Call me Betty Crocker

Something must be wrong with me. Last week I made super-good shrimp and grits and there was enough to feed a small army! Then last night I made delicious banana bread and tonight I'm making peach enchiladas(pictured below)!
Please don't tell Steve. He's out of town and I don't want him to get the wrong idea...you know, that he'll think I actually plan to cook on a regular basis.

Oldie but Goodie

Reposted from Oct. 24, 2008...
In case you hadn't noticed, I like putting the little quizes at the bottom of my page. Most of them are kinda fun. Wasn't that the best part about all those teen magazines when you were in high school? "What's your dating style?" "Does he really like you?" "Are you ready to go all the way?!" ha!I took took the featured quiz, "What Should You be for Halloween," three times and each time I got a dumb-ass response: "Candy Corn," "A rabbit dressed as a pumpkin," and "a bumble-bee." Hello? Not unless you're six! So, I decided to do my own costume quiz. Leave a comment answering the questions below by Sunday night or so(I'm not picky)and I'll post next week what I think you should be, including a photo. What do you think?
1. What is your drink of choice?
a. wine
b. beer
c. cocktail
d. water
e. Coke

2. What are you afraid of?
a. the dark
b. the boogie man
c. being fired
d. nothing
e. your checkbook balance the day before payday.

3. What super power would you most like to have?
a. ability to fly
b. ability to run super fast
c. being immortal
d. looking super hot in a leotard
e. being able to help people

4. People have told you you look like
a. their favorite movie actress
b. you know how to have a good time
c. you are younger than you are
d. their mother in law
e. a mug shot from the Post Office

5. Your dream house would be
a. a cozy cottage in the mountains
b. a contemporary loft in the city
c. a sprawling farm out in the country
d. a casual beach bungalow
e. paid for
It's not science, people, it's just some crap I made up for fun! So answer the damn questions already!

e"harmony"

So I was recruitted by one of my BFFs to help her come up with a "headline" for her online dating profile. She wanted something kinda cute and witty but didn't know where to start. She said that another friend usually chooses song lyrics. That got me thinking.
Here are songs/lyrics that would NOT be a good choice for a dating profile:
"Away ran the children to hide in their beds, for fear that the devil would chop off their heads" Rob Zombie-Call of the Zombie
"U can look but U can't touch" Jump Little Children-U Can Look But U Can't Touch
"That's not my name, that's not my name, that's not my name, that's not my name" The Ting Tings- That's Not my Name
"I got a brand new attitude and I'm gonna wear it tonight. I wanna get in trouble, I wanna start a fight." Pink-So What
"When you see my face, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell" All american Rejects-Gives You Hell
"Shawty wanna thug, bottles in da club, Shawty wanna hump, You know I like to touch your lovely lady lumps" Lil Wayne-Lollipop
(and my favorite)
"Let's have some fun, this beat is sick, I wanna take a ride on your disco stick" Lady Gaga- Disco Stick

Randomness

-I totally understand while some species eat their young. Savannah is killing me these past few days. Helen Keller listened better than she does.
-We were in IL on the 4th of July. It was 65 degrees and raining. Sucked!!
-We have well-water, not city water, and it smells like rotten eggs lately.
-I am sick of unpacking. Advice noted, Slacker Mama. I'm gonna need some Red Bull or something to finish up and get motivated.
-I think I lost weight from all the moving/sweating/no time to snack. But I don't recommend it.
-Does anybody know where I can get a pair of traditional, white mirrors, about 29"x33" for less than $120?? Apparently they don't exist.
-One of my favorite things about the new house is my central vacuum system. Love it. It sucks.,too...in a good way.
-I am now a staff member for one of our local children's consignment sales (seasonal job on the side).
-Out of the blue my 2-year-old niece says, "Dexter (our dog) stinks. He smells like doo-doo."
-Oreo cakesters are pretty damn good.
-I freakin' cried during "Horton Hears a Who" this morning at the free summer movie.
-We already have our first overnight house guest arriving tomorrow...not MY idea...
-I told myself I was not going to visit bloggieland tonight, but then Savannah wouldn't go to bed so I figured the night was shot anyway.

Ed McMahon, have I got a job for you!

