Currently Reading: Darcy's Story. It's a "spin off" of Pride & Prejudice--the whole story is told from Darcy's point of view. Well written. I'm waiting for Michael to finish reading The Shack, but truth be told, I started it and got to the part where the Great Sadness occurs and haven't been able to pick it back up. Since I do most of my reading at bedtime, I can't read that kind of stuff right before I go to sleep.
Currently Celebrating: 3.5 pounds lost! Thank you Sparkpeople!
Currently Bemoaning: Going to the class Fall party this afternoon at John's school. 20 kids hyped up on sugar....added to having Maddy and Will with me while I man some activity station, well, it's not my idea of fun.
Currently Drinking: Diet Coke, of course!
Currently Anticipating: not having an 8 am soccer game in the morning; bowling birthday party for Maddy's friend tomorrow afternoon; Trunk or Treat @ church; exciting weekend stuff for the new church plant we're a part of; sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving; finding some Reese's cups in Maddy's candy bucket tomorrow and gobbling them up since she's allergic to nuts...oh, wait, that doesn't fit in with my "currently celebrating" from above...
Current Ringtone on cell phone: HSM3 song "Now or Never." Call me. I'd love to hear it again.
Currently Needing to Do: TAKE A SHOWER. WASH MY HAIR. APPLY MAKEUP. All preferably before Will wakes up from his nap. Otherwise, it just doesn't get done.
On that note, I believe I'll sign off and take care of that. The students in John's class would be quite appreciative if his mother showed up not smelling like the gym...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
And next time, I'll be going alone
There's this relatively new concept in dentistry in our neck of the woods. It's a place called "Dental Bliss". You can get a pedicure while you get your teeth cleaned. You get aromatherapy. There is live piano music playing in the lobby.
That is not where I went today, just so you know.
I just returned from the dentist where I had the complete opposite experience.
I took my oldest two children (7 and 4) to the dentist where we all got our bi-annual teeth cleaning.
John & Maddy went first and had their teeth cleaned simultaneously (by two different hygienists). So, then, it's my turn. They're tired from having been at school all day. They're hungry and haven't had a snack yet. And they've already been at the dentist for 45 minutes getting their own cleaning done. Needless to say, before I even sat down in the chair, they were D-O-N-E.
So, we're all crammed into the tiny hygienist room...which is a small room made smaller by all the equipment and chair in there as well. At one point, Maddy steps on the controls and makes my chair start moving up and down. Somebody is playing with my feet. They got bouncy balls out of the treasure chest after their cleanings, and those things are pinging off all the walls and windows. TV's on and there's some Elvira look-a-like doing a Halloween food special on Food Network with her dress cut down to "there" and I'm trying to divert their attention from that. There's only one extra chair that they're both fighting over. Somebody is unraveling dental floss.
And what can I do about it? Other than snap my fingers and make grunting noises, NOTHING. Somebody's hands are in my mouth and I am laying down flat on my back, so I can't even see what's going on, much less verbally correct the behavior.
And, did I mention that they're HHHHUUUUNNNNGGGGRRRRRYYYYY?????
Needless to say, when it came time to make our appointments in 6 months for the next cleaning, I decided to schedule mine for a different day. Perhaps I'll even go to that fancy Dental Bliss and sip a martini by the piano after my appointment is over. Sounds quite nice, actually.
That is not where I went today, just so you know.
I just returned from the dentist where I had the complete opposite experience.
I took my oldest two children (7 and 4) to the dentist where we all got our bi-annual teeth cleaning.
John & Maddy went first and had their teeth cleaned simultaneously (by two different hygienists). So, then, it's my turn. They're tired from having been at school all day. They're hungry and haven't had a snack yet. And they've already been at the dentist for 45 minutes getting their own cleaning done. Needless to say, before I even sat down in the chair, they were D-O-N-E.
So, we're all crammed into the tiny hygienist room...which is a small room made smaller by all the equipment and chair in there as well. At one point, Maddy steps on the controls and makes my chair start moving up and down. Somebody is playing with my feet. They got bouncy balls out of the treasure chest after their cleanings, and those things are pinging off all the walls and windows. TV's on and there's some Elvira look-a-like doing a Halloween food special on Food Network with her dress cut down to "there" and I'm trying to divert their attention from that. There's only one extra chair that they're both fighting over. Somebody is unraveling dental floss.
And what can I do about it? Other than snap my fingers and make grunting noises, NOTHING. Somebody's hands are in my mouth and I am laying down flat on my back, so I can't even see what's going on, much less verbally correct the behavior.
And, did I mention that they're HHHHUUUUNNNNGGGGRRRRRYYYYY?????
Needless to say, when it came time to make our appointments in 6 months for the next cleaning, I decided to schedule mine for a different day. Perhaps I'll even go to that fancy Dental Bliss and sip a martini by the piano after my appointment is over. Sounds quite nice, actually.
Bad Joke of the Day
courtesy of my aerobics instructor:
"Did you all hear about the man who got caught in the upholstery machine? [said with sincere concern and alarm]. Don't worry, he's fine now. He's completely recovered."
"Did you all hear about the man who got caught in the upholstery machine? [said with sincere concern and alarm]. Don't worry, he's fine now. He's completely recovered."
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Biggest Loser Week 7, 10/28
Bob starts with a heart-to-heart to Vicky & Brady. I can’t really read Brady. Last week, I was so sure that he threw the weigh in (I still think so), but he pulled off a relatively convincing performance for Bob. Aha!, However, Bob seems to be onto Vicky’s devious streak.
Challenge: This or That
[Total aside: Have you guys seen the book “Eat This, Not That”? Great book. Has some shocking revelations in it about what to eat when you go out.]
Teams have to decide between two choices--which is the healthier plate of food. I thought they were all pretty obvious until the last one with Heba and Michelle (the grilled chicken burrito and the 18 bottles of light beer).
Team Blue and Team Black Controversy
Before I get to the he said/she said situation…One super annoying aspect of this show occurs when they return from commercial break. They play the 30 seconds that happened right before the commercial….AGAIN. We have to see, not a recap, but the exact same footage two times.
OK, back to the controversy at hand. Heba vs. Phil.
I never thought I’d say this, but I kinda miss the guys from last season (remember Mark, Dan, Roger and Mark‘s brother?). They REALLY annoyed me with all their “Team Blue” /Man Power/Testosterone driven workouts followed by bonding and tears.
Why, you ask, do I eat my words from last season and say that I'd like them back? Because there are far too many girls in this house right now. We need some more men in there to balance out the emotions! Heba is being so passive aggressive…”I’m the bigger person. I will forgive him. I can look Phil the eye and pity him…He doesn’t deserve to have a quality person in his life like me….”
Physical Challenge
Harnessed in the air, they are somehow rigged into a pulley system balanced with their own body weight? I didn’t quite catch the whole explanation, but it looks quite grueling. Talk about rope burn! Their poor hands will need some Burt’s Bees salve after this.
Renee is amazing. The fact that she hung on to 918 pounds for any amount of time…that’s just simply amazing. Heba was right that she is the Bionic woman when it comes to challenges.
Blue team won their first challenge. They will pick one black team member’s weight to discount at the weigh in.
Weigh In
Black Team:
Michelle: 200 (Lost 2 pounds)
***Her weight won’t count. This kind of backfired on the blue team--I guess they were banking on her having a big number.
Renee: 222 (Lost 3 pounds)
Colleen: 177 (Lost 2 pounds)
Phil: 269 (Lost 3 pounds)
Blue Team:
Brady: 270 (Lost 13 pounds)
****That is such a farce!!! He water loaded last week and so this amount shows the weight loss of 2 weeks. I hate it when they cheat. Michelle totally knows what’s going on. Bob…still playing dumb and acts like Brady just worked really hard and pulled it out.
