Wednesday, December 31, 2003

Mmm Mmm Good

Last night I made my annual Family Dinner. 

I  look forward to this every year, and this has become one of my family's favorite holiday events, too.  It's a combination of my parents, my sister and her husband, my ex in-laws, (no, D.F. was not invited), along with my children and me.  I enjoy this day, because my Mom keeps the kids for the day, while I go to my ex in-laws house to spend the day cooking.  Everyone shows up in the evening for a big meal, and a small gift exchange. 

The traditional centerpiece for this meal is a stuffed Standing Crown Pork Roast. I generally have my butcher prepare a 10 pound roast, that requires about 5 hours of cooking time.  While that is in the oven, I have time to prepare all of the other dishes that are on the menu for the evening.  I'm not going to give recipes here, since I rarely use recipes.  For anyone wanting to know how I prepare something, I  will be happy to send you an informative email. 

Last night's menu~

Appetizer

Plate of assorted cheeses and fruit

Nuts

Baked bagel slices

Champagne

 

Main Course

Crown Roast of Pork, stuffed with apples, mushrooms, waterchestnuts, bacon, celery, onion, and bread cubes.

Mashed Potatoes~ my Mom's recipe. These are the world's best!

Cream Sauce/Gravy~ Made with the roast drippings and heavy cream

Artichokes~ steamed with lemon.  Served with lemon-pepper mayonnaise

Salad of Red and Green Lettuce, watercress, cucumber, celery, pears, toasted walnuts, and Dubliner cheese with a creamy lemon poppyseed dressing.

Fresh Baguette~ and butter

White and Red Wine

 

Dessert

Molten chocolate cakes with vanilla bean ice cream

Coffee

 

And the best part is that I've got 4 rib chops left over with some mashed potatoes and gravy~ I'll serve this to Lonny tomorrow for a New Year's Day feast!

Monday, December 29, 2003

AOL wants MY opinion!  Can you believe it?!  What an honor~ what a privilege!

Tell Us What You Think

Do you think I emailed them?  You bet your arse I did. 

I told them to call the folks over at Yahoo to see how they manage to filter out all spam from my Yahoo inbox,   because I am sick and tired of spam in my AOL inbox.  I mean, how much Xanax does one girl need?

Feel free to send AOL a little love of your own.

 

ETA~ AOL just sent me a thank you note for the email I sent them.  They must really care!  Yeah, about as much as I need  Viagra.

Sunday, December 28, 2003

What is that smell?

Why do the best holidays occur in the coldest months?  I'm pretty sure that Christmas would be just fine without the snow.  One of my favorite Christmas memories is a year, (1973?), we spent in Florida at my Grandparent's cabin.  We had a pinata instead of a tree, and thought it was so cool that we were wearing shorts.  It  didn't matter too much that I caught strep throat and had to spend most of the time in bed.  My Mom doesn't have the fondest memories of this year.  She bought a gallon of fresh orange juice that had a leak in it, so that by the time we got home to Indianapolis, the gallon jug was empty, and the entire trunk was saturated.  It was her brand-new Chevy Malibu, and that car was never again the same.  Have you ever smelled spoiled orange juice?  We have.  For 8 years straight.  

My sister and I still laugh about that.  My Mom is still bitter.

Saturday, December 27, 2003

Saturday Night Live

Hellooooo [echo]  [echo]   [echo]

Sure is quiet around  Blogville today.  

I hope everyone is having a safe and happy weekend. 

Another recipe, in honor of the upcoming New Year...

Eggnog French Toast

2 C. prepared eggnog

12 thick slices very dry firm white bread

8 Tbs. unsalted butter

Pour the eggnog into a shallow bowl and dip the bread slices into the eggnog, turning to coat both sides. 

Melt 2 Tbs. of the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Add 2 or 3 slices of the bread and fry unil golden on both sides.  Repeat with the remaining bread and butter.  Serve with maple syrup, melted preserves, or honey.

Makes 6 servings.

Friday, December 26, 2003

Food Friday

Yummy New Year!

Yes, it's late in the day, but it is still Friday.

 

Here's my contribution to New Year's Eve...

Stuffed Grape Leaves

 

8 Tbs. olive oil

1 small onion, finely copped

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 oz. ground lamb

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

4 oz. chevre' (yay goat cheese)

3/4 C. cooked rice

1/2 C. chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/2 C. chopped walnuts

Jar 16 oz. jar of preserved grape leaves, or blanched, fresh leaves

1/4 C. lemon juice

1/2 C. water

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a medium-size skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion and garlic and saute' for 5 minutes. Add the lamb and crumble with fork.  Cook until the lamb is no longer pink, about 15 minutes.  Season with cinnamon, oregano, nutmeg and salt and pepper.  Stir in the chevre and cook until the cheese melts.  Remove from heat and stir in the rice, parsley, and walnuts.

Carefully rinse the grape leaves under cold running water and pat dry.Place one leaf, vein side up, on a clean, flat surface.  Shape about 1 tsp. of the filling with your hands into a compact log, about 1 inch long, andcenter over the stem end of the leaf.  Roll up the leaf to enclose the filling, folding the sides into the center.  Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling. 

Line the botom of a medium-size saucepan with any torn grape leaves. Pack the stuffed grape leaves in the pan in concentric circles, making as many layers as necessary. 

Pour the remaining 6 Tbs. oil, the lemon juice, and water over the grape leaves.  Place a small heat-proof plate on top of the stuffed leaves and place a large, heavy can, such as of tomatoes, on top of the plate to weigh down the grape leave and to keep them from unrolling.  Simmer over LOW heat for about an hour.

Serve warm, garnished with lemon slices, or, with Hollandaise sauce, flavored with chopped, fresh mint.

Makes about 48 stuffed grape leaves.

 

MMM!  These are so. good.  I do hope you make or share this recipe with someone you love.

 

 

 

It's Food Friday~ Yummy New Year

It's official!  Fridays are all about food!

Post a food related entry into your own journal today, (and every Friday), leave a food-y comment here~   Recipes, Stories, Photos, Tips...

Since New Year's Eve is quickly approaching, today's theme is Yummy New Year.  Perhaps you'd like to share your favorite appetizer recipe that would be perfect for a New Year's Eve party, (or anything involving Champagne;). Or you could divulge your "good luck" dish for New Year's Day,  (My family's traditional meal is corned beef and cabbage!)  Whatever you do~ make it delicious!

I'll be posting my Yummy New Year entry later... right after breakfast*

 

Until we eat again,

Chef Grace

 

*Breakfast Cheesecake in a Bowl~Vanilla yogurt, sliced strawberries and graham cracker crumbs.   

Wednesday, December 24, 2003

Happy Birthday Jesus!

It's still Christmas Eve in the City

[Heavy Sigh]

Here's what happened....

I went to a party at Lonny's last night.  As everyone gathered in the kitchen, (as people always do~ why is that?) I gave Lonny the Christmas presents I'd brought.  One of the presents was a candle.  Lonny gave me a look, and commented to everyone that he doesn't burn candles because he's paranoid that one of his friends, (or his cat), will set the place on fire. I told Lonny that he wasn't hosting one of his "wild" parties, and that no one would get hurt if he lit it.  He gave in.   A few moments later, I was standing near the festive flame, and asked anyone who would listen if they liked my hair since Lonny cut it last week.  As I'm talking, I reach across the counter, (NOT over the candle, just kinda near), and flames raced up my sleeve and into my hair.  Lonny was the first to react, and started beating me with his palms.  I ran, (naturally), to the sink, where I doused myself with the faucet sprayer.  People were screaming and pointing at this point.  Quietly, I turned, took the scissors into the bathroom and proceeded to hack off the singed bits.  What was left was a damp, stinky mess.  I was not hurt, but Lonny is not pleased that I totally ruined the masterpiece haircut he gave me last week, and that I didn't listen to him about candles in the first place.  Though, he did have fun at my expense for the rest of the evening. 

After some investigating we determined, by the singe pattern on my sweater,  that the flame ignited the perfume I stupidly put on my sweater instead of my skin before I left the house.  The 100% cotton sweater, (thankfully black), is fine.  The candle?  In the trash.

Looks like I'll be sporting a hat on Christmas Day. Or a wig.

Damn karma.

 

Christmas Eve in the City

Okay, real quick~

Went to a party at Lonny's.  Caught myself on fire.  I'm okay.   My hair?  Is NOT.

More details to come.

Tuesday, December 23, 2003

California Curse

Poor California.  Draught, fires, flooding, hail, snow, Schwarzenegger, and now an earthquake.  I wish my California friends, TVJunkie, Freeepeace, and Ophelia, a very un-eventful Christmas and New Year!

