Saturday, December 31, 2011

Two Things I've Noticed

They show two types of commericals on New Year's Eve:

Diet commericals
Dating commercials


Meaning the only people at home on New Year's Eve are either fat...single or both.

Bastards!

Friday, December 30, 2011

Top 5 On Friday



Top 5 musical things you wanted to get for Christmas but didn't

1. There were no iPods under my Christmas tree this year. (Sniffle) My old 30 GB Zen is getting a bit tattered and I wanted either a Touch or a Classic, but that just wasn't happening this year..AGAIN.


2. Elvis Costello: Apparently Diana Krall doesn't want to share him with me.

3. Concert tickets: I knew that wasn't happening...just as I know I'm not going to see my favorite band on April 2...because that's my dad's birthday. ~big selfish sigh~

4. Mika: I'm not sure why he wasn't in my stocking....He probably would have fit too! I must have words with Santa!

5. Justin Hayward and John Lodge..again..its the whole wife thing...DRAT~

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Post Christmas Burnout

I was manic before the holiday. I was on a baking binge. I got stuff done. I was on Cloud 9.

Christmas came and went and was overall uneventful.

Now I feel very blegh.

Not depressed, because things went well as far as people staying healthy and no one arguing etc..but blech because I did all that work and the 24 hours came and went and I felt like it was all for nothing.

And ever since Christmas I can't shake the tired feeling I have. It is like all the work I did last week has caught up with me and now I'm spiraling downward.

That kind of sucks too.

I'm hoping that New Year's is a more stress free or at least relaxing holiday. I just want to eat appetizers and drink lots of good booze and then sleep.

What about you?

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Good Riddance Day!

Good Riddance Day -- a day to say bye-bye to whatever it is that made you blue in 2011.

Where to begin?

I think the primary thing that made me blue in 2011 was my father's health. I wish I could say goodbye to his hospital visits and all the bills. His Procrit shots alone are $70 every other week unless his blood count is about 11.

Each ER visit is $50

Doctor visits, $10 and $20.

ARGH!

So I say good riddance to bad health! Let's hope Dad has a healthier 2012. I know it is a lot to ask for, but we can keep our fingers crossed.

Oh and FYI...extreme temps aren't good for his lungs..so we don't like temps in the 90s (I never did) and temps below 32 either. Plus with the age of our house..heating and cooling is damn expensive.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Waiting On The Storm

Parts of my area are under a winter storm advisory.

Two words for the weather: Boo Hiss!

Thankfully Washington County isn't under the advisory, but I'm figuring my car doors will be nicely frozen shut since it has been pouring down rain much of today, and it is supposed to dip down into the 20s tonight.

BLERGH!

The only good thing is, the cold is only supposed to last 24 hours. Thursday and Friday will be back in the 40s and that's just fine by me.

We don't want it to get too cold. I fear extreme temps with my dad's health the way it is.

So let's keep our fingers crossed for more unseasonably warm weather. Plus when the weather is crappy, I end up losing time at work, and I do that enough now with my dad and his doctor's appointments.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Things I Learned In 2011

~ I'm a really awesome baker. Come try my cookies!

~ I can cook for an army of 6 on holidays without going insane.

~ I actually enjoy cooking.

~ I'm strong in the face of fear.

~ I've learned the fear of almost losing someone

~ I've come to appreciate my faith again, something I never thought I'd do.

~ I learned TV and movies are seldom worth the time spent viewing them.

~ I've learned to hate doctors almost as much as I hate Republicans...erm politicians.

~ I've learned that I've reached that age where concerts just don't matter anymore

Sunday, December 25, 2011

What I Did On Christmas 2011

~ Went to church where the organist decided to blow out our ears by playing our pipe organ REALLY  loud!

~ Made dinner.

~ Decided that no matter what I do...I always get screwed on Christmas....not in a good way.

~ Determined the cause for most of my grief is the wisdom teeth that have decided to bug me for the first time in 3 years.

~ Watched The Tudors...and said...Wow, that's a whole lot of naked!

~ Watched Doctor Who...and fell asleep through it..cos lordy that wasn't Moffat at his best.

So yeah, that's my Christmas! How was yours?

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas Eve!

What a wonderful evening. I made dinner and many of the cookies for dessert. I even did some of the dishes.
All went very well.

Oh and no one is in the hospital or sick.

Truly it was a great Christmas Eve.

Here's hoping that Christmas Day goes just as well.

I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday as well!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Top 5 On Friday



Top 5 ways music plays a part in your holiday celebrations


1. It creates a lovely setting in the house before company arrives.

2. It annoys the hell out of me at church, because no matter how much practice our choir has, or how many people come in to play fancy instruments (oh yeah, there was a violinist last week) you can't make a bunch of old ladies that think they are still sopranos sound good. (Let the men sing...cos they can..PLEASE)

3. Its what I give instead of cards. If you haven't downloaded this year's mix...check the tags and grab my 2011 CD card to all of you.

4. It brightens my mood when making holiday treats.

5. Certain songs bring back memories of past Christmases.

To sum things up, holiday music in particular plays a huge part in our celebrations. What about yours?

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Tonight's Cookie: Russian Tea Cookies

Please ignore the fubarred table cloth. I wasn't changing it tonight because the cats would do their best to shred it before our guests arrive.

Here's the recipe from Betty Crocker for this super simple, super tasty cookie.

Ingredients

1cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2cup powdered sugar
1teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar

1 Heat oven to 400ºF.

2 Mix butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together.

3 Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

4 Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly on wire rack.

5 Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar; cool on wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

It's Been A Day

I spent about 3 hours in the ER this morning with my father.

Not with the usual COPD related issues, but with a common nosebleed.

OK, there was nothing common about his nosebleed. It was like Niagara Falls coming out of both nostrils. Yeah, that's the kind of morning I was having. I had to call 911 over a nosebleed, and then pay $50.00 to have him see an ER doctor.

ARGH!

Then he had to go back to the hospital, because today was his appointment with the hematologist for blood work and his Procrit shot.

What a crazy day it has been.

All of this started at 6:30 this morning. I'm so tired right now, I can hardly keep my eyes open.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Randomosity

~ I found my very first Christmas mix CD yesterday. I made it in 2003. I can't believe I've made them for people for 8 years! Yikes.

~ Made the kolachy cookies..or most of them. There are now about 4.5 dozen in the house filled with raspberry, apricot or nutella filling.

