Lizzy is...

1. Shocked that after 15 minutes of barking, Fi slept through the storms last night in her old crate from puppyhood. It worked! Miracle.

2. Excited for her 10 year high school reunion this Saturday night. I always have fun in Toledo, and it will be even better to spend a night with old friends. Extra bonus-I get to meet my parents' new puppy, Dingo! I am crossing my fingers (and toes) that Fi doesn't want to eat Dingo and they will be fast friends.

3. Hoping today goes fast. This has been an extremely stressful and slooooow week. I cannot wait until the whistle blows at 5PM to be done for the day. Ok, there is no whistle. But, you know.

4. Debating between wearing a dress Saturday night or a skirt/tank top duo. I really cannot decide and I WILL NOT buy something new! Cash budget-how fun.

5. Amazed that her birthday is one week from today! What the heck? I am old.

6. So happy that she found her favorite birthday card at Hallmark that had apparently been MIA for several months. (yes, that's right, the card with the terrier's head out the window of the car and the caption "another year flew by".) I will be buying it in bulk. Expect one on your birthday.

7. Contemplating making herself a birthday cake next week. I aboslutely adore the Barefoot Contessa's chocolate cake (I made it earlier this year) and do not think I can handle a substitute!

8. Definitely buying a new set of headphones for her iPod this weekend. Training for the Columbus half marathon with no tunes is not working out so well!

Fun, right? What are you up to this lovely Friday?

Suggestions?

My Netflix queue needs some work. I need to add some stuff, but I'm not sure what to add. So, any recommendations of movies, documentaries, television series and the like are very much appreciated! No need for them to be new releases-I think I've seen most of those!

Seen anything good lately? Please share.

My two cents.

I will say this about Michael Vick being reinstated and then I promise to be done with it.

People should take advantage of second chances. We're all human and make mistakes. I can come to terms with the fact that unfortunately, our laws don't provide much protection for animals and crimes against animals don't (apparently) warrant much punishment. I understand the argument that he's served his time and should be allowed to resume his life-and career. I will never argue that a human life is less valuable than an animal's life. (If I had to choose between rescuing Fi or Steve from a burning building, of course I'd pick F...oh wait, I mean...kidding ;) )

Here's what I don't understand: If I were to apply for a job at the GAP, making minimum wage, I would not get hired if I were a convicted felon. In a similar fashion, I would be kicked out of the military if I committed a felony. However, in the world of professional sports, the almighty dollar reigns supreme. Just look at nearly any team in football as an example and you will find a plethora of convicted criminals. But we don't mind-as long as they can run fast, catch a ball, or stop the offense.

So few individuals are naturally gifted to play professional sports. And we bless their talent by showering them with millions of dollars. And here, we have an individual gifted with such talent who squandered away more money than most anyone makes in a lifetime, violently tortured and killed animals, and was convicted of a felony. But, sure, he's learned his lesson. Money beats out honor every time in professional sports. It is a business after all.

I hope Michael Vick shocks us naysayers. I hope he grabs hold of this second chance and proves that reform and rehabilitation (the *goals* of our justice system) are achievable.

I also hope that he donates his fat paycheck he'll soon be receiving to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ah, the irony). But, I won't be holding my breath.

Being elle woods is hard work.

Yesterday was a less than wonderful day. Work stress made me feel like I was losing my sanity (or what sanity I have left). I think my heartrate was actually in my "maximum" zone for much of the day-all without working out! Yay. And to top it off, I came home and realized I had no wine.

But, today is a new day. Yesterday is over. I woke up, gave myself a bit of a pep talk, and am ready to put a positive spin on anything stressful that comes my way today (which it surely will).

It also doesn't hurt that I know and am anticipating the delicious selection of wine a certain someone will be bringing over to my place tonight. Just saying.

Easy Chicken Meatballs

Last week I had some lean ground chicken and wasn't sure what I was going to do with it. I wasn't in the mood for burgers, so I decided to make meatballs and toss together with some jar sauce and whole wheat spaghetti. You could also use them in a meatball sub. It was delicious and super easy. I thought I'd share the meatball recipe because it was so incredibly easy and also very healthful!

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground chicken
1/2 Cup italian style bread crumbs
1/4 Cup Grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil

Directions
Mix all ingredients except olive oil in bowl and stir together or use your hand to mix. Form into 1 inch meatballs. I used my pampered chef ice cream scoop and it made the perfect size, uniform balls. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat about 30 seconds. Add meatballs and brown on all sides. Once browned, place in saucepan with sauce you are using (homemade or from a jar), simmer over low heat for approximately 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Guess where I'll be this weekend?

Yep, in Pittsburgh to visit family. Gets me all excited for football season.

It's just around the corner!

Discipline.

