You Can't Fight Crazy

Day 20: What I read

2011-11-20T20:30:00.003-05:00

Black Friday circulars stuffed the Sunday paper today. I already used a $2 coupon from one of them.

Day 19: Where I slept

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Day 18: In my bag

2011-11-19T08:59:00.001-05:00

My amazing train case.

Disclaimer: The wallpaper was there when we moved in.

Day 17: On the shelf

2011-11-17T22:32:00.001-05:00

Day 16: What I ate

2011-11-16T22:02:00.001-05:00

Cookies and cream cupcake. Courtesy of A.. Yum!

I'm more than halfway through the 30 Day Photo Challenge. See the list HERE.

Day 15: My shoes

2011-11-15T21:03:00.001-05:00

My gardening, walking, weekending, playing in the back yard shoes.

Day 14: Flowers

2011-11-14T21:46:00.001-05:00

My Wedding Bouquet

Shot with Hipstamatic on my iphone

Day 13: From a distance

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Ring Around the Moon
(click the picture, it's easier to see)

Day 12: Close up

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Day 11: Something fun

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Day 10: Something I made

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This was a small unusable coat closet when we moved in. Now it holds all of our winter gear, extra pillows and throw blankets. Love it!

PS. I wanted to take a picture of Kaeleigh for this topic but she said I already used her in a post this week.

Day 9: Faceless self portrait

2011-11-09T17:46:00.001-05:00

My cousin Jennifer and I are doing the 30 day photo challenge. Be sure to check her page for today's photo as well.

Day 8: Technology

2011-11-08T22:14:00.002-05:00

My pretty blue DSi, my Nikon, my iPhone, and my light up keyboard (which also lights orange and purple). This is my personal desk. Absolutely no work is done on any of these. I'm pretty strict about that. That's what I have an office for. These are my toys :)

My cousin Jennifer and I are doing the 30 day photo challenge. Be sure to check her page for today's photo as well.

Day 7: Something new

2011-11-07T08:25:00.000-05:00

Beautiful new day

My cousin Jennifer and I are doing the 30 day photo challenge. Be sure to check her page for today's photo as well.

Day 6: Childhood memory

2011-11-06T22:02:00.002-05:00

My Great Grandmother's spoon and my Mom's green Tupperware bowl. Together they made the best macaroni salad in the word. It was a true taste of summer growing up that I still love to this day.

My cousin Jennifer and I are doing the 30 day photo challenge. Be sure to check her page for today's photo as well.

Day 5: Someone I love

2011-11-06T13:25:00.001-05:00

Kaeleigh. Marching band competition.

My cousin Jennifer and I are doing the 30 day photo challenge. Be sure to check her page for today's photo as well.

Day 4: Favorite color

2011-11-04T23:09:00.000-04:00

Drew Blue

My cousin Jennifer and I are doing the 30 day photo challenge. Be sure to check her page too.

Day 3: Clouds

2011-11-03T17:00:00.000-04:00

clouds

My cousin Jennifer and I are doing the 30 day photo challenge. Be sure to check her page for today's photo as well.

Day 2: What I Wore

2011-11-02T23:20:00.002-04:00

Bling pants
Well loved, slightly holey, paint in a few places, comfiest pants I have.

I am doing the 30 day photo challenge. A picture a day, every day, for November.

Day 1: Self Portrait

2011-11-01T20:28:00.000-04:00

The Dark Half

This is the least favorite side of my face. My eyebrow doesn't work, that side of my lip is numb, and the eye closes when I smile. I look like a pirate with a wonky mouth. My face hasn't always been this way, but that's how it is now. Perspective check, worse things could happen. I don't care for pictures of myself because of this and almost passed by the 30 day photo challenge list because the first day was self portrait. Ugh. Sorry, Argh!

I got frustrated taking self portraits today, took a deep breath, and decided to take pictures solely of that side. Here I am.

My cousin Jennifer and I are doing the 30 day photo challenge. Each day of November we'll post separate pictures,

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-11-01T19:37:00.001-04:00

My cousin Jennifer and I are doing the 30 day photo challenge to try and spur our blogging and creativity a bit. I love the idea and look forward to sharing the pictures with you.

Just a little creepy

2011-09-07T22:00:00.000-04:00

Monday morning was a little creepy. I woke up around 6 in the morning. Stumbling to the bathroom I heard the radio playing in Kaeleigh's room. It was a classic and I heard "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to, cry if I want to... cry if I want to...". Then it hit me, Kaeleigh was not home. She was away at camp with her church. Now, if it were Eminem or Katy Perry it wouldn't have been freaky, but it was an old classic I've heard in more than one scary movie and it was at that exact part, the party part. Creepy!

My mind immediately goes to a pale figure sitting creepily in the room waiting to pounce on me. Of course it turned out that since it was Monday (Labor Day) Kaeleigh's alarm clock was going off. Not nearly as traumatic.

It's the little things

2011-09-06T19:21:00.001-04:00

One of the selling points of our new home, for me at least, was the kitchen. So, tonight I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorite parts of it.

This is the view early in the morning:

We didn't realize until we moved in that the under the counter radio had a built in TV. The first time I turned it on Say Anything was playing.

Our toaster is cute, way smaller than the toaster over, and makes bread things brown.

What more could we want?

This is our mail basket. It was olive green at the last house.

I already had white spray paint so I gave it a few coats and now it matches the kitchen.

We retired our old large drain board for this adorable over the sink adjustable one. It's perfect.

I finally have a place to hang my aprons.

This one seemed appropriate to be the first one up.

Whimsical Ducks

2011-09-04T14:20:00.001-04:00

As many of you are frequent overnight guests here in Huntingham Palace in Camp Hill, I am pleased to inform you that we have upgraded the shower facilities :-) The upstairs shower now contains much sought after "Whimsical Ducks"

They are whimsical because they have neither the need for nor the ability to use snorkels, sun-glasses or swim trunks (and I couldn't find ducks with umbrellas).

For those that aren't frequent Big Bang Theory viewers, watch this clip... you'll understand :-)

In all seriousness though, last winter when I sneezed in the shower and set off the degenerative nerve canal swelling in my left leg that lead to my time laid up where I couldn't walk I couldn't help but think how something in the shower might have saved me from it. And then I remembered this clip.. and so, ducks it had to be :-)

--Guest Blogger Druman

Moving on up... the living room.

2011-08-19T06:18:00.003-04:00

We are moving in two days. Hopefully the stress of moving is the reason I can't sleep and am posting to my blog before the sun is even up. I thought it would go away after we closed on the house... but not so much. We are only moving two blocks away from where we currently rent, same development and all, and we are paid on our current house through August. This will give us some time to clean the old house once we are out without having to do everything in one day. Our landlord is great so I want to leave the house in good condition.

Since closing on Monday we've done a lot of work. Things that seem like they should be quick to do take twice as long when you're trying to do them at night. Drew, keeping me sane, has been working at his job late afternoon into the night so that he could get some painting done during the daylight. Really the only things we wanted to do before we moved in were paint the living room and Kae's bedroom. Monday night we started on both. We took down the horrible border, and then it was too dark to do anything else since there's really no lighting in the living room. Tuesday we got the trim taped off and started painting it. Wednesday the second coat was put on the trim and we painted the edges of the walls. Yesterday the second coat went up on the walls and the tape finally came down. All in all not too shabby when you're starting after work and lose all decent light after 8pm.