On a previous post I started talked about date night and decided to save that for later. I was thinking I had mentioned date night before, but couldn't find it under my labels. Anyhoo- My friends' church has date night once a month and we drop the kiddos off for a few hours. We take turns picking them up and hosting a sleep over at each other's house.
Last Friday was our night "off" so Steve and I opted for a real-deal, grown-up date night. No, we did not order in sushi and watch porn. We went to a wine tasting at the zoo. It was to be a very nice evening out in the botanical garden, sipping wine and listening to jazz. But oh yeah, we had to go by the funeral home first. No lie. One of Steve's friend's mother passed away so we had to work that into date night. What a way to kick off the evening. The rest of the night was good and I learned I really don't like most wine.
I also learned, not at the wine-tasting, that those cash for gold parties are pretty successful. I know people who have made up to $800. I, myself got $70 for 2 dinky bracelets and a pendant. Wouldn't it be cool if you could cash in other stuff?
Cash for unsolicited mail! 20% off Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons? How about $20 bucks for Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons?!
Cash for plastic water bottles! We'll recycle them and give YOU the reward!
Cash for fast food toys! Trade in your teeny Beanie Babies for bonds!
Cash for dryer lint? You give us the lint, we'll give you the loot!
Cash for empty flower pots because you didn't water it enough/too much and it died. Payout for pots!
$$$$$$$$$$
Whoo-hoo! I just surpassed Warren Buffet...

She cooks

OK. Normally, I am not a big food person. Let me correct that. I enjoy eating, but the cooking? Not so much. Anyway, my friend Andrea does Tuesdays at the Table and I actually have something EASY PEASY to contribute.

Diet Coke Chicken
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 can Diet Coke
1/2 cup ketchup or bar-b-que sauce

Put chicken in crock pot. Cover with Coke and sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Done! Super tender and yummy chicken!

Feeling kinda blah this week. The weather has been mediocre. The sun finally came out, but it won't warm up. I have spring break next week if I can just make it through 2 more days of school. We're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel with the house, but we're still at least a month out. I'm not complaining...OK, yeah I am. I'll go eat some of that chicken and shut up now.

BOGOHO?

Steve and I had date night last night. Our friends' church does this once a month and you drop the kiddos of for 4 hours. Our friends and I decided to take turns on date nights and have the girls spend the night afterwards. Great timing since our friends got home from the hospital yesterday with new baby Charlie! So big sis Harper came home with us last night and spent the night. It took them a little bit to get settled, but they slept great and are playing in Savannah's room right now, knee-deep in princess clothes.
How did Steve and I spend our 4 hours? We went to a bar and then went to the mall. Exciting, I know. But they are both things that are much more feasible without Savannah, so that's what we did. We bought a few things, but I have to say, I didn't see as many fabulous deals as I was expecting. In fact, there is an advertising tactic out there that really annoys the crap out of me. And I completely blame Payless Shoes.
Once upon a time, if someone advertised "Buy One Get One" (now commonly referred to as BOGO), it meant just that. If you bought one item, you got one item, FREE! When the hell did BOGO start to mean "buy one, get one half off"??? Ugh, excuse me, that would be BOGOHO! Not quite as catchy, now is it? I guess if you put Payless and BOGOHO together it sounds more like a discount hooker and not about cheap footwear...
Still, you see BOGO all over the place now and rarely do they actually mean "get one free." It's false advertising, I tell ya. If they just marked everything 25% and left it at that, it doesn't sound as tempting, does it?

Spring Fling

While I myself am not participating (did I mention we have the flu? You don't want me to ship you something with our germies on it!) you have to check out all the other SITStas who are having giveaways today. That's right- about 200+ giveaways today! Go here for all the merriment.