Vicky: 201 (Lost 2 pounds)
Heba: 247 (Lost 6 pounds)
Amy C: 187 (Lost 6 pounds)
Blue team kicked the black team’s hiney in the weigh in. Even if Brady hadn’t cheated…they still would’ve won with just the girl’s stats.
Who’s Going Home?
Phil is talking like he wants to go home!
Wonder who…
….and it’s…..Phillip.
How’s he look now? Great! He really looks good--I like his new image with the total shaved head and goatee. Looks great.
Challenge: This or That
[Total aside: Have you guys seen the book “Eat This, Not That”? Great book. Has some shocking revelations in it about what to eat when you go out.]
Teams have to decide between two choices--which is the healthier plate of food. I thought they were all pretty obvious until the last one with Heba and Michelle (the grilled chicken burrito and the 18 bottles of light beer).
Team Blue and Team Black Controversy
Before I get to the he said/she said situation…One super annoying aspect of this show occurs when they return from commercial break. They play the 30 seconds that happened right before the commercial….AGAIN. We have to see, not a recap, but the exact same footage two times.
OK, back to the controversy at hand. Heba vs. Phil.
I never thought I’d say this, but I kinda miss the guys from last season (remember Mark, Dan, Roger and Mark‘s brother?). They REALLY annoyed me with all their “Team Blue” /Man Power/Testosterone driven workouts followed by bonding and tears.
Why, you ask, do I eat my words from last season and say that I'd like them back? Because there are far too many girls in this house right now. We need some more men in there to balance out the emotions! Heba is being so passive aggressive…”I’m the bigger person. I will forgive him. I can look Phil the eye and pity him…He doesn’t deserve to have a quality person in his life like me….”
Physical Challenge
Harnessed in the air, they are somehow rigged into a pulley system balanced with their own body weight? I didn’t quite catch the whole explanation, but it looks quite grueling. Talk about rope burn! Their poor hands will need some Burt’s Bees salve after this.
Renee is amazing. The fact that she hung on to 918 pounds for any amount of time…that’s just simply amazing. Heba was right that she is the Bionic woman when it comes to challenges.
Blue team won their first challenge. They will pick one black team member’s weight to discount at the weigh in.
Weigh In
Black Team:
Michelle: 200 (Lost 2 pounds)
***Her weight won’t count. This kind of backfired on the blue team--I guess they were banking on her having a big number.
Renee: 222 (Lost 3 pounds)
Colleen: 177 (Lost 2 pounds)
Phil: 269 (Lost 3 pounds)
Blue Team:
Brady: 270 (Lost 13 pounds)
****That is such a farce!!! He water loaded last week and so this amount shows the weight loss of 2 weeks. I hate it when they cheat. Michelle totally knows what’s going on. Bob…still playing dumb and acts like Brady just worked really hard and pulled it out.
Vicky: 201 (Lost 2 pounds)
Heba: 247 (Lost 6 pounds)
Amy C: 187 (Lost 6 pounds)
Blue team kicked the black team’s hiney in the weigh in. Even if Brady hadn’t cheated…they still would’ve won with just the girl’s stats.
Who’s Going Home?
Phil is talking like he wants to go home!
Wonder who…
….and it’s…..Phillip.
How’s he look now? Great! He really looks good--I like his new image with the total shaved head and goatee. Looks great.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Blue Ribbon-winning Pie Recipe
Last night, our neighborhood (which rocks, by the way) had a Fall Party at the playground. There were goody bags for the kids, a pumpkin decorating station, costume parade, pumpkin carving contest and a chili cook off and pie contest. (No, unfortunately it was not a pie-eating contest.)
Well, Maddy and I entered our favorite "Chocolate Chip Pie" in the contest and guess who won the blue ribbon and Target gift card?
WE DID! She really earned it--she shopped for the ingredients with me at Kroger, then I measured them, but she poured them in. I put it in the oven (this was the point in which I badly burned my arm on the rack) and then we took our delicious prepared pie to the playground for the party.
Here's the recipe. It is so good and so easy. You don't even need to get out the mixer. You can't mess it up--try it for the holidays coming up!
Chocolate Chip Pie
(recipe from my sis-in-law Aimee)
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. corn starch
8 oz. choc chips
1 stick margarine or butter, melted
9" deep dish pie crush (overachievers can go homemade...I default to the freezer section)
2 tsp bourbon (optional)
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
Garnish with whipped cream
Beat eggs and stir in sugar. Stir in melted butter and corn starch. Gently mix in chocolate chips (and walnuts and bourbon if you're going that route).
Bake 350 degrees for approx 45 minutes.
YUM-OUT.
Well, Maddy and I entered our favorite "Chocolate Chip Pie" in the contest and guess who won the blue ribbon and Target gift card?
WE DID! She really earned it--she shopped for the ingredients with me at Kroger, then I measured them, but she poured them in. I put it in the oven (this was the point in which I badly burned my arm on the rack) and then we took our delicious prepared pie to the playground for the party.
Here's the recipe. It is so good and so easy. You don't even need to get out the mixer. You can't mess it up--try it for the holidays coming up!
Chocolate Chip Pie
(recipe from my sis-in-law Aimee)
2 eggs
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. corn starch
8 oz. choc chips
1 stick margarine or butter, melted
9" deep dish pie crush (overachievers can go homemade...I default to the freezer section)
2 tsp bourbon (optional)
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
Garnish with whipped cream
Beat eggs and stir in sugar. Stir in melted butter and corn starch. Gently mix in chocolate chips (and walnuts and bourbon if you're going that route).
Bake 350 degrees for approx 45 minutes.
YUM-OUT.
Patience, my friends, have a little patience-
I know, I know. I've been absent from the blogosphere for several days. But, you'll just have to hold on for a few more hours. I have much to blog about...but it will have to wait until I get home from the Y where I shall commence a workout to purge last night's 2 margaritas, Chips & Queso, 2 brownies, 1 Reese's Cup, and Whoppers from my system. Thankyouverymuch.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
High School Musical 3: SIMPLY THE BEST
Just got home. I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight....I'm so excited about what I just saw.
It more than lived up to my expectations. It exceeded my expectations!
OK, first onto the details of how we did just getting there. In the first picture below, you'll see where I started to get a little nervous when I saw some construction and lane re-routing on Briley Parkway. Thankfully....it amounted to nothing. (But I took a picture just in case.)
We were able to follow my "Plan A" just perfectly. In fact, we were running above schedule as we landed in line at: 
4:34 pm.
We were SECOND in line. (Yes, that's 2.) My new BFFs Kerrie (Carrie?) and Kalyn (Kalinn?) were already there. We bonded over the things we do because we love our kids so darn much...anybody else's parents sit on a cold tile floor for 2.5 hours just so you could get into see a movie? (ON A SCHOOL NIGHT, no less!)
Might we have jumped the gun a little? Been a touch too anxious about this whole thing? Quite possibly. But, Carrie (Kerrie?) and I decided the story we'd be able to tell for YEARS about this experience was worth far more than the 2 hours of our lives we might've had back if only we'd cooled our jets and shown up casually at 6:30.
And, on that note, it did irk me just a tad when people casually sauntered into the theater at 6:45 wondering which seats they would take. OK, so I'll be honest and admit it. It wasn't a sell-out crowd. There were EMPTY SEATS in the theater.
But, at least I didn't check my kids out of school early like the #3 family in line. Yes, you read that right. The people behind us checked their 2 children out of school early to get in line.
OK, back to the schedule. Michael showed up right at 6:00 pm. We were then shown to Theater #9 where I was instructed to disassemble my camera (learned how to take the memory card out) and completely shut down my cell phone. Thankfully they did not make me take it back to the car. They had a couple of security guys there with nightvision goggles to make sure nobody started recording during the movie. Yes, you read that right. Security guards with nightvision goggles. The movie doesn't officially release until 12:01 am so they wanted to make sure the moms and tweens that showed up for this didn't pirate any grainy cell-phone copies in the 3 hours between the prescreening and its actual release.
