Grey is the new Black.

This morning, while pulling my hair back before hitting the track, I noticed a small, flyaway hair glistening near my temple. Hmmm.... I haven't see a hair that color on my head since I was a toddler. Wait a minute! That's not the platinum shade of my youth! That's a whiter shade of pale! Of course, I went with my gut reaction - pluck it! Yes, I know, ten more will now come. But, I have now bought myself time to devise a plan of attack on my head. Do I run toWalgreens and buy a DIY kit? Which brand do I buy? And more frighteningly, which shade do I pick? My loving husband says, "Leave it. Let it grow in naturally." Ha! I guess guys don't understand that women don't easily give in to "aging naturally."

From what I have read, "silver is chic." Maybe I haven't fought hard enough against growing roots to appreciate this statement. I have never been one to color my hair regularly. It really
doesn't go much further than experimenting with at-home kits in junior high and my roommates and Igiving each other highlights in college. I have embraced my natural, mousey blonde shade. Now, Mother Nature is forcing me to re-think it. What shade do you think would look best on me? A sassy, strawberry blonde? A sophisticated deep auburn? Golden blonde? Or should I do as my wise husband says and (shutter) age gracefully?

In fact, let's start a poll! I will be taking votes until another one of those pesky, little hairs shows their shiny, pale faces again.

It's not easy being green.

Living in Michigan, we all know what it's like to feel the frustration of coming up to miles of orange and white barrels. Now that the cooler weather is setting in, the excitement of seeing that dreaded "Work Zone - Next 27 Miles" sign come down is the highlight of some communters' year.

If only it were like that at our house. We have finished the construction in our living room as the warm weather comes to an end, just like on the roadways. Unfortunately, that just means we have moved down the hallway to start renovations on another room. Due to a recent change in my employment status, we have decided to make the next overhaul our third bedroom - aka "My Office." This room is so small, we hesistate to even call it a bedroom, even though our mortgage papers tell us different. We affectionately refer to this room as "the Green Room" due to my painting it a shade of green that makes Kermit the Frog look pale the week we moved in.


As for the master plan for this room, we have already re-sized the closet which was nearly half the size of the actual room giving the coat closet on the other side of the wall a bit more room. It's funny, this room is tiny, but yet it had the largest closet in the entire house. We plan to build some shelving in the new closet to help with storage.

We have wrapped up the drywall and I have started priming the walls in preparation of a new, more subtle hue. Yes, we are remodeling to improve and update our 50 year old house to make us a little happier. But, we also have to keep in mind the next owners and making the process of selling easier and quicker. I have come to terms with the fact that maybe the green paint wasn't soooooo practical, but I liked it, and still do. It makes me a little sad to see it go, but am excited of the new purpose this room will have once the remodel is complete. For now this is where we are at....
You would not believe the difficulty I had trying to take a photo of this room! It is so narrow that there was not one corner I could stand in and get a decent amount of the room. So this is what you get - the office from the vantage point of me standing on my file cabinet.

Under Construction

We are just about to wrap up our renovation on our living room. It has been quite a while since my last update, so I thought I would share some photos of our progress.

Before

After

Before

After

Sin City - As Seen thru my Camera!

We arrived home from Las Vegas late Monday after a whirlwind weekend of hitting the slots, a wedding and lots of wonderful refreshments. It was exhausting, but a great time! Here's some photos from our trip...

Here is our room, which was fabulous! (please ignore all our crap.)

The casino in our hotel...


The outside of the hotel....


Kristy, my sister, & Jim


From across the street


BIG winner!

We heard Hef might be looking for some new bunnies


Stick it up your nose, George!


Creepy statue guy at the Venetian

No, I don't really consider old cars exciting,
but this one was priced at $12 million.
I think that is worth a mention.

Now to the important part - my sister's wedding.
Here's Ryan on the wedding morning.


The bride & groom


Things are getting fuzzy...


No, we don't need to zoom..


The ceremony, which was held at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
This explains the early morning drinking.


Gee, I sure hope the professional photog
got better pictures than I did.


As Willie Nelson said, "It's a bloody mary morning!"


"Is it time to go home yet??"

Obamalicious!

Who's that mysterious, political figure trapped in between my loving hound dog's teeth!





Why, that's Illinois Senator Barack Obama!