~ I'm going through a lot of my reading challenges for the year from my book blog. I did well on several and on others I failed miserably.

~ Tomorrow is dad's appointment with the hematologist. That's always fun, but his doctor (who he doesn't usually see on these visits) is very nice and so is the rest of the staff.

~ All of my Christmas shopping is done. Yee ha!

~ My cat, Skimble only likes to play in the Christmas tree when I'm around to yell at him. Apparently he likes the attentiion.

~ Cutest pic of Sugarplum ever

20111219_3

Monday, December 19, 2011

It's Beginning To Smell A Lot Like Christmas!

Tonight I made the dough for the kolachy cookies. My house is filled with that wonderful smell of yeast. Mmmmm.

Tomorrow, I'll roll the cookies and bake.

Wednesday, I'll make the coconut cookies.

Thursday I'll do the cream cheese dough cookies and make some Pochettes and the Apricot Hanukkah cookies. Hey! Any cookie is good! I don't care what holiday it is.

Friday night is the night for the butterscotch haystack cookies.

Can you just feel your hips expanding? I know I can feel mine!

I absolutely love the smell of cookies baking. The kolachy cookies are my favorite because they use cake yeast. I know it is absolutely crazy but the smell of the yeast is so comforting. It makes me feel like all is well in the world, or at least in my kitchen.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Sweet Niblets!

Yes, I've watched too much Hannah Montana!

But no matter what...there's only a week til Christmas and nothing is going as planned.

I have so much to do...and so little time to do it. I did get cards done...and the mix cds. Trees are up and presents bought. So there's that, but it is the baking that I enjoy that isn't getting there, because I'm just so damn tired. I just can't get anything done.

Well, except staring at a computer screen. I can do that pretty well.

I guess I just have a case of the holiday lazies, which I'll have to get over or there won't be any holiday worth mentioning.

A little FYI...all I want for Christmas is a few hours of reading time, uninterrupted please!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Mmm Biscoti!

Here's a little sumthin' sumthin' that I made tonight! Sour Cream Biscotti! I found the recipe on the Taste Of Home website.

Ingredients


1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup sour cream

1-1/2 teaspoons almond or Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract

3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and extract. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture.

Line two baking sheets with foil; grease the foil. Divide dough into thirds. On a floured surface, shape dough into three 8-in. x 2-1/2-in. x 3/4-in. loaves; place on foil. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven. Lift loaves with foil onto a wire rack; cool for 15 minutes.

Place on a cutting board; using a serrated knife, slice diagonally 3/4 in. thick. Place slices, cut side down, on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until golden. Turn cookies over; bake 10 minutes longer. Cool on wire racks. Store in an airtight container. Yield: about 2-1/2 dozen.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Top 5 On Friday



Top 5 musical highlights of 2011

1. James Taylor & Zac Brown Band @ the ACM awards



2. Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert's wedding. (Another hot country power couple!)

3.  Elvis Costello touring with the Spinning Songbook again (even though I didn't get to see him)

4. Duran Duran's Girl Panic video..which is super ridiculous and so totally them!



5. New music from Erasure, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Dolly Parton!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

My Bloo Pod Of Christmas Music

I have filled my little iPod shuffle with so much Christmas music it is ridiculous. Now if only I could have some place to go so that I could listen to it.

I put as many of my old Christmas mixes and winter mixes on Bloo as possible.

I really need to feel as festive as possible.

Why?

Nothing is going right.

I can't get anything done and I'm super frustrated. I wasted a whole evening because I totally fell asleep after supper tonight and didn't wake up until 10:30!

I had so many plans for tonight..that included laundry and updating the pod some more and my Nook. I guess I'm going to be scrambling in the morning as usual.

ARGH!

I think when I go to bed, I'll put my Bloo pod of Christmas music on.....maybe I'll have festive dreams...

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

An Episode of Argh

Can't fry Rosette cookies around my dad.

That's all I have to say..

Off to the ER...

ARGH!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A Winter's Rant

For as advanced as we are in some things...I marvel at how lagging we are in others.

It is freaking cold outside.

My car's windshields front and back are totally frosted.

I turn on the defrost.

10 minutes later..the rear window is clear...the front, which is really the most important of the two...Still frozen.

WTF!

So Detroit...why can't you come up with something that will allow the front windshield to defrost quickly? There has to be a way. You can turn cars into big ole computers that will do everything but drive themselves to the destination of choice, but you can't unfreeze a windshield in 10 minutes?

C'mon boys..You can do it! I have faith!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Christmas Mix 2011

Here's the Christmas Mix for 2011. Sadly when it ripped it ripped to m4a and I haven't had the time to convert back :( So I hope this works for you.

Download

October Project - Angels We Have Heard On High
Nick Bukuvalas - Give Me All Your Love
Matt Wentz - Christmas Just Ain't Christmas
Matthew West - Come On Christmas
Carole King - Do You Hear What I Hear
Dolly Parton - We Three Kings
Michael Buble - All I Want For Christmas Is You
Neil Diamond - Little Drummer Boy
Andrea Bocelli - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Keri Noble - Giving You My Love
Celtic Thunder - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
Chris Isaak - Brightest Star
Straight No Chaser - Little Saint Nick
Cast In Bronze - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Gary Puckett - Medley: Away In A Manager/The First Noel
Nicole Kehl - Christmas Crush
Over The Rhine - North Pole Man (demo)
Jeff Meegan - What Child Is This
Carrie Underwood - Hark The Herald Angels Sing
Julieanne Hough - It Wasn't His Child/Mary Did You Know



Please comment if you take the mix.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Christmas Mix From Hell

I'm pretty sure this year's Christmas Mix CD is cursed.

First: My printer started printing a pretty rainbow through the middle of the image I picked for the cover.
Then I bought a new color cartridge, because after troubleshooting, that's what was supposed to fix it.

I put an emphasis on the word, supposed.

ARGH!

But wait, my tale of woe isn't finished yet.

I get the CDs burned..and every flipping time I print I notice an error in a song title.

I had to print the tracklisting sheet 4 times before I got one that was totally correct. For some reason, Nero likes to cut off the song titles when it transfers over to the labeling program.

ARGH!

