's. Of course, it was another Bush Goliath. A sack of soil and a little labor later, I now have one more tomato plant. A good end to a good day!

2011-07-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

If you want a compact tomato plant that delivers three to five ounces tomatoes like this, Bonnie Plants Bush Goliath is the tomato plant for you and me!

The Price of a Can of Sardines as an Economic Indicator

2011-07-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

When did sardines become expensive? Yeah, I said it...expensive. Since you don't know, let me tell you. I love canned sardines. Tasty, portable, and cheap. Well, they used to be cheap. Sardines are not supposed to cost over a dollar a can! Sardines helped me through some lean times because THEY ARE CHEAP AND DELICIOUS!

Humph!

Today I decided to stock up on my emergency food since hurricane season is right around the corner. I know for a fact that if one stirs up in the Gulf, it will pass through Alabama. We will endure heavy wind and rain, floods, tornadoes. You Southerners know the drill. Therefore, since I have a couple pennies free to stock up, I headed to Publix. (I know that Winn Dixie should have been my first choice, but Publix owns me.) I aimed straight for the canned meat aisle and prepared to clean it out! When I arrived to the exact shelf space where they usually reside, I discovered that someone else has beat me to it. (Here is when I pressed my eyelids together tightly and smacked my lips in disgust. My mother hated when I did that as a child, so I did it all the time. Ha!)

After the shock wore off, I noticed that a can of sardines (not herring...yeah, I know they are related, but I like sardines.) is $1.45. Excuse me. Oh well, let me load up on the Brunswick in olive oil and a few Mediterranean style King Oscar and fret later while opening up a can with some saltines. Ummh, that's some good eating right there.

Seriously, I am nervous for those who have families to feed. Food is high. Here I am, a single person, and I am looking twice at the food bill. I can only imagine what others are doing. And people wonder why Extreme Couponing is so popular. In fact, people are now attending coupon classes. I've also heard that food pantries and church ministries are running out of food because many who donated in the past are now stocking their personal pantries. I grow my own food because I enjoy fresh veggies, but some are growing out of necessity. I might have a brief tantrum about my Beefmaster being split in half, but some rely upon that backyard garden as their own produce section.

This is not new to me, but I notice a certain level of shock that a particular friend of mine expresses when I mention that she should cut back in order to save money. This is blasphemy for someone who is already on the "fake it until you make it" plan. She already can't afford what she has; now I've asked her to step back to where she really belongs. Be sure to step back and give her a fan because she just caught the vapors!

For example, for the last two years, I have worn one style of cardigan when the weather turns cold. I have the same sweater in just about every color of the ROY G. BIV. A few of my colleagues would make digs about my fashion style, but I didn't care. I was on a mission. I wanted to pay off some bills and develop a uniform for work.

These are the same people who roll their eyes at me when I mention the word "budget" and laugh at me because my Kmart summer wardrobe is in heavy rotation. And I do mean heavy.

I don't know...I'm rambling. I watch the news and listen to the podcasts. Greece...riots...austerity plans...debt ceiling. Ay. Oy. Damn. Pick one.

I'm so glad that my student loan is on life support. It only has a few months left to live. ;)

Tomato plants down

2011-07-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

A fierce thunderstorm just moved through my town. It took with it a Sweet 100 and split the Beefmaster in half!

It was one heck of a storm because the Beefmaster was a giant. And yes, it was also staked.

Well, I tried. Luckily the half of the Beefmaster with tomatoes survived.

Finally! A tomato's ripe!

2011-06-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

Look at that love apple! I plucked it from the plant before the birds recognized the first blush of this lovely tomato! It took almost two months, but I have a nice tomato. Even a little Sweet 100 is about to blush! I am a firm believer in adding eggshells to the soil when planting tomatoes. It works. No blossom rot this season.

2011-06-11T04:56:00.000-07:00

Ray LaMontagne's "Trouble"

2011-06-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

It's too darn hot!

2011-06-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

If it does not cool down soon, I will have no veggies until September. I'm serious! It is hot!

I will grow Ichiban again. Once it takes off, it does not stop. Unfortunately mine is suffering from some malady which causes the leaves to turn yellow quickly and die. But it is producing eggplants like mad!

I am on the hunt for twenty-gallon containers. Indeterminates need all the space they can get. I am currently having a love affair with Sweet 100 and Beefmaster. My determinate Bush Goliath is also producing tomatoes, but I believe that it will take them the whole summer to ripen.

