Writing to the Congressman

My husband called me today and said that I might be able to get him home sooner by writing to our Congressman. I had not considered writing to a politician to get my husband home sooner, but I was willing to try it. So I found Congressman Yarmuth's website and sent him a letter. I was not sure what to expect, but the next week I received a phone call from his office and was told that they were going to launch an official congressional inquiry as to what is holding him up. It is not guaranteed to help get him home sooner, but it might and at the very least it will give us a reason why is still stuck in Georgia.
So now I am wondering what other things we want to change that can be helped by writing to a Congressman. What are things you would change about your city or state? What problems would you want your congressman to solve?

Dog Park: A Worthy Investment

I spent $30 on a membership for my dog Katy to become a member of the Louisville Dog Parks. She is a very nervous dog who is afraid of everything. People, other dogs, loud noises and the car all make her cower on the ground and shake. So, I have been working on introducing her to more people and now have decided that she needs to be socialized with other dogs. The dog park membership allows me access to four dog parks around town, but so far I have only visited the one closest to my home. We have been going every afternoon for a week and already she is playing with other dogs and will run around instead of hiding under the bench where I am sitting or between my legs.
I have even noticed that on our walks she is more confident and seems curious about new situations. She is still afraid of the car and gets carsick, but hopefully with time she will get over that too. for now, I am just happy that she has room to run around off leash and play.

Steamed Carrots

Carrots - the word alone makes my nose wrinkle in disgust. Yes, they're healthy and I know they are full of healthy vitamins and antioxidants, but I just don't like them all that much. Crunchy and bland tasting, I only like them cooked with brown sugar which defeats the purpose of eating the healthy food in the first place. Since moving into the new apartment, I have been watching Food Network and find myself inspired. While I'm not trying anything particularly challenging yet, I have tried a few new things in the kitchen. So, what better food to try than something fat free and very healthy?

I made steamed carrots using my rice cooker which came with a steamer bowl attachment. It took a little longer than the instructions in the manual recommended, I cooked it for 18 minutes when only 10 was recommended. I added a little fat free I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and a pinch of salt, and it was delicious. I was more than a little shocked by how much I loved it, I actually ended up making more. 

So, thank you Food Network. I'm not making Coq au Vin, I have found a new vegetable I'm actually excited to eat and it was SO easy. What is the world coming to?

Groupon Deal for a 5 Cheap Dates!

I told you a little while ago about Groupon.com and that I found one great deal, and I am very excited to say I found another one!
My husband still isn't home, we are still waiting on paperwork to process, but I still am looking for ways that we can have fun and go out once he gets home without spending over our budget. The Comedy Caravan is a local comedy club that my husband loves visiting. He loves comedy in general, so I am really excited because I got a great deal on the tickets. I paid $10 for a set of two tickets to see comedy shows. I could have paid $15 for a pair of tickets to a weekend show, but we don't mind going to a show on a week night, so I opted for the cheaper tickets.
I ended up spending $50 on five sets of tickets, which was a little painful, but I have to realize I'm saving a lot of money. We could have a nice dinner at home then go out and have a date night for only $10! I have already paid for them, so it won't use any money from our budget when he gets home.
I can't wait to find my next Groupon deal!