A Truly Wiidiculous Christmas!

Christmas in New Jersey this year, at my sister and her husbands house. They just finally closed on their little slice of heaven about two weeks prior. Our holiday extravaganza was to be the first real event in there new home.

Although Santa brought me many a wonderful gift this year, no other gift was so loved by my ENTIRE family as the Nintendo Wii that I received from Alyson and Dan. Mom and Dad also bought games and extras (Wii fit) that added to the insanity that would soon be the Wii! This post has been a long time coming because I was hoping to have some video for your viewing pleasure, but alas, I have not received the video feed from my sister yet. Trust me, it will be worth the wait when you see it. Let's just say that it revolves around Dance Party Revolution 2........

All joking aside, my family spent, wait for it........ 12 hours playing Wii on Christmas day. It would have been 13. but we turned it off for an hour in order to enjoy Christmas dinner. But don't you worry, that Wii was back in action as soon as the last dish was cleared, well actually I think it may have even been before the dish was cleared. But...Hilarious. Only word to describe my family playing Wii. Not to mention the Mii development that took place. This was serious business here, but by the end we had exact matches for everyone that was playing. I would have to say that my moms Mii was the best. Alyson and I really nailed it on that one.

No one got out of their pajamas for the entire day! No one. Now, if you have ever spent any time with the Powells you would understand why this is such a crazy thought. The rule in the Powell house was always..."unless you are sick, no pajamas should be worn past 10 am. EVER" (This could explain alot about why my sister and I love to veg in our Pjs on a Sunday afternoon...) Anywhooooo...my mom dubbed the day, "Absolutely Wiidiculous. " And boy was she right!
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Day two of Christmas was just as crazy, although we all actually got dressed and ventured out of the house. See, Progress. Alyson and Dan were treating everyone to a day in New York. This was complete with Department Store window viewings, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, the tree, Skating, carriage ride through Central Park, and dinner at Rosa Mexicana (oh how I dooo love Guacamole!) The night was topped off with a viewing of the Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this show was. Truly spectacular. Of course, I personally think that the best show of the evening was Alyson and I prancing down the streets of New York, arm in arm, singing "Let's go to the Movies" from Annie. Hey, we are a singing family, it happens.

The only bad part of our New York trip was my dad being side swiped by a car (don't worry he was okay and rallied) and the moms getting trampled outside of Radio City. (Again, they rallied).. I guess that comes with being in the City.....And then they wonder why I moved to the burbs!!!!! The rest of our time in New Jersey was spent....well....Wii-ing....shopping, eating, and doing a little home improvement. (Come on people, you really think my sister and Dan could buy a house two weeks before my father was coming for the holiday and not expect him to arrive wearing a tool belt. Reality Check here folks.)

In a nutshell, great Christmas holiday in Jersey. Wait, did I just actually write great and Jersey in the same sentence? The world as we know it is coming to an end..:)

What's with the Bah Humbug!

People, what more can you ask for here? It snowed, there is a chill in the air, Christmas is only days away....you should all be happy...smiling...cheerful and joyous!

What's with all the crankiness. Cranky people in the store, cranky people on the street, cranky people at the bank, cranky people everywhere. Why so cranky? really?

Enough with the Bah Humbugedness. I want merriment and cheer darn it! Do you hear me!

So close I can taste it...

Working from home today. Why you ask? As I type, I have two lovely gentlemen installing.....wait for it.... my new boiler.

hallelujah !!!

I am seriously considering having a Holiday "Thank Goodness I Finally Have Heat " Party. We shall see.

I can't say I was thrilled with the fact that they were hear at 6:40 in the AM...but heat baby. That is the best thing eva!

Is It cold in here...or is it just me?

Oh wait..I know...it's cold because I still don't have any stinking heat! Come on people. We are now on Day #6 with no working boiler and I am beyond the point of angry. I could maybe understand if it was say...August, but it is December here people! I need heat. I have been trying to get this boiler replaced since late August, early September, knowing that it was on its last leg. Surprise surprise...it kicked the bucket.

Maybe I would mind less if there wasn't a brand new boiler sitting in my garage! Agggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
I had the new boiler before Thanksgiving. Would have been nice to have it all installed and then we would not have even had this problem.

My poor kitties have these little cold noses. I feel so badly for them. I snuggle them up in blankets before I leave for work. I put the little heaters on for them and when I come home, they are in the exact same spots. Poor little guys.

Knock Knock. Who's there? Plumber.. Plumber who? Plumber who should be at my house right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where is the Value in a Value Menu?

Okay people, let's get down to the brass tacks here....these supposed Value Items that exist on so many chain restaurant menus, is there really any value in them at all? Let's discuss.

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of value is: 1val·ue - noun -a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged; relative worth, utility, or importance

So, knowing what we now know about the definition of value...can someone please explain to me the "value" in the items that are served at these restaurants. When last I checked, the whole purpose of these menu items was to actually be getting more food for what you are paying for i.e. a good value. So instead of having to pay $1.89 for a small fries, you could pay $1.00 and get the same thing. Wow...a great value, that would make me want to eat at your establishment more.

Case Study #1: Wendy's (the creator of the value menu) : Aga and I go to Wendy's after a Christmas party last week. We are starving and need to eat ASAP and don't feel like spending a fortune. So we head to Wendy's to get a few items off the value menu to satisfy the hunger...on a budget. Ummm, not so much apparently. I order a Bacon Jr. Cheesburger, value fries, and a value soda. Issue 1 - the 16oz value soda is no longer 16oz, but 12oz ...interesting. The value fries are now no longer a small, they are 4 french fries in a paper sack, and the cheesburger is no longer a burger, but a slider. Very intersting. So, for my $4.00 I received half of the food I ordered. What a Value Aye! Note: Had I ordered the BJC meal, for $5.89 (yikes) I would have received a 20oz soda, Medium fries and regular size burger. Now...I am not saying that I should eat all that oversized food (thats another post for another time) but if you are going to call those piddly little servings a value..then they need to be closer to 50 cents a piece people. Now that would be a value.