But at long last the 2011 mix is complete. I'm not mailing out many, but for those of you, like Bilbo who enjoy them, I will be posting this year's mix in the next day or so.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Amazing

Thanks to two little bags of change that I kept adding to, I have a  little over 100 dollars to spend @ Amazon.com.

Yay for Coinstar!

Yay I can buy my nephews and my BFF Christmas presents this year.

Up until the moment I realized that I had that little nest egg, I didn't think there was going to be much in the way of Christmas presents coming from me.

So can I get a woot for unexpected cash?

I think I deserve one!

Friday, December 09, 2011

Top 5 On Friday





Top 5 albums of 2011


Thursday, December 08, 2011

Things That Make You Go Hmm

How the hell does Sandusky get bail?

If I were the judge I'd do everything in my power to see that a-hole sit in jail and get his butt kicked and anything else the inmates can come up with.

I know its supposed to be innocent until proven guilty..but this guy is so vile, he makes my flesh crawl. The fact that Penn State covered it all up for so long makes the Catholic church look good.

The whole scandal makes me sick to my stomach.

Grrrr

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Randomosity

~ The Moody Blues are coming to Pittsburgh on April 2, which happens to be my dad's 86th birthday and a Monday night. Guess I won't be going. I haven't been to a concert in a year now. That makes me very sad.

~ Dad didn't need the Procrit shot! Woo hoo! His blood count was 11.0, which for him is really good! However at the heart doc, I saw his report from his hospital stays and I don't feel very good at all. In fact, I feel a bit scared.

~ It was cold, wet and then snowy today. That sucks to infinity and beyond. Have I mentioned I have a deep seeded hatred of all things related to winter.

~ I got nothing else done today other than driving my dad to and from his appointments. It is leaving me very frustrated.

~ The Penn State scandal is getting scarier and scarier. How did this man not get arrested before this year? and seriously, bail? I don't think so!

~ 8 year old boy 1, Michelle Bachman 0

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

The New Stove Cometh!

I got the call this afternoon that the new range will be delivered sometime tomorrow afternoon. The old range is 60 years old. It was the only oven my parents ever had. It is a white Tappan.

They don't make em like that anymore!

It was the most awesome stove. It had 2 electrical outlets on the backsplash and a light! It also had two side drawers for storage!

It looks similar to this one only our oven door has no window. It is a shame that there is no one that can work on the stove, it could be restored, but with dad's health so bad, and there not being a rent-a-man store around, it will just have to go.


~big sigh~

She will definitely be missed

Monday, December 05, 2011

New Stove

What better way to spend $650?

Buying a new stove.

So when they see some economic growth for the month of December...you will know why.

ARGH!

I could think of many things I'd rather have spent that money on...

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Another Round Of Bad Luck

Our stove died this morning.

Yipee!

I spent an hour at Lowes only to discover they won't hook up the damn thing if I bought it there. WTF is up with that. It is a freaking gas range. If I buy one..and you deliver and haul away the old one, why can't you hook up the new one so that I know it works?

Asshats.

They will not be getting my business. I'll be going to Highway Appliance. I may pay more at the local store, but I'll know the damn thing will be installed and functioning and that my house won't blow up when I turn the oven on for the first time.

I guess I'll be using the crockpot for the next few days until we can sort this mess out.

Oh and if anyone knows where the money fairy is hiding, send her our way, because I don't know where we're getting the money for a range.

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Another Saturday Night

~ cue Jimmy Buffett

I'm working on some cleaning projects, as always. I have the second Christmas tree up. It is a little 6 ft white tree with blue lights. We couldn't put the big tree up this year, simply because of the fear that we'd need the EMS people to come through.

~sigh~

That tree rivaled Father Jerry's super duper gorgeous creation. (Yeah...I'm still hung up on that tree! It freaking spins!!!!!!!!!)


I bought a beautiful (and cheap) dress for Christmas at Fashion Bug. Thanks to Fashion Bug cash I saved $20.00. I'm going to look like a present! It is a red wrap dress and I got a festive necklace and earring set. Woo hoo!

So all in all, not a bad day....it just feels like I've done nothing. However that isn't very different from any other day.

I guess what gets done, gets done.  I only have 2 hands.....

Friday, December 02, 2011

Top 5 On Friday



Top 5 songs of 2011

Oddly my 5 are all country pop. How weird is that? Even the new Erasure didn't impress me much.

1. Jake Owen - Barefoot Blue Jean Night
2. Lady Antebellum - We Owned The Night
3. Miranda Lambert - Baggage Claim
4. Kristin Chenoweth - I Want Somebody (Bitch About)
5. Thompson Square - Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Computer Issues

Ever have one of those days where you have every intention of posting something but then nothing goes right?

Yeah, that's me.

I've got Vista running on my puter but for some reason it can't and won't run updates ...and on top of it all I ended up with some nasty malware last night that took about 3 hours to find and get rid of.

ARGH!

I really wish I could upgrade my operating system, but if I'm going to do that I might as well invest in a new computer.

I do know one thing, if I do that...I will not buy a desktop ever again.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

I'm Making A List

I'm not sure I'll be checking it twice, but I probably should. It is time for the Christmas To-Do List from hell to take shape.

1. Clean living room so that the tree can be assembled.
2. Assemble and decorate said tree.
3. Get over the tree envy I'm feeling about a certain Priest's absolutely incredible tree!!!
4. Work on a grocery list for holiday.
5. Decide which cookies are going to be made and what items will be on the table for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner.
6. Burn the Christmas Mix CD.
7. Buy presents..though this year it will be slim pickin's
8. Buy wine...lots of wine.
9. Remember that it is not polite to kill people.
10. Enjoy the holiday

Monday, November 28, 2011

Italian Meatball Soup

Here's a recipe for a great soup I found on the Betty Crocker website

1 bag (16 oz) frozen cooked Italian meatballs, thawed
1 3/4 cups Progresso® beef flavored broth (from 32-oz carton)
1 cup water
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 can (19 oz) Progresso® cannellini beans, drained
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 
 
  • 1 In 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, mix all ingredients except cheese.
  • 2 Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 10 hours.
  • 3 Garnish individual servings with cheese.
 

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Christmas Tree Envy

This is my Christmas tree, or rather one of them. I always put up a tree in my computer room, because I see it more often than the one in the living room.

I spent several hours last night, assembling and choosing ornaments for my pretty red and gold tree.

I was damn proud of my tree.

Then I told Father Jerry about it.

