May 31, 2009

What A Whale Watch!

Saturday we went on a whale watch for my mom's birthday. It was a blast!! Really, any time I get the opportunity to be on the water - I go for it! The beauty of the sky and sea meeting; the smell of ocean air - it is fan.freaking.tastic!!













The whale watch was being run by the Boston Aquarium, so as we waited to board, I got to snap a picture of this playful little seal. :-)

















After a mostly rainy, cool week - it made being on the water during a warm, sunny day even better! Here's a picture of Castle Island as we left Boston's Inner Harbor.






The seas were calm (in my opinion), only 3 foot swells and no white caps. However, not everyone shared the opinion. If I didn't know better, I would have sworn by the screams that there was a roller coaster hidden on the ship! I couldn't help but giggle at the land-lubbers. AMATEURS! heeheehee

We managed to see TONS of whales! Three different species!
















However, my camera crapped out on me - AGAIN! The first time, was during JC's boot camp graduation. Then it's been acting funny for a few weeks. It decided to stop working again during the whale watch. Grr! Anyone have a camera recommendation? It's becoming glaringly obvious that it's time to buy a new one....







May 29, 2009

Attack of Bridezilla...

For the past few weeks, I've been privy to a story about a Bridezilla. Not just any Bridezilla...but the QUEEN OF BRIDEZILLAS!







The story is a smidge long, but stick with me. I'll be you'll be just as appalled and amused as I am.



For her own protection, I'm going to name this bride Anna. Well, Anna and her boyfriend Joe (also a fake name) get engaged last fall. She sees the ring he bought and decided it isn't big enough and sends him back for a 2.5 carat cushion cut with 3/4 carat baguettes on each side. It seems that once Anna got that ring on her manicured little finger - all semblance of sanity exited the building. I've been assured that she was "normal" before she got engaged.



Anna had her sister and MOH (to clarify, this is two people - her MOH is not her sister) organize the shower to happen last weekend - making it clear that she expected EVERYONE to break their holiday weekend plans to stick around for her. In preparation for the shower, she and Joe registered for gifts. Normal, right?! Not for Anna! She registered at Bergdorfs, Williams-Sonoma, Crate and Barrel...and...wait for it....TIFFANY'S! Well get back to the Tiffany registry in a minute. It is the piece de resistance of this whole story.



Come to find out, Anna is planning a wedding for 275 (Holy crap, btw...I don't think I know 275 people!!) and invited people to her shower that she opted not to invite to the wedding. That is totally classless in my opinion. You might as well write on the shower invite "don't bother showing up, I just want the gifts". This woman seriously needs someone to give her a copy of Emily Post's etiquette books...PRONTO!!



Come the day of the shower, Anna voraciously opens all her gifts (OK, I admit - I like gifts too...but, moving on...). Girlfriend threw the mother.of.all.hissy.fits when she got a gift that wasn't on her registry. At the end of the event, she refused to let her fiance load said gift into their car to go home. Instead it went home with the MOH. Sorry, princess...but some people don't have the money to buy the $180 stainless steel crock pot you registered for!!



And now, the Tiffany's part of the story. Anna's wedding is big; really big; 14 bridesmaids big. Because she is spending her money on a Vera Wang gown (OK, her parent's are buying it), she has decides that while her attendance deserve a Tiffany's bracelet - she'd prefer not to buy them HERSELF! What's a modern Bridezilla to do?!?! You guessed it ladies... she registered for her attendant's gifts. So you give the bracelet to Anna and she in turn gives it to her bridesmaid.


What a B.I.T.C.H! Chapter two when she gets married in early July....



Ah, and now that I've survived my week (which was a nightmare that I'll share at a later date when I'm not fuming), I'm going on a whale watch tomorrow. YAY!! I love being on the water! :-) Pictures tomorrow when I get home tomorrow or early Sunday if I'm REALLY tired.






May 27, 2009

A Recap of Season Finales...

As promised, I've done a recap of some of my favorite TV shows (OK...pretty much ALL of my favorite shows).

But first - A rousing round of applause for my DVR! It valiantly served me, taping something most nights of the week; often taping two shows at once. :-)

Warning: If you watch the same stuff I do, and haven't cleaned out your DVR yet - this contains SPOILERS!

