And another one... This one's Good!

Second day of Christmas Songs....

The Mullet, Mustache and Moue wish you Merry Christmas

We're In!

AYO - we in our new househol'

FINALLY - we moved last week. Everything is still in boxes, but slowly getting unpacked. It is such a relief, and now that we are back to some normality I can catch up with what all my dear blog buddies are doing!

I'll have pictures... as soon as I can find the camera!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today was rather quiet - with Izzy at Grandpa's for Thanksgiving, Chad and I had a very quite day. We saw Hitman and ate at the Waffle House.

Normally, I'd cook a great feast for today, but just about every pot and pan I own is sitting in boxes in the garage, waiting for their new home. They'll be moving on Tuesday, and I'll be following! Yes, the day is finally here - TUESDAY, folks, and we'll be in our new home! Praise the Lord, and thanks to St. Jude and Our Lady of Hope - we are finally going to be in our home!

About Hitman - if you are a 13 year old boy - this movie is for you... I think mainly because it was written by a 13 year old boy. The dialogue was just horrible ("My father raised grapes." Really, I hope they turned out to be nice responsible members of the grape society. I normally like my grapes grown.) There were boobie shots, but the main character, 47 didn't respond - I don't think he had a clue about women, much like 13 year old boys. Lots of blood flying everywhere. The one good thing (**Spoiler alert: The US was made out to be the good guy in the movie, for once.) Mainly I was disappointed because I thought the Hitman was going to be Vin Diesel, but I think he just produced it (Hey, how many bald, buff men are acting these days?)

As for the previews: I Am Legend looks to be an awesome movie. I am really hoping that it's not one of those "message" movies... I really don't want to see one of those. I'll have to read up about it, but definitely one I'd like to see.

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving... we have so much to be thankful for!

Izzy's School

So, Izzy decided to play school today. I did pretty well, but I think Tootsie roll needs some extra help.

Time to get writing....and a mummy

Why I feel the need to do this during what will probably be one of the craziest months this year... I don't know, but it's something I really want to do!

http://www.nanowrimo.org/

In other news, Izzy was a mummy last night... I had fun making the costume - super easy. I found some muslin for 97c a yard, tore it into strips and pinned/knotted it to a black sweat suit. Well, it looked better on the hanger, and I didn't take walking into account, so much of it fell. I'm not sure if mummies had that much hair, but Izzy had fun in the costume!

Chad took her out for about 35 minutes -- she wanted to come back after about 15, but she trudged on. I think she had more fun handing out candy!

This is Izzy and "Shawn" our scarecrow. He's named Shawn because of his black vest. Fans of Psych will remember the bounty hunter episode and get the connection!


And the grapevine is whispering about my latest album - Skii Sings the Classics. Apparently two tracks have been released by an unnamed insider (you know who you are!) Who knows...more may be on the way!

Toothless!

Congrats Izzy on losing your two teeth!~

Hope the tooth fairy brings you something cool!

Love,
~~Mom~~

What's Been going on with... Sports!

Sunday before last, Chad took me to a Steelers game. I was a bit leery to go, since pretty much from birth, I've been a Browns fan, but the thought of going to a pro football game with Chad was exciting. It only took us a few hours to get to Pittsburgh, the drive Early on Sunday was quite pleasant. We parked about 1.5 - 2 mi from the stadium, and walked much of the way. By the way, I did get blisters on my tootsies - not fun!

Here are some pics from the day:

DG, this one is for you -- Not sure what building this is, but I loved the shape of it - the open middle and the arch.

I think this one is from after the game, but along the river boats were lined up, some 3 or 4 deep, to "tailgate." Can you call it tailgating if you are on a boat? I'm not familiar with nautical terms, but if you know what it's called - let me know!

More tailgating....

Skyline -

This is a fountain in the city -- I think right were the 3 rivers meet. We could see part of it from our seats. Personally, I think it's a bit phallic (and pink) but who am I to judge city art.

Chad and the stadium

We got there a *bit* early. It was very very hot in the sun, so we walked around the stadium for a while. I took this picture before our section was full -- loved the pattern.

Right after one of the touchdowns - the fans are wild! Off in the distance (to the right of the scoreboard) you can see the fountain. And about the scoreboard -- there are 2 bottles of ketchup on either side. After a touchdown, they tilt, the lids come off and Ketchup "pours" out of the bottles. I didn't get to see them close though. I wonder if that was Teresa's idea?

And finally, this is the condition that our neighboring fans left their seat. I think they went through about 7 bags of peanuts and several drinks. Before you can say it, no, it's not the trash from the people behind us - we were in the last row of the section with a wall behind us.

I ending up with probably a mix of sun poisoning (if that's possible while wearing 50 SPF) and food poisoning... ugh... so I was out of commission on the way home. Thanks Chad for driving.

