I went in today and he said I'm healing fine.  I go back in 3 months for a more thorough check up.  Also, today I scheduled a follow up with Dr. Boothe (lasik surgeon).  I've been getting ocular headaches, so we'll see if I need to get my eyes lasered again.

1. I need to organize all of my music.  I've been supposedly working on this since January... and I haven't gotten very far.  I wish it wasn't so tedious!  I'm up to like 100GB of music, and it's all wonky.
2. I need to organize the garage.  Serious, have you seen that place?  Yuck.
3. I need to rearrange my room. I don't like my bed facing the door.  It's creepy.
4. I need to pick a new paint medium and stick WITH IT.

It's been almost a year since I've graduated college.  Due to the tumultulous time I had finishing college after my mom passed away, I really wanted to take a year off.  From EVERYTHING.  And since I need money to live, I didn't take a year off of work, but I pretty much did nothing else but chill.  So, I picked up my long lost love of reading.  Looking back, this list doesn't look that impressive, but I'm pretty excited about what I'm adding to the list.


Books I've read in the last year (in rough order):

1. The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke
   
2. Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty
3. Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1)
4. Fool Moon (The Dresden Files, Book 2)
5. Grave Peril (The Dresden Files, Book 3)
   
6. Mapping the Mind
7. Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, Book 4)
   
8. Death Masks (The Dresden Files, Book 5)
   
9. Blood Rites (The Dresden Files, Book 6)
   
10. Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, Book 7)
    
11. Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files, Book 8)
    
12. White Night (The Dresden Files, Book 9)
    
13. Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10)
14. Ender's Game
15. Speaker for the Dead (Ender, Book 2)
    
16. Xenocide (Ender, Book 3)
    
17. Children of the Mind (Ender, Book 4)
18. Ender's Shadow (Ender, Book 5)
19. Shadow of the Hegemon (Ender, Book 6)
20. Shadow Puppets (Ender, Book 7)
21. Shadow of the Giant (Ender, Book 8)
    
22. First Meetings in Ender's Universe
23. A War of Gifts: An Ender Story
24. Blood Lite: An Anthology of Humorous Horror Stories Presented by the Horror Writers Association *Jim Butcher's contribution only
25. Backup
    
26. Mean Streets * Jim Butcher's contribution only
27. Many Bloody Returns * Jim Butcher's contribution only
28. My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding * Jim Butcher's contribution only
29. My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon * Jim Butcher's contribution only
30. The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle
31. The Memory of Earth, Homecoming - Volume 1
32. The Call of Earth, Homecoming - Volume 2
    
33. The Ships of Earth, Homecoming - Volume 3
34. Turn Coat (The Dresden Files, Book 11)

Books I plan to read (in rough order):

1. The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat
   
2. The Quiet Room
   
3. Man's Search for Meaning
   
4. Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers * I need to finish this.  I think I started it... a year ago. It's not BAD, just not compelling.
5. The Night Watch (Watch, Book 1)
6. Earthfall, Homecoming - Volume 4 * Already own.
7. Earthborn, Homecoming - Volume 5 * Already own.
8. Ender in Exile * Already own.
9. Neuromancer * Already own.
10. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies * Already own.
11. The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education * Already own.
12. Women & Money * Already own.
13. A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) * Already own.
14. A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2) * Already own.
15. A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3)
16. A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 4)
    
17. A Dance with Dragons (Song of Ice and Fire, Book 5)
    
18. Hero
19. Phantoms in the Brain
    
20. Synaptic Self: How Our Brains Become Who We Are

It's obvious from what I've read in the last year, that I am a fan of science fiction and neuro/psychology books.  Through high school and college I read most of the classics (from Grapes of Wrath to War and Peace), and I loved almost every one.  I also read a lot of Stephen King and Dean Koontz, but this is where my reading experience ends.  So, please suggest books for me!  Whether they are books you KNOW I'll love, based on what I have listed her, or simply a book you loved to pieces, please comment.

