I love cinnamon the most, from sweet items such as cinnamon buns to use in spicier Mexican dishes such as Chili or Chimichangas.
Soup Name a song you like but haven't heard in a long time.
"The Banana Boat Song"
Salad If you were to take just one minute to write down as many things as you can think of that you need (not want) to do, approximately how many things would there be?
Let us just say that a minute wouldn't be nearly enough time to list all of the things I need to do. The number is literally in the 100's. Things that I have to do, postpone what I need to do and there is rarely anytime unless I make it - for things that I want to do.
Main Course Tell something interesting about one of your family members (nothing scandalous, please, just something unique).
Nothing Scandalous? Oh shucks! That means I'll have to stick with my immediate family. Including our furry member our male basset hound "BoBo" (short for Bohemeth Boner). We adopted him after he came from an abusive home. He has a lumpy head, 1/2 an ear and he runs around in clockwise circles because his equilibrium is out of wack. He is certainly Drain Bamaged and retarded but we love him to pieces anyway.
Dessert What's the latest you've ever stayed awake?
I had stayed awake for seven days straight after 9/11/01. Not on purpose but I couldn't fall asleep for a variety of reasons. It was not pretty.
I came across this picture earlier this afternoon in my email and since the kid inside of me keeps screaming, "I wanna! I wanna! I wanna!"
No matter if by bike, skateboard, rollerblades, foot or cruising 70 mph in Gon's Mustang. I wanna! I wanna! I wanna fly down this road and scream, "Weeeeeee!"
Since becoming a Mother I have found that I no longer go out and buy anything for myself anymore. I have decided that this needs to change a little bit - because I deserve it dammit! Here is a list of 13 items that aren't very expensive that I will make an effort to go out and buy just for myself before this year is through:
1. A set of earrings, a nice set and not those cheapie hypo-allergenic turn green kinds.
2. Some new make-up. Nothing much but you're supposed to throw away make-up after a certain time. Not that there is an expiration date on it or anything, but I need some of the new basics.
3. A pretty nightgown. Wearing the husbands t-shirts and oversized t-shirts to bed can be sexy some of the time. However it gets old after awhile. I need something pretty.
4. Bras! My boobies have shrunk since having a baby. I went from a full D to a weird Jellyfish shaped C that literally swim in the sling-shots they are currently resting in. In fact, I'm still wearing some of my nursing bras from almost 4 years ago!!!
5. Nice pair of sneakers (walking/running shoes). Since I've started to exercise more these flat $2.99 Ked knock-offs aren't helping my feet any. It's time for a new pair of Nikes!
6. Socks. Kinda go with the sneakers not to mention my socks are all faded, worn and have lint balls all over them.
7. New Pillow. A nice pillow this time, maybe even down. These poofy Granny ones that Wally World sells for $5 go flat in not time flat. Stiff necks are no fun and Gon has stolen the only feather pillow I do have left.
8. Some shelving for all of my books. They are starting to stack up on my dresser.
9. One of those big fluffy super-sized bath towels!
10. A few dozen nice hangers. I have those wire hangers and they are terrible!! Why Lord? Why do I have to be such a cheap skate?
11. New eyeglasses made out of glass and/or contacts. My specs are so scratched up despite the amount of care I take to treat them well. I also fall asleep watching TV and soon pop the screw on the side where I lay over. Eyeglasses in the hot summer months fog up everytime you walk into a cold air conditioned building. I gotta try contacts. (although lasic surgery would be optimal.)
12. Batteries!(Don't ask)
13. Last but not least a new pocketbook. I've been lugging this one around for years and it is too small for all the stuff I have to carry these days.
I just realized that I forgot to blog yesterday on how my diet is doing. Wanna know why? Because I QUIT but I did turn things around yesterday and I'm trying a whole different approach. Dr. Atkins get outta my way!!
All respects to Lo Carb dieting, I did manage to loose and maintain a 15lb weight loss and that isn't too shabby to say the least. However I seem to be stuck on this plateau of sorts which means it is time to kick things up a notch. I started a lo-impact aerobics routine that I can do in my own home to encourage cardio-exercise. No special celebrity or squeaky Richard Simmons to make me haul my butt around. Nope, just a simple Google Search of aerobic routines and one of my very own Club Music CD's.
I got to thinking that when I was thinner - I was going out with friends and dancing the night away and then hitting up Denny's at 2am for a carb and calorie loaded breakfast to die for. Married life doesn't allow me to do that anymore so why not dance at home with Katie. It was fun and entertaining, especially when the dog made me trip and fall over on the sofa.
I did manage to drop those 6lbs I gained from last week, but to be honest I don't know how. I don't know how I even gained them. So I'll just chalk them up to a scale fluke, water retaining or that time of the month kind of girlie-stuff. I've also decided to eat more. Yes, more! I never eat breakfast or lunch and have a bad habit of nourishing myself only at dinnertime. So when I went shopping yesterday I bought some fresh fruits, whole wheat bagels, whole grain cereal bars and oatmeal. Plus some ground turkey instead of high fat burger and some other lo-fat items.
I'm going to try the lo-fat and no sugar diet now with the extra dance exercise to see how that works. I'll take a bit of the Atkins approach with me and will refrain from refined flours and starchy food products whenever possible. We'll see how it works, for I may have to adjust things here and there. For now, I'll try eating fruits and higher calorie items in the morning to energize me through the day and save the proteins and veggies for lunch and dinner. If all goes well - maybe I'll be lucky and by this time next week be able to proudly say...
"I lost the entire 20lbs!!!!" Here's to wishful thinking! (Holding up a glass of Snapple Sugar Free Peach Tea to my diet buddies out there.)
I often wonder why our Lord felt it necessary to create some creatures especially certain bugs. Scientifically we know that birds and reptiles such as frogs and lizards enjoy and thrive off of insects. Before moving to Georgia my biggest nuisance known was the common housefly. Especially when you're trying to sleep in the morning hours and the thing is dead set on flying up your nose or in your ear. Today I don't even notice houseflies it is the fleas, mosquitoes and roaches that gotta go.