Monday, December 22, 2003

Rx

I went to the drugstore today, and after selecting my 3 items, I went to the cashier. I was feeling pretty lucky, since there was only one person in front of me.  Sadly, I was mistaken, as this woman had 5 loaves of bread, 4 gallons of milk, and an assortment of other foodstuffs that she was obsessing over.  She asked the cashier if it looked like she had more than $35.00 worth of stuff in her cart, and the cashier said, " I don't know, I'll have to ring it up in order to know for sure".  So, the lady begins to put her items on the counter, verrrry slowly, as the cashier scans each item.  At the end, the cashier told the lady her total, and she started complaining about the total cost.  (Um, perhaps it would be cheaper to buy your groceries at the grocery store.)  About this time, another employee realizes that a long line had formed, and that the Grocery Lady was going to be there a while.  So, the 2nd cashier said, "I can help the next person in line", and as I started to wheel my cart over, the lady behind me sprints over to the availible cashier, totally disregarding the Next Person In Line rule.  So, instead of gently pointing out to her that I was next in line, I said to her, from behind, "Excuse me, but I just noticed that your wig is crooked~ I didn't notice it until you cut in front of me.  Just thought you'd want to know."  She didn't say anything, but quickly exited the store.  The cashier was smiling, until I told her that I felt it was partially her fault, because she saw that I was the next person in line, and she should have insisted on helping me first.  As I paid for my purchase, I looked over at the first cashier, who exchanged eye-rolls with me, because the Grocery Lady was still there, asking where she could stash her bags, because she just realized that she missed some items on her list, and would need an empty cart.   I left the store, feeling frustrated by the entire situation, guilty for saying what I did, and relieved that I don't work in retail.

Friday, December 19, 2003

'Sup?

Since I have no life, (Really!  It's Friday night, for John's sake), I thought I'd treat you all to the antics and activities of my online buddies.

Freeepeace  is busy performing her beautiful music live tonight at Genghis Cohen in L.A.  I know she's going to knock the audience on their collective arse.  Wish I were there...

Green Tuna is busy performing opera live tonight at a venue somewhere in Michigan.  As soon as she hangs up her horned helmet, she has to pick her Christmas tree up off her living room floor.

Highwaygirl is busy taking pictures of her cute pets and getting over her flu shot.

Lifeonhold is busy creating a new home for her kitty, Honey, and making lots of hot tea.

Perpetual Blonde is busy beating her fiancee at Scrabble and being a cool mom.

Copssister is busy trying to figure out her new digital camera and avoiding blind dates.

Raptorgirl is busy preparing for her visit to the U.S. and making fun of shrubbery.

(continued below)

'Sup continued

Ophelia is busy spending time with Tuna's boyfriend, and avoiding her blog.

TVJunkie is busy getting over her stint in hell, and being ignored by her cat, Shiba.

Mheh is busy buying wine for everyone but himself, and trying to figure out why his banner is blank.

Alphawoman is busy getting ready for her cruise, and making stuff that requires bourbon. Lots of bourbon.

TanMarie is busy writing out 2,346 Christmas cards and sniffing Sharpie fumes.

Gforce is busy trying to explain that his last name isn't "Force", and running in and out of chat.

Kat Jam is busy sorting through boxes of unused Christmas cards and trying to find something decent in the vending machine at work.

Babyfishfel is busy updating "The List" and sending up bat signals.

Snappie is busy playing The Sims and giving herself make-overs.

Overg is busy having blue eyes and playing Gitchu with his kitties.

Buffy and Nancy are busy coming up with reasons why they shouldn't have blogs, or trying to remember something interesting to put in one.

Blurry is busy being bitter.

 

Food Friday

Many of you participate, or are aware of, Photo Friday.  I always enjoy viewing the photos that people post, but personally, I have not participated in taking or posting pictures.  My newest endeavor is to post a recipe or food-related entry each Friday.  Food is one of my passions, and I hope you enjoy what I have to share. 

Today's recipe is Lemon Bread.  It is a quick bread recipe that many of my family and friends request that I make.  I love to make baked gifts around the holiday season, and this one is simple and delicious.  Make a loaf to give, and make a loaf to enjoy with some hot tea.

Lemon Bread- makes one loaf

1 1/2 C. flour   

1 C. sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 eggs

1/2 C. milk

1/3 C. vegetable oil

rind of 1 lemon, grated

Lemon Glaze-( juice of 1 lemon, 1/3 C. sugar )

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Stir dry ingredients together.  In separate bowl, blend wet ingredients and lemon rind.  Mix wet and dry mixtures together, just until blended.  Pour into greased loaf pan.  Bake 45 minutes, (test with a toothpick.)  Prepare Lemon Glaze by heating lemon juice and sugar in saucepan over medium heat until sugar is melted.   Poke holes all over bread with skewer, pour glaze over the loaf.  Cool for about 30 minutes, remove bread from pan, then allow to cool completely before wrapping.

Enjoy!

 

Edited to add~  You can add your own touch to the bread, as I many times do.  I've been known to throw in a handful of blueberries, poppyseeds, or whatever sounds good.  

                                                                    

Wednesday, December 17, 2003

Ordinary Boredinary

Ordinary Time is the time in the Christian religion which begins on Monday after the Sunday following January 6 through the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.  It begins on the Monday following Penetcost and continues until the First Sunday of Advent.  These weeks are considered Ordinary Time, because during these thirty-three to thirty-four weeks, there are no particular events which celebrate the life of Christ. 

 

Boredinary Time is that time in the Reality Television fanatic's life between the airing of Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Big Brother.  These weeks have no particular appeal, leaving the fanatic to become irritable and despondent, with nothing to do except find solace in the support of fellow fanatics.

Cheese Head

As a treat to mysef today, I went to the market to get some fresh spinach, tomatoes, and goat cheese to make one of my favorite pasta dishes.  After selecting the perfect ingredients, I took my items to the cashier.  The cashier, a boy in his teens, picked up my package of goat cheese and said, "Uh, Ma'am, is this cheese?".  I said, "yes, it's goat cheese."  He replied, "well, I don't think you want this one, it's all moldy."  I explained to him that the cheese was not covered in mold, it was actually a layer of ash.  The look on his face suggested that perhaps mold would have been the lesser of two evils.  I suggested he sample some goat cheese sometime in the future, to which he commented that the only kind of cheese he ever ate was American.

Now, I know that I will offend a few people with my belief that American cheese should not be allowed to even be called cheese.  I find the flavor more akin to Silly Putty.  I have an entire package of individually-wrapped singles that have been sitting in my refridgerator for over a year now, because even my kids won't touch the stuff. 

 I guess I know what a certain cashier will be getting for Christmas.

Tuesday, December 16, 2003

I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue

My son is on my last nerve.  He's darn lucky that he's so cute.

Monday, December 15, 2003

Survivor Summary

Another season of Survivor ends, leaving me with a mixed feeling of relief and emptiness.  Sandra won , who was my pick in the beginning, although my usually reliable spoiler source was wrong on this one, swaying me into believing that Darrah would win.  I'm glad that I was wrong~ I should have trusted my instincts.  Sandra deserved to win, if nothing else, just for the fact that her hair looked fabulous while on the island. 

I'm not going to expound on the obvious~  Lil's whining, Jon's general smarminess,  and Darrah's bitterness.  However, I do want to comment on the fact that during the "torch tribute", Osten's torch was absent, yet he was invited to be at the winner's celebration and reunion show.  Mark Burnett must have a tortured soul.

Also I would like to mention that I missed the old "burning of the camp" and the transporting of the votes, but the thing that really left me with giant empty hole was the fact that CBS delayed the  telecast by 40 minutes for some of the viewing area   because of a stupid football game, thus denying me, Copssister, and Green Tuna the opportunity to chat during the show with our fellow HT peeps.    

My fantasy league team did not fare well this season, because frankly, I just sucked at the bonus point section.  Congrats to Kat Jam who came out as the winner of our tribe.   

Finally, I cannot wait until All Star Survivor begins on Super Bowl Sunday.  Though I have an issue that some of these former survivors are considered "stars", (Kathy? Amber??  Shii-Ann???), I believe this season will be a blast.  If nothing else, I can count on having some fun chats, especially since football season will be over.

Saturday, December 13, 2003

Yet another Tale of Three Davids

On Friday, December 12, 2003, a miracle happened in Indianapolis.  David G. actually came to pick up the kids for the weekend. AND gave me some money.  It's true, I swear on my navy Hilfiger pants. 

Recap- David G. picked up the kids.  I skipped back into the house and called Lonny to tell him of the miracle,  (He didn't believe it either.)  Since it was a last-minute miracle, I had no real plan for the weekend, so I asked Lonny if he wanted to do something.  He said that he had worked 12 hour shifts all week, and still had to work all weekend.  I whined.  He gave in and took a "personal day" off Saturday.  Now that, my friends, is a true friend.  Anyhoo~ After a quick jaunt to the liquor store, I went to his house.  First, we went out and did some Christmas shopping, then later ended up at a party, where, unfortunately, we were the only guests.  After staying as long as it took to not piss off the host, (approx 24 minutes), we bolted.  We went to a couple of bars downtown, then drove back to Lonny's where we drank and watched "Too Wong Foo", and "First Wives Club".  Perfect movies for a gal and her gay date.  We ended up pulling an all-nighter, and at some time around 8 in the morning, I remembered that I'd left my cell in the car, so I fetched it and  noticed that I'd missed two calls.  Both from David F.  Now to refresh your memory, David F. looks almost identical to Burton, though he's a bit taller. And you know how I feel about Burton.  He'd left the first message while Lonny and I were out shopping, the second message was sometime during "To Wong Foo".  He missed me.  He wanted to see me.  He neeeeded me, (well, that was the impression I got, anyhow.)  I knew I'd missed my chance to see him, and it pained me.  A lot.  Well, at least for a few seconds, until Lonny mentioned that the stores were now open, and that we could go shopping again.  We had a fun day together, and I finally returned home in the afternoon.  As I contemplated the upcoming evening's entertainment possibilites, the phone rang... 