Apparently we're on a veggie kick. This soup recipe is from online somewhere, but with my and Michael's changes.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 - 8 servings

46 ounces of V8ish stuff
1 - 2 cups of salsa
2 cans of mixed veggies
1 can kidney beans
Some extra veggies of your liking (we used lots of celery, extra carrots, green onion and bell peppers)
Jalapenos


(1) Cut everything that isn't pre-cut.
(2) Mix together and simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
(3) Spice to taste.
Word to the wise: Use a big pot because 46 oz + 2 cups of salsa + lots of volumous veggies = a lot.

Tada! Easiest recipe yet!

Another easy (and vegetarian) recipe that is effing AWESOME. Even better the second day. :)

Prep time: 5 + 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 servings


1 cup of salsa
2 cans of black beans
2 cups of broth (chicken or vegetable)
Onions, cilantro and soup cream for garnishing (optional)
Jalapenos (IF YOU DARE)

(1) Heat the 1 cup of salsa and whatever jalapenos you want in a pan for 5 minutes on medium heat. While it's cooking, open the 2 cans of black beans and drain/rinse them.
(2) Add the 2 cups of broth and the washed beans. Simmer on medium heat, covered, for 15 minutes.
(3) Let cool a bit, then take about half of the soup and put it in a food processor. Get it all processed, return it to the pot, and mix well.

Serve warm with sour cream, onions and cilantro (optional). I added extra jalapenos to the left overs and it was AWESOME.

Last night I made Eggplant Parmesan for Michael and myself, and invited Justin and Brian over, too.  It was AWESOME.  Well, they liked it at least, and I love it, thus = awesome.

I haven't made EPP (as Michael calls it) in a while - since my sophomore year of college, and I've been craving it something fierce, so I looked up some recipes, and got the ingredients last weekend.  As it turns out... I must have used the ingredients list from multiple recipes, because I didn't have the right stuff/right proportions.  So, I improvised!  Without further ado, here is my awesomely tweaked EPP recipe.


Prep time:  20 minutes
Cook time:  40 minutes
Makes:  9 servings

(all ingredients are -ish.  Nothing needs to be perfect)
2 pounds of eggplant
3 eggs
2 - 4 cups of Italian bread crumbs
24 oz of tomato sauce
1 jar of salsa
16 oz sliced mozzarella
16 oz of shredded parmesan
sliced mushrooms / other veggies (however much you want)
- any other herbs or veggies you like -

(1)  Preheat your oven to 350.  Cut the eggplant in 1/4 inch rounds.  If they aren't perfect, it doesn't matter!  Do NOT peel the eggplant.  Lay the eggplant on a cookie sheet, with paper towels under them, and more paper towels on top.  Then use plates or something to weigh it down (I used a heavy cutting board).  This is to get excess moisture out of the eggplant, and can be skipped if you're rushed for time - do this for about an hour.  Eggplant is very spongy, so there is a lot of moisture in there, and that can cause the dish to be runny.

(2)  Crack 2 or 3 eggs in a bowl and blend.  Pour some bread crumbs on a plate.  Dip the eggplant in the egg (don't be afraid to be generous) and then in the bread crumbs.  You can pack the crumbs on as tightly or as lightly as you like.  Place then on a cookie sheet and bake them at 350 for 5 minutes on each side.  Do this for all of the eggplant rounds.

(3) While the eggplant is in the oven, mix your tomato sauce and salsa together in a big bowl - add any other herbs you like.  In a 13X9 baking pan, put down a thin layer of sauce.  Then, add a layer of the roasted and breaded eggplant.  You can squish the eggplant together, and even overlap - no worries.  Then add a layer of mozzarella slices, and sprinkle lots of parmesan, then add a layer of mushrooms, or whatever other veggie you like.  Just be sure not to add too many layers, because then your dish will be too tall for the pan, and will boil over.  Repeat this process, but use more of your sauce, and on the very top layer (I had 3 layers of eggplant, but 4 layers of everything else) put lots of extra parmesan and basil/oregano/whatever.

(4)  Cook for 35 - 40 minutes at 350, and then let it cool for 5 - 10 minutes.  It should be tender and delicous, and the parmesan on top should be golden brown.