The iPod Game

Rules for The iPod Shuffle Meme*Using the shuffle feature on your iPod (or other MP3 player), write down the first 5 or 10 songs that play.*Justify, defend or explain why those songs are on your iPod.*Tag someone else to complete the meme.*Include these rules--and the phrase "The iPod Shuffle Meme was created by Jenners at Life with A Little One and More -- the greatest blog on the Planet Earth and perhaps the Universe" when you post your meme answers. ***Failure to follow these rules exactly will result in loss of Internet privileges for a month, small warts, and a plague of frogs in your immediate area.
If you don't have an iPod or similar device: Randomly pick some CDs from your collection and then have a CD player pick a song via random play.
If you don't CDs but have cassette tapes: Randomly pick some tapes from your collection and then just randomly pick a song from the tape. (But really, you should at least have CDs by this point.)
If you don't have an iPod, CDs or cassette tapes but have vinyl records: If this is the case, I'm really amazed you've found your way onto the Internet at all so, by all means, feel free to pick some random albums and some tracks from those albums.
If you don't have an iPod, CDs, cassette tapes or vinyl records, my guess is you might have 8-track tapes: No one wants to know what you have on your 8-track tapes so you should not participate in this meme. In fact, if your only source of music is 8-track tapes, perhaps you should get off the Internet now and watch some movies on your Betamax. You'll feel better. The world is probably moving too fast for you, and you should take a rest.

1. Beastie Boys- Fight for Your Right: Of course this album was killer and legendary and I always think of being in 5th grade and riding on the 4-wheeler with my BFF singing this song!

2. Thompson Twins- Hold Me Now : What can I say? I'm a child of the 80's and the 80's were totally awesome!

3. Harry Connick Jr.- Jambalaya: This is my boy! Should anything happen to Steve, God forbid, I'd be hot on the trail for some Harry!

4. REM- Losing My Religion: Another timeless group. Just a good song.

5. Harry Connick Jr. - Elijah Rock: Did I mention I like Harry?

6. Beastie Boys - Brass Monkey: I sense a pattern...play this song at any dance club for some funky, booty shakin'! I didn't mean funky booties, just that the moves will be...oh, nevermind.

7. Smashing Pumpkins- Tonight, tonight: The Pumpkins remind me of college and my old roommate Barbara.

8. Jane's Addiction- Been Caught Stealing: Another fun song with a funny video.

9. Deep Blue Something- Breakfast at Tiffany's: These people were a one-hit wonder, but I liked this song. And it reminds me of the last guy I dated before Steve.

10. Jump, Little Children -All Those Days are Gone: this is a now-defunct S.C. band that I really, really, loved. They were unique, and fun and mellow and happy... (sigh). Their front man, Jay Clifford, still performs some of the Jump tunes at his shows.

And there you have it! Consider yourself tagged!

P.S. As I was telling Savannah nite-nite she told me, "Sleep safe and be strong." ??? I guess she was concerned the boogie man might get me.

The cheese stands alone...

OK. At the risk of being stoned to death (whew! glad this is only bloggieland!), I have to say that I don't quite agree with all the shit being thrown at "The Bachelor" Jason, but apparently, I'm the only one.
Here's the recap in case you've been under a rock...Jason, father of 3 year-old Ty, is the Bachelor this season. It got down to the final 2 ladies, Melissa and Molly. He ends up proposing to Melissa and sending Molly home. Fast forward 3 months...he decides he messed up and wants to be with Molly. So, in front of cameras, he breaks up with Melissa and then asks Molly for a second chance. She is reluctant, but agrees.
Now, I do not like that it was all done on camera. That part I whole-heartedly disagree with. It was hard to watch and I can only imagine what it must have been like in that studio. I don't know if it was because of a contractual thing with Jason and ABC or what, but that was low. Other than that, I kinda understand where Jason was coming from.
Jason felt that he was making the right decision at the time. Haven't you ever been under pressure and HAD to make a decision or felt really conflicted about something? He gave it a shot with Melissa but then realized he made a mistake. Not that Melissa doesn't have a right to be mad, but I'd rather him ditch me now then after we were married and really attached to Ty, you know??? And you can't tell me she was surprised he broke it off. Did you see when she walked onto stage? They were obviously not in love and she was not thrilled to be there.
As for the idea of it all being faked. I don't believe it. That was pure shock on Molly's face when Jason told her he wanted another shot. She said she still had doubts and questions, but of course she wanted to try again. She loves him! He made a mistake. He's not an axe-murderer!! And if Jason was "faking it" the whole time in New Zealand, than he was pouring on the water-works like nobody's business! I say give the boy an Oscar and an agent, cuz he's got a career in acting.
Call me crazy, but that's my take on it all.

Who the hell is Craig, anyway?