Behind the short wall is a spiral staircase that leads to the basement. At some point I'm sure I'll change the color of something on that side of the room so we have a little contrast, but for right now it's so much better than it was.

Top 5 - Odd things you may not know about me

2011-06-22T21:20:00.003-04:00

I love olive juice. I'm not talking about in the occasional dirty Sapphire martini, though those are delicious, I mean like right out of the jar. Not a glass of it, just a sip as I take an olive or two. Love it. It reminds me of the ocean, that salty taste on your lips as you're walking out. Crisp and cold.
When I'm angry, like really just need to drown everything out angry, I listen to Guns N' Roses Appetite for Destruction very loud, or Corrine Baily Rae (self titled) very softly. Such a contradiction.
I have never seen, and frequently knock, all the housewives shows. Yet I love Cops, Jail, and Parking wars. Hey, I didn't say these made sense.
I am addicted to checking the weather. At least ten times a day I'm clicking the radar on AccuWeather.com.
I watch and love horror movies. I know they aren't real. Yet, still I will not sit out in my back yard by myself at night, and never, ever will I go swimming at night or canoeing on a lake alone.

Cousin Jennifer and I are having a Blogger Challenge week. Every day for a week we'll be posting using the same topic, Top 5. Be sure to check for her pearls of wisdom. If you're coming here from her site, welcome.

PS... Be careful what you click on when you Google Image search "dirty martini". OOF!

Top 5 - Goals for the Summer

2011-06-21T17:21:00.003-04:00

Read 5 books. I have 2 books I haven't started and 1 that I am only 1/4 of the way through and really should just re-start at this point, but in September I'd like to be able to say I read at least 5 books. Plus one of the books isn't technically mine so the polite thing to do would be read that first so I can return it.
Go to the beach. Sure it's a long drive from here, but really there is nothing like being at the ocean. My batteries seem to recharge faster when I'm sitting in the sun, toes in the sand, and the sound of the surf.
Get the bamboo under control. It's huge and growing... and growing... and growing. Time to do some research, come up with a plan, and get that spot looking manicured.
Go to a drive in. We have Harr's Drive-In less than 20 minutes away. Plus they have 2 movies, and it's only $7 a person. Quite a deal if you pick the right weather to go in.
Learn how to make a good Sangria. I've had Sangria that was out of this world, and some that was absolutely horrible. I think it's all a matter of taste, but I'm sure I'll have fun trying.

Cousin Jennifer and I are having a Blogger Challenge week. Every day for a week we'll be posting using the same topic, Top 5. Be sure to check for her pearls of wisdom. My blog traffic always shoots up when we do this, thanks new people!

Top 5 - Things I can't get enough of right now

2011-06-20T22:40:00.002-04:00

HBO on Demand. Game of Thrones just ended it's first season and we are trying to catch up on True Blood Season 3 before 4 begins next week. Each show is captivating in it's own way and with hotties like Jon Snow and Alcide what's not to like?
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World - The graphic novel style filming, the Culkin brother, Sex bob-omb. All so very amusing.
Tumblr. I'm working on a Tumblr page for a photo blog. Little to no narrative, just the world as I see it.
Tending my little garden. Pinching back, pulling the odd weed, watering things properly. I just love it.
Sticking a lolcat picture in an email to the BFF. Trying to make the other one laugh and forget whatever the problem of the day is. It's silly, but it gets quite amusing.

Cousin Jennifer and I are having a Blogger Challenge week. Every day for a week we'll be posting using the same topic, Top 5. Be sure to check for her pearls of wisdom.

Top 5 - Pictures I took at the pool Sunday

2011-06-20T21:51:00.003-04:00

Pool - flash slideshow maker

Looking at the pictures you will see 1,2,3,4, then 5 people.

Cousin Jennifer and I are having a Blogger Challenge week. Every day for a week we'll be posting using the same topic, Top 5.

Top 5 - Things I did Saturday instead of blogging

2011-06-20T21:20:00.004-04:00

Top 5 things I did Saturday instead of blogging:

Made bruschetta. I don't brag often, but let's face it, if you've had my bruschetta you'll agree it belongs in the top 5. Please note the bruschetta pictured above is not my bruschetta. It may look delicious, but it is sub-par.
Stopped at a graduation party for one of my favorite Kaeleigh friends. Well, we've known her since Kaeleigh was about 3, she's more like family.
Drank champagne.
Went swimming with my friends.
Had coffee with my Mom.

Cousin Jennifer and I are having a Blogger Challenge week. Every day for a week we'll be posting using the same topic, Top 5.

Top 5 - Reasons I'm like Monica from Friends

2011-06-17T18:48:00.006-04:00

I make lists, make a change, and have to rewrite the list over again in the proper order.
It is my kitchen. Rearranging things in it will drive me mad. I have serious control issues.
I married an adorable IT guy I was friends with first.
I have that giant sun blanket she had in the first season.
During humid weather my hair looks like this:

Cousin Jennifer and I are having a Blogger Challenge week. Every day for a week we'll be posting using the same topic, Top 5. The challenge is getting us to post 7 days in a row :)

Top 5 - Reasons I love the Summer

2011-06-16T21:17:00.072-04:00

5. Fireworks - Growing up there was a field at the end of our street. On the Fourth of July they would have a huge festival in this field. There were games, pie-eating contests, and at the close of the day there were fireworks. Huge, fireworks that filled up the sky, or just came and went with a quick flash and then a HUGE BOOM. I just loved them. Now, at 42, there's a field at the end of our street at the top of a hill. From the field you can see the Susquehanna River, the Capitol Building... and every Fourth of July you can see fireworks.

4. Gardening- I love to spend time outside planting, watering, and then reaping the fruits of my labor. Literally. This year I've got tomatoes, Thai peppers, sweet mint, rosemary, and of course lots of basil! Gardening also leads to Bruschetta.

3. Carnivals - The smells, the lights, the cotton candy. What's not to love?

2. Swimming - I absolute love being in the water. Pool, lake, ocean, it doesn't matter. I'm not picky. I just need to be able to kick my feet or float on my back and I'm a happy camper.

1. That summertime feeling. Spent the day swimming somewhere, just out of the shower, relaxing before dinner having a beer with that slight tingle on your skin. Kissed by the sun.

Update: This is what my garden looks like almost 2 weeks after the picture above.

Let's face it kids, my posts have been lacking. Cousin Jennifer and I are having a Blogger Challenge week. Every day for a week we'll be posting using the same topic, Top 5. The challenge is getting us to post 7 days in a row :)

The Heat is On

2011-05-23T21:14:00.005-04:00

Please meet.... our new grill.

A few months ago our grill died. Well, not so much died as pieces of the grate were falling off and the metal that covers and directs the flame had just disintegrated. There's better ways to get a little iron in your system my friends. We grill year round and I personally felt the loss. We have 2 indoor electric grills (the husband came with 2, not sure why there's more than one), and while they do produce a mostly grilled taste I'm not a fan of the house smelling like whatever I cooked for the next 3 days. So, armed with our paid off Home Depot card we set out Saturday to get ourselves a new outdoor cooker.

Let's have a closer look, shall we? Our new Stok grill has 2 removable plates in the middle that lift off with the supplied handle.