I hope you enjoy!

I apparently went crazy for 2 years, because I haven't listened to Greenwheel in about that long.  This band is flippin' AWESOME, and I highly recommend you all download Soma Holiday by them.

Here is their wiki article, for some more info on them:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwheel. 


Also, an update on the nerdy stuff about my computer situation.  We (and by 'we' I mean me and Michael, and about 10 people I know who helped make the decision) decided to go with Option 3:  updating the lappy.  I got 2GB of ram, reformatted with a fresh copy of XP, and I bought a 1TB external HD to hold all my media and stuff.  So far, so good.  We did the reformatting last night, so today, after I got back from the shelter, I've been getting my links set back up, and downloading the programs I use (uTorrent, Digsby, VLC, etc).

I'm having slight issues with drivers, but nothing too annoying.  I hope to get a new stand today for my monitor and rearrange my desk so I can put everything where I like it, and still be able to easily disconnect my lappy for mobility.  Does anyone have any recommendations for me, since this is the first time ever I've been using JUST a lappy.  


Thanks for the help, guys, and I'm going to go shower.  Apparently I smell SOO much like the animal shelter, my cats need to lick all the other animal scent off of me.  Hawt.

This weekend I was watching an episode of How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) and I got up to do something, I look back, and my monitor is blank.  OK.  Maybe the computer is asleep.  No.  OK, maybe the monitor cord came loose.  It happened with my wireless NIC the other day, so why not?  Nope.  OK, reboot... my monitor receives no signal.

So, after hours of trouble shooting, including recruiting Michael to investigate, then handing it over to Brian to do a more thorough inspection, it's the motherboard and probably the video card, too.


Crap.  I really wanted to watch that episode of HIMYM.  Also, now I have a decision to make.  I have three options.

(1)  Buy a new, CHEAP computer.
(2)  Rebuild my current PC.
(3)  Update my lappy and use that only.


I obviously need some kind of computer, so these are my choices.  Since I'm pretty strapped for cash (with paying my student loans, and saving for a trip to Vegas in a month or two), I'm really thinking this through before I make a decision of where to slap my cash down.  And there is no doubt about it, I'm going to have to shell out some money.

Here goes.

Option 1:  Buy a new, CHEAP computer.
Pros: 
Price = $200 to $400.
A new computer will probably have less problems than a home built one, since it's factory built.*
I would get everything I need in one package, and it would be easy to upgrade and maintain.
More up-to-date processor, ram and motherboard.
No lingering problems from before.
*Brian said a cheap computer is not necessarily more stable than a home build one, since the quality of the factory computer decreases as the price gets lower.

Cons:
I only need something that runs well enough for me to download stuff, and to watch what I download, as well as surf the net and talk on AIM.  So, a new computer might be overkill.
I already have an awesomely huge HD and a new DVD burner.


Option 2:  Rebuild my current PC.
Pros:
Price = $200.
I can reuse parts I already have, and thus not be wasteful.
I can edit/update whatever I want.

Cons:
It's homemade, so it's not as reliable as a factory build.*
It might have the same underlying problem that caused the motherboard to die.
It would take time and effort to build.
*Brian again said that just because it's home built doesn't mean a cheap factory model will be more reliable.


Option 3:  Update my lappy and use that only.
Pros:
Price = $100.
All of my stuff would be very portable, as my lappy plus an external HD.
My laptop is in need of updating, being about 3 years old, and I could kill two birds with one stone by updating the lappy and nixing the PC and thus the need to update a PC.
Updating my laptop would only require more ram and a fresh install of windows, and buying a case to make my internal HD an external.


Cons:
My laptop is missing a key and thus looks super ghetto.
I'm really used to having 2 separate computers and I don't know if I would like not having a PC.
I think I would need something to elevate the lappy, because looking down at a laptop screen on a desk is a bitch.
I would need to buy a new keyboard and mouse, as the ones I had for my PC are NOT USB.*
*Though seriously, it's about time I got an optical mouse.