(continued from above)

Yep, you guessed it~ it was David N! Fireman Dave.  He told me that he was on his way to the Firefighter! Christmas! Party!  and I teased that it was rude of him to tell me about it and not invite me.  HE said~"I called you last weekend and left a message for you to call me, but you didn't call me back, so I figured you were busy all week". To which I replied~ "David, We talked last weekend and you said you would call me sometime during the week". His reply~ "Um, sweetie, that was two weeks ago".  D'oh.  So, again, missing my opportunity to enjoy some quality Dave time.  [dramatic sigh]

So, do you know what exciting entertainment I chose?    Nothing.  Absolute nothingness.  Hey~ I'm sorry you're disappointed that there's nothing juicy or exciting for me to report.  I could have made something up.  I could have even gone out for your amusement.  Instead, I put on my FAP outfit and strolled on in to HT chat. And you know what??  I loved it.  I loved every minute of it.  We even talked about sex.  Well, more like the lack of it, but nonetheless, I managed to not think about David(s) for two whole hours. 

The moral of this story?  Sometimes it's better to have David(s) and lost than to have never had David(s) at all.

Friday, December 12, 2003

Dear Burton,

I'm sorry that you were voted off the island.  I'm sorry that I wasn't there to comfort  you.  To tell you I care.  To put duct tape over your mouth. 

Now dear, don't be upset.  I still love you, but as I've mentioned before, you're so much more appealing when you're not talking.  Your job is to merely look good. And win challenges, of course, especially when a million dollars is riding on it. 

I'm sorry that you didn't have many fans this season.  Many people turned against you this season, but there were a small handful of us who never lost our faith, our hope, our lust in you. I'll never look at a stingray the same way again.

Fare thee well Burton Roberts, my favorite reality TV eye-candy ever.  The tribe has spoken.

Tojours,

Moi

Thursday, December 11, 2003

The Indianapolis Star

Just a little newspaper article from my daily paper.

Hoe Hoe Hoe

Dagnabit! I handed out gifts yesterday, but it seems I've forgotten a few people.  You can pretty much guarantee that that's going to happen.

To everyone I've forgotten ~ I give you an autographed copy of "The Men of Hamster Time" calendar.  Enjoy!

*WARNING!! Survivor Spoiler-ish*

Tonight? My lover, Burton, drives off into the sunset in a new SUV.

However~ I am seriously hoping that my sources are wrong ~ 

I'd much rather be watching him for another week, instead of Dickhead.

So, perhaps I will be a bit tearful tonight as my lover goes to lie with losers.

BUT you can bet your ass that I'll be around for next week's eviction. I'll be the one wearing black with an icepick in my hand.

Have a happy Survivor night!  Check your fantasy teams! Come to chat! BYOM!

Edited to add more SPOILER info- LifeonHold just reminded me that the show finale is on Sunday. Now how could I have forgotten that?   Go Sandra!, (though she's not gonna win, it's going to be Duh~rrah.)

Wednesday, December 10, 2003

Ho Ho Ho

To my online friends, Happy Holidays!  I am handing out virtual gifts today, so get in line.   Though, if I win the lottery, I will replace them all with the real thing!

To everyone~  I give you each your very own laptop. 

To Freep- I give you a Morton Salt Girl poster and a trip to Jamaica.

To Tuna- I give you a maid, a cook, and a driver, so that you can write Tuna News full-time.

To HWG-I give you a lifetime supply of Fabulous Ass Pants. And sweet potatoes.

To Life- I give you cat food and litter, delivered weekly by a hot guy.

To Keli-I give you a honeymoon trip around the world.

To Cops- I give you Colin Firth.

To Rappy- I give you your own Wedding Planning Company.

To Ophelia- I give you a blank diary.  And more time to write in it.

To TVJ- I give you your own Casino, filled with Survivor Slots, and all the bartenders there look like Spike.

To Alpha- I give you a giant greenhouse with an indoor running track.

To Teem- I give you a shiny new muffin cart.

To Kat- I give you a plasma screen TV to put  next to your computer.

To Fel-I give you a personal assistant and a pony.

Nancy and Buffy ~ I give you each your own " .com"  and  a ghost writer.

Snappie- I give you extention packs for your "barbies" and the time to play with them.

Oooh- this would be a fun time to have a gift exchange, where someone takes your gift and gives you the crappy one that they got. 

 

 

Tuesday, December 9, 2003

what's hot, (Other than Overg),or not

Top AOL searches of the moment:

#1~cpr

#2~howard dean

#3~good morning america

#4~dieting

#5~fedex

 

Top AOL chats of the moment:

~Chat Grand Rapids

~Born Again Online

~50's Love Chat

~Military Lovers

~lasvegasm4m

 

AOL chat rooms that only have one person in them:

~people suck

~Need investor for XXXweb

~Star Trek Recruit

~Linkin Park

~wealthiness from home

~TGI Friday

~A Crowded Room

Monday, December 8, 2003

A New Me

I have a new look

and a new boyfriend

Following in the happily ever-after footsteps of my friends,

 Green Tuna, and her TrueLove...

As well as  LifeOnHold, and her Main Man...

I might as well make the official announcement.  It's been going on for a while. I spend all my free time with him... and he is a bit of a bad boy.   I find him very sexy... my own Metrosexual, if you will.  Just don't tell my parents!

Get the Door! It's Domino's

I want to go to the UK right now.

I want to sit in my hotel room in the UK and order Domino's Pizza.  But I can't decide which one.  And those desserts! Oh my.

 

Edited to add~ TVJ, one of my favorite pizzas from Bazbeaux, has tuna on it.  The Viareggio. Yum!

P-You

 I decided that egg salad sounded like a Good Thing for dinner.  I boiled eggs.  Just as that certain odor was wafting it's way through the house, I realized that there was a very stinky boy who needed a diaper change.  Finishing the task, I go to wash my hands only to discover that Sally had just funked up the litter box.  It was at that moment that the doorbell rang.  My only course of action before I answered the door was to grab the Glade and spray like mad.  It kinda reminded me of that old commercial where the person said,  "Now it smells like fish and roses".

This would be a good place for a stick-up.

Sunday, December 7, 2003

Woot!

Freeepeace got a new website!   Visit and get inspired!

Congrats Freeep!  The new site rocks!

Saturday, December 6, 2003

Some Christmas Cheer

Hot Toddy

 

In a big mug Mix:

2-3 tsp. sugar

1 stick cinnamon

giant shot of brandy.

Fill mug with Very Hot Water

Float a lemon slice studded with a few cloves on top. 

 

Friday, December 5, 2003

The Greasy Spork

Alex just found the individually-wrapped utensil that came with my lunch today. (No, I didn't use it, I like getting taco sauce under my nails, thankyouverymuch.)  She looked at it quizzically and asked what it was.  I told her it was a spork, and she cracked up.  Sporks am funny. 

After she stopped laughing, she noted the merits of the spork. "You can stab your food, or you can scoop it, then you don't have to wash the spork, you just throw it away."  Pretty astute for a 4 year-old, no?!

Oh~ speaking of Taco Bell, (still and again), you can now opt to order your food "el fresco" style which they tout as being lower in fat than the traditional way.  "el fresco" means that they'll leave the cheese off, and top your taco with salsa instead.  I contemplated this as I licked the bright orange grease that was trickling down my hand from the ground beef, and thought how considerate it was of them to be so concerned about my fat intake. 

Taco Smell

Today is my lucky day!  I was excited that a new Taco Bell opened near my house, so went there to grab some lunch.  When I pulled up to the drive-thru window to pay, they told me that their computer needed to be re-booted, so my lunch was free.  Yay!  In addition to that, when I got home  I realized that there were extra tacos in the bag.  Woo Hoo! 

Thursday, December 4, 2003

Books of the Month

As promised, (as if anyone really cares), here is my recent "been there, read that" list:

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Fortune's Rocks by Anita Shreve

Castles by Julie Garwood

Pot of Gold by Judith Michael

Winter Harvest by Norah Lofts

Wheelers Choice by Jerry Buck

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

 

I was just at Target and was browsing the toy aisles, when I noticed that one of the shelves was empty, so out of curiosity, I looked to see what they'd sold out of... alas, it was Pregnant Midge Barbie Doll. Ack!  Husband Alan's shelf was still full, as was OB/GYN, (I'm not kidding you), Barbie.  I shreiked and ran like hell.

Wednesday, December 3, 2003

Access Denied

Occasionally when I'm online, I'll get an Instant Message from someone I don't know.  From past experience, I've learned that these messages are from men, (frequently married ones), who are looking for  flirty or sexual chat.  Thankfully, AOL 9.0 comes with "IM catcher" which filters out IMs from people who aren't on my buddy list, which allows me to either accept the message or ignore it.  Today I received one from a user who's name I didn't recognize, so to make sure it wasn't someone I knew, I looked up his profile, and listed under Hobbies and Interests, this guy had typed "old things".  I assure you, I did not answer this IM, and I want to tell  this person that  he needs to get a life and leave us old things alone.