Then there is that giant dreaded Palmetto Bug the king of all Roaches. They are big, they fly and can knock knick-knacks off of your shelves. A simply fly swatter won't do the trick. No, a pest of this size requires a wack from the heel of Gon's size 13 Doc Martins!
Unless you're Mr. Gizmodo here who is on to a bigger and brighter idea! If you can't beat 'em - put 'em to work!
Now we're talking! With a few extra implementations we may be able to employ this pest to mow our lawns, vacuum our floors, walk the dog and power-wash our driveways.
Oprah is pissed because a retired school teacher Patrick Crowe has been unofficially campaigning for the First Lady of Daytime TV to be President for years.
Crowe believes Winfrey could bridge partisan lines with her charm. He also noted Winfrey's business acumen, widespread name recognition and reputation as a woman of compassion and determination. A spokeswoman for Harpo said that Winfrey has said she has no political aspirations and I find that a good thing and makes me actually side with Crowe even more!
Hillary not only has aspired, she has conspired and perspired clawing her way to the top. At this time I'll overlook the convenience of the entire Whitewater Pardon, but what is up with being Senator of the State of New York? Why didn't she represent her Southern Culture and run for office in her home state of Arkansas? It is because she lost focus on the little people. The blue collar workers and the majority of us who put our noses to the grind paycheck to paycheck. You know what would happen if a New York Yankee ran for Senate down in Arkansas?
"Well you ain't from around here. Are you?"
Now it isn't the fact that Hillary is a woman, Pro-Choice or anything like that. In fact her resume' of qualifications are quite impressive. A Business Woman, Investor, Pol and well studied in Law. That is what scares me, she is a Loophole Lawyer from the School of Defining the Word "Is". Quite frankly I'm tired of Loophole Lawyers and businessmen. Twisting, spinning and contorting the law to fit their immediate needs and who highly misrepresent and fail to defend the rights of common people.
Oprah doesn't do that shit. She is from around here, there and everywhere. She has successfully walked through the vices of racism, inequality, corporate inopportunity and has played the game of media Tiddlywinks. She still is all about the "People" and not just because this is her bread and butter. She goes out of her way to learn about a variety of different social positions and interests. She listens and encourages others to listen.
Next is their widespread name recognition. Unfortunately this does play a part in politics when so many vote on who they find familiarity with. Change your name to Kennedy or Bush and you'll probably win political office without doing much else. Therein is the pinch, I know Oprah Winfrey but do not know of any Oprahs or Winfreys to judge or guide my voting by. She is a self-made woman.
Hillary never dropped the Rodham and we all know she wasn't very quick to drop the Clinton name during Monicagate. Our Hollywood celebrities divorce for much less. I often wondered about that, why Hillary didn't kick ole' Slick Willy to the curb especially when this was reported not to be the first case of infidelity. So today, I'm left to believe this was also a political game of riding the name. She may be well qualified for such a position but I am certain that there are many other women in the Democratic party who are even more qualified. Only their names seem to slip my mind at the moment due to this whole entire name recognition thing.
Politically I would prefer other choices for President 2008, but if these two powerful women of different backgrounds were to face off politically, Oprah here would be my gal. She can appoint Hillary as Attorney General or something. Although Oprah has determination, gusto and balls when it comes to taking her stands, a bit of Hillary Hair on those balls would help her to better represent and give our nation back to it's people.
Until then I'll just sit back and anxiously await on who we will have to choose from in 2008.
What do I want to be when I grow up? It is a question I've been asked dozens of times and I've had dozen of different answers. This morning as I look around me, take stock in the next 500 things that depend on me doing yet again as this new week rolls around - I'm beginning to wonder, at what moment did I sign up for all of this shit?
Now Domestic Engineering was a given trade that I have learned from the moment I started picking up my own toys. I had the usual responsibilities as a kid to keep my room clean, do the dinner dishes, take out the trash and clean the bathroom once a week. I so wish that was ALL I had to do now.
Girl Scouts was cleverly disguised as being a fun activity with friends as a Troop to earn brightly colored different badges. I'll admit it, I was a Badge Whore and had to pursue them all. Looking back, it seemed all them trained me in a variety of talents and abilities to help guide me into adulthood. To help me decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. Looking back now, I'm fairly sure this WAS the exact moment I did sign up for all of this shit!
I'm still wearing these badges! Granted there are some I don't mind labeling me. The Child Care and Pet Care Badges for example. I love being a Momma to my human, furry and feathered children. All of those fun Badges that gave and revealed to me what my talents were such as crafts, music and hobbies - I don't have the time for any longer. No. Instead, I carry about each day wearing the Badges of Laundry, Dish-Washing, Cooking, Garbage-Disposer, Nurse & First Aid, Accounting, Car Care, Weatherman, Community, Neighborhood and Taxi-Cab Driver. I won't even mention the dreaded Penis Care Badge.
Anyhoo, it has taken me 3 hours to get this far on this post. Granted there were many interruptions due to Badge Duties and responsibilities. I just sat down yet again after tossing in a load of unexpected laundry. I so need to find time for those fun badges again - for in those are the labels that I don't mind wearing or signing up for. I keep sighing and saying, "Someday" but you know, all I have is today..
...and this morning I look around me and take stock in the next 500 things that need doing. Only to sigh and and succumb to my deep innermost desire to say, "Shit."
Appetizer Measured in minutes or hours, how much exercise have you had in the last week? Three and a half hours on average.
Soup If you had to change your blog title to something else, what would it be? "The Stinky Cheese."
Salad Name one television show you watched when you were 9-12 years old. Little House on the Prairie.
Main Course If someone gave you $50 to spend with the one condition that it had to be educational, what would you purchase? Maybe a few tickets to a local museum here in Savannah for the entire family.
Dessert Do you tend to prefer dark colors, neutral shades, or lighter/pastel hues? Neutral shades, but with a touch of light/pastel thrown in every now and then.
I play Guitar and Clarinet even though both have been sitting behind my living room sofa, in their cases collecting dust for the past few years. They say that sometimes our talents are like riding a bike, you never really forget them and can pick them up quickly again years later. Although there are many songs I can still play by ear and practice... Here are 13 songs that I still can remember and play confidently by heart without even thinking about it.
1. Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder. (Clarinet)
2. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Guitar & Clarinet)
3. Benny Hill Theme Song. (Guitar)
4. Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd. (Guitar & Clarinet)
5. The Gambler by Kenny Rogers. (Guitar)
6. Tusk by Fleetwood Mac. (Guitar & Clarinet)
7. Colour my World by Chicago. (Clarinet)
8. Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett. (Guitar & Clarinet)
9. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd. (Guitar)
10. Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd. (Guitar)
11. Candle in the Wind by Elton John. (Guitar & Clarinet)
12. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy(Clarinet)
13. Urgent by Foreigner. (Clarinet)
Does anyone else play or used to play any instruments?
I love art. From photography, sculpture, paintings and music. Even the abstract crayola drawings stuck by colorful ABC magnets on my fridge door inspire me. The latest our daughter had drawn depicts me as thin. Quite a contrast from her Mommy drawing a few weeks ago when I looked like the Staypuff Marshmellow Man.
Last week on the evening before my birthday, one of my Bloggy Buds Ela painted a magnificent expression that totally defined how I look and feel on the inside. Her description says so much in itself, "It turned out a little different that I thought. The woman was supposed to be torn between the two horses, but instead, she looks like she is switching from one horse to another. I love how in the process of painting things change, revealing something unexpected... "
As many of you know September 11th is my birthday and my reflection on this day for the past five years has been a bit... well... strange. September 11th is also my husband's birthday, we had met only because of this shared birthday. September 11th was my fairy-tale of love and happily ever after. That was until we both woke up that morning in 2001 and everything changed - right before our very eyes.
After the state of shock wore off my state of mind collapsed that day. Yeah, you know... I took this personally. It was hard not to take so personally when this day had revealed so much symbolism. Before he was my husband Gon was first my Birthday Twin. Then two Twin Towers crumble all to hell that morning.
We both knew, had an awakening so to say - that a switch had been cut off and another turned on from that very moment. Our fears were in what that other switch was capable of doing. Ela expressed in her painting exactly what I've been feeling or rather we have been feeling for the past five years.
I mentioned symbolism and where else can we find symbolism so vivid as in the Book of Revelations. Hey, this is a revelation of sorts is it not? For example the Red Horse (Rev 6:4) "And there went out another horse that was red and power was given to him sat thereon to take peace from the earth and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword."
Then comes a white horse (Rev 6:2 and 19:11) "...white horse and he that sat on him had a bow, and a crown.. and he went forth conquering and to conquer. (19:11) ...he was called Faithful and True and in righteousness he doeth judge and make war."
This painting shows a woman torn in so many aspects of symbolism. Our country America and Lady Liberty torn politically on which horse of war to ride upon. As if there will be a battle ahead no matter which horse we choose. Then personally, my own battles within - jumping off the war wagon of hurts and battlescars of my own past. Leaving it behind to face even more battles but armed and riding on a horse with a heart that is faithful and true.
The switch was made and I now sit upon a horse that is valiant, faithful and true. Although there are battles ahead I do feel at peace and secure riding on the back of this new ride. Much has changed. Many cannot be taken back. Much has been lost... yet, I still have left to wonder what is there to conquer and what is there to gain. I feel like an infant in a whole new world.
I usually don't like to steal another's post but this guy had me laughing through his entire blog!! Here is just one of the many hilarious features found at "Steve Don't Eat It!" For some great laughs and if you have a strong stomach this evening go on over and say hello. Don't be shy. =O)
Cuitlacoche
Cuitlacoche is a black fungus that infects corn fields, making the kernels bulbous and swollen as they fill with spores. It also goes by the name Huitlacoche. If you're having trouble with the pronounciation, it's: Cuitlacoche (kweet-lah-KOH-chay) or Huitlacoche (dat-sfuckin-NAS-tee).
It's safe to say this is the first time I've ever paid for an infection. I am, of course, not counting the one I got from your mother. (YES! You walked right into that.)
I've read that U.S. farmers consider it a disease and destroy it. Farmers in Mexico put it in cans and sell it as a delicacy. I travelled far and wide to find my own precious can of Cuitlacoche. Okay, it was at my supermarket, but I had to drive like two miles to get there and got stuck at a couple of lights.
Enough chit-chat. I'm gonna go dine on a can of disease. But before I do, I really do feel bad about that cheap mother joke. My sincere apologies to you and your lovely mom. (The filthy whore.) Be right back!
Oh, sweet Christ. Visually, I think the bar for Steve, Don't Eat It! is about to be set at a new low. So I'm going to ease you people into this one. Let's begin with a single spore-filled kernel before we examine the entire contents.
The following picture is a swear-to-God-unretouched-side-by-side comparison of a normal kernel of corn and an infected huitlacoche kernel, both from the same can.
These results can also be achieved by bombarding a kernel of corn with gamma rays and then making it angry. (But be warned. You won't like it when it's angry.)
Alright, you've waited long enough.
Presenting the entire can of imported sludge (that I was actually charged money for)...
Don't worry, I checked the ingredients before I tasted it. "Smoker's lung" was not on there.
Before I even got the whole can open, I detected a vague aroma of sweet corn, along with what I can only describe as a deep musky funk. Put 'em together and it smells like corn that forgot to wipe.
In just a single serving, you'll experience a wide array of textures. Without getting too gross, it's because the disease is more advanced in some kernels than others. One bite might be kinda chewy, while the next might burst in your mouth like a black pus-filled blister. (Whoops, forgot about the not-too-gross thing. Oh well. Nuts to you!)
So, how does Huitlacoche taste? Does it matter?? LOOK AT IT!
I guess it would be fair to say it doesn't taste as truly horrible as it looks. The flavor is elusive and difficult to describe, but I'll try: "Kinda yucky." Hey, that wasn't so hard after all.
For any connoisseurs, I'm not sure if this stuff would go better with red wine or white. How about with a bottle of Bactine? I've always found that goes great with infections.
Huitlacoche also goes by some other names. It's frequently called Maize Mushroom, Corn Smut, and Mexican Truffle. I've even heard it referred to as "Devil Poop"-- but that was only after I said it. (For God's sake, it comes with little bits of corn already in it! Talk about a time-saver.)