So, I need some opinions!  Ideas!  HELP!!  I know specs would help a lot, but I don't know the exact specs on some of the stuff I talked about.  Brian and Michael have spent a lot of time messing with my computer and my lappy, so they would know better than me (what a woman thing to say).

Rules: It's harder than it looks! Copy to your own note, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag 10 people. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real. . .nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.

Have Fun!!


1. What is your name: Mae.

2. A four Letter Word: Mess.

3. A boy's Name: Mark.

4. A girl's Name: Maryann.

5. An occupation: Match-maker.

6. A color: Marmalade.

7. Something you wear: Many layers.

8. A food: Mustard greens.

9. Something found in the bathroom: My cats.

10. A place: Magic Kingdom.

11. A reason for being late: Michael murdered my matador.

12. Something you shout: Move!

13. A movie title: Mama Mia

14. Something you drink: Mango mimosa.

15. A musical group: Mae!

16. An animal: Magical monkey.

17. A street name: Munster.

18. A type of car: Mazda M3

19. The title of a song: Manic Monday.

What is their name? Michael.

What pet name do you like to call them? Bebe.

How long have you been together? About 2 and a half years.

How did you meet? We met at one of Chris and Scott's parties when we were in college, our sophomore years.  It was when he was still going to MSU, so he was just in town visiting Taylor and other friends from HS.  I remember standing in the kitchen in the apartment (kitchen parties FTW!) and hiding behind him when someone was trying to attack me with water or something.  I don't think he had ANY idea I was hitting on him.

What do you like the most about them? He is fun to be with because he's funny, kind, honest, smart and ingenious, and he cares about me so much that I never doubt him when he says "I love you."

What do you like the least about them? He doesn't think before he speaks sometimes, so he studders through a 1 minute comment for 10 minutes.  It's soooo frustrating!

What is the best thing they have ever done for you? He was there for me when my mom died.  That's one of the biggest things, ever.  He lets me see the real him, the him that he's scared to see himself sometimes. 

Have they met your parents yet? He didn't meet my mom before she passed away, and he hasn't met my father.  I haven't seen him in a while, but if I ever go to see him, Michael will be with me.

What would your kids look like if you had kids? That's a dumb question, because we can't know.  But, I hope they would have his hair and eyes, and my skin and body type.  Why the later?  Because EVERYONE in his family has a huge head and that is NOT coming out of me.  Oh, and the kids will be tall.  We're both uber tall and that's AWESOME.

What is the worst argument you have had? Waaaay too personal to talk about in LJ.

Do you still kiss a lot? Yes, yes a thousand times yes.  I love him bunches and I show him constantly with kisses, hugs and massages.

Who asked who out? I think I asked him.  We had been hanging out as friends for a while, and then we went to Humperdinks in Addison on our first real date.

Do you think you will get married? Yes.  Right now we're just waiting until we can afford a good honeymoon.

Can you see yourself growing old with them? Yes.

What is the one thing you would like to change about them? His lack of ambition for doing stuff!  I like activities and projects.  He likes stocks and video games.  I wanna get him to do more physical stuff with me!

What do you think they would like to change about you? I can be a little obsessive, I like to keep things on a schedule... probably that. < DITTO what Heather said.

What is the first gift they ever bought you?  I don't remember.  We're not big on gifts, so much as doing things for each other.

Do you have a favorite song together? We sing "Don't Look Back in Anger" and a billion other Oasis songs together.

Which famous person do you think they look like the most? Jake Gyllenhaal? I dunno.

Would you say the two of you are a good match?  Very much yes.  We compliment each other, but where it really counts we agree completely.

Name something you hate?
Bad parents.

What is something your friends make fun of you for?
The way I say "pinch."

Are you named after one of your parents or grand parents?
Yes, actually; both.  My middle name (Carol) is my mom and grandmothers first name, and my great grandmother and great-great grandmothers middle names.  I don't know yet if I'll carry on the tradition (hopefully I will have no girls and not have to make the decision).

Are you wearing any clothes that doesn' t belong to you?
Again, actually yes.  The shirt I'm wearing is Michael's freshman (HS) band shirt.