It looks like Clark has officially endorsed his candidate for President.

Everybody Loves Bacon!

Whether it be turkey bacon, bacon bits, a real slab of bacon for breakfast or in your Bush's Baked Beans, everyone loves bacon, right?! Well, let's put that to the test...




My sister, Kristina, has fostered this adorable siamese kitten - and she has named her Bacon! Her logic was that her fiance, who LOVES bacon, would fall in love with her too. So far, no luck. Bacon started coming around about three or four days ago looking for food. As you can see in the pictures, she is very, very skinny. Kristy thinks she is only three or four months old, due to her size. Bacon is a little shy when it comes to humans, but she has started eating soft kitty food twice a day.

We are trying to find Bacon a nice home that can give her the love she deserves. Please, please let me know if you are interested or know someone that is.

Bloggity-Blog, Blog, Blog

After being called out on a friend's blog for "taking a break from the blogosphere", it is possible that is my guilt talking and she was totally talking about someone else, I will answer the following bloggy questions regarding my bloggy-blog.

____________________________

1. Why did you start a blog?

I started Planet Hammond because:
a) I was really excited about being married and I thought we would have all sorts of new and exciting news to share. Why I thought this, I'm not sure. It's not like we just moved in together and we still had all sorts of fun quirks to learn about each other. We lived together for almost five years before we were married. Wedding bliss fogged my mind.
b) Because I like to read blogs. So I thought, "Why not. Our lives are just as interesting as Brad and Angelina, right?"
c) Because I was bored at work.

2. Why do you continue to blog?
Besides the above mentioned pressure, I also blog for the sake of family and friends that I don't get to see or talk to often. It is nice to know that I can share with them regardless of everyone's busy schedules.

3. Do you have a blogmother/blogfather?

I don't have any one person/blog that inspired me to start blogging. I do enjoy reading my friend Carol and cousin Jen's witty blogs. I also have a sick fasination with celebrity blogs. Once I start, I can't stop!

4. Any downside to blogging?

Not that I can think of. Maybe just the thought that I need to blog regularly to keep my "fans" happy and coming back. If you notice that I havn't posting in a while, please check back often. I'll come back. I promise.

5. Do your 'real world' friends know that you blog?

Some of them do. A lot of them don't. I was a little hesistant about sending out a mass email message announcing my blog. It seems a little self-centered to me. Especially since the purpose of it is to update those that I am not in contact with often about our lives. If I was a witty writer, I would invite more. But this is bare bones people. I usually am short and to the point.

Chippity-Chop

It's been two years since my last chop...



I was able to donate 14 inches this time to the wonderful organization Locks of Love. This brings me to a total of 26 inches donated so far.

Cherry Land

Last weekend we took a roaptrip to lovely Traverse City. Due to receiving two nights as a wedding gift we stayed at the Grand Traverse Resort - thanks again Tri-County Citizen. We did a lot of sight seeing. We did the lighthouse thing and visited the Sleeping Bear Dunes. We visited all the cutesy shops downtown. We even fit in a visit to my Great Aunt Catherine's 100 year old birthday party. Overall, a nice weekend with nice weather.

Old Mission Lighthouse

Ryan running ahead of me at Sleeping Bear Dunes
because he was annoying with my lack of cardio health.

Me - exhausted.

Beautiful Lake Michigan

Tag!

Ok, ok. I get it. I will give in and do my assigned duties. I was tagged via email but will post on my blog for all to read. In the past, I have been called out for not completing these things (Carol), so fine - here goes...


Answer each with only one word:

1. Where is your cell phone? Office
2. Significant other? Wonderful
3. Your hair? Messy
4. Your mother? Loving
5. Your father? Hopeful
6. Your favorite thing? Husband
7. Your dream last night? Hospital
8. Your favorite drink? Juice
9. Your dream/goal? Boutique
10. The room you’re in? Office
11. Your hobby? Creating
12. Your fear? Loss
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Successful
14. Where were you last night? Home
15. What you’re not? Pessimistic
16. Muffins? Blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? Wheel
18. Where you grew up? Beaverton
19. The last thing you did? email
20. What are you wearing? Cardigan
21. Your TV? Black
22. Your pets? Two
23. Your computer? Mac
24. Your life? Busy
25. Your mood? Tired
26. Missing someone? No
27. Your car? Versa
28. Something you’re not wearing? Socks
29. Favorite store? PotteryBarn
30. Your summer? Relaxing
31. Like someone? Ryan
32. Your favorite color? Pink
33. When is the last time you laughed? Today
34. Last time you cried? Week
35. Who will blog this? Carol

Quote of the Day

"Innovation is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical, and expecting more than others think is possible."