The handle easily snaps on and with the flick of a button releases, but while it's attached it feels as if it's part of whatever it's attached too. The interchangeable plates include the grill plates (obviously) that have both a flat side for burgers and a side with peaks for those nice grill marks in your steaks. It also comes with a griddle plate, a pizza stone, and a grill pan. SO excited about the grill pan. We love to grill shrimp and had baskets before that shrimp would kind of stack in, but it was a pain to load them and the middle shrimp took longer to cook causing the outer ones to cook too long. Not any more kids, now we have this! I hear you can also cook veggies in them, you know, if you eat veggies :)

We broke our grill in right, with a nice steak and some shrimp. Here's what it looked like with all that love on top:

The best part was being able to attach the handle to the shrimp pan and keep them moving so they all cooked evenly. All the inserts stack in little slots under the grill in the cabinet so they stay clean and out of the way when not in use. I look forward to finding ways to use all the attachments.

So, when are you coming over for dinner?

We interrupt this post to bring you an important message...

2011-04-02T00:08:00.001-04:00

We now return you to your regularly scheduled blogathon.

The Best Part of My Friday

2011-04-01T23:09:00.000-04:00

JEN IS HERE!!! JEN IS HERE!!

The Best Part of My Thursday

2011-03-31T20:57:00.003-04:00

Today I was driving home from a frustrating site visit. I had left my house at 2:30 to attend to a beeping server an hour away. When I got there the beeping had stopped. SO Frustrating. Add in the rain and my ride home was going to be crappy and long since it would soon be rush hour. Hurrying to make the turnpike before 5pm I was next to this car. This dog was hanging out of the car barking at the rain as the car drove down the road. The rain wasn't pouring down, but it was more than a drizzle and this fuzzy guy was totally drenched. I stayed parallel to the car as long as I could, watching him as his whole body was wagging and he was just LOVING life. It made me smile, and slow down a little, for the rest of my drive.

Best part of my Thursday: Remembering that life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.

The Best Part of My Wednesday

2011-03-30T21:01:00.001-04:00

In my mind I had a post all ready for today. I wanted to tell you all (all 3 of you) about my wonderful new couch. The first piece of real furniture I have owned that nobody has owned before me. I've had, and loved, many a hand-me-down couch and today a brand new big beautiful couch of our very own was delivered. That was the best part of my day until abut 20 minutes ago.

Recently the decision was made that I would start coloring my hair at home. I figured it out and it will save about $1100 a year just in coloring. That's pretty significant with college tuition payments less than 2 years away. This past Sunday I went too light for too long and now, basically, my roots are orange and I semi-resemble a troll doll. So off Kaeleigh and I went to CVS. Kae has been toying with the idea of red for a while so she got a box of a hot Feria red and I got a darker auburn to hopefully help my roots match the rest of my hair.

We hit the refrigerator cases and picked up ice cream treats for tonight, then onto the girly protection aisle for some necessities. On our way to the register Kae started laughing at the collection of stuff in our basket and what other people might think if they saw it. I vote for "single no doubt". When we got home she changed her Facebook status to "Hair dye, ice cream, and tampons...It's like we're single girls living in New York. Woooo go crazy". Though I fight tooth and nail her getting older I really love when she gets stuff like that, and then shares it with me.

PS. Though I'm not 100% thrilled with the multitude of color, I no longer look troll like. Kae's hair, on the other hand, looks fabulous.

Best part of my Wednesday: Getting giggly while shopping with the Bear.

The Best Part of My Tuesday

2011-03-29T21:23:00.003-04:00

Today wasn't easy. Before 10am I had broken two pairs of sunglasses. Two. Uno dos. I don't buy good sunglasses because I always lose or break them so it's no tragic loss, but the only pair I have now is ugly and uncomfortable. I hit 2 sites today installing a huge (read: heavy) server at one and beginning a long copy process at the other that won't complete until tomorrow. The end of the month is never fun as I'm rushing to complete all the monthly duties I have that get put on hold as I'm one of the only phone techs that actually answer the phone. Then late in the afternoon I had to deal with a teenager incident. The crankiness I was already feeling did not help this at all. Teenager problems are rare around here, but still occur. They are usually about the same thing and they are always frustrating.

There were angry texts going back and forth, emails and eventually a discussion. None of these things are fun and I'm thankful that they are not frequent either, she's always been a good kid. Still when these things come up it always takes it's toll. I could have punched a wall with the frustration I felt today. A wall, never a kid. Ever. People believe in different things, but I've seen the "beat the kid" method and it is a bullshit way to raise a child. We said what we had to say and moved on. It's the moving on that's important if you want peace.

After everything was figured out and everyone got stuff off their chest we went to dinner. Nothing fancy, just some Chick-fil-A, then to Best Buy to pick up our repaired XBox, then to the mall for a new phone case for Kae and a little Dairy Queen as we headed out. All little things, but we did them together as a family. The day surely took it's toll on Kae as well, as she is in bed, lights out and curled up watching TV and she's usually the last one up. I just went in, gave her a squeeze and told her that I loved her. She loves us too.

Best part of my Tuesday: Kissing my sleepy little girl goodnight.

Side note: It's a Blogathon week my friends. Each day for the next 6 my cousin Jennifer and I will be posting with the topic of "best part of my day". Check out her blog HERE

The Best Part of My Monday

2011-03-28T19:50:00.005-04:00

We recently purchased a week long write-on/wipe-off board for our fridge. Our weeks get kind of crazy and we all sometimes get a little confused as to what is going on when. It's pretty cool, plenty of room under each day, and has a little cork board strip along the bottom. We write everything on it so there's never a question as to what's going on and because it starts on a Monday I'm hoping that it will end the inevitable Thursday question of "So, what are we doing this weekend again?".

Yesterday the new week was put up, ending in an awesome |---Jen and Michael---| covering Saturday and Sunday. Yay! Then today I got a little weekend changing news. Michael's sister-in-law had gone into labor over the weekend and his new niece was on the way. In my mind I was secretly panicking that I would not see my friend because of this wonderful event. Selfish, yes, but true. Then I learned that Jen would still be coming, alone, as Michael went South (NC I think) to celebrate this event with his family. Drew will be gone this weekend as well, heading to a bachelor party for a friend of ours in Ohio. This means one thing... GIRLS WEEKEND!

Don't get me wrong here, I love Michael and so appreciate that they both take the time (and spend the money) to come up and see us when then can. We have a great time and it's so nice to go out with another couple, but I can't remember the last time it was just Jen and I hanging out, cocktails and B-movies... and of course a fire.

Best part of my day: Realizing it was just going to be me and the BFF this weekend. Yee fucking ha!

Side note: It's a Blogathon week my friends. Each day for the next 7 my cousin Jennifer and I will be posting with the topic of "best part of my day". Check out her blog HERE.

Off With Their Heads!

2011-02-27T23:05:00.001-05:00

One day in the 80's, way before the internet came into our lives, I saw this picture of Helena Bonham Carter in some teen magazine and instantly fell in love with her. It was the time of big shirts and for some reason I found hers pretty badass. That "HUMPH!" face, the evil eye... loved it!

She's the reason I own Alice in Wonderland (hence this post's title) and Fight Club, and is by far my favorite Harry Potter character. She's always got this "I'm a little bit mad" look about her, always with the corsets and beautifully crazy hair and seems to perfectly match her partner Tim Burton.