CSI:Miami
The romance between Calleigh and Delko has been building all season. To have him rebel against the department and Calleigh only to try and keep his newly found Russian mobster Daddy out of trouble seemed a little far-fetched. But I suppose it was inevitable. Both Calleigh and Delko have been seriously injured within the last season; to have Delko potentially injured (or worse) seems cheesy and predictable. I'm disappointed. I thought that they way they dealt with Dr. Price's drug addiction and stealing was a bit dull too.

CSI: New York
Poor Detective Flack. For the first time in five seasons, they give him a love interest - and she gets killed off in the season finale. At least they did right by us earlier in the season... Marrying off Danny and Lindsay & doing a fab job covering Anna Belknap's real life pregnancy by giving the NY duo a baby too. Anyone else sensing romance between Mac and Stella? Bet they drag this one out FOREVER (if they ever give in and make them a couple). The shooting as the screen faded to black has me just antsy waiting for the season premier.

CSI
Sorry gang, but I've tried to watch the episode three times now and keep falling asleep. At least I know that it temporarily cures my insomnia!!

Dancing With The Stars
By far, my favorite season of the show! Melissa, Gilles and Shawn were all fabulous! Cheryl is known for pulling out the stops during the freestyle dance - but her Flashdance inspired number wasn't that impressive to me. Maybe because all Gilles got to do was keep posing and picking her up? Shawn and Mark's dance on the on the other hand was AMAZING!! I wish that ABC didn't drag the show out like that though... they could have easily gotten it all done in half the time. I can't wait to see who signs up for the next season! Any guesses?

Fringe
I fell in love with the Freshman season of this show. It's based in Boston, it's quirky and it is a great combo of sci-fi "out there" and thought provoking "could that really happen". Walter goes missing, we learn that Peter actually died as a child (which...um...means that the Peter we know now is from the alternate universe), we finally meet William Bell (fantastic casting of Leonard Nimoy, btw) and the season ends with Olivia visiting this alternate universe. Can.not.wait. to see what they do next!! Who'da thunk that I'd like something sci-fi?!

Grey's Anatomy
Even now - pass me the tissues! They always have great finales, but this just takes the cake! George enlists in the Army as a Trauma doc; I was so proud of him & I cried (WHAT?!?! Don't act like you're surprised!); we find out that someone pushed a woman out of the way of an oncoming bus and when this gentleman traces "007" on Meredith's hand - that it's George. Izzie comes off her dream wedding and needs to make the choice between surgery and drugs. She chooses surgery (after much prodding my EVERYONE else) and survives only to flat-line later. We see here on an elevator during this time and the doors open to George in his Class- A's. Who lives?? Who dies?? Ugh, I want to know NOW!! In the meantime, Meredith gives this speech about finding the time to be happy and wants to get married at the court house the same day. She and Derek waylay this plan to do Izzy's surgery and instead decide that a post-it signed by both of them is legally binding. This is going to be a ginormous problem next season; I can just feel it! Lexie and Mark gave their far share of laughs through the episode. I hope that she gives in and moves in with him!

NCIS
After Tony kills a Moussad assassin (aka Ziva's boyfriend), the Director sends the gang (minus Abby and McGee to Israel. Tony effectively shows the Moussad Director (aka Ziva's dad) that he acted in self-defense; but Ziva still won't forgive him for killing her boyfriend. With all the tension that has built all season; it was anti-climactic. However, having the season end with Ziva deciding to stay in Israel; and then see her all beaten and swollen as she is interrogate by her own people means that it's going to be an interesting season. Also- I loved the unofficial premier for NCIS' spin off in LA. I think that Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J should make for a really cool show.