Under Construction

I haven't posted an update on our renovations in quite some time. So. I thought I would share...

This was a two weekends ago when we had two gaping holes in the front of our house for most of the day while Ron (Ryan's dad), Jim and Ryan replaced the window and door.
A little fresh air does everyone some good.

The new window and door in place.

This is where we are today. The drywall is up and just needs a little sanding. I hope to prime and paint this week.

"Can't you see I'm working here?!"

Giddy-Up

So, I was walking past Express for about the sixth time today, at my usual high pace, when out of the corner of my eye I saw a jungle-like blur. "What is that?!!" We all know how annoying it is trying to navigate through the mall crowd when someone stops suddenly in front of you as if they just saw corset-wearing Sasquash in Victoria's Secret. In the middle of the Friday afternoon mall traffic, I practically fell off my heels as I screached to a roaring halt and gazed through the store-front window. I couldn't believe what I was seeing - LEOPARD PRINT STIRRUP PANTS! I like Express. I do. Lately the have been sportin' the high waisted pants and skirts and skinny jeans, but I am willing to overlook it. As long as they don't discontinue their Editor pants, I'm fine. But, this has to be a joke. Please Express, tell me you are kidding. Please....

Let's think about this for a moment.

PRO's
- Stirrup helps leggings not ride up your calves – suspenders for the ankles, if you will.
- You’re always ready to rock the side ponytail, oversized sweater and big hoop earrings


CON's
- Nightmares of elementary school
- As with skinny jeans, I must wonder: Who actually looks good in these?
- Stirrup pants almost always come with a high waist.


Cowboys need stirrups. Stretch pants do not. For that matter, do women ever need to wear stretch pants in public? Please stop the 80's fashion revival. These pants were not classic then, and they are not any more classic now. They really are just foolish.

Bloggy Anonymous

It has been 10 days since my last blog...

Yet another Internet Superstar!

We have yet another world-wide web appearance by a member of our family! Ron (Ryan's dad) along with his doggies, Sam and Gunner, have popped up on the pages of the Genesee Sportsman's Club. Please click on the following link and it is the first photo.

http://www.geneseesportsmansclub.com/Club_Photo_s.php

WARNING: Pheasants were definitely injured in the production of this photo.

Media Frenzy

"Do you know who I am ??? I'm kind of a big deal around here..."

Bill Burch of Saginaw Township, left, watches as his dog, Kanzie, a tan Rhodesian ridgeback, plays with Clark, left, a basset hound, and Martini, a Boston terrier, during the Dog Days Winter Romp at Imerman Memorial Park in Saginaw Township. The other dogs' owners are, from left, Jim Mandell, 37, of Thomas Township; Ryan Hammond, 29, of Saginaw Township; and Kristina Rease, 31, of Thomas Township. Mandell and Rease own Martini, and Hammond owns Clark.

It also should be known that is my (Amanda's) toe and gloved hand in the very left of the picture and my mom (Sandra) is standing next to me. Apparently we were just in the photo for atmosphere, not worthy of a mention. Also, it's Mundell, not Mandell. Get it right, Media.

(Click on the picture to see it bigger).

Internet Superstars

So, I was surfing the web, minding my own business, looking busy at work, when what do I come across?? But a photo of Ryan and I TOTALLY making-out! I was slightly embarrassed that this photo was on our photogs site after our wedding, but I figured only family and friends would be viewing it. Now, it is posted on the Temple Theatre's site for all eternity (well, maybe not eternity, but a long time, I'm sure). I feel the need to explain. In this photo it appears that we really are making out, really in a moment. But, we really weren't. I think we were just caught in an awkward moment, in awkward seating, after a couple of glasses of champagne. If you were to see the frame a half a second later it would have been more decent, I swear. I just can't believe that they would want this photo of two crazy people making out in the back of the theatre promoting their establishment. Can't you get kicked out for that???

