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Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
My Thanksgiving Menu
I was all ready to post about all the things for which I am thankful, but that started to get a bit sappy. And since I prefer to keep emotions bottled up, I'm opting to post about my favorite thing-food!
The following is my ideal Thanksgiving menu:
Doughnuts for breakfast. Ok, this really isn't part of the menu. Every year, I run a turkey trot race the morning of Thanksgiving. When I lived in Toledo, my dad would always come to watch me run and he and I would get doughnuts afterwards. It was our little treat and I loved it. And hey, if you're already indulging-why not go all the way with a delicious doughnut!? Except the cream filled-sick.
My grandma's mashed potatoes. My mom's mom is now in a nursing home and sadly has had a tremendous amount of health issues in the last few years. My mom (and sister) now try to recreate my grandma's delicious mashed potatoes-but they are never quite the same! No skins for my grandma and no lumps. Just creamy, buttery tastiness. You do not need gravy to get these down the hatch, they are incredible. I'm pretty sure it's the 2500 sticks of butter and 700 cans of evaporated milk she uses...but they are amazing. Once I had mashed potatoes that were lumpy and dry--someone had literally just mashed up potatoes and added milk and a little butter. NASTY. If a potato has no flavor-I'd rather not waste the calories!
My grandpa's favorite dried corn. My dad's dad died when I was 12. BUT, I have many fond holiday memories of eating dried corn (which I believe has its origins with the Pennsylvania Dutch). It's delicious and I have no idea how you make it because since he died my grandma hasn't made it. She thinks it's way too time consuming and bland. But in my ideal Thanksgiving, we'd have dried corn. None of that canned nastiness.
My mom's turkey. My mom does not know bland food. She is the master of spices and flavor-and she doesn't just add salt and say that's flavoring. She makes tasty, moist turkey. I've never eaten dry turkey because my mom simply can't fail at making it. I think the trick is she gets the seasonings under the skin, rather than just on top of it. Yummmmmmmmmmm.
Canned cranberry sauce. Do not serve me fresh cranberries. If it's not in the shape of a can, I don't want it!
Kentucky Derby Pie. This is an amazing pie I stumbled upon in the Three Rivers Cookbook (yes that's Pittsburgh! Go Steelers!). You make it with chocolate chips and pecans and yumminess. It's extremely rich but good. It was one of the first things I ever contributed to Thanksgiving and I think it's a keeper! Although I am making apple pie instead this year.
Apple Pie. Who says you can't have more than one dessert at Thanksgiving? I made this apple pie a few weeks back and changed the crust to a crumb crust and mmmm it was good. Add some cinnamon ice cream from Graeters and you have a fall masterpiece.
Combine all of the above with some delicious bread, a simple salad and a glass of Pinot Grigio and I'd be one happy lady!
Am I missing anything??
Happy Thanksgiving!!
The following is my ideal Thanksgiving menu:
Doughnuts for breakfast. Ok, this really isn't part of the menu. Every year, I run a turkey trot race the morning of Thanksgiving. When I lived in Toledo, my dad would always come to watch me run and he and I would get doughnuts afterwards. It was our little treat and I loved it. And hey, if you're already indulging-why not go all the way with a delicious doughnut!? Except the cream filled-sick.
My grandma's mashed potatoes. My mom's mom is now in a nursing home and sadly has had a tremendous amount of health issues in the last few years. My mom (and sister) now try to recreate my grandma's delicious mashed potatoes-but they are never quite the same! No skins for my grandma and no lumps. Just creamy, buttery tastiness. You do not need gravy to get these down the hatch, they are incredible. I'm pretty sure it's the 2500 sticks of butter and 700 cans of evaporated milk she uses...but they are amazing. Once I had mashed potatoes that were lumpy and dry--someone had literally just mashed up potatoes and added milk and a little butter. NASTY. If a potato has no flavor-I'd rather not waste the calories!
My grandpa's favorite dried corn. My dad's dad died when I was 12. BUT, I have many fond holiday memories of eating dried corn (which I believe has its origins with the Pennsylvania Dutch). It's delicious and I have no idea how you make it because since he died my grandma hasn't made it. She thinks it's way too time consuming and bland. But in my ideal Thanksgiving, we'd have dried corn. None of that canned nastiness.