Private Practice
This is definitely isn't Shonda Rhimes' first priority, but it has grown into a decent show. Addison has enough of trying to hide her love/lust for her patients husband and has Dell deliver the patients baby. I'm glad that they showed that Dell could step up and take care of things (especially after his little bout with excessive partying and alcohol a few episodes back), but it made Addison look weak and wishy-washy. I'm happy that Violet finally chose between Pete and Sheldon - even if she still doesn't know who her unborn baby's father is. I hope it's Pete! My heart broke a little when Sam pronounced his love for Naomi and she in turn announces that she took a job with their competing clinic. And the heart stopping moment of the episode was when Violet's delusional patient (who lost a baby) shows up and Violet and Cooper's door to reclaim the baby. Poor Violet is incapacitated and decides to walk this woman through how to kill her and get the baby out unharmed. Of all the times for Cooper to decide to be with his girlfriend instead of his bff Violet... sigh!

Ok, that's enough for now. I anticipate a second volume of this over the weekend. :-)
What season finales did you love or hate? What are you most looking forward to seeing in September?


May 26, 2009

Tuesdays At The Table - Mexican Pasta Salad

It's been a really busy day, so I'm about 18-22 hours later than my usual Tuesday post. Sorry ladies!! I love Andrea's weekly blog party; you all have so many great recipe ideas!

This week, I'm sharing another easy one - great for those summer cook-outs we know and love. :-)


TuesdaysAtTheTable

Mexican Pasta Salad

1 box bowtie pasta
1 pint container of cherry tomatoes
1/2 block (approx 4 oz.) of Pepper Jack or Cheddar cheese
3-4 stalks of scallions

Prepare bowtie pasta using box instructions. Strain, rinse to cool and strain pasta again. Chop scallions fine; cut cherry tomatoes into halves (or quarters if they are large) and cut cheese into little 1/4 inch squares.

In a smaller bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayo and 1/3 cup salsa. (If you use a chunky salsa, you may need more).

Combine above dressing with all other ingredients, mixing well.

Chill for a few hours and serve.


May 25, 2009

Musical Monday - A Memorial Day Tribute

Happy Memorial Day! Many of you that read my blog have the privilege of standing behind and supporting one of the many Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors that keep us safe. Each of the men and women who serve our country are a blessing; and so are you!

I love "I'm Already There" by Lonestar, and think that this tribute video is great.



A family friend - Andrew Farrar died on his 31st birthday in Iraq. The video below is a tribute that his family put together, based on his favorite Dropkick Murphy's song. The band was kind enough to perform at his funeral.



Both of my grandfathers were in the military during WWII. I learned so much from both of them, but my mom's dad left a distinct impression with me. He had a sense of humor that I will never forget; joking that he ended up in the war because he was in San Francisco and got on the wrong boat! He thought he was going on a cruise. Hahaha. :-) As a little girl, he taught a few of us one of his FAVORITE Army cadences; which I can unfortunately not find a video. The lyrics are below though so you can imagine him teaching this to little kids! He was a hoot.

Oh, and JC entered his boot camp graduation marching to it. I laughed and cried; I don't know which one I did harder - as I hadn't heard the cadence since Grandpa passed away my freshman year of high school. Speaking to JC after the ceremony, he mentioned that he recognized the cadence; but couldn't figure out how he knew it.


In The Army
Oh, the coffee in the Army,
They say it's mighty fine,
It looks like muddy water
And tastes like turpentine.

Chorus
Oh, no! Don't want no more of Army life,
Gee, Mom, I wanna go home!

Oh the food in the Army,
They say it's mighty fine,
A chicken got off the table
And started marking time.

Chorus

And the biscuits in the Army,
They say they're mighty fine,
One jumped off the mess tray
And killed a friend of mine.

Chorus

The women in the army,
They say they're mighty fine,
They look like Phyllis Diller
And march like Frankenstein.

Final Chorus
Oh, no! Don't want no more of Army life,
Gee, Mom, I wanna go,
But they won't let me go,
Gee, Mom, I wanna go home!


Much love to all of you <3

May 24, 2009

A Stolen Survey...

I stole this survey from Jane. It just looked like fun, and I didn't think she'd mind. :-)

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments.. what is it?
1. Produce: Tomatoes
2. Bakery: Focaccia
3. Meat: Pork ribs
4. Frozen: Edy's Moose Tracks Ice Cream
5. Dairy: chocolate milk

Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag?
1. Sundress
2. flip flops
3. light sweater

If I was to listen in on your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?
1. Seriously
2. Now serving #883 (or other random numbers)
3. I have NEW messages? I only walked away for a minute!
4. Now I've seen it all
5. Someone pass me the notebook (yes, we document the dumba$$ things our customers say)

So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you probably wouldn't be in the best mood?
1. Drink coffee
2. Cuddle with my dogs
3. LAUGH!