Anyway, sitting here watching the Oscars, where she got robbed but looks fantastic (to me), so I just thought I'd share my love for HBC with you.

Let's Get Acquainted

2011-02-14T20:10:00.003-05:00

So, remember a few years ago when Star Trek the movie came out staring his hotness Chris Pine? Well, it's a spectacular movie which we enjoy every so often. "Hey Liz", you ask, "What is your favorite line in the movie?". Well thank you for asking, blog reader, let me show you.

When he says "Hi Christopher I'm Nero" it cracks me up every time. This past weekend my sister Karen be-gifted upon me, the most generous and heartfelt gift one sister can give another, a Captain Christopher Pike doll.

This doll was the catalyst for much giggling this past weekend, and many an exciting adventure. Karen is the equally proud owner of the McCoy doll, and the ship mates got along fantastically. Maybe just a little too well...

Lots of adventures caught on film, and something tells me Pike isn't the kind of doll to just stay on a desk and out of trouble. Only time will tell.

My trip to Music City

2011-02-06T18:07:00.002-05:00

Here are some pictures from my trip to Nashville. I had amazing food, visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and had my very first taste of Pinkberry. Oh yeah, I also worked a bit while I was out there. Yay for business trips to cool locations.

Unknowingly Inspirational

2011-01-27T19:40:00.002-05:00

This week I am in Nashville, Tennessee for work. I'm here with another tech whom I've spoken too a few times but have never met. The other tech has been under the weather this week so I've been on my own a bit when we weren't working. Traveling alone I'm not very adventurous, I get some kind of fast food takeout food and just dine in my room, or the hotel eatery. It's not thrilling, but it's within my comfort level.

My Cousin Jennifer occasionally also travels for her job. Several times we've found ourselves on business trips at the same time, this time was no exception. At some point in the past year we were both away from home and updating Facebook as to our whereabouts. While mine were boring "back at the hotel" posts Jen's were like "heading out to find some good coffee" and "searching for a MAC counter". I was a little jealous that while I was holed up in my room she had no issue with heading out and about, doing something.

Tuesday the co-worker I working with called me before we were scheduled to meet and excused himself from our dinner plans since he was feeling ill. I told him it wasn't a problem, that I would probably get some drive-thru and just head back to my room... then I thought twice. Here I am in Music City and I was going to get Burger King and watch TV? I thought of my cousin, no way in hell she'd be staying in. She'd head out and find something to do, so that's what I did. I headed out in the rain and walked up and down Broadway (street) in the rain. Hood up I stopped in front of each restaurant, most with live music, checking the menu and weighing my options. I stopped in shops talking to the people the worked there, asking their opinions on places to eat along the street. I landed in Robert's Western World, had a great dinner and got to see a good band. It beat the shit out of a Whopper with cheese, lemme tell ya.

Today was scheduled to be our last day on-site but parts we were waiting for were still sitting in NJ due to the storm. My co-worker was thrilled that he could just hit the hotel and head back to bed... I had other plans. I went out and had lunch at Jack's BBQ (because lunch there the other day was amazing), then to the Country Music Hall of Fame. It was fantastic. Tonight I'm heading out to dinner by myself... and it won't be take out of any sort!

Thanks Jen. You unknowingly inspired me to get out and enjoy where I was. TV and takeout will always be there, but when am I going to get a chance to come to Nashville again?

Ummm.....

2011-01-22T23:16:00.001-05:00

WFT is up with this hair? This is Nicky Minaj, who's some currently "it" singer with some song on the radio Kaeleigh would know. Her hair looks like it should be for sale in a bag at a carnival. Great, now I want cotton candy.

Pennsylvania Farm Show

2011-01-17T21:25:00.001-05:00

A little background for you: The Pennsylvania Farm Show is held every January at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, just off Exit 67 of Interstate 81. The event, considered Pennsylvania's state fair, first began in 1917.It is the largest indoor agricultural event held in the United States.The Farm Show Complex houses 24 acres (97,000 m²) under roof, spread throughout 11 buildings including three arenas. The annual event is free to the public and attracts over half a million visitors.

Every year Drew's sister Robyn goes with their Mom, and they always ask us to go. This was the first year we were actually free and able to go. It is HUMONGOUS. We maybe saw one tenth of everything, it's so big. We had a great time and look forward to going again next year.

Today's Adventure

2011-01-10T20:37:00.000-05:00

Today I decided to try the Dominos Mediterranean Veggie sandwich instead of my usual Italian. It has roasted red peppers, banana peppers, spinach, onions, feta, provolone and American cheese. Then they bake it on Italian bread.Yummy, right? The banana peppers totally make it.

Nico still hates the paparazzi

2010-12-24T07:54:00.001-05:00

As long as His Royal Cuteness has roamed this earth (all four years), Nico has been constantly hounded by paparazzi. Even as early as 2008 he was trying to escape the camera's constant eye.

Livi, however, takes the opportunity to show off her obvious gymnastic skills.

Zombie Pie Chart

2010-12-02T09:12:00.001-05:00

It's a little small, click to enlarge for easier reading.

Thankful for... Uniqueness

2010-11-28T18:53:00.000-05:00

Here is my ray of sunshine dancing in the hotel hallway over this past holiday weekend.

Thankful for... booze

2010-11-26T20:57:00.002-05:00

Today is my three year wedding anniversary and we are sitting in a hotel room in Virginia watching Criminal Minds re-runs. Technically Drew and I were married on November 23rd, but since we started dating AND got married on Black Friday that's when we celebrate it. Last year we went to a dinner/arcade game place with Drew's family. The year before is a little fuzzy, but I'm pretty sure it was spent somewhere other than alone together at a nice restaurant. Growing up it's not exactly how I pictured my anniversary would be celebrated, but at least we are together.

This afternoon on the way back to the hotel I stopped at the liquor store and picked up a bottle of Carloans Irish Creme liquor. I had quite a few juice sized cups of it in the lobby tonight as we had our pizza with Drew's dad and Kathy. Right now I've got a little buzz going and for that I'm thankful.

Thankful for... days off

2010-11-25T22:50:00.001-05:00

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week were pure hell. Serious issues with one of our customers took up most of my time, and occupied my thoughts when I wasn't actually working on the system. Wednesday I was on-site working until 6:30, didn't get home until almost 8, then we were out the door on our way to Virginia.

Driving to Virginia this customer weighed on my mind, as well as some unpleasant thoughts about my job. I'm not a fan of what I do. I would say 75% of the time it's a 9-5 job, then there's the on-call weeks that frequently involve customers calling at 7pm, 3am... nights, weekends, holidays you name it. We work with mainly public safety companies, and they never close. I was working Christmas Eve when most of my co-workers were not, I was on-call Easter weekend, and Thanksgiving Eve I was still working at 6, over an hour away from my home. All of this would be acceptable if there was compensation, financial or some other kind of recognition, but promises are made and never followed up on.... but I digress.

Somewhere along my drive anxiety peaked, and then began to fade. I was driving away from work, and didn't have to deal with it for the next 4 days. I took a deep breath and kept driving.

Thankful for... songs that instantly change my mood

2010-11-23T20:54:00.001-05:00

Today I was driving and quite honestly I was a big cranky pants. The past 2 days have just been sucky and I was not looking forward to my site visit, even though it was a quick one. As I turned the corner with about 2 miles to work Hazy Shade of Winter came on the radio. I turned my radio up and sang the Bangles with all my heart. Isn't it funny how the simplest thing can just turn your mood around? I was instantly transported back to the 80's, watching Andrew McCarthy, Jamie Gertz, non-bloated James Spader and coked up RDJ, and my mood was lifted.