Other fun stuff: I know this will surprise you (wink wink), but I made lots of fun friends in the line. Once we got into the theater, the Dad in the green shirt started throwing out HSM trivia questions to the crowd. I added a few questions in as well, but the fun stopped just before I started the Wave. Chin up--next time...
Spent a large portion of our next paycheck to buy popcorn and cokes (but hey, the tickets were free, so it's all good), went to the bathroom one last time and....big collective sigh...the movie began.
I'm not going to give away any spoilers. So, you'll just have to go see the film for yourself to find out if Troy & Gabriella stay together in the end. It's a BIG mystery. You know how Disney is always up for pulling a surprise ending on you....so I know you have NO IDEA what the final outcome of that storyline is, right? (winking) So, you dear readers, will have to go pay $8.50 to find out the relationship status of that fair couple.
HOWEVER, I would love to say something about a few of the song and dance numbers.
My favorite, by far, was Ryan & Sharpay's "I Want it All" song. It was chock full of dazzling (bedazzled) costume changes. Catchy tune, too.
Another favorite was "The Boys Are Back." I listened to this song on the soundtrack earlier this week and didn't really go for it. Well, seeing the story & dance with it made me LOVE it. Being the mom of 2 little boys, it made me very sentimental. It involves Troy & Chad in a car salvage yard reliving their moments as little boys...sword fighting and superheroes. It was just precious...in a tough and rowdy sort of way.
And, what HSM movie would be complete without several romantic duets between East High's favorite couple, Troy & Gabriella? They were aplenty in this installment.
OK. I'm ready to hit "Publish Post."
Let me know what you think when you go see it!
Good night, Wildcat Fans.
HSM3 Line Update
This is Michael, Ellen's husband. They made it and are second in line and I can jump in with them when I get there.
The Game Plan--High School Musical 3
OK--tonight is the night! I dreamed about the movie last night and woke up anticipating great things today at the movies. Maddy wore "Wildcat Red" to school today.
Have you all been praying & fasting like I asked? We really must get into the movie! Here's what we're up against, according to the confirmation email we got about our tickets:
"Please make note of the following:
SEATING IS NOT GUARANTEED and is on a first come first served basis.
Camera phones, cameras and recording devices will not be allowed in the theater. "
SEATING IS NOT GUARANTEED and is on a first come first served basis.
Camera phones, cameras and recording devices will not be allowed in the theater. "
I've given this a lot of thought and this is what I finally came up with about 11:30 last night:
3:30 pm Start getting ready. Get diaper bag together; snacks and games for us while we wait.
4:00 pm Drop Will off at Vicki's (my M-i-L) house. Kids & I drive to the theater.
4:30 pm Park. Go in and survey the situation. Find out if they'll let us hold Michael a place in line. Call Michael and let him know what's up.
4:45 pm Take cell phone back to car. They will not let you bring it into the theater if it has a camera on it.
4:55 pm Assume position. Take our place in line. Yes, this is 2 hours before movie starts, but we are committed fans! Play Uno, color, eat goldfish, play I-spy a bazillion times, befriend other fans, make note of things to blog. NO DRINKS. We will not leave our place in line to potty.
5:45 pm Michael joins us in line.
6:45 pm Seated in theater with popcorn and a big Diet coke.
7:00 pm Take a deep breath. Relax. Show's on!
9:00 pm Come home and blog a non-spoiler revealing review.
OK, so that's what I want to happen.
Here's what I DON'T want to happen:
3:30 pm John's bus is late; busdriver gets lost in our neighborhood.
3:45 pm Find John in the next subdivision over.
4:00 pm Will has blow out diaper. Must bathe him head-to-toe. Must change my clothes as well.
4:30 pm Take Will to Vicki's. He has a separation anxiety moment and won't let go of my neck.
4:45 pm Drive to movie theater. All lanes blocked on the highway except one. They're paving.
5:45 pm Arrive at movies. Notice that line is already wrapped around Opry Mills, down the sidewalk beside Barnes & Noble and onto the General Jackson showboat.
7:05 pm Doors shut in our face. The people in front of us were the last to get in.
7:30 pm Arrive home to blog my depression away.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Biggest Loser Week 6, Oct 21
Alright people, here we go. Another week at the ranch.
Blue team goes to Self-defense lessons. That would be so scary to see that big ol’ dude coming at you. My prediction: Heba gets it done. I think she’s going to take this dude down in a way no other class participant ever has. She takes care of business, now doesn’t she?
The Challenge
Balance…over water…round and round. 25 times.
Vicky is a sore loser in my mind. She totally downplayed the Black team’s victory (and her loss) in the challenge. “I didn’t really want to win. It was a lame prize anyway.” That is such poor sportsmanship! No love for Renee who just completely kicked it in that challenge!
Good, good. Bob is giving it to them. I am glad he sees the blue team’s pettiness for what it is. I agree--do your best no matter the prize. Full force effort.
Oh, and I really don’t like Vicky’s eye makeup either. (How’s that for petty?)
Last Chance Workout:
Jillian: “If you’re not puking, you’re just not working hard enough.”
Weigh In:
Black Team
Renee: Lost 7 pounds
Michelle: Lost 7 pounds
Colleen: Lost 8 pounds
Phil: Lost 7 pounds
How do you feel about that number? “I just hope it’s enough to help my team.” They always say that!
Blue Team
Amy: Lost 6 pounds
Heba: Lost 5 pounds
Vicky: Lost 8 pounds
Amy P: Lost 2 pounds
Amy’s upset about her small loss…afraid of going home, but I think she has nothing to worry about. Here’s why: before Brady weighs in, Michael & I have a theory to throw out there. Brady & Vicky are evil. They are going to completely throw this weigh in. They want to get rid of Heba. She’s the biggest threat by far and we’re guessing he has purposely water-loaded (drank a bunch of water before the weigh in) to make sure their blue team LOSES this week in order to vote Heba off. Did you see that little wink Brady gave Vicky when she went to weigh in? Did you see the raised eye brows he threw out from the scale? E-V-I-L.
Let’s see if we’re correct. I promise not to edit all that out if we turn out to be wrong…I’m live blogging, you see, so we’re just going with the honor system here.
Brady: Lost 3 pounds
He & Vicky are HORRIBLE actors!!! It’s all over their faces.
Do they not remember a few seasons ago when Neal pulled this same prank?
Anyways, black team is safe.
Blue team is not safe….and I would guess that Heba is the one getting the boot tonight.
Let's see if we're right: And...
We were WRONG. But only half wrong. I still think Vicky & Brady threw the weigh in.
Going home this week is...
Amy P.
Here's why that was the wrong choice for the team: Amy P is not a threat. Heba and Brady are stiff competition for each other for the big prize--Heba had her chance to throw Brady off. She should've taken it--she's got to know that Vicky & Brady are going to turn on her at some point, right?
OK, enough brain space taken up by all this for one week.
Your thoughts? post a comment!
Blue team goes to Self-defense lessons. That would be so scary to see that big ol’ dude coming at you. My prediction: Heba gets it done. I think she’s going to take this dude down in a way no other class participant ever has. She takes care of business, now doesn’t she?
The Challenge
Balance…over water…round and round. 25 times.
Vicky is a sore loser in my mind. She totally downplayed the Black team’s victory (and her loss) in the challenge. “I didn’t really want to win. It was a lame prize anyway.” That is such poor sportsmanship! No love for Renee who just completely kicked it in that challenge!
Good, good. Bob is giving it to them. I am glad he sees the blue team’s pettiness for what it is. I agree--do your best no matter the prize. Full force effort.
Oh, and I really don’t like Vicky’s eye makeup either. (How’s that for petty?)
Last Chance Workout:
Jillian: “If you’re not puking, you’re just not working hard enough.”