Case Study 2: Curious about the recent events at Wendy's I go through the drive through at McDonalds and order a Value Fries. The "dollar menu" now reads " McValue Fries $1.50. Interesting. I guess it is still considered a dollar items as long as it stays under $1.99

Case Study 3: Even more curious, I drive down the street and go to Burger King. I order a Small Soda (otherwise know as the value soft drink as the sign reads). When the price comes on the screen I notice it says $1.89. So I inquire..."the menue says a $1.00 for the small?" She replies.." oh we switched that, the value drink is now the happy meal size"

Are you Kidding me!

I think they should change all of the signes from Value menu to read...

"Cheap marketing ploy that is really just a rip off and we want to see how many people will still buy this stuff and not even notice that we are giving them table scraps instead of actual food portions."

It has a nice ring to it dontcha think!

The Catch 22

So, the good thing is, I cleaned my house from top to bottom so that I could decorate for Christmas.

When I say cleaned, I really mean.....I scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed my house until it was squeaky. Since I had been so busy in the last few weeks, I will admit that my cleaning skills and my current status as a neat freak were definitely in question. Even though I had said every weekend for the last three weeks that I was determined to clean, it had yet to happen. So this weekend...the perfect excuse came along to shackle me to the house and clean. I received a call on Friday that the new boiler was going to be delivered Monday morning, and there would need to be room for it in the garage. PERFECT. An excuse to finally clean the garage! Trust me...it needed it. My plan was then to tackle the inside of the house on Saturday evening and then use Sunday to put up the decorations! Sooo..

My dad and I spent most of the day on Saturday lifting, throwing, chopping, carrying, moving, and dismantling most of the garage. The end result was that it was so clean I may even be able to fit a car inside! One job down...two more to go. On to the inside. This was going to be a challenge. Needless to say I started at 3:30 in the afternoon and by 2 in the morning I had beautified the entire downstairs and all but my bedroom upstairs. Don't be fooled here people....I have decided that my house only LOOKS small. Geez Louise!

Anywho, I was going to save the bedroom for tomorrow since that was a feat in and of itself. Yous see, I have a small issue with actually hanging up my clothes after I wear them...with two cats.. Not such a good idea....this small issue usually results in about 12 loads of laundry. OK, moving on.. As you can imagine, just the cleaning alone was enough to render me almost immobile. Ahhh the pain of manual labor. Then there came the tree and all the decorations. I managed to get this done without any major mishaps (not counting the faulty tree stand incident of course). So the house was clean, it was Sunday night, and I could finally relax and enjoy my nice clean house. YAY.

Jammies on...socks at the ready...I am going to relax in bed....let me just put this one last think in my purse.................

Note to self, hard wood floors and stairs have a tendency to by slippery after cleaning. Yup, you guessed it....down I went. Head bobbing on each stair I as flew down them. Thinking...please don't let me die here and have my cats eat me.....(okay, this was a little morbid) anywhooooo, I sheepishly went to bed that night only to wake up this morning covered in bruises, head to toe. Guess I am not wearing strapless to the Christmas party this year :(

As I mentioned, the good news is, I cleaned my house...the bad news is.....I cleaned by house. Apparently, messy floors make for good traction.

It's not me people

I have several posts just eeking to come out...but I am hold up on some photos here! Can I get some assistence from the camera owner please??????

Update to the Gooey Chicken

It has been confirmed by multiple readers that Auntie Joan is the creater of the Gooey Chicken (aka chinese chicken).

Oops :)

What ever happened to ....

Gooey Chicken?

Does anyone else remember this...family this is really directed toward you. I believe it was an Auntie Karen invention. Perhaps I am wrong, but I am pretty sure that's where it came from. Maybe Aunt Joan? Either way, where has the chicken gone my friends? I was just sitting here and thinking about eating something really really delicious and Gooey Chicken came to mind. Why has this not shown it's face in so long? Maybe because it is the messiest thing on the planet to eat. But realistically I am thinking it is because the aftermath of dish cleaning is probably not fun.

Regardless, I am making a request for the chicken.

Please, someone, bring back the bird. (white meat only please :) )

(Note: As the chicken has not been made...I am unable to provide graphics for this post)

Blowin' In the wind

Note: Do not attempt to rake leaves when there is wind blowing outside. Regardless of whether or not you REALLY want to get all the leaves off your lawn ...do not attempt this. It is a very silly thing. I, being a silly person, attempted this and it was annoying. Everytime I had a nice little section all clean, the leaves from my pile would blow all over that area! Poo!

Not to mention the fact that my yard is ridiculous. Why oh Why did I need to buy a house with this much land? And more to the point, why was I so eager to have so many giant, old trees in my back yard? Did I rake last year? Why don't I remember this? Perhaps since my yard was still so crappy last year I didn't care and just said the hell with it! All I know now is that I have 10 billion bags of leaves sitting in my driveway all covered with tarp ( I really did NOT feel like facing the consequences of wet and soggy leave bags if it rained). Oh, and I can't forget to mention the fact that I must be really out of shape because I can barely walk this morning. And my right hamstring hurts more than anything? What the heck motion was I doing to exercise that muscle. Who knows.

That said...my yard sure does look swell.

Oh Little Rhody..Little Rhody

As if the driving in RI is not already bad enough, we now have to take into consideration the latest craze in driving stupidity. Texting while behind the wheel. Seriously people, RI drivers are probably the worst on the road just off the bat. Well, maybe not as bad as New Yorkers, but we are pretty terrrible. I mean, who is going to deny this simple fact after experiencing what I call the " gun it after the light turns green in order to make a turn and beat the traffic that has the right of way" move. If you are from RI, you know exactly what I am talking about. And it really only gets worse from there.

First we had to deal with the fact that most RI drives are horrible when they have absolutely no distractions what so ever. Then we introduced the cell phone. Classic...drive 2 miles an hour down the road because you are unable to talk and pay attention to the speed limit at the same time. Or better yet, the talking on the phone, smoking a cigarette and driving with your knee. Oh wait, I think it gets trumped by the guy who had the phone sandwiched between his ear and his shoulder, was smoking, and trying to drink a Dunkin' Donuts coffee...all while making a right turn after a green light and cutting three people off.

I know that I personally can NOT talk and drive, I will admit this. So I avoid it at all costs. But this recent addition of trying to text while driving really has gone to far. If you need to communicate with a person so badly, then atleast do the talking thing and drive painfully slow. Please don't look down into your phone and try and type " what r u up 2" while going 85 on the highway. Do you really need to do that at that exact minute? Couldn't it wait? I notice this more and more as I see the ever increasing number of people swirving all over the road. What are you going to say to a cop if you get pulled over? Oh wait, maybe you can just text him " my bad, lol, trying 2 txt :) "

I am sure this is not just a RI issue, but did we really need to give our drivers one more reason to stink more than they already do. People, work with me here!