The peppers are steadily producing blooms but no peppers.

I don't know what to say for the okra. Last year my okra plant grew like a weed. This year...meh.

You can eat what?

2011-06-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

Did you know that hostas are edible? Check it out: Eating Hostas.

I'm not sure if I'm up for eating hostas. I'm accustomed to seeing them all over my mother's yard. Humm...maybe.

Lovely lilies

2011-06-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

A girl can't have enough tomatoes!

2011-06-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

We received a little rain Thursday; however, the winds were strong enough to snap my Early Girl tomato plant in half. Now I could have simply removed some branches, stuck it right back into the soil and hoped for the best. I didn't.

I replaced the Early Girl with a Sweet 100 plant. The Early Girl was a bit of a diva. The other tomato plants had blooms and tomatoes. Not the Girl. She gave me one bloom.

There is no room for divas on the patio.

While planting the new plant, I pulled some of the lower branches and some suckers. I decided to stick a few of the suckers into soil. Let's see what happens.

An experiment...

2011-05-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

I trimmed my Early Girl tomato plant yesterday. I clipped the wrong branch and decided to stick it in a cute glass vase and sit it on the patio. Hopefully roots will develop, and I will have another Early Girl!

Lovely bloom!

2011-05-26T13:35:00.001-07:00

I told you that eggplants should also be grown for their beautiful blooms! This plant is growing like a weed! Look at the future blooms!

Random bit of humor

2011-05-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when I have too much time on my hands.

Online gem: Growing A Greener World

2011-05-22T17:42:00.001-07:00

For years, I have lamented the loss of good gardening shows on television. Well, after a stream of consciousness web search, I found the web site Growing A Greener World. Click on the episodes link to see the shows. Delightful!

Click and enjoy: Growing A Greener World

My declaration!

2011-05-22T14:23:00.001-07:00

Everyone should grow tomatoes, okra, and eggplant. : ) A pot each!

Gardeners, beware of dehydration!

2011-05-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after moving a few heavy pots around the patio and the patch of yard in front of my place, I noticed that my back hurt. Of course, I was doing strenuous work. But I also noticed that this pain was different than most. Why? Because I was dehydrated.

Years ago, I suffered a back injury while on vacation. In order to relieve my pain, I started researching what could help. Oh sure, certain medication, chiropractors, yoga. But I was shocked to learn that more water will help back pain. I couldn't believe that something so simple could alleviate such horrible pain.

Today I felt more pain in my muscles. I immediately began to replenish myself and within 45 minutes or so, I felt so much better. So to all my fellow gardeners, stay hydrated!

Another urban gardener, another video

2011-05-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is old school!

The Patio Update for May 2011

2011-05-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the lousy camera work. I'll do better. I promise.

Random bit of humor

2011-05-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

The dialogue after the arrival of the agent makes me giggle so.

Interesting development in the urban farm lifestyle movement

2011-05-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

Recently I posted some clips featuring the Dervaes family. Well, while surfing through some great little "farm in the city" blogs, I found this: Pasadena's Dervaes Family Trademarks the Terms 'Urban Homestead' and 'Urban Homesteading,' Now Cracking Down on Bloggers.

Wow! Although this is a sticky situation, I still admire what they have done with their urban garden/farm.

Happy Mothers' Day

2011-05-08T06:47:00.001-07:00

I love my mommy!

2011-04-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Two tornadoes in two weeks. Pray for my city. Pray for those who have lost everything.

Don't stop praying.

2011-04-26T18:05:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, a few of my colleagues and I were chatting when one, a new mother, mentioned to our resident police officer that I want to raise chickens. He replied with the usual.

"You need some land."

"Not really. Oh yeah, I want a greenhouse too!"

"A coop and a greenhouse. Yeah, you need land. Have you ever cleaned a coop? I'm country. I know what that's about."

The conversation continued. At one point, the resource officer told me to check into foreclosed properties because he found a great deal. He also asked me a question that I had been thinking about for a while.

"So, are the chickens just for eggs?"

"Well, I have been thinking about a few for dinner, but really I'm into the eggs. But I'm not afraid to cull one if necessary."

The new mother jumped in and asked, "Will you kill them, Dr. O?"