He told me to go look at his tree in the rectory.

So I did.

OMG!!!!!!

Father Jerry has a tree that I'd say was 7 ft....beautifully lit with white lights...and the freaking thing spins!!!!!!!

The tree spins!!!

My tiny little tree has an inferiority complex now.

Crikey!

I've been one upped by a lot of people in my life..but this is the first time I've been one upped by a priest.

Blast it!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

A Week Of Thanks: Day 7

Today's the final day of my week of thanks. I've found I'm thankful for a lot. Friends, family, music...answered prayers....a good bottle of wine...

Its the little things to that bring small joys to my life. Today I'm going to focus on some of the little things that I'm thankful for....

1. Starbucks coffee
2. McDonald's fries
3. Christmas trees
4. Good books
5. Hugs
6. Pretty clothes
7. Vodka (cherry please)
8. New ornaments for the tree
9. Snow that is pretty and doesn't make driving a bitch
10. Christmas specials

A Week Of Thanks: Day Six

My pets: Sure there are a lot of them. I'm a total animal lover. I love dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters etc. There has never been a time in my life when there weren't animals running around my house.

Here is one of my little fur babies now

This is Gizmo. She started out as part feral, but quickly adapted to the life of a kittypet. She is now happy and lazy and sleeping most of her days away. She wasn't amused by people overtaking her dining room though!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Top 5 On Friday






Top 5 songs that make you think about shopping
 
1. Culture Club - Mannequin
2. The Beatles - Can't Buy Me Love
3. Madonna - Material Girl
4. Elvis Costello - Green Shirt
5. Dolly Parton - The Bargain Store

Thursday, November 24, 2011

A Week Of Thanks: Day Five

Today at 3 o'clock we got a phone call from the hospital. The doctor discharged my father! He got to come home for Thanksgiving.

For that I'm super thankful.

Oh and while I was up to visit him at lunch time I got to see my favorite person and I got a hug. So all in all it was a very nice holiday.

I'm truly thankful for answered prayers today.

I hope your holiday was just as good as mine

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

A Week Of Thanks: Day Four

I'm thankful for some really good, cheap wine that is keeping my sanity because we took Dad to the hospital again last night. He has a "touch" of pneumonia and will likely be there for a few days.

So much for the "best thanksgiving ever."

We are now shooting for the "worst thanksgiving ever" or something pretty close to it.

I have plans of drinking a lot of wine over the next few days. Thank the dear lord for cherry wine

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A Week Of Thanks: Day Three

I am truly thankful for all the wonderful friends I have, be they online or close by.

This has been a tough year for my family and myself and if it weren't for my support system I really don't know how I would have made it through.

I send special hugs out to Bill, Mike,  and Jean Luc my blogger buddies.

I send even more hugs out to Linda, Jennifer, Tina, Father David and Father Jerry...because without them, my mind would have wandered off by now and probably would never have returned home.

Friendship is one of the most important things you can have in this world and I'm really happy that though my friends may not be numerous, they are the kind that will always be there for you.

Thank you for being a friend.....

Monday, November 21, 2011

A Week Of Thanks: Day Two

PhotobucketElvis Costello: EC is the musician that I always go back to no matter what.  I have loved his music almost as long as long as I've loved The Beatles and The Monkees.

Whenever the chips are down or I'm in an angsty mood, this is music that I go to. My favorite albums are Brutal Youth, Blood and Chocolate and Imperial Bedroom, though I have to say, each album holds a special place in my heart.

His music has really shaped my life, plus I was lucky enough to meet him two times.

I'm very thankful for the many years of music he's brought...and hopefully there with be many more to come.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

A Week Of Thanks: Day One

Starting today, I'm going to share one thing a day that I'm thankful for this year. Feel free to join in and share your things.

1. I'm thankful that my father is still with us this year. It has been a hard year for him health wise. Since last Christmas he has been in the hospital nearly once every month. It has been tough and a few of the trips to the ER have been life threatening and scary for both him and us.

I'm glad God has allowed him to stay with us, and hopefully he'll be with us next Thanksgiving and Christmas too.

This March will be a milestone year for mom and dad. On March 15th they will (God willing) celebrate their 60th wedding anniversay.

I am so thankful that Dad is still here...and mom too. They are the most precious people in my life.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Busy Bee

Let's see...this is what I did today:

1. Got most of the Thanksgiving shopping done. I still need a few small things for the meal.
2. Treated myself to some pretty things at Fashion Bug.
3. Went to lunch with my brother.
4. Rearranged the set up of two rooms slightly so that we can have Christmas trees up for the holiday.
5. Vacuumed. (BLECH)
6. Made an awesome Beef Vegetable soup.
7. Straightened up in the kitchen.

I'm about to do some laundry....

I've been up since about 7...and I'm thoroughly exhausted.

Tomorrow I need to go to Walmart, and I'm going to make nutroll for the first time.

When did I become so domesticated?

Friday, November 18, 2011

Top 5 On Friday



Top 5 musical things that you are thankful for this year

1. New albums by Lady Antebellum, Erasure, Nick Lowe and The Puppini Sisters
2. Great country artists that I really came to love this year...like Zac Brown Band.
3. The leaked video of David Tennant's farewell to The Proclaimers 500 miles
4. Discovering artists like The Gothard Sisters through my freelance job.
5. All the music on my computer that keeps me sane.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

My Day

~ Managed to get almost caught up at work today

~ Sliced my finger on a broken brownie pan trying to get a cookie tray for the french fries I was making for dinner.

~ Had a whacky dream that I was slow dancing with my....erm...priest...that is...Father Jerry....erm...this is so wrong, and I am so going to hell.

~ Could not even last 30 minutes at the YMCA....hot, sweaty me = misery.

~ Hit the panic alarm on my car when I was loading groceries this evening.

One word to describe today: BLECH!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

I Bought A Roaster Oven

Yup! That's the highlight of my day. I bought the $27.00 roaster from Target today.

Why?

Because my mother was sure that I'd kill myself making a turkey in our oven.

WTF!

I swear I did it last year.

No one died.

I didn't even maim myself, which is amazing, because I usually do damage to myself on our oven. I have more burn marks on my hands than you could believe!

Let's hope the roaster works well. It had some great reviews on the site...

While we're at it...let's hope that it arrives in time.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Getting Nothing Done

Work = crazy
Home = crazier

I just want to disappear off the face of the earth.

