I Lead a VERY Exciting Life. Try Not to be Jealous, Okay?

Just realized that I wrote an entry about bad smelling vegetables. That's it. That's all I've got. That's the big story of the weekend. Wow.

What Died in Here?!?!

Yesterday I went to Sam's Club with one of my friends because I wanted to pick up a veggie tray. When I got home I opened up the tray (which looked pretty tasty) for a snack and shortly after that, my apartment was invaded by a very funky smell. I planned to return the tray to get my money back, so I shoved it in the fridge believing that the aroma would be confined to the container. BIG MISTAKE. I realized that when I returned from church this morning and my gag reflex was immediately activated. I spent most of the day spraying air freshener and burning candles. My friend had the same problem. She and her husband couldn't stand the smell, so they set their tray in the garage, ran errands for 40 minutes, and came back to find that the stink had taken up residence in the garage. AFTER 40 MINUTES. It was so bad that when we went back to Sam's to return the veggies, the people in line in front of us could smell them through the plastic container and the people at customer service had to turn their heads away. Needless to say, I wasn't excited about the ordeal, but we had a good laugh over it.

Fake Auntie

I wanted to mention that my fabulous friend had a baby recently. He is adorable and she is going to be a great mom. She totally sounded like a mom the first time I talked to her after the baby was born. I get to be his "auntie"!

Another good friend of mine who lives several hours away had a baby boy at about the same time. I haven't seen him yet, but if he's half as cute as her first, he'll be in good shape. I can't wait to see the whole family. It's hard to be apart from friends when you want to celebrate with them!

Now someone needs to have a girl so I can buy her pretty pink things.

Pain in the Neckia

For the past several months I have a had really bad luck with my cell. Last February I got a new cell. I was pretty excited because I had my old phone for several years and I was offered a free upgrade. I picked out a shiny silver flip phone (my first) with some fun features. Then it broke. I didn't do anything, and it broke. Seriously. I'm not one of those people who throws their phone around, runs over it with a Hummer, and then drops it in the toilet a time or two and tells the phone company that they can't imagine why the phone didn't last. It just broke. One day I picked it up to make a call and there was a huge crack! I promptly brought the phone back to the store where I got it and the girl told me there was nothing she could do even though I'd had the phone for less than 60 days. What!?!?! So I went to another store and they said they could replace it. Whew! Happy again...until another couple months passed and my phone mysteriously cracked again. I was annoyed. I didn't really feel like reentering all of my #'s and info and I didn't want to lose my fun ring tones (Starship and Johnny Cash), so I super glued it. Three times. The phone totally rebelled and cracked beyond my gluing abilities. So I went back and fortunately they replaced the phone again. Well, you can imagine my disgust when last week I picked my 3rd phone up to make a call and discovered an enormous crack. How can a $200 phone be so worthless. I went back and much to my relief, they replaced my phone...with a different brand!!!! It's not shiny and silver, but if it doesn't fall apart in the next 3 months, I'll be a happy girl. Needless to say, I will avoid purchasing or receiving as a free gift what I like to call the "crack" brand again. If you're wondering what brand it was, I never break and tell....but the title of this entry might give you a hint! At the end of the day, I'm very grateful that the situation worked out and that I didn't have to pay for the replacement phone or charger. It's nice to know God shows His love in everyday circumstances.

Being Lazy is FUN!!!

I rediscovered my love for Sudoku puzzles over Thanksgiving weekend. There's nothing like stuffing your face and spending the rest of the day napping, playing games, watching TV and doing number puzzles. I forgot how fun it is to be lazy!

Sudoku for Your Coffee Break
Presented by Will Shortz

No Joke

On my way to pilates today I was listening to talk radio. I heard the following question being asked of a 22-year-old college student majoring in political science:

"Who is the Vice President of the United States?"

Her response:

"I don't know."

Seriously. How is this possible? I can't even laugh about this. It's too pathetic.

On the road

I was driving home on the interstate and saw a man driving over the speed limit and talking on his cell phone. Not an unusual sight these days, but this guy was driving a company vehicle...and the sign on the car read "Safeco Insurance". Hah!

Get down, get down!

I love my new Woolrich® Down Blanket (mine's green). It's been chilly in my new apartment this fall, so I picked up a new blanket for my bed. The good news is I haven't woken up shivering in the middle of the night since I got it. The bad news is I've been having an exceptionally hard time getting out of bed in the morning. So if you've been cold at night and you like to risk oversleeping for work, go pick up one of these babies from Target. They're on sale this week.