Got Love? Part 1

Last week sucked for me.  Thanksgiving and the following day were especially tough..  I did spend a few hours at my folks house, eating the traditional meal, which was great, but once I returned home, I fell into a deep funk.  Most of that had to do with the fact that Dumb Fuck was supposed to pick the kids up Thanksgiving afternoon, but failed to call or to show up.  This is not unusual for him, but when it happens on a holiday, it's especially difficult to handle.  This was my first real holiday as a single parent, and it really got to me. In addition to this, Lonny was supposed to come over Thanksgiving evening, and after a half dozen phone calls to tell me that he'd be here soon, he finally confessed that he wasn't going to make it.  Also~ Dumb-Fuck's mom, (who I have a very close relationship with), never called to wish me or her grandchildren a happy Thanksgiving, although I called her 3 times that day to no avail.   On top of that, I was very sad that my friend Carol is out in Phoenix by herself for the first time, and I was originally supposed to spend the week with her. (Thanks to D.F. though, I couldn't go).  There were a few other issues bothering me, so that by Thanksgiving night, I was in tears, and it didn't get any better until Saturday, when I finally stopped feeling sorry for myself.  What snapped me out of it?  Well, I received two letters in the mail.  One was from my brother, Keith, who had hand-written me a nice, long letter telling me that he was proud of me for keeping myself together through my divorce, and that I was a strong and worthy person whom  he admired.  It made me cry, (good tears this time).  The other was a card from a dear friend of my Mom's who goes go our church. She wrote a few words about her own divorce years ago, and how she was able to pull through it, and had some very nice things to say about me.  (More tears). 

(continued below)

Got Love? Part 2

And finally, to put the crowning touch on all of this, Lonny stopped by and gave me a letter he wrote to me.  In it, he told me that I brought him a lot of happiness, and that no one in the world cares for him or has ever shown it the way that I do.  In with the letter was a dainty silver ring that he wanted me to have as a token of his love and appreciation. This is the first time in seven years that he has expressed himself in that manner to me, and it made me feel so special, (and of course, cry again.)

I have always been the kind of person who lets people know what they mean to me.  I let them know I care and that I love them.  I compliment them, and try to do nice things.  I think it's so important to tell the people you love or admire how you feel about them.  Sometimes they  need to hear those things more than you know. I urge each of you to reach out to someone who makes a difference in your life. 

 Thank you to those people who lifted my spirits this  past week by taking the time to show you care when I needed it the most.

Tuesday, December 2, 2003

Ode to Overg

In your eyes,  I see cloudy skies.

And in your words, I hear dismal chords.

But, it's what is in your heart that's tearing me apart.

Though, if it's me,

If I just can't read

The signs that tell

You love me still,

Please let me know

Before I go,

'Cause I can't stay

If you've gone astray.

 

 

 

gg '99

Monday, December 1, 2003

Christmas De-list.

Something that my daughter will not be getting for Christmas: Happy Family Midge DollPerhaps there is nothing wrong with a pregnant Barbie doll, but this bugs the piss out of me for several reasons...

~Midge hasn't gained an ounce of weight other than her tummy.

~Midge is vamping around in high heels.

~Midge's pregnant belly is magnetic.  You just pull it off, and out pops the baby. No pain, no screaming, no afterbirth.

Is this the kind of message that we want to send young girls?  That pregnancy is glamourous?  That it's easy and fun?  That you don't get swollen ankles? 

Does this mean that people would now be required to buy a baby seat for the Barbie Jeep? 

If anyone buys this for my daughter I WILL take it back to the store and exchange it for a Swan Lake Barbie.  If she's going to live in a fantasy world, I want it to be a realistic one, dammit.

 

 

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day.  I have lost several friends to AIDS, all gay men, all in the prime of their life.  I've watched many suffer for months, slowly losing their health, their life-force, their minds.  Others have passed quickly, without much warning, without months of suffering.  I still know several people with AIDS.  One is my sister-in-law who was  infected years ago by her ex-husband, and the other is her 6 year-old son who contracted the virus in utero.  They have good days and they have bad days.  Both are on medication which sometimes causes side effects that seem worse than the virus itself.  A cure for AIDS cannot come soon enough.

I am remembering these people today in my thoughts and prayers.

Friday, November 28, 2003

Christmas List

For those of you that would like to get me something that I'd really love this Christmas, check out  this outfit with this hat.  You know you want them too.

Edited to add:  Thank you, Rappy, for reminding me!  How could I forget the Uggs?!  And, as an added bonus, they're throwing in a genuine kangaroo scrotum  with purchases over $150.00.  Now THAT's  a coin purse!

Thursday, November 27, 2003

Thanksgiving Day

In honor of Thanksgiving, my contribution to your recipe file is:

Marshmallow Krispie Bars~

Bake a 13X9 pan of brownies.  Yup, just plain ole brownies.  Out of a box.  That's right.  Or you could make your own recipe, but whatever, during the last 3 or so minutes that the brownies have to bake, pull them out of the oven, (use hotpads, folks), sprinkle 1 (10 1/2 oz) bag of miniature marshmallows over brownies, return to oven and DON'T FORGET to take them back out in a couple of minutes, mkay?.

Next~ In a medium saucepan, melt 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup creamy, (or not), peanut butter, 1 T. butter, (and please tell me that you're not gonna use Blue Bonnet on it),  over lllooowww heat, stirring constantly, (yeah, right).  When melted, add 1 1/2 c. Crispy Rice Cereal; mix well.  Spread mixture over the brownies.  Let! them! cool!  completely then cut into cute little squares.

 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Wednesday, November 26, 2003

Happy (40th) Birthday TVJunkie!!!!

 

Tuesday, November 25, 2003

Well, I may soon have another mouth to feed.  After a year away, our dog Zoey may be coming back to live with us.  Zoey, a chow, went with my ex when he moved out last year, because I figured I had enough to do with the kids and the cats.  But now, Zoey is not being adequately cared for, and is in need of a good home.  I cannnot ignore this situation, and could not live with myself if she were to be taken to the Humane Society, so unless someone expresses interest in her this week, she'll be coming back home.  This news does not please me.  Zoey is a very good dog.  She's sweet, and very pretty, but she poops.  Dog poop.  Poop that stinks.  Poop that will be randomly scattered about my back yard.  I have a child that recently began to use the regular toilet, but I still must supervise this operation.  I have another child who is still in diapers, who requires me to attend to him several times a day.  I have two cats who use a litter box that requires daily sifting and weekly changing.  And now?  I will have to walk around my fairly large back yard with a scoop and a bag to avoid stinky land mines.   

The happy part of this will be that Zoey will be much better off and my children will be ecstatic.  Oh Joy.

Monday, November 24, 2003

This weekend was beautiful!  It was warm!  We wore shorts!  We frolicked outside!

Today it is cold.  It is snowing.  We are bundled up.  It bites ass.

This should be a fun week, though, regardless of the weather.  My Mom turns 70 tomorrow, and we are going out for a nice dinner.  Then Wednesday night,  Lonny and I are going to a party, and ,of course, Thurday is Thanksgiving.  On some years my Mom's birthday falls on Thanksgiving Day, which I would hate if I were her.  It's bad enough to grow older, but then you have to bear all of the turkey jokes, too. Plus, with all that food around, she usually doesn't get a special cake.  We just stick a candle in the pumpkin pie and call it another year. 

My weekend was very uneventful, but at least the weather was nice.  At church yesterday, my Mom had to say a small part during a choir program, and the last line was "with dignity and grace".  My daughter practically yelled "Mom~ Grandma's up there talking about YOU!"  Everyone around us cracked up.  It was one of those  kids-say-the-darndest-things moments.  Not an embarrassing one, like the last time she was loud when she informed me, and everyone else, that she didn't like the prayer at church because it was too boring.   Ahh the joy of children.

Saturday, November 22, 2003

Snack Time

My favorite new snack is Rold Gold Honey Wheat Braided Twist Pretzels.  I only bought them thinking my children might eat them, and I ended up eating the entire bag in two sittings.  Pretzles generally become bird food at our house, but these are too good.  They aren't dark, so don't have that burnt-ish flavor that most pretzles have,  the honey gives them just a hint of sweetness, plus they have that chunky salt on them. Added bonus, you won't break your teeth on these. 

 I must have another bag! Or two.  Or ten...

Edited 11-24-03 to add:  My children don't like them!  Horray!

All about me

This entry really isn't all about me, it's about the "All About Me" sidebar to the left. Confused much?  I changed the information yesterday, from a brief, yet boring description of myself, to a speech from one of my favorite plays.  I've seen "The Tragedy of Julius Ceasar" performed several times, and had to memorize Brutus' part in high school.  This one was my favorite, although this is only an excerpt.    I am a 12 year-old again, remembering the names of some of the characters in the play:  Popilius, Clitus, Publius, Trebonius...  Hee.  I bet Shakespeare giggled the whole time, too! 

Friday, November 21, 2003

mmmore mmmm

Hello Jason Cameron

Move over bacon~ make room for something meatier!

Ode to My Lawyer

It's warm here, though it's cold outside.

All the snow, the curtains hide.

Just like my heart, that's frozen through.

But, I'm smiling anyway, no thanks to you.

 

 

                                                                                                              gg~1991

Another entry for the ever-expanding list~ Apocalyptic Signs

Earth calling ABC... Earth calling ABC...Come in ABC

So, as if we weren't already sick of Trista and Ryan, (or luckily, if you've already forgotten them), now ABC has decided to broadcast their weddingAnd it's not only their wedding, it's a three-part series featuring the events surrounding the wedding, as well.  What's next?  Trista gives birth on live feeds?

Episode 9 thoughts

Rupert?  Will miss ye, and look forward to seeing you in the All Star game

Burton?  Yummmm.

Sandra?  You go girl!

Jon?  Shut. Up.

Christa?  You better do something, quick!

Lil?  Quit yer snivelling.

Darrah?  Wha??

Tijuana?  Get off ye arse and earn your keep!

 

**Note: As my little gift to you today, I linked the names to appropriate sites, because that's just the kind of person I am.