Weigh In:
Black Team
Renee: Lost 7 pounds
Michelle: Lost 7 pounds
Colleen: Lost 8 pounds
Phil: Lost 7 pounds
How do you feel about that number? “I just hope it’s enough to help my team.” They always say that!
Blue Team
Amy: Lost 6 pounds
Heba: Lost 5 pounds
Vicky: Lost 8 pounds
Amy P: Lost 2 pounds
Amy’s upset about her small loss…afraid of going home, but I think she has nothing to worry about. Here’s why: before Brady weighs in, Michael & I have a theory to throw out there. Brady & Vicky are evil. They are going to completely throw this weigh in. They want to get rid of Heba. She’s the biggest threat by far and we’re guessing he has purposely water-loaded (drank a bunch of water before the weigh in) to make sure their blue team LOSES this week in order to vote Heba off. Did you see that little wink Brady gave Vicky when she went to weigh in? Did you see the raised eye brows he threw out from the scale? E-V-I-L.
Let’s see if we’re correct. I promise not to edit all that out if we turn out to be wrong…I’m live blogging, you see, so we’re just going with the honor system here.
Brady: Lost 3 pounds
He & Vicky are HORRIBLE actors!!! It’s all over their faces.
Do they not remember a few seasons ago when Neal pulled this same prank?
Anyways, black team is safe.
Blue team is not safe….and I would guess that Heba is the one getting the boot tonight.
Let's see if we're right: And...
We were WRONG. But only half wrong. I still think Vicky & Brady threw the weigh in.
Going home this week is...
Amy P.
Here's why that was the wrong choice for the team: Amy P is not a threat. Heba and Brady are stiff competition for each other for the big prize--Heba had her chance to throw Brady off. She should've taken it--she's got to know that Vicky & Brady are going to turn on her at some point, right?
OK, enough brain space taken up by all this for one week.
Your thoughts? post a comment!
Sonic Burgers?!?
Today was just plain crazy, and it ain't over yet. (Yes, this English major does know that "ain't" is not appropriate, but I just couldn't resist using it here.)
To summarize the day thus far:
To summarize the day thus far:
- Took Maddy to school
- went to the Y [to get more Spark points, of course]
- lunch @ Panera with Amy & Sarah [where I did quite well in making some healthy food choices, thank you Sparkpeople]
- Target [to purchase the new HSM3 soundtrack, of course]
- Did my civic duty and voted (they let you vote early here in TN)
- Took my first load to the recycling drop off place (I'm still going green! 1 week strong...)
- Attempted to get a flu shot @ Walgreens. Waited for half hour while they kept assuring me I would be ushered right in...they were almost ready....any minute now... I finally had to leave with no flu shot since it was preschool pick up time
- Now, I'm home for a quick blog entry & a shower before going to parent-teacher conference in an hour
- After that, I'll come home and throw 3 kids into the van to head out to soccer practice at 6pm
So, in order to make dinner a breeze tonight, I thought we'd just swing by the Sonic right next to the soccer field. After all, it is Tuesday night and you get 5 Sonic Burgers for $5.95 on Tuesday nights.
Great deal, right? Quite a bargain, I'd say.
In my attempt to stay right on track with my SparkPeople plan, I checked the calories on a Sonic burger so I could go ahead and log in my dinner calories.
It may be a bargain for your wallet, but it is no bargain for the waistline.
Dang Sonic...540 CALORIES for one Sonic burger with ketchup!
I was shocked.
Plan B?
It only takes a spark...
I can run, but I can't hide. Well, actually, maybe if I did run, I could hide. Read on to see what I mean:
My old, old, old, old, OLD friend "7 pounds" has found me once again. We go way back. WAY WAY WAY back. Before "Body by Baby", I managed to stay relatively fit. Then, this thing called "Approaching Middle Age" kicks in, along with the "Metabolism Brakes" gift set that you get for your 30th birthday.
So, in order to make sure my other old friend "10 pounds" doesn't find me as well, I am going to be hiding on this great new (to me) website called "Spark People." Oh, and I'll also start hanging with my good pal Lynn, the dietician, once again. [She's with this great program at the Y called "Action with Balance." It's a 12 week program in which you get on track with your eating/exercising and meet with a dietician once a week. Generally speaking, I believe after 12 weeks you're supposed to move on with your life and continue with these great new habits you've formed.]
Wouldn't you know, I am now signed up for my FIFTH (yes, that's 5) session of Action with Balance. I am apparently a slow learner on attaining that balancing action. My first round was about 3 or 4 years ago, so I do like to space them out a bit...
Back to Spark People: It's a VERY fun website. Track your foods, exercise, chat with other "losers." I am still investigating the different features, but one I'm especially excited about is this trophy they give you when you've earned 100 points. (You earn points by drinking 8 cups of water a day, making recipes from their website, logging your food, etc). No, it's not a real trophy...just some clip art/icon you get on your Spark People log in page. Doesn't sound motivating? Oh, just sign up and you'll see how addicted you get to earning points all to see this little trophy thing show up!
Anybody want to join in my quest to say goodbye to "7 pounds"?
Oh and one last thing...No snarky comments if you see me indulging in something that's not found in the lower half of the food pyramid... Deal? Deal.
My old, old, old, old, OLD friend "7 pounds" has found me once again. We go way back. WAY WAY WAY back. Before "Body by Baby", I managed to stay relatively fit. Then, this thing called "Approaching Middle Age" kicks in, along with the "Metabolism Brakes" gift set that you get for your 30th birthday.
So, in order to make sure my other old friend "10 pounds" doesn't find me as well, I am going to be hiding on this great new (to me) website called "Spark People." Oh, and I'll also start hanging with my good pal Lynn, the dietician, once again. [She's with this great program at the Y called "Action with Balance." It's a 12 week program in which you get on track with your eating/exercising and meet with a dietician once a week. Generally speaking, I believe after 12 weeks you're supposed to move on with your life and continue with these great new habits you've formed.]
Wouldn't you know, I am now signed up for my FIFTH (yes, that's 5) session of Action with Balance. I am apparently a slow learner on attaining that balancing action. My first round was about 3 or 4 years ago, so I do like to space them out a bit...
Back to Spark People: It's a VERY fun website. Track your foods, exercise, chat with other "losers." I am still investigating the different features, but one I'm especially excited about is this trophy they give you when you've earned 100 points. (You earn points by drinking 8 cups of water a day, making recipes from their website, logging your food, etc). No, it's not a real trophy...just some clip art/icon you get on your Spark People log in page. Doesn't sound motivating? Oh, just sign up and you'll see how addicted you get to earning points all to see this little trophy thing show up!
Anybody want to join in my quest to say goodbye to "7 pounds"?
Oh and one last thing...No snarky comments if you see me indulging in something that's not found in the lower half of the food pyramid... Deal? Deal.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Last time, I promise!
Ok, I have blogged about our home improvements WAY past the point of deemed appropriateness, but since so many of you have asked...I will post, for the last time, I PROMISE, pictures of our new furniture...the completed look downstairs.
In case you're a new reader, I'll let you catch up for a minute.
First, click here to see some befores.
Now, click here to see some durings.
Now click here to see the afters.
Now...proceed below to see the final, final, afters:
In case you're a new reader, I'll let you catch up for a minute.
First, click here to see some befores.
Now, click here to see some durings.
Now click here to see the afters.
Now...proceed below to see the final, final, afters:
New table & chairs! We got a "gathering" height table--bar-height. I love it. It's so comfy to sit around and chat. It is a 48" square table, or you flip the sides up to make it a 60" round. Had some family in town this past weekend and we were able to sit 7 around it with plenty of room to spare. I figure we can get up to 9-10 around very comfortably. This is a VAST improvement over our old table that struggled to seat 4 people. I need to have a party!!!! Wanna come?