My mom's turkey. My mom does not know bland food. She is the master of spices and flavor-and she doesn't just add salt and say that's flavoring. She makes tasty, moist turkey. I've never eaten dry turkey because my mom simply can't fail at making it. I think the trick is she gets the seasonings under the skin, rather than just on top of it. Yummmmmmmmmmm.
Canned cranberry sauce. Do not serve me fresh cranberries. If it's not in the shape of a can, I don't want it!
Kentucky Derby Pie. This is an amazing pie I stumbled upon in the Three Rivers Cookbook (yes that's Pittsburgh! Go Steelers!). You make it with chocolate chips and pecans and yumminess. It's extremely rich but good. It was one of the first things I ever contributed to Thanksgiving and I think it's a keeper! Although I am making apple pie instead this year.
Apple Pie. Who says you can't have more than one dessert at Thanksgiving? I made this apple pie a few weeks back and changed the crust to a crumb crust and mmmm it was good. Add some cinnamon ice cream from Graeters and you have a fall masterpiece.
Combine all of the above with some delicious bread, a simple salad and a glass of Pinot Grigio and I'd be one happy lady!
Am I missing anything??
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Hrmmmph
Not even one comment on my pretty new holiday blog layout?
I guess the three of you who read this didn't notice. :-/
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sheet Swap!
I only have one real sheet set. I do, however, have a holiday sheet set! Of course, it only gets in the rotation during November and December.
Tonight I changed my sheets, and my holiday sheets are debuting for the year! If they can have an all-Christmas radio station before Thanksgiving, I can have my holiday sheets.
My bedding is brown, so my holiday sheets have brown reindeer/snowmen on them. I'm neurotic about my bed. It must be made every day-no matter what. It doesn't matter how messy the rest of my room (or apartment) is, my bed must be made.
Pretty, is it not? (Again, forgive me, cell phone camera...)
Friday, November 21, 2008
I'm all fired up.
I just read this story titled about abandoned pets resulting from mortgage foreclosures.
Apparently, due to the increased rate of foreclosures, many people are abandoning their pets once they move out of the house. But, instead of dropping them at a shelter, they just leave the pets at the home or in the yard.
That is despicable. I really don't even have words for how some people treat pets.
Some thoughts:
1. If you can't afford to feed your family, probably shouldn't get a pet.
2. If you can't afford your house payment, probably shouldn't get a pet.
3. If you have no concern for life, you probably shouldn't get a pet.
4. If you come into circumstances where your income is drastically reduced, take your pet to a shelter-they are not hard to find or come by and it's free to drop them off.
Under the law, pets are basically treated in a similar fashion to the television in your home. They are considered "chattel" (i.e. personal property). Thus, while there are some laws regarding animal cruelty, those laws have minimal penalties and are rarely enforced.
Abandoning an animal because you have to move should be a crime-and a crime with an actual penalty.
I really didn't mean to be offensive. I just think it's nuts the way are mistreated and neglected when hard times strike-be they financial or otherwise.
Apparently, due to the increased rate of foreclosures, many people are abandoning their pets once they move out of the house. But, instead of dropping them at a shelter, they just leave the pets at the home or in the yard.
That is despicable. I really don't even have words for how some people treat pets.
Some thoughts:
1. If you can't afford to feed your family, probably shouldn't get a pet.
2. If you can't afford your house payment, probably shouldn't get a pet.
3. If you have no concern for life, you probably shouldn't get a pet.
4. If you come into circumstances where your income is drastically reduced, take your pet to a shelter-they are not hard to find or come by and it's free to drop them off.
Under the law, pets are basically treated in a similar fashion to the television in your home. They are considered "chattel" (i.e. personal property). Thus, while there are some laws regarding animal cruelty, those laws have minimal penalties and are rarely enforced.
Abandoning an animal because you have to move should be a crime-and a crime with an actual penalty.
I really didn't mean to be offensive. I just think it's nuts the way are mistreated and neglected when hard times strike-be they financial or otherwise.
The week in review.
This week went by tremendously fast. The highlights:
1. Last Beth Moore meeting-what a fantastic 10 weeks. I can honestly say I haven't been this excited about reading God's word since I first became a Christian. That's good stuff.
