Daniel and I are hosting what is becoming our annual Super Bowl Party. We kept holding out for someone else to host, but i guess they were holding out waiting for us! They know us well, cause we caved and we're having a party. Not that we mind! I love excuses to cook and pig out...which brings me to my title. Prior to about noon today, I had no idea who was even playing in the Super Bowl. I had to Google it. I also had to Google what time it started. Sad, huh? For those of you who are as oblivious as me its the Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, pre-game starts at 4. I could care less about either of these teams, but the food, oh lordy, the food is definitely generating some excitement! Below are a few of the items that will be in attendance:
Buffalo Chicken Dip (cause I'm addicted)
Captain Rodney's Dip (cause Daniel and I are addicted)
Potato Skins (gotta provide something that doesn't have to have meat on it)
Guacamole (cause it's friggin awesome)
Meatballs (yummy balls of meat...who needs a reason?)
Cheese/beer fondue (cause Jenny is awesome)
Oreo truffles (cause Nina is awesome)
*several additional savory dishes and desserts will also be in attendance
I hope the men come hungry.
In other news, I don't want to go to the gym tonight. Are you shocked after what you just read? Eating food is so much more fun than burning calories. I really need to go every day this weekend to justify the kind of gluttony I'll be reveling in on Sunday. And I wonder why I haven't lost more weight?
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
First Violin Lesson!
So my first violin lesson went rather well I think! We spent most of the class restringing my violin, working on stance and bow hold, but the last few minutes I actually got to play part of twinkle twinkle little star. I'm to continue practicing this piece and work on my A and E string fingering. My teacher has students of all ages; from 3 years old up to 61! There is a 5 year old after my lesson, so next time I think I'll have to stay to hear how much better she is than me! I'm very excited and can't wait to get better! I apologize for the poor video angle...Daniel was 'too busy' watching a Nova program to come and film me. He claims he didn't hear me ask, but I ain't buyin' it!
P.S. Happy Hump Day! Half Way Through The Week!
P.S. Happy Hump Day! Half Way Through The Week!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Pick it up!
Wow, weekends sure do fly by. My lettuce wraps Friday night were a success and were so quick and easy to make they will become a regular! I did not take any photos due to the fact that I was having 'one of those nights' where nothing seems to be going right. Here is the recipe I used for my lettuce wraps. The only modifications I made were to use ground turkey, slightly less hoison sauce, I added mushrooms to mine, and topped with toasted ramen for a little extra crunch. Spicy and delicious!
We only had a total of 4 people show up for our Adopt-a-Highway trash pick up, so that was disappointing. The four of us manage to do just about a mile (of a four lane stretch) in 3 hours. It was a beautiful day to be outside and we managed to pick up 27 bags of garbage. That's correct, 27 bags of garbage in a mile stretch. And believe me, we could have picked up more if we had been willing to brave muddy slopes and forests. I believe I spent majority of my 3 hours thinking very derogatory thoughts about litterers. I mean really! You can't take your styrofoam cup or your McDonald's bag to your house to throw away? I saw so many fast food wrappers, styrofoam cups, wal-mart bags, and bottles! I just really can't understand how people can think it's ok to just throw garbage out of their car windows! ARGH!
Happy Birthday Shout Out to Kent who celebrated his birthday Saturday night. Enjoyed some wonderful food, drinks, and fun friends. The gift theme of the night was vodka. Kent received so many different kinds of vodka, he plans to have a vodka tasting party soon. That should be fun!?
I've told you all I'm taking violin lessons, but I failed to tell you about the class Daniel is taking! Tonight is the first of MANY welding classes. Every monday night for 2 hours from now through the spring he will be learning all about welding. I believe this knowledge will be used primarily for art and around the house projects, but it's a nice skill to have as a backup. He's very excited!
Tonight is Book Club and we will be discussing The Reader. This was a very fast read and was very interesting. I'm anxious to see how the other girls felt about it.
Happy Monday.
We only had a total of 4 people show up for our Adopt-a-Highway trash pick up, so that was disappointing. The four of us manage to do just about a mile (of a four lane stretch) in 3 hours. It was a beautiful day to be outside and we managed to pick up 27 bags of garbage. That's correct, 27 bags of garbage in a mile stretch. And believe me, we could have picked up more if we had been willing to brave muddy slopes and forests. I believe I spent majority of my 3 hours thinking very derogatory thoughts about litterers. I mean really! You can't take your styrofoam cup or your McDonald's bag to your house to throw away? I saw so many fast food wrappers, styrofoam cups, wal-mart bags, and bottles! I just really can't understand how people can think it's ok to just throw garbage out of their car windows! ARGH!
Happy Birthday Shout Out to Kent who celebrated his birthday Saturday night. Enjoyed some wonderful food, drinks, and fun friends. The gift theme of the night was vodka. Kent received so many different kinds of vodka, he plans to have a vodka tasting party soon. That should be fun!?
I've told you all I'm taking violin lessons, but I failed to tell you about the class Daniel is taking! Tonight is the first of MANY welding classes. Every monday night for 2 hours from now through the spring he will be learning all about welding. I believe this knowledge will be used primarily for art and around the house projects, but it's a nice skill to have as a backup. He's very excited!
Tonight is Book Club and we will be discussing The Reader. This was a very fast read and was very interesting. I'm anxious to see how the other girls felt about it.
Happy Monday.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday!
For a short week, this week sure has been LONG! I kept having to look at my calendar to verify that I did in fact have Monday off. Doesn't bode well for how next week will feel!