The breakfast bar.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
High School Musical 3 COUNTDOWN is on!
OK, I've held this in as long as I could, but now I am about to burst and must tell you my big news:
I got tickets to a private screening of HSM3 on THURSDAY NIGHT (yes, before it opens on Friday).
I just saw a preview for it on TV this morning and got goosebumps and tears in my eyes. (No, I'm serious.)
One small catch--I need you all to begin praying and fasting now that we get in. It's apparently a big deal and is first come first serve to those who have the vouchers--must get there early to get in.
Anybody have a sleeping bag I can borrow on Wednesday night?
I got tickets to a private screening of HSM3 on THURSDAY NIGHT (yes, before it opens on Friday).
I just saw a preview for it on TV this morning and got goosebumps and tears in my eyes. (No, I'm serious.)
One small catch--I need you all to begin praying and fasting now that we get in. It's apparently a big deal and is first come first serve to those who have the vouchers--must get there early to get in.
Anybody have a sleeping bag I can borrow on Wednesday night?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Bed, Bath, and Beyond Shopping Spree
I got a hefty gift card to one of my favorite spots for my birthday! (Thankyou Pat & Sally!).
So, Monday, I decided to go see what I could find.
Boy, was it fun. I was like a kid in a candy store. Or a woman in a home decorating store. Same thing.
In case you ever thought you'd like to ask me the following question: "Ellen, pray tell. What would you buy if you could buy anything in BB&B?", here is the answer:
1. Yankee "Fragrance of the month" jar candle: Spiced pumpkin. Oh yes.
2. A cozy throw. This is divine. Makes me wish it would hurry up and get cold outside. (Dang October being all 85 degrees on us!)
3. A new trash can. But not just any trash can, friends....this one has a LOCKING LID. Why, you might ask, is a locking lid important? Because 1 year olds are far worse than any stray dog ever thought about being when it comes to an open trash can.
4. This was one of those last minute check-out line purchases: a microwave food splatter guard!!! I say it's just the part of me going green. I usually put a paper towel over our dishes as they reheat to avoid the splatter, but that's just a waste of paper towels, now isn't it? So, now I have a lovely splatter guard to keep my leftovers on the plate and off the sides of my microwave.
So, there you have it. That's how I'd spend a gift card at Bed, Bath & Beyond. I still have some money leftover too....will have to go back WITHOUT THE KIDS (yes I was sporting all 3 on Monday) and buy something a little less practical and a little more fun.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Prayer Requests: Hot or Not
Jon Acuff's post on Stuff Christians Like this week about turning prayer requests into gossip sessions got me thinking about a "presentation" that my friend Amy & I did a few months ago. (Lest you think we're more important than we truly are, it was a presentation to 7 people. At our church. In the basement.)
Anyways, we've co-lead the prayer portion of our weekly Bible Study for a while now and were asked to share some of our ideas/thoughts on group prayer time with the other leaders.
Since we must always act like we're in middle school and can't just do what we're asked to do, we made up a little game to play instead. We called it "Prayer in Small Groups: Hot or Not". We gave the group (yes, all 7 of them) little signs to hold up that said "Hot" and "Not." You get the picture. We would read off an idea about how to do prayer during Bible Study and they'd hold up the "hot" or "not" sign.
Here's your chance to play along. No, there will not be prizes. (I'm not drawing any income on the blog just yet, though I do have two followers now. )
HOT OR NOT:
1. Sharing confidential prayer requests from your group with others (like your best friend or your husband).
2. Prayer Request Prompt: In light of the scriptures we’ve studied this week, how do you need the Lord to change your heart?
3. “I have an unspoken prayer request.”
4. “I feel like this is a close enough group to share this: We need to pray for Betty Jo. Her husband has left her for a younger woman and he left her with a pile of bills to pay and her son was caught smoking at school….and…..and…”
5. Prompt: How can we pray for you this week, specifically? What is coming up in which you need to see Jesus work in your life?
6. “I just need to go off on my co-worker for a minute. She is always listening in on my phone calls and reading my emails over my shoulder and telling me how to do my job and....and.....and......and....."
7. “My hairdresser’s 2nd cousin’s UPS delivery man's dog had puppies and I don’t think one of them is going to make it….”
8. “60 second cleanse”: If the ladies are extra chatty and you think they’ll have a hard time settling into the lesson, give each person 60 seconds (use a stopwatch) to ramble or vent about whatever is on their mind.
9. PYOP: Pray your own prayer request. Instead of going around the circle and giving prayer requests, then praying, just go around the circle and pray for yourself.
10. Pray until you pray.
OK. Tally your score. You should have 5 HOTs and 5 NOTs.
Here's the answer key:
1. NOT: the last thing we want is somebody’s husband approaching a woman at church to ask how her mammogram was.
2. HOT: specific is good
3. NOT: Come on! We're all big girls! We have kleenex. We can handle what's really going on. And, like Jon @ SCL says, if you say "unspoken" we're going to assume the worst....laundering money in the basement coupled with a drug problem!
4. NOT: Get out the gossip goo for this one.
5. HOT: yes, specific is good once again.
6. NOT: This is venting, not a prayer request.
7. NOT: We call this one the "far fetched" prayer request. Deflecting attention off yourself.
8. HOT: Helps us all get the chattiness out of the way.
9. HOT: This made people uncomfortable at first, but it really provided some true encounters with Jesus and also made for a more succinct prayer time.
10. HOT: Don’t be afraid of the “awkward silence.” Keep praying until you feel the Lord’s presence! This has been really helpful in our group’s corporate and individual prayer times.
Anyways, we've co-lead the prayer portion of our weekly Bible Study for a while now and were asked to share some of our ideas/thoughts on group prayer time with the other leaders.
Since we must always act like we're in middle school and can't just do what we're asked to do, we made up a little game to play instead. We called it "Prayer in Small Groups: Hot or Not". We gave the group (yes, all 7 of them) little signs to hold up that said "Hot" and "Not." You get the picture. We would read off an idea about how to do prayer during Bible Study and they'd hold up the "hot" or "not" sign.
Here's your chance to play along. No, there will not be prizes. (I'm not drawing any income on the blog just yet, though I do have two followers now. )
HOT OR NOT:
1. Sharing confidential prayer requests from your group with others (like your best friend or your husband).
2. Prayer Request Prompt: In light of the scriptures we’ve studied this week, how do you need the Lord to change your heart?
3. “I have an unspoken prayer request.”
4. “I feel like this is a close enough group to share this: We need to pray for Betty Jo. Her husband has left her for a younger woman and he left her with a pile of bills to pay and her son was caught smoking at school….and…..and…”
5. Prompt: How can we pray for you this week, specifically? What is coming up in which you need to see Jesus work in your life?
6. “I just need to go off on my co-worker for a minute. She is always listening in on my phone calls and reading my emails over my shoulder and telling me how to do my job and....and.....and......and....."
7. “My hairdresser’s 2nd cousin’s UPS delivery man's dog had puppies and I don’t think one of them is going to make it….”
8. “60 second cleanse”: If the ladies are extra chatty and you think they’ll have a hard time settling into the lesson, give each person 60 seconds (use a stopwatch) to ramble or vent about whatever is on their mind.
9. PYOP: Pray your own prayer request. Instead of going around the circle and giving prayer requests, then praying, just go around the circle and pray for yourself.
10. Pray until you pray.
OK. Tally your score. You should have 5 HOTs and 5 NOTs.
Here's the answer key:
1. NOT: the last thing we want is somebody’s husband approaching a woman at church to ask how her mammogram was.
2. HOT: specific is good
3. NOT: Come on! We're all big girls! We have kleenex. We can handle what's really going on. And, like Jon @ SCL says, if you say "unspoken" we're going to assume the worst....laundering money in the basement coupled with a drug problem!