A beautiful letter

I was going through some papers this morning and I came across this Civil War letter from a soldier to his wife. It's beautiful...

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days -- perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure -- and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing -- perfectly willing -- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows -- when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children -- is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.

I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles I have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me -- perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar -- that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours -- always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan

Ballou wrote the letter July 14, while awaiting orders that would take him to Manassas, where he and twenty-seven of his men would die one week later at the Battle of Bull Run.

Oats 'n Honey Granola Pie

Here is a yummy recipe that was on Oprah a while back. I just tried it out this week and I think it is a pan of gooey goodness....and it was so easy to make!

2004 Pillsbury Bake-Off® Winner: Oats 'n Honey Granola Pie
Created by Suzanne Conrad

INGREDIENTS

Crust

1 Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust (from 15-oz box), softened as directed on box

Filling

	1/2 cup butter or margarine
	1/2 cup packed brown sugar
	3/4 cup corn syrup
	1/8 teaspoon salt
	1 teaspoon vanilla
	3 eggs, lightly beaten
	4 Nature Valley® Oats 'n Honey crunchy granola bars (2 pouches) crushed. To easily crush granola bars, do not unwrap. Use rolling pin to crush bars.
	1/2 cup chopped walnuts
	1/4 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
	1/4 cup chocolate chips
	Whipped cream or ice cream, if desired

Heat oven to 350°F.

Place piecrust in 9-inch glass pie pan as directed on box for One-Crust Filled Pie.

In large microwavable bowl, microwave butter on high 50 to 60 seconds or until melted.

Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup until blended. Beat in salt, vanilla and eggs.

Stir crushed granola bars, walnuts, oats and chocolate chips into brown sugar mixture. Pour into crust-lined pan.

Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown. During last 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover crust edge with strips of foil or pie shield to prevent excessive browning.

Cool at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled with whipped cream or ice cream.

Store in refrigerator.

Buying Stuff is Fun!

I picked up a new dresser tonight at Target. I saw a few cute ones at the antique store, but the drawers stuck or stunk. I thought this one was adorable and affordable (I had a raincheck from a sale a couple of weeks ago). Now I have a raincheck for the matching side table burning a hole in my pocket...I'm just waiting for them to get it in the store. I wish it wasn't so fun to spend money. I think I'd have more.

The Grand Finale

I'm done! The instructor gave us "diplomas" at our last class. Here is my final creation for your viewing pleasure. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to watch The Office.

Am I there yet?

I reached a new milestone this past week. I have officially lost 60 pounds over the past 1 1/2 years. My goal: to be the same size I was when I graduated from highschool (I'm almost there!) and I'm hoping to be there by the end of the year. I've got my prom dress on stand by as the official measuring tool.

Just Clownin' Around

Hooray!!!

Cake # 2 officially a success.

Purple Blob No More

So here it is. My purple blob has become a fun little cake. I'm not saying it's perfection, but I'm much happier with it than I thought I would be. If I can just figure out how to frost a cake, it will all be worth it. I'm so glad my friend talked me into taking this class. Next week...clown cake.

A Somber Anniversary

Decorate Your Cake and Eat It Too!

I'm taking a cake decorating class with a friend and we have to bring a frosted cake to class every week so that we can learn to make rainbows and clowns and such. In an effort to make the assignment a little easier and a lot more fun, we decided to do our "homework" together. Here are a few things I learned from the experience.

#1 Frosting a cake looks fun and easy
#2 Things are not always as they appear

Holy cow! We spent about 3 hours making frosting, dying frosting, and mutilating our cakes. Actually, I was the official mutilator. My friend seems to be more of a natural. Mine turned out to look a big lavender blob, but I will press on and decorate my cake with a pretty little rainbow. I will decorate my cake! I will eat it too!... mostly because I'm pretty sure no one else will want to by the time I'm done with it.


BAKING TIP: If you want your cake to literally fall out of the pan, here's a simple recipe for pan grease that I got from the instructor.

Mix equal parts of:
Criso
Vegetable oil
Flour

I used 1/2 cup of each and I have a lot left over. It will keep in the fridge for a few weeks, but I think next time I'll just mix a tablespoon of each and that should be enough.

IMAGINiff...