Have you ever liked someone who all your friends hated ?
Yep.  Anyone remember Thomas?


What are you doing besides this survey?
Changing wallets.

Do you know anyone who is pregnant?
Yes, Eileen.  She's Dwayne's wife, so kinda family.

Are you keeping a secret right now?
A lady always is.

Is there anyone you want to come see you?
Yep, the friends that are coming over tonight.

What are your plans for the weekend?
We vegged last night, and tonight we're having friends over to celebrate the last weekend before school starts.  Tomorrow, I think Heather and I are making candles.

Are you a bad influence?
Sometimes.  :)

Last person to make you laugh ?
Michael, talking about Irish astronauts being called "Celtic knots."  GET IT!?

What was the last thing you heard ?
Zombies attacking and gun fire...  <  Same as Jess.  Michael is playing Left 4 Dead.

Do you think anyone has feelings for you?
I sure hope so!


Who was the first person you talked to today ?
Michael.

Are you a forgiving person?
My instincts tell me not to be, but I work very hard to see the logic in situations, and forgive according to the Golden Rule.


When is the next time you will hug someone?
NEVER.  Thanks for ruining hugs, LJ.

You have to get a facial piercing, what do you get?
I have enough already, but if I were to get another one, I would get my right nostril pierced.  Why the right?  Because my left eyebrow is pierced and I can't be overly unbalanced!

what does your last text in your inbox say?
"We'll be there."

Are you scared of sharks?
Hell yes!

You get arrested, what for?
Picketing.

Last thing someone bought for you?
Dinner in celebration of my promotion!

Does anyone know your password besides you?
Hah, Michael knows a few of them, but the one I use the most is confusing as hell, UNLESS you know what it means.

Who do you not get along with?
Ashley Wilkins, the insane, self-absorbed bitch who threatened my family because she didn't want to be an adult anymore.


Did you have a good birthday last year?
Hell yea!  I think.  I don't remember the party, so I assume yes...

Gummy bears or Gummy worms ?
Bears, unless they are sour, then I prefer worms.

In winter, would you rather wear jackets or hoodies?
I prefer jackets, but I end up wearing hoodies because they are easy.

Has anyone ever sang to you?
Yes.  Pinche Jaime.

Are you busy tomorrow?
Not overly, which is good, because I need to clean the garage.

Are you mad at someone right now?
No.

Who were you last in the car with?
Michael, my love.  <3

When was the last time you cried ?
Yesterday.  I read a friends post about coping with her grandfathers death, and I've had way too many family members die recently that I haven't dealt with.  So, kinda hit me hard.

Think of the last person who said 'I love you' , do you think they meant it?
Yes, I know they did.  It means even more when you know, beyond any doubt, that they mean every word they say.

Have you ever kissed someone whos name started with an A or D?
Yes.

One thing you' re looking forward to?
Vacationing in February with Michael.

Where is the next place you will travel to?
Probably Hot Springs, AR.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF
- I died:
- I kissed you:
- I lived next door to you:
- You found out I was married:
- I stole something:
- I was hospitalized:
- I refused to leave my home:
- I got into a fight while you were there:

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MY
- Personality:
- Eyes:
- Hair:
- Family:

WOULD YOU
- Help me hide a body?
- Keep a secret if I told you one?
- Hold my hand?
- Take a bullet for me?
- Try to solve my problems?
- Love me?

HAVE YOU EVER
- Lied to make me feel better?
- Wanted to kiss me?
- Wanted to kill me?
- Broke my heart?
- Kept something important from me?
- Thought I was unbearably annoying?

AND MORE!
- Who are you?
- Are we friends?
- When and how did we meet?
- Describe me in three words:
- What was your first impression?
- Do you still think that way about me now?
- What reminds you of me?
- If you could give me anything, what would it be?
- How well do you know me?
- When's the last time you saw me?
- Ever wanted to tell me something but couldn't?
- Are you gonna re-post this to see what I say about you?