4. NOT: Get out the gossip goo for this one.
5. HOT: yes, specific is good once again.
6. NOT: This is venting, not a prayer request.
7. NOT: We call this one the "far fetched" prayer request. Deflecting attention off yourself.
8. HOT: Helps us all get the chattiness out of the way.
9. HOT: This made people uncomfortable at first, but it really provided some true encounters with Jesus and also made for a more succinct prayer time.
10. HOT: Don’t be afraid of the “awkward silence.” Keep praying until you feel the Lord’s presence! This has been really helpful in our group’s corporate and individual prayer times.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Biggest Loser Week 5, October 14
First: My apologies. I never did get back on here and blog about the weigh in that happened on Wednesday night. So, here’s the summary:
Ed is gone. Heba is sad. He lost no weight last week and they went below the yellow line…so he went home since he lost a total of Z-E-R-O pounds last week.
The temptation was quite tempting…
That huge pile of Reese’s cups was amazing.
Heba took control and split the teams “her way.”
The challenge: 14 hours of mountain. Up and down. Down and up. Repeat.
Who won? The black team won….just barely! They got a 2 pound advantage at the next weigh in.
Jell-O paid a pretty penny to have the blue team sit around the pool eating those 10 calorie cups, now didn’t they?
CHEESE-O-RAMA DRAMA!!!! I can’t stand this whole storyline with Michelle and her dad vs. her mom…it is getting ridiculous. They are playing the drama up just to fill another 10 minutes each week or so. She feels like she’s betraying her dad’s trust if she loves her mom since her mom left her dad 6 years ago. OK, OK, we get it. Jillian is not a therapist, but she plays one on TV. Why is Michelle contemplating going home? This is simply ridiculous. Can I get a witness?
LOVE THE WEIGH IN!!! This is why I watch.
Black Team:
Michelle: Well, first things first. She decided to stay on the show instead of going home to be with her dad. Have I mentioned yet how ridiculous this is getting?
OK, she lost 7 pounds.
Renee: Lost 5 pounds
Phil: Lost 8 pounds
Colleen: Lost 5 pounds
Shellay: Lost 5 pounds
Blue Team:
Amy C: Lost 9 pounds
Vicky: Lost 6 pounds
Brady: Lost 6 pounds
Amy P: Lost 6 pounds
Heba: Lost 8 pounds
Black team faces elimination. If Michelle didn't have immunity for being this week's biggest loser, I'd SO send her booty home! She was all iffy this week about whether to stay or not. But, since that's not possible, so let's see who they vote off.....
And, it's....
Shellay.
And that was emotional. I am sad. I really, really liked Shellay.
Let's see how she's doing at home:
OH MY GOODNESS! WOWWEE! She looks absolutely amazing.
Way to go Shellay!
Ed is gone. Heba is sad. He lost no weight last week and they went below the yellow line…so he went home since he lost a total of Z-E-R-O pounds last week.
The temptation was quite tempting…
That huge pile of Reese’s cups was amazing.
Heba took control and split the teams “her way.”
The challenge: 14 hours of mountain. Up and down. Down and up. Repeat.
Who won? The black team won….just barely! They got a 2 pound advantage at the next weigh in.
Jell-O paid a pretty penny to have the blue team sit around the pool eating those 10 calorie cups, now didn’t they?
CHEESE-O-RAMA DRAMA!!!! I can’t stand this whole storyline with Michelle and her dad vs. her mom…it is getting ridiculous. They are playing the drama up just to fill another 10 minutes each week or so. She feels like she’s betraying her dad’s trust if she loves her mom since her mom left her dad 6 years ago. OK, OK, we get it. Jillian is not a therapist, but she plays one on TV. Why is Michelle contemplating going home? This is simply ridiculous. Can I get a witness?
LOVE THE WEIGH IN!!! This is why I watch.
Black Team:
Michelle: Well, first things first. She decided to stay on the show instead of going home to be with her dad. Have I mentioned yet how ridiculous this is getting?
OK, she lost 7 pounds.
Renee: Lost 5 pounds
Phil: Lost 8 pounds
Colleen: Lost 5 pounds
Shellay: Lost 5 pounds
Blue Team:
Amy C: Lost 9 pounds
Vicky: Lost 6 pounds
Brady: Lost 6 pounds
Amy P: Lost 6 pounds
Heba: Lost 8 pounds
Black team faces elimination. If Michelle didn't have immunity for being this week's biggest loser, I'd SO send her booty home! She was all iffy this week about whether to stay or not. But, since that's not possible, so let's see who they vote off.....
And, it's....
Shellay.
And that was emotional. I am sad. I really, really liked Shellay.
Let's see how she's doing at home:
OH MY GOODNESS! WOWWEE! She looks absolutely amazing.
Way to go Shellay!
Ta Da!!!
The floors....they're done! So, so, so glad. Thought you would be too, so I'm sharing pics with you.
New table has been ordered and will be delivered on Thursday.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Facebook Flair
One of my latest "hobbies" has been facebook. Just joined (was I the last Gen-X'er on earth who hadn't joined?) this fall and it's been fun to catch up with old friends and keep up with current ones.So, on facebook, people send "flair"....it's basically a button they've picked out or designed that suits my personality or a cause I believe in. Here are a few of my most recent favorites...
The one at the top is especially fitting to post here. My friends are all leary of going anywhere with me since I always have a camera ready and my mind is always looking for blog-worthy moments.
OK, onto some others:
I do like to sing. Any genre. Just for fun. Karaoke is especially fun.
Last week in my "I've been tagged!" post, I mentioned what a sun-hog I used to be (still am?) in item #6. I believe my UV ray-free friend Amy made this one for me.
Owensboro, KY is THE BBQ CAPITAL of the world! (No, not Memphis! Not St. Louis!) If you've ever been to my hometown, then I'm sure you've been to Moonlite.
Long before Troy & Gabriella, there was Zack & Kelly. SAVED BY THE BELL. This was a major part of my tween years. And teen years. Oh, who am I kidding? I loved it in college and still watch the reruns on TBS in the mornings!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
I've Been Tagged!
OK, Hollye has tagged me. I've never been tagged before, so this is all very exciting. Here goes:1. I never flew on an airplane until I was 19 years old. My initiation flight? To Moscow, Russia. I'm an "all or nothing" kind of girl.
2. I mentioned in yesterday's Ellie Mae post that I didn't eat a green salad until I was 24 years old. I now love it & wish I'd tried it sooner! All those wasted years... Other foods I didn't try until late in life? Grapes and strawberries. Cantaloupe. Zucchini. The list could go on & on. My "diet" in high school consisted of Dr. Pepper and Star Crunches, Grands rolls, meat and potatoes. Oh, and sweet tea.
3. I love giving birth and the 2 days you get to spend at the hospital afterwards. Seriously. It is very very fun and exciting to me! There's nothing like that feeling when you get the epidural (I asked the anesthesiologist for baby #3 if I could name the child after him, I loved him so.) There's nothing like relaxing after said epidural and realizing that you get to meet your newest family member in a short while. AND, there's absolutely NOTHING like when they lay that messy, screaming baby on your chest for the first time. I have chills just reminiscing about it. I cried all 3 times when they made me leave the hospital. When we had Will, it felt like we'd been at an all-inclusive, expenses paid resort for 48 hours! (compared to being at home with 2 big kids and a newborn, that is.)
4. I play the piano by ear and took lessons for about 14 years.
5. I love to burst into song at any moment, for any reason. I have a very extensive catalog of music in my head that I tap into. In high school, we'd play "Stump Ellen". People would try to name a song that they didn't think I knew and try to make me come up short. I have always wanted to be a piano bar singer. :o)
6. Just started wearing sunscreen in the last few years. Bad, I know. In high school, I was a tanning-bed-goer, a lifeguard, a baby oil & foil tanning fool!