2. Last Chick fil A before Beth Moore w/ Jabs. Seriously. Chick fil A goes hand in hand with our bible study. I don't think I would've learned or experienced nearly as much if I didn't have that tasty chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and diet dr. P
3. Meeting my sister in West Chester so that she could take my laundry. Yes. I have the best sister ever who agreed to drive 20 mins and in exchange for dinner at Panera to do all my laundry! This may need to become a regular Wednesday night occurrence.
4. Between driving to West Chester for laundry and for the bible study-lots of time in the car listening to Delilah! Make fun of me, I don't care. I may or may not have cried on Wednesday night listening to one of her infamous broken-heart stories.
5. Some time in court. It's always a pleasure to get out of the office and into the courtroom. Even though I think I was skany-lawyer (I think my dress was too short which I didn't realize until I was already in court), it turned out well.
6. Starbucks Thanksgiving blend. Delish. I am sipping on it now. Oh yes, the caffeine fast. It ended. I failed. (I think I need it to function-just ask Steve as he witnessed me fall asleep in .5 seconds during a commercial last night).
7. Steelers' victory. 8-3. Santonio Holmes is my hero after he got that awful hit by the Bengals last night.
8. Holiday party tonight at work. Always fun to let loose with your colleagues, right? Well it's at least fun to have a complimentary glass of wine.
9. Twilight tomorrow. Yes. Need I say more???
10. Perhaps the best-Fi has slept with me (not Jabs) every night this week. And this morning she was so cold (I keep the window cracked), she had her entire body and head under the down comforter. Sooooooooo cute.
1. Last Beth Moore meeting-what a fantastic 10 weeks. I can honestly say I haven't been this excited about reading God's word since I first became a Christian. That's good stuff.
2. Last Chick fil A before Beth Moore w/ Jabs. Seriously. Chick fil A goes hand in hand with our bible study. I don't think I would've learned or experienced nearly as much if I didn't have that tasty chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and diet dr. P
3. Meeting my sister in West Chester so that she could take my laundry. Yes. I have the best sister ever who agreed to drive 20 mins and in exchange for dinner at Panera to do all my laundry! This may need to become a regular Wednesday night occurrence.
4. Between driving to West Chester for laundry and for the bible study-lots of time in the car listening to Delilah! Make fun of me, I don't care. I may or may not have cried on Wednesday night listening to one of her infamous broken-heart stories.
5. Some time in court. It's always a pleasure to get out of the office and into the courtroom. Even though I think I was skany-lawyer (I think my dress was too short which I didn't realize until I was already in court), it turned out well.
6. Starbucks Thanksgiving blend. Delish. I am sipping on it now. Oh yes, the caffeine fast. It ended. I failed. (I think I need it to function-just ask Steve as he witnessed me fall asleep in .5 seconds during a commercial last night).
7. Steelers' victory. 8-3. Santonio Holmes is my hero after he got that awful hit by the Bengals last night.
8. Holiday party tonight at work. Always fun to let loose with your colleagues, right? Well it's at least fun to have a complimentary glass of wine.
9. Twilight tomorrow. Yes. Need I say more???
10. Perhaps the best-Fi has slept with me (not Jabs) every night this week. And this morning she was so cold (I keep the window cracked), she had her entire body and head under the down comforter. Sooooooooo cute.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
5 miles uphill both ways
First off, please forgive me if this post is nasty. I'm trying to go a week forgoing my morning caffeine addiction for tea. It's not working. (Please don't say "well tea has caffeine". I know. It's significantly less. It's like the nicotine patch of caffeine.)
I typically run between 6:00A.M. and 6:45A.M. (Not necessarily for 45 mins but in that general time frame). On my typical loop I finish coming down Middleton to my street. On Middleton, just after it intersects McAlpin, there are always 2 Lexus SUVs sitting there, running with lights off. I've always been kind of freaked out about it-like what are they doing there?
Well, today my questions were answered when I saw a big yellow school bus barreling down Middleton. The kids hopped out of their warm SUVs and got on the bus, presumably off to school.
