Friday and What Not

So I finally got to see Memoirs of a Geisha. It was great. I knew as I drove to the theater that they would have to leave something out. I mean the book is someone's life from early childhood to old age. It focuses on the pre-teen to mid 20's of her life, but the book was still quite a timeline of events. So yeah, they left some out, and having read the book, I was sort of left wanting more. I wonder how the movie would be for someone who hasn't read the book. It was really a beautiful film, as far as the costumes and the landscapes. I guess I'm not too much of a movie buff, so I don't consider myself a critic at all. There were casting choices I loved, and those I didn't so much. There were things I liked about the acting and things I didn't. There are also a few things I would didn't like about the directing. I thought some things were made too obvious. But maybe that's because I read the book. Anyway, it was very nice to get out with Heather for awhile and take in a movie. It isn't often that I do that.

I'm having sinus issues AGAIN. Very frustrating.

Did some cleaning and organizing in the basement today. Ew, very musty and I even discovered a dead, dehydrated mouse in a paper bag full of my girls' old shoes. Double Ew. But I have three and a half bins packed up and labeled. Three are in the crawlspace. When I am finished we will have room for the kids to skate or bike down there a little. I figured if I didn't think about doing it all in one trip down there, I'd be less overwhelmed and more able to tackle it. This seems to be working. I also found some baby clothes which are since washed and dried. I think the sizes will work for G's friend Eric who has a very new baby.

I feel a little off balance. I think perhaps it's because I've spent most of my waking time with my kids. I love this, but it is still a departure from our normal routine. I guess I feel a bit starved for adult conversation. I've had a small bit with my hubby, but I'm used to more.

Earlier my house smelled like the wild. My dogs had run outside and since we've had quite a thaw going on this week, it is muddy and smelly out there. They more or less brought the outdoors in. It was way stinky. Now all I smell is the lingering smell of steak, mixed with the bourbon Caramel Gingersnaps candle that is burning. Pretty good. Also planning to throw in some choc chunk cookies a little later. That will smell nice. Plus I have that insatiable holiday sweet craving. When will it go away?

Went to the grocery store today. Got some provisions for our trip. Heather's Family, Luke's family and 3/4 of my family are going to an indoor waterpark/resort on Monday. Mmmmm 80 deg F and humid, how does that sound. Well if you are in the Midwest right now it probably sounds very inviting. I told the group I'd cook breakfast for anyone interested. I'm making pancakes, maple sausage links, coffee, oj, and possibly some eggs. Mmmm I love breakfast. This will save everyone money on the trip if they take advantage. I cook breakfast most Sat. and Sun. I think I'm trying to make my children's memories somewhat like mine. My mother always cooked breakfast when we were all home. We eat a lot of meals together all sitting at the table. I like that. Supposedly this will help to keep my girls on the straight and narrow as they grow into their rebellious teens. Now keep in mind that I am NOT in any way looking forward to putting a swimsuit on, but the idea of the warmth and the waterslides and the company of my close friends... That's something to really look forward to. The same group of us went to a different indoor water park last January. It was lots of fun and the kids talk about it often. I put a printout from this place's website in an envelope that my daughter opened on Christmas morning. They are very very excited. One other part I am not looking forward to is sharing a bathroom with that many people. But, maybe I'm forgetting, we might have two of them in our large suite.

I've popped a few Tylenol sinus/headache pills. The daytime non-drowsies, since I took them before 5:00pm. Oh I also bought some champagne and some sparkling grape juice for our big blowout (yeah right) with our kids tomorrow night.

So that's what is going on with me. Blogland seems quiet during the holiday season. Hopefully that when we all drag our asses back to the office, blogging will become more interesting. Only Pynchon seems to be blogging a storm right on through it all.


Happy New Year!

Vacation

The only bad thing about vacation is how it makes you never ever want to go back to work. I feel like my shoulder tension is starting to relax. Could it be?

Might go and see Geisha tonight, I hope.

Had a disturbing dream last night that I was pregnant. It was one of those really real dreams. I was waiting as long as possible to tell anyone because I thought it would make the time go more quickly (someone I know took this approach recently). Anyway, I wanted to be happy about it, but I just couldn't believe it had happened. I always think that our family is just the right size for me and that I don't know if I could go through all the sleeplessness and such one more time. I had this dream partly because my brother was telling me I should have one more, and partly because I needed to remember to call my doctor today.