I really need some time away from all of this..all of my life.

There is too much to think about right now and none of it is good.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Better Late Than Never

My mind is a bit to frazzled for blogging. We thought dad would be coming home today, but things changed there.

My faith in the Catholic chuch is waning. Actually...my faith isn't waning..but my feelings about our church hierarchy is. It is a long story...dealing with our former pastor, who is still a friend...and the events of a few years ago...I don't know..but I want to knock heads.  My mother got along really well with this man we all did...and he isn't allowed to talk to us... ARGH...I shouldn't go there...but I will shake my fist in the air at the stupidity of this all.

That said...I can talk about anything to Father Jerry, but he didn't connect well with mom, and since she's a shut in...well that makes it all the more difficult.

I'm babbling now....so I should stop before I say something that I might regret...

Friday, November 11, 2011

Top 5 On Friday

Top 5 "medical" songs

1. Weird Al - Like A Surgeon
2. Thompson Twins - Doctor, Doctor
3. Bon Jovi - Bad Medicine
4. Cheap Trick - The Doctor
5. Oingo Boingo - Take Your Medicine

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Dad's Back In The Hospital

For those of you that might not have guessed it, we took my dad back to the hospital Wednesday morning, with shortness of breath and some chest pain. His heart was out of rhythm there was also some fluid on his lungs.

So they are keeping him to monitor his condition.

The word pacemaker was brought up...but we aren't sure how we feel about that right now, considering all the other things he has going on.

Wish us luck, and keep us in your prayers.

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Another Day In Paradise

~ Went to work...
~ Took dad to the doctors for his Procrit shot.
~ Teased my bff in the parking garage of the hospital...for those of you not in the know..my second bff is my priest. Oye vey.
~ Picked up prescriptions at the Eagle
~ Snacks at Dairy Queen
~ Drama on arrival home...
~ Voted for a bunch of losers
~ Ordered Chinese...

If this day doesn't merit a sigh...I don't know what does...

Monday, November 07, 2011

Where To Put The Tree

It is getting close to that time of year again.

Christmas and Thanksgiving are creeping up....but Christmas has more stuff attached to it. The Christmas tree to be exact.

There's a lot of new medical supplies in our house this year....potty chairs, oxygen compressors.

There's not a lot of room for stuff like Christmas trees.

I have 2.

We usually do one tree in the living room and I do the other in my computer room by the window.

This year?

I have no freaking idea where in the hell the trees are going.

However, I'm not sure we are doing anything for Christmas other than dinner and church. This year has been so bad financially (I haven't worked a full week, thanks to doctor's appointments in over a month) that we simply can't afford it.

I guess figuring out where to put the tree in our house is the least of my worries.

Sunday, November 06, 2011

I Have Mad Cooking Skills!

I made my first jellyroll style meatloaf today!

It turned out beautiful!!

The recipe can be found here. I tweaked it a bit because I didn't need a huge loaf and I used cheese and a McDonald's BBQ dipping sauce on the top. I also used a meat loaf mix of meats rather than just ground beef. I think it turned out great.

Saturday, November 05, 2011

Tasty Dinner

I made the refried bean soup that I posted about here today. OMG! If you like tortilla soup, you will like this. It was so good.

I made pulled pork with a wonderful pork sirloin roast I got at Giant Eagle and did my own homemade BBQ (1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup ketchup, 5 splashes of Worcestershire sauce) and cooked it on low for about 4 hours and 1 hour on high.

This had to be the nommiest dinners I've made in a long time.

As soon as everyone leaves I'm going to relax with an apple cider martini.

3 oz Vodka
3 oz Apple Cider

After that...I plan to pass out on the couch for the evening and watch old britcoms!

Friday, November 04, 2011

Top 5 On Friday






Top 5 ways music helps you get through the holiday season

1. Certain albums like Costello's Brutal Youth and Oingo Boingo's Boingo, remind me that "It's not polite to kill people."

2. Making holiday mix CDs soothes the savage beastie in me.

3. It gives me stuff to buy for me!!! I like presents...presents for ME!!!!

4. It puts me in the mood for the holiday...sing with me.."Christmas time...Mistletoe and wine"

5. It gives me an excuse to play "Don't Need A Reindeer" over and over while still looking moderately sane.

Thursday, November 03, 2011

So Glad The Weekend Is Almost Here

Reasons to be happy for the weekend:

1. 48 hours to get some of the reading done that I've been meaning to do. Dear god, will I ever finish reading, One Day?

2. I get to gaze adoringly at my crush.

3. I won't have to work on the accounting for 48 hours.

4. No exercise this weekend, do to lots of things going on at the YMCA, meaning...no parking to be had there...therefore Andrea stays at home!

5. Get to make my refried bean soup!

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

A Few Random Thoughts

~ Re-entering a years worth of accounting = not fun. When it is for 2 companies it is double not fun.

~ Dole pink grapefruit cups = great but the juice is terribly messy.

~ The inappropriate crush I have doesn't care for cats. Boo hiss!

~ Discovered two easy sweet recipes for the holidays, Dark Chocolate Cherry Fudge and Magic Mint Chocolate Bark.

~ Sandpaper kitty cat tongues cleaning your arm can be strangely comforting.

~ Suddenly I'm wide awake until midnight. I hate that.

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Yay For Freelancing

My freelance gig netted me an extra $93.00 bucks this month. I realize that's not a whole lot of money, but when I've had to miss work because of my dad's ill health, it really helps make up for lost time, so to speak.

But this is definitely a woo hoo moment.

Cos basically like that Capital One commercial with Jimmy Fallon, "Who doesn't want more cash?"

I know I do.

I've got bills to pay and I've got loads of people in my life with birthdays and whatnot in the next month and a half.

ARGH!

Curse all of you Nov and Dec birthdays!

Here's hoping I get some more reviews, because I've not even made $500.00 this year from that job.

Big sigh

Monday, October 31, 2011

Mmmm Soup

I found this recipe in an old foodie mag of my mum's and I'm dying to try it. All I need is a jar of salsa and some hungry people.