Steelers won - Seahaws lost.

Interesting fact: did you know that during WWII, when most of the eligible men were enlisted, the Steelers and the Eagles combined to form the Steagles?

Don't forget to scroll down to get more updates - if you are curious!

What's Been going on with... the House!

Good news, Good news! We are about 22 days from moving in to our new house!

I love the way it's turning out - I have so many cabinets - the carpet looks really cool, my flowers are pretty and we will finally have a bedroom with more than 9 inches between the side of the bed and the wall.

Don't have any recent photos on this computer, I'll post as soon as I get them!

Daily Led Zep

Let me take you to the movies...

Houses of the Holy

What's Been going on with...My Car!

And to continue the updates with what's been going on in my life... My car was hit the other day! I was turning left, the other van was turning right and decided my bumper would make a great target. He just bumped it and kept on moving. Luckily - Izzy was able to scribble down his license, I got a description of the guy (he looked right at me as he passed). I had to drive "downtown" to HQ to fill out a police report.

The plate came through to a 26 year old, who matched the description I gave. We have his address and info. No luck searching for this guy on google or even facebook. However, we did luck out with the county courts! Apparently, this guy has been quite busy while possessing criminal tools and doing other assorted driving crimes. 2004 was a good year - no reports (he must have been in jail, or out of the country, or something.)

So, without further ado -- here is the damage:

Personalized Glitter Graphics

And the winner is....

It was a close call... but Baby Cat picked Kingcover as the winner! Yeah!

So as your prize, you get to pick one of the following songs and I'll put my own stylings on the song. Just ask DG and Chad -- it's a treat fur sure!

But, since Tiggysmom did get most of them right and came in second place-- I'll make a copy for her as well... so, if you both let me know the song choice, I'll get that right to ya!

But for those keeping track, here are the songs:

1. I don't know but I've been told, a big legged woman ain't got no soul
"Black Dog" Led Zeppelin

2. It lightens up my day, and that's oh so true/ together we're one, separated we're two.
"Girl You Know It's True" - Milli Vanilli

3. Dance go rush to the speakers that boom / I'm killing your brain like a poisonous mushroom
"Ice Ice Baby" Vanilla Ice

4. Feed it off an aux speak, grunt, no, strength, the Ladder start to clatter with fear fight down height.
"It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine) - REM

5. Act your age, mama, not your shoe size and maybe we could do the twirl
"Kiss" Prince

6. All I can say is that my life is pretty plain
"No Rain" Blind Melon

7. You got the peaches, I got the cream, sweet to taste, saccharine
"Pour Some Sugar on Me" Def Leppard

8. Reminds me of childhood memories where everything was as fresh as the bright blue sky.
"Sweet Child O' Mine" GNR

9. When you cheated girl, my heart bleeded girl / so it goes without saying "you left me feeling hurt"
"What Goes Around Comes Around" Justin Timberlake

10. Why don't cha be a man about it and set me free / Now you don't care a thing about me
"You Keep Me Hangin' On" Kim Wilde / The Supremes / Wilson Pickett/ Vanilla Fudge (Take your pick)

And speaking of Led Zep -- my daily Led Zep was "All My Love" Awesome song!

Thinks that make you say HMMMMM???

Was doing some random browsing when I ran across this little gem. Quite interesting and just a touch on the bizarre side... Leave it to those freaks in NY to come up with some of this stuff...

This is artist Cosimo Cavallaro, explaining his work -- a bed with more than 300 pounds of sliced ham -- at a gallery in New York.

Never underestimate the power of Good Grammar

8:04 am - Phone call: Caller ID says "Unknown"
Skii picks up the call. After a slight pause where I almost hang up, a voice calls out:
"Is Skii there?"

"This is she," I reply.

"Uh, is Skii there?"

"This is she."

"OK, thank you. I'll try later."

Click.

Grammar: another force to rid unwanted phone calls.


PS -- check out the contest below. SuperAwesomePrize!!!!!

Awesome Contest

Recognize these?



OK - so here's the deal. Above are 10 lyrics from 10 different songs. You try to guess the songs. For those that get them all right (or at least one of them) I'll put your name in a hat and a winner will be drawn (probably by Izzy or the cat, whichever is closest.)

Wanna know what you're playing for? I'll sing your choice of song from the list... that's right folks, a personalized song by me, to you!

So... I'll give you until Sunday. Saturday, I'm going to the Ren Fest with Izzy so I'll be all turkey-legged out in my Elizabethan mode.

Good luck! And tell your friends!