I thought it was interesting that Monteblanco chose to make their company logo the focal point of the can. I also found a can of huitlacoche from Goya. They, too, have downplayed the visuals by hiding it in a mild-mannered burrito.
I went ahead and made a new can label for the gang back at Cuitlacoche Central. As always, this is a free service.
Well, that brings us to the end of a long overdue Steve, Don't Eat It! And now I have a belly full of diseased corn. Maybe I should go see a doctor about a penicillin shot.
For your mom. (YES! In your face! Oh man...)
...for more hilarious fooditorials visit Steve here!
Crap! Today - week six started with some terrible news from Mr. Bathroom Scale. I gained 6 lbs. Granted, last week was my birthday week but I didn't go off the wagon too terribly bad. Sure I had Birthday cake but I didn't eat 6lbs of birthday cake.
I will try not to be too upset over it, after all it could be any number of things. Being a Woman isn't all fun and games you know. We retain water, land pregnant and our bodies can react to any number of things. There is also the possibility that the weight gain was muscles being formed or water retained due to medication that I am taking.
I'm going to try something a little different and try a lo/no-fat diet for the next few weeks. Putting the Atkins Lo-Carb on hold for a bit. I have the feeling that all diets are not equal - just as we are all different. It is going to take some time and journaling to find out how my particular body works and how it responds to different things.
All that I know now, is that this lump of clay has changed over the past few years. I also don't want to eat like a Bunny rabbit for the rest of my life in attempts to stay thin. What I really want and need to do is to find out what this body wants and work with that. Thank heavens for blogging for I can journal my attempts and look back and see what works and what doesn't.
Besides the lo/no-fat diet, I am also going to try to eat breakfast in the morning. I usually don't eat until dinnertime and by that time, I'm starving. So that's it for this week. No Fat, eat breakfast and try to fit in a bit more walking/exercise. My gardens need a good weeding, maybe I'll do that.
"Treat your minor cuts, scrapes and scratches with the incredible healing power of Jesus bandages. And if a Jesus bandage isn't enough to dry up your tears, how about a FREE TOY! Each comes in a 3-3/4" tall metal pocket tin and contains a Jesus toy to help make even the ouchiest owies feel all better in no time. (Fifteen 3" x 1" sterile bandages per tin.)"
Katie-bug loves her "Doo-Daids" which is a term that came about a year or so ago when she needed her first bandaid. We just so happened to have Scooby Doo Character Bandaids at the time - thus henceforth bandages will be forever known as "Doo-Daids."
It is amazing what Kids can pick up on, recently we've been going through the torture pleading of "I Want! I Want! I Want" everytime a toy commercial airs on TV. Even the Snuggle Fabric Softner gig with the cutsey little bear subliminally gets her to plead, "I Want!"
Heck, a Comet Cleanser commercial came on the other evening and Katie-bug shouts, "Momma Wants! Momma Wants!" Can you guess who most frequently does the scouring and cleaning here at the Mix house?
So here it is, September 17 and now we are hearing everything "Santa Claus". She's already broken out the Christmas DVD's and storybooks. Pleading with us to sing "Jingle Bells". Just the other night she had to have time-out for talking back and she stubbornly noted, "Well... I love Santa Claus."
I've always had issues with Santa and even more so now. I promised that first and foremost I would raise Katie-bug to know that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. I would ingrain that the meaning of Christmas is of gifts of love, mercy and forgiveness. The Big Fat Guy in the Fuzzy Red Suit would have to take second place and backstage during Christmas here. In fact, I don't even want her believing in Santa but instead believing in the Spirit of Christmas via Jesus Christ our Lord.
While Katie-bug was sitting her time-out, I pulled up YouTube and found the perfect video to show her that Santa Claus is ALL Gone! That she cannot Love him, plead for him or even expect anything out of him. Here is that video:
It was so cool to see Katie-bugs face, her expressions and her shouts of horror when Santa met his demise. I should have captured that on video!! It worked EXACTLY as planned so before you think I'm the meanest Mom on the planet you first must here Katie-bug's statement of realization....
"Oh my! HoHo is DEAD!" she shouted with a look of sorrow and shock. Then suddenly her eyes lit up and she shouted joyously, "That's Okay Momma. Baby Jesus will FIX him. Baby Jesus will give HoHo a Doo-Daid and make him all better."
It may be twisted, but at least she now knows and understands that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" and if it weren't for Baby Jesus there would be no Santa Claus.
"Treat your minor cuts, scrapes and scratches with the incredible healing power of Jesus bandages. And if a Jesus bandage isn't enough to dry up your tears, how about a FREE TOY!"
Y'all is some sick, twisted and strange Peeps and my life has been forever stuck in a realm of alternate reality because of our experiences.
This morning I got an unsolicited email from our good ole' spaminaters at Classmates.com that somehow managed to bypass my trapdoor device leading to my Inbox Junk Folder. You know, the email and those weirded out cartoons that leave us shaking our heads and wondering what era did this cartoonist graduate from? Yeah, one of them and this one was sent to notify me that my HS Peeps are hanging out in some chat forum. A forum specially designed for only those who can afford to go on that Field Trip.... Whoops! I mean those willing to sign up to join the Classmates Connection.
Y'all be over there discussing matters such as "Does Anyone Remember Dr. J.P. Cleary Middle School?" and I can't join in because of my blatant stubborn refusal to give Classmates.com anymore money for exploiting my deep desire to get in touch with old friends... as well as my twisted past.
Screw Classmates.com! Buena Regional High School now has its own Free Spot right here at Blogspot. Come on by and join in the fun. Share email addresses, news and memories for FREE. To be a bonafide Buena Blogging Tribe Member just send me an email or leave a comment - letting me know you want to join in and you're in. It's that simple!
- Margie (...still looking for opportunities and ways to beat the system.)
Believe me, if all those endearing young charms Which I gaze on so fondly today Were to change by tomorrow and fleet in my arms Like fairy gifts fading away.
Thou would still be adored as this moment thou art Let thy loveliness fade as it will And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart Would entwine itself verdantly still.