Refried Bean Soup


1 Can Refried Beans (16 ounces)

1 can whole kernel corn (15 ounces), drained

1 can (15 ounces) black beans rinsed and drained

1 can (14 1/2 oz) chicken broth

1 can (14 1/2 oz) stewed tomatoes

1 can (4 oz) green chilis

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup salsa



In a large saucepan combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Serve with tortilla chips. Yield 8 servings (2 quarts)


From Sept/Oct 2007 Simple & Delicious Magazine

Sunday, October 30, 2011

New Hair

Yesterday I got a good 4 inches cut from my hair.

Yikes.

However, I'm really pleased with the new cut.

Got some snazzy new clothes yesterday too.

Woo hoo!

I've even managed to keep some of my stress weight loss off!

Golf clap for me!!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

When Life And Jimmy Buffett Collide

Oh yeah...I'm feeling this song...I love Jimmy's version...but I also love the original by Sam Cooke and Cat Stevens' version too

Friday, October 28, 2011

Top 5 On Friday



Top 5 songs that are a "treat" to listen to

1. Mika - Lollipop
2. Elvis Costello - So Like Candy
3. Siouxsie & The Banshees - Candyman
4. Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy
5. The Beatles - Savoy Truffle

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Inspiration

It has been a long while since I contemplated writing a story again. I'm guessing that since I'm at that angsty point in my life once more, I can conjure up some interesting characters.

I'm plotting out a cozy mystery of sorts..

So far...I have a setting: England
Mystery to be solved: Stolen relic
Characters: Spinster daughter of the local gentry and the vicar


Here's hoping I can pull this all together and make it work.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Emotional Music

Sometimes there are albums that you absolutely must play at certain times in your life.

Costello's Brutal Youth is my angsty, feeling unrequited love album. It is no wonder that I've been playing it non-stop lately.

It just seems to fit the mood I'm in.

You know that, I'm lonely, no one loves me....feeling sorry for myself and have somehow managed to get feelings for totally inappropriate people kind of mood?

Yeah...let's just plaster that big ole "L" on my forehead now...and I'll blare Just About Glad from my speakers...and maybe in a few weeks I'll be over this and back to normal.

Do ya think its possible?

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Drama -- I Has It

Took dad to the hematologist today. They did blood work. His count was 10.2, so he got his Procrit shot.

All is well at the doctor's office.

I then proceed to Giant Eagle to get the fixings for dinner. (Spaghetti) afterwards, I promised to split a chicken strip basket with him. Prednisone does wonders for his appetite!

I am in the store for 10 minutes tops...long enough to pick up 4 donuts, a can of sauce, a lb of ground chuck and the noodles.

When I get out...Dad has the mother of all nose bleeds and he's gone into full panic attack mode.

ARGH!

I'm trying to keep him calm because I don't want to spend 4 hours with ER doctor's laughing at me. I also know that this nosebleed looks worse than it is. Dad left his hanky at home.

ARGH!

Get him home...and about 20 minutes later...the nose bleed is gone.

Panic attack is over.

I didn't get my chicken strip basket from Dairy Queen.

However, all is well...

Pass me the Mike's Hard Black Cherry Lemonade!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Sometimes

Sometimes people come into your life for a reason.

I'm sure many of you know that our former pastor was put on administrative leave because of some rather unsavory allegations. I considered this man a friend, and I still do.

When that happened I lost a good deal of my faith. I went to church only when I was scheduled to be a lector. There were times when I wanted to give that up. I've been a lector in our parish since I was confirmed ages ago...I'd say I've been a lector for 20 years.

Then my dad got sick in December ...and in February we had a new pastor assigned to our church. I can say truthfully that if it weren't for Father Jerry, I wouldn't be Catholic.

In him, I've found a pastor that is also a good friend, who listens to me, and who has really been wonderful when my dad has been in the hospital.

I don't know why he was chosen for our parish, but I'm very glad he is here.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Painful Crush

I hate it when I suffer from unrequited love/lust/infatuation.

Why does this always happen to me.

I find someone that clicks with me..but they are much older and totally unavailable. I mean TOTALLY unavailable, except for friendship...which is about where we are.

Big sigh.

I really prefer it when I'm able to totally ignore the opposite sex. It makes life so much easier and me any less miserable.

I wonder how many of you guessed who my crush is on...

Saturday, October 22, 2011

It Has Been A Long Day

Note to self: don't drink lots of vodka....

I fell asleep...a vodka induced coma at about 10 o'clock last night.

Woke up around 3...and have been up ever since.

ARGH!

Took dad for blood work.

Went to the gym...

Did some shopping...

Made dinner...

Still not tired.

I want to go to sleep..but just not tired...

That vodka bottle is looking good again..

Friday, October 21, 2011

Top 5 On Friday



Top 5 songs to listen to while sipping your favorite drink.

The Moody Blues - Send Me No Wine
Oren Lavie - Her Morning Elegance
Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
Toby Keith - Whiskey Girl
Zac Brown Band - Whiskey's Gone

Thursday, October 20, 2011

When You Need A Silly Song

Listen and then laugh





or this version

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Why Me?

Why is it..that I always find myself attracted to:

1. Unavailable men.
2. Older men...erm much older...

Not to worry..the unavailable man isn't married...

However I'm pretty sure I don't want to mess with the reason this man is unavailable...

Story of my life...

Pass the vodka please....

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Dad's Home

He has officially beat mom in the ailments game.

He has acquired several new medications...taken daily...a shot to be given once every week or every other week..and 2 new doctors...a hematologist and a kidney doctor. All who want to see him in the next 2 weeks.

Oh and as usual, one of the prescriptions is screwed up.

Oh and my flirtation texted me that I should keep dad home with the cats and dog now...after he paid him a visit...

And no Mike, it isn't a doctor....it is more inappropriate than that...and not hospital personnel.

Monday, October 17, 2011

No Dad Yet

He's still got an infection that doesn't want to clear up...but he is walking well and not very short of breath, so that's something, right?

Here's hoping we bring him home soon.

Not much else to talk about....except that I'm carrying on an inappropriate flirtation with ....erm....nevermind.

Let's hope he comes home tomorrow..m'kay, before I do something stupider than usual.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Good News

There was a little note on dad's board when I came in this afternoon.

It said: Possible discharge 10/17

Can I get a woo hoo for that?

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Dad Update

As my life revolves around Mon Valley Hospital and  all the stuff going on with my dad...I thought I'd give you an update on his condition.