 

**Yet Another Note:  To all CBS Survivor Fantasy Leaguers~  The Clip O' The Week features Jonny Jackass.  It gave me the hives.  For 12 measly points. Bleh.

Thursday, November 20, 2003

For those of you who would like to have a laugh at Michael Jackson's expense, look at this funny, yet repulsive page.

In fact, that entire site is a riot! (A Hamster-powered car!) Just click on "Back to the Main Page" if you have nothing better to do~ like if you're at work, or something.

WARNING~ SURVIVOR SPOILER

I'm in a much better mood today, thank you.  Why?  Well because tonight, I get to see my lover, Burton, on Survivor.    Tonight I also get to see Rupert get voted off the island.  Poor Roop!  He's been a fun castaway, and there's never been anyone quite like him.  Fortunately we'll get to see him in the  Survivor All Star version 1.0. I've just heard that the live reunion for this cast will not happen in Panama as planned,   but instead will be in L.A.   

Alex just said "That's not fair" for the first time.  Aww. I tried to keep a straight face, but it was hard, 'cause she even did that little foot stomp, too.

Lonny called.  He said "I love my kitty~ he's perfect".   Sometimes all it takes is a kitty to make everything okay.   

Wednesday, November 19, 2003

Overg is my Muse

Today  I will attempt to focus attention away from myself by creating a list of Others To Be Thankful For...

Freeep~ for pictures of Honey and all your positive energy; HWG~ for the party in your pants today, (I really needed it!); Life~ for giving Overg what he wants; Keli~ for calling out Poopy Diaper Moms; Cops~ for reaffirming my Brittany hate; Rappy~ for your cute Canadian way of spelling things like "favourite"; Ophelia~ for being so darn accomodating; TVJ~ for making me glad I don't have to move anytime soon; Bob & Mheh ~ for bringing some testosterone to the mix; Teem~ for proving that L'Oreal and Elton John don't suck; Green Tuna & Kat Jam~ for being so damn prolific, and even damn funnier!

Thank you to my favorite bloggers for making me smile even when I don't want to.

No, I didn't link any of the names.  Get over it.

Tuesday, November 18, 2003

Another happy cat story

Yesterday Lonny, my kids, and I took another road trip to Ohio, so that he could pick up some stuff that his dad has been storing for a long time.  The 3 hour trip there was happily uneventful, since the kids napped most of the way.  I was a little worried about the return home, since the kids had already napped, and it was too dark for them to look at books or color.  I really didn't want them to fall asleep on the way back, because I wanted them to go to bed when we got home.  Anyhoo~ Once we got there, we let the kids play for a while, while we looked through boxes of old albums and beer cans.  Lonny packed as much into the car as he could, and made note of a few things that we would need to get at another time.   So, as I'm getting the kids ready to get back into the car, Lonny informs me that his stepmom just gave him a kitty, and he'd really like to take it home.  Okay~ let's review this.  The car is already PACKED full of boxes, car seats, children, and what-not, and now Lonny wants to throw a kitty into the mix.  I had visions of kitty going crazy during the trip and shredding us all to bits.  The plan was that I would hold kitty in my lap, and wrap him in my coat if he went psyco. 

Well, the plan didn't exactly work like it was supposed to.  Surprisingly, it was a great ride home.  Kitty was perfect.  Kitty was wonderful.  Kitty entertained my children all the way home.  For THREE hours.  My daughter was in heaven, because kitty spent most of the trip in her lap.  I told Lonny that no matter where we go from now on, the kitty must go, too.  When Lonny dropped the kids and me off at our house, I prepared a fresh litter box, a toy, and some catnip as a little welcome home present for kitty's new house.  Lonny drove off, with kitty sitting on top of the back seat, purring happily.   I've been urging him to get a cat for years, so I am very pleased.  This one is too cute, and obviously well-behaved.  Lonny followed my suggestion to call him Maverick, against Alex's wishes to call him Neeup.

I think I'm going to have to go for a little visit later.  

Sunday, November 16, 2003

My dedication

My last entry had me thinking a lot about that first week of April, 1990.  As I said, Farm Aid IV was in town, with lots of celebrities and fans everywhere.  Paul Shaffer, (David Letterman's music director) came stumbling into the restaurant, alone, very drunk, and was hungry.  I got him a light snack, then had a bellman take him to his room.  Heh.

But this story is really about something else.  Or someone else.  A hero by the name of Ryan White.  Many of you may remember Ryan, a young man, suffering with AIDS before the days of AIDS awareness.  Ryan was befriended by many people, including Elton John.    Ryan, 18 that year, was hospitalized here at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, by this time on life support, and under constant watch by his amazing mother, Jeanne.  Elton spent a lot of time at the hospital that week.  He was not here to play at FarmAid, he was here for Ryan.  On the day of the FarmAid concert, April 7, Elton surprised the audience of  with an impromtu set, in which he dedicated the song "Candle in the Wind" to Ryan White.  Ryan died the next day.  Elton reprised the song three days later, at Ryan's funeral.

Whenever I hear about Elton John, I think about this week in 1990.  He lost a friend, but was still strong enough to help us all deal with the loss of a boy who deserved so much more than he ever received.

Friday, November 14, 2003

Yet Another Ode To Teem, (Don't worry Overg, I still love you, too)

Famous person story #1- I have several, due to my previous job, but this one is in the top 5.

Farm Aid IV, Indianapolis, 1990.  I was the "Service Coordinator", (whatever!) at the Omni Hotel, and the restaurant manager, Kevin, came up to me in the kitchen and said, "Grace, Elton John is in the private dining area, and I want you to take care of him". Well, I snickered, knowing that Kevin was a joker, and probably pulling my leg, so I shook my ass across the dining room, only to come to a dead halt in front of Mr. John himself.  I was shocked.  Not so much that Elton John was there, but that Kevin was actually telling me the truth.  So, I approached his table.  Elton told me to pull up a chair and sit down with him.  He then explained to me that he and his entourage would be staying at the hotel for the week and that he expected me to take good care of them.  He let me know that they liked Heineken. Lots of it.  And, he told me that he liked meat and potato dishes, but it would be up to me pick meals for him that I thought he would enjoy.  So, I did.  Elton and his entourage ate and drank like kings that week. I even had to run to the bar across the street one night to get more Heineken.  His "special guest" for two evenings was Jessica Hahn, (remember the little Jim Baker scandal?  Yeah.  Her.), who was very charming, and gracious.   Elton was very funny.  He liked for everyone to laugh and have a good time.  On several occasions, he told jokes, and always made me sit down at the table to enjoy them.  I once served him a creme brulee, (custard), and he took my hand, looked me in the eye and said "Grace, do you know what we call this in my country?". I shook my head.  "Spotted DICK" said he.  Everyone cracked up.  He was very gracious to the few fans that were able to get close to him. The hotel called me at home twice that week, because Elton wanted to come in for lunch, and insisted that I was there. At the end of the week, Elton and his manager came into the restaurant, and asked for me.  Elton gave me a big hug and thanked me for taking such good care of him and then gave me a very generous cash bonus. He's talented, funny and kind.  Thank you Elton John!  I'll serve you heinys and spotted dick any time you ask!

Short and not-so-sweet

Do you know that I hate pop-ups?  Well, I do.

That is all.

Wednesday, November 12, 2003

Annoying:adjective~causing vexation:irritating

My list of Petty Annoyances, (ala Teem):

*People who put on their turn signals after applying the brakes.

*The term "for free". (It's either "free" or it's "for nothing".)

*Fingernails that are obviously different lengths.

*Dead-beat dads.

*Being out of milk.  Or chocolate. 

*Lousy customer service.

*The McRib Sandwich.

*My ex-husband, (see "Dead-beat dads, above).

*Rain, snow, and humidity.

*2,500 character limit, (or simply, AOL).

*People who constantly complain about a problem, (headache, lousy job), but do nothing about it.

*Shiny tights, horizontal striped clothing, and theme sweaters/sweatshirts.

*Rude people or those without a sense of humor.

*Heavy Traffic.

*Lateness.

*Having to go to bed.  (Oh my~ look at the time!  Gotta go!)

So yesterday was Veteran's Day.  But, because it didn't appear on my AOL welcome screen yesterday, I had no idea.  The day was supposed to be a productive one for me, since my Mom called Monday night and said that she'd pick the kids up from preschool Tuesday morning and keep them for the day.  So, after I dropped the kids off, I went back home, spent and hour or so gathering the paperwork, etc. that I needed for my errands, then drove downtown.  1st stop~ the bank.  CLOSED.   2nd stop ~  County Office of Family and Children ~ CLOSED, (even though their voice mail said that they were "in today"), 3rd stop ~ clerk's office ~ CLOSED.  The worst thing of it all ~  I still had to pay the parking meter, although on most holidays you don't.  So~ Veteran's Day is good enough for City/County offices and banks, but not good enough for parking meters?

So, after getting nothing on my list done, I consoled myself with a Super Target shopping spree.  At least it was open!

Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Joe Dirt-Broke

Hello Fox Network?  About Joe Millionnaire~"A European Affair"...  How did you manage to find the most clueless guy on the planet?  And why?  And these women- who's job was it to select them?  Okay, okay, I know that you had to go to Europe, so that you could find women who had no idea about the Joe Millionnaire hoax, otherwise you wouldn't have show, and would have been forced to come up with something [gasp] original.  It's not that I think the European concept was a bad idea, I'm just really nervous about the trend here, and what's in store for next season. What's it going to be?  Joe Millionnaire ~ "Paradise in Women's Prison" ?