I'm sorry-WHAT THE HECK? Do you really need to sit in a car to wait for the bus? They make gloves, hats, and coats for that. And I'm guessing if you're parents are wealthy enough to own a Lexus they have money for a warm winter coat. Not to mention, if you have time in the morning to sit and wait for your child's bus-why not just drive your child to school?
When I was in Third Grade my sister and I began walking to school at Helke Elementary. We walked one mile there and one mile back-by ourselves. We even stayed home alone until my mom got done with work after school for an hour. Oh my! Child services would be called today. We never burned the house down, never opened the door for strangers.
Today our children have to sit in carseats until they are 40 lbs (or in New Jersey 80 lbs--seriously, I was in like junior high when I hit 80 lbs). They can't sit in the front seat. And now apparently they can't wait outside in the cold for the bus.
I know, I know. I have no kids. "The times" are harder. Whatever. There was still murder and rape and kidnapping when I grew up in the 80s. I'm not saying throw caution to the wind-but really with the SUV at the bus stop? Wow.
I may not have kids, but I do have a dog and if she had to wait at the bus stop I'd let her stay in the car....but only because they don't make coats for dogs! ;-) kidding....
I typically run between 6:00A.M. and 6:45A.M. (Not necessarily for 45 mins but in that general time frame). On my typical loop I finish coming down Middleton to my street. On Middleton, just after it intersects McAlpin, there are always 2 Lexus SUVs sitting there, running with lights off. I've always been kind of freaked out about it-like what are they doing there?
Well, today my questions were answered when I saw a big yellow school bus barreling down Middleton. The kids hopped out of their warm SUVs and got on the bus, presumably off to school.
I'm sorry-WHAT THE HECK? Do you really need to sit in a car to wait for the bus? They make gloves, hats, and coats for that. And I'm guessing if you're parents are wealthy enough to own a Lexus they have money for a warm winter coat. Not to mention, if you have time in the morning to sit and wait for your child's bus-why not just drive your child to school?
When I was in Third Grade my sister and I began walking to school at Helke Elementary. We walked one mile there and one mile back-by ourselves. We even stayed home alone until my mom got done with work after school for an hour. Oh my! Child services would be called today. We never burned the house down, never opened the door for strangers.
Today our children have to sit in carseats until they are 40 lbs (or in New Jersey 80 lbs--seriously, I was in like junior high when I hit 80 lbs). They can't sit in the front seat. And now apparently they can't wait outside in the cold for the bus.
I know, I know. I have no kids. "The times" are harder. Whatever. There was still murder and rape and kidnapping when I grew up in the 80s. I'm not saying throw caution to the wind-but really with the SUV at the bus stop? Wow.
I may not have kids, but I do have a dog and if she had to wait at the bus stop I'd let her stay in the car....but only because they don't make coats for dogs! ;-) kidding....
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
i'm jealous
I just got a text message from my Dad. That wouldn't seem so strange except my parents are in Europe! Today they are in Paris to be exact.
My Dad has an iPhone. His text read "Hey, my phone works. No idea what this is costing me."
He cracks me up. Then he proceeded to tell me about the sweet shows they saw in London last night. And that all the Christmas decorations are up... (I'm assuming London must be completely Dickens-esque around Christmas time, complete with 19th century carolers at every corner and holly/garland on every lamppost).
I want to be in Europe.
My Dad has an iPhone. His text read "Hey, my phone works. No idea what this is costing me."
He cracks me up. Then he proceeded to tell me about the sweet shows they saw in London last night. And that all the Christmas decorations are up... (I'm assuming London must be completely Dickens-esque around Christmas time, complete with 19th century carolers at every corner and holly/garland on every lamppost).
I want to be in Europe.
Monday, November 17, 2008
History
Yesterday the Pittsburgh Steelers made history with the first ever 11-10 victory in the NFL. Exciting! What is it about sports that is so thrilling? There were several plays I had to close my eyes because I was too nervous to watch-and we aren't even in the playoffs yet!
Do you ever wonder who sits up in that booth during professional sports' games and tabulates all those statistics? I mean who was up there looking up whether a score had ever been 11-10? It's nuts. They always flash that stuff up and I always wonder-who is searching and what are they searching to find out that Ben has had more sacks than any NFL quarterback this season? Or that the Steelers had over 100 yards in penalties last night? That job sounds awesome-sign me up. That guy (or girl) has to be the star of any cocktail party.