Yes We Can

I know that many of my loyal readers may not agree with the election results, so I ask you to take this for what it is....you can come back tomorrow if you want to have normal blog entried again!!! :)

I wanted to post the text of this speech given last night, because I think it is important for everyone to read...without the biases of who is delivering it. Regardless of who won last night, this was a personal victory for me, because it meant the end of what I call the "Reign of Terror" of George W. Bush. I can only speak for myself with that phrase..and some may chastise me for it, but it has a great deal to do with why I was so eager for change with this election. Simply, Let us not forget that I lived in DC in 2001, only miles from the Pentagon. It was then that I got an up close and personal view of Bush's inaction, inability to lead, and what would become a "history" of letting the American people down. I worked for the government and saw time after time, crucial scientific legislation that could save millions of lives, shot down by his administration. And now, a young, highly successful, intelligent professional, who has to worry how I will pay my bills month to month. I am ready for a change. Whatever form that came in.
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Hello, Chicago.
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference. It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America. A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Senator McCain.
Senator McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.
I congratulate him; I congratulate Governor Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton ... and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden. And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years ... the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady ... Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia ... I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us ...to the new White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure. To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them. And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe ... the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best — the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America. To my chief strategist David Axelrod ... who's been a partner with me every step of the way. To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics ... you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done. But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy ... who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep. It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.


And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.
You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education. There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.
But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand. What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other. Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers. In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity. Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

A
s Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too. And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those — to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin. And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can. At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can. When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can. When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can. She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can. A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.


America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves — if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.
This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

Please Don't Hate Me....This is the Beauty of Our Country

Whether you are Left, Right, or Center...PLEASE:

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE !!!!!!!!!!

But Today I Am Rallying for ....................Progress and Change

How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb?

Answer #1: Fifty four.

Eight to argue, one to get a continuance, one to object, one to demur, two to research precedents, one to dictate a letter, one to stipulate, five to turn in their time sheets, two to depose, one to write interrogatories, two to settle, one to order a secretary to change the bulb, and twenty-eight to bill for professional services

Wait! I have another one...

So, 2 lawyers walk into a bar and the bartender says....

Wait for it ....wait for it...

Hey Alyson and Dan, what's happen'

Oh yeah, BAAA--BBYYYYY, that's right. Alyson and Dan found out yesterday that they passed the bar. One state down...one more to go! What more is there to say. They rock!

Soggy Town

Just throwing it out there, that bar hopping in a mild hurricane is not the best idea. End result, you can look a little bit like a wet rat :)

Grief Counseling Available All Day in Cafeteria

And the Red Sox Come Unraveled!

For all those fans out there who are struggling to get through work today after a long and disappointing night of baseball watching....take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. I was too optimistic... I should have been a spoil sport.... It may have helped bring about a win. I can replay it over and over in my mind, but it won't change a thing :(

Well, There is always next year.

The bright side of things....
Now It won't compete with Football! Yippppeeeee

Eins, Zwei, G’Suffa

Ok So.... I really don’t think this is what Nanna and Grampa Wayss had in mind in terms of holding on to our German Heritage. But hey, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. Over the holiday weekend I had the opportunity to work Oktoberfest in Newport, RI. I like to think it is, most importantly, due to the fact that I had strong German roots. But perhaps it helped that I am such a good bartender and that I am a terrific people person. Alas, I think it all came down to the fact that I looked pretty good in my dirndl. (For the festival we only wore simple ones that were made by one of the women who performed at the festival.) Regardless, I think I did my German side proud. Side Bar: It was interesting to see how some people got a little lost in translation when it came to the outfits though. Hello.......Not every dirndl needs to make you look like St. Pauli Girl folks!!!! That said, I could have done without the pig tails but hey...they did get me more tips :) You’ll see me there again next year!

Yours for the Low Low Price of....

I took a quick shopping trip to the brand new Kohls by my office.

Let me first preface:

I begrudgingly went to this store only because it was right around the corner and I was in desperate need of kahkis for this weekend and had 30 minutes to shop. I was originally planning on boycotting this store simply because it was never supposed to exisit. When the building proposal for Quonset was put on the ballot, it was supposed to be for small family owned, niche and boutique stores that would help small business thrive. That said, Georege Bush existed and now we have a Kohls!

Anywhooo. I needed kahkis so I went to Kohls on it’s whopping 7th day of existance. 7 days. However, after said shopping trip I am perplexed and in need of posting because I witnessed a rather surprising thing when I entered the store…

Every, single, item in the store was marked down, on sale, clearence, special offer..you name it. ODD, Don’t you think? Isn’t it strange that the store has only been open for 7 days and already everything is on sale. Now I know, and can’t stand the whole “seasonal changing of clothes 10 months before they are needed” thing, but I have never seen this stupidity before. Seriously folks, can’t you just make the prices what they are and go with that? Do you really need to keep up the cherade that people are saving oodles and oodles of money at your store because of the great sales? Why so many sales? Is there something wrong with the clothes? Just maket he freakin’ pair of pants $21.99 not “on sale for $21.99 from $29.99.

Really, save the paper for the stinking sign will ya!
I find this rather off putting!

Is Alyson Moonlighting for Yahoo Horoscopes?

Why hide your affection for someone just because you worry that they won't feel the same way? How they feel doesn't have to affect how you feel -- so tell the truth as you feel it. Take those deep feelings you have and bring them up to the surface. All that daylight and oxygen will help them grow -- and flourish!

Fall is in the air :)

In autumn when the trees are brown

The little leaves come tumbling down

They do not make the slightest sound

But lie so quietly on the ground

Until the wind comes puffing by

And blows them off towards the sky.

A Letter Home

Perhaps Alyson is right. After a week of sun and sailing we've decided that this is the life for us and therefore piracy is our only option.