I have a ton of housework to do... And then there is the undecorating (ugh).

I noticed an Iraq hit on my blog, if you are that person and a soldier, I would love for you to leave a comment. And thanks for enlisting.

Course when you get a hit from somewhere, you have no way of knowing if that person reads often, or if they hit your blog mistakenly or even if they can speak or read english.

Gripes

1) I am at work

2) I slept like shit

3) Dreamt of mouse infestation when I did finally sleep.

4) Too much work to do

5) Felt blue over the holidays.

On the plus side:
Traffic was very light today,
My kids had so much fun over Christmas,
I'm not working again until January 4th

So all in all I guess I haven't got too much to complain about.

I had a very weird dream where myself and two former coworkers from two separate jobs were training to be police officers (this is from watching too much 'Cops'). Anyway it was strange because in my dream this girl Jill whom I worked with at Friday's, handcuffed me to Chris, who used to work at my current place of employment. It was some type of training where we had to see if we could handle stress. So next we had to calculate our blood pressure, but I kept forgetting how to get the two numbers (and mind you we had no bp cuff or whatever). I think we were really trying to get our heart rates because I remember putting my two fingers and thumb around his wrist and looking at my watch (which would be tricky if handcuffed together). Anyway it was stupid. And I was wearing (this was my police uniform) a gray Ohio State sweatshirt, and my dark green polyester Bakers Square apron. Thus I have determined that this was just another stress related Bakers Square nightmare camouflaged as something else.

Thanks to everyone who visited my blog with Christmas tidings. Hope all of you had a very enjoyable Holiday.

Hello Again

Whew, I'm back to blog again. And tonight I finished my shopping (don't get too excited Glenn, I went very practical and small for you - keeping your trip home in mind).

I have gone from bed ridden to frenzied in with only one transition day (yesterday). Sunday I was sick, Monday, still sick (and home from work which proves I was sick). Yesterday I was well enough to go to work. Had a crazy hectic day balancing lots of different tasks, had customers in, ate lunch with them which made it feel as if I hadn't taken lunch : ( Then after work I went to the Cavs game (The Cleveland Cavaliers is a Pro Basketball team). It was really nice, this sales guy at our company who I had never had the pleasure to meet before, invited me and an engineer to go (as a thank you for helping him with this demo). We were 3 rows back on the floor, just about center court. I'm not a sports fan, but that was awesome. I got two Mr. Potato Head Cavaliers, and a T-shirt for my hubby. We had a great dinner (expensive) complete with wine and appetizers. I took it easy on the food because my tummy still felt weak from the flu.

Today, I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned (I know Emma clean house = boring life or something right?) But I am entertaining a smallish crowd here for Christmas Eve. I had to clean. My house doesn't smell too doggie (at least to me). I locked myself out of the house!!! What a nightmare. My two kids sleeping soundly upstairs couldn't let me in. I was wearing a dirty t-shit, no bra, dirty jeans, house shoes, I looked like a rat. So I had to run next door (200 feet or so) through 1-2 feet of snow with dirty garage towels wrapped around me for warmth and for modesty (no bra). Turns out my hubby had used those towels to clean up dog pee in the garage- Ew! I had to call him at work and he came to let me in. The neighbor let me sit in his warm car (with the heavy sweatshirt his daughter had loaned me) so I could be close to the kids (and check several times to see if they were awake yet and/or panicked). I felt like such a dork. My neighbors have only seen me at my worst. They wouldn't know me if they saw me with makeup on or clean clothes. So embarassing.

So after the disaster, I finished steam cleaning my carpets, cooked dinner, showered (ahhhh). Then after eating I went out at 8:00 and finished shopping. It wasn't nearly as unpleasant as I had anticipated. Not too crowded, the roads weren't busy, people weren't especially rude, didn't feel all that much like Christmas shopping. So glad to be done. Whew!