(1 Points) What's my first name:
(1 Point) My last name:
(5 Points) Take a stab at my middle name:
(2 Points) Where do I live:
(2 Points) What color are my eyes:
(3 Points) Who am I in love with:
(2 Points) Where did we meet:
(3 Points) What am I afraid of:
(4 Points) Describe my taste in the opposite and/or same sex:
(2 Points) Do I smoke:
(3 Points) Do I drink/What do I drink:
(2 Points, +1 point for each name) How many siblings do I have:
(2 Points, +1 point for each name) How many pets do I have:
(4 Points) What's one of my favorite things to do:
(3 Points) Who is/are my favorite person/people:
(3 Points) What's my favorite type of music:
(3 Points) What do I eat on pizza:
(3 Points) Name something I hate:
(3 Points) Name someone I hate:
(5 Points) What are my parents' names:
(4 Points) Name a talent I have:
(5 Points) What are my vices:
(5 Points on creativeness) If I were stranded on a desert island, what would I bring:

I don't know if this is really a Christmas list, but it's definitely a list of things I want.

In no particular order:

 

1. Wallet (for checks and credit cards)
2. Little Big Planet (game for the PS3)
3. Animal Crossing for Wii.
4. Wii Fit!
5. 120GB iPod
6. New, awesome lappy.
7. New, awesome puppy.
8. Hammock, with stand.
9. Ram for my lappy.
10. Day perfume.
11. Telescope.
12. iHome or some other thing to play muh iPodz.
13. Dark wood jewelery box (to match my bedroom).
14. Strobe light!

I really really want a dog.  Heather, Justin and I came up with these reasons:

Heather's reasons:

You can teach them tricks that cats don't give a crap about learning

They come when you call them

They crap outside

They play more actively with Humans

It could hang with Bruceman

They are extremely affectionate when they sense distress

If you get a male they tend to attach more to their female owners

It will want you constant attention and give you constant love in return

They help clean the kitchen floor

They more actively play with toys

You can take dogs for walks ßThat's one of the main reasons I want one. To be more active.

They will tell you that Timmy fell down a well

You can play fetch

Dogs run to the door to greet you when you get home

Justin's:

They're cute.

Mine:

I want to be more active, so having a dog to go on walks with me, to parks, to run around with, would be awesome.

I have the time to take the dog out, we have the space, and it would be fun to learn and teach them tricks/manners.

The companionship would be great. I love the cats, and they love us, but more love is never bad.

They are more loyal and affectionate than cats.

And all of what Heather and Justin said, too.

Michael, so far, does not seem pleased.  He said he doesn't want a dog, and if he tells me no, I will be upset, so it's lose-lose.  I don't know why he doesn't want one exactly (other than the fact that we already have 4 cats... hrm), so I'll investigate further.  But I really want one.  I started looking at some up for adoption today and I can already feel the love.  <3

We have a room available.  It's pretty big, and has lots of Windows.  It's in a 4 bedroom house and rent is $220/month in rent.  House bills come up to about $100 to $150 a month ($150 in the summer with lots of electricity use.  Bills were $87 last month, per person, and that includes DirecTV, internet, electricity, water and phone).

We apparently have 60 days to find someone, as one of our roommates is leaving us high and dry.  It's frustrating that she isn't finding a roommate to replace her, so I'm asking you guys for help!  Please help.  =)


A little more about the house: 

There are 4 other roommates:  Michael and I share a room, and Kevin (Michael's brother) and Karyn (Kevin's girlfriend) have two of the other rooms.  The house is huge, so the only issue we have with having 5 people living there is when we all grocery shop at the SAME time, we have to get creative with the fridge.

We have 4 cats.  Yes, the house comes with 4 cats.  I think this, and making sure we mesh all the roommate's personalities together are the most important things.  The house is awesome.  The bills are cheap.  It's in a great neighborhood, and is close to UTD and SMU, as well as shopping centers.  The 4 cats belong to Michael and I, and yes, I know that is a lot of cats.  They are all amiable, and love people, and if you have another cat or a dog or something, that's fine as long as your animal plays well with others.  After an adjustment period, our cats with love you and your animal(s).