Dear Mum and Dad–

Alyson and I have decided that were are going to head an expedition further south shortly. Our stay here in Bermuda has led us to believe that we may be able to find riches of extraodinary proportions if we continue at sea. Our ship, the Rising Sun II, is a glorious vessel that should hold plenty of men to helps us while under sail. I am to go as her servant. But only on the understanding that I am to be very badly treated. My duties will be: Sword fighting, obviously, administering rum, and swabbing. Which of these will take precedence, I do not yet know, but swabbing, I imagine.

Lovingly,
Your Daughter, Lesli-Ann
(aka – The Dread Pirate Fitzwilliam)

Ooohhh Bar-ra-cu-da!

Quick Fact of the Day: Barracudas, along with sharks, are positioned at the top of the ocean’s food chain, and are considered “super predators”.

Okay, moving on.

Alyson, loving sister that she is (I say that with all sincerity) promised me that we could do anything that I wanted on the vacation. So, being the uber-researcher planner that I am, I did a little reading up on Bermuda and on the excursions available when we per docked. I came across the sail, snorkel, and swim charter that was available so people could “island hop” when in Bermuda as opposed to just sitting on the ship or on the beach all day. SCORE! Once in Bermuda, and after Alyson was able to go to the Charter company and scope it out, we were golden. She gave the okay and we would be on the seas by Tuesday! I would be lying if I didn’t say that I was supercharged with excitement but also a leeeeetle bit terrified since I have only ever snorkeled at the beach house and I had never been on a catamaran before. But I was ready. Oh yeah Baby. Bring it on.

Our Boat

Mind you, Alyson was not helping me in the fear category too much prior to boarding the catamaran. You see, she is Queen super swank snorkeler/oceanographer. She is like the crocodile hunter of the ocean! Intimidation running rampant. Plus she had watched Shark Week the week before and had the need to talk about all the sharks that could possibly be swimming in the water and would want to EAT ME. Gee..Hold me Back..I can’t wait to jump in :)

That said, the Catamaran rocked my world. We sat down in the nets and got to lay back and totally relax when under sail --Boat safe disposable camera at our side. It was awesome. There was only a handful of other people on the boat so it was like having a personal guide. Note: First order of business when I become independently wealthy -Buy Big Sailboat!

Our two Guides on the ship where John and Joe. Both were native to Bermuda. In fact, their ancestors where the first to colonize the island. So, if you think about it..it is quite possible that they are actually related ! Any who. These guys were great and funny too. Since there were only a few of us who signed up to sail with them while in Bermuda, we pretty much got to do whatever we wanted. They let us take out the kayaks when in the lagoons, we swam, jumped off the boat, you name it.

Now for the fun part: SNORKELING: First Experience –

Once I saw how clear the water was on Tuesday, the fear of snorkeling quickly flew away. I thought, what the heck could scare me in this clear blue water. SO, since NO ONE else on the boat seemed interested in being adventurous, Alyson and I eagerly agree to go with John our guide out away from the boat and into the reef. Snorkel and fins on…wiggle wiggle wiggle..out to see. We reach the part of the reef he wants us to see and he dives down to get the fish moving. He comes up and says “ You wanna see something cool?” . Alyson was still readying her mask and snorkel so I say, “Sure” and dive right down next to him. And this is what I come face to face with..no joke…this is what I saw

5 ft. Barraccuda and friends!

There was a school of 2-5 of them behind me too. John comes to the service and says “ Don’t move! Those are Barracudas.” I immediately look at Alyson and say “ ohhhh Bar-raccuda…aggggggg I hate those guys ….eeeeee”. She starts laughing hysterically and I almost peed I was so freaked. Our guide told me that I did a really good job. He was equally as nervous as I was since they were SOOOOOOOOOO close and he wasn’t expecting them to come right up to us. Now…to see if you were paying attention..please refer to the Fact of The Day from earlier in the blog.

Needless to say, that was one way to get over the fear of snorkeling! Never a dull moment with me mang.

On the way back to the big boat that night, the crew on the catamaran had All You Could Drink Rum Swizzles for us…. I of course, took advantage of this… (Did I mentioned I LOVE vacation)

More Rum Swizzles…Yeth Ppleathse

More John and Joe the Catamaran Guys…Yeth Ppleathse

The Seeeesters!

As Alyson and I were more affectionately called throughout the trip. Maybe it was because we were louder than everyone else? Nope. Perhaps it was because were the only non-couple on the ship? Nope. Maybe it was because we looked like 15 year old twins who should not be out without a legal guardian present..let alone on a cruise? Nope.

Plain and Simple…because we were cuter, funnier, and more engaging than anyone else on the ship! Yeah..Ah huh…that’s right..I said it. Damn Skippy. They loved us, except when we kicked royal patootie in Trivia and then they just thought we were nerds. By the end of the cruise even guests on the ship started calling us “the Sisters”. I personally liked how it sounded with the accents from the cruise staff. Seeeester with a long and drawn out eeee sound.

We were famous. I mean, who wouldn’t love these faces.

On the top deck...gettin' tan

Climbing the limestone rocks on the beach
Getting dressed up for dinner

I Can Have How Many Entrees?

I am a complete skeptic. I know..you are all gasping in surprise right? Ha! I really do have a hard time believing things most of the time. I don’t known why? Perhaps it all goes back to the innocent days playing with Seth and Neil and being the biggest sucker on the planet for all of their trickery. (But I promise, I don’t harbor any issues about that) In the words of Mulder and Scully..Trust No One.

So it comes as no surpise that I refused to believe my sister when she said that I could eat anything I wanted, and in any quantity..and it was no charge. Please, I live in the most consumer-driven society on the planet…there are bound to be limits to the amount of food you can eat to ensure that you fall within the “price you paid for the cruise”. You get two rolls, after that...$2.00 charge. More Butter…20 cents. Sour Cream on the side 50 cents. Salad instead of fries, sure for an additional $2.99. You know what I am talking about.

Well, being on this cruise was like being in a space/time continuem. Nothing was what it seemed and nothing was what it is any other place or time that I had experience so far. For example: Jen and I stayed at the Ritz in Palm Springs. You would think for the price of the room (which the ABC kindly paid for ), we would have had anything we wanted…and we did….as long as we didn’t mind paying for it.

Day 1: I eat at the buffet on the sun deck for lunch. An hour later we are still hungry. Alyson goes back for me. And then I go for more. I am still in awe.