So Glenn, my flu was more just the aches, pains, fever/chill and nausea. I didn't vomit or run to the toilet this time. But I was still miserable and had no appetite. Today I was truly hungry, what with becoming a white tornado and getting over illness. Now to see what everyone else is blogging about...

Flu

I've got the flu and I'm absolutely miserable. Don't worry though, I'll be back to blogging soon.

Self medicating

My tummy is still not right. Tonight I am going to cure myself with beer. "The cause of and solution to all of life's problems"
-Homer J.

Recipes for Glenn

Okay, if you are having a sitdown, this is a surefire hit (although if you are serving mainly gay men, I don't know if the hediously fattening foods go over well, I sure hope so when it is Christmas).

Sweet Potato Casserole

Base:

3 Cups Sweet Potatoes cooked and mashed (I just open up a few cans, trust me it will be great)

1 1/2 Cups White Sugar

1/3 Cup Milk

1/2 C butter (softened slightly)

2 eggs (large, not extra large)

1 tsp vanilla

Topping:

1C. light brown sugar

1/3 cup butter (slightly softened)

1/2 C self rising flour

cream this together then add

1 C. chopped pecans (you can purchase them chopped)

Mix the base ingredients and spoon into 11x13 baking dish and level it with spoon. Then pour topping over and smooth until level. Bake at 350 for 25 min or until topping is nicely browned

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Artichoke Dip

8 oz shredded Mozerella

8 oz shredded cheddar

1C mayo

1 Can 16 oz of artichokes (chop them fairly small)

1 can sliced mushrooms (also chop)

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1/4 C parmesean or ramono (or better, asiago)

Mix together use parmesean or ramono as topping, bake until top is brown. Serve with hearty wheat crackers while still very warm.

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Elsie's Pumpkin Bars

3/4 C Oleo (I used butter softened)

4 lg eggs

2 C. Sugar

2 C Pumpkin or 15 oz can (i used can)

2 C. Flour

2 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1 C Chopped nuts (optional)

Beat oleo and sugar and eggs. Add Pumpkin. Add dry ingredients and nuts (I didn't use the nuts). Bake at 325 for 30-40 min in 13x9x2 in greased AND floured pan. Done when toothpick inserted comes out clean, don't overbake. Frost when cool.

Frosting:

1 - 3oz pkg cream cheese (or 1/2 of an 8oz)

3/4 stick oleo (6T)

1 tsp vanilla

1 TBSp cream or milk

3 1/2 C powdered sugar

Beat until smooth. Frost cake and store in refrigerator, cut in squares and serve.

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Let me know if you guys try any of these, they are all very good. I also have a really different waldorf salad one if you want it. Instead of mayo (which grosses out some like mom on fruit, but not me, I love it) it has a sauce made from condensed milk, pineapple juice and whipped cream, butter and sugar, you cook that then add the whip cream, then mix it with apple chunks, craisins, grapes, coconut, pineapple really whatever you like, but I'll get you the exact recipe if you are interested. My kids requested that one this Christmas.

Tell me the weekend isn't over

I haven't been feeling great this weekend. My guts are in some form of turmoil. I haven't accomplished all that much, and it's back to work already tomorrow.

Kids are still napping and it's very very quiet in here. Just the sound of doggie feet walking slowly through the kitchen. Right now my 1 yr old lab is trying to force my foot into scratching her back. She's very resourceful you know.

I'm hosting another room party for my daughter's kindergarten this week. I am confident it will be more fun and less stress than the last one...

I'm looking very forward to January 2, when my friends and I will be taking a mini vacation to a somewhat local indoor water park. 80 deg and humid sounds very nice. Too bad about the need to wear a swimsuit though. Blogland is quiet again, I didn't expect that so soon after my brother returning to the scene.

An interesting blog development is that Luke's friend Chris is getting to know my brother. I like that because I want everyone to know Glenn. He's a bit much at times "Mary, Mary, Mary" but he's so silly and funny and smart. I like Chris too, don't know him that well, but if we were in the same place at the same time more often, I can tell we'd be good friends. Most of Luke's friends fall into that category though.

I have a potroast and potatoes in the oven. I'll also be cooking up a hubbard squash and (of all things) some scallops. My daughter has decided she'd really like to try them. Hopefully I will cook them just right and she will begin to share my love of seafood, although there will probably be no such thing as seafood when she is my age (another 30 years). We'll see.