Other songs I am thankful for:

The Joker by Steve miller
At This Moment by Billy Vera & The Beaters (sung loudly with your BFF)
You're an Original by Sheryl Crow
Spice Up Your Life by the Spice Girls (yeah, I said it)
All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey (the only song of hers I like)
The Reflex by Duran Duran

Thankful for... kitten therapy

2010-11-22T21:35:00.000-05:00

Technically Max is not a kitten, but I still call him one. This is how we sit at night. I sit down in the big chair and he comes over and sits on my legs. I love it. It calms me down and there is something so peaceful about it.

A few other things I'm thankful for today...

Pumpkin spice cappuccino (pumpkin spice anything actually).
Driving for work through the mountains.
Living super close to the Hershey Outlets

Thankful for... Modern Convenience

2010-11-21T21:47:00.007-05:00

It's a BLOGATHON week kids! All week Cousin Jennifer, our friend Toni (OMG) and I will be blogging every day with the topic of "thankful". Right now I am the thankful for online ticket ordering. We are sitting on the floor at our local IMAX movie theater waiting for the doors to open so we can see the latest Harry Potter movie. We got here about 20 minutes ago and there are about 2 dozen people in line in front of us. Sitting in line with me, and beautifully pictured above, are Kaeleigh and her friend Kaycee, and my husband, the Druman. The line behind us was huge for this sold out show, you can see it behind the girls in the goofy picture below. In the grand scheme of things I am way more thankful for them than I am online ordering, but I don't want to blow all my good topics on the first day.

I think in our lives it's good to be thankful for the little things, so every day after my main post I'll be listing a few from my day.

Today I was thankful for:

Cranberry Danish and hot coffee
Taking a nice long walk with Drew
That we were able to take a friend of Kae's along with us, and pay her way
Drew's allergy attack that he was suffering through all day subsided 15 minutes into the movie.
Turkey Hill Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream
The Walking Dead... which comes on in 10 minutes or so, so I'm out of here.

The movie was fantastic by the way. See you tomorrow.

This just in...

2010-11-06T10:12:00.000-04:00

I've got so much I want to tell you guys about, the Zombie walk is still buzzing in my head and I have a bunch of pictures from it. Fall is in full bloom and I have some pictures to share with you on that, and Kae's drumline just keeps winning awards. I promise I'll catch you up soon!

Hudreds of Zombies Attack Harrisburg Mall

2010-10-31T09:39:00.003-04:00

Watch carefully, you may know one of the Zombies.... braaaains.

Dear.....

2010-10-19T07:42:00.007-04:00

Dear person driving in front of me, a 6 oz. cell phone should NOT be more important than a 4000 lb. vehicle. Hang the f**k up and drive your car.

Dear teenagers, pajama pants should not be worn outside of the house or a quick run to the convenience store. The mall is not a convenience store. You don't look cool, you look ridiculous walking around with them on in public.

Dear adults, leggings are NOT pants, and don't even get me started on "jeggings". Please put some more fabric between your ass and me.

Dear Mr. "The Situation", when you pull up your shirt to show those abs could you pull it up so it covers your face? That's the only way your abs are tolerable Popeye.

Dear people in my concession stand line, How about we look at the menu board while you're in line instead of finally noticing it once you get up to the window?

Dear Lisa Rinna, your top lip looks better... now for the love of God STOP!!!!

How I spent my weekend

2010-10-11T14:42:00.003-04:00

and a big PS to the LOMRM, This is the first time I've used Picturetrail for a slide show and I kind of like it. It didn't look like they had a lot of different backgrounds, but it was super easy and customizable and I like the layout of the pictures. The thing I liked most was that I could change something after I posted the link to my blog, and the changes updated on the slide show immediately.

Bon Jovi - Jersey Girl

2010-10-04T23:27:00.001-04:00

Ok so this clip may be a little old but I've never seen it. Jersey Girl is a great song but I don't happen to be a Springsteen fan. However I do love the melodic stylings of one Mr. Jon Bon Jovi, and let's be honest here, he's a lot easier on the eyes.

My Poor Love

2010-09-29T23:59:00.002-04:00

For those who don't know, Drew has been basically confined to bed since September 14th. He threw his back out in mid August. He sneezed in the shower, that's how it happened. I've thrown mine out on a sneeze before, and it's the dumbest way ever to do it. Totally blows. It felt worse than anything he's done before. He went to the doctors and was doing physical therapy. Things were getting better, he was walking fine, stretching, improving every day... then all of a sudden he took a dramatic turn for the worse. On the 14th it changed, he could no longer stand without pain. Last week insurance finally approved an MRI (picture above in the waiting room once he got off the floor). It revealed he had severe compression on 2 of his disks. Monday of this week he received an epidural steroid injection. These injections typically take 2-7 days to fully work. Since he is unable to stand or sit up without pain he's spent the past 2+ weeks in bed.

It's iffy at this point if he will be able to make the drive with us to NJ this weekend for the big bash, as it's 2 hours sitting up in the car, but we'll jump off that bridge when we come to it. Keep him in your prayers kids. I know he's in mine.

So much time... so little to update you on

2010-09-29T23:50:00.009-04:00

Wait a minute... strike that... reverse it. This Sunday at my Mom's house we will be celebrating Kaeleigh's Sweet 16. Friday there is a football game that Kaeleigh is playing at and I am working concession the concession stand. Saturday there is a competition that probably won't be over until 9pm or so... then I pack up the car and the 2 gorgeous kids in the picture above and head to NJ to host a party for around 50 people at my Mom's house, basically in one day at a house that is not mine. Ugh. Hopefully the husband will be coming with me.

When I was young, and still today, friends parents that I felt especially close with I simply called Mom. To this day I can't ever remember calling Diane's mom anything but that. The pictures of Kaeleigh on today's post all include her friend Kaycee. She calls me Mom and it makes me smile every time. She texts me when she can't get in touch with Kae, and every once in a while when I know she's down I text her some random love. Kaycee is taking the trip East with us this weekend to celebrate her BFF with us. The drive with these 2 should be... well... certainly not quiet :)

Happy Birthday Katherine Leigh

2010-09-22T20:56:00.000-04:00

As hard as I tried to fight it, Kaeleigh's birthday is once again upon us. Sixteen, wow, when the hell did that happen? Traditionally in our family every year you get to pick where you'd like to go for your birthday dinner, or the meal you'd like prepared at home. For the second year in a row Kaeleigh has picked Yummy Japan for dinner, their chicken Teriyaki is her favorite meal. I should mention that she JUST had this same meal on Monday when we were dress shopping, given the chance to eat anywhere, she will pick Yummy Japan 99% of the time.

Today was 80's day at school. Kae cut up the sweatshirt she's wearing, wore a hot pink tank underneath, hot pink leggings and a denim mini skirt. I got her mesh gloves (one long hot pink and one short bright yellow) and some silver bangles. She looked awesome. She usually does.

Happy Birthday to my Little Bear. Thank you for making my life such a brighter place. I love you. XOXO

Dear Ben Affleck

2010-09-12T17:17:00.004-04:00

Dear Ben Affleck,
Way to ROCK the salt-and-pepper look. Hon-NAY!!!