Day2: Breakfast, after we work out I am starving. Alyson comes back with a plate piled high. So did I. I look around to see if anyone is staring at us. But they are all too busy looking at their own mile high piles of food.

Day 3. I am still not convinced. So Alyson and I go to the French Restaurant. She decides my skeptisism is ridiculous and she will prove me wrong.

Case Study:
Waitress - “Hello m’am, what can I get for you tonight?”

Alyson – “We’ll have one of everything please. No really, We’ll have one of everything, minus the escargot”

Me – Hee Hee“Alyson, we can’t, they are going to ask us to leave.”

Waitress – “Would you like to have something else in place of the escargot?”

Alyson – “No thank” ; “Actually, can we have two glasses of Prosecco Please?”

Waitress – “Certainly m’am. “

Me: “Holy Shiesters”

For the record, that night we had:
Fois Gras, asparagas and hollandaise sauce, scallaps in mango sauce, french onion soup, mushroom soup in a bread bowl, fig and walnut salad, a filet with these layered potatoes and something else, fois gras stuffed Chicken Breast with pototoes and leeks, crème brulee, and Prosecco. I think I am missing something…good lord.

Needless to say by the end of the cruise I had caught on. The food was unbelievable too. Really Unbelievable. Room service was all you could eat too…and then there was the midnight chocolate buffet. (see below) I took full advantage of this. And BUTTER ON EVERYTHING. I even began to order multiple entrees at lunch and dinner just because I could..and I ate it all too! Though Shalt not waste!

Chocolate Buffet..room Service Style

Argggg..This is all for me!

I shall Lick it all so you can not partake!

Ummm Eclairs!

Delicious!

Happy Anniversary SmallShoo

I just wanted to say Happy Anniversary to Smallshoo.blogspot~ September 20th (while I was away) marked the 1 year mark for this little Blog. A shout out to all of the Shoo's loyal readers!

Holy Overwhelming Batman

So, first things first, having never been on a cruise ship before (minus the cruise down the Nile..but that was more of a river boat than cruise…I digress) anyway, it wasn’t going to take much to impress me here. But I really was out of my league. I had no idea what I was in for on these cruise ships, and this was a SMALL ship. All Alyson kept saying was “If you like this…you will be overwhelmed on one of the giant ships”. Holy Crap. Seriously. For a small ship, this thing packed a punch. For example:

Two main dining rooms that served 4 star breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day; Le Bistro – French restaurant; Café – Italian restaurant; Outdoor BBQ; Brick Oven Pizza; Personalized Salad, Pasta and Fruit Buffet (that also did Belgian waffles in the morning); Outside Deck Dining Room and Buffet
3 martini Bars; 2 Coffee Bars; Dance Club; Karaoke Bar; Gym, Spa, Sauna, Salon; 2 outdoor pools, 2 hot tubs; Theater; Casino; Piano Bar; game room; library; galleria; constant stream of movies on the stateroom TVs (note..Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day…umm not as good as I had thought) Satellite broadcasts of the football and baseball games; and lest we forget…room service, anytime..anything.

I am sure I am missing something. Ummm of yeah…the best staff on the planet. If you are a person (like myself) who gets REALLY frustrated with poor customer service…then this cruise line is for you. I absolutely can’t stand it when I go out somewhere, or a buy something from someone and I get treated like cow dung. It pisses me off to no end. Seriously..my disposable income is precious (despite its name) so when I regret spending money on something because I know I could have cooked it better, or made it better, or fixed it more quickly on my own…I tend to get just a wee bit annoyed. Not even a hint of that in this ship. The worst thing that happened that I could even remotely complain about was the few times they have to turn the water flow off when we go into or leave port and they had to turn the coffee off -- leaving me without my twice daily caramel macchiato :)

Normally I can’t stand being m’ammed. But for some reason, it came to be a comfort to me by the end of the trip. Surely there were people who abused the courtesy and professionalism of the staff (i.e. the husband and wife who complained when they only got 3 pieces of bread instead of 5 or when their water was filled in 3 minutes instead of 1..) But for the most part, it just seemed comfortable. They simply gave you the opportunity to relax on vacation. SHOCKING and NOVEL IDEA!

Alyson and I decided that we were going to use the comment card to write down all the wonderful things about the few outstanding staff. But when we thought about it, there were too many to point out. Unlike a regular cruise where you get a handful of people who take care of you the whole trip, on Norwegian everyone helps everyone. It left us completely overwhelmed in the comment card arena.

Therefore, we decided to put our writing skills to better use. We purchased a notebook on the cruise and wrote down all the silly things we said during our trip. It’s like a real life mad-lib! I may just post some of the sayings for comic relief!

Pool on top deck

Stateroom (minus the window)

Le Bistro...So delicious.

Library...many a serious game of yatzee took place here.

Martini Bar and Lounge (The group on the ship really needs to learn that when Johnny Cash is played all must sing along. End of Discussion)

So Close and Yet so Far

You know that feeling when you are so close to something that you can touch it…but you are just far enough away that it is frustrating and totally annoying. That was how I felt just before we got on the cruise to Bermuda. Oh, BTW…I went on a cruise to Bermuda:) hahahahahahaahahaha!

Sister Trip 2008 – Norwegian Cruise to Bermuda
Alyson and I are all ready to go and we turn the corner to drive up and board the cruise. Alyson has repeatedly told me about how nice and easy it is…nothing like flying. Yay I say silently to myself since we all know how patient I am in lines and when flying (I say sheepishly and with no hint of sarcasm at all). Alas, no such luck. Perhaps I am a curse. The line to get on the ship was so backed up that the cars were lined up for a mile just to get to the drop off. Alyson and I…having packed surprising light for the two of us, were able to bypass everyone else and walk with our bags to the drop off point. If you think this helped, you would be wrong. We dropped off the bags with the porters, and then got into another line. This line led us to a row of seating (15 rows deep), where we waited, again. Poor Alyson just constantly repeated how abnormal this was. Frown. When our row of seats were finally called, we were then brought to ….you guessed it, another line. After a small debacle with a Bank of America Phone representative, we checked in to the ship, received what I called the “Golden Ticket” (our shipboard key pass) and walked to the gang plank. Here we were met with…hold on…wait for it…another line! We said screw the elevator and hoofed it up to our stateroom where our luggage awaited us. Although smaller than we had expected, we would grow to love our little stateroom and our wee bathroom (no pun intended)


First order of business after taking 3 hours to get on the boat? Unpacked…changed and proceeded directly to the pool deck and ordered up jumbo size pina coladas! The pool deck is where I found I had an unhealthy love affair with Broccoli cheese and discovered that butter really does taste good on EVERYTHING…including hotdogs. Hey, don’t knock it til’ you try it~!