It is not while beauty and youth are thine own And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear That the fervor and faith of a soul can be known To which time will but make thee more dear.
No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets But as truly loves on to the close As the sunflower turns to her God when he sets The same look which she turned when she rose.
by Thomas Moore (1779-1852) Photos of Katiebug 9/03/06
Appetizer What was the very last song you listened to?
Nobody by Skindred.
Soup What is one company/store/corporation you would recommend that people stay away from?
Online Travel and Hotel sites to book a room or flight. I've found it is as much as 25% cheaper to contact the Hotel you will be staying in directly or order tickets straight from the airline or local airport.
Other than that, I'd have to say shopping at Target because of their adopted commercialist Christmas policies and the way they treat their employees.
Salad On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy having your picture made?
I'd have to say a 5. I don't mind when anyone else is behind the camera as long as my picture isn't being taken by my husband. He is terrible when it comes to catching me in the most awful of spots and positions. Like on the Toilet for example!!!!
Main Course Besides a bookmark, what is something you've used to keep your place in a book?
I am very bad when it comes to Dog Earring a book page. I've used all kinds of items from pens, a tissue, toothpick to even another book.
Dessert Name a food that you like that most people don't.
I would say Sushi, but I don't think it is because Peeps don't like it - but because they never let down their guard to try it. Scrapple is another food that freaks Peeps out. If you're ever in Philly - don't ask, just reach over for the ketchup and enjoy.
I absolutely love Fragrance Oils and I prefer the soy based Yum-Yums from Wellington Fragrance the best. These have no petroleum or alcohol tones to catch a buzz over. In fact when Peeps come by to visit they strain their necks looking for the fresh baked goodies or fresh cut flowers.
Here are 13 of my Favorite Sniffs.
1. Cinnamon Bun. You're walking in the Mall past the food court and suddenly you're mouth is watering as you walk by a Cinnabon Shop. This oil replicates this experience in your own home to a tee.
2. Cucumber Melon. You may have sniffed this out in a favorite hand lotion or soap. It is refreshing and sends off vibes of coolness, especially during the hot summer months.
3. Hazelnut. A wonderful warming fragrance of a gourmet coffee shop. Great to grab a favorite book, warm mug of coffee and snuggle on your favorite chair with this sniff in the air.
4. Lilac. I love the sniffs of Lilacs in April and this oil can bring fresh cut flowers to your kitchen table at any time of the year. It is the closest sniff of true Lilac I have ever come across - flowery yet sweet, bold yet delicate.
5. Downy Lavender Vanilla. I hate doing laundry, but I don't mind sniffing fresh laundry. This sniff is great on any day and the good fresh sniff will give Peeps the impression of a clean house. Even if there is an inch of dust on the shelves and a cobweb in the corner.
6. Mulberry. A sniff that will make Peeps wonder who baked the pie. I didn't think I would enjoy this sniff but after trying it - I'm hooked. It is VeryBerryLicious!!
7. Strawberry. Just plain old fashioned strawberry does the trick, this particular oil isn't phony sniffing like a Red Food Dyed Twizzler, it isn't too sweet nor too powerful. Simply fresh Strawberries that sniff so real you'll have boxer turtles knocking on your front door.
8. Caribbean Fruit. This one is an odd one and it doesn't sniff Tropical at all. Instead it sniffs like a bowl of fresh Peaches. This is one of Gon's particular favorites. (current sniff as of this posting.)
9. Apple Jack & Peel. If you like Yankee Candles Macintosh Apple you'll love this wonderful sniff. Great for Autumn, light and refreshing. I found this sniff mixed with an equal sniff of Cinnamon Bun creates a fresh baked Apple Pie sniff.
10. Cotton Candy. A great mood picker upper. Not that you'd want your home turned into a circus or carnival but the sniff is so on time when it comes to the sniff of fresh poofed cotton candy vendors.
11. Wine & Roses. This sniff has to be the most mind blowing sniffs of them all. It sounds strange but it sniffs just like Wine & Roses and it's great for a Romantic Dinner at home. Or if you just want to get your Sweetie in the mood for some loving.
12. Papaya Mango. If you want Tropical or Caribbean this is the sniff. Makes you want to put on a grass Hula Skirt and go get yourself Lei'ed.
13. Spruce and Berries. This is a great Christmas time sniff. Especially if you have an artificial tree that is lacking in evergreen sniff. The Spruce is light and natural and yet the Berry tones soften it's sharpness.
Thank you Jesus!! Now I know I'm not going crazy. See, I live across the river and marshland from Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA and have been experiencing some crazy shit. But wouldn't you know, I'm always alone and by the time I come in and get Jon or someone to come take a look see, it disappears.
As some of you know I am addicted to the evil draw of cigarettes. Marlboro Ultra Lights 100's to be exact. Anyhoo, I take many trips out to the front porch or back yard for my getaway nic fix and more than often it is at night. About two years ago I was sitting on our front porch late one evening when I first heard a very strange noise overhead.
The noise was a cross between a weed-wacker and an electric mixer. Since it was coming from above I got up and walked out on my lawn to look up and there it was. No kidding, there it was - a flying saucer buzzing about 30 feet above with two little green LCD lights and one red LCD light on it's bottom-side. I'd have to guesstimate it was about 5-6 foot in diameter. Either way, there it was - this UFO hovering above me and my home scoping stuff out.
Of course I was immediately freaked but I knew immediately it was the US Government and not a case of Little Green Men. I told Jon about it and he accused me of "seeing things." It was quite a few months after than when it happened again for a couple of nights straight.
Then just this last March when our Buddy ole' Pal Patrick came down to visit - I could hear the thing buzzing next door. I told Patrick, "That's just those little flying saucers they are testing from over there on the base." I knew, just by his expression and outburst of silence - he thought I was drunk and out of my gourd.
Well, sure I was lit, it was St. Patty's day, I was drunk but I wasn't kidding. Finally today there is an answer!! While surfing in our local newspaper forum I found out I wasn't the only one and here is the all the information I need to vindicate my UFO experiences:
"It ain't easy, picking out evil-doers in the urban canyons of the Middle East; there are so many places to hide. Taking 'em out can be even harder, what with all those noncombatants hanging nearby. But the Air Force thinks it might have an answer to this most vexing problem in counter-insurgency: frisbees. Not just any frisbees, mind you. Robotic frisbees. Heavily armed robotic frisbees."