Not too much going on this week. I'm working on picking out things for the house including light fixtures, tile and furniture.
We'd like a new bed for our room, new living room furniture, and a new dining table. I've kinda decided that it's not worth getting brand new dining furniture. I've seen some pretty things but nothing that I think will be worth my $ and be ale to stand up to kids and dogs. The set we have now is 60 or so years old and it has it's share of wear, but it's supposed to after 60 years! I just can't see buying a shiny, new table only to have dried up milk, fork dents and crayon wax on it a week later.
So, I've been perusing Craig's List. If you don't know, Craig's List is an on-line classified listing with everything from Nintendo games to framed art, from washer and dryers to pics of some guys balls personal ads. Missed Connections, anyone? That crap is funny...
I've seen several table and chairs sets I was interested in. Most are running around $250, which is way less than what I've seen in the store. We're going to go check out one of them this weekend. I'll keep you posted if I end up making a purchase.
What's something used you've bought or sold on-line? What's the weirdest thing you've seen for sale? Bonus points if you provide a link for us all to see! But no nekid people, please!

edited to add: OK, folks. I guess I spoke too soon, because Andrea hit it on the head (see comments). I had been emailing this lady about the table and chairs. Her ad said "contact me for more pictures". So I did. Then she writes me back, "That's all the pictures I have." But your ad said you had more pictures??? The next day I get 3 separate emails with more pictures! Great! I wrote her thanking her for the additional pics and asked when might she be available this weekend. She wrote me back and said it was in storage at her apt. and that she would be around b/c the kids were there this weekend. She emailed again right after that and this is what she said:
"You know ~ after telling you that I have my son and husbands boys this weekend I don't feel comfortable telling you where I live. I don't feel comfortable with sharing this information with you just to sell a stupid table. I'll just donate it before I feel uncomfortable. Good luck in your search & thank you for your interest."
Crazy be-yotch! You might want to think about BEFORE you post something for sale on Craigs List!?!

The Big Day

I tried not to get too caught up in the TV today. Yes, it is a big day in American history and I wanted to be witness to it, but I also had a dentist appointment and a snow day! More about that later...
I missed the actual inauguration, but I was really glad I got to see the Obamas and the Bushes walking out on the steps afterwards. I just thought it was a very poignant moment. Two couples standing there, seemingly very different, but both some of the few in history who know/will know what's it's like to be at the helm of the United States. They exchanged waves and pleasantries (not quite like what I envisioned earlier this month) and then the Bushes boarded the plane, eventually bound for Texas. Out with the old and in with the new. Just like that.
While I didn't vote for the guy (yeah, I said it) I do wish him the best of luck. I hope for nothing but good things for him, his family and most of all, our country.
P.S. I see that Obama, like me, is a lefty. As my grandaddy said, "Everyone was born right-handed, but some people learn to over-come it." Overcome, he did.

Monday Musings

It's a holiday so that means no school for me. What have I been up to? I've been commenting like a good SITS girl, catching up with all your blogs.
We also met some friends for lunch at the craziness that is McDonald's on a day when school is out. So many kids all yelling and shoving. We got out in the nick of time! It felt kinda like in that movie where Indiana Jones just rolls under the huge stone door that is a bout to crush him. I know...some of you are asking, "then how do you work with kids?" Easy. When they're "my" school kids I can say, "Hey! You are being too loud," and give rewards to the ones who are being good :)
After that we headed to Kmart where Savannah almost had a meltdown over some girly make-up that was on clearance (at least I'll give her credit for that), but I was not buying that today. Next we headed to Goodwill. Here is what I scored:

Two cute gingerbread men and four melamine (I think that's how you spell it) plates for the grand total of $6. I see both of these having a home in the new kitchen. Speaking of which, I have a house update soon, but not until I can take some pics. Both batteries in both cameras were dead when I was there last time.

I'm also in the market for a blog make-over. Does anyone have any good suggestions for free stuff? I'd also be willing to pay someone for a reasonable fee ($50 is not reasonable). I like what I have, but I just feel like I need to "freshen up."

edited to add: OK. Obviousley I've been screwing around with the look already. What do you think? However, I'm kinda hesitant to ditch the header. It was custom made, but then I am tired of looking at it. I need a cute replacement. Must look into it further...