7. Had our family picture taken with Magic Johnson when I was in 5th grade. My mom won a freethrow shooting contest (with a GRANNY SHOT!) to win the grand prize at a basketball camp my brother was attending. I'll have to find that picture and post it--it's awesome.
I am tagging: Allie, Todd, Raegan, Kate, Lindsey, Misty, and Kaleb.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Ellie Mae Clampett goes to town
Just in from a truly delightful dinner out with 2 old girlfriends. Emily, Courtney, and I comprise 75% of the "Fab Four." Leigh is the missing 25% and she is still in KY...so we were very sad to be Leigh-less, but we carried on best we could.
Anyways, the self-proclaimed "Fabulous Four" originated in high school, though we have been friends since the 6th grade. Oh, the inside jokes that we possess....they're endless, they are. One of us could start a laughing riot by merely saying the word, "Cheetah!" or "Moreland Park scariness!" or "treehouse crashing down!" or "1 McDonalds birthday cake and 4 forks!" or by naming some poor lad's initials. (BTW, "Cheetah" was a game I made up when we turned 16. Driver gets car up to 55 mph on the Owensboro By-pass, passenger sticks head out window and feels the full effect of a cheetah running at full speed. No, our parents didn't hear about this for years after or else we'd still be grounded.)
So, we dined at a rather "fancy" restaurant tonight. I'll preface this by saying that a big night out for Michael & myself is at Carrabba's or Amerigo's (remember that detail for a little later in the post). Those are mighty fine dining establishments and we like the food there. Let me also preface this dining experience by saying I ate my first true green salad at age 24. The Fab 4 has always been fully aware of my food likes/dislikes/fears/anxieties/pleasures, so I know they were prepared to be entertained by my perusal of the menu at City House Restaurant.
But, I get ahead of myself. First, let me say that a sighting of the Fab 4 is about as rare as spotting the Loch Ness Monster or Big Foot. We just don't get together as often as we ought to. So, when I walked into City House, the girls spotted my latest hairdo and wasted no time in saying I had the same haircut as Suri Cruise.
(Note to self: make hair appt with Hannah tomorrow).
Next, our waiter approached the table with a menu in which I could pronounce no more than 4 items/ingredients on the entire page. He began to explain the specials.
Ever heard of "Sweetbread?" That was the first appetizer he mentions. Well, I do like sweets and I do like bread, so I thought this was some sort of "Cinnabon" concoction.
Um, NO IT'S NOT. Sweetbread is basically a pig's pancreas. Encrusted with something. Sauteed in something else.
Another good one: Montasio Cheese Frico. Now, that's basically fried cheese sticks. Yum.
I could go on & on. He would tell us the fancy name of something and I would respond with a strange look and ask for "layman's terms." We fessed up about half-way through the menu description, in which I was getting the impression that he was going above & beyond his call of duty (i.e. he's used to more sophisticated diners), that we felt a little country bumpkinish/Ellie Mae Clampett about it all. Jokingly, I said, "Do you have some pasta with red sauce?" to which he replied, "Have you ever been to Amerigos?"
OK then.
I recovered from all that and ate my "Pizza Margherita" (aka cheese pizza) and Grits. Yes, I had pizza & grits (Courtney did too!) for dinner. Emily is by far the Fab 4 member with the most sophisticated palate, so she quite enjoyed her quail and okra.
The night continued on with lots of laughter and old stories...
It ended with some dessert. (Duh!)
I got to use my fancy "E-Z Tip Calculator" as well. (That's a whole blog post in & of itself.)
And of course, what meeting of old friends is ever complete without the ever-present promise of "We have to get together again SOON! Oh yes, once a quarter. Absolutely. On my life, starting right now. We are going to get dinner every single quarter of every single year from here on out...." Or something like that.
And you know what? I really hope we do. It's not lip service with this group.
They make me proud to be from Owensboro, KY. They made that school bus just a little safer for me in the 6th grade. High school cheerleading was a little less "mean girls." They danced at my wedding reception. Chicago for our 30th birthdays was unforgettable. Emily & I ran the Country Music 1/2 marathon together and Courtney was there to cheer us on. They were there when John was born, when Maddy was born (Courtney was driving me around town when I was in labor!!!), when Will was born. There are many more chapters to be written, you know!
In light of all that, dinner every quarter seems a little sparse!
Wow. That got kind of sentimental didn't it?!?
Anyways, the self-proclaimed "Fabulous Four" originated in high school, though we have been friends since the 6th grade. Oh, the inside jokes that we possess....they're endless, they are. One of us could start a laughing riot by merely saying the word, "Cheetah!" or "Moreland Park scariness!" or "treehouse crashing down!" or "1 McDonalds birthday cake and 4 forks!" or by naming some poor lad's initials. (BTW, "Cheetah" was a game I made up when we turned 16. Driver gets car up to 55 mph on the Owensboro By-pass, passenger sticks head out window and feels the full effect of a cheetah running at full speed. No, our parents didn't hear about this for years after or else we'd still be grounded.)
So, we dined at a rather "fancy" restaurant tonight. I'll preface this by saying that a big night out for Michael & myself is at Carrabba's or Amerigo's (remember that detail for a little later in the post). Those are mighty fine dining establishments and we like the food there. Let me also preface this dining experience by saying I ate my first true green salad at age 24. The Fab 4 has always been fully aware of my food likes/dislikes/fears/anxieties/pleasures, so I know they were prepared to be entertained by my perusal of the menu at City House Restaurant.
But, I get ahead of myself. First, let me say that a sighting of the Fab 4 is about as rare as spotting the Loch Ness Monster or Big Foot. We just don't get together as often as we ought to. So, when I walked into City House, the girls spotted my latest hairdo and wasted no time in saying I had the same haircut as Suri Cruise.
(Note to self: make hair appt with Hannah tomorrow).
Next, our waiter approached the table with a menu in which I could pronounce no more than 4 items/ingredients on the entire page. He began to explain the specials.
Ever heard of "Sweetbread?" That was the first appetizer he mentions. Well, I do like sweets and I do like bread, so I thought this was some sort of "Cinnabon" concoction.
Um, NO IT'S NOT. Sweetbread is basically a pig's pancreas. Encrusted with something. Sauteed in something else.
Another good one: Montasio Cheese Frico. Now, that's basically fried cheese sticks. Yum.
I could go on & on. He would tell us the fancy name of something and I would respond with a strange look and ask for "layman's terms." We fessed up about half-way through the menu description, in which I was getting the impression that he was going above & beyond his call of duty (i.e. he's used to more sophisticated diners), that we felt a little country bumpkinish/Ellie Mae Clampett about it all. Jokingly, I said, "Do you have some pasta with red sauce?" to which he replied, "Have you ever been to Amerigos?"
OK then.
I recovered from all that and ate my "Pizza Margherita" (aka cheese pizza) and Grits. Yes, I had pizza & grits (Courtney did too!) for dinner. Emily is by far the Fab 4 member with the most sophisticated palate, so she quite enjoyed her quail and okra.
The night continued on with lots of laughter and old stories...
It ended with some dessert. (Duh!)
I got to use my fancy "E-Z Tip Calculator" as well. (That's a whole blog post in & of itself.)
And of course, what meeting of old friends is ever complete without the ever-present promise of "We have to get together again SOON! Oh yes, once a quarter. Absolutely. On my life, starting right now. We are going to get dinner every single quarter of every single year from here on out...." Or something like that.
And you know what? I really hope we do. It's not lip service with this group.
They make me proud to be from Owensboro, KY. They made that school bus just a little safer for me in the 6th grade. High school cheerleading was a little less "mean girls." They danced at my wedding reception. Chicago for our 30th birthdays was unforgettable. Emily & I ran the Country Music 1/2 marathon together and Courtney was there to cheer us on. They were there when John was born, when Maddy was born (Courtney was driving me around town when I was in labor!!!), when Will was born. There are many more chapters to be written, you know!