For the record I want to let our military personnel know that I'm not cool with this. Not only because of the fact there may be a bunker busting WMD hovering over my family and home. Not even because of the spy capabilities. But because I could have been straight-jacketed and tossed in a padded room because Peeps thought I was crazy and seeing shit!! Next time I spy one out buzzing overhead, I'm going to do what any Southern Redneck chick would do....
I'm gonna run in and grab my 12 gauge rifle and play some SKEET with your high priced toy!
Today is week 5 of the dastardly evil diet. After weighing in I found I only lost 1/2lb this entire week. I could be depressed about it but when I realize that this loss is equal to this photo of a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese - I'm quite tickled that I don't have it stuck to my thighs anymore.
I was a very bad, bad girl this weekend. Friday night we tried out a new Restaurant that featured all the Sins of the South. Sweet Southern Iced Tea, Fried, battered and floured everything. The buffet included mashed potatoes, biscuits, breads, pasta and grits. The only veggies I could find were corn and cheese smothered broccoli. Sure they had a very limp salad bar but frankly, my ass is quite tired of all of this fiber.
So I ate and although I didn't eat much, I literally came home and crashed. Waking up the next morning with a Carbohydrate hangover.
We're going out to eat again this evening thanks to a wonderful friend who gave us a Gift Certificate to the Outback Steakhouse. We'll finish off the evening with a big helping of Birthday cake and there is a good chance I'll gain this lost half pound by the time I wake up tomorrow morning.
But that is okay, I'm now 5lbs away from my first weight loss goal and I will make it!! I'm already feeling the wonderful effects of loosing 15lbs so far and I feel great. The best part of all and my inspiration is that by this time next year I will be turning a sexy 40 instead of the frumpy 39 year old that I turned into today.
Lifting a glass of Crystal Light Peach Iced Tea to all my diet buds out there!
Today marks the 39th anniversary when I came kicking and screaming into this world. I have been thinking a great deal about just what to write about for my birthday. With every passing year it seems like I am sure of less and less, seeing more shades of gray in the world. Today I know that I do not need to have all the answers.
Today I know that the right answers for me can be the wrong answers to somebody else.
Today I know that while I may cast light upon one - at the same time I will cast a shadow upon another.
Today I know not to allow bad peeps to write history nor to define our future.
Today I know there are parts in my life I need to take back as well as parts I need to forgive and set free.
Truth have it, I am having a very tough time writing this obligatory Birthday Post. I feel guilty celebrating it and I feel so selfish complaining when so many lost so much more. If I could have one wish today when I blow out my candles, it would be that we could remember September 11th as the date that brought peeps together and not a day that tore the world apart.
I suspect there comes a time in everyones life when their Birthday isn't fun anymore. When another candle only means another gray hair, wrinkle or medical problem and a year passed held more Goodbyes than Hellos. Today just so happens to be that time I wished would never come.
But don't worry, I'll be back to my old self tomorrow.
The Ringling Bros Circus carpetbagged its way to Savannah last weekend. Making the old adage, "Once you've seen one - you've seen them all" ring with truth as I yawned half-way through the show.
Desperately needing a smoke I got lost trying to find an appropriate area to fire one up. Catching a very interesting show behind the scenes. Meeting Billy the Elephant handler giving Angelica a bath in the rear parking lot of the civic center.
Camera phones are so handy to have in moments like this. My dilemma thus request from my readers, is to find the perfect Caption and Title for this photo and blog post.
Appetizer Name 3 things that you are wearing today.
At the moment I'm only wearing a Housecoat, Wedding Ring and a Necklace. (Blogging naked is so NOT an image I need to make.)
Soup Who was the last person you hugged?
My Daughter Katiebug. She is a Love-bug and always full of hugs for any given reason or even no reason at all except to show her love. Salad What do you like to order from your favorite fast food place?
I love to order the Big Montana Roast Beef Sammich from Arby's. Just thinking about it makes me wanna go fly out there. (Despite being only dressed in a Housecoat.)
Main Course What time of day do you usually feel most energized?
In the morning, but not too early in the morning. I need to be awake and caffeinated for at least an hour before I am rendered conscious.
Dessert Using the letters in your first name, write a sentence.
I would like to challenge all Thirteeners to come up with 13 things they like about themselves on the next Thursday 13 on September 7th. I feel like we, as women, spend so much time scrutinizing ourselves that we sometimes forget the good stuff.
Last week T-13'ers were challenged by Denise to toot their own horns, I figure why not - I haven't Tooted any Loos lately.
1. My Truthiness.
2. My Small Ears. Not that there is anything wrong with having big ears.
3. My Stubborness. My parents and some others can't stand my hard headedness but I like it as part of my character.
4. My Small Feet. Not that there is anything wrong with having big feet.
5. My Green Thumb.
6. My All Around Attitude. I can manage to be very pissed off yet cool at the same time.
7. My Compassion. I care about so many over so much.
8. My Creativity. Hasn't paid off yet.
9. My Boobs. I got 'em just don't use 'em anymore.
10. My Toes. They're symetrical.
11. My Light. A reflection of a light so much bigger.
12. My Voice. I'm a sophrano if I'm not smokin' a stoogie.
13. Fill In The Blank. ______________________________
I'll leave Number 13 for Commenters to tickle or squash my Ego. =O)
1. Sushi 2. Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies 3. Cheese 4. Pancakes
H) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. At the GA Lotto Office collecting a check. 2. On a Hammock under a shady tree. 3. Strolling through my Grandparent's Garden 4. With my Buddy Patrick enjoying Arizona!
Yesterday Woozie asked in my comment section, "What do you think of the watermelon man?"
I had to think about it over night and have come to the conclusion that I have issues over the Watermelon Man. Just look at the shirt he is wearing. I've been up and down the entire eastern seaboard and I ain't ever seen a dude dressing down with bright colored fruit. I may spy a dude on the boardwalk wearing a Hawaiian Shirt and flip flops, but you can be certain there isn't even as much as a yellow Pineapple spoiling the threads.