For all of you that want to see the uncensored version, please visit the following link and scroll to the right:
http://www.templetheatre.com/Pages/web%20gallery/index.html

I must also point out that the next photo in line on this site is also us - with a group of rowdy party-goers cheering the camera with Bud Light cans. Brilliant.

Stay classy, Saginaw.

Recipe Yum.

For all of you that are looking for new, easy, delicious, family friendly recipes, this is a good one. This is an easily altered recipe. We used asparagus in place of broccoli. You could omit the chicken and vegetable to have a simple mac n cheese. Delicious.

____________________________________

Mac and Cheddar Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray


2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound chicken breast tenders, chopped
Salt and pepper
1 small onion, chopped (you really don't need or probably want an entire onion)
1 pound macaroni elbows or cavatappi corkscrew shaped pasta twists
2 1/2 cups raw broccoli florets, available packaged in produce department
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (don't be afraid of this, it doesn't end up spicy at all)
1 teaspoon paprika
3 cups whole milk
1 cup chicken stock
3 cups yellow sharp Cheddar (I used 2 cups sharp chedder, and then cleaned out the cheese drawer in my fridge)
1 tablespoon prepared Dijon mustard


Place a pot of water on to boil for macaroni. (Use your big soup pot)

Heat a medium pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil and chicken and season with salt and pepper. Saute a couple of minutes then add onion and cook another 5 to 7 minutes until onions are tender and chicken is cooked through. Turn off heat and reserve.

To boiling pasta water, add pasta and salt to season the cooking water. Cook 5 minutes, then add broccoli and cook 3 minutes more or until pasta is cooked to al dente and florets are just tender.

While pasta cooks, heat a medium sauce pot over medium heat. Add butter and melt, then add flour, cayenne and paprika and whisk together over heat until roux bubbles then cook a minute more. Whisk in milk and stock and raise heat to bring the sauce to a quick boil. Simmer until the sauce thickens about 5 minutes.

Drain macaroni or pasta and broccoli florets. Add back to the pot and add chicken to the pasta and broccoli.

Add cheese to milk sauce and stir to melt it in, a minute or so. Stir in mustard and season sauce with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over chicken and broccoli and cooked pasta and stir to combine. Adjust seasonings and transfer to a large serving platter and serve. (or not)

Closed for Construction

As the construction continues....

Our carpet in the snow, aka - the front yard.

And, yes, it's still there.

After the ceiling came down.

And, magically, a new ceiling appears - with lights!

Critter Chronicles

"Please just put the camera down and snuggle with me. I have had a very rough day of eating, napping, barking, playing with Pepper, napping, eating, playing in the backyard, digging through the snow with my nose - as you can see from this picture I lost some fuzz from working so hard at this, walking through the neighborhood, barking some more, napping again, wrestling with that darn Chicken, and now you want me to pose for a picture. I'm sorry, but I just can't do everything. You really need to start pulling your share of the household duties. I mean, c'mon - all I am asking is for you to lay down and cuddle. How hard is that?! Seriously!! ...please... "

Polish women are tough

My thanks to Jim for this wonderful, heart-felt story....


An elderly Polish man lay dying in his bed. While suffering the agonies of impending death, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite pierogi with fried onions wafting up the stairs. He gathered his remaining strength, and lifted himself from the bed. Gripping the railing with both hands, he crawled downstairs. Downstairs, he leaned against the door frame, gazing into the kitchen, where if not for death's agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven, for there, spread out upon waxed paper on the kitchen table were hundreds of his favorite pierogi.


Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of love from his wife of sixty years, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man?

He threw himself towards the table, landing on his knees in a crumpled posture. His parched lips parted, the wondrous taste of the pierogi was already in his mouth. With a trembling hand he reached up to th! e edge of the table, when suddenly he was smacked with a wooden spoon by his wife.







"Back off!" she said. "Those are for the funeral. "


Miłego dnia! (Have a good day!)

Closed for Construction

We started construction on our living room earlier this week and have worked a little each night. We hope to be done with demolition this weekend and possibly begin the drywall.
This has been a long awaited project and we are both very excited to see progress in this area of our house.
I will post more pictures as we move ahead.

Before

Just starting

After

Another after