The police officer quickly replied, "She just said that she would cull one."

She immediately turned up her nose and said, "I don't think I want to know people who do that."

I responded, "Don't ask for nary an egg."

Miss Prissy Pants began to look at me as if I were trash.

"You know that the chicken in Publix was processed by somebody before you bought it, right?"

At that point, I realized that I was not considered worthy to be her friend.

I don't care.

Let me be honest: I don't think that I would actually cull a chicken, but that option is on the table for anyone with a backyard flock. What irked me was that Miss Prissy Pants seems to have the same opinion as many others in today's society: If you raise chickens, you are low class.

Really?

My father's family raised poultry and so did my mother's. Both families weren't concerned about class; they were concerned about eggs and meat. I guess so many people have disconnected themselves from their food that they forget that someone made their lives easy by handling the naughty details for them.

Here's the kicker. When I told the heifer that she would be the first one asking for eggs, she replied, "I sure would."

I wish she would.

All this drama and I don't even have a chicken yet.

The Urban Homestead

2011-04-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

I'm not new to gardening for food. My father grows his own vegetables on his city lot. However, what Jules Dervaes has accomplished makes me want a backyard ASAP! Now, I don't think that I need to produce as much as he does, but he serves as a model for those who want to step away from grid.

One more video:

2011-04-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

: )

2011-04-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

2011-04-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

There is more to life than your job. Last night's tornado taught me that.

The Patio Update brought to you with no interruptions by Orchidophile!

2011-04-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

The eggplants are on the patio. They look so good.
So long lettuce and spinach. I'll see you around tailgating season. Roll Tide! Go Hornets!
The tomato race is between Rio Grande (roma that will endure our Dixie summers) and Matina (4 oz. tomatoes that could pass for slicers but also serve as cherry tomatoes on steroids). I've decided to plant only one tomato plant...for now.
There will be okra: Clemson Spineless or Emerald. My money is on Emerald.
The peppers are stubborn. Ay.
The patio basil looks sick, but all I need to do is pull it out, add new soil and seeds. New basil!
Thank God for plant caddies! What was I thinking last summer when I was picking up pots with twenty pounds of wet soil? Yikes!

Reflection

2011-04-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

Be careful with your thoughts, for they become words.
Be careful with your words, for they become actions.
Be careful with your actions, for they become habits.
Be careful with your habits, for they become your character.
Be careful with your character, for that becomes your destiny.

I read these words on another blog today. I needed to read those words. I feel heavily burdened because of some difficult terrain that I must cross. Wish me luck.

2011-04-03T06:49:00.000-07:00

I am over growing lettuce for now. It's my fault because I choose the wrong variety every time. Well, no more. I'll try again in the fall now that I have my handy-dandy Botanical Interests catalog. Why is my spinach growing so slowly? Huh?

2011-04-02T09:26:00.001-07:00

The eggplants are now in their own cup of Jungle Growth soil. The biggest plant wins and the others will be cut down to the soil. However, I purchased an Ichiban and a Gretel. Yes, I bought transplants because I couldn't find the seeds in town. Therefore, I shall grow these lovelies.

I will not grow peppers from seed again. They take forever to get going. I'll not throw out the "seedlings", but I will just skip this step next time. I also have a few new tomato plants in cups. I gave my other tomato plants away, so I hope the newbies take off. I shall see.

Classes end in fewer than thirty days! : )

I'm off to read the latest edition of Backyard Poultry. I am thinking about a Dominique hen and a Rhode Island Red hen. I need four, five or six more.

Ha...oh yeah. I talked to my butter-bean-loving daddy, and he told me that decades ago his family raised ducks and geese! See! It runs in the family! : )

2011-03-27T11:30:00.001-07:00

Today is overcast and rainy. I love it. It allows me to sit and relax. It also reminds me that I must find a house soon.

I am a social butterfly. I love to meet and greet and chat and chew. But lately I don't like what's happening to my complex. This place is a congregation of many who do not respect the concept of neighborhood. Early one morning, my neighbor with whom I share a wall started his Harley-Davidson in his garage. I jolted from my bed in sheer panic. After I calmed down and drank a few glasses of water, I was still a tad livid.

I know that problematic neighbors exist in every community, but I need more space. I would like at least half an acre of land. Not for me, for my girls. I already have names for the feathered ones. I will reveal them once everything falls in place.