Congratulations Freeepeace

A hearty congratulations goes out to my friend Freeepeace, for winning "Best New Journal"  in the AOL People's Choice Journal Awards !  No, there's no real prize involved, although I think she'll get to have an award icon on her site, but I'm sure that Freeep feels honored by being voted for by her peers and the compensation is that she gets to pour out her heart, share her music, and enjoy her new network of friends, knowing that we all think she's #1.  Let's hope that all this fame and glory doesn't go to her head, and that she doesn't forget all of us little peeps on her climb to stardom.

Monday, November 10, 2003

No, he's not a cow, he's a dog!

This is Jacob with Alex. He refused to wear the dalmation head/hat.

Cinderella Story

This is Alex.  Ain't she purdy?   I am, however, dreading how this dress is going to look in a few months, considering that she now wears it every day.

Saturday, November 8, 2003

Brrrr

Today it is 40 degrees here in Indy, and shortly I have to take my kids to the law firm's annual weenie roast and hayride.  Can you say "hatey face"?

Tomorrow?  Even worse.  I'm meeting the ex, (which is bad enough), at Chunky Cheese for yet another birthday celebration for Jacob.

I've never looked forward to Monday as much as I do right now.

Friday, November 7, 2003

IthinkthatIfinallyfoundawayaroundthestupid2500wordlimitthatAOLhasimposed

onusbloggerssonowIcantypeasmuchasIwantineachentryandtheywillneverknow.

Okay, who's the BDI that decided that Lime-flavored Tootsie Rolls were a good idea?  Even worse are the people that dare to hand these narsty morsels out at Halloween.  That's just wrong!  Even my kids know better than to eat these things.  I guarantee that they'll still be sitting in the bottom of the candy jar this time next year. It's  November 7th and we've already eaten all the chocolate.  [heavy sigh].

Just wanted to tell all my Survivor buddies to check out my online pal's blog.           Bob's Survivor Thoughts go great with a bowl of Cap'n Crunch.  Run, don't walk to his great blog, and don't forget to leave a comment for him while you're there!

Happy Birth Day

Today I am celebrating Jacob's birthday, yet mourning the death of my red, white, and  yellow(!)  impatiens.  Nothing can be done for them at this point, except to mulch over the soggy bits and to pray that the cuttings from the yellow variety will thrive on my windowsill until spring.  Surprisingly, my morning glories, nasturtiums, marigolds and geraniums are still perky and full of blossoms.  This weekend I will dig up the dahlia tubers to go live in my fridge's vegetable bin, (along with the sweet potato vines that bit it last month), and I will pull up the geraniums, put them in a noose, and hang them in the garage attic until some time next summer when I remember that they're there.  The mini geraniums, heather, cat grass, dracaena, and various ivies that I potted up a few weeks ago are thriving in my living room, even though the cat grass is slowly turning to stubble, since my cats have claimed it as their own.  Sigh.  I have nothing to do now, except stare out the window and wait for spring. 

Thursday, November 6, 2003

Viva La Fisty

Fisty is mad.  Why, you ask?  Because Johnny Jackass did not get booted off Survivor last night.  The vote was close ~ very close, but nooooo!  Those stupid idiots kept him and instead voted off Andrew, costing me big points in my Survivor League.  That makes Fisty mad enough to cuss, even though mimes aren't supposed to talk.  But we all know that Fisty isn't a real mime.  He's got too much attitude for that.

The good news, however is that my lover, Burton, and Scout Master 'Lil were voted back in the game!  And, the tribes have merged!  Let the games begin.

In other news-  My journal was critiqued today by Overg.  He says my blog is "good" although he took points off for not mentioning him in my posts.  Although he's above having his own blog, he will stoop to hogging the pages of others. Overg is an attention junkie, and needs all the stroking we can give him.  Hopefully this will appease him until I have some juicy tidbits to share,(other than the fact that he's Lifeonhold's secret lover.)

I'm a Survivor

Tonight is Survivor night!  I am so excited to finally get another glimpse of my boyfriend, Burton, and hopefully he'll be voted back into the game.  (Sorry Highwaygirl, you've got Orlando Bloom now).  I'd also like for Lillian to be the other returning outcast, just to piss awwf Andrew, who needs to get over himself, although I dread the return of 'Lil's scout uniform .  I am also hopeful that Johnny Jackass will be getting the boot.  This season has been a lot of fun, with the new theme, with Rupert, and with the "twist" of bringing back the outcasts.  I am oh-so-glad that Osten, (Ousten) was sent packing last week, with no vote, no ceremony, no nuttin'.  See ya later, wuss!  Ryan O and Darrah were seen holding hands in last week's eviction ceremony, and there was a bit more of Ryan seen on this clip.  (Thanks Blurry!)  I look forward to watching the show and chatting with my fellow Hamstertime pals later this evening. 

Tomorrow is Jacob's second birthday.  Two years ago today, the pregnancy became more than I could bear, and I went to the midwife and demanded that she induce labor.  It worked, and several hours later into the next day, Jacob Shawn was born, weighing in at 9 lbs, 2 oz., and the cutest boy ever came into my life.  I love you buddy!

Wednesday, November 5, 2003

Food for Thought

People call me frequently to ask questions about how to cook certain things, or for help with a recipe, or simply for an idea about what to fix for a cocktail party or dinner. I realized that my online friends may appreciate some inspiration, so I will endeavor to post more food-related entries.  My style of cooking has changed somewhat since I became a mother, because I tend to have to cook two or three different meals for each meal period, but I still love gourmet food, and indulge myself whenever I have the time or the company. 

Tonight's dinner?  One of my staples.  This is a dish that can be prepared in 5 minutes! Simply boil a package of Ramen noodles until tender, (3 minutes), then drain.  In the empty pan, mix 2 tsp. oil, 2 tsp. peanut butter, (I like chunky), a few dashes of soy sauce, about 1/3 of the seasoning packet.  Once the peanut butter is melted, add the noodles back to the pan and toss together.  That is the basic recipe.  Tonight I added a handful of frozen peas to the boiling noodles during the last minute, and added 2 tsp. of curry powder with the seasonings.  I like to add water chestnuts or julienned carrots, or whatever is on hand, depending on my mood.  This is a tasty, quick meal, and can be made low-fat by using BAKED ramen noodles, (you may have to request that your grocer stock them), and substituting water for the oil- your noodles will merely be sticky, but still delicious!  Added bonus~ This meal costs about 30 cents to make.

Special Delivery

Hometown boy David Letterman's baby was born yesterday, weighing in at 9 lbs, 11oz., and 21 inches long.  Baby Letterman's name is Harry Joseph.  Congrats to the proud parents!  I know how Regina must feel today,  as both of my children were 9 pounders.  It's such relief to finally get them out of there!  Perhaps the good news will inspire Indianapolis Mayor, Bart Peterson to finally make "DLX", (Dave Letterman Expressway), the official name for I-465. 

Tuesday, November 4, 2003

!Celeb News

David Letterman was not at his desk last night, because the talk-show host and his wife, Regina Lasko, were at the hospital.  Lasko was in labor yesterday, so Letterman had Music Director, Paul Schaffer, sit in for him.  No word yet on the baby.

Also pregnant~ Debra Messing, (Will & Grace), and husband, Daniel Zelman. Their baby is expected next summer.

Sean "P.Diddy" Combs completed the New York City Marathon yesterday.  Puff completed the marathon in 4 hours, 14 minutes, after beginning training a mere 8 weeks ago.  He lost 15 pounds and endured severe pain in one knee, caused by tendinitis, to raise one million dollars for the children of New York City. 

And finally, The View names 3 finalists in the search for a new co-host.  They are:  Rachel Campos, of Real World~ SanFrancisco; Elizabeth Hassleback, of Survivor~ The Australian Outback; and Erin Hershey Presley, of now-defunct soap Port Charles.

Famewhores all.

Monday, November 3, 2003

Obviously a Slow News Day

It's potty time!  Woot!  Today Alex graduated from the potty seat to the toilet.  I simply told her that her butt is too big to fit on the little potty seat now and that she would get stuck on it and have to live in the bathroom forever.  It's the small victories that mean the most!    Now to work on Jacob...  luckily I don't have to teach him how to stand and aim just yet. 

Grace's Book of the Week Club

The list of books I've read lately is a little weird, but I'm willing to put it out there and subject myself to much ridicule, just for the sake of saying that I read more than just online journals.  The theme here is "old-timey" stuff, because my Mom just gave me a box of books that belonged to her, my Grandma and my Great-Grandma.  Many of these books were very fragile, and several were first editions.  All were satisfying to me, because I just love to learn about the past.  I always start to crave Laura Ingalls Wilder books this time of year, so I'll probably be heading to the library soon.

THE LIST:

Little Women and Under the Lilacs- Louisa May Alcott

With Spurs- E.B. Mann

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew- Margaret Sidney

Arizona Ames- Zane Grey

Go West Young Lady- Inez Specking

The Picture of Dorian Gray- Oscar Wilde

Paradise Lost- John Milton

True to Her King- Julia Glover

Arimathea's Gift- Lovesta Dorwin Davis

Heidi -Johanna Spyri  (In progress)

I've really enjoyed reading these books, though most of them I'd already read when I was younger. I've always loved learning books about the settlers, (pioneers), and about the old west.  Ahh- Simple times.