I've always loved you more than any Jennifer. Just saying.

Love and kisses,
Liz

Kaeleigh, she is crazy part 2... this time with added Drew

2010-09-11T10:23:00.000-04:00

This year on Labor Day we spent the day at Hershey Park. Drew's back is much better so this time he was able to enjoy all the fun (read: insane) rides Kae likes to go on.

First Football Game

2010-09-04T09:48:00.004-04:00

Last night was the first football game of the EPHS season, marking Kaeleigh's official debut as bass drummer in their marching band. Drew and I worked the concession stand and were busy all night, it was totally nuts but we somehow survived. We even signed up to help work the stand again next week.

Kaeleigh is the middle of 3 bass drum players, near the end of the line. I got a little distracted while I was filming it, but I have to say the video from my phone, at 9 o'clock at night outdoors is pretty damn good. Better pictures sure to come, if I'm ever NOT working the stand.

It also makes phone calls

2010-09-02T22:25:00.002-04:00

Behold the first picture from my iPhone 4. Go ahead, click it, it's pretty darn good. It also takes HD video. That's right my friends, prepare yourself for actual video of Kaeleigh craziness. This weekend we're heading to a BBQ, having game night, watching the fireworks and going to Hershey Park so I plan to put the camera to the test. Stay tuned.

Kaeleigh... she is crazy

2010-08-29T09:34:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we went to Knoebels amusement park and BOY was Kae amused. She's in every one of the shots above, grinning wildly as she flies through the air.

Kae in her band uniform

2010-08-25T19:04:00.003-04:00

This is Kae's first year in the marching band. She plays the bass drum. I'm pretty sure this is the first time she put it on, they have marching band pictures today. My "other daughter" Kaycee sent this to my phone. It made me love Kaycee juuuust a little more. Hurry up and check it out before Kae finds out and makes me take it down.

First Day... Junior Year

2010-08-24T20:33:00.000-04:00

Kae had a great first day of school. She's got some neat classes this year like Mythology and Anatomy. She has band practice until 9, then we are heading out for our traditional first day of school ice cream. I can still remember going out on her first day of Kindergarten.

This one is just for Aunt Jen

2010-08-16T22:30:00.000-04:00

Thought you'd like these specs, Kae posed with them just for you :)

5 Random things I need to catch you up on

2010-08-16T09:59:00.002-04:00

1. I just got back from West Palm Beach. I was there Tuesday-Thursday for work. While I was there I met up with 2 old friends, Chris and Christy. We've all known each other since elementary school. They took me out to Guanabanas for the most amazing meal. We talked and talked like no time had passed since we'd seen each other. Chris grows pineapples and brought me one. It was the best pineapple I've ever tasted.

2. Our wireless router died. Now, while to some this may be of no inconvenience you need to understand that we are a Geek family and to us this is crucial. It's kind of a weird setup since I work from home there's 2 networks in my house, which are now totally separate and the wireless network has been secure. It was kind of a joke in the house that we had open wireless, but not anymore.

Guanabanas

3. Kae starts school on the 24th of this month and O M G she is going to be a junior. Plus she'll get her permit in September when she turns 16.

4. We are going camping this weekend in Drew's grandmother's back yard. The triplets (Drew's siblings Kelly, Tim and Todd) are turning 40 and are all getting together to celebrate. Drew's Mom will be staying inside the house (lucky woman). We're doing Knobles on Friday and then I think swimming at an aunt's house on Saturday.

5. I finally found an iced tea pitcher. It has yet to be tested, 'cause the freaking sun hasn't been out since I bought it. It's one of those large glass jugs with spout on the bottom. Usually those leak on me but it was $1.99 so I figured what the heck. Initial testing in my sink showed no drippage so we'll see how it goes. It's got cows on it. Cows. Seriously, God does not want me to have an iced tea jug that I love.

Random notes as I am stuck in the airport

2010-08-12T20:37:00.001-04:00

Georgie and family have now moved to the door of the gate even though the passengers from Philly are still on the plane. Annoying. Two other passengers and I have taken bets on who Georgie is going to be sitting behind and schemed how to slip the little sucker benadryl one we are on the plane.

Sent from my iPhone

Random notes as I am stuck in the airport

2010-08-12T20:29:00.001-04:00

Dude. The big window in the airport is not the appropriate place to de-zit your face. Yuck-a.

Random notes as I am stuck in the airport

2010-08-12T20:19:00.001-04:00

Georgie's mom has now beat both her kids into whiney sniffling messes. Really I'd move but I've been in this airport for over 4 hours and I need to charge my phone again. I just know this bitch is gonna be in my row.

Random notes as I am stuck in the airport

2010-08-12T19:40:00.001-04:00

Lady. You have called "Georgie" 100 freaking times. Get off of your ass and go get your kid.

PS. There are 100s of empty seats in here and you had to sit right next to me and reading guy? Come on now.

To big for my suitcase

2010-08-11T17:48:00.000-04:00

For those who don't know, I collect sun mirrors. This one is in my hotel room and I love it!!

Attack of the Killer Tomatos

2010-08-03T18:06:00.002-04:00

Apparently I underestimated the room my grape tomato plants needed.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

2010-07-31T19:34:00.004-04:00

Our Summer vacation this year was quite an adventure. We visited our friends Tim and Chelsea in North Carolina, then Drew's brother Tim and his wife Deb who were also in NC. From there we headed north to Virginia and spent some time with Drew's Dad and stepmother Kathy. Finally we spent some time in North Carolina where we climbed the Cunningham Falls.

Truth be told I have 119 fantastic pictures from this past week, but these 9 really sum it up quite well.

Happy Canasta

2010-07-31T12:00:00.001-04:00

To understand the story behind the canasta please go here to read the story on my sister Karen's blog. Long story short my sister brought a few back from Peru after a crazy mad hunt for them with her mother-in-law, because they are just. that. awesome.

This, my friends, is a happy canasta.

I have gotten compliments on this bag every time I've taken it somewhere. To give you an idea of the size of it, it's currently holding: 3 ears of corn, 2 lemons, a quart of green beans, a quart of strawberries, a head of romaine lettuce, 2 broccoli crowns, 6 peaches, spicy crab dip and a french baguette. Yet it's still smaller than most of Cousin Jennifer's purses ;-)

OMG!

2010-07-22T21:38:00.001-04:00

Oh Em Gee! Could it be that 2 of the "Ladies of my right margin" have broken the streak and posted in the past day? Two! Amazing. The picture above has nothing to do with them but when I searched Google Images for "OMG" that was one of the pictures is came up with and that guys face is hysterical. In his head he's going "AAAAAHH, DON'T DROP IT!".

Labor Day Schmabor Day ladies, I say post in August. Pick a day, Monday, Tuesday, whatever. One day a week for the month, you know, to slowly work you back into it ;-)

Summertime Shots

2010-07-19T23:01:00.003-04:00

Here's a glimpse into the summer fun we've been having. Click the pictures to see them full size. The flower one looks like some alien creature coming out of it, it's so cool.