I am at the six-month mark of Operation Die, Debt, Die. This is the most difficult month because I have pushed my budget to the limit. I am cutting it mighty close, but I simply must. I hear all of the chatter around me, and more than ever I am convinced that I am doing the right thing. I'll see at the end of April.

I blame Miss Kitty!

2011-03-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

For years, I have wanted to raise chickens.

There--I said it. Might I add that I wanted to raise them before the hipsters discovered that chickens are awesome.

However, I don't have the facilities (a decent backyard, a coop) to make my desire come to fruition. Therefore, for the last fifteen years I have watched others successfully do so.

Then along comes Miss Kitty of Educated and Poor. She has a cute coop along with lovely kitties and a lovely pup and has been gracious enough to share them with all who read the blog. I have enjoyed reading about her feisty girls, especially the late Myrtle Mae. Although I know that much care is involved, she makes it look fun.

Well, I'm still researching and reading since I don't have a yard, but I must say that it has affected my house search (oh yeah, I'm doing that also). I need land and neighbors who will understand my Green Acres tendencies. Until then, I will continue to watch episodes of shows that feature raising chickens.

2011-03-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

The sweet basil plants are so big that I decided to pot them and place them on the patio. Good luck, basil. Now what shall I plant on the porch? I found my old windowbox stand. Any suggestions?

Eggs in Purgatory...delicious

2011-03-15T15:28:00.001-07:00

Eggs in purgatory. I saw it on a cooking show on Create TV. Yes, the tomatoes are too thick and should be more saucy, but I couldn't wait. It was my first poached egg experience. It will not be my last!

Update with pictures

2011-03-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

This is the succulent for this growing season. I wanted to add smaller succulents around it, but it actually looks great as is. I might add some nice gray stones. Maybe.

Tomatoes! I currently have Roma, Pear and Better Boy. I am still trying to grow one Supersweet 100 and a Big Rainbow. They may not make it to the patio. Notice the vanda. It loves the light and heat.

I'm lousy with basil. These are mature sweet and mammoth basil. Although the packages says mammoth, the leaves aren't that bigger than the sweet basil leaves.

This is my attempt at broccoli and brussels sprouts. I think I've waited too late or too early. Who knows.

These are jalapeno and cayenne peppers, Clemson Spineless #80 okra, and Black Beauty and Extra Long Purple eggplants.

Spring break!

2011-03-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

Seedlings Roll Call:

Three cups of sweet basil
Three cups of mammoth basil
One pear tomato plant
One roma tomato plant
One Better Boy tomato plant
Three windowboxes of lettuce (Vivian Romaine)
One windowbox of spinach
Two eggplants (Black Beauty and Long Purple)
One cayenne
Three jalepeno plants
One brussels sprout plant
One broccoli plant
One Big Rainbow tomato plant (no longer on the roll as of 3/19/2011)
One Supersweet 100 tomato plant (no longer on the roll as of 3/19/2011)

Where will they all fit? Ay!

I'll post photos later this week!

Bright lights, small city!

2011-02-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

It's back! I wanted to share photos of my basic grow light setup! This bad boy only cost me around $35. It is large, four feet wide, so I sacrificed the table so that I could start gardening. This year I wrapped it in two emergency blankets for high humidity and warmth. They work like a charm.

2011-01-29T15:24:00.000-08:00

I couldn't wait.

I've already planted seeds: carrots, spinach, lettuce and basil.

I just couldn't wait.

My grow light setup is surrounded by emergency blankets. It's wrapped up tighter than a Burrito Supreme from Taco Bell.

Yahoo!

2011-01-10T14:34:00.001-08:00

A snow day...in the South! Awesome!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-01-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

2011 is here! A new semester begins in a few days and I have been busy! Do you hear me?

Spring semesters are easier than fall semesters because everyone knows the routine. In addition, I have no newbies to train! I am blessed to work with professionals who know what they are doing. Most glitches are minor and are resolved within 24 hours, including my own.

Let's get to it. I am thinking about tomatoes. Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes. After my successful summer garden of 2010, I look forward to more 'maters! This time I'm aiming to grow some big ones! Last summer, a neighbor grew a tomato plant that was taller than I. It was beautiful, and she managed to maintain its beauty during the dog days of a Dixie summer. That's saying something. I'd like to experience that type of success!