Rock-A Bye-Baby

Okay, who knew that I was not going to be able to sleep without the soft rocking of a boat and the sound of waves crashing around me.....hmpff.

Sincerely,
Longing for the Island Insomniac

...The Rising Sun II is calling

Greetings from the Frozen Tundra

Can someone please explain to me the reason for keeping air conditioning at a temperature that is so low that I feel the strange need and desire to purchase a winter coat in the month of July. At first I thought it was just me. This would not be odd as I seem to be easily annoyed by things that would not bother the average person. Alas, I have come to the conclusion (as I watch my co worker walk around in a fleece jacket in August) that it is not me, I am not insane, and the air conditioning phenomenon must stop.

Let's take a step back and think about this. Last Friday my mother and I went into the grocery store (September 5th)to purchase food for the housewarming party. We were speed shopping because it was so cold and we both had on shorts and tank tops. Since it was early September and 80 degrees out, our outfits were not out of sorts. By the end of the trip, my mom was so cold that her nose was red and it was running. So, unless there is a glacier stashed somewhere in the back rooms of the SuperStop and Shop, was that icy escapade really necessary. Seriously? I actually debated putting the heat on in the car just to get the chill off of me.

I was so cold at work yesterday that I had to change my outfit and put the jeans on that I had in the car. It really didn't help that much. Let's not forget about the work bathroom. I think that it is the managements secret attempts to limit the amount of time that we are up from our desks for bathroom breaks. They have plotted to make it so cold that you can only stand to be in there for 3.2 seconds. Thank goodness that they have those little seat protectors too. I think I would get frost bite if I were to put my cheeks to those seats. Dear God!

I now welcome the opportunity to walk into the wall of heat that greets me when I enter my house each day. I have never been so happy to live in an old house with stifling heat in the upstairs rooms! Maybe if I turn the heat on in my office it will kick the air conditioning off. Oh the trickery!

Loud and Clear...

So thanks Mother Nature...got your message, loud and clear. No Sun, lots of rain, and throw in some wind for good measure. Apparenlty, someone with more clout than I made a simple request for that day as well. What's Hanna? A niece, Cousin, Best friend...huh huh?

Well, fie on you.. ha ha! My party was a success anyway. Who needs your stinkin' sun. Rain and All we had a blast and now everyone is very very very close. We bonded. See. You thought you could lick me! Nope. Maybe next time sista!

A small little request

Okay...this just isn't very nice now Mother Nature. Rain, this weekend, gimme a break.

Dear Mother Nature:

If you would be so kind as to declare that there shall be sun all weekend long, it would be much appreciated! I promise I will be your very best friend and do anything you ask (except give up my honkin' Truck) if you will just keep Hanna hanging out somewhere in the ocean for the next 5 days or so. How about you declare that "It may begin raining no earlier than 7pm on Sunday." I will be waiting with anticipation for your response.

Thank You very much
A very nervous but optimistic party planner.

It's That Time of Year Again....

They Are Football Players
People don't play football because its fun. Ask any football player, most of them fear it, but they couldn't imagine their life without it. It's part of them, the love/hate relationship. It's what they live for. They live for the practices, cheers, long bus rides, championships, night games, countless pairs of cleats and Under Armour, water, Gatorade, and coaches they hate but appreciate. They live for the way it feels when they beat the other team, and knowing those extra sprints and laps they ran in practice were worth it. They live for the way they become a family with their team, they live for the countless songs they sing in their head while training all those painful hours. They live for the sound of their heart pulse, pounding frantically as they do sprints and updowns. They live for competition, they live for teammates, the practices, the memories, the pain, blood, and sweat. It's who they are. It's who they are. They are football players.

Sing...Sing a Song

How did I end up with a name that no one will ever use in a song!

I think that I need a guy to write a song about me and then seranade me. Doesn't every girl deserve this?

Nough said.

Remembering "The Gentlemen"..Sigh

Flashback

May 1996 - Raleigh Durham, NC - Duke University Campus

Alexa and I head to Duke to visit my sister at the end of the school year. We are there for only a little while before we head to Myrtle Beach for Sun Fun Festival. Then...a sister trip to London. Could it get any better than this?

(Actually...NO... if you get into the meat of the whole trip. I got a severe sunburn in SC, Alexa's bag was too big for the plane for her to get home, and Alyson contracted the weird spotty sickness in London that eventually got us deported and involved me stealing a wheelchair from Duke Hospital. Anyway..I digress)

We are at Duke, and Alyson is going to take us to an A Capella concert with the Duke group Speak of the Devil and some visiting performers from different schools. I groan at the thought of having to sit through this, having never been to one before and not understanding what my sisters obsession with A Capella is. So we go. Ummm, and I quickly learned why my sister loved it so much. 1. It is amazing and awsome. 2. Hot young college guys singing...HELLO! Anyway, all others who were performing fade to black that night. I had my eyes on only one guy who I spotted singing off to the side during a performance. It was Greg Bane. Well at the time I didn't know that is who he was..but now I will never forget. Alyson will recall me sitting there, chin resting on hand as I stared at him through the whole concert. In fact...a closer look at my face may have even revealed a slight bit of drool oozing down my chin. Even in his little blazer and orange bowtie...he was A DREAM. Insomniac...oh Insomniac. Ahh, youth and infatuation.

After the concert we go out to mingle and there he was, a light beaming behind him...Alyson and Alexa urge me to go up and tell him how much I enjoyed the show and buy a CD. I.....never being at a loss for words...walk right up to him...look him in the eye...AND

IGOR! (For those not familiar with this term...I sort of grunted...nothing came out but...uuughhhhhhh)

Alexa quickly scoped in for the rescue by saying " She was trying to say that you were great!" We run away laughing, I buy the CD, and have kept it under my pillow ever since. Ok, that may be a bit much, but it was precious. At one point the CD got ruined and my mom wrote to them to get me a new one. Someone even wrote a little note to me in Sharpie on the packing evelope. Ummm, still have it! Okay, just kidding Again!