Kevin and Karyn go to UTD and have a few years left of school.  Michael and I have graduated, and usually work Monday - Friday until 5PM or so.  We have people at the house once or twice a week for parties or get togethers, and we keep the house pretty clean (we run the dishwasher EVERY day.  With 5 people, what do you expect!).  We're all happy people, and all enjoy meeting new people, playing board games, video games, etc.




If you're interested, or know someone who is, PLEASE let me know!  Male or female, it does not matter, as long as they are good people and (hopefully) won't leave us high and dry again.  There is no deposit required. 



Thank you guys for the help!



Oh, and there is a pool.  A little cold to use it now, but it was great in the summer!

Justin:  I have a song stuck in my head, but I don't know the exact lyrics, and I don't know who sings it

Now wait a minute! Before you go thinking "ZOMG uR getting mareeed?!" Hear me out. I was speaking with a friend who is considering marriage, and with his best interests in mind, I started looking at things you should think about before marriage. I do plan on getting married in the future, but not soon.

Also, since 99.3% of my friends are now either married or engaged (Yes, Justin, that is everyone but you) this post might help more than just the friend in question. Or just be interesting.


I have compiled a VERY short list - feel free to add something - of things to think about when deciding to get married, and some helpful links for tips and direction.



(1) Do I want to commit to this person for the rest of our lives? Do I trust this person to be a good spouse? What do I require of a spouse?

This is very detailed, and a great way to get everything on the table: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/pdfs/marriage.pdf

It's kind of an elaborate check list of what you need to know about each other before you get married, to be sure you're right for each other, and ready.


(2) Do I want a prenuptial agreement (prenup)?

These days, pre-nups are almost a necessity. For all the people who think pre-nups are rude and unnecessary, keep in mind that all the paperwork involved in marriage is just that - paperwork. It doesn't change how you feel about your significant other. If you're too insecure to even consider the options of making a healthy, stable marriage work, then you're not ready for marriage. Period.

This page explains very well some of the reasons for, and how to choose, your pre-nup: http://www.texasbar.com/Template.cfm?Section=Pamphlets&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=7087


(3) How will we deal with money?

This is related to premarital agreements, but also it's own thing. If you and your lovely don't agree on how to handle your own money, that's fine. But when it comes to how you'll handle you're shared assets, that's a different story. Too often does one spouse get dicked over because the other is ignorant about debt/interest rates/income or gambles or something. These days, you've got to be responsible, or your honey will go find someone just as awesome as you, but more fiscally responsible.

This link gives some helpful hints on what to consider before getting married, and options for how to work together to make sure you're a success: http://family.findlaw.com/marriage/marriage-property/newlyweds-financial-checklist.html


(4) What about kids?

Do you want kids? Are you 100%, or just fairly sure? Offspring are important to carry on the human race, but they are also expensive to cultivate. Before you decide to marry, be sure you and your future spouse have an agreement on what will happen in the future in the spawn department.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2069644_decide-have-children.html


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Same sex marriage.

Because I'm hetero, I have a longer list of things to consider for marriage, because that's what affects me. For anyone planning on committing to a same-sex union (or in the future or in other states, an actual marriage), EVERY single ONE of these things apply. For any straight people who think gay marriage is different - it's not. Other than the government is dumb and thinks it is.

For anyone interested in the legal different between gay marriage and straight: http://family.findlaw.com/same-sex-couples/

This will help you with the extra legal crap you have to handle. But make sure you check those links out up there! I don't hold a double standard for same-sex marriages than I do for opposite-sex ones. I expect you to be responsible just like moi. =)




That's about all of the major decisions I could think of. Thinks like buying a house, where to live, careers, etc, can all be grouped in with one of the other things, or I don't find them that important for the decision to get married. All in all, communicate is key, and be honest and open with each other before getting married, you'll be OK in the long run.


This is a page where I got most of the other links: http://family.findlaw.com/marriage/marriage-guide/marriage-checklist.html If you find anything else that you would like to share with the class, PLEASE do!

http://www.the-editing-room.com/