MORE TIVO UNBOX from a MAN'S PERSPECTIVE

I watched another TIVO unbox Pilot... THE BIONIC WOMAN... IT wasn't TERRIBLE... I mean it wasn't good by any stretch of the imagination but it wasn't so bad that my eyes bled or anything... I give it maybe 6 to 10 episodes... The problems are BIONIC WOMAN is not really all that hot... #1 thing if a show sucks you need a hot babe to make it better... #2 Plot was way way lousy... Bionic scientist falls for chick... chick has orphaned sister to take care of... chick can't marry and run off because of orphaned sister boo hoo.... REALLY COOL SEMI V CAR CRASH... Mad scientist makes his bionic woman bionic (hereto referred to as MACHINE PERSON # 2) Driver of semi was first bionic woman (hereto referred to as MACHINE PERSON #1) who has been supposedly killed in the opening scenes of the show... PROBLEM # 3 YOU CANT REALLY KILL A MACHINE PERSON... Finally in the end MACHINE PERSON #1 and MACHINE PERSON #2 duke it out on top of a roof. MACHINE PERSON #2 "realizes her potential" and decides to join the ranks of the machine soldiers... In my opinion this wouldve been enough but guess what THEY"RE GOING TO TRY TO STRETCH IT INTO AN ENTIRE SERIES OF CRAPPY SHOWS!!!! This one I think I'll probably have to skip... Hope you all enjoyed my review of THE CRAPONIC WOMAN!!!

Another reason why Tivo is great!

I've said it before - Tivo rocks. Out of the random messages that pop up on the Tivo Central green screen, one caught my eye. The "Unbox" has some free previews of fall shows. (Of course, it took ages to set up because Unbox is through Amazon, and you had to link in your account, which I tried, but found out the Amazon account was with an old email addy, so the signup info went to a nonexistent address and but we got that part to work and then we had to link it with our Tivo account which the site was down, so yikes that's a lot to sync up but we got it working)
Get all that? Anywhoo...

We "purchased" the new show Chuck on NBC ($0.00 is charged to our account) - and this is definitely one I'll be watching. From McG, who's done some really cool shows, Chuck is so funny, one of the more promising new shows! Hopefully, it will deliver. If you get a chance, check out the pilot, (which I later found out is on the Amazon site.) Very funny show!

Speaking of funny shows, did anyone catch Psych -- I can't wait 'til this one comes back in January. Wasn't that shot at the end just great :) I'm not giving anything away... but Shawn in a vest..."it's hot...HOT" as he said. I'm keeping my fingers crossed they won't jump the shark too soon. Hopefully they'll keep it more Scully and Mulder, rather than Maddie and Dave.

I know I watch way to much TV, but I'm probably as excited for new shows as Phats is for college Football!

Out of the mouth of babes...

At the gym the other day (Yes, I'm getting back in shape) Izzy is in the locker room with me. As she climbed out of a locker (no, I didn't put her in there - she went voluntarily) we had the following conversation:

"I want a mustache."

"Why would you want a mustache?" I inquire.

"So I can go in the boys locker room."

"And you'd want to go in the boys' locker room because...?"

"I just want to see if they have the same stuff as we do in here."

Kid logic is wonderful... never mind the fact that a 6 year old would look silly in a mustache... Izzy is convinced a mustache will make her pass as a guy.

I tell you - it's never a dull day with her around!

Another Year Older / Another Year Wiser (Not So Much)

Well I turned 36 on 9/8. You know the old saying another year older another year wiser? Well for me it's not so much... Today I attempted to create a "myspace" page because my cousin's wife has one and you know I thought it was kind of cool and all... Evidently I'm WAY WAY TOO OLD for this... It was very annoying compared to plain old blogging. I couldn't get anything to update, I couldn't get anything to update... It was basically a pain in my 36 year OLD ass.
So I think I've come to the conclusion that 36 is a little too old to start messing with my space. I think I'll stick to the old folks version of my space... THE BLOG!!!
It wasn't a total wash because I found some really cool music from a guy who is from Columbus...

You can find a link to it here on my myspace page... The guys name is Wolfgang Parker...

OK I'm through whining about being old.... Later folks...

Saturday

Last night we went to the local parish festival - it was so much fun! Although I rode a crazy ride that I honestly thought was going to fall apart, we had a great time! The 15$ "all day" ride ticket was the best investment of the evening. Izzy probably went through the fun house about 70 times, and rode the other rides about 20 times each. The food was great...

Thursday night, I had to run out to the store and found one of those kits you bake n make. While not as cool as shrinkydinks, the suncatcher was still neat to make. Izzy made a princess crown and trinkets, and with the leftover beads, we made an I. Quite stinky, but still fun to make.

And, while I'm still working on my outfits to post (the battery was dead, and could only get this last shot before I had to recharge) here is a pic of the scarf I made. The yarn was purple/black with little fuzzies on it... very cool and not something I could have done a year ago!



DG, I hope you are feeling better... still on the cold meds here, so that's why this post probably doesn't make much sense!