Good times. I actually went to bed before 10PM last night! Yikes. I'm trying to finish Eclipse before going to see Twilight on Saturday night. Anyone else excited? While it surely won't be as good as watching the Steelers trounce the Bengals on Thursday night, I'm definitely looking forward to it. ;)
Busy day ahead...hope you have a great monday!
Do you ever wonder who sits up in that booth during professional sports' games and tabulates all those statistics? I mean who was up there looking up whether a score had ever been 11-10? It's nuts. They always flash that stuff up and I always wonder-who is searching and what are they searching to find out that Ben has had more sacks than any NFL quarterback this season? Or that the Steelers had over 100 yards in penalties last night? That job sounds awesome-sign me up. That guy (or girl) has to be the star of any cocktail party.
Good times. I actually went to bed before 10PM last night! Yikes. I'm trying to finish Eclipse before going to see Twilight on Saturday night. Anyone else excited? While it surely won't be as good as watching the Steelers trounce the Bengals on Thursday night, I'm definitely looking forward to it. ;)
Busy day ahead...hope you have a great monday!
Friday, November 14, 2008
on hold with james taylor
So I just made a follow up phone call to an attorney who has failed to return my calls three times now. I was completely annoyed to be transferred to his voice mail yet again, but when I was put on hold the hold-music was James Taylor's "Whenever I see Your Smiling Face" and it immediately perked up my mood! Instead of leaving a semi-nasty message, I left a nice one.
They are smart to go with the James Taylor hold music. How can anyone be mad listening to that? Something about his voice is just calming and soothing.
Maybe I should pick up his Greatest Hits cd and play it in my office. On repeat. Daily.
Hmm... Have a great weekend! We saw Wizard of Oz last night and it was fantastic. Several girls were in Dorothy costumes which was so adorable and Toto was the best performing dog I've ever seen! :) Just like my little Fi...except well behaved and not crazy.
They are smart to go with the James Taylor hold music. How can anyone be mad listening to that? Something about his voice is just calming and soothing.
Maybe I should pick up his Greatest Hits cd and play it in my office. On repeat. Daily.
Hmm... Have a great weekend! We saw Wizard of Oz last night and it was fantastic. Several girls were in Dorothy costumes which was so adorable and Toto was the best performing dog I've ever seen! :) Just like my little Fi...except well behaved and not crazy.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
oh no
Kate Spade is having a private sale. I can't stop perusing the amazing deals on her classic, gorgeous handbags. I'm not usually a designer snob (in fact many of my clothes and bags are bought at Target), but I loooooove Kate Spade because her name isn't plastered all over her designs and they are always excellent quality. Classic, simple, gorgeous. Nothing fancy or all covered with logos.
It is taking everything in me not to buy myself this fantastic black handbag originally $195 on sale for $109 with an additional 20% off PLUS special 10% off through November 21.
God help me I love to shop. I will not buy that bag. I will not buy that bag. I blame the economy for these amazing prices!
If you're interested in the link to the private sale and you share a love of shopping, e-mail me and I'll forward it to you!
It is taking everything in me not to buy myself this fantastic black handbag originally $195 on sale for $109 with an additional 20% off PLUS special 10% off through November 21.
God help me I love to shop. I will not buy that bag. I will not buy that bag. I blame the economy for these amazing prices!
If you're interested in the link to the private sale and you share a love of shopping, e-mail me and I'll forward it to you!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
my best friend is my dog.
Someone at work keeps putting up pictures of dogs who need homes on the fridge in our office kitchen on my floor. I think the person is a foster dog parent for one of the local humane societies.
I hate seeing dogs who have been neglected by their owners and dumped at the pound. Everyone wants a puppy, but what about the well-behaved, trained dog whose owners decide to have kids and "don't have time anymore" for the dog? I hate it. I think I will adopt both of the dogs on the fridge! Kidding-but those ads always suck me in.
Have you ever seen that ASPCA commercial with Sarah McLaughlin? All those sad puppy faces and rescued dogs? On more than one occasion, I've called and donated money after watching those commercials. They totally work!
