Monday, December 31, 2007

Watching Football?


and a cat nap or two...


I'm not feeling up to par colds seriously drag my energy levels into the dirt. My darling hubby took us to IHOP for brunch, and at dinner time he went and got Chinese food while I slept with my doggies. ( not sure who snapped the lovely pictures...)

Titans are in the play offs! the only thing that sucked was I like the Browns too. They were the first team I ever rooted for being from Northern Ohio originally. It was sad that one team I love had to knock another team I care about out. Oh well it's a mean cruel world... Titans play the Chargers! Lets hope this time around my Titans are up to the challenge! Cause lets face it the Colts played no one last night and my Titans barely won... AFC south hardest division in Football 3 teams in the play offs and Houston got to 500. Bragging rights for the summer...

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Things to be happy about...I think....

My dogs love so much they want to right on top of me...it is making it hard to type. Dyson thinks my shoulders make a great perch and Cookie's needle toes are carving my flesh off....OUCH!

Looks like my Predators are here to stay thanks to the new ownership group...but they are stinking up the ice... Free agency killed them with all the turmoil this past off season losing 5 major player really SUCKS!

I got on the scales and it read 180!!! I haven't done weight training in a week just cardio... does that mean I'm losing muscle and it is converting to lighter fat???

I have my new crown on my back tooth. BUT I don't think they have it on quite right because every once in a while I get a sharp pain and it feels like there might be a small gap in the coverage at the bottom... GROAN!

I must say I LOVE Cold Water Creek! Their sizing is so generous! I have to wear MEDIUMS!!! Vanity thy name is Kate... They got my hook line and sinker! I'm taking the dress I bought back to Ross's (the black number maybe too dressy any way). I bought this gorgeous black and gold duster. It's gorgeous and I can wear more plus it was a MEDIUM! I plan to wear this to the New Years Eve party but I'm getting a COLD...

I'm just starting to think about pulling everything down from Christmas. I put all the boxes and wrap away, and pulled my snowmen in from the porch that is as far as I've gotten. I didn't go over board decorating ( been there done that for Halloween) so tear down will be pretty quick. What to put back up is the big dilemma. We're talking about repainting so I want to keep it simple.... though who knows when we'll get to it or when the budget will allow it...

Last regular season game of the year for the Titans today. They have a chance to make the play offs IF they WIN! Sunday night football... kind of wish the game was at 12 not 7 tonight... I need my restorative sleep to kick this cold! I kind of wish they'd won the 3 really close games they lost in the 4th quater this year then we would be biting our nails over THIS GAME! Oh well GO TITANS!

I'm not sure if I'm a glass half full person or a glass half empty person...ROFL!

Friday, December 28, 2007

Perfect Day for Sleeping!

From the Predators game last night

Poor Boy!

It is raining out there and cold. I slept in I would have slept in more with out my darling or not so darling dogs as case maybe right now. Rotten P.I.T.As.

Jessie survived shopping with us. He also survived the Hockey game. He even wore these dorky gold Christmas balls on his head (this poor boy has it BAD) because Courtney wanted him to do it. They got on the Megatron. I missed it because Jim and I went get something to eat. DRAT! Those would have been great pictures. Jim and wore our new jerseys. I decorated mine with my Pred pin collection. I even got my old skull pin to light up! Woo Hoo! I need to sew on the tenth anniversary patches. It was an exciting game from the get go. Adam Foote for the Blue Jackets attack Jordan Tootoo (STUPID) 90 seconds into the game. Jordan not only flattened the guy, but he got two penalties and game misconduct. We got the first goal from that power play too. It was a back and forth game BUT the steak continues 12 straight games, Predators WON! We had a great time! Plus the mystery people in seat 6 and 7 showed up! They have season tickets and just made it to a game... people amaze me sometimes, but I'm glad they bought season tickets.

I'm going to do laundry, and scrap today those are my BIG plans. If I get real crazy I'm going to put away some Christmas decorations or just put the wrapping paper back in the attic. Perfect weather for it!