Today will be another jumble of random thoughts.
1. They are building a park across the street from my office. I'm very excited that shortly we'll have a nice place to go eat lunch outside or go for a nice walk when we need a break from work. They've been moving dirt all this week and the huge machines make our entire office vibrate(sounds safe doesn't it?). Daniel made me realize today that those vibrations are very similar to the vibrations on a cruise ship! So now it's just a matter of closing my eyes, putting on my headphones, and imagining I'm on a cruise ship rather than at work. Ahhhh.....
2. I'm attempting a lettuce wraps recipe that is supposed to taste just like P.F. Chang's! P.F. Chang's also posts their recipe, but the ingredients list scared me off. I wanted something much quicker and easier. A vegetarian friend will be joining us for dinner, so we will be making a ground turkey version and, as I like to call it, a 'fake meat' version. I vow to take lots of photos and report back on the validity of their claims as to the 'tastes just like p.f. changs'.
3. Daniel and I are considering going to the Coast for Mardi Gras this year. We've missed the last two years,I think. If you've never done Mardi Gras on the Coast, you don't know what you are missing. No doubt, NOLA Mardi Gras is something to see, but on the Coast you get all the fun, the food, the drinks, the parades, the beads...without the complete insanity. It helps that we always have extremely convenient locations to watch the parades though! We do have a friend in NOLA who goes ALL OUT for Mardi Gras, and I'm sure it would be quite an experience to spend Fat Tuesday with him, but we'll just have to play it by ear. Not sure I have the time or the energy to create a costume.
4. Our plans tomorrow include picking up trash with our Rotary club for our section of 'Adopt-a-Highway'. Once again, a big thanks to my husband for getting us to sponsor that! WooHoo! Nothing like picking up trash on a Saturday. It will make you appreciate your cushy desk job and is good for the environment though. Tomorrow night we will be celebrating Kent's birthday at the Jackson house. It won't be quite the same as dinner in Telluride, CO, but I suppose it will do. The Jackson's certainly know how to throw a party.
5. The gym. It's amazing how different I can feel towards the gym week by week. Last week, I was LOVING the gym. Feeling powerful, upping my speed and endurance, rocking it! This week...not so much. Today will be my third workout day this week and, once again, I ain't feelin' it. Though I've maintained my increased speed from last week, my time has gone down, and my music isn't mentally getting me there this week. I think this weekend I need to work on a new motivating soundtrack. Working out also makes me so freaking tired. My Mom used to ask me, 'are you getting enough exercise' whenever I used to complain about being tired. Well that's bs. I'm taking my vitamins, eating salads for dinner every night, drinking tons of water, and working out and I still can hardly keep my eyes open past 8:30 pm. Any other suggestions for more energy? Daniel says maybe I'm getting too much sleep, but I don't think that's it.
6. Did I mention it snowed in Oxford on Tuesday? Snowed pretty hard for a couple of hours, but didn't stick AT ALL. I'm still holding out hope for one honest to goodness, go sledding in my neighborhood instead of going to work snow days this year. This photo doesn't show much, but was all I took the time to snap through my office window. Had I known it wasn't going to stick to anything, i might have actually taken the time to go outside in it.
Well, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Over and out!
Today will be another jumble of random thoughts.
1. They are building a park across the street from my office. I'm very excited that shortly we'll have a nice place to go eat lunch outside or go for a nice walk when we need a break from work. They've been moving dirt all this week and the huge machines make our entire office vibrate(sounds safe doesn't it?). Daniel made me realize today that those vibrations are very similar to the vibrations on a cruise ship! So now it's just a matter of closing my eyes, putting on my headphones, and imagining I'm on a cruise ship rather than at work. Ahhhh.....
2. I'm attempting a lettuce wraps recipe that is supposed to taste just like P.F. Chang's! P.F. Chang's also posts their recipe, but the ingredients list scared me off. I wanted something much quicker and easier. A vegetarian friend will be joining us for dinner, so we will be making a ground turkey version and, as I like to call it, a 'fake meat' version. I vow to take lots of photos and report back on the validity of their claims as to the 'tastes just like p.f. changs'.
3. Daniel and I are considering going to the Coast for Mardi Gras this year. We've missed the last two years,I think. If you've never done Mardi Gras on the Coast, you don't know what you are missing. No doubt, NOLA Mardi Gras is something to see, but on the Coast you get all the fun, the food, the drinks, the parades, the beads...without the complete insanity. It helps that we always have extremely convenient locations to watch the parades though! We do have a friend in NOLA who goes ALL OUT for Mardi Gras, and I'm sure it would be quite an experience to spend Fat Tuesday with him, but we'll just have to play it by ear. Not sure I have the time or the energy to create a costume.
4. Our plans tomorrow include picking up trash with our Rotary club for our section of 'Adopt-a-Highway'. Once again, a big thanks to my husband for getting us to sponsor that! WooHoo! Nothing like picking up trash on a Saturday. It will make you appreciate your cushy desk job and is good for the environment though. Tomorrow night we will be celebrating Kent's birthday at the Jackson house. It won't be quite the same as dinner in Telluride, CO, but I suppose it will do. The Jackson's certainly know how to throw a party.