Doesn't matter if it is a white man, black man, yellow man or gay man. Fruit left the fashion scene 30 years ago along with polyester and the final episode of M*A*S*H. Of course there is always the exception to the rule. Dudes over the age of 65 may adorn fruit but only because their wives dress 'em up to match their own outfits.
Next check out the Watermelon Man's hat. It may appear to be a brightly colored fruity fedora but upon closer inspection I see that it is made out of fur. You know what that means don't 'ya? He's a Commie.
I also have issues with the entire watermelon stereotype. I live in Georgia where the biggest watermelons on the vine are grown. I've seen the Rind County Watermelon Festival in late July and the Watermelon Man has never attended. Seriously, watch this video and see if you can spot him or any of his relatives:
To conclude, this Watermelon Man is a phony wannabe poser. It is painfully obvious that the real Watermelon Man is a White Man, over age 65 and of Russian decent. In fact, I'm fairly certain he may even be a distant relative of Santa Claus.
"Break from Sanity" tagged me last night and instead of going nuts I decided to play nice.
1) Are you happy/satisfied with your blog with it's content and look?
No. I have issues with my blog. The wallpaper is peeling and there is a Jackass hanging around in the top right corner. Then again, it is as comfortable as a home that feels lived in. So here is where I'll kick off my shoes, prop up my feet and fart freely without reserve.
2) Does your family know about your blog?
Yes. Now keep in mind there are things found here that I wouldn't share at Granny's Thanksgiving Family Gathering but only because that is Granny's domain. Here is my domain and Granny can stop by and visit anytime. I also share this blog with my in-laws. Mainly for news, photos and family videos but also to share a bit of myself. I am new to the family and a crazy nut. They have a right to know, prepare and be able to hide if they hear we are coming to visit.
3) Do you feel embarrassed to let your friends know about your blog or you just consider it as a private thing?
No. My friends are welcomed to come and spy me out at anytime. Church friends, customers, The FBI or Homeland Security are welcome to visit too. This may sound weird, but at some point in my life Judgment Day was described to me as being:
"A Time when your entire life will flash before your eyes AND the eyes of everyone who has ever lived before. Those you know and those that you don't. Live your life for their applause and make this your shining moment."
When I first heard this I totally freaked. With my luck flash videos of me masturbating, smoking pot or stealing Girl Scout Cookies would cover the entire screen. The real me would be out of her skeleton closet. So I figure, why wait? Why not just free myself and toss my closet clutter out there. To have fun and yet be genuine at the same time. Why not live the show and make the most out of each flashing moment.
4) Did blogs cause positive changes in your thoughts?
Yes. There are some wise, wonderful and thoughtful Bloggy Buds out there. Some make me laugh, some make me think and some even cause me concern. (Y'all know who you are)
5) Do you only open the blogs of those who comment on your blog or you love to go and discover more by yourself?
I try my best to visit those who stop by but I also go Blogspotting every now and then to venture into new interests and worlds.
6) What does visitors counter mean to you? Do you care about putting it in your blog?
Counters are okay, they only offer up statistics that someday may come in handy. I enjoy Clustermaps because it shows different visitors and what part of the world they come from.
7) Did you try to imagine your fellow bloggers and give them real pictures?
No. If a Bloggy Bud has an avitar this shows me that this is the way they view themselves or wish to view themselves. However some peeps don't take that into an account and use an avitar of a Rhino mating a Safari Jeep. I wonder do they feel like the Rhino or the Jeep?
8) Admit. Do you think there is a real benefit for blogging?
Yes. People blog for different reasons. Some commercially and for financial reasons, others for entertainment and release. The real benefit is in the sharing our worlds and bringing meaning into that wonderful song; "It's a Small World After All."
9) Do you think that bloggers society is isolated from real world or interacts with events?
Interactive all the way. Everyone is out there "Having Issues" from events to moments of comedy. Heck even those who isolate get out and about in the Blogosphere.
10) Does criticism annoy you or do you feel it's a normal thing?
It's normal and Peeps have the right to criticize. Criticism can be a useful tool to guide yourself by. Then there will always be times when Peeps feel differently than you over something. Totally normal and natural.
11) Do you fear of some political blogs and avoid them?
No. Why would I fear it? I try not to blog on political matters but am interested in them. Some sneak through my efforts of avoiding political concerns but only because I found passion in them and a desire to shout out a little something.
12) Did you get shocked by the arrest of some bloggers?
No. The FBI can come on in and spy me out anytime. I believe I am a law abiding citizen and I respect the rights of others. I have heard stories and conspiracies of what was done to the members of the"Blogging President Bush Haters Club". That was a little shocking.
13) Did you think about what will happen to your blog after you die?
No. I'll consider thinking about that when I'm 90.
14) What do you like to hear? What is the song you would like to link to on your blog?
I enjoy and appreciate all music and genre's, yet there isn't a single song that I would want on my blog. However, the soundtrack to my Judgment Day Flash Video should be very interesting.
15) Five bloggers to be the next "victims"?
Five victims? Oh no! Lemme' spin the Blogspottin' bottle here.
As I begin week four of my diet I weigh in to find 15.5lbs of me missing! Honestly folks it has been incredibly too easy and I have not been starving nor climbing flights of stairs sweating it off. I told y'all, I'm lazy. At least I used to be for I am now experiencing the side effects of the Atkin's diet. Increase in energy and decrease in naptimes. I'm motivated to start a walking routine but only time will tell if I break away from my morning routine to actually do it. See, not only am I lazy I am very, very stubborn and set in my ways.
My meals this week were absolutely incredible. Stuffed omelets galore and I've tried all kinds of good stuff to jam into them. We had broiled Salmon fillets with broccoli smothered with melted cream cheese for dinner Thursday. Last night I made a crockpot of awesome stuffed peppers. I had to forgo the noodles but the peppers doused in cheese were insanely yum. My snacks varied from pepperoni and Vermont Cheddar Cheese to Cottage Cheese with fresh strawberries tossed in. I also enjoyed my Friday night Sushi and was a very bad girl and had a chocolate Hostess Cupcake later that evening. I won't do that often, I promise - but I do know that even skinny chicks get to have a cupcake now and then.