Off to research! I also need a cart to load my dirt. I do not want to throw my back out!

August 9, 2010: Redux!

2010-12-31T13:57:00.001-08:00

Why wait until January to state one's goals? The best changes I've made in life happened on some random afternoon when I decided that enough was enough.

I plan to pay off my student loan next year. Wow, I actually typed that for all to see.
I plan to clean out the abyss that is my hall closet.
I plan to live comfortably on fifty percent of what I earn.
I plan to lose weight.
I plan to exercise a tad bit more.
I plan to get a toy poodle. If he is black, I will name him Hornet. If he is gray, I will name him Big Al.

Hold me accountable, you guys. Hold me accountable!

The Weekly Money Checkup

2010-12-31T06:24:00.000-08:00

1. I spent $20 at TJMaxx. I purchased a cute glass vase (I'm a fan of green glass), a box of Christmas cards, and another BPA free glass container for leftovers.

2. Today I am thinking about money. Although I'm on track, I am so aware of the effects of the unexpected. I need to drop more pennies in my savings account. I must admit that the account has been a boon to my overall financial status. I can't believe that almost a year ago I opened an account at my credit union!

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was donating some Christmas ornaments and other decorations to a local mission.

4. I will consider this week a success if I don't overspend at TJMaxx! It is one of my favorite stores.

5. I am thinking about purchasing a home or maybe even a town house. There...I said it.

Goodness...where have I been?

2010-12-31T05:41:00.000-08:00

Wow! Thanksgiving, Christmas...time has certainly flown and I've enjoyed every bit of it. I baked although butter was a tad bit expensive. Ouch! But why mention that when so many made such wonderfully delicious things for me.

I'm getting ready to set up the lights for my tomatoes. I now know that those are the only ones that need a head start. The others, okra, peppers, eggplant, can wait until a few weeks before summer.

2010 has been a good year for me. Although a few health issues popped up here and there, most of it was smooth sailing. My wish for 2011 is that those who need jobs find them. I hope for better times and the patience needed to endure what is to come.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

-Valencia

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2010-11-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

The semester's coming to an end. I'm looking ahead toward next year's growing season. Tying up loose ends seems to be easier now that ever. I'm nesting, cooking, cleaning, purging, resting. I want to come home and cocoon. I'm watching old episodes of shows.

I'm also shopping. I don't spend much, but I do browse, touch and occasionally buy. Don't worry: Operation Die, Debt, Die is still in effect. In fact, while I was browsing in one of my favorite discount stores, I purchased a little pink piggy bank for only a dollar.

See, I'm focused. Now I must fill it with pennies.

The Weekly Money Checkup!

2010-10-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was a glass ornament shaped like a Kitchenaid mixer. It's so cute! Yes, I know that it will be half price after the holidays, but...I want it now! Get over it!

2. Today I am not really thinking about money. Right now, I am on track. So far, so good.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was to clean my patio.

4. I will consider this week a success if I continue to be a tad selfish. My time is mine, and I'll decide how I will spend it.

5. If I could could quit my job for a month and travel throughout one country, I would choose France. I would also like to return to the Caribbean. I guess I need to create a new savings account just for travel because I definitely have the bug!

The Weekly Money Checkup!

2010-10-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on groceries. It was time to restock the pantry and buy baking supplies for the baking season! I was shocked to see how much butter costs!

2. Today I feel good about money. I control my money. My money does not control me.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was cleaning up my office. I was able to give items away. The space feels so much more organized.

4. I will consider this week a success if I continue to tell people no. Some people really feel as if your spare time is theirs. Because of my resistance, my blood pressure has dropped five points.

5. The TV show I am most excited about this season is The Event. However, after a few episodes, I am not holding high hopes. Of course, Blair Underwood is the real reason I even thought about watching. Ian Anthony Dale is also worth watching. In addition, Jason Ritter is compelling as Sean Walker.

See a penny, pick it up...

2010-10-01T11:32:00.001-07:00

My goodness! Maintaining one's personal finance is a part-time job! The more I learn and know, the more digging I have to do. Luckily I find it interesting. Operation Die, Debt, Die is moving ahead full steam. I am counting down the months and finding every spare penny to throw at the monster!

It is liberating. Just a skosh.