We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?
1. Reading
2. Knitting
3. Cuddling the dogs
4. Playing computer games
5. Reading all the blogs I've been missing lately.

We are going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?
1. Lions
2. Seals
3. Giraffes

You just scored tickets to the taping of any show that comes on t.v. of your choice. You can pick between 4, so what are you deciding between?
1. Red Sox game
2. Patriots game
3. Oprah's "favorite things"
4. Finale of Dancing With The Stars

You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?
1. Breyer's Peppermint Chip
2. Edy's Moose Tracks
3. Friendly's Vanilla

Somebody stole your purse/wallet…in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what's in there?
1. Wallet
2. Camera
3. Stila lip glaze in 3 colors
4. Phones...You heard right. PLURAL; My blackberry and my work phone aka "The batphone".
5. Gum

You are at a job fair, and asked what areas you are interested in pursuing a career in. Let's pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 4 careers would be fun for you?
1. Mom
2. Event planner
3. Author
4. Interior designer

If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school, and inform yourself of 4 things, what would you say?
1. Stop following all the rules.
2. You are smarter than you think you are.
3. Embrace your geekiness. It'll pay off later.
4. Have more fun; you know your homework is already done. You don't NEED the extra credit.


May 23, 2009

A Blessing In Disguise

Well, today was supposed to be a fun-filled day at Dina's new apartment... She and her boyfriend are throwing an apartment warming party (it's their first place together) and introducing everyone to their new puppies, Chelsea and Bella.

Unfortunately, I've been having migraine headaches lately. YUCK! I got one last night and it lingered through most of today.

So instead of playing with puppies, grilling stuff and goofing off - I lounged around the house with an icepack on my head and my fabulous fuzzballs whimpering at me. (I love that they know that something just isn't quite right with me today.)

On the bright side, I've made it through a lot of season finales that were on my DVR (I'll write about all the season finale shockers and cliff hangers next week) and got a start on some knitting. (HURRAY for paying knitting jobs!!)

I hope you ALL are having a fabulous weekend and hopefully I'll have a more exciting post tomorrow.


May 19, 2009

It's Made Out of WHAT?!?!

I love my kids. They are the sweetest, funniest, cuddliest little things...even if they don't "speak" clearly and tend to get themselves into trouble if I leave them alone for too long. :-)

This love for my dachshunds has, in turn, meant a new found appreciation of dachshund figures. Below are a few that I've found lately. When I first saw them, I thought they were real! What a great artist to have even come up with these...

















I think that I'm going to buy the banana!



May 18, 2009

Tuesdays At The Table - Impossibly Easy Quesadilla Pie

Hola chicas! You guessed it - it's time for Andrea's weekly blog party!! I'm in a Mexican food mood today, so I'm sharing one of my quickest (and easiest) Mexican meals.


TuesdaysAtTheTable



Impossibly Easy Quesadilla Pie

1 can (4.5 oz) of chopped green chiles, drained well
2 cups (8 oz) of shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tsp of chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 cup of original Bisquick mix
1 1/2 cups of milk
3 eggs

Grease a 9-inch pie plate and sprinkle chilies, cheese and cilantro into the pie plate. Stir all other ingredients in a bowl until well blended and then pour into pie plate.
Bake 25-30 minutes at 400 degrees (a knife inserted into the center will come out clean). Cool for a few minutes and serve with salsa and sour cream.

YUMMY!! What are you cooking up?


Musical Monday - The Man Who Can't Be Moved & Borderline

Music means a lot to me. Thanks to those of you who took a few minutes and listened to the Banana Boat Song last week. :-)

This week I'm sharing two songs: The Script's - The Man Who Can't Be Moved & Kiernan McMullan's - Borderline.