I'm not looking forward to this workweek, it will be full of politics and heated debate. Not my bag. Glenn would be a good one to help me if he lived in this state and understood what I was up against (and worked for my company... I guess it isn't going to happen huh?).

It is sure to be a fairly quiet week on this blog, busy at work and home, and lots of bad weather (which has a negative impact on my blogging).

Wish List

Okay, so some want to know what I want/need for Christmas. Well I told Glenn last night that I need some warm/water repellent ski gloves (no I do not ski). I also need some real snow boots that are insulated, non slip, and slide on (dark in color) Something like this:

Those boots are from here:
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=wildcat-boots&categoryId=38372&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=8562&cat4=8558&shop_method=pp&feat=ssdpa8558, but those are pricey, I don't need a $79 pair of anything. I just want boots I can slide on if the dogs need out, that are comfy and practical for playing in the snow with the kids too. Just trying to help as I fear I am none of those people that is tough to shop for. I would like a size 8 even though I normally wear a 7 1/2, but I don't want snug snowboots. And in the winter I like to wear thick socks.

Whooo Hoooo Glenn is back!

Look out blogfans! Glenn's brain dumps is back online. Not for the weak of heart...
I'm soooooo tired. Had a stressful day at work and it hasn't gotten much better... Yet!

Once I read to the kids and brush their teeth, I'm going to kiss them goodnight and make myself a drink!! Holiday Cheer, that is. I think Khaluha in either milk or hot chocolate.

More tomorrow maybe, I gotta get this bedtime going.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by. Novy, I started reading and tried to comment to you about the court thing (can't remember if it was during the period of comment trouble though). Sorry for all of your grief/stress/pain. My heart goes out to you. Alycea, I plan on stopping by your place again soon, just too busy tonight, thanks for playing my blog game.

The Analysis

Okay, So for Luke, Fluke, and Glenn since you are the only ones playing along:
Your answer about the fav. animal relates to how you view yourself. (supposedly those words you might use to describe yourself)
Favorite color relates to how you think other people see you.
Words used to describe your favorite season might be words you would use to describe SEX.
And lastly, the white room nothing and nobody else there, that is what you think it will be like to be dead.
So, did you think any of this hit home? Since I knew what the answers meant already, I used my same answers that I gave when my friend gave me this test in the early 90's (to be fair). And of course because you would probably change your answers if you knew what you were saying...

Snow

Took me an hour to drive to work today. This is totally ridiculous, I live in the snowiest place around and at my house there was a fresh 3" big f' deal. That is NOTHING and the roads were fine (not great but fine). WTF people, you act like you all come from Georgia or something. And ususally it's only this pointlessly slow the first 2 or 3 storms. By now it should be old hat.

I'm going to hold off maybe one more day on evaluating the personality test. Not too many takers out there... yet.

I'm going to go get some coffee and some food.

This will be fun... NO CHEATING

Here's a test of your personality, but just copy this and answer honestly. Once a few of my blog-mates do it, I'll show you how to analyze it. I first did this in the early 90's so maybe some of you have heard it. It works best if you use adjectives below:

What is your favorite animal? Dog
Three words to describe that animal: Loyal, Loving, Friendly
What is your favorite Color? Blue
Three words to describe that color: Calm, soothing, relaxing
What is your favorite season? Summer
Three words to describe that season: Hot, fun, free
Now, you are in a room, everything is white, there is nothing in the room but you. How do you feel? Bored, Calm, Lonely

This is the way I first saw this test, I've seen other versions. If you can't wait for me to post the analysis, you can probably find this test on the Internet. The answers can be a lot of fun. So be honest and put down your first thoughts on each of these.

A pleasant Day

This morning we took the kids to a Children's Christmas party. It was really nice, especially because my husband came along which makes keeping after two kids really simple. Santa was there, the girls got to express their wishes. We had a breakfast of sorts (party was at 10:00am) and then Jungle Terry performed. He is an educator on Wildlife and quite a nice man as well. My husband has known him for over 20 years.