I must say I LOVE Cold Water Creek! their sizing is so generous! I have to wear mediums!!! Vanity thy name is Kate... they got my hook line and sinker! I'm taking the dress I bought back to Ross's. I bought this gorgeous black and gold duster. It's gorgeous and I can wear more plus it was a medium!

Got on scale today and I was 181 again...Go figure.... I hope this is going to be a trend downward! I have no clue what I did different. But come on 180!!!

I want more coffee! Too bad I don't have a coffee fairy...

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Adventures in after Christmas sales and Plans for 2008

I think poor Katie was in sticker shock yesterday. She got 4 tops and a Starbuck's Frap for $45. I think she thought her dough would go WAY further. She still has a lot left.

I bought a present for next year's Bunco, actually two a Old World Santa and a group of caroling snow people. One I'll either use myself as a decoration or give as a gift to someone else. SO much cheaper and so much nicer than I could afford at full price. We have a limit for Bunco at $15 use to be $10. I bought gift bags for next year, a star garland for my Predator Tree I'm planning for next year, and found a new bed spread for Katie's room. It is very cool hot pink, white, black and two other shades of pink. It was actually one of those bed in bag things with the pillow shams, bed skirt and comforter. No sheets though, but I think I can find one to work pretty easily. All that for under $100 before tax... Not bad!

We're redoing her and Courtney's rooms for their birthdays. Walls are being painted, new bed spreads, curtains and decorations. I already bought Katie Flamingos playing instruments for Christmas. They are really funky and fun. They are playing a Sax and guitar, perfect huh?

While the rooms are being redone they have to live in the bonus room. This will be interesting. They are going to start clearing out everything they don't want and going through all their drawers. I want to empty the rooms and clean the floors good and wash the walls all ready for painting. BIG job....

We are going shopping again today. Courtney wants to go. We are taking her boy friend Jessie. I threatened to take him into Victoria's Secret and Courtney just laughed....Poor boy! I have purpose in shopping today! I want to stock up on mini trees. I'm going to try to buy at least two more. Courtney wants CLOTHES. She'll be modeling them for Jessie. He must really have it bad for her...ROFL! i hope we can find her a bed spread too. Easier to do the paint with that in place!

We are going to the hockey game tonight and taking Jessie too. Poor kid will be ready to go home and hide after this... LOL! I'm a bit wild at hockey games not a sedate type fan. More a scream at the top of her lungs make a spectacle of herself type fan. After this we'll have to take him to the movies a comedy. My oh so sweet husband say I either sound like a bird or a donkey braying, maybe a hyena on a loud speaker... If he doesn't go running for the hills the poor sapp is really head over heels for my daughter. ROFL!

I did a little scrapping yesterday. Well paper piecing for the some of my Halloween pages. I got a bunch of prints made. I'm hoping tomorrow I can just go to town with them. I'm going to do some more paper piecings and sketches to see what I want to do.

I better get some food in me and get to the gym, so I can shower up and be ready at noon. My motto is no fat-asses in 2008! 30 more pounds!



Have an awesome day!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Braving the After Christmas sales?

What happens when you don't get what you want for Christmas!

Even when they are being vicious they are cute! Cookie and Dyson were just playing no real fur was flying.

Katie and I are going to shop ( as soon as she gets UP that is...). Courtney is off making $$$ at Dad's work.

Wish us luck!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!


Last night we went on our traditional Christmas light tour, played cards, and watched Christmas movies till it was time for Santa to arrive....

Thank you! Extended family for all the wonderful gifts!

Here is a bit of our Christmas morning to share.

Dyson opening his package.
Courtney with her stocking. It maybe hung with care and it was full of self care stuff
One of Courtney's presents to me. I also got some cool real butterflies preserved .
Katie new phone! just what she wanted!

Jim and I both got each other jerseys


Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 24, 2007

I look like a big dork with my Santa hat and Christmas ball tiaras, BUT festive and having FUN!