"Duh" TV

Have ya'll heard this story yet?
"Washington, D.C. - The government's digital converter coupon program is out of money, according to a report in "TV Week News."
The article says the government has committed the entire $1.34 billion available already.
Now, people who request the coupon will be put on a waiting list.
The article says increased awareness by the public that the deadline was approaching caused a rush on coupon requests at the end of December.
The government must now get additional funding from Congress or wait until some unused coupons expire before more of the vouchers can be sent."
Now, I don't know about you, but if your coverage has been anything like it has been here, you are sick and tired of hearing about the "big switch" to digital TV. Our local broadcasters with their bleached teeth and caked on make-up have been talking about this for the past year, no less, as if the world would shrivel up and die if you didn't know about the DTV change. The ads have been non-stop. It's been like Y2K all over again, and we know how that went... I suspect, if the government hadn't doled out so much money to the TV stations for said announcements, they'd still have money for the darn converters!!! Anybody else with me?

Excuse me...

I know my "Merry SITSmas" post is actually showing up on Nov. 30- the day I drafted it- but I published it already and I don't have time to figure out how to make it for TODAY because some of us have to LEAVE THE HOUSE AND GO TO AN ACTUAL JOB. So let's just pretend it's up there for today...OK?

Pssst...

Did you know that for Merry SITSmas tomorrow the grand prize is a $200 gift card to Tar-jay? Whoo-hoo! I could get the rest of my Christmas shopping done and some air-freshener for the port-a-john!

YAGBTS

Wondering waht YAGBTS means? Go here.

So we were at the flea market Saturday...I know what you're thinking, "What the hell were ya'll doing there?"

1. We love a good bargain: n. something you don't need at a price you can't resist.

2. We like antiques and old things (a.k.a. junk)

3. The entertaiment value is unbelievable! We saw culture (half of the market were hispanics selling produce or Spanish music), wildlife (dogs and chickens), history ("they haven't made this kind of glass since the factory shut down during the depression.") and art ("yes, ma'm I hand-painted those roses on the T-shirts"). But we had never seen what we happened upon next.

+ =

a fun ride for the kiddos! Only costs a quarter! No sh*t! They had empty plastic bottles taped to the horse with packing tape. You're supposed to put a quarter in the bottle and then enjoy the ride. I am not kidding. Kinda gives new meaning to the term "quarterhorse."

Overheard at the White House...

You know how sometimes you think, "Man, I wish I could be a fly on the wall..." well, how would you like to be a fly on the wall tomorrow...in the Oval Office...when Obama goes to meet with Bush about the take-over transition. It might go a little something like this:

White House aid: Mr. President, meet Mr. Obama. Mr. Obama, President Bush.
Obama: Mr. President, it is an honor to meet you.
Bush: Hey, Mr. Osama, I mean Obama. Hee, hee, Just kiddin! Well, how do you like the place so far?
O: It's nice, but I'm thinking about changing the name. The WHITE House just doesn't have the right ring to it.
B: Well, I guess I see what you mean. Heck, even that store the girls like to shop at, "The White House" added "Black Market" to their name.
O: Uh, I'm staying away from anything that has do to with "markets" for a little while...
B: Alrighty then, let me show you around in here. You'll definitely be glad to know we had a doggie door installed for Barney. That'll come in handy for the girls' new puppy.
O: Yeah, I should have kept my mouth shut on that campaign promise. That's all I hear at home now is when are we getting a dog?!?
B: Yeah, just you wait until those girls get a little older...asking to stay out late...skip the family gatherings at Camp David...anyway, you'll need these, too.
O: What's that?
B: Poopie bags. You aren't the only one doing your duty around here, if you know what I mean...
O: Oh. Thanks.
B: Over here's the Official Commander in Chief desk. Top drawer: pencils, pens, erasers, Tic Tacs and White Out. Second drawer: The Bible. You'll be needing that since the Rev. Billy Graham is retiring from advising the President anymore.
O: That's OK. I've got Oprah.
B: Yeah, OK then... and the Third drawer: left over cigars from Clinton, but I wouldn't smoke them if I were you.
O: Noted...
B: Now, lemme show you the phone. Dial x10 for the kitchen. Cook can make some mean chimichangas! Extension 11 is for the press secretary, x 12 is for them to bring the car around, x 13 is the Lincoln bedroom... x19 is for the special branch of the secret service -
O: Like in case something happens in the Oval Office?
B: No, for when Jenna and Barbara are up to no good, you can get some of the fellas to follow them around town and keep them out of the news. Trust me, Malia and Sasha may be cute now, but give them a few years and they'll be raisin' some hell!
O: Oh, I hadn't thought about that.
B: And whatever you do, don't push this red button.
O: Is that the button to start WWIII?
B: Nope, it's for the trap door under the desk to dump the interns. Clinton had that one installed when he was in office. I got a nasty bruise on my chin one time when I hit it accidentally.
O: I don't plan on needing that one, but you never know. Whoopi Goldberg called me, "sexy" on The View.
B: I see....No, they moved the "annihilate" button to the Oval bathroom - you know- where REAL work gets done. Heh, heh. Actually, Uncle Ronnie was so worried about one of them Commies coming to get him in the 80's, he had The Clapper installed which releases tiny poison darts aimed at the doorway when activated. All you gotta do is clap twice.
O: Good to know.
B: Oh, I have a gift for your lovely wife, Michelle. Laura and I noticed she likes to wear pearls so we thought she might like these. They were my mom's, but since dad left office she doesn't dress up too much anymore. To tell the truth, she just lays around the house in a Baby Phat athletic suit most of the day watching the Food Network.
O: Oh, that was very thoughtful. Thank you.
B: Well, I guess that's about -
(Over the phone): Mr. President, we have a Code C-18.
B: Aww, Sh*t!
O: What does that mean?
B: That's the code for -
(entering the room): Hi boys!
B&O: Hillary?!?
Hillary: I just thought I would stop by to offer my services, to see if there was anything I could do to help this transition go a little more smoothly...
(Bush and Obama exchange glances)
CLAP! CLAP!

Costume Quiz: results

Carolina Girl:

You are a slutty Cat Woman!

Who cares what's in your checkbook when you look like THIS in pleather!?

A. DeVore:

You are a slutty Mad Hatter!

Have your damn iced tea at the tea party and if the kids get outta line you can sick the Cheshire Cat on them. He always freaked me out.
Janah:

You are a slutty bunny!

Forget the pumpkin part, girl!

Tattooed Minivan Mom:

You are a slutty Super Girl!

You can fly, all while looking smoking hot, on your way to save people!

Krys:

You are a slutty Canadian Mountie!

You can help people get away from fires and at night retire to your cozy cottage in the mountians.

Because everyone knows the best girl costumes are just an excuse to dress slutty! For most of you anyway. Me? I'm going to be this:
Just kiddin! There's no way I could pull off those GLASSES - hee hee.

P.S. Love cupcakes? Me, too. Here's a contest for a cupcake prize, although not the edible kind.

WTF? Costume Quiz

In case you hadn't noticed, I like putting the little quizes at the bottom of my page. Most of them are kinda fun. Wasn't that the best part about all those teen magazines when you were in high school? "What's your dating style?" "Does he really like you?" "Are you ready to go all the way?!" ha!
I took took the featured quiz, "What Should You be for Halloween," three times and each time I got a dumb-ass response: "Candy Corn," "A rabbit dressed as a pumpkin," and "a bumble-bee." Hello? Not unless you're six! So, I decided to do my own costume quiz. Leave a comment answering the questions below by Sunday night or so(I'm not picky)and I'll post next week what I think you should be, including a photo. What do you think?

1. What is your drink of choice?
a. wine
b. beer
c. cocktail
d. water
e. Coke

2. What are you afraid of?
a. the dark
b. the boogie man
c. being fired
d. nothing
e. your checkbook balance the day before payday.

3. What super power would you most like to have?
a. ability to fly
b. ability to run super fast
c. being immortal
d. looking super hot in a leotard
e. being able to help people

4. People have told you you look like
a. their favorite movie actress
b. you know how to have a good time
c. you are younger than you are
d. their mother in law
e. a mug shot from the Post Office

5. Your dream house would be
a. a cozy cottage in the mountains
b. a contemporary loft in the city
c. a sprawling farm out in the country
d. a casual beach bungalow
e. paid for

It's not science, people, it's just some crap I made up for fun! So answer the damn questions already!