We got home, had a small lunch, I did some housework and then took a nap with my kids. I love napping with them. Only problem is that I am usually the first to fall asleep only to be awaken repeatedly by giggles and such. Today the nap wasn't so good because my husband's cell phone was downstairs impersonating a cricket for quite some time (before my fog lifted and I acknowledged the duplicate emails someone had send) and then our heating contractor called. We seriously never get calls unless I am trying to sleep or put dinner on the table.

Got up from the nap and put on ABC Family channel which is showing Christmas specials non-stop between now and JC's bday. Then I did loads of housework until it was time to cook some dinner. The heating contractor showed up around 2 or 3, and is still here, so my husband didn't make it in for dinner. We had chicken and capers with butter,garlic and a dash of marsala wine, baby carrots (not over cooked) with a drizzle of maple and some melted butter, and real mashed potatoes with a little bit of parmesean cheese. It was really really good. My girls ate everything I had served, and then I baked some cookies. I like to put a real meal on the table as often as I can. We do sit every evening at the kitchen table (with no TV on) and eat as a family, but sometimes it's frozen corn dogs or tyson chickn or frozen waffles (during the week when sometimes I don't get in the door until 6pm and the kids need to be down by 8.

Some Testimonials:
Abreva (I have no clue what I paid for an ounce or half ounce tube) this stuff rules. It works at least as well as my old prescription. I felt on Wednesday that I was getting a cold sore (is there anything grosser? but I've been getting them since I was a child, so what can you do?). I bought this stuff, and used it 1/2 of wednesday, and all of thursday. Cold Sore healed, and it was never even visible!! The stuff works!

Tollhouse Break and Bake cookies. Mmmmm they are better than any I have made from scratch to date. I like the chocolate chunk ones (why limit yourselves to chips?).

Visual MeMe

Novy's Google Me-Me
Do a Google image search of the following and post the first result for each:

The name of the town where you were born
Euclid







The name of the town where you live now
NOPE!

Your name
Mary










Your grandmother’s name (just pick one)
Lona








Your favorite food
Scallop





Your favorite drink








Your favorite song
Low Rider (War)


The Atomic Dog (G. Clinton)


When Doves Cry (Prince)


The Warrior (Patty Smyth)





Your favorite smell
Pheremones.






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Damn Cold out there

We went into a local town tonight for the Lighting of the Square. Santa was there and everything. It was so damn cold though, we were only outside for about 20 min. and it took forever for my hands and feet to be warm again (yes, I had gloves and boots, but they were nicer looking than they were isulating I guess).

First we ate at a small place in town. I had a spinach and strawberry citrus salad (had oranges and grapefruit) with pine nuts and lemon poppyseed dressing, but the best part about it was it had these small wedges of warm baked brie on top. Mmmmm. Also red onions which I can still taste. Doesn't matter too much I suppose as I don't feel much like smooching anyone (this is unusual for me (the Minx!)). Me and the hubby went to bed mad last night, and my little girl got me up because her leg had come out from her covers (she was wearing a blanket sleeper might I add) and she couldn't navigate it back in there. "MOMMY, MOMMY"

Then I got up at 5:20 ish, got the older one ready for school, took the little one to mom's got to work and was with customers on two different jobs all day. Did have a nice lunch with Heather and her customers, my boss and one of our nicer office mates. Then I ran all around the county (1/5 of the state more like) fetching kids so we could make a 5:45 dinner reservation. I'm beat and once again plagued with the sinus pressure/pain. Going to take a fat pill.

LeFlash had asked about my shoulders. I have so much tension in me, that my shoulders (all the muscles in my upper back and neck) get very tense all day and night and I find myself trying (apparently) to stick my shoulders in my ears. When I catch myself, I lower them. When I am very stressed (at work or in rush hour traffic) I find them to be very high. Then I think "Self, what are you doing here? Get these damn things down." And I force them down and do a good stretch. The tension is worse on the right side but I am right handed and therefore right moused as well and I think that adds to it quite a bit.

I'm very glad to see that my pixie is dressed warmly tonight. I did notice at one point in the day she didn't even have on a jacket, I guess frequent wardrobe changes add to her appeal, so I'll just learn to live with it.