Today I have to work until 7PM. I left the house at 7:30a.m. I feel like I am neglecting my poor pup. But, when I walk in the door I know she will be there, tail waggin' and just waiting for a belly rub. I love it.
We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made.
-M. Acklam
How true.
Monday, November 10, 2008
inevitable
Why is it that when you purchase a Christmas gift for someone, say the game of Life for your niece and nephew (who are obsessed) and you pay, say $15.19 at say Target, two days later it is 25% off?
I hate it. I never should've checked the weekly ad.
In other news-does anyone have a suggestion for a toy for a boy who is in first grade? I have bought plenty of gifts for my niece, but I am at a loss when it comes to my nephew. Boys are so hard to shop for! And though he requested "Heelys" (those sick shoes that have wheels), I refuse to purchase those because I can't stand being somewhere when some kid skates by me or nearly runs into me with those things on...whew, rant over.
I hate it. I never should've checked the weekly ad.
In other news-does anyone have a suggestion for a toy for a boy who is in first grade? I have bought plenty of gifts for my niece, but I am at a loss when it comes to my nephew. Boys are so hard to shop for! And though he requested "Heelys" (those sick shoes that have wheels), I refuse to purchase those because I can't stand being somewhere when some kid skates by me or nearly runs into me with those things on...whew, rant over.
twilight series
I've never been much of a "series" reader. I shunned Harry Potter. I have been known to go on "author" spurts-I once spent a summer reading all Stephen King, for example.
On a whim I purchased Twilight to see what all the hype was about. I used to love reading Anne Rice's vampire novels, so I thought I might enjoy this series as well. And I was right. The book totally captured me and I found myself staying up late to finish it. (Nevermind my embarrassment when I realized this book is categorized as "young adult." Sick.)
The thing is, I've had so many conversations with people about this book. Just this morning, I realized two more women at work were reading the books. How fun! The only problem is, now I feel like I am in some "competition" to finish the series first. Ridiculous, right? I have issues.
I feel like I am part of the cool crowd. Harry Potter-ites = geek crowd. Twilight-ites = cool crowd.
Sweet.
Oh-and the movie comes out November 21--who's going to watch it?? I definitely am-along with all the other teenage girls in the Tri-State area.
Friday, November 07, 2008
tgif
What is it that is so exciting about payday? I swear everyone around the office is in a better mood on Friday paydays. I guess you can't blame them. I have created this fantastic Excel spreadsheet that tells me which bills I pay with which paycheck-so every other Friday I get to pull that up and get online and pay those bills. F-U-N. Nothing spells excitement like paying bills.
And we are going to First Watch today for the first time in months for lunch-which makes me VERY happy. Veggie omlette, no mushrooms, very light on the cheese, substitute fruit for hash browns for me please! Particular? No. I just like things the way I like them! Nothing wrong with that.
Last night around 11PM our college-aged neighbors, who throw a party every Thursday, decided it would be interesting to light the leaves on fire on the little patch of grass our apartment has. This happens to be right outside my bedroom window. Here's what I heard:
College dude 1: I wonder if we can light these on fire, dude?
College dude 2: heh heh heh, I don't know...let'd do it!
College dude 3 (from far off): dudes-don't light that sh*t on fire
All of a sudden I look at my window and see ORANGE. I fumble to find my glasses and yell for Jana to come see what is going on. She says "I don't know if we should leave or not (i.e. evacuate)". The fire is spreading and I am not happy. I recall I have no renter's insurance and wonder how I will get all my belongings out.
Dude 2 calls the police and fire department on his friend and they come and extinguish the fire. The best part was before the fire truck came, our neighbors scurried to their apartment, turned off all their lights and acted like they didn't do it. RIGHT. You called the fire dept yourselves, idiots. Not to mention there were two human witnesses and one canine witness of the whole incident.
Who knows how they managed to get out of that one...but needless to say it stunk in my room the rest of the night. Oh well-at least my precious laptop is safe and unharmed.
What a random post! :-) Have a great Friday and a great weekend! I plan to do a little early Christmas shopping on Saturday (you know-since it's payday and all).
And we are going to First Watch today for the first time in months for lunch-which makes me VERY happy. Veggie omlette, no mushrooms, very light on the cheese, substitute fruit for hash browns for me please! Particular? No. I just like things the way I like them! Nothing wrong with that.