A. This group sounds like a cross between Keane and Sting; both of which I really like. :-)
B. Ghost Whisperer has been using this song for weeks, and like most music - just got STUCK in my head!
C. I haven't gone to Ireland yet - and REALLY want to, so I'm visiting through music.





A. Kiernan is a friend of a friend; he and I have gotten acquainted through Facebook.
B. He is an up and coming singer. You'll want to say you heard his music before he hit it big!
C. Kiernan just went back to Ireland after touring the USA. Hopefully, he'll be back soon.


May 17, 2009

I Missed Y'All!

Hi Gang-
Sorry I went missing. Last week was just ridiculous at work, and by the time I got home at night - I was too tired to read all of your blogs or post anything of my own.

It seems that going missing for about a week has cost me a follower. Frankly - that just sucks!!

Anyway, I'm not going to dwell on it. To those of you still reading - I'll do my best to post this week and to catch up on reading all of your blogs. I missed all of you!


May 11, 2009

Tuesdays At The Table - Meatball Bubble Biscuits

Happy Tuesday!! It's time for Andrea's weekly blog party - Tuesdays at the Table. This week is Meatball Bubble Biscuits, a recent find from Pillsbury.com.


TuesdaysAtTheTable




Meatball Bubble Biscuits

1 can (12 oz) buttermilk or original flaky Pillsbury biscuits
10 frozen cooked meatballs that have been thawed and cut in half
2 sticks (1 oz. each) of string cheese, cut into 10 pieces
1 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp of italian seasoning
1/4 tsp of garlic

1 cup of marinara sauce, heated

Seperate the can of biscuits into 10 biscuits, then seperate each biscuit into 2 layers. Press each newly formed biscuit into a 3 inch round.
Place a meatball half and a piece of string cheese in the center of each dough round. Wrap around and press shut each dough round.
In an 8 or 9 inch cake pan, place each seem size down in a single layer.
Sprinkle evenly with garlic, italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.
Bake 20-25 minutes at 375.
Dip in marinara and enjoy. :-)


Musical Monday - The Banana Boat Song

Howdy gang... Happy Monday! I mentioned a few posts ago (I think), that I was contemplating starting a little feature every Monday.

Why you ask?! Well, 'cuz I love me some music! To most of my family and friends - I'm the music girl. I was a road trip kiddo and when you are stuck in the car for most of your youth - you develop some fairly diverse musical tastes quickly. :-)

So without further ado, I give you one of my childhood favorites.
A. Because it's the Muppets...and who doesn't like the Muppets?!?!
B. It's a happy song that almost everyone knows at least part of.
C. I'm all about the nostalgia today.





If you don't like my little musical side trip... sit tight til next week when I unveil a new song. Or if you REALLY don't like this and want me to go back to my regularly schedule blogging... EMAIL me! I'd say that you should just leave a comment - but if it's not a happy thing; I want to be the only one that sees it, k?!

May 06, 2009

It Makes Me Smile

Sorry for the randomness... but I'm have a smidge of trouble writing a "pretty" post tonight. You all know I love bullet points, so let's bring 'em on!


  • My company has gone a little overboard on the H1N1 precautions. We have been sent a letter banning us from business travel to Mexico, and it has been highly "suggested" that we best not presume we're allowed to vacation there either. The following sign has been posted in our bathroom. Don't y'all know how to wash your hands? I do!! And I bet you do too! However, this sign will come into play in a few minutes too... There are also little signs and bottles of hand sanitizer everywhere you turn. OK, I realize that we're a VERY large healthcare corporation and that we'd look like complete idiots if it ever turned out one of our employees got "The Swine"...but we aren't five years old.







  • When last I spoke of the Ladies of Uzbekistan, it was to mention their "interesting" sense of style. It turns out - style is the least of their worries. They are very likely the ones that are the intended audience of our many, many workplace signs. One of them walked into that bathroom with me, used the facilities, came out, looked at the sign and walked out the door. Without.washing.her.hands. Uh, 'scuse me...but the instructions weren't an option. It isn't a multiple choice thing (A. Wash your hands the way WE tell you too. B. Don't wash up and just leave); you need to wash your hands!! ICK!