Later gaters!

How to annoy those that annoy you #24

The next time one of those "Get an Online Degree in 2 years" ads on your pop up, just give them your annoy-er's name and phone number. Within minutes, they will have phone calls! And they will continue for several hours.

Trust me, you don't want to know how I found this out. (Thanks, Chad!)

Fashion Help!

I just want to brag about the scarf I finished yesterday and what better place than the family blog. I found the yarn for 99C and it made about a 2.5 ft scarf for izzy I'll have to post the pic soon -- camera was out of batteries. Now, I'm working on wrist/arm warmers to take to work so I can type and keep my hands warm at the same time. I hope I don't run out of yarn, though.

Oh, and DG - how's your project going? Tied up yet? I'm anxious to see how you did.

Tonight I was going through my closet to see what outfits go together -- Since I have to go in to the office once a week, I'm a little perplexed about what goes together, and it's about time I took some fashion risks. I think tomorrow I'll post some outfits and my blogger audience can let me know what goes and what doesn't. Yes, I'm that bad that I'll let near strangers pick my clothes for me.

What's the rule on White after Labo(u)r Day? I mean, the weather is still in the 90's, so the "summer" flowy skirt would be perfect, but still - white after labor day? What's a girl to do?

EEK -- better get to bed - early day tomorrow!

fashionista's unite!

summer reading list

Just listing the summer reads so I can add the fall reads in the side bar. Probably won't get to read as many since I'm busy with school but I never really kept track of what I read before. Should be interesting to see how many books I can read in a year!

• Close to You Christina Dodd
• It Happend One Autumn- Lisa Kleypas
• Harvey & Eck - Erin O'Brien
• HP and the Deathy Hallows- JK Rowling (Again!)
• Can you Keep A Secret - Sophie Kinsella
• Sugar Daddy Lisa Kleypas
• Coming Out- Danielle Steele
• Almost Like Being in Love- Christina Dodd
• Harry Potter and the Deathy Hallows- JK Rowling
• Open Season- Linda Howard
• Stuck on You- Patti Berg
• Just the Way You Are-Christina Dodd
• The Big Question- Chuck Barris
• Pants on Fire- Meg Cabot
• Scandalous Again Christina Dodd
• If You Could See Me Now - Cecilia Ahern
• Tounge in Chic - Christina Dodd
• Pleasure for Pleasure - Eloisa James
• I'm In No Mood For Love- Rachel Gibson
• Harry Poter and the Half Blood Prince JK Rowling
• Every Boy's Got One - Meg Cabot
• The Boy Next Door -Meg Cabot
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - JK Rowling

Slacker update

Speaking of Slacker - ever see that movie -- some awesome little bits. So on to the update:

Izzy made it through the first day, and the first week. She did very well, a few fits about going over the spelling words (She is surprised that she actually has to study them), a few fits about less TV until the words are studied. But overall a good time. I LOVE working at home with the house to myself. Amazingly - I get A LOT of work done!

My work is going well. I had good news this week (a raise!). I have set some professional goals this year, so I'm really going to try to meet them.

Let's see...other updates... DG is here for a visit - yeah! Although I hope she doesn't get sick, I've been a little out of it. For some reason, me and Izzy usually get icky colds at the beginning of school -- must be all of the germs saying hi to each other. Speaking of germs - check this site out -GiantMicrobes -Kinda Cute (If anyone wants to order one for me, that would be cool, I think I'll avoid the Black Death and the Clap, though)

We caught a funny show tonight - The Whitest Kids U Know on Fuse. Yes, the same channel that brings you Pants Off Dance Off. Very unexpected comedy.

Had an awesome dinner tonight at a local Italian place. I must say, a bottle of wine shared amongst good friends definitely makes a meal. The food was delicious (even without the influence of wine), Izzy was amazing with her manners and the cannoli was divine.

Sorry for disappearing for so long, usually the first week of school is a bit hectic around here. I'll catch up with my favorite blog buddies!

Happy Dance!

Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!

Oh, and someone (not Izzy) decided to wake us up WAY before the alarms went off! Ugh! Hope I don't fall asleep before she has to leave. OH wait, I'm too excited because
Izzy's going to school today!

Izzy's going to school today! Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today! Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today! Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today! Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today! Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today! Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today! Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today! Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today! Izzy's going to school today!
Izzy's going to school today!

OOPS!

I just happened to check an old post of mine from way back in 2005 -- there was a list of 80's songs. Anyway, I check the link and it went to a very graphic men's gay porn site. According to the Waybackmachine the site changed not too long after I posted. So it's all good now -- I just didn't want to shock anyone.

Oh, that's reminds me -- I'd better check on some of the links I gave my students.... good thing there are some blockers in place, but you never know!

Back to cleaning the house -

Oi

9838

Total number of pages - give or take a few - I read this summer. Dang it -- one more book and Ida broke 10K!