Drew and Kai on the flying field

Flying Robbie

Flower at Donna's

Dance Party

2010-07-08T21:57:00.003-04:00

Tonight Kae and I ran out for a few errands. We stopped at Staples first and as were were looking for envelopes Kae started dancing to some song playing in the store. She stopped and looked at me and gasped. "What? You too good to dance with me in Staples?" she asked. Not even for a second did I think about the people around me. The aisle could have been packed for all I knew. I took a giant step towards Kae and busted the silliest move I knew. Nothing too dramatic, a little arm waving and butt shaking, but it made us both smile.

Next we hit 5 Below (total crap) and not only danced in there, but also had a lightsaber battle. We did the same in Barnes and Noble (sans battle) and then again in Pier 1. On our way out Kae noted that we had a dance party in every store we went to, and that I even started some (and she even took my hand as we went store to store... YAY!). It wasn't planned, it was just how we felt, and who the two of us are when we are together.

I love it.

(Above picture from last years Kipona festival, Labor Day weekend in Harrisburg, That's how we roll.)

Dear Karen

2010-07-04T19:27:00.000-04:00

In case you didn't know, here is how I feel about the news that you will be moving home in a few short days.

In a galaxy far far away....

2010-06-24T18:19:00.003-04:00

Jen C. created this awesome Star Wars JibJab movie for me. I'm sure you'll like it as much as I did. Thanks Cousin Jen for the sizing tip. Y

Great olive oil

2010-06-23T18:50:00.004-04:00

Let me clue you in, my friends, on my favorite olive oil trick. Everybody has one of these bottles lying around, right? If you don't, you should, you can get them at the dollar store so there's really no excuse. We buy extra virgin olive oil at BJ's. I'm not talking the gas can size here, just a large bottle, and we fill up this olive oil bottle from that. Here's what I do:

Never fill it more than halfway up. Since these don't really seal closed if you don't use it a lot the olive oil can get stale tasting.
Peel 2 large cloves of garlic and cut them in half, or a size that will fit easily into the top of the olive oil bottle and out again. It does get softer sitting in the oil so it comes out easily. Drop them in.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil to the oil. I like to pour it in my hand and smoosh it between my fingers before I add the dried stuff. It releases the oils in the herbs before you add them to the oil.
If you have access to fresh basil throw in 2 or 3 leaves as well.
Cover the top of the spout and lightly shake the oil. Trust me on the covering the top part... and the lightly part... yeah...

Now, at this point the oil can be used but it's not going to be really flavorful yet. It takes about a day before you can smell the garlic when you pour the oil. Use as you normally would until you are almost out of oil, then add a new clove of garlic (leave the old ones in for now) and refill the bottle halfway up. I do this every time I fill the olive oil bottle until I'm out of olive oil in the big bottle we got at BJ's, then I dump out all the garlic and start anew. The oil is wonderful for cooking, grilling, bread dip, pour it over ice cream, whatever. Enjoy!

PS. Seriously, never ruin ice cream like that.

Garden Stroll

2010-06-21T18:06:00.000-04:00

I've been neglecting you kids, for that I am sorry. I have a good excuse though... I've been busy here....

Random pic from my phone

2010-06-16T22:05:00.003-04:00

Balloon Ball - If the balloon touches the ground the Earth blows up. It's funny how many other adults at this party actually tapped the balloon back when it strayed their way :)

Coffee made with extra love

2010-06-11T09:21:00.002-04:00

This morning I went to make my first cup of coffee after Drew had left for work and found a little surprise sitting next to my mug. Random love rocks.

Dear Karen

2010-06-05T16:49:00.002-04:00

Mom made this pitcher of delicious sun tea for her favorite daughter, but since you were in Peru I drank it :)

Bamboozled

2010-06-03T21:21:00.001-04:00

Something has been eating my basil. Not only eating the big beautiful leaves, but digging up the seedlings beginning to sprout along the bottom. I think it's chipmunks but can't be 100% sure. With the plethora of bamboo available in my back yard I've fashioned a bamboo barrier to let the sun shin through, but keep the little critters out. Continue to come between me and my basil, critters, and I will spear you and throw you on my grill.... with basil.

Beauty and the Businessman

2010-06-01T21:16:00.002-04:00

Kaeleigh sitting with some of the random art
along the Susquehanna in Harrisburg.

And what's the title of the dream?

2010-05-25T20:04:00.004-04:00

The Bucket List - My cousin Darcie challenged all of our blogging friends to come up with a "bucket list". I am trying my hardest to come up with 20 things I want to do before I die, and it's tough. I can look at this one of two ways... a) I've done enough things that I am content or b) My standards are really low as far as life's adventures go. I think it's b, actually kids so let's bump up our expectations shall we? Here's what I've come up with so far...

Spend a day in New York City, with my sisters and my (Step)Mom and go see the Rockettes.
Take Kaeleigh to LasVegas on her 21st birthday.
Take my Mom on a vacation and don't let her pay for a thing.
Swim with the dolphins.
Own a home.
Become a grandparent.
Get another tattoo (to make it an even 6).
Find a job I love to do.
Drive across the country to California.
See the taping of a television show.
Buy a brand new car.
Learn the proper way to use knives (kitchen, not ninja).
Plant a large garden.
Go on a cruise.
See a glacier.
See a show on Broadway.
See the cherry blossoms in bloom in DC.
Learn Italian.
Go to Italy.
Go scuba diving.

Blog title from "I don't need anything but you".

Cowboy heroes, Cops and robbers

2010-05-24T20:16:00.008-04:00

My love of Kiefer Sutherland is no secret. I've never seen him in something I didn't like, and that includes the dress he wore on Letterman when he lost a bet.

He plays everything well, Vampire to Cowboy. I like him trying to save the world as much as I like him drunk and diving on a Christmas Tree.

He plays scary, crazy and heroic all with the same intensity, and yells "DAMMIT!" like nobody else. If I had to pick my top 5 Kiefer projects they would have to be:

5. Young Guns
4. Crazy Moon
3. Flatliners
2. The Lost Boys
1. 24

Tonight is the final 2 hours of 24. It's been an 8 year journey, ok well 7 years for me. I got into the show during season 2 and caught up with Season 1 on DVD one long marathon weekend in Aunt Eileen's basement (with my partner in crime I believe). I'll miss it when it's over, and it has made me even more of a fan. Thanks "Jack", it's been one hell of a ride.

Blog title from "Let's go to the movies".

Something was missing

2010-05-23T18:09:00.010-04:00

Fine, I'll admit it... I never got into LOST. It's one of those shows that I really wish I dug, but I don't. It had to be something special if so many people who I think have great taste in shows loved it as much as they did. There's a chance at some point I'll borrow the first season from someone I know (cough Jen C. cough) and try and get into it. I'll give it more than one episode and see if it grabs me at all.

I tried a few times, starting with the first episode, but for me it fell flat. It's surprising to me, because I find it very Stephen King-esque. Stories with many characters and flashbacks galore have had me in their grasp for several of King's books. I've even read somewhere that there are many similarities between his Dark Tower series and the Dharma Initiative in LOST (whatever the hell that is).

So, to all my friends who are so into LOST I hope tonight brings the answers you are looking for. I hope the ride comes to an exciting conclusion. If not, then just click the picture below to be treated to a Season 6 recap of the shirtless men of LOST. Either way, enjoy.