  • YAY for an awesome eBay purchase. I won 2 bottles of OPI Sweet Heart nail polish for $2.98. Go me! Now if I could just win the Havaianas flip-flops I've been bidding on. :-)


  • I have a new favorite song (see video below), and am considering a weekly feature called Musical Mondays. A random new song that I think you should listen too; and I have really random taste...so you could be in store for quite a treat. Heeheehee. What do you think? Is it something that you'd read/listen to?




Women's Health aka I'm SO Sorry!

A few weeks ago, I posted about E.L.F's make-up...and subsequently, a few of you ordered. About a week ago, an issue of Women's Health showed up in my mailbox. Two days later, another issue showed up. Being the naive person I am - thought nothing of it.

When A Sassy Engineer mentioned in a recent post that the magazine showed up in her mailbox too, I knew something was up. Turns out she figured it out before I did... (And BLESS her for that.)

E.L.F has given people that ordered recently "gift" subscriptions. Like A Sassy Engineer - I called customer support and they confirmed that they have not & will not be charging for this subscription. Plus that ASSURED me that the subscription won't auto-renew.

I am so, so, so sorry if any of you are also getting unwanted mail (and thus far have been too polite to mention it) because of my post.

Please accept my apologies.


May 04, 2009

Tuesdays At The Table - Hot Artichoke Dip

Howdy, ladies! It's time for Andrea's weekly blog party. Woohoo!!

This week, I'm doin' a dip....


TuesdaysAtTheTable



Hot Artichoke Dip

14 oz. can Artichoke Hearts
1 c. Mayo
1 c. Grated Parmesan (I like the fresh grated stuff instead of the stuff in a can)
1/2 tsp. Garlic powder

Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the grated cheese. Combine all ingredients together, mixing well. Spoon into a lightly greased, shallow casserole dish. Sprinkle reserved cheese over top of mixtures. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Serve with crackers or bagel chips (yum, yum)!


The Good, The Bad & The Ugly (Army Edition)

Ugh, I can't wait until this deployment is over.... So, right on to business.

The Good
  • Saturday's volunteer care package event was an astounding success. About 200 volunteers, 2 hours and approximately 550 care packages that should be now winging their way to Afghanistan and Iraq. I am so proud of all the volunteers and our corporate sponsors.

  • Last night I packed a personal care package for JC. He wanted a few CDs that he could load into his iPod via his laptop & I wanted to send him snacks (including a last shipment of chocolate before it arrives as soup for the next 6 months) and a few Red Sox items to make him smile. I always go to the same Post Office; they know my name. Well, behind me was this really gruff older man as I signed the customs form and promised I wasn't sending anything dangerous. All the sudden, he taps my shoulder and asks if it would be OK if he pays for JC's care package!! I was stunned; shocked; awed! Of course I said YES. This man made my day and restored my faith in humanity (This comment will make sense when you read down in a minute).

The Bad

  • JC's MOS (Army job) is a Master Driver. He is trained to drive everything but tanks. Right before he deployed, he found out that because of his high scores at the shooting range - he was going to be the assigned Gunner for their truck. Even with this; I rationalized that not only do I the trust the men he's with...it's still safer than if he was Infantry. Mil chics - wanna guess what I'm going to say next????
  • That's right! JC called me a week and a half ago and announced that they have WAY too many "transportation" people and not enough Infantry, so the approximately 150 people that deployed w/him and ended up at his FOB are all now patrolling villages. "Don't worry" he said; in a week I'll be back on my truck.
  • He called yesterday (and texted me - SURPRISE, SURPRISE - I NEVER EXPECTED A TEXT FROM A'STAN. Wonder what that's gonna look like on my phone bill...) and said that even with consistent flow of new troops - his brigade is on foot patrols for at least another 3 months.
  • One of my friends (bless her sweet, non-military informed soul) suggested that JC go to his C.O. and REFUSE to do it! He "didn't sign up for that". Uh...pumpkin?!?! Insubordination isn't going to help ANY of them and once Uncle Sam has your a$$, you do what he says.