School School and School

So - it's day 2 for me, and countdown 3 days to Izzy's first day. We met the teacher at her school... I must say, the educational system has certainly improved since my day. First, the building she is in is pretty new - very clean, open and kid friendly (low sinks, low fountains, colorful - etc.) I was surprised to see that the classrooms all had sinks in them... back in my day - we actually had to go to the bathroom to wash up! Depending on what classroom you were in, you either had to go right downstairs or allllll the way to the other side of the building and then downstairs to use the loo.

The teacher seems pretty nice - Izzy has about 25 kids in her class - a goodly number! There is a huge playground as well -- the most important thing about school you know! We found her roomy desk and cubby hole stocked with the Science and Math (Ohio standards edition -- train 'em early for the tests!) text books.

I think back to my first grade, which was in the newer "wing" of our school -- DG can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think our class was the first one to use the first grade room? In any case, there was new carpet in the room, and it didn't take me long to mess it up. See - we watched the telly for some daily (or weekly - I guess, my 6 year old brain doesn't really remember that part) exercises. But I knew I wasn't feeling well and Sr. Marie Rosaire had me do the exercises anyway -- as I was completing a round of toe touches - up came me breakfast and the carpet was never the same since. I'm sure they have replaced it since in the 26 years since I've been in first grade! Oh, and the spooky staircase behind the cloak room (as Sister called it )I always thought it was haunted. Like an escape hatch or something. LOts of things in that school kind of scared me (the talking Mary statue but that's another story.)

Ahhh the joys of school! (PS - see my very first post for more on what life was like in elementary school.

Daily Led Zep

Heard "Fool in the Rain" at Quaker Stake and Lube.
Awesome song.

House Update

Yeah! There be sheetrock in the house! I can't believe that it is really coming together... keep your fingers crossed that all goes well for the move, which looks to be about mid-october. Ugh.

Anyway -- we picked out the shrubbery (Knights of Ni not included) and flowers. Here's what we got:

3 Globe Arborvitae
1 Dwarf Lilac
1 Burning Bush
2 Pink Knockout roses
1 Red Knockout Rose
1 Hypericum
4 Coreopsis "Creme Brulee"
1 Pardon Me Daylily
2 Anemone (Nemo not included)

I can't wait to see it all together.

Update

When I'm not finding new uses for duct tape, I'm thinking how sad and yet, exciting, that summer is coming to a close. I remarked to Chad the other day that I have spent 28 years of my life on a calendar that starts in September and ends in June. Most people don't follow that same calendar. Nonetheless, it is refreshing to start fresh each year.

Now for the updates. As promised in an earlier posting:

Our house
We now have siding! Yeah! With the trim and siding it's starting to look like a real home. The drywall should start either today or within in the next few days.

Izzy's antics
It is just too funny to follow the mind of a 6 year old. From slippers that bounce, to new nighttime routines (which involve sleeping at the foot of the bed and writing notes) it's a wonder I still have my sanity. But I wouldn't trade the experience for the world.

Customer Service
Why must it suck? Why do they have so many people answering phones that you can't get ONE direct answer? WHY WHY O WHY?

Jobs
See above... I just hope this year isn't as weird as last year in many respects.

The oxymoron "Federal Reserve"
I acknowledge that I have no financial sense, but why are we putting our money into an institution that is not part of the federal government and is not actually reserving our money. I don't get it. But I am researching more!

TV
Yeah! Another reason why the September - June calendar works - it fits with regular season TV. My TIVO is ready for new shows besides Spongebob and Cyberchase. But, the summer series (Psych and Monk for example) are good!

and cheese.
You didn't think I had anything to say about cheese now did you. Well, honestly, neither did I when I wrote the entry I just added it because I like the sound of the word - C H E E S E. So yesterday, when I checked out of Kroger and started to unpack the groceries, I found 2 huge containers of cottage cheese. What I am going to do with 48 oz of cheese, I don't know. I'm open to suggestions. Bonus points if you can combine the cheese and duct tape.

Another use for Duct Tape

There are days I'm glad I moved away from the tri-state area. This is too funny!

still here...

Sorry for the delay, folks. Our ISP has been out since last Thursday night. Much to report on, including, but not limited to:
Our house
Izzy's antics
Customer Service
Jobs
The oxymoron "Federal Reserve"
TV
and cheese.

Skii's Bits of Tid

• Kraft Spaghetti is darn good.

• Is the 15% grocery bag deal from Office Max really a good deal? I mean I could fit a helluva lot of supplies in there, but should I spend the money? I did promise myself not to be any more note pads.... but I think that excludes binders and notebooks. Hmmmm.
  

• There is one song in my head that I can't think of the title and it's driving me nuts -- something about burning or on fire...
  