AOL Journal Awards

A great big shout-out to my friend, Freeepeace, on her recent nomination for the AOL Journal awards.  Freeepeace was the only one of my picks that won a nomination, (sorry Lifeonhold and TVJunkie), though it was a difficult task for me, since the contest is for AOL journals only.  I urge you all to visit Freeep's site and enjoy some of her thought-provoking entries and sample some of her beautiful music.  She is an extraordinary woman and deserves to be recognized.  I've already voted for her, and you can do the same by visiting this site.  Good luck to all the nominees.

 

**Note~ When I last checked, Freeepeace had the most number of votes out of all the nominations in all of the categories!  Yay!

Sunday, November 2, 2003

#$@&

Another first in the Memory Book of Life...

My four year-old daughter was just changing into her nightclothes and said "I can't get this damn nightie on".  Eeek!  Where did she get that from?? I don't think I'm gonna be getting that damn Mother of the Year award now.

Saturday, November 1, 2003

Oh Canada

What. the. fuck?

 

Sidenote to Green Tuna-  Current Event Item, perhaps?  Yikes.

Halloween Aftermath

Funniest costume of 2003 was spotted last night at the Old Point Tavern.  The bartender dressed as Roy Horn, (of Siegfried and Roy fame-whorishness).  He had the faaabulous Vegas magician outfit, complete with one nasty looking scar on his neck.  Sure, it's a little insensitive, considering that Roy is still in the hospital, but it was damn funny. 

2nd funniest~ Ghetto Santa, sporting a shabby, pieced-together Santa suit, an empty toy bag and a tire tread marks on his back.  He was drunk and that made it all the better.

 

P.S.  Roy Horn was taken off critical care this past week.  Our love and support go out to Roy, his family, and the tiger.

Friday, October 31, 2003

Must. get. off. this. computer. and. do. something. productive.

I have been so prolific here this week, that I haven't gotten much else done, but I just had to make another entry after reading my favorite humorist's blog today.  You must all visit Green Tuna's blogspot today to read her Halloween Commandments.  I laughed, I cried, I read it again.  See "Tuna News" link on the right. Much lurve to Tuna and Tiny today!

Happy Hollow-weenie

In honor of my favorite holiday, I'd like for all you lurkers and regular visitors to leave a comment.  It doesn't have to be much, just something like "you're fabulous and I love you" will do.  Kidding, just kidding.

Though, I am serious about leaving a comment.  I've noticed more traffic through here lately, and I'd like to see a show of hands instead of mysterious mouse tracks.

Happy haunting!

Promise Keeper

As promised, I found my Fourth of July story!  Since the story exceeds the AOL Journal 2,500 word limit, I had to link the story from my old homepage.  If you look on the right, under "Favorite Sites", then go to #1-(my personal shit), you'll be whisked away to ye ole page.  Then, next to the "recent" picture, you'll see the "True Story" link.   It is a rather long essay, and perhaps offensive to some, (sorry Lonny). Enjoy!

Thursday, October 30, 2003

Elfin magic

According to this quiz, I am an... Elfin?  Whaa?  Why can't I be something cool like a Dragon or something?  Just. my. luck.  Now how do I translate that into a costume that people will recognize?  "Hey- you must be an elfin- I love those!"    Yeah, right.

Adjectives of the Day

Today I noticed how similar the words "inept" and "unapt" are, so naturally I had to look them up in the dictionary.  Both words can mean inappropriate. I didn't have a story about this, it was just an FYI, but as I was typing this, my 4 year-old came running in with a picture that she just made for me.  I looked.  It was a purple glittery brain.  Typically I would consider this an unapt drawing for a child, but considering that tomorrow is Halloween, I had to ooh and aww over what a wonderful brain picture it is. And the scary truth~ it actually is a very good-looking brain.

I'm the Ultimate Survivor

Today was my dreaded stint as "Parent Helper" in my daughter's preschool class.  Typically this job is difficult enough, as this is the world-centers-around-me age, but considering that today was the Halloween party and parade, my work was cut out for me with safety scissors.  As the helper, your child is the class leader that day, and they get to stand up front with the teacher and help with the calendar, etc.  Well, Alex is painfully shy, and when asked what today's date was, she didn't respond, so the teacher repeated the question, which caused Alex to burst into tears~ which in turn caused ME to cry, too.  This is only 5 minutes into class.  After that, the children got to parade through the school, (our church), and go into each of the other classrooms show off their costumes, (5 Disney princesses, 2 pirates, 1 cat, 1 dog, a ninja, a cowboy, a devil, a witch, and a cow), so when we get to the two-year-old room, Jacob sees Alex and me, then throws a fit because he has to stay put.  Finally, we return to the classroom, where we have to help these children change out of their costumes and into their clothes, (argh!), then proceed to have a snack, (5 spilled drinks), make skeletons, (glue everywhere), and have playtime.  I had to break up 4 fights over toys, console a little girl who was crying for no apparent reason, then clean up after all of the mayhem. The only good thing about this day is that I don't have to do it again for 6 more weeks.

Alex?  Overstimulated with excitement and candy.

Me?  I want my Mommy and I need a nap!

Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Still Catching Up

My arm is killin' me from all the hours spent on this system yesterday.  During my computer vacation, my right arm had begun to degenerate.  I think I'll pick up a 4-pack of Mike's tonight and do some curls.

It was nice to be missed.  Thanks to all my friends who sent messages!   I suppose it was a good time to be away from my blog, since life was fairly uneventful this month.  I do regret not knowing about the "Yes Dear/Big Brother" episode that aired during my absence.  I'm just wrecked that I missed it, and am hoping to catch a rerun later this season.  I have been watching the new Joe Millionnaire, and have been much amused by the Euro-Chicks .  They are... hmm....well....interesting, I suppose.  Of all the reality males we've seen, this one seems the least likely to get on with these types.  He's so home-spun, it's comical.  I do think he's cute- nice bod- love the cowboy thing, and a few other little things about him I find appealing, hell ~ I don't even care that he's not a brainiac~ however, his name is Dave, so I had to take points off for that.  I feel sorry for him though.  No way in hell is he going to find "the girl next door" in this bunch~ they're going to eat him alive. 

Other items of note in my life~  Lonny and I went to a haunted hayride last weekend.  It was fun- not scary- and OF COURSE one of the "ghouls" took a liking to Lonny and ended up in the wagon with us.  Figures. 

Also- Carol flew into town for the Eagles concert.  We met at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for Champagne and "Scooby snacks" pre-show, then waded over to the concert.  We had great seats, and so. much. fun.!  I stayed downtown to party after the concert, and payed dearly for it all day Sunday.  I still haven't talked to Carol since the concert let out, but I did get an email yesterday that said she made it back to Phoenix. Hey Carol- I hope you had as much fun as I did!  I thought about you sometime Sunday, as I took another handful of aspirin, thinking of how hateful it had to be to find your way back to Phoenix that day.  I wouldn't have even made it as far as the airport!

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

Yes, it really has been almost 3 weeks!

I never thought I'd be so excited to get dial-up, but since being without a home phone and Internet for nearly three weeks, I'm ready to kiss my modem! 

I went to log on after my last entry, only to find that my phone had been disconnected, and after much dicking around, found that it was due to the fact that Dumb Fuck never called the phone company to take his name off my account after our divorce this summer, (they wouldn't take my word for it- assholes), and seems that he owes SBC Ameritech around $500.00 for his personal and business lines, and since his name was still on my account, they decided to shut down all three.  Then the dumb ass lied and told me that he paid the bill and that my phone would be back on at any time, so after waiting for that to never happen, I had to open up a new account, forfeiting my old phone number, (which is a real bitch).  The beauty of the whole thing?  Sticking Dumb Fuck with last month's phone bill.  However, now I have almost 50 emails to catch up on, as well as nearly three weeks of Hamster Time posts and my Survivor Fantasy League to deal with.  I think I'm fucked though, since I didn't have time to dump Trish  before she got the boot last week.  Oh well.  I'm back now, and that's a good feeling. 

Thursday, October 9, 2003

Halloween '98

I just found a box of old photos and memorabilia and discovered this picture from a Halloween past.  The hair and tattoos are NOT real, btw.  Too bad you can't see the leather mini and thigh-high boots.  My intention was to be a generic biker-babe, but I won a prize at the party I attended for my great Cher costume.  I had a great time at that party, save for all the lesbians that were starting to piss awwwf my boyfriend.

Survivor's on in 2 hours and I can hardly wait

Newsflash...

Chip and Reichen have split up!  Do you care?  I didn't think so.

Wednesday, October 8, 2003

FAQ part 3

(read previous 2 entries first)

So~ now I only cook at home, with the exception of an occasional catering gig, (which I don't really enjoy~too much work to cart food, equipment, etc). I still love cooking, but since I now cook so much for the kids, I don't always have the desire to do the gourmet thing, and prefer to go out to dinner.  I'm sure I'll get back to my old ways once the kids are on their own.  Do I regret not going to culinary school?  No.  I believe that I know much more about food and wine than most people who have a degree.  I think that my lack of formal training enabled me to be less structured with recipes and techniques which allowed me to truly express my "inner chef".  I still have the dream of someday opening my own restaurant as proprietor and chef, once I've extinguished my current repertoire of spaghetti-os and cheese pizza. 