The Ugly

  • While Saturday's care package event was wonderful...there was a little "incident".
  • The event took place at a rifle and gun club (queue Redneck jokes) and at the end of getting all this stuff packed up and labeled - we filed out to the parking lot to go home.
  • Cars, SUVs, Trucks with military decals in all shapes and forms as far as the eye could see. As we left, a group of us (I'm going to say that there were about 7-8 or us) got approached by two random guys asking what we were doing. Of course - we told them.
  • They went OFF on us. "How dare we support the war?", "Didn't we know that the President would bring all the guys home if we stopped sending supplies?", "Why do we want soldiers to die?". I couldn't help it; I just CRIED!! It was so upsetting that people feel this way about those that are sacrificing for us.
  • I found out from a friend that these two men are POLICE!! I am so ashamed of them; and am glad they aren't police officers in my city.



May 03, 2009

Things That Go "BUMP" In The Night

My dogs are curious...really curious. But in the safety of our back-yard, there isn't anything that can go wrong, right?! Um, wrong!

Friday night, I let the herd out to "potty" before we went to bed around 11:30. Right away Carmella started this screaming bark. A bark like I have never heard from her in all six years of her little life.

So, I hightail my keister out the door and yell at them to head in. Beckett comes running to me like a good boy, so I put his butt in the house and them run over to our cabana. At this point, I should mention that the cabana is jam.packed.full of lawn furniture and a few picnic tables.

I get right up to the cabana windows and hear growling. Not just the barking and growling of my "girls", but something growling back at them! Carmella gets by the door and I grab her by her tail (not my finest moment...but in the same situation, I'd do it again) and haul her into the house.

At this point - Meadow, my fearless little peanut is the only one left in the cabana with this growling animal. After what seemed like hours of screaming at her (while trying to move all the furniture OUT of the cabana) I finally get my hands on her and hear the growling REALLY close up.

I'd like to identify exactly what animal it was for you... but I'm no dumb bunny! I grabbed her and ran into the house.

Yesterday, I saw a dark brown animal walking across my back neighbor's yard. It's either a badger or one hell of a ground hog. I'm talking 20 or so pounds folks.

Now I have to go out with them every night. It's going to be a looooong summer. Sigh.


May 01, 2009

Chocolate Makes The World Go- Round

It's a bit weird... but chocolate has been at the center of many conversations this week.

My parents went to Texas to visit my dad's side of the family. As per family custom - you bring gifts back to half the world. What did dear mom and dad bring me? Chocolate covered pecans. TOTAL YUMMY-NESS! The can of them resides in my fridge, and I eat a few each night as a treat. (They also bought me a Coach contact lense holder! Who knew that Coach made them?!?!)




Every.single.meeting this week has had a bowl of chocolate at it - M&M's, Hershey Kisses, chocolate covered raisins... I've seen it all this week.

One of my "girls" has a fabulous husband. On Tuesday, her hubby sent an Edible Arrangement to work. Chocolate covered strawberries, pineapple and bananas. Everyone feasted on dark and white chocolate...and fruit. Ultimately, we were eating fruit - so it's a healthy snack, right?!




Wednesday we had a firedrill. What did we eat whilst ogling the firemen??? You guessed it - CHOCOLATE! Godiva truffles, baby!

Know that fab hubby mentioned above? Yep, about 2 hours ago another Edible Arrangement arrived. A bouquet of chocolate covered strawberries as a bribe to his wife to let him go to the basketball game tomorrow.




Did you notice that I skipped Thursday? I'm saving the best/weirdest for last. Yesterday was an obserational conversation on the joys of chocolate - which led us into "What food is best w/chocolate". I think by favorite is pretzels! Anyway... we got on this weird tangent of what do you think could be made "better" by adding chocolate. Someone mentioned bacon. (barf) So, I decided to Google it...and damn skippy - it exists. In fact, here an old blog entry I found with instructions! (http://karagitz.blogspot.com/2005/09/chocolate-covered-bacon_28.html)If you decide to be daring enough to try it; let me know. I'm curious!

I also found bacon and chocolate cupcakes. (http://agoodappetite.blogspot.com/2008/04/dark-chocolate-bacon-cupcakes.html)Weird.. but just enough that I think I might need to make them and see if anyone notices the bacon.

What do you think? Can just about everything be made better with chocolate?

 
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