• If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.
  

• I find it odd that a hip hop group wants to party like a rock star.
  

• Crisco works wonders on feet (bad pedicure at home incident - this cleared it up) Never underestimate the power of lard.

• Milk is an awesome drink.
  

• My very first email address, which happens to be from college, still works... however, I have no clue what the password is. Should be an interesting conversation with tech support about why I need to access an email address from 1993! (Facebook)
  

• I am convinced that children are cosmic payback for all of the stress you put your parents through.
  

• We need printer ink, so the 15% offer is looking better... I could toss in some post-its in the bag so the ink doesn't get lonely.
  

• Billy Idol gets it -- I don't know why she doesn't get it.
  

• I can't wait to move! I swear, once the toilets are working, I am seriously considering moving in regardless of what else needs to be finished.
  

• Is the show Crossing Jordan coming back?
  

• The Soup (on E) is a damn funny show!
  

• I'm thinking about getting my Master's (halfway through one program) but I don't want to get another student loan to do it. Dilemma dilemma... plus if I start a new program, I'd have to pass the GRE... I don't think I could do another standardized test ever again!
  

• If I pay myself $1 for each page I write, I could make it to the next national writing conference!
  

• My favorite useless knowledge fact is that the birthday of the toilet is printed under the lid. Go on, you know you want to check it out!
  

Daily Led Zep

"Ramble On"


Again - another good song for travelin'. This time, home early from our mini-vacation. Apparently, when the casino isn't full enough, they turn off the electricity (Including AC) in the hotel rooms and force people to the cool comfort of coin jingling. Oh well -- nice little side trip!

And King... forgot the camera so no pictures, but I did see lots of scenic haze in Cincinnati and Louisville KY.

Daily Led Zep

As we drove to our little mini vacation to Caesar's in Indiana, we heard Over the Hills and Far Away. Appropriate song, as we were going through some of the rolling hills of KY at the time! Enjoy the video :)

Am I Dreaming a Little Dream or What?

All I can say is YESSSSS!!!!!

COREY + COREY

Dancin' by yourself is bad for your health

As it grooves your body moves
Your body starts to get the feelin', and what you're feelin' is happiness
Let your body go as you listen, let it flow through your system
It'll take control of your mind and make you move your behind

As it grooves you feel the tension in the air and now you're hype
You're gettin' down because the sound is just your type
G.M. and D.O.S.E's kickin' it to you right
So come on, come on and party hardy all night, and

Wiggle it just a little bit, I wanna see you wiggle it just a little bit, as it grooves
Wiggle it just a little bit, I wanna see you wiggle it just a little bit, as it grooves

Once the DJ lets it spin, it'll penetrate your skin
It'll penetrate your soul and make you lose control
The D.O.S.E's comin' atcha, invadin' you like a body snatcher
Whether if you're drunk or sober this here groove is takin' over your body

And now you're partyin' like you've never partied before
You're jumpin' up and down like crazy on the dance floor
You're gettin' busy like a bee and that's the truth, I got a feelin' there's a fire

Wiggle it just a little bit, I wanna see you wiggle it just a little bit, as it grooves
Wiggle it just a little bit, I wanna see you wiggle it just a little bit, as it grooves

I bet you're moving your body from side to side
I bet the groove that you're hearin' is keeping you satisfied
Dancin' by yourself is bad for your health
So grab a cutie by the hand and tell her that you wanna dance

As it grooves you feel the tension in the air and now you're hyped
You're gettin' down because the sound is just your type

G.M. and D.O.S.E's kickin' it to you right, so come on, come on, party

"Wiggle It" by 2 In A Room

My Day as Fawn Hall

And no, it didn't involve Ollie North or big shoulder pads. In the process of cleaning out our accumulation of stuff in preparation for our move, I had a bunch of paper's to dispose of. I wanted them shredded before I took them to the recycle bin. So two shredders later, the job in complete... well sort of.

The first shredded didn't even make it out of the box, hardly. I dropped the main part (OK it slipped off the table and crashed to the floor... parts were rattling.) After that one was exchanged, the second one made it OK. However, it got stuck several times and it didn't like post it notes. And it would balk at various legal documents. But anywhoo.... We tried it over our kitchen wastebasket, and Chad broke it (The same piece as before) trying to fit it over the container.) But that worked well for a while. We didn't get everything done, but most of it was shredded before a certain someone (not me) stuck about 7 sheets through at once, right after being told to respect the shredder or it will fire back. The papers are now permanently stuck so I don't know what will become of the shredder.

Why am I telling you this? Well I think I'm finally over my malaise - cleaning and purging old things can be quite therapeutic. Whew...