5. The gym. It's amazing how different I can feel towards the gym week by week. Last week, I was LOVING the gym. Feeling powerful, upping my speed and endurance, rocking it! This week...not so much. Today will be my third workout day this week and, once again, I ain't feelin' it. Though I've maintained my increased speed from last week, my time has gone down, and my music isn't mentally getting me there this week. I think this weekend I need to work on a new motivating soundtrack. Working out also makes me so freaking tired. My Mom used to ask me, 'are you getting enough exercise' whenever I used to complain about being tired. Well that's bs. I'm taking my vitamins, eating salads for dinner every night, drinking tons of water, and working out and I still can hardly keep my eyes open past 8:30 pm. Any other suggestions for more energy? Daniel says maybe I'm getting too much sleep, but I don't think that's it.
6. Did I mention it snowed in Oxford on Tuesday? Snowed pretty hard for a couple of hours, but didn't stick AT ALL. I'm still holding out hope for one honest to goodness, go sledding in my neighborhood instead of going to work snow days this year. This photo doesn't show much, but was all I took the time to snap through my office window. Had I known it wasn't going to stick to anything, i might have actually taken the time to go outside in it.
Well, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Over and out!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I don't have a title for this post since I don't actually have a post planned. Just going to ramble.
1. Violin lesson was cancelled due to instructor was in a car accident. Hopefully next Tuesday we'll try again. To tell you the truth, after reading some of the music books I ordered, I'm getting very nervous! Violin at 30 is gonna be alot harder than Saxophone at 13. Oh well. Carpe Diem!
2. I made a new recipe last night, but only remembered to take a pic at the very end. And the pic was on my crackberry, so the quality isn't great. Anyways, what we have below is Pimento Mac and Cheese from the December issue of Southern Living. This was a fast easy side dish to make, and Daniel was VERY happy with it. You could really make this dish even healthier by using whole wheat penne and lower fat cheddar cheese. If you like homemade mac and cheese and you like pimento and cheese... recipe is for you!
3. Happy Birthday shout out to Jenny! Her husband arranged for several couples to surprise Jenny in Memphis Saturday. We enjoyed a LONG (as in like 5 hours)and delicious dinner at The Melting Pot,a drink in the Peabody Lobby, a few drinks/shots at The Flying Saucer, then LOTS of dancing at club 132, 278, 215 (I can't ever get the number straight), a night at a hotel, then brunch at the Blue Plate Cafe. It was a fun filled time! The pictures from most of the cameras present haven't been shared yet, so I don't have any photographic evidence to offer you. don't worry, I'll post when I can!
4. Daniel and I are considering a new business venture. It would require alot of time and money to get off the ground, so may not even be feasible. Not sure why I even brought it up cause I'm not gonna jinx it by telling you what it is. Sorry.
5. Tonight is the LOST premier. I hate that there is such a long time between seasons because I really am not that excited about it. I'm hoping this first new episode will get me back into the swing of things.
I think that's about all the rambling I can do for today. I'll attempt to post more frequently than once a week. Happy Hump Day! Hooray for short weeks!
1. Violin lesson was cancelled due to instructor was in a car accident. Hopefully next Tuesday we'll try again. To tell you the truth, after reading some of the music books I ordered, I'm getting very nervous! Violin at 30 is gonna be alot harder than Saxophone at 13. Oh well. Carpe Diem!
2. I made a new recipe last night, but only remembered to take a pic at the very end. And the pic was on my crackberry, so the quality isn't great. Anyways, what we have below is Pimento Mac and Cheese from the December issue of Southern Living. This was a fast easy side dish to make, and Daniel was VERY happy with it. You could really make this dish even healthier by using whole wheat penne and lower fat cheddar cheese. If you like homemade mac and cheese and you like pimento and cheese... recipe is for you!
3. Happy Birthday shout out to Jenny! Her husband arranged for several couples to surprise Jenny in Memphis Saturday. We enjoyed a LONG (as in like 5 hours)and delicious dinner at The Melting Pot,a drink in the Peabody Lobby, a few drinks/shots at The Flying Saucer, then LOTS of dancing at club 132, 278, 215 (I can't ever get the number straight), a night at a hotel, then brunch at the Blue Plate Cafe. It was a fun filled time! The pictures from most of the cameras present haven't been shared yet, so I don't have any photographic evidence to offer you. don't worry, I'll post when I can!
4. Daniel and I are considering a new business venture. It would require alot of time and money to get off the ground, so may not even be feasible. Not sure why I even brought it up cause I'm not gonna jinx it by telling you what it is. Sorry.
5. Tonight is the LOST premier. I hate that there is such a long time between seasons because I really am not that excited about it. I'm hoping this first new episode will get me back into the swing of things.
I think that's about all the rambling I can do for today. I'll attempt to post more frequently than once a week. Happy Hump Day! Hooray for short weeks!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Hump Day Update
Happy Wednesday! For anyone counting, the week is almost half way over! Hooray!
As an update to my last post, my first violin lesson is next Tuesday! I've got to pick up my g-string and a few sheet music books this weekend in preparation. I'm so excited! I plan to try and do a small recording each week to track my progression, so hold me to it!
With the frigid temperatures this week, I had a craving for something warm and homey last night. I decided to make cheesy broccoli soup, one of my childhood favorites. It's fast and easy and very delicious. You'll notice I didn't say healthy. I typically don't attribute the word healthy to anything that contains Velveeta, but since this soup is also full of broccoli, I'm able to convince myself it won't negate my hour at the gym. :) Let me apologize in advance for the photos- my camera is slowly falling apart.
Start by cooking chopped onion in a few tablespoons of butter. I must note, I increased the amounts by half so we would have plenty of leftovers.