I see my Doctor tomorrow morning and he should be delighted with my progress. I am also going to ask him about putting me on Spironolactone to help me with the High Blood Pressure and hopefully he will agree to test me for a possible script of Metaformin to help with the insulin resistance.
This week I can up my daily intake another 5 grams of Carbs making 30 total. At this point I don't trust venturing into baked whole grain breads or whole wheat pasta quite yet. Instead they suggest that I get my carbs from wholesome veggies. YUK! So I will, as long as they are hidden in an omelet, chopped up fine in a meatloaf or smothered and I mean absolutely smothered in melted cheese. Time to try out the Mock Mac & Cheese recipe made with Cauliflower.
I'm never had been a morning person but I do mornings fairly good after a few minor adjustments. Tossing the Alarm Clock, the bedroom window blinds, always leaving the window open a crack and investing in a Mr. Coffee with a timer seemed to do the trick.
No more waking up to mind boggling alarm buzzers or voices of Morning Talk Radio DJ's. I fair much better awaking au natural. The morning sunlight trickles in spoonful by spoonful, first warming and waking my toes to a needed stretch as I roll over. The smell of brewing coffee molecules float in puffy aroma clouds to tickle my senses of taste and smell.
Outside my window subtle noises of chirping birds and the neighborhood peeps starting their cars to head off to work awaken my ears. My favorite of all morning noises is the Basset Hounds "Wake & Shake". The sound of their stretch then flapping jowls, ears, back and tail send a strange desire and wish that I too, could do the same.
BUT... not every morning should I be so lucky.
Some mornings our neighbor has a landscaping service come in with 4 buzzing, morning air poluting lawn and garden appliances that set my morning senses into a state of offense, thus defence for the rest of the day.
A few weeks ago it was a blood curdling scream from our daughter shouting about a mean kitty cat in her bedroom for four days straight. Active imaginations can bring about such terror and so can a huge pregnant Opposum Momma who chewed her way in via the floorboard under the dresser.
The big bummer this morning was the silent but devastating death of Mr. Coffee. Instant coffee doesn't quite do the trick for it is merely coffee flavored hot water. Entrapping my mind in an imaginative fog of Singing, Smiling, Pollen Gnomes. Defenseless due to lack of caffiene induced energy rendering me useless in kicking their Yellow, Sunshiny, Pet Dandered Happy Asses.
I long instead not for the addictive caffeine but for the ability to master the morning "Wake & Shake". To return to the simpler days when coffee and cigarettes were out of my reach and an entire new day was awaiting for me to go out and live it.
The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Now where did I leave off last Friday when it comes to the drama that I call my last "9 Years?" Y'all should know by now, I married at 18 divorced at 30, ran away from NJ to Savannah, Ga and started soaring in my new found single life.
That was cool, that was until I got my first PC and went online for the first time ever back in 1999. I'm sure most of you remember how cool it was the very first night you "dialed up to the internet." I was so mezmorized I stayed on the thing for hours and hours.
It was my 33rd Birthday and there I was all alone on my new computer. Nobody was around to celebrate because it was a weekday and all my friends had to work the next day. Not that this was a bad thing, mind you. We had some plans and crazy times to be had that coming weekend downtown.
Either way, it was on my first night when I found the indespensible search engine, "Google." For shits and giggles I googled my birthday to see what sort of stuff went down in the past on this certain date, including the year I was born.
All kinds of cool stuff popped up on my screen but the oddest of all was this Geek Resume' of some Dude in New Hampshire in search for a technical job. It listed all these weird qualifications like Perl, Java, Linux, Redhat, etc. Stuff I ain't never heard before. The resume' read he was working currently as a Sys Admin for a newspaper company.
All I could think of was our own Sys Admin down at the company I was working in Human Resources for and I immediately had an image of Stephen Hawking. So why did Google pop up this Dude's resume' and what did it have to do with my birthday?
Because he stole my birthday! Oh yeah, right up there by his address, phone and social security number was his date of birth. It was at that moment I thought, "Wow, pretty cool some dude is out there on this internet tonight and it's his birthday too." Then I freaked, "Not even a cool dude, but I bet a Star Trek Geek with Coke Bottled Glasses type of Nerd done stole my birthday right from under me!" I got mad and fired off an email to the address he had listed:
"Hey you! I'd have you know that today is MY Birthday and I have just found out that you have stolen it. I'd like it back now, please." -Margie
Really, the nerve of some peeps - trying to hop in on your birthday and stake claim to it. Oh no, this bitch wasn't having anything like that. Then he had the nerve to email me back and reply:
"No! It was MY birthday FIRST! If you like to have it back after I turn, let's say 60 then I'll THINK about giving it to you then." -Gon
Oh no he did NOT! I didn't even own a computer 24 hours and I had myself my first flame war. Seriously, we argued for months and months. He didn't stop at stealing only the birthday, he happened to have my favorite CD's and like all the same things I did! Then he sent me a picture of himself.
Uhhhhhh..... no fair!! He just so happened to be drop dead gorgeous!
A phone call from him soon made me melt. He sounded just like a cross between James Earl Jones and Johnny Cash.
An Email Valentine Greeting Card came next and then came Spring.
Then came my mailman with a round trip plane ticket to Boston, MA.
All I can think of at the moment is how our Daughter's royally messes up "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."
"...Up above the world so high, Like a Hymen in the Sky, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Hop a Hienny Wash it down."(click here for video)
Soup What is the worst movie you have ever seen?
Recently "Napoleon Dynamite." Some Peeps have suggested that this movie was fantastic so I rented it last weekend. Maybe it is me, but I just didn't get it. Did I miss something?
Salad Using the letters from your favorite number, write a sentence.
F O R T Y F O U R: Fiendish Octopus Ransacking Trump's Yacht Finds Oprah Under Rudder.
Main Course What was the most interesting news story you have heard this week?
I just realized that I forgot to blog yesterday on how my diet is doing. Wanna know why? Because I QUIT but I did turn things around yesterday and I'm trying a whole different approach. Dr. Atkins get outta my way!!
Cuitlacoche