Just a few more weeks to get ready for school next year - not sure what that will entail, I just hope it's a good year.

malaise - subjective feeling of being sick, ill, or not healthy. The feeling is generalized, varying from mild to severe in intensity. It may be the lone clinical manifestation of malaria, or may accompany other signs and symptoms. (http://www.brooksidepress.org/Products/OperationalMedicine/DATA/operationalmed/Manuals/malaria/App6.html)

Malaise: An indefinite feeling of debility or lack of health often indicative of, or accompanying, the onset of an illness. Post-exertional malaise – feeling of debility following either physical or mental activities. (http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/centres/environmental/chronicFatigue/Glossary.html)

Finished!!!!

Well, it took me longer than I had anticipated (Monty Python and Family Gatherings will do that) but I finished the last Harry Potter book today... very good story and things were wrapped up well! Only took me about 11.5 hours to get through the book.


The Sopranos have ended, Harry Potter's ended as well.... what's next - Days of Our Lives? Let's hope not -- I need some form of escape!

Who's the Sicko

While I have no desire to see Michael Moore's new "film," I have found the real sickos to watch. I'm watching tonight's To Catch A Preditor. First, I can't believe how STUPID these people are. What is wrong with the sickos who want to prey on young kids... just because you can't get off with someone your own age, doesn't mean you have the right to go after innocent kids. Plus... many KNOW the show and still try to get the young girl.

Ugh.... I don't know how these people do this to catch these guys... I know I'd need a de-icky-izing bath after being near the perverts. Keep up the good work guys!

But -- the stupid should get caught and they should get off the streets. Castration or incineration comes to mind for these guys.

Icky icky.

Food Movie and food

As you can see from the post below DG came for a visit. The purpose was to take in old movies at a really cool downtown theatre (with organ music playing before the show, during intermission and afterward). Last night's showing was the classic North by Northwest. But as I like just about any excuse to try out new recipies, it was the perfect opportunity.

The menu for my guinea pigs guests is as follows:

• Rachel Ray's "You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta"
• Green leaf salad with mozzerella and almonds, with Shallot Vinaigrette dressing
• Steamed green beans with almonds
• Warm French Bread
• Chocolate Mousse with freshly whipped cream and strawberries

As my guinea pigs dinner guests are still alive to tell about it I'll post the recipes below:

You Won't Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta

This recipe will make enough for 2 couples. If you plan a romantic evening where more than two's a crowd, reserve half the sauce to freeze for another supper before the addition of basil, and only cook 1/2 to 2/3 pound of penne.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, once around the pan in a slow stream
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, minced
1 cup vodka
1 cup chicken stock
1 can crushed tomatoes (32 ounces)
Coarse salt and pepper
16 ounces pasta, such as penne rigate
1/2 cup heavy cream
20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn

Crusty bread, for passing

Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add oil, butter, garlic, and shallots. Gently saute shallots for 3 to 5 minutes to develop their sweetness. Add vodka to the pan, 3 turns around the pan in a steady stream will equal about 1 cup. Reduce vodka by half, this will take 2 or 3 minutes. Add chicken stock, tomatoes. Bring sauce to a bubble and reduce heat to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

While sauce simmers, cook pasta in salted boiling water until cooked to al dente (with a bite to it). While pasta cooks, prepare your salad or other side dishes.

Stir cream into sauce. When sauce returns to a bubble, remove it from heat. Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with sauce and basil leaves. Pass pasta with crusty bread.

**NOTE: Next time - cut the shallot to 1 or 1.5 and add a bit of corn starch per directions on box to thicken sauce a bit. Top with fresh mozza cheese!

Shallot Vinaigrette
2 tablespoons French red vinegar
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh shallots
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon style mustard
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon heavy cream
(may substitute yogurt or omit entirely)

Using a blender, add first 5 ingredients and, with blender running, add oil. Continue blending. Add in lemon juice and then the optional cream or yogurt .

I was able to use the left over cream (from the dressing and pasta sauce) for the topping on the chocolate mousse.

All in all - a good evening!

Next Friday - Monty Python And the Holy Grail

DG and Skii's Matching Tees

One Thing to do Whilst in Columbus, Ohio

Yesterday, Izzy and I went to the Santa Maria! It is "the world's most authentic, museum-quality replica of Christopher Columbus' flagship."

It was pretty cool. The above pics are of the ship, of course. It was hard to get the whole thing in the frame due to the trees and such on the near hillside, but you can get the picture. For a trip overseas, there wasn't much room! We got to go on most of the ship, even in the cargo area.

This is a sampling of the food the crew would eat - beans and hard-tack biscuits. (Yum!)


A view of the cargo area. Crew had to go down this in the dark, since candles would have been dangerous on a wooden ship.



The crow's nest as seen through the cargo hold. Yeah, that's the job I'd want!


Here is Izzy demonstrating on the cookstove.