While the onions are softening, cut up 3/4 lb of Velveeta.
Cook a bag of chopped frozen broccoli in the microwave for about 6 minutes, then drain.
Throw all of these ingredients in with the softened onions and add a couple of cups of milk(i used organic 1% milk), and some salt and pepper.
Allow the soup to slowly heat up and melt the cheese. I did not allow mine to slowly heat which means I ended up with some slightly brown cheese on the bottom of my pot- it didn't hinder the flavor at all though. We enjoyed this with some warm french bread and it definitely hit the spot!
As an update to my last post, my first violin lesson is next Tuesday! I've got to pick up my g-string and a few sheet music books this weekend in preparation. I'm so excited! I plan to try and do a small recording each week to track my progression, so hold me to it!
With the frigid temperatures this week, I had a craving for something warm and homey last night. I decided to make cheesy broccoli soup, one of my childhood favorites. It's fast and easy and very delicious. You'll notice I didn't say healthy. I typically don't attribute the word healthy to anything that contains Velveeta, but since this soup is also full of broccoli, I'm able to convince myself it won't negate my hour at the gym. :) Let me apologize in advance for the photos- my camera is slowly falling apart.
Start by cooking chopped onion in a few tablespoons of butter. I must note, I increased the amounts by half so we would have plenty of leftovers.
While the onions are softening, cut up 3/4 lb of Velveeta.
Cook a bag of chopped frozen broccoli in the microwave for about 6 minutes, then drain.
Throw all of these ingredients in with the softened onions and add a couple of cups of milk(i used organic 1% milk), and some salt and pepper.
Allow the soup to slowly heat up and melt the cheese. I did not allow mine to slowly heat which means I ended up with some slightly brown cheese on the bottom of my pot- it didn't hinder the flavor at all though. We enjoyed this with some warm french bread and it definitely hit the spot!
Friday, January 09, 2009
I need a G String...
And not because I'm pursuing a new career path in exotic dancing! That's right, I'm FINALLY taking violin lessons! It's a new year, so I decided to Carpe Diem by googling violin lessons in Oxford, MS. One email led to another and I'm now going to be taking weekly violin lessons! Life is too short to keep putting things off! Though I'll have to sacrifice a couple of meals out each month (which is good for me anyways), I'm very hopeful that it will be worth it! I'm so excited! Wish me luck! No, I mean REALLY wish me luck! There is a very real possibility that the only reason I never got past Hot Cross Buns on my own was because of a very real lack of ability! Here goes nothing!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Team EDWARD!
Today will be my third day this week to go to the gym. Mind you, prior to this week, I haven't been to the gym since Thanksgiving-ish. So far, it's felt wonderful! Endorphins are GREAT! Sure hope I can keep this up! Tomorrow night's workout will be replaced with a Happy Birthday Hour for the 203483408 friends with January birthdays. Most of us have to work early Saturday morning, but going for drinks right after work Friday gives us plenty of time to have a little fun! Saturday Daniel will be going hunting with Kent. You know what that means? GIRLS NIGHT! WooHoo! The current plans include girly food, girly drinks, and girly movies at my place. The rest of the weekend shall be spent working out, reading, and writing. Does a weekend get any better than that? Well, ok, if you replaced the working out with eating it would definitely SEEM better.
Now on to a subject I've avoided discussing on this blog. It's very personal to me, and I'm a little embarrassed by this admission, so be kind. For the last two months, I've been diagnosed with OCD. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder you ask? No, that would be my Mom and Daniel. I've something far worse....Obsessive Cullen Disorder. The image below explains it perfectly.
How do you know if you are suffering from this disorder? Well, if you read the entire Twilight series in a week, you might have OCD. If you've been to see the movie more than once, if you've read other books just to try and get your mind off Edward Cullen, if you eventually given up and started reading the books all over again...you might have OCD. Thankfully, I'm in an informal support group to get help. I've discovered that most of my very intelligent, beautiful, not teenaged friends are suffering right along with me. We are trying to help each other through this very difficult time. I do feel some guilt over having majorly attributed to several of their addictions by loaning them the first book, but at least I'm not suffering alone anymore. :)
TEAM EDWARD!
Now on to a subject I've avoided discussing on this blog. It's very personal to me, and I'm a little embarrassed by this admission, so be kind. For the last two months, I've been diagnosed with OCD. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder you ask? No, that would be my Mom and Daniel. I've something far worse....Obsessive Cullen Disorder. The image below explains it perfectly.
How do you know if you are suffering from this disorder? Well, if you read the entire Twilight series in a week, you might have OCD. If you've been to see the movie more than once, if you've read other books just to try and get your mind off Edward Cullen, if you eventually given up and started reading the books all over again...you might have OCD. Thankfully, I'm in an informal support group to get help. I've discovered that most of my very intelligent, beautiful, not teenaged friends are suffering right along with me. We are trying to help each other through this very difficult time. I do feel some guilt over having majorly attributed to several of their addictions by loaning them the first book, but at least I'm not suffering alone anymore. :)
TEAM EDWARD!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
I hate money.
Well, actually, I hate having no money. It is so incredibly disheartening to look at upcoming expenses. I just got my car out of the shop after 3 weeks! Needless to say, it wasn't a cheap trip. I've got to pay off Christmas expenses, finish paying off some furniture expenses, pay some dues, Lord help me when it's time for taxes! I'm not sure how Daniel and I got on the subject, but we both mentioned how much $100,000 dollars would change our life. We joke about winning the lottery all the time, but just a 'measly' 100K would be so huge! So, if anyone out there has 100K lying around, look no further!