Last night around 11PM our college-aged neighbors, who throw a party every Thursday, decided it would be interesting to light the leaves on fire on the little patch of grass our apartment has. This happens to be right outside my bedroom window. Here's what I heard:
College dude 1: I wonder if we can light these on fire, dude?
College dude 2: heh heh heh, I don't know...let'd do it!
College dude 3 (from far off): dudes-don't light that sh*t on fire
All of a sudden I look at my window and see ORANGE. I fumble to find my glasses and yell for Jana to come see what is going on. She says "I don't know if we should leave or not (i.e. evacuate)". The fire is spreading and I am not happy. I recall I have no renter's insurance and wonder how I will get all my belongings out.
Dude 2 calls the police and fire department on his friend and they come and extinguish the fire. The best part was before the fire truck came, our neighbors scurried to their apartment, turned off all their lights and acted like they didn't do it. RIGHT. You called the fire dept yourselves, idiots. Not to mention there were two human witnesses and one canine witness of the whole incident.
Who knows how they managed to get out of that one...but needless to say it stunk in my room the rest of the night. Oh well-at least my precious laptop is safe and unharmed.
What a random post! :-) Have a great Friday and a great weekend! I plan to do a little early Christmas shopping on Saturday (you know-since it's payday and all).
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Leave your scent at the door.
My mother always told me that if you can smell your perfume yourself, you put too much on. Apparently, that is old-fashioned advice.
I have this strange headache that's been with me now for about two days. It's right behind my eyes/forehead. Maybe it's because until today I was wearing contacts that should've been thrown out 4 weeks ago. I don't know. 
But, I do know that strong cologne and/or perfume makes it much worse. I'm very sensitive to scents normally and there is something about a person sporting a bottle of cologne that makes me want to gag. The file runner dropped a pile of files on my desk 10 mins ago and I swear it still smells like cologne in here. Sick.
Is it rude to post a sign on my door that states "If you have elected to wear perfume and/or cologne today and you also elected to bathe yourself in it-please stop and do not enter this office."
Probably is.
*sigh*
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Busy Bee
meeting + morning hearing + brief due tomorrow + voice mail from the bully = very busy lizzy
it also equals a gourmet lunch from the vending machine consisting of m&ms (peanut of course-need my protein!) and a diet sprite (out of diet dr pepper!).
I really was going to go for the "healthy" vending machine choice and opt for the granola bar--but it was $.15 more! Ridiculous.
hope your wednesday is just as exciting ;-)
it also equals a gourmet lunch from the vending machine consisting of m&ms (peanut of course-need my protein!) and a diet sprite (out of diet dr pepper!).
I really was going to go for the "healthy" vending machine choice and opt for the granola bar--but it was $.15 more! Ridiculous.
hope your wednesday is just as exciting ;-)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Voting Day
UPDATE--I have learned-through this blog, and my sister-that there are several freebies for voting today (make sure you have your sticker!) including:
-Free Krispy Kreme Donut
-Free cup of Starbucks coffee
-Free Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich (good anytime between 6AM today and 10PM Wednesday)
-Free Ben and Jerry's ice cream between 5PM - 8PM
-Free music download of Bob Dylan's song "I Shall be released"
That sticker is worth something!
The one day it's ok to be an adult and sport a sticker!
-Free Krispy Kreme Donut
-Free cup of Starbucks coffee
-Free Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich (good anytime between 6AM today and 10PM Wednesday)
-Free Ben and Jerry's ice cream between 5PM - 8PM
-Free music download of Bob Dylan's song "I Shall be released"
That sticker is worth something!
The one day it's ok to be an adult and sport a sticker! I heard a rumor that sticker may get you a free chick-fil-a delicious chicken sandwich as well! A real win-win.
(Luckily I saved my sticker from when I voted a month ago!)
I ran by two polling stations this morning while taking my morning jog and the lines were NUTS...and that was at 6:30AM. Very exciting!
HOW 'BOUT THEM STEELERS!!! Leftwich is my hero. I will need to double up the caffeine intake for staying up so late, though...
Monday, November 03, 2008
It's almost Christmas cookie time!