In light of all that, dinner every quarter seems a little sparse!
Wow. That got kind of sentimental didn't it?!?
The Biggest Loser...that would be...ME!
Sorry BL fans. Went out to dinner tonight instead of blogging the BL weigh in for Week 4. Will try to catch a recap on nbc.com tomorrow and post.
Instead, catch up and read my dinner recap. It was delightful! Will post here shortly...
Instead, catch up and read my dinner recap. It was delightful! Will post here shortly...
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Biggest Loser, Week 4, Part 1, Oct 7
Welcome back to the ranch!
This week’s show will be cut short by an hour to make room for the Presidential debate.
“Bend your knees or I’m going to break them with this pole!” Jillian says to Shellay. Now that would certainly be motivating, wouldn’t it?
Trainer Tips: So, I can take ‘em or leave ‘em. In the first one, Jillian recommends doing jumping jacks during each commercial break to burn 300 calories while you watch the Biggest Loser. That’s a great idea…except the pizza I ate for dinner is still sitting in my stomach.
Endurance challenge:
Looks a little torturous. Tank full of water, merely a bar to hold onto and stand on…hold on the longest and win the challenge. That would kill your arms! Wow, at 45 minutes, still nobody has dropped out. Oops--there goes the first two. I cannot believe how long this is going on. 100 minutes now. Down to 2 ladies for the final 2!
Vicky pulls it out! Poor Amy…107 minutes of torture for nothing. WAIT! Not for nothing. Vicky gives them a care package too. She was a gracious winner.
Jillian is about to go off on her team in the gym. I am so scared of her. I would have nightmares about her. You can betcha if she gave me “homework” I would be terrified NOT to do it.
Can’t believe Amy just left the gym.
AND…no weigh in tonight. Will have to wait until tomorrow night for that.
To be continued…
This week’s show will be cut short by an hour to make room for the Presidential debate.
“Bend your knees or I’m going to break them with this pole!” Jillian says to Shellay. Now that would certainly be motivating, wouldn’t it?
Trainer Tips: So, I can take ‘em or leave ‘em. In the first one, Jillian recommends doing jumping jacks during each commercial break to burn 300 calories while you watch the Biggest Loser. That’s a great idea…except the pizza I ate for dinner is still sitting in my stomach.
Endurance challenge:
Looks a little torturous. Tank full of water, merely a bar to hold onto and stand on…hold on the longest and win the challenge. That would kill your arms! Wow, at 45 minutes, still nobody has dropped out. Oops--there goes the first two. I cannot believe how long this is going on. 100 minutes now. Down to 2 ladies for the final 2!
Vicky pulls it out! Poor Amy…107 minutes of torture for nothing. WAIT! Not for nothing. Vicky gives them a care package too. She was a gracious winner.
Jillian is about to go off on her team in the gym. I am so scared of her. I would have nightmares about her. You can betcha if she gave me “homework” I would be terrified NOT to do it.
Can’t believe Amy just left the gym.
AND…no weigh in tonight. Will have to wait until tomorrow night for that.
To be continued…
Why does this excite me so?
It is a sad state of affairs when the gas price "DROPS" to $3.69 and you're pumped up about filling up at the pump.
Remember when it hit $3.00/gallon after Hurricane Katrina 2 years ago? The first time I had to fill up the van and the dial went over $50, I had heart palpitations. Now, a $50 tank of gas is so passe, so like, you know, last year.
(P.S. just so you know, I did finally get my pedicure. The gas shortage ended and I found a spare hour to treat my toes to a little well-deserved pampering.)
Monday, October 6, 2008
A tribute fit for a princess
As a true fan of all things Princess Diana, I always knew something was missing.
Really, they have the commemorative stamps.
They have the commemorative calendar.
They have the commemorative doggy t-shirt.
And, of course, they have the commemorative boxers.
Heck, even Elton John TRIED to commemorate (I'm trying to see how many times I can use the word 'commemorate') her by re-writing one of his most famous songs, Candle in the Wind, in her honor.
However, I always just had this feeling that something was missing.
AND...
I found it.
Where, you might ask, did I stumble upon the perfect tribute and commemoration?
At my local Dollar Store's Going out of Business Sale.
They had a hefty supply of the commemorative Princess Diana gift bags that I always knew would finally put some closure on our loss. I cannot tell you how many times I went to the closet to wrap a gift for a loved one, thinking..."this gift is nice and all, but the gift wrap doesn't properly show the respect that the People's Princess deserves."
Well, no more. The final chapter of Diana's legacy includes gift wrap.
And I couldn't be more pleased.
It's finally here!
The new flooring has arrived!The contractor shows up at 7:30 tomorrow morning.
This weekend, I sold my Pump-it-up substitution furniture on Craigslist and have my eye on a few new pieces already.
I saw my life flash before my eyes as Michael, our friend Victor, and YOURS TRULY moved the piano up a flight of stairs. I have never prayed so hard in my life. I was at the bottom of the move, pushing Michael's back up the stairs....trying very hard NOT to think the following thought: "I am a dead woman. If this instrument slips...I would be at the bottom of the heap: Victor, a very very heavy piano, and my own dearly beloved husband."
Carpet was ripped up last night (thanks again for the help Victor!).
Now, all I have to do is keep my kids off the plywood/staple-y floor downstairs for the next 96 hours until the new floor is in place.
Counting down...
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Food for Thought
Actually, this has nothing to do with food. It's more of a "Thought for Thought."
Saw a great magnet this weekend:
"Life is all about how you handle Plan B."
AMEN to that!
I also heard another good quote/thought at Bible Study last week from my friend Connie:
"I need to put my big girl panties on and deal with it."
I have had several instances here lately that have caused a Plan B and required me to don the big girl panties and deal.
(See, I can be serious too! I'm not always all fun & games...)
Need an example? Wendy's shorted me a hamburger today at lunch. Didn't discover it until I got home from the drivethru.
OK, so maybe this post was about food after all. And, actually, maybe I am always fun and games.
Saw a great magnet this weekend:
"Life is all about how you handle Plan B."
AMEN to that!
I also heard another good quote/thought at Bible Study last week from my friend Connie:
"I need to put my big girl panties on and deal with it."
I have had several instances here lately that have caused a Plan B and required me to don the big girl panties and deal.
(See, I can be serious too! I'm not always all fun & games...)
Need an example? Wendy's shorted me a hamburger today at lunch. Didn't discover it until I got home from the drivethru.
OK, so maybe this post was about food after all. And, actually, maybe I am always fun and games.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Cupcake Wars
My post about crafty Kim & crafty Catherine caused quite a stir last week.
My friend Amy, not one to be outdone on anything, much less out-crafted, let me know that she has a little Martha in her as well:
My friend Amy, not one to be outdone on anything, much less out-crafted, let me know that she has a little Martha in her as well:
Here are the ladybug cupcakes she did for her daughter's 3rd birthday.
I guess I've been outcrafted and outcooked once again...did you see the storebought cake we had for Will's 1st birthday? At least it wasn't half-eaten like the one we served my mother-in-law...
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The many meanings of the word "love"
I just woke up from a fabulous dream. I was going to be an understudy in the next big Disney movie. I had to learn all the steps and dances and songs and just hope & pray that some cute young starlet sprained her ankle and couldn't perform.....and I would dash in to save the day and steal America's heart
To top it all off....one of the Jonas brothers fell in love with me. MADLY in love.
When I told Michael this morning, I expected him to be just absolutely green with envy and wildly jealous. Instead, he said:
"When you say he was 'in love' with you, don't you mean 'in love' like you love your mom?"
....do you think he was subtly hinting that I am....gasp...aging!?!? Surely not!
Anyways, that didn't quite go like I expected...
On another note--
we're just 3 short weeks away from High School Musical 3's big screen debut! Who's going with me?!?
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