  1.  Renal Ultrasound came back normal...can we get a yay for that?
  2. There is some kidney dysfunction because that's apparently what is causing the anemia.
  3. New meds for lungs/heart and anemia. My dad is playing catch up with mom on the med front. More stuff for me to learn now..
  4. His breathing is improved
  5. He has a UTI.
On another note...I'm pretty sure my priest is sick of hearing from me.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Top 5 On Friday






Top 5 songs you'll never get tired of hearing

1. The Moody Blues - Your Wildest Dreams (My favorite song by the Moodies and the song that made me fall in love with them)

2 and 3. Elvis Costello - Crimes Of Paris and Man Out Of Time (It's Elvis at his most brilliant)

4. Mika - We Are Golden (Best ear worm ever)

5. Zac Brown Band - Toes

Thursday, October 13, 2011

I'm Slowly Losing My Mind

Dad's in the hospital again.

He had a bad coughing spell, became short of breath and nearly lost consciousness...AT THE DOCTOR's.

I had them call the ambluance there....glad I did.

He had another spell in the ER.

He has a UTI and his blood count was down to 8.9 but they won't transfuse him, even though his doctor did at 8.7.

This is going to be a lousy weekend.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

10 Things I Love About Fall

1. Cool evenings = great sleep.

2. Harvest Festivals at Trax Farms and Triple B. Farms

3. Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Salted Carmel Mocha @ Starbucks

4. Sweaters!

5. Halloween candy. Fun sizes = Fun!

6. Baking to keep the house warm!

7. Reading with a snuggie blanket.

8. Falling leaves

9. Halloween TV specials

10.  Bathing  suit season is over!!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

I'm a Sudoku Junkie

Yesterday when I was waiting for them to set my dad free from the hospital, I learned to play Sudoku on my Nook.

I'm officially addicted to this game.

I also officially suck at it.

Though, like Angry Birds, it doesn't stop me from trying til I'm blue in the face.

Right now my face is pretty blue.

My grandmother would have loved these puzzles. She always did word searches and crosswords, anything to keep her mind active. I guess that's why she was so spry even up to 101.

Maybe I should play a bit more sudoku?

Oh and if you want to play online? Go here

Ah yes...time wasting...even worse than Mahjong!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Manic Monday

Well I worked a whopping 2 hours today. At 9:30 the call came that my dad's bloodwork had been received at his doctor's office and his count was down to 8.7.

Transfusion time.

By 10, I knew I had to be on my way home so I could get him to the hospital.  It is much better to transfuse when the low blood count isn't giving him problems with his COPD.

So off we went.

It was actually a pretty easy stress free procedure, and dad got lunch while he was there.

I played Sudoko on my Nook and read for a bit.

I could think of worse ways to spend the afternoon. (You know, like being at work....or being in the ER)

Oh and I told my friend about Dad's transfusion...and I was told to go drinking...and was reminded that at some point...this friend was going to take me out to get drunk...Ah...my inappropriate friends...How is it that I find these people without even looking?

Sunday, October 09, 2011

Life Is Full Of Argh Moments

I had the worst service today when ordering Mexican takeout from a new place in Belle Vernon. You can read my rather pissy review over at Wenches.

Today was a day when I really wish I would have just cooked supper, because the aggravation of getting takeout was just too much.

Another argh moment involved the current CD I'm reviewing for my freelance job.

OMG, I think I'd rather listen to Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and any other tweenybopper pop star out there than this current album.

Ewwwww.

This album actually made me quite happy that most of my reviews these days are for children's music.

How sad is that?

I think I'm going to try to forget this day by downing a bottle of Mike's Hard Black Cherry Lemonade.

Saturday, October 08, 2011

Random Saturday Thoughts

~ Saturday nights without Doctor Who suck.

~ Eharlequin sucks for ebooks, they have a great selection but the discount is horrible, plus for most books, the print copies are about 40 cents cheaper! WTF!!!

~ Not sure how I feel about the new Erasure CD, which saddens me, because they are one of my favorite bands. I hate when my favorite bands put out "Meh" albums.

~ Bought 3 Christmas romances at Goodwill. I love Christmas books. They always give me the warm fuzzy feelings.

~ There are way too many novels about vampires, and very few of them are actually good.

~ I need to watch a good comedy.  I saw Bridesmaids a few weeks ago and enjoyed that but haven't found any other films I want to watch since.

~ Starbucks Salted Carmel Mocha with a shot of Peppermint = Coffee love

~ Best new shows of the season for me

Comedy: 2 Broke Girls
Drama: Unforgettable

~ Tim Allen's new show is going to suck. Why do guys like Tim and Kelsey Grammer always play the same character over and over? Oh and Tim as a homophobic republican turns me off. Sorry Tim, I loved Home Improvement but I won't be tuning in to Last Man Standing.

Friday, October 07, 2011

Top 5 On Friday



In Memory of Steve Jobs...

Top 5 things you love about iPods or iTunes

1. I love how colorful the iPod shuffles and nanos are.  I have a blue shuffle and a traditional black shuffle.

2. I love that they scrobble on the Last.fm site. I really wish my Zen would scrobble.

3. iTunes has some really great live EPs.

4. All the fun gadgets they have for them (armbands, docks etc)

5. The thin size. I'm so exciting that the shuffles, small though they are have never been lost by me EVER!!

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Cat Thursday!

Welcome to the weekly meme that celebrates the wonders and sometime hilarity of cats! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of cats! Enjoy!


This meme is brought to you by one of my favorite book bloggers, The True Book Addict!

Most of my friends will know why I picked this LOLcat for the meme! I love Doctor Who and the Daleks are my favorite alien from the series. I even have a Dalek on my keychain, thanks to a good friend of mine.

I have to say, Daleks could probably take care of most dental problems either by exterminating the plaque or exterminating the tooth!

Happy Cat Thursday!

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Caregiving Is Hard Work

I don't think I ever really gave much thought to how hard things would be twenty years ago when I was about to start college. I knew then that I was likely going to be the one family member taking care of my parents.

Flashforward to today.

Mom is almost totally blind from diabetes. Dad is on oxygen 24/7 and is anemic, and not just mildly so, he's the kind of anemic that require transfusions every few months.

I do all the shopping, most of the cooking, I take them to the doctors, make sure they have their pills, and have them organized, oh and I clean the potty chairs too.

And that's just the stuff that relates to them.

I still have my work and my furrbabies to care for...and myself.