I know that many people, including top-notch economists and talking heads, have indicators that give them insight about the recession. My indicator is based upon how many pennies I find on the ground. For years, pennies were everywhere! I easily collected five to ten pennies daily. However, during the past two years, pennies seemingly became scarce! I couldn't find them anywhere. Then, all of a sudden, I started finding them again. If people aren't bending over to pick up pennies, perhaps things are getting better.

Wishful thinking, huh? I thought so.

Monday Money Checkup

2010-09-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on my student loan. It felt good to schedule that payment! I am slowly killing that student loan. Die, debt, die!

2. Today I feel good about money. I control my money. My money does not control me.

3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was cleaning out my closet. I am reviewing my CDs and deciding what stays and what goes to the mission.

4. I will consider this week a success if I remain peaceful and centered. I am still too anxious.

5. Would you rather own a lake house, a beach house, or a mountain house? None. I'd rather stay at a nice, beachfront hotel and not pay for maintenance and upkeep.

What about you?

The Weekly Money Checkup

2010-09-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

I saw this at Budgets are Sexy and decided to participate. Feel free to copy and answer according to your experience.

The most I spent last week was $89. I paid the electric bill. : ) The electric bill at this time last year was $131 because of a collapsed vent in my apartment. It took three years before the problem was discovered. How much did I lose due to faulty ventilation? I don't even want to know. I'm enjoying the savings.
Today I feel better about money. I've always known that money is a tool, but now I know to use the tool for the right task...like a hammer!
Money can't buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing that I did last week that made me happy was cleaning out my closet and giving my Sex and the City DVDs to a colleague.
I will consider this week a success if I don't spend any money on fast food. Hey, don't judge!
My first job was as a cashier at Winn-Dixie. I was so excited about that opportunity. One day I rushed to work immediately after school. As I started ringing up one of the elderly customer's groceries, I noticed that a deep darkness began to surround me. It was the last thing I remembered. I opened my eyes to find a gaggle of customers and employees surrounding me and looking at me lying on the floor. I fainted because I hadn't eaten since the day before. I was such a busy student with this honor society meeting and that one and student council and everything else that I forgot to eat. The odd thing is that my boss, a member of our church, didn't call my mother to alert her. Mommie was beyond livid. She made me quit the next week.

Link of interest

2010-09-12T05:38:00.001-07:00

I might not agree with the tactic, but I understand and agree with the principle.

Link of interest: Don't hate the payer. Hate the game.

The comments that follow made me giggle.

Happy Labor Day!

2010-09-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

What? September 6! Already?

Of course, it's Labor Day. How do I know? I know because the Halloween and Christmas decorations are on display in the stores.

Oy.

But enough about that. The weather is fabulous! It was a crisp 55 degrees this morning, and it felt great! I headed out to do a little window shopping and purchased some basil seeds. Mammoth basil seeds! I was shocked to even see seed packets out. Well, I should not be because it's almost time to plant cool weather plants. I will skip this growing season because I am exhausted.

Plain ol' tuckered out.

Oh yeah...die, debt. Die!

Article of interest

2010-08-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

I believe this movement will gain traction: Ditching your cell phone could be a power move.

What do you think?

Let the cash discounts begin!

2010-08-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

I received a 5% discount for paying for my pedicure in cash! Nice! I hope other businesses follow suit! Don't you?

Shhh!

2010-08-14T04:27:00.000-07:00

Why don't people want to talk about personal finance? People will share the most intimate details of their "personal" lives but will not discuss the origin of so much stress in relationships! A few years ago, I told one of my favorite colleagues that I plan to pay off both of my credit cards. Once I accomplished the goal, she said, "Wow, I can remember when you were looking for spare change in the sofa!"

My response: "I still do. And I still pick up pennies." (That reminds me...I need to roll them and deposit them.)

I'm not much of a saver. I am a spender. There, I said it. That's step one, right? However, I've not placed myself in a predicament that I couldn't handle within two to six months of budgeting. But there is one behemoth that needs to be destroyed, my student loan. After some deep thought, I realized that it is keeping me from financial and personal freedom.

I am going at it. Hard. I feel as if I am obsessed with destroying that debt. I want to hear it scream "I'm melting" like the witch in The Wizard of Oz.

Die, debt. Die.

2010-08-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

Article of interest: But Will It Make You Happy?

This article discussed the pared down lifestyle that one couple is leading. They own 100 items. What do you think? Would you do it? Oh yeah, they also paid off $30,000 in debt.