On a less depressing note, I've officially been elected VP/Pres-Elect of our Rotary club for the 2009-2010 year. I have to admit I'm a little nervous about finding the time to take on these additional responsibilities, but I'm honored none the less. My term begins in July, so wish me luck! Other big changes for 2009...I REALLY want to take violin lessons. Maybe I can trade meatballs for the lessons considering the first paragraph of this post. I am also officially becoming the Health and Money Saving Nazi this year. Daniel and I have got to get it in gear! Wow, this is gonna be a long year. I have a feeling this post will generate quite a few AMENS! from my readers. I suppose everyone is feeling the crunch!
Well, happy hump day to you all. I leave you with two pics taken at the same time last month. it was the early morning after the moon was the closest to the Earth it gets all year. The quality isn't super, but you get the idea.
On a less depressing note, I've officially been elected VP/Pres-Elect of our Rotary club for the 2009-2010 year. I have to admit I'm a little nervous about finding the time to take on these additional responsibilities, but I'm honored none the less. My term begins in July, so wish me luck! Other big changes for 2009...I REALLY want to take violin lessons. Maybe I can trade meatballs for the lessons considering the first paragraph of this post. I am also officially becoming the Health and Money Saving Nazi this year. Daniel and I have got to get it in gear! Wow, this is gonna be a long year. I have a feeling this post will generate quite a few AMENS! from my readers. I suppose everyone is feeling the crunch!
Well, happy hump day to you all. I leave you with two pics taken at the same time last month. it was the early morning after the moon was the closest to the Earth it gets all year. The quality isn't super, but you get the idea.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Holidays
As I'm sure many of you are, I'm shocked that the holidays are over and it is already 2009. Several people have asked about any New Year's resolutions I have made, but I try not to make resolutions. Too much pressure. I am constantly striving to be healthier, to do more volunteering, to save more money, etc. All of these are a works in progress from year to year!
I didn't take as many photos as I would have liked over the holidays, but enjoy the few provided below!
Christmas Morning with Daniel's family.
Daniel carving the first of many turkeys. He's a professional now.
Bailey and her cousin Olivia acting like perfect angels. I wonder why?
Turkey scraps. That would explain it.
We used to have to do all manor of things to make Madeline sit, pose, and smile for a photo. Needless to say, that is no longer necessary.
Making sugar cookies...a Sullivan tradition.
I just love this picture. Ah the beauty of a digital camera! Instant gratification!
Anna's last night in town pics from City Grocery and late night.
My New Years Day turkey. I used the same rub as previously blogged about with a chicken. YUMMY!
The girls
Silly faces!
and my personal favorite...
I didn't take as many photos as I would have liked over the holidays, but enjoy the few provided below!
Christmas Morning with Daniel's family.
Daniel carving the first of many turkeys. He's a professional now.
Bailey and her cousin Olivia acting like perfect angels. I wonder why?
Turkey scraps. That would explain it.
We used to have to do all manor of things to make Madeline sit, pose, and smile for a photo. Needless to say, that is no longer necessary.
Making sugar cookies...a Sullivan tradition.
I just love this picture. Ah the beauty of a digital camera! Instant gratification!
Anna's last night in town pics from City Grocery and late night.
My New Years Day turkey. I used the same rub as previously blogged about with a chicken. YUMMY!
The girls
Silly faces!
and my personal favorite...
Friday, December 19, 2008
a wonderful surprise!
So for any of you out there who aren't aware, I am a Makers Mark Ambassador. Daniel signed me up years ago, and it has really been a lot of fun! Not only do I have a barrel with my name on it, but I have Ambassador business cards and notes to leave restaurants and bars that serve Makers Mark. And now, the latest and greatest gift from Makers Mark...Makers Mark themed wrapping paper, ribbon, and gift tags. This just cracks me up! I love it!
This was what was waiting at the front door for me.
And the latest goodies!
My barrel! Can't wait til it's ready and I can get my bottles from it!
On a side note...
I attended our company's 'Unofficial Christmas Party' last night and had two Blue Moons. Two Blue Moons is just enough to suppress any desires I might have had yesterday to go digging through my trash for recyclables. :)
P.S. Today is my last day of work until the 29th! WOOHOO!
This was what was waiting at the front door for me.
And the latest goodies!
My barrel! Can't wait til it's ready and I can get my bottles from it!
On a side note...
I attended our company's 'Unofficial Christmas Party' last night and had two Blue Moons. Two Blue Moons is just enough to suppress any desires I might have had yesterday to go digging through my trash for recyclables. :)
P.S. Today is my last day of work until the 29th! WOOHOO!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Hold on tight
This is gonna be a doozy.
So, first of all, I read several blog posts today that totally clicked with me. I already directed you to Kent's blog for today, but I also recommend you check out this one. Go on, I'll be here when you get back.
Back yet? Ok good.