There are times when I really feel like I'm burning the candle at both ends.  I get cranky and I don't want to. I love mom and dad. I truly don't mind what I'm doing. But I really wish I could do more. That I could be there more.

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Too Much To Do

The beginning of the month is always a busy time. Now that Dad is no longer driving, I have to get him to the bank so that all the SS checks get cashed.

Then there's the grocery shopping.

I think I live at Giant Eagle.

I'm still not sure why.

I have 2 more reviews to write for my freelance gig. Yay money!

The worst part, is I don't feel like I have much to say anymore.

Music is not impressing me....

I've been to no concerts this year...mostly because I have other responsibilities and I can't afford it.

Ho hum..

At least I have books, and that makes me happy.

Sunday, October 02, 2011

I've Been Pondering This

Why do people drag grocery carts halfway across town?

Every morning when I drive through Charleroi on Mon I see two Rite Aid buggies around 8th street.  Rite Aid is about 3.5 blocks over and 2 blocks down.

WTF?

We have bus service for seniors, so they needn't have to push the buggies to help them with their purchases. In fact, I think Rite Aid will deliver perscriptions too.

This has often baffled me. Does it only happen in my part of the world or do crazies run off with grocery carts everywhere, then leave them to rust in the rain?

As Billy Currington sang...

God is great...
Beer is good....
People are crazy....

Saturday, October 01, 2011

Doctor Who Musings

I'm kinda blown away by the last two episodes of Doctor Who. Not quite as blown away by the bad guys, but more the plot twists the last two episodes offered.

Some random Who observations:

~ Doctor + Baby = Squee!

~ The Cybermen were very lame and not so scary.

~ James Corden as a dad = very interesting.

~ The Doctor + Craig as erm..partners with baby = hehehehe

Now on to the finale

~ WTF!!!

~ Scruffy bearded Jesus Doctor = OMG SCARIER THAN ANY ALIEN!

~ Eye patch things = weird

~ Rory is the sexiest male companion ever!!!!

~ Doctor + Riversong = Love

Must have more WHO ASAP

Friday, September 30, 2011

Top 5 On Friday



Top 5 musical purchases this year

This is actually a hard one because I have to be more careful with my money

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Thank God It's Thursday

I'm looking forward to a very quiet, cold weekend at home. All I want to do is get some stuff to Goodwill and read...and maybe get to the YMCA.

I don't ask for much...oh and I'd like to catch up on the few Doctor Who episodes that I've missed, because this Saturday is the season finale

I just wish I could have another long weekend.

Life is so much better when there are lots of three day weekends.

Oh and another reason to be happy that the weekend is upon us...I don't have to drive my sister to work! Yay! Cos frankly I'm sick of that!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Having An Argh Kinda Day

Dad isn't feeling well today.

I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up in the hospital before this week is over.

We can't pinpoint what's wrong, but we know something is up. My guess is his blood count is probably dropping, which sucks, because we've had his anemia stabilized since the end of July.

But the weather is changing, and all that effects the lungs and breathing and everything else.

So I'm kind of expecting something to happen.

I'm hoping it doesn't...but I'm still expecting it.

~ Big Sigh~

Monday, September 26, 2011

I Want This Book


Everywhere I go, this book has been being pushed. It is called The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

Here's the blurb that goes with the book: There are no grand announcements when Le Cirque des Rêves comes to town. It arrives without warning, its alluring black and white striped tents open for business only when darkness falls. For it is the circus of dreams, filled with acts of enchantment. But there is nothing fanciful about the game magicians Celia and Marco have been training to play since they were children. Both protégés of cruelly competitive men with extraordinary powers, they were groomed to participate in a fierce competition in which, unbeknownst to them, only one can be left standing. Even as they tumble headfirst into love—a deep magical love that makes lights flicker and the room grow warmer when they so much as touch hands—the deadly match must play out. And what of their calculating masters? The fates of everyone, including daring performers and captivated patrons, hang in the balance, as precariously as the death-defying acrobats soaring overhead.

“Debut author [Erin] Morgenstern doesn’t miss a beat in this smashing tale of greed, fate, and love” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). The Night Circus is nothing less than sensational and will hold readers spellbound to the shocking last “act”….

I'm so getting this book next month from BOMC2, assuming I can wait that long!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

I Would Be A Lousy Mother

The more time I spend as a caregiver for my mom and dad the more I become aware of my failings in the parenting arena. I'm glad I never had the opportunity or the desire to procreate, because I fear I would be a lousy mother.

I have very little patience and I have the attention span of a fruit fly. I'm lousy at keeping house. The only thing that I am halfway decent at is cooking.

That's strange, because I didn't really learn the art of cooking until about a year ago.

Now it is the one thing I get a small amount of enjoyment from, but I don't get to try as many different recipes as I'd like. It comes from having to feed 5 or 6 people that have very different likes and dislikes.

ARGH!

Again, I say I'd be a lousy parent.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The Moody Blues On National TV

I'm pretty sure the world is coming to an end. I've heard that the Moody Blues will be playing the Jimmy Fallon show on Oct 13th.

Its a damn Thursday night...

Grrrr

Guess the DVR will be working, because I have to see Justiny Poo and Lodgey..and erm..Graeme.

They are playing in support of their Precious Cargo tour...which oddly will be wrapping up in Canada at about that time and moving to Australia.

Hmmm

Little makes sense in the world of The Moodies if this is true, which I hope it is...because I miss the guys!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Top 5 On Friday



Top 5 songs that brighten your day

Blake Shelton - Honey Bee

Mika - Lollipop


Nick Lowe - Cruel To Be Kind


Tommy James - Hold The Fire

Gary Puckett & The Union Gap - Lady Willpower

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Yay For The Fall Season

So far I'm really happy with the way my tv shows are shaping up this fall. I adore 2 Broke Girls and am looking forward to Mike and Molly on Monday after 2 And A Half Men. (Not sure how I feel about that show right now).

NCIS was awesome on Tuesday...and my mom says Unforgettable was pretty good too.

I loved the premiere of The Middle and Modern Family. I'm glad to have those shows back...and Big Bang was hysterical tonight.

So much goodness and Psych comes back on Oct 12.

Woo hoo!

I'm going to be a couch potato this fall.

I'd rather do that than pay attention to the politics of this country...cos oye...I'm all for the Vote Em All Out option.

Pardon me while I go back under my rock...

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

This Is So True


Found and shared on facebook. It is true though....