So this morning, on my drive to work, I was feeling alittle blahhh. I click on the Ipod and "Good Things" starts playing quickly followed by "Insomniac." (That would betwo songs sung from that night long ago when our paths crossed..if only for a moment). A smile appears and I can once again face the day.

Good Times, Good Times.

Umm..my taste wasn't so bad in '96??

Oh My Achin' Back

Ouch. That is all I have to Say!

Come on, you all know that there is NO way on earth that I could only say one thing. ha!

No seriously though, OUCH. Doing some light yard work this weekend. Weeding, planting, mulching, watering, cutting, triming, graveling. You know, your average, everyday, home improvement for the outdoors.

Needless to say it kicked the be-jesus out of me and I can't even sit up straight. Not to mention the fact that I had to take a 45 minute shower just to get all the dirt off of me. I was covered. I had dirt in places I didn't think dirt could get. My snot bubbles were probably mud for all I know. And the mulch! That stuff sticks to everything. But let me tell you, I think that a mulch bra would be all the rage. You should try it...really you should. Talk about going green for fashion!

I am such a trendsetter :)

...Let the Sun Shine In

Ohh Ohh Ohh...Yahoo is soooooooooooooooo Right today! See, I am not crazy for always saying this! Ah ha!

Hee Hee


Aquarius
It's all in your head today -- in other words, you can alter your reality by simply thinking differently than you have been. Feeling unattractive? Simply remind yourself that you are indeed very attractive, and people will start seeing it. Worried you won't pass a test? Tell yourself that you'll do as well as you can, and then you will. It's important to realize that your powers of positive thinking are just as strong as your powers of negative thinking -- so make sure to think the right way.

Clarification...

Just because I realized I sound like I would never do something nice for people unless I had to.....

I just don't know if I should be overtly kind and do something just for the sake of paying it forward...or if my normal everyday kindness is just fine... :)

It Pays to Be Polite!

Ahhh, there is hope for mankind after all.

My morning was made that much better.

So, as many of you know, I have apparently become a morning person. No idea how this happened, but it did. I am still trying to come to terms with this as it is completely odd.

Anywhoooo, because I now get up in plenty of time for work, I no longer have to rush out the door and drive mock-10 to the office. Instead, I usually can enjoy a leisurely drive with a stop in for a morning cup a Joe. Well, the DD that I go to in the morning is right around the corner from my house. I can usually just make a quick right and I am in the drive thru lickety split. Well, this morning, I noticed a gentleman coming the other direction with his turn signal on to enter the drive thru. No one was letting him turn, surprise surprise...this is RI people. Now, had this been in my pre-morning person days I probably would have been half a sleep and in an ubber -rush and would have capitalized on my right of way and turned into the drive thru. Mean, I know, but I would have been tired and could not be held accountable for my actions.

Alas, better judgement got the best of me (as I was fully alert) and I let the gentleman go ahead of me since he should be ahead of me in line anyway had someone let him in. I think nothing of it and carry on. I order my beverage and drive up...and to my delight the lovely women in the drive through hands me my coffee, a flat bread sandwich (that I hadn't ordered) and says, "the gentleman in front of you said that it was nice to see that people still have manners..and he paid for your coffee and bought you breakfast..enjoy!" I look up and he is waving out of his window as he drives away. I shout Thank you at the top of my lungs. I realize now that this was silly.

So : To my fantastic little coffee man, whomever you are... . "THANK YOU" my mom and dad would be so proud.

My only question..Should I now do something for someone else or did I already do that by letting him in line? Is the circle closed here people or am I missing something? I can't let the coffee man down!

Stump This!!

Hahahahaha!

We rock at Trivia Night. Oh yeah baby! Who you messin' whit?
Last night I went to Union City Brewery with some friends for our first ever trivia night. Forget the normal music trivia at most bars, this was hard core knowledge my friend...and we housed the competition. That's right. (Well actually..2nd place but only because we started late!)

Talk about knowing random things...examples of questions we got that no one else did..let's see how good you all are without your iphones or your internet!

1. Common First name of 4 consecutive English kings
2. First African American in Space
3. Medical and technical term for having your gallbladder removed
4. General who lead the US teams and policy reforms for Japan from 1945-1951
5. Only Academy award winning actress to have her picture on a US stamp after her death
6. Lapidation is the technical term for what form of capital punishment used by all forms of early leaders.

Yeah..I know..we are wicked smaht!

The Value of Appointments???

Can someone explain to me where I have gone so wrong? Perhaps I expect to much out of professionals? Are my expectations really that high? I mean, all I am asking here is for someone to actually show up for the appoinments that they schedule, considering I am taking time off of work to sit around and wait for them never to come!

Seriously? seriously? I think there is a secret message that gets released through my phone to the different companies that I make appointments with. Never in my life have I experienced so many no shows, as I have at this house. I mean really, if I have to take a day out of work to wait for someone, I would rather have them call and say they are no coming so that I can atleast go shopping! Geez!

Yesterday, No Show on the furnace guy, a Drive By by the City's Dept. of Public Works, and the 9:00 appointment that showed up at 10:45. Come on. I could never imagine just not showing up for an appointment that I had set with one of my company's clients. I would be in big trouble. So what gives here people? I guess the economy is doing much better than I thought and no one needs my money. Fine! See if I care. Hmmpfff.

How Much is Too Much Food?

Alot...A whole Bunch....oh wait...is it ever really too much? Ummm, not if it comes from Twin Oaks. Ha Ha!

Last night my sister and Dan were in town before they head off on their month long Alaskan adventure (yes, I wrote that correctly and I am not exaggerating). Instead of cooking we decided that we wanted to get take out. When asked what people wanted...someone shouted VEAL. Cause' of course, that is normal. Anyway....when in RI and you want veal (and you live in Cranston) there is really no question where you will go.

TWIN OAKS.

Holy delicisiousness of Veal batman!

We had enough food to feed a small army contingency. Too bad for them we ate it all:)

Soo Good, So So So good. (I was particularly partial to the loaf of Italian bread that was soaking in melted butter and parm cheese.) Can you say FAT!

So...how was everyone else's weekend?