When my alarm went off this morning at 5:20AM I immediately heard the rain. I then went into this back and forth debate (with myself) as to whether I should wake up and rush around and try to get to the gym before work, or just take the day off from working out, since obviously I would not be running outside. I finally dragged myself out of my bed and made it to the gym.

Here's the thing-I am so extremely disciplined about working out. Granted, I'm not some ultra marathoner or body builder, but 6 days a week I work out for a minimum of 30 minutes-usually it's much longer. In fact, up until this past January when I was unable to exercise because of some medical reasons, I hadn't taken more than one day off a week for years. Usually it's just a run around Clifton, but I am so committed to exercising every day. It's important to me to be physically healthy. No, I'm not a model and am far from having a perfect body, but my heart is in good shape-and I definitely can't attribute that to genetics.

Why is it so easy for me to commit to my physical health, but not so much when it comes to my spiritual "health" if you will? Plain and simple, I am just not as disciplined. It's been over 2 months since I've been involved in any kind of structured community and/or fellowship. And I am definitely starting to feel the effects of that void in my life. Sure, I read my Bible and pray, but I just haven't been commiting to setting aside time to really be alone with God the way that I do when I'm encouraged by others around me doing the same thing. Does that make sense? It's like I lose my discipline...and obviously, the effects of that kind of disconnect are far greater than an expanding waistline.

I was thinking about this today and happened to read this by Henri Nouwen this very morning. I don't think it's a coincidence!

Discipline is the other side of discipleship. Discipleship without discipline is like waiting to run in the marathon without ever practicing. Discipline without discipleship is like always practicing for the marathon but never participating. It is important, however, to realize that discipline in the spiritual life is not the same as discipline in sports. Discipline in sports is the concentrated effort to master the body so that it can obey the mind better. Discipline in the spiritual life is the concetrated effort to create the space and time where God can become our master and where we can respond freely to God's guidance.

Thus, discipline is the creation of boundries that keep time and space open for God. Solitude requires discipline, worship requires discipline, caring for others requires discipline. They all ask us to set apart a time an a place where God's gracious presence can be acknowledged and responded to.
-Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey

Woof.

My parents are getting a dog! How exciting! Isn't he cute??

Need a laugh?

Then watch this video. Though, you've probably already seen it unless you've been living under a rock. Hilarious.

Today is the day.

After much nauseating review of my spending habits over the last few months, I've decided to start the "envelope" system today.* (Recommended by Steve-smart man.) Cash budget-here I come. I'm all set to go to the bank at noon and take out a giant wad of cash to divide into my little envelopes I've already pre-marked with their designated amounts.

Now, I am not as extreme as some. I'm still going to have money set aside for grooming my dog every month, getting pedicures, gifts, clothing etc. I'm just going to have a limit, so it's not out of control. Once I get a bit more control, I'll look into areas where I can skim some off and perhaps spend a bit less.

Since I'm just starting on a cash budget, I'm a little worried to totally spend my entire paycheck into each "envelope" or account. But, in the future I'd love to do that so that my money is going into specific places-i.e. vacation fund, car savings, new leather briefcase...oh wait.

Anyway, yeah. I will still pay for gas with my debit card. BUT, I have an envelope with the amount I can spend and I will be printing off the receipts and subtracting so I know how much more I have. I just can't give up the convenience of paying at the gas pump! I will also be paying bills online, not with cash. But, I already subtract that off of my monthly budget, so it's like I don't even see that money.

We shall see. I'm committing to doing this for 90 days. I will be refilling the envelopes twice a month (I get paid twice a month, not once). I figured if I put it out here on the world wide web, I'd at least have a bit more accountability.

Have you tried this? Any tips?

*Nauseating in the fact that Quicken, even after I went through and re-categorized items, categorized the majority of my money spent on miscellaneous expenses (i.e. pedicures!), dining out, and student loans. Yikes.

This is the life.

I find myself jealous of my dog most days when I leave for work in the morning. You can see why in the picture below. Who needs a dog bed when you can use your owner's feather pillows?

Zoom.

So I just realized we are more than half way done with 2009. What the heck!!? It feels like it just started.

And I just realized my birthday is only 23 days away. Holy. I will be 28 and no longer able to claim I am in my "mid" twenties as opposed to my "late" twenties.

Insanity. Do you find yourself feeling like the dogs pictured below-like life is just flying by?? I do.

Allow me to introduce you...

to my new friend Alice. Everybody needs an Alice. She is my new resource for purchasing all "houseware" needs. Toilet paper, dishwasher detergent, soap, cleaning products, etc. Alice finds the products you need for your home, searches for coupons, and then ships them all to your door for free. Then she sends you reminders (you can set the length of time) to say "um, Liz, I believe you are running low on Shampoo-time for a new shipment").