FAQ part 2

(read previous entry first)

I spent a lot of time learning about the business in the year that I worked there, until I was approached by one of our regular customers to consider going to work for him at the Omni hotel, which was due to open soon.  I jumped at his offer, and spent many hours in training, and helping to get the hotel opened, and was given the title "Service Coordinator", which functioned as a Maitre D'.  I enjoyed my time there, though after 2 years, I quit, due to the crap that we had to deal with that came from being owned by a hotel.  I took a little time away from the business at that time, though a few months later found that I missed the restaurant business, and wanted to see if I would be happy working in a privately-owned establishment.  Enter Pesto.  Pesto was a Northern Italian restaurant located downtown, and I spent 5 happy years there, 4 as the General Manager.  I enjoyed almost everything about my position, but mostly being in charge of the menu, and recipe development.  I spent more time in the kitchen than in the front of the house. After leaving Pesto, I managed a bed and breakfast, which entailed everything from cleaning toilets to making breakfast.  Also during this time, I started catering out of my home.    My last job in the business was at the Skyline Club, where I'd just been offered the Maitre D' position, but had to turn it down, due to my impending marraige and baby...(continued)

FAQ-

"Are you a real chef"? 

 Technically, no.  Here's my story...  In high school, my parents wouldn't allow me to leave school early, unlike so many of my friends who only had to take a few classes to meet their requirements, so I found myself with several periods in which to either spend in study hall, or independent studies.  Well, since I'd taken all the home ecconomics, (cooking~NOT sewing), courses availible my first three years, I decided to spend three hours a day in independent study in the home ec kitchen.  I was in charge of ordering all food and supplies for the department, teaching the boy's class,  and inventing recipes, as well as cooking whatever and whenever I wanted.  When it came time to consider college, I begged my parents to send me to culinary school, but they demanded that I go get my liberal arts degree first, and then persue cooking.  So- a year and a half into majoring in Telecommunications at a local, private college, I just couldn't take it anymore, so I dropped out of school, and went to work at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, so that I could afford my own apartment and become independent.  It was then that I decided that I could learn the culinary trade from the ground up, so I spent many hours with the beverage manager of the Theatre, learning about liquors, wine, and beer.  Shortly thereafter, I got a job as a cocktail waitress at the restaurant next door, and embarked on my new career.  I didn't spend much time "cocktailing", because I kept getting in trouble for spending too much time in the kitchen, talking to the chef, so I leaped on the opportunity to join the staff of a new restaurant in town as a food server.

(I have to continue this in another entry, since AOL is hateful and won't allow me to exceed 2500 words)....

Tuesday, October 7, 2003

For those of you, (I know who you are), who have no love for sports, you can skip this entire entry.  HOWEVER- be advised that this is the happiest Tuesday morning I can ever remember.  Why, you ask?  Well, if you'd watched Monday Night Football you would know.   Last night, the Colts became the 1st team in NFL history to win after trailing by 21 or more points with less than 4 minutes of regulation play.  At halftime, I almost turned the game off.  It was 0-21, and I couldn't bear to watch our team lose big on primetime television, but I left the game on, and was richly rewarded. Coach Dungy?  I hope that the game win was the best birthday present you've ever received!  Aren't you glad the Bucs fired you in '02?!    Mike Vanderjagt?  I still hate you, but you made the FG at the right time!   Marvin Harrison and Rickey Williams?  You guys rock!   Peyton Manning?  Marry me!

I'd been hearing Tampa referred to as having "The world's greatest defense".  Yeah, well, you guys looked rediculous last night, losing your 21 point lead in 4 minutes.

Yes, my beloved Colts are undefeated, and are enjoying their best start since 1977!  Yes, I do know that they're still the Colts, and a some point this season, they're gonna choke, but you gotta give it to us for last night's game.  That was Monday Night Football at it's best.  Unless you're from Tampa. 

                                                                                                                 

Monday, October 6, 2003

Hello Fireman Dave?  Why oh why did you call my house 5 times between midnight and one this morning?  Why can't you call me, say Tuesday afternoon, and ask me if I'd like to go out to dinner on Friday, or something?!  Am I so low on your list that I get the Sunday Night Booty Call?  You'll notice that I did not call you back, nor will I. 

Not 'til Friday night, anyway.

So~ I'm behind...sue me.

Yes, my previous post did kinda say that I had some work in progress, and due to a couple of emails, I'm guessing that some of you think that I had some juicy story to perfect.  Well, you're wrong.  The work in progress is ME. 

However...

The weekend wasn't a total bust, Lonny called me Saturday morning to tell me that he was on his way over and that we were going to Ohio.  Huh?  Okay, um, well, I was knee-deep in laundry, (read-nothing clean to pack), and hadn't showered, and mostly- my KIDS were home.  DF (dumb-fuck for you newbies), didn't show to pick them up this weekend, (surprised? not.), so I was planning on doing the Mommy thing all weekend, but noooo, Lonny had other plans.  I just could not imagine dealing with both kids in the car for a 3 hour trip there, short visit, then 3 hours back.  But, as luck would have it, Nana wanted to have sis stay overnight, so I only had to worry about Jacob.  We finally  (bold, underlined, italics), got our show on the road at 5:30, (yeah, p.m.), and made it to Lonny's dad's house at 10:00 Ohio time, and stayed for a mere 2 hours, then drove home.  Why?  I don't know. I guess because Lonny said so.  The good news?  Jacob was a perfect angel.  The bad news?  When we got home at 3 a.m., Jacob decided that it was morning, and was ready for a bagel and cartoons.  I let him.  Why not?  You're only almost-2 once.

The trip was fun, 'cause it gave Lonny and I several hours just to talk, although his Caddy was up to the usual tricks.  For those of you who remember my "What I did for the Fourth of July" story, (I'll try to dig it up this week) - does "Transmition Hot~Idle Engine" ring a bell? Let me just say that Lonny's car is posessed, and it's time to trade that sucker in!

Sunday, October 5, 2003

Today's Work ~ In Progress

(Read subject;  Stay tuned.)

Friday, October 3, 2003

Friday Schmiday

Has anyone seen autumn?  I've already had to tear the coat closet apart in search of two almost-matching gloves.  Yet, it's supposed to be in the high 70's next week. Great. After two freezes that poached most of my tender annuals, now the front beds look like ass and it's going to be an "Indian Summer."  Whatever.

Speaking of coat closets- Green Tuna reported that in her fall coat she found a bag of Hershey Kisses with almonds, (how big are her pockets, anyway?), and Rappy found $30.00.  Needless to say, I ran to check the pockets of my coats, and alas, found a total of 38 cents, several battered tissues, something that resembled a mint, an expired diaper coupon, two hair scrunchies, and a receipt from Blockbuster.  Figures.

Thursday, October 2, 2003

Blow Me Cheesecake

A few weeks ago, I entered the Ben & Jerry's Rock the Vote/Name that Flavor competition.  The contest was for AOL members only, and it gave members a chance to select the name for a new ice cream.  Three winning entries would then be voted on by AOL members.  The ice cream is a strawberry cheesecake flavor with graham cracker swirl, and the contest rules wanted a name that was 1.) No longer than 20 letters/spaces, 2.) descriptive of the flavor, and 3.) election, (non-partisan), themed.

Well, my Dad and I both submitted entries, (only one per person, please), his was "Cheesecake Candidate" and mine was "Campaign Cheesecake".  Both names, I thought were good enough to win.  The results?  We lost.  Adding insult to injury, today the three finalists were announced, and they, (IMHO), are sucktacular.

1. Berry Rock-US Caucus

2. Primary Berry Graham

3. My Straw(berry) Vote

So- I am exersizing my right NOT to vote in the stupid flavor election.  Ben and Jerry's? Yeah, I got your number, and I fucking hate ice cream anyway!

Survivor Day

Horray!  Carol sent me an email from Phoenix to tell me that she passed the bar exam!  I had no doubt, but am still very excited for her.  I sent her a "Happy Bar Mitzvah" ecard, because I couldn't find a "Congratulations on Passing the Bar Exam" card.  She appreciated the humor and the sentiment. Next up?  Nevada Bar Exam.  Way to go, Carol!

Wednesday, October 1, 2003

My favorite new show? MXC on Spike TV. http://www.spiketv.com/shows/meec/

I read this on the Indiana AOL message board today...A survivor sighting!

Well, I did it.  I changed the cat litter AND got the trash out in time.  Now I'm taking a much-needed break.  I'm thinking that I need to buy my spring bulbs, and since that is way more important than laundry or cleaning, I need to dash over and spend a couple of hours buying stuff.  Right after my nap.

Woo Hoo Wednesday

My folks are finally back from Florida, and just came by and picked up my kids!  YAY!  I have the whole day, (until 5:30), away from children!  Although, my cats are already in my face, and I'm trying to think of a way to get someone to come and take them for the day. I really have about a thousand things that I should be doing today, but instead, I ran immediately to my computer.  It is the vehicle for my work-avoidance.  I feel like I can't possibly clean the cat litter, take out the trash, clean the bathrooms, vacuum, etc. until I've checked my my email, surfed around, and "blogged".  Once I hear the trashman coming down the street, I'll have to run like a mad-woman to get it to the curb on time.  Trust me, dirty diapers and  cat poop is not the kind of trash you want to be stuck with for another week!  After that, I'll probably have to check my email again.  Then I'll have to run to the store because I'm out of diet coke, and by the time I get back, I'll have some fascinating story to add to this blog.  By then it will be too late to get started on any major cleaning projects, so I'll probably play Scrabble until I realize that it's time to get the kids ~ cussing all the way to Mom's that I didn't get anything done today.