So the other night Corinne mentioned how freaked out she was by all the trash generated on Christmas Day across the United States. Just imagine all the families simultaneously opening present after present, stuffing garbage bag after garbage bag full of wrapping paper, tissue paper, ribbon (ok, well not ribbon if you are over the age of 60), boxes, plastic ties keeping Bratz dolls locked in plastic packages! The list goes on and on and on. Then think about all the 'old' stuff you throw out to make room for the new stuff. If any of you have seen the movie Wall-E, you know where I'm going with this. So Corinne continues, asking something to the affect of, "do we eventually suffocate ourselves with all our trash? or maybe we shoot it all to another planet?". Is anyone else out there completely disgusted by these thoughts? (not Corinne's thoughts, but by all the trash we produce) I've never wanted to recycle so badly in my life. I'm seriously sitting here thinking about my bag of trash at home...I should sort that tonight. Just sit and think for a moment about a trip you make to Wal-Mart. How much trash does each little trip to Wal-Mart produce in your house? How much of that trash do you recycle? How much ends up in a landfill? I'll say I don't have any answers here and I certainly need to do better about it, but I just wanted to share these thoughts. Maybe they will affect you as strongly as they did me. Anyone have the ultimate answer (not 42) to how we completely change our consumer driven/trash producing lives? No? Ok, well I need to finish my Christmas shopping anyways. :)
I hate to only post a rant, so enjoy these loverly pics of my Sophie.
"I detest garbage! Unless it has a nice tuna can in it of course."
"Raise your hand if you're SURE!"
So, first of all, I read several blog posts today that totally clicked with me. I already directed you to Kent's blog for today, but I also recommend you check out this one. Go on, I'll be here when you get back.
Back yet? Ok good.
So the other night Corinne mentioned how freaked out she was by all the trash generated on Christmas Day across the United States. Just imagine all the families simultaneously opening present after present, stuffing garbage bag after garbage bag full of wrapping paper, tissue paper, ribbon (ok, well not ribbon if you are over the age of 60), boxes, plastic ties keeping Bratz dolls locked in plastic packages! The list goes on and on and on. Then think about all the 'old' stuff you throw out to make room for the new stuff. If any of you have seen the movie Wall-E, you know where I'm going with this. So Corinne continues, asking something to the affect of, "do we eventually suffocate ourselves with all our trash? or maybe we shoot it all to another planet?". Is anyone else out there completely disgusted by these thoughts? (not Corinne's thoughts, but by all the trash we produce) I've never wanted to recycle so badly in my life. I'm seriously sitting here thinking about my bag of trash at home...I should sort that tonight. Just sit and think for a moment about a trip you make to Wal-Mart. How much trash does each little trip to Wal-Mart produce in your house? How much of that trash do you recycle? How much ends up in a landfill? I'll say I don't have any answers here and I certainly need to do better about it, but I just wanted to share these thoughts. Maybe they will affect you as strongly as they did me. Anyone have the ultimate answer (not 42) to how we completely change our consumer driven/trash producing lives? No? Ok, well I need to finish my Christmas shopping anyways. :)
I hate to only post a rant, so enjoy these loverly pics of my Sophie.
"I detest garbage! Unless it has a nice tuna can in it of course."
"Raise your hand if you're SURE!"
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
A little more Christmas cheer
Last night was 'the girls' annual Christmas party. This group typically consists of mostly FNC women with a few extra friends sprinkled in the mix. There was wonderful food which I had several helpings of (why do I even have a gym membership?), wonderful drinks, and wonderful friends. This little get together certainly helped improve my spirits. I think having grown up in a house with a mother and two sisters (my poor dad...always outnumbered), I have an addiction to female companionship. That may sound weird, but seriously...it's hard to go from constant access to women to hang out with and discuss all of life's quirks with, to living alone with a man. No offense Daniel :). So to all my girlfriends out there, I thank you for your friendship and sisterhood! Our time together visiting, laughing, venting, and drinking helps keep me on an even keel!
Sage, me, Lisa
Sage, Lisa, Corinne
Corinne, Nina, Lisa, Jenny, me (Jenny told me to stand like that. I didn't realize she wasn't going to. Oh well.)
me, Nina, Sage, Jenny, Corinne, Lisa (want to guess why this photo is shaped funkily?)
And on that note...check this out ladies.
Sage, me, Lisa
Sage, Lisa, Corinne
Corinne, Nina, Lisa, Jenny, me (Jenny told me to stand like that. I didn't realize she wasn't going to. Oh well.)
me, Nina, Sage, Jenny, Corinne, Lisa (want to guess why this photo is shaped funkily?)
And on that note...check this out ladies.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Where are you Christmas?
Christmas has come on so fast this year, I find myself having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit. I've done my decorating, some holiday baking and my xm has been tuned to Holiday Pops since Thanksgiving, but I haven't FELT Christmas yet this year. I hope that once this week is over and I get a full 7 days next week with family that my emotions will have a chance to catch up. I gave it the ole college try this weekend for sure. Daniel and I spent from 7 am to 4 pm working at The Christmas Store. You can go here to find out more about this project (and feel free to donate if you feel so inclined :)). Daniel and I, along with many others, manned the wrapping station. Wrapping presents for 6 hours straight is exhausting! Especially while standing up, hunched over a table! I will say, it was very nice to hear the mothers' appreciation. Because we provided toys, books, and fruit to their children, they were going to be able to focus on needs like clothing. The Christmas Store provided toys, books, and fruit to over 1000 children in the Oxford area this year. I suppose that should inspire some measure of the Christmas spirit in me.
Sunday I spent the entire day baking and packaging goodies for our neighbors and a few friends. Baking is so much more fun with my Mom and sisters. Nuff said.
A few of the many dozen sugar cookies I baked and Daniel and I iced.
Goodie boxes: from top left clockwise: sugar cookies, white chocolate dipped apricots, sugar cookies, chocolate oatmeal cookies
Instant Spice Tea (Daniel did the bows...isn't he a great wrapper?)