The Shirtless Men of 'Lost'

Posted to New York Magazine by video on May 21, 2010

Click to Play | View Details

Blog title from "Something was missing". This song is only in the stage production and the 1999 version of the film, not the 1982 version. (Haha Jen, I'm copying you again. Actually this time it's just flat out plagiarism.). Visit Cousin Jennifer's blog to see her post on LOST, which she loves.

When you wake, ring for Drake, Drake will bring your tray

2010-05-22T21:11:00.003-04:00

I had this post planned a few days ago, but with a more negative connotation of the lyrics. That day I was feeling very cranky, and very maid-like. Posts like that make me feel better initially, but then I feel guilty about not actually expressing my feelings to Drew. So I held off until the crankiness passed, mentioned to him how I was feeling that day, and moved on.

Our washer and dryer are in the basement. Whenever we are upstairs and something like dishtowel (or other non-clothing item) needs to be cleaned we throw it to the bottom of the steps until we go downstairs again, then move it to the washer. Recently I've taken to teasing Drew or Kae if they go downstairs and walk over something without putting it over by the washer, "whew, good thing you didn't trip over this". This morning we put fresh sheets on the bed and threw the old ones down the steps. We made some coffee and headed down the stairs. Since I was first I stopped and grabbed the sheets and put them in front of the washer. Drew snickered and said something like "you know, if you walk over those they eventually disappear." I cracked up.

In the past few days I've been noticing little things the husband does that I don't do. Pickup lunch? He's got it. Stop and grab some wine? Oil change for my car? Run to the supermarket on a Saturday morning because "the board" on the fridge had filled up with the list of things we need? Drew. All things I hate to do, but he does without a second thought. Sometimes I'm Drake, but what I'm seeing more of is that sometimes he is too <3

Blog title from "I think I'm gonna like it here". Don't forget to see what Cousin Jennifer has to say today.

Tomorrow

2010-05-21T23:05:00.005-04:00

On-call shifts from my work run 9am Monday-9am the following Monday. This is my week which means I'm on-call this weekend which further means I have no plans. If I make plans during an on-call weekend they inevitably get canceled and I get disappointed, frustrated and pissed off. One of the processes that runs on the machines we service run at 3am. If it fails I get a call. Errors on the machine? I get a call? Can't do something with the software your co-workers manage to do without any help at all? I get a call. Keyboard not working? I get a call. Doesn't matter what time it is, users don't care. Public safety sites need to be functional 100% of the time. They pay for the service contract so they have the right to call. On-call weeks blow.

Tomorrow is Saturday. It's supposed to be rainy and 70 degrees. What a perfect kind of day to have no plans. Actually the whole weekend is supposed to be crappy but mild. Stuck home? That's just fine by me.

There is an unwritten rule among us techs. Having a quiet week? You never talk about it until your shift is over. Actually made plans? Don't, because that lunch you order at 1pm will be ruined when your phone goes off at 1:10 and it has to become take-out. And never EVER wish other techs a quiet weekend. My boss broke the code this afternoon, and my phone rang before 7pm.

So head my words children, and though I thank you for them please keep your quiet wishes to yourself until Monday so as not to ruin my tomorrow.

Blog title from "Tomorrow" (really, did I need to say that?). Head on over to Cousin Jennifer's Blog to see what Annie lyrics she has managed to title into a blog post.

Fifi, That ain't a name for this mutt.

2010-05-20T20:24:00.002-04:00

Random fact about me you may not know... I want a yellow lab. I have wanted one for years and years. Right now, because we are renters, we can only have cats. Our plan right now is 1)Get the cats declawed and 2) As soon as we get a house buy 2 dogs. 2 dogs you ask? Why 2? Drew wants a Beagle. Before we met he shared a Beagle with "she who shall not be named" (hee hee) and that dog was just great. I met him and have to agree. However, I am not willing to give up my dream dog because I am stubborn and want to get my way. Hence, dogs=2.

Initially I was going to get one and call him "Yellow Dog" like Chevy Chase in Funny Farm. My loving husband, however, has vetoed the name. Whatever. So then, what the hell am I to call her? Sure, I can go under the assuption that when I pick out my beautiful, adorable Lab a name will hit me that will just fit her perfectly. But I need a backup plan and a few months ago it hit me. The perfect name for my dog-to-be ... Jersey. I am even more excited to get my blonde bundle of love now that I have a name that means something to give her... now if we could only stumble across $175k for a house.

Blog title from "Sandy". Don't forget to visit Cousin Jennifer's blog to see what Annie inspired title she has come up with tonight. Growing up Jennifer had an Annie album that we used to sing along to. It skipped during a part of this song "specially when you're all alone in the night and your small and terribly frightened it's Sandy... frightened it's Sandy... frightenend it's Sandy". She used to sing that part too <3.

No-one cares for you a smidge

2010-05-19T22:10:00.000-04:00

Most commercials are annoying. I'll never understand the use of some woman's British accent to try and coax us into buying "fi-bah" (fiber) or "Mis-ca-ra" (mascara). Yes Kate Moss, your lashes look flawless, just as they did when that tabloid picture was going around of you snorting coke at some party. Wouldn't want clumpy lashes then now would we.

The commercials that really annoy Drew and I these days are the Nationwide commercials with the guy above. His facial expressions are incredibly weird, and what the hell is up with the blue phone? As soon as we see him we race to see who can hit mute faster. I think all commercials should take a cue from Ford, and just have Mike Rowe standing there talking about the product and looking adorable.

It's a new blogathon week kids. We're doing songs from Annie. My blog title comes from "It's a Hard Knock Life".

Inside the Actor's Studio Questionnaire

2010-05-18T22:28:00.002-04:00

Inside the Actors Studio is a series on the Bravo cable television channel, hosted by James Lipton. While most of the show is a one-on-one interview conducted by Lipton, this is followed by the host submitting a questionnaire to the guest. The list of actors that have been on this show is amazing, from Ben Affleck to James Woods. It's the same 10 questions for every guest.

I'm challenging all the ladies of my right margin to post these some time this week with honest answers. Here are mine.

What is your favorite word? Vacation
What is your least favorite word? Monday
What turns you on? Kindness
What turns you off? Lack of manners
What sound or noise do you love? A full house at my Moms
What sound or noise do you hate? Fighting
What is your favorite curse word? F*ck in all it's forms. F*cking, F*cker, F*ck it, and my favorite What the F*ck?
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Pastry Chef
What profession would you not like to do? 911 operator. No way I could take that kind of pressure.
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Your family and friends are waiting for you at the bar.

I've always longed for adventure

2010-05-16T21:50:00.004-04:00

Here's an extra special glimpse into my weekend.

1. Me and CJ, my Goddaughter and I swear the sweetest baby ever.
2. Warm crab cheesecake, our appetizer from lunch. Spectacular is an understatement.
3. Louise while we were getting our annual Mother/Daughter pedicures.
4. Sexy Betty. Color for "the hair down there". I shit you not, this was in the discount rack at the salon. I guess even people with purple hair want the carpet to match the curtains.
5. Without my sisters I am nothing. Me, Meredith and Christie.
6. Mother's Day footage (if you didn't guess that one you must be new here).
7. Saganaki making at the Greek Festival.
8. My Saganaki. They ran out a little while after I got mine, whew!
9. Greek dancers. We go for the food but there's entertainment too.

Blog title from "I have Confidence". Tonight is the last night of the blogathon, we'll be starting another in the next few days so say tuned.

PS to Darcie. Photobucket makes slideshows free and easy.