Why is this amazing? Well, if you're anything like me, when you're out of toilet paper-you don't realize it until you're really out and looking for Kleenex or napkins around the house. TMI? Ok. Better yet, whenever I go to Target for houseware staples, I somehow also end up with a new pair of shoes and some running clothes. And maybe a book. Crap, they sell wine there, too. You get my point. An $8 roll of toilet paper somehow leads me to a $50 check out with items I did not need!

Enter Alice.

I go online, pick out what I need, she ships it to me for free and it arrives within 1-2 business days. No hassle. No automated deliveries (though you can set that up if you are so inclined).

There are a few negatives. First, these are only name brand products. If you use Meijer brand dishwasher detergent, you are S.O.L. Second, the coupons come off the regular retail price. So, you don't take advantage of a store sale + coupon. But, for me (I hate to actually cut coupons), this works fine. Third, there is a 6 item minimum.

I have received one shipment and placed my second order today and I love it!

Try it out.*

*If you really are interested in trying it, I think if I send you an e-mail "refer a friend" deal, you can get $10 off an order of $50. Feel free to e-mail me if interested-elizabeth dot brashear at gmail dot com.

empathy

I decided to stop in Starbucks this morning for a delicious Americano (I haven't had one in months!) and while I was waiting in the horrifically long line, I spotted two people who appeared to be studying. I stared a bit more and saw they had Bar Review books and were obviously studying for the Ohio Bar Exam, which is probably just around the corner.

I really felt for them. I will never forget that summer spent in the library instead of sunning at the pool. No vacation that summer. I was probably the palest I've never been. I had this little room I would study in that had no windows. It would be cluttered with coffee cups, outlines, highlighters, huge books of law, half eaten Barry's Bagels sandwiches, or whatever carry out I had decided to partake in that day. And those last few weeks in July-ugh, those were the worst!

This I know-never again! If some day I decide I belong in a house by the beach instead of lovely Ohio, I'll have to find a beach in a state that allows experienced attorneys to waive in without taking a bar exam.

(Yes, North Carolina is one such state. Once I've practiced for 5 years, I could get licensed in the Tarheel State. Not that I've checked or anything.)

Unbelieveable

A firefighter in Columbus, Ohio didn't want to pay to board his two dogs while he went on a cruise. So, he took them to his basement, tied them up, and shot them both-killing them. He then tied up the carcasses and threw them away in the trash dumpster behind his firestation. His colleagues turned him in to authorities. You can read the story here.

His punishment? 90 days jail time, to be served 10 days at a time so as to not disrupt his work schedule, a fine, and some community service. Oh, and he has to write a letter of apology to be published in the local newspaper. Give me a break.

This is a man employed in public service. Appalling.

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

-Mahatma Ghandi

I'm getting old.

I cannot decide whether to attend my 10 year high school reunion. On the one hand, it'd be really fun to see some people and also interesting to see people with whom I am only friends on Facebook. One the other hand, I don't want to pay $40 to go to a "prom-style" night with dinner, drinks and dancing...at the same locale where my prom was held 10 years ago. Yikes. Sadly, there is no after-prom.

Will I regret it if I don't go? Probably not. Will I feel the need to tell everyone I'm a fancy attorney (riiight) when they ask if I'm married or have kids? Probably.

But, for some reason as the date gets closer, it's piquing my interest! Maybe it's just a desire to do the Cougar rumble one more time... 

What to do, what to do. 

Let's take an informal poll-should I go or stay home? Did you go to yours? 

All I need is a miracle...

And a miracle I received! When I came back from vacation, my driver side window mysteriously stopped working and would not go up or down-which made scanning my badge in the parking garage rather difficult.

But, this morning, I randomly tried it and it worked! Amazing. It was probably because my car got to spend its first night ever in the garage last night.

All moved in!

Well, the move is over and I absolutely love our new place. I woke up this morning and heard...nothing! Fabulous. (I also did not smell any pot, which is yet another bonus.)

I've moved three times in the last three years and I can emphatically say that I detest moving. But, those times I've moved I've been reminded how blessed I am to have such great (strong) friends to help.

I generally like doing things myself. Growing up, I hated group projects because I suppose I hated having to relinquish some control over the assignment. But, I was amazed last night just how fast moving could go-and how enjoyable-when you have a group of people there to help share the burden. Emily and Leah even unpacked all of our kitchen stuff!

So thank YOU Steve, Justin, Emily, Brad, Leah, and Jason. I hope you aren't too sore today-and thanks for moving so quickly that I was still able to get to bed by 10:30p.m. :-)

Vacation was amazing...

Here are a few highlights. More details to come. Must get ready for a long day at work tomorrow (bleh).

Crossing over again.

I really did not want to have to get Time Warner cable and internet at my new place. But, Cincinnati Bell's new Fioptic tv (or whatever it's called) isn't available where I'm living and I can't get a satellite.

*Sigh* So it looks like Time Warner wins again. If only there was a television service that offered basic cable + the Food Network. I'd be set.
Vacation in T-one day.