Warning: Random rambling about to ensue.
Corinne and I were sitting around a fire Friday night and she mentioned the scripture passage, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. " This was mentioned in regard to another topic we were discussing, but this struck a chord with me. Not sure I can say why exactly. Perhaps it's because of the endless inner dialogue I have with myself. Maybe I should try pondering in my heart rather than psychoanalyzing everything in my life. Ok, random rambling at an end :).
As I finish my shopping and begin wrapping my presents this week, and as I attend several Christmas parties, I shall endeavor to slow down and soak up the things I love about this time of year.
Sunday I spent the entire day baking and packaging goodies for our neighbors and a few friends. Baking is so much more fun with my Mom and sisters. Nuff said.
A few of the many dozen sugar cookies I baked and Daniel and I iced.
Goodie boxes: from top left clockwise: sugar cookies, white chocolate dipped apricots, sugar cookies, chocolate oatmeal cookies
Instant Spice Tea (Daniel did the bows...isn't he a great wrapper?)
Warning: Random rambling about to ensue.
Corinne and I were sitting around a fire Friday night and she mentioned the scripture passage, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. " This was mentioned in regard to another topic we were discussing, but this struck a chord with me. Not sure I can say why exactly. Perhaps it's because of the endless inner dialogue I have with myself. Maybe I should try pondering in my heart rather than psychoanalyzing everything in my life. Ok, random rambling at an end :).
As I finish my shopping and begin wrapping my presents this week, and as I attend several Christmas parties, I shall endeavor to slow down and soak up the things I love about this time of year.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Another try
Well, this background is holiday themed, so it won't last long. I'm going to have to work on some new options for backgrounds. All the pre-made templates are way too girly for me. Hopefully over Christmas I can spend some time updating. As for a real post, I still don't have one for you. I'll be spending this weekend working The Christmas Store (Rotary project), trying to finish holiday shopping, and baking goodies for my friends and neighbors. I'm supposed to be picking the next book for the bookclub, but am feeling very uninspired. There is alot of pressure to pick a winner this time, but it's hard to know a winner by it's cover. I'm open to suggestions for an empowering or at least entertaining read. On a similar note, I've been giving thought to writing a book lately. It's an insane thought and one that I will no doubt quickly give up (again), but it's a thought none the less. Maybe putting the thought down in black and white for all 5 of you to read will push me into getting past the first chapter (usually as far as i get). Add that to my list of holiday to do's. Ha! Wasn't Bridges of Madison County written in like a week? That's what I'm going for. Oh and if it could be a huge hit and be made into a movie, all the better. Where is my magic wand?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
What do you think?
I'm testing out some new layouts. This one seems a little too 'sweet' to me. I'm going to keep changing it, so let me know which you like best. Sorry for the delay in posting. I've been so busy with work and life, and now that I have a moment, I don't know where to pick up! I'll get the most recent photos downloaded from my camera and see if that inspires a true post.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Six Interesting? Things
Ok, Lisa tagged me! I'm supposed to share six interesting things about myself and tag six other folks to do the same. This is gonna be tough.
1. I used to play the Saxophone and I own a violin. I took band in 7th grade (everybody did cause it was either that or gym) and was the only female sax player with 3 or 4 guys. I was also first chair the entire year. Is it sad that I consider that a source of pride? As for the violin...still waiting on a g-string and some lessons. Hot Cross Buns was as far as I got on my own.
2. I have a pretty big fear of edges and heights while in a car. I can snow ski, I can repel, but put me in a car in the mountains (or really any road without a shoulder) and I freeze. I got this fear from my Mom...thanks Mom!
3. I LOVE to read. I could literally spend all day every day reading a good book. Still hoping to achieve this dream job one day.
4. My sister Sherri and I look alot alike. People used to always get us mixed up. I got so sick of it that I eventually just stopped correcting them. They would ask, "How's med school?". I would reply, "It's great!".
5. I like it when other people buy me clothes. Shopping for myself overwhelms me and I end up getting the same type things over and over again(my whole wardrobe is black). I love it when I get something as a gift that I would never have picked out!
6. I am related to General Claire Lee Chenault, Commander of the Flying Tigers, and William Henry Sullivan, the 'father' of Bogalusa, LA. This makes me Irish and FRENCH!
Ok, these are probably less interesting facts and more proof that I'm a nerd.
I tag:
Rachel
Jennifer
Corinne
Meg
Shelby
Melissa
1. I used to play the Saxophone and I own a violin. I took band in 7th grade (everybody did cause it was either that or gym) and was the only female sax player with 3 or 4 guys. I was also first chair the entire year. Is it sad that I consider that a source of pride? As for the violin...still waiting on a g-string and some lessons. Hot Cross Buns was as far as I got on my own.
2. I have a pretty big fear of edges and heights while in a car. I can snow ski, I can repel, but put me in a car in the mountains (or really any road without a shoulder) and I freeze. I got this fear from my Mom...thanks Mom!
3. I LOVE to read. I could literally spend all day every day reading a good book. Still hoping to achieve this dream job one day.
4. My sister Sherri and I look alot alike. People used to always get us mixed up. I got so sick of it that I eventually just stopped correcting them. They would ask, "How's med school?". I would reply, "It's great!".
5. I like it when other people buy me clothes. Shopping for myself overwhelms me and I end up getting the same type things over and over again(my whole wardrobe is black). I love it when I get something as a gift that I would never have picked out!