I meant to post this recipe last week, but forgot! This is a tasty cookie recipe I discovered and revised a bit for my own tastes. Just in time for Christmas cookie exchanges! ;) I dare you to not eat the dough-they are delicious!
I used the "medium" sized Pampered Chef scoop and it made about 48 cookies.
Monster Cookies (recipe by Paula Deen and adapted by yours truly)
Ingredients
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies (I used 1/2 Cup White Chocolate Chips-ghiradelli of course!)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins, optional (I did NOT use raisins)
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant!)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in large resealable plastic bags.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Costume Shopping
For Halloween this year I wanted to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. I already have the red shoes and, more importantly, the adorable dog. I began my search on Ebay hoping to find a bargain. After browsing and sorting through all the "sexy Dorothy" and "slutty Dorothy" costumes on Ebay, I finally decided on one that fell somewhere between total skank and total dork. I even ordered up a size just in case it turned out to be a XXX version of Dorothy.
Well it arrived. And it was too big.
So last night my sister and I drove to Capel's costume store in Blue Ash. Yes, there were lots of costumes. Yes, there were lots of costumes for women, but I kid you not 95% of the costumes for women were slutt-i-fied. Sexy nurse. Sexy police officer. Sexy baseball player. Sexy football player. Sexy ladybug. Sexy bumblebee. Sexy Snow White...you get the idea.
For kicks, I tried on the Dorothy costume with the hopes that it wouldn't look that bad on me since I'm short. Wrong. Maybe I'm not remembering correctly, but Dorothy didn't have a lace up corset and thigh highs, right?
Next, I tried on the "frisky feline" (I'm serious-that was the name and yes, I was in a costume shop not another kind of shop). This one was ok. The "dress" was more like a shirt as it just hit below my hips, but I thought I could make it work by wearing workout pants NOT the fishnets recommended with the costume.
Finally, I tried on the Statute of Liberty costume. Very cute sparkly off the shoulder dress. Well the dress only went to my upper thigh and then the rest was sheer material. Not bad-but also not really what Lady Liberty looks like. I have to admit, though, I liked the crown and the torch. But, not enough to get over the amount of skin I was revealing.
I did end up with something and I only spent like $8. I definitely think the best costumes are those not purchased at a costume store. My favorite to this day was when I dressed as a Prom Queen, complete with a corsage, crown and sash. And, no, I wasn't a "sexy" prom queen; I was a classy prom queen-decked out in an old strapless Homecoming dress.
Perhaps the best part of the evening was the number of women trying on all those costumes while we were there. People really do buy them!! Shocking.
Well it arrived. And it was too big.
So last night my sister and I drove to Capel's costume store in Blue Ash. Yes, there were lots of costumes. Yes, there were lots of costumes for women, but I kid you not 95% of the costumes for women were slutt-i-fied. Sexy nurse. Sexy police officer. Sexy baseball player. Sexy football player. Sexy ladybug. Sexy bumblebee. Sexy Snow White...you get the idea.
For kicks, I tried on the Dorothy costume with the hopes that it wouldn't look that bad on me since I'm short. Wrong. Maybe I'm not remembering correctly, but Dorothy didn't have a lace up corset and thigh highs, right?
Next, I tried on the "frisky feline" (I'm serious-that was the name and yes, I was in a costume shop not another kind of shop). This one was ok. The "dress" was more like a shirt as it just hit below my hips, but I thought I could make it work by wearing workout pants NOT the fishnets recommended with the costume.
Finally, I tried on the Statute of Liberty costume. Very cute sparkly off the shoulder dress. Well the dress only went to my upper thigh and then the rest was sheer material. Not bad-but also not really what Lady Liberty looks like. I have to admit, though, I liked the crown and the torch. But, not enough to get over the amount of skin I was revealing.
I did end up with something and I only spent like $8. I definitely think the best costumes are those not purchased at a costume store. My favorite to this day was when I dressed as a Prom Queen, complete with a corsage, crown and sash. And, no, I wasn't a "sexy" prom queen; I was a classy prom queen-decked out in an old strapless Homecoming dress.
Perhaps the best part of the evening was the number of women trying on all those costumes while we were there. People really do buy them!! Shocking.
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