Tantalizing to your Taste Buds

Okay,

First:
Who says Tantalizing to your Taste Buds? Really? Well actually, the server at the Coast Guard House in Narragansett. She was a little kooky at first and very excited to serve Debbie and I our 'Ritas. Um, it caught me off guard a little in fact. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Apparently, this was realized by the server who quickly became humdrum and lost her spunk. Sooorrrryyyy!

Second:
Do NOT be deceived by the hope of fresh mangos in your ritas at the CGH. It is a very expensive blended mess and should not be tried. I will save you all from a silly $8 mistake.

Third:
I LOVE the CGH when it is not crowded and not a meat market. What a lovely evening sitting out on the deck, listening to the lapping of the waves against the rocks...well, they were sort of drowned out by the constant chatter of me and Debbie...but it was nice nonetheless!

Fourth
I am NOT 21 again and should really think twice about all of these nights out in a row where I go to bed at 2 am. Really Powell. Although it is totally worth it because I had a blast, I am now very very sleepy. All the time!

Fifth:
Thanks John for making us dinner so we could go out and play. Yipppeeee

Sixth:
Flashback to July 4th 2004....No entry to CGH for men without sleeves. Most ridiculous rule ever as women walked around 1/2 naked but the guys were forced to by a stupid shirt when it was 110 degrees out.

Anywhooooooooooooooooooooooooo...same rule applies now, and you would think after our last episode that it would be enforced...Nope. Debbie and I had the pleasure of sitting next to a guy wearing...ready for this... a denim button down shirt, sleeves cut off (muscle shirt style), unbuttoned all the way with nothing on underneath it! eeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. On top of that, he had on the tightest white jean shorts I have EVA seen and he was smoking like a chimney. (for those who will remember, it resembled the outfit worn to the "white trash bowling night" for Gary's birthday) Thank goodness for his very ephemeral visit to the CGH!. I personally think that he was on the lamb from the fashion police!

Seventh:
What was up with the two women making out in the bathroom. Very interesting I tell you. I wonder if their dates approved?? Hee Hee Hee

All in all, a fantastic evening out.

Bar Bar Bar Bar and More Bar

Okay folks...today is the day (or atleast the day that starts it all). This morning, my sister and brother-in-law head out to take the first part of the bar exams.

This will be an adventure as they are both taking the state specific for NY AND NJ (Lord love a duck)and then they both have to take the National. It is like quadruple dose of Bar Exam here people!!! I'm so proud and impressed that they are off to do this today. I can't say that I would have had the patience or the stamina to do what they have done and are about to do. The countless hours of studying are over and now all we can do is wait...until November. How cruel is that people. I mean really!!!!!!

Keep all your fingers crossed..but I am confident that they will come through with flying colors! Go Alyson and Dan :)

EEKY EEKY EEKY Botang-BA-Whaoppa

"What floats in water?"
-Wood!
"And what else?"
-Oil!
-Very small rocks!
-A duck-

"Exactly. So, logically...
If she weighed the same as a duck... she's made of wood.
And therefore...
...A witch! "

---------------

We want a shrubbery! A nice one at that, not too tall, not too short or wide, but just right. And it must be a white shrubbery.

Where are we to get such an oddity in the Forest?

Go and see..........................Roger the shrubber.

Vacation Smacation

With the last weekend at the beach house quickly approaching I have decided that I really do need to get away for a little while. Lots and Lots going on here in my world and I think a little getaway is needed. (And I mean farther than NJ lovely sister o'mine).

I'm still debating the safety and possible stupidity of going camping one weekend in August, not like I haven't done it before. I reiterate..Still open for debate.

So, anyone got any suggestions? I had tossed around the idea of heading to Montana for a week. My parents were there for 2 or 3 weeks last year and said it was amazing. There is the idea of Chicago...never been. Or California? Rent a convertible and drive along the coast...wine anyone? So, if anyone has any good ideas, let me know. I'm open for anything (that is budget friendly of course). St. Louis for some BBQ, or Nashville. ..the possibilities are endless.

Apple "Boo's"

So my friend and I went to Applebee's for dinner tonight so we could chat and just relax before she heads off to Vegas for 2 weeks. I think she just wanted to get a head start on her relaxing. Anywhooo, we went to Applebee's right near my house. Quick, easy, and they have a nice selection of healthier fare. However, I think I have a sign on my head that magically appears when I walk into a restaurant. It reads, "Hostess, Please seat me at the table that is in the way of everyone and everything, that is surrounded by misbehaving children, has the worst waiter on duty, and was last occupied by the messiest patron on the planet."

I say this only because it is the only way that I can rationalize why I end up at these exact tables. I used to think that I was expecting too much, or that I clearly had outrageously unattainable demands for my dining experiences. Alas, I am confident that it is NOT me. I am always getting the most ridiculous situations. I won't bore you with details, but luckily the conversation was so captivating that I didn't dwell on the complete absenteeism of our waiter or the child who felt the need to play with his trucks in my friends dinner plate.

I think I will stick to cooking for a while and just try and shake it off!

Let's Ask the "Kernel"

Is there a maximum number of corn on the cobs that one person should eat in any given four day span? No really, is there? I heard that corn is bad for digestion.

I have consumed corn on the cob in mass quantities over the past few days/weeks. Am I going to explode?

Let's investigate and discuss.

A fine question my friend...

As someone has so kindly pointed out...I did refer to the dreaded box store.."Home Depot" in a previous post. And I was asked if I gave in to the convenience of the Superstore. The answer is:

NO

It has been anything but convenient. In fact, as we speak I am ready to scream because this is the second day in a row they have failed to deliver my goods. I actually went to several of my beloved mom and pop stores for my concrete. Unfortunately, none of them had enough stock for my order and not a single one would let me buy what they had because it would clean them out and they don't get deliveries of cement often enough. Furthermore...non of them delivered and I...little LAP...could not carry load, unload, and move 150 bags of cement and mortar myself.

Ordering online was not an option. I was left with no choice but Lowes or Home Depot if I wanted this project done within the next year. And, just as I had thought, I am paying the price for caving in. Frustration overload!!!!

No..I have Not Given Birth..Neither Has My Sister!

For all those wondering...the baby in my new "Blog" picture is JJ. He is my cousin Debbie's baby and is no longer that tiny. But upon my request she sent this picture to me for the blog. And I do love it! Although it may seem silly to have him in there...could you crop this cutie? I didn't think so!