6. I am related to General Claire Lee Chenault, Commander of the Flying Tigers, and William Henry Sullivan, the 'father' of Bogalusa, LA. This makes me Irish and FRENCH!
Ok, these are probably less interesting facts and more proof that I'm a nerd.
I tag:
Rachel
Jennifer
Corinne
Meg
Shelby
Melissa
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Shore excursions
The first stop on our cruise was Progresso. We decided to book a shore excursion to see one of the new wonders of the world...the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.
There are so many amazing things to tell you about this pyramid. If you stand at the bottom and clap your hands, the echo actually sounds like a Macaw. During the soltices, if it's sunny, a shadow will be cast along the steps that looks just like a snake, which is a sign of life. Crazy cool stuff.
The ball court. They used to think that the captain of the losing team was sacrificed, but they now believe it was the captain of the winning team. They think it more logical that you would sacrifice your best rather than the loser. There were so many interesting carvings depicting the beheading of the player. I won't mention all the details here, but I recommend you google it some time.
A closer look at one of the rings the players had to get their ball through.
Wall lining a cemetary area.
This is the temple of 1000 columns? Once again, google this stuff if you want to learn more.
This is a cenote where they used to sacrifice people (among other things).
This is a tourist in head to toe Club Med gear. Stylin'.
Back at the dock in Progresso.
Our next stop on the cruise was in Cozumel. I took most of our pics on a waterproof camera which I haven't developed yet, so there aren't many pics yet. We did a deluxe snorkel trip- get on a catamaran, snorkel for a while, get back on catamaran and drink free beer and margaritas, go to a private beach and drink more free beer and margaritas, get back on the catamaran and drink more free beer and margaritas. See a pattern here? At least it explains the pics below.
When we got back to Cozumel from our 'snorkeling' trip, we hit up Fat Tuesdays for a drink...I think we had a drink? Well we swang in the swings and took pics with hats on.
I was desperate for some food at this point, so we moved to Los Tres Amigos where I proceeded to inhale some wonderful mexican food. Oh yeah, I also danced on my chair in a sombrero. It wasn't my idea though..the d.j. made me. :)
This photo is from the porch at Los Treg Amigos..I just love the idea of bathtubs outside looking at the ocean.
I debated not mentioning my most embarrassing incident of the cruise, but decided to give you a laugh instead. So when we get back from the 'snorkeling', the first thing I need to do is find el bano. I quickly found one, but did not realize there was about an inch of water on the floor, so when I turned to close the stall door....I busted it. Big time! The toilet actually caught me, my calves went under the stall to my right, my flip flops flew off...it was wonderful. A very nice cajun girl in the stall to the right kindly handed my flip flops back across to me and asked if i was alright. Not my finest moment. Thankfully, beer has a way of numbing embarrassment and pain!
I do actually have some pictures of fish and stuff, so I'll post those when I get them developed. It may not be obvious, but I did actually do something in Cozumel besides wear crazy hats and act like an idiot. :)
There are so many amazing things to tell you about this pyramid. If you stand at the bottom and clap your hands, the echo actually sounds like a Macaw. During the soltices, if it's sunny, a shadow will be cast along the steps that looks just like a snake, which is a sign of life. Crazy cool stuff.
The ball court. They used to think that the captain of the losing team was sacrificed, but they now believe it was the captain of the winning team. They think it more logical that you would sacrifice your best rather than the loser. There were so many interesting carvings depicting the beheading of the player. I won't mention all the details here, but I recommend you google it some time.
A closer look at one of the rings the players had to get their ball through.
Wall lining a cemetary area.
This is the temple of 1000 columns? Once again, google this stuff if you want to learn more.
This is a cenote where they used to sacrifice people (among other things).
This is a tourist in head to toe Club Med gear. Stylin'.
Back at the dock in Progresso.
Our next stop on the cruise was in Cozumel. I took most of our pics on a waterproof camera which I haven't developed yet, so there aren't many pics yet. We did a deluxe snorkel trip- get on a catamaran, snorkel for a while, get back on catamaran and drink free beer and margaritas, go to a private beach and drink more free beer and margaritas, get back on the catamaran and drink more free beer and margaritas. See a pattern here? At least it explains the pics below.
When we got back to Cozumel from our 'snorkeling' trip, we hit up Fat Tuesdays for a drink...I think we had a drink? Well we swang in the swings and took pics with hats on.
I was desperate for some food at this point, so we moved to Los Tres Amigos where I proceeded to inhale some wonderful mexican food. Oh yeah, I also danced on my chair in a sombrero. It wasn't my idea though..the d.j. made me. :)
This photo is from the porch at Los Treg Amigos..I just love the idea of bathtubs outside looking at the ocean.
I debated not mentioning my most embarrassing incident of the cruise, but decided to give you a laugh instead. So when we get back from the 'snorkeling', the first thing I need to do is find el bano. I quickly found one, but did not realize there was about an inch of water on the floor, so when I turned to close the stall door....I busted it. Big time! The toilet actually caught me, my calves went under the stall to my right, my flip flops flew off...it was wonderful. A very nice cajun girl in the stall to the right kindly handed my flip flops back across to me and asked if i was alright. Not my finest moment. Thankfully, beer has a way of numbing embarrassment and pain!
I do actually have some pictures of fish and stuff, so I'll post those when I get them developed. It may not be obvious, but I did actually do something in Cozumel besides wear crazy hats and act like an idiot. :)
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