A helping hand from the blogger next door

2010-08-09T16:51:00.001-07:00

Miss Kitty from Educated and Poor just sent me some recipes to help me on my journey to semi-vegetarianism. She's awesome! Check her out! She is the owner of the Happy Kitty Cottage! She also has a chicken coop! Lord, if I ever get some land...

A few goals for the next year

2010-08-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

Why wait until January to state one's goals? The best changes I've made in life happened on some random afternoon when I decided that enough was enough.

I plan to pay off my student loan next year. Wow, I actually typed that for all to see.
I plan to clean out the abyss that is my hall closet.
I plan to live comfortably on fifty percent of what I earn.
I plan to lose weight.
I plan to exercise a tad bit more.
I plan to get a toy poodle. If he is black, I will name him Hornet. If he is gray, I will name him Big Al.

Hold me accountable, you guys. Hold me accountable!

Ho hum...so random

2010-08-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it's done. I harvested the last okra and cut down all the plants. I removed all the soil from the pots, an easy task since the tomato, okra and eggplant plants had massive roots. Very little dirt escaped so the whole matter was surprisingly free of accidents.

Next time I will only plant okra, eggplant, jalapeno and tomato plants. Maybe.

Now I will sit back and enjoy the rosemary and the jalapeno and wait for braising and baking weather.

Since change is in the air, I have officially crossed back over to the land of Windows. Don't get me wrong: Macs are great! But I can't spend that much money on a machine when an effective PC costs less than $300. In addition, I can no longer look at the little screen of my MacBook. I need a huge monitor! I'm getting older and I'm proud of it, Miss Missy!

I am a big fan of personal finance shows and blogs. During this garden hiatus, I will plunge into my favorites. Am I the only person who is going backwards and deciding not conduct so much business online? I am actually mailing more bills than ever and I don't fret about it. Yes, checks are back in vogue, baby, and so are credit unions. Has anyone else opened a credit union account since the Great Recession began? It is weird to walk into a financial institution where everybody knows your name.

What next?

2010-07-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

The summer garden will end next week. The tomato plants have fallen victim to wilt and so have the eggplant and the remaining jalapeno pepper plant. The rosemary and the oriental pepper are the only ones that are still somewhat living if you can call it that.

Is this a failure? Absolutely not! I grew most of my plants from seed and tasted the fruit of my labor. In addition, I learned so much about myself. This project opened my eyes to so much in my life. I started blogging again and I have truly enjoyed it. Of course, my shoulders hurt and so do my arms, but that pain will subside now that the garden is coming to an end.

But I have been thinking about letting the eggplant remain. Hopefully I will have my own backyard soon so that I can garden more!

2010-07-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

I need more vegetarian recipes because I am enjoying my break from meat.

Update!

2010-07-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

Look at the those hot peppers! Little yet vibrant!

Don't forget about the succulents. One of them is about to bloom.

Jalapenos! After a few weeks of high temperatures, the peppers are now blooming again.

Look at the eggplant!

Delicious eggplant curry! My apartment smells so great.

Harvest!

2010-06-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

Update

2010-06-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

The leaves of the egglant are huge! Buds are now appearing!

Mammoth jalapenos are looking great. I should remove these so that the plant can develop more.

The basil look and smell great. My, how they've grown.

The bloom of an okra plant is lovely. Capture it while you can because the bloom does not last long! Did you notice the pod?

Well, I tried!

2010-06-05T11:53:00.001-07:00

The cayenne and the bell peppers died. The plants continued to drop leaves. Yes, each plant produced a bell pepper, but that's not enough to keep them.

No words needed...

2010-05-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

Everything is abloom!

2010-05-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

The garden is abloom. The cherry tomatoes are adorned with lovely yellow blooms. My cayenne with leaves punctuated with so many holes finally have beautiful little white blooms. My impulse buy, an Oriental hot pepper plant, also has a cute blossom. The bell peppers have several peppers. The eggplant produces a leaf a day and so does the okra!

The basil bucket is a success! The rosemary is still among the living.

Things are good. Well, not my arm. It needs to rest.

2010-05-15T20:20:00.001-07:00

One eggplant plantlet is officially on the patio! Two others will join it tomorrow. The indoor growing phase has ended; the grow light stand will be placed in storage...somewhere.