And here she is steering the boat. Belive it or not, the "wheel" for steering ships was not used until 200+ years after Columbus sailed! The man on the tiller was not able to see the front of the ship, so he had to rely on the compass and the navigator for directions.




And here's Izzy on the cannon. Because they used a hot piece of metal stuck through a small hole to ignite the gunpowder, the expression "FIRE IN THE HOLE" was born. Izzy loved that part! The grate behind Izzy is how the crew would access the cargo.



And here is a view of the Columbus skyline 'tween the masts of the ship.









For about 5.50 for Izzy and me to tour the ship, it was a nice afternoon venture. I did find out that you can have overnighters on the ship and even "pirate" birthday parties -- how cool!

And to end the afternoon we hung out for a bit in the nearby park... Izzy in the fountain, by a unicorn and a griffin.

Don't ask.....

Gunther
I'm still trying to figure out who this guy is, and why he is not more known across the pond. (How do I type the darn umlats!)
But, you have to check out his myspace page and listen to the "Ding Ding Dong Song"

(added later, after searching more on Gunther)

I don't know if it's the mullet or lyrics such as:

Honey, you're so cute
This is the land of forbidden fruit
Bananas, melonas, yeah
It's a hot, hot summer love (Yeah)

But this guy is interesting to say the least. Here is a video of his song "Tutti Fruitti Summer Love"


(Caution to those with young viewers, or those who are sensitive to flying fruit -- cover your eyes at 3:14 so you miss the flying "bananas")

(And yet another one added later still) - Suntrip (click for video)
Again - not for the squeamish, and if anyone can tell me the lyrics, I'd really like to know. I think they are:

It is a hot day
I put on my flip flop
Go to Playa a sol???
I'm feeling tip top

and

I do a strip tease
and a fiesta
a banana split
no siesta
we go to shower
it's happy hour
Mama mia
Gimme a sangria

He even quotes 2 Live Crew "love you long time"

What I don't get is WHY he has so many chicks??? It must be his distinct moue.

What's harder to find than...

"the second shooter on the grassy knoll?"

A Nintendo Wii... well guess what folks, looks like we found the shooter, because we bought a Wii yesterday!

The above quote was from a very helpful Gamestop employee, who was giving me the low down on the game. The other employee was a bit confused, but I knew what he meant. Apparently, these games are a bit hard to find. I was going to get one for Chad's B-day a few months from now. I guess he's been trolling around Wal-Mart and Best Buy looking for one, and we just happened to see one at Wallyworld yesterday.


This is a really cool game system, especially for somone who grew up on the old 2600 -- a lot of the Wii games are more my speed. Can't wait for Izzy to get home so she could play!

House Updates

Drove by today, they weren't working on our house, but a crew was prepping the foundation for our neighbors house... it looks like we'll have a new neighbor! I hope we can get in soon... keep your fingers crossed that we are in by the end of August/early September.

How did I spend my evening?

With


and

YUM.

I want I want....

http://www.tatermitts.com/


This looks sooo cool -- however, I don't really want to pay 27 dollars for them... (including S&H) .


In other news.. Izzy is at her Nona's, and it's so quiet here... nice for a little bit, but too quiet after a while!

Chad and I took an "unofficial" walk-through of our house today. We sneaked through the front door, and started planning out our living room. It's so odd, but very exciting to see what our views will look like, and where everything will go! I'll post more pics as I get them -- forgot the camera today.

The tatermitts would make a good housewarming present!

Summer Reading

Since I have way more free time this summer than it seems in summer past... I'm keeping track of all of my reads. Enjoy!

If You Could See Me Now - Cecilia Ahern
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - JK Rowling
Every Boy's Got One - Meg Cabot
Tounge in Chic - Christina Dodd
I'm In No Mood for Love - Rachel Gibson
Pleasure for Pleasure - Eloisa James
The Boy Next Door - Meg Cabot
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - JK Rowling

More house photos...

Exciting day! After about 8 days with just the slab (below), the walls are coming up! Yipee!


This was about a week ago....

And this is today.... Yeah! Walls!


The secod floor is going up.. My big bathtub will be under the window on the second floor...

Our roof!

Our Garage -- and no, Gareth - we won't be living in the green box :)

Photos from the old homestead...

We went down to visit the folks and to have a belated birthday party for Izzy. (Cake was rather dry!)


She got lots of cool toys....

Including the Barbie -

Who liked to spy on us and...

Go around without her panties... (well, they are painted on, but if I had my undies tattoo'd on, I don't think I could get away with it!) Chad got a big kick out of this one!


And here's Pandora - My baby, otherwise known as the Cat From Hell. Trust me.

I promise, this was in the middle of a "meow" but she normally has this expression when anybody but me comes near her.

My sweeties!

Chad doing his best Kate Winslet / Rose pose. (He's gonna kill me for putting this one up!)