I made a run to Target today to pick up iMagiNiff... for game night with some friends. My sister introduced our family to this box of fun last Christmas. Great game! $17.99


iMagiNiff... (description from the box)

Ages: 10 & up
Players: 3-8
Time: 40-60 minutes
Game includes: Playing Board, Dry-Erase Marker, 183 Question Cards, 12 Bonus Cards, 48 Choice Cards, 9 tokens, 1 Playing Die, Instructions
The OBJECT of the game:
It's simple! Just imagine what the other players are most like. Keep choosing the most popular answers to win the game.
PLAYING the game:
All the players write their names on the erasable game board. Fill in any empty spaces with the names of people you all know. Roll to decide who will be the "subject" of the question and read a question card aloud. Each player chooses 1 of 6 answers. Players with the most popular answers advance to win.

"Preventative Medicine" Theory: BUSTED!

germy kids + lack of sleep = cold

Not even AIRBORNE can replace a good night's sleep when it comes to health and wellness.

To market, to market

I love buying fresh produce from old farmers. There's nothing like pulling into a parking lot and buying food out of the back of a pickup from some old guy who has dirt in his fingernails and calluses that has been there since 1948. Perfect!

"Preventative Medicine"

I don’t usually try to prevent colds until I feel them coming, which is probably why I get them. When I feel one creeping up on me I’m suddenly inspired to go to bed early, drink OJ, take multi-vitamins, and run to the store for AIRBORNE. For some reason this ritual seems easier than going to bed at a reasonable time and getting vitamin C daily. My studies show this technique works 73% of the time.

Now I have a theory to improve my success rate by eliminating the annual Fall cold that so many teachers fall victim to. If I take an AIRBORNE tablet every day for the first two weeks of school, I could potentially be cold-free until Columbus day at the very least. I’ll have to continue to stay up late and avoid other healthy habits, for scientific purposes, of course.

Season Premiere, Already!

You realize your life contains little excitement when the thing you look most forward to for an entire week is a television show. But I'll take that over chaos any day. One of my favorite shows, PRISONBREAK , starts next week. For me it's right up there with 24, CSI, and Criminal Minds. Check out the second season starting this Monday @8/7c on Fox.

Eatin' Good

Tonight I went to Applebee's for a baby shower and I ordered one of my favorite dishes there:

CRISPY ORANGE CHICKEN BOWL

My description: Tasty goodness in a bowl topped with almonds and those crunchy little noodle things.

Menu description: Breaded boneless chicken breast is delicately spiced and covered in a spicy-sweet orange glaze. Served in a big bowl over a flavorful array of stir-fry vegetables and almond rice pilaf.

Against All Odds

I don’t normally watch Oprah, but when you see a two-legged dog walking upright, you stop flipping channels. The dog and several other guests were part of a show called Against All Odds. Following the two-legged dog segment, a little boy named Anthony shared an amazing story. When Anthony was just eight years old, his father stabbed him six times after murdering Anthony's mother. When asked how he survived the attack, Anthony explained that angels told him to play dead so his father would leave and then they lifted him up to the phone and he called for help.

For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

Psalm 91:11-12

Chocolate! Chocolate!

I tried a new cookie recipe from one of my cook books the other day that was really easy and really yummy. Mmmm...chocolate.

Here it is:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups chocolate chips
1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees

2. Beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla in large bowl until light and fluffy. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake 8-10 minutes or just until set. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

I baked the cookies for 10 minutes, but I think I'll try 9 minutes next time and I might try white chocolate chips.

Hmmm...

Not sure what my first entry should consist of and I'm not feeling particularly clever so this is my attempt at filling the first inches of space on my new blog (which makes me feel a bit egocentric but I've always wanted to try it). Maybe I should ramble on a bit. I'm very excited because I figured out how to create links on my new blog in spite of the fact that I'm not very techie. Yay!!! I'm a little sad though because I can think of several reasons I should not have bothered to start a blog...

#10
I don't want to add to my "to do" lists

#9
I'm not sure what my goal is here

#8
I should be finishing unfinished projects, and there are many

#7
I'm not confident about my writing

#6
Trying to be clever stresses me out

#5
I'm already missing the four hours of my life that I'll never see again

#4
People with blogs seem to have countless friends with whom to share their thoughts, ideas, and daily activities online....I'm perfectly happy with the # of friends I have...truly...I'm just wondering why I decided to get involved in all of this work when I just as easily could have called both of them.

#3
I like my life, but it's just not that exciting

#2
No, seriously, not exciting

#1
I like to do things that are easy, and so far this has been a lot of work

Well looky here! Look what a little rambling can lead to. Alright!
This is something.

Gotta go call my sister to tell her about "banjo bandida".