I went to check on the thawing of the turkey for tomorrow. It was hard as a rock in the garage frig. I pulled it out of the freezer the 22nd, but no thawing that I could tell was happening. So much for directions... So now it is floating in a tepid water bath in the kitchen sink. I hope the darn thing thaws in time, and I don't give my family food poisoning thawing it the wrong way... though that might help with the weight loss.... LOL!

Tail gating was nice Tim put up the tent and Mike Wilson brought a kerosene heater. But up in our seats WE froze our hind ends off at the game. So glad the Titans won! Jackie, Ray, Jim and I look kind of silly all piled up with clothes and blankets. We went to their house after we got home to finish off the bean dip and drink. Bailey's in coffee YUM! We finally got warm again!

I guess today all I have to do is pile the gifts under the tree. I might start writing my New Years cards to the people that sent us Christmas ones or not... Being a big lazy slug sounds appealing to me. Jim is making noises about going to the MAC. I know I should go. It won't be open tomorrow. Too bad just whining about weight didn't work it off some... LOL!

I do need to get the stuff to make a pumpkin pie and some brownies for Santa ( No Pudge Fudge of course). Oh and the cats might eat us if I don't get them some food....YIKES!

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 23, 2007

All I want for Christmas is the Predators to WIN!!!

They did last night! Jim and I went to the preds vs Kings game. I was all decked out in my long Santa hat watching with glee a sick pass from Tootoo to Arnott into the back of the net. Pretty play! then for some odd reason the Preds who were dominating put on the brakes and let the Kings in...GROAN! No, no, no! But they got their mojo back thank goodness. Arnott got a hat trick! I donated my Santa hat to the celebration with much joy! 4 to 2! But my Preds seem to have to make me bite my nails off this season and let the Kings score again. We had 5 nerve racking minutes till the final buzzer. BUT they WON! Hopefully they'll keep their winning ways the rest of the winter....Is that too much to ask???

Christmas challenge update

20.Do you remember a favorite gift?
I'm not sure I have one. I love the diamond necklace Jim bought me in few years back but I also love antique doll we could not really afford he bought my the first year we were married.

21.Do you have a family get-together during the holidays with extended family?
Yes, if we'd travel back to Ohio, but we never do. Kind of habit now. Jim use work retail, no vacations during Christmas.He doesn't any more, but it is such a crazy time of the year to travel, the expense on top of Christmas gifts just makes it very hard.

22.What's the most important thing that you must do each Christmas season?
I guess put up the tree and buy presents. Those two are a constant.

23.Do you bake Christmas cookies?
I use to. Great gobs of cookies every year, BUT this year we are trying very hard to lose weight. Bunches of cookies would be counter productive to weight loss. Maybe next year I be baking again if we are at our goal weight. I miss my date nut pinwheels though....

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Christmas concert!



Katie's first Christmas concert(she's in the Santa hat with the sax). They did a really good job. I'm very impressed with how much the kids have learned since August. They all did such a good job!
I also love how it was early in the day and only lasted 15 minutes! I got to scoot out and get some Christmas shopping in before school was out! That was a BIG plus to me.

Challenge questions
Dec 18.How do you decorate your tree?

This year the trees were in themes, by colors, nature and sports

Dec 19.Snow? Love it? Dread it? Tolerate it?

We don't usually get snow much in Middle Tennessee. I haven't seen a white Christmas since we moved from Michigan 14 years ago. Can't say I've missed it much.

Monday, December 17, 2007

December challenge catch -up

Dec. 13.When did you learn the truth about the "magic" of Christmas?
Santa was never BIG with my mom & dad. It was way more on the birth of Jesus being celebrated. I don't really even remember really believing in Santa. The Magic of Christmas is that we were saved.

Dec 14.Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Always, the girls demand it.

Dec 15.Is there a special ornament or Christmas decoration that you wouldn't feel like Christmas without?
No Christmas isn't about things.

Dec 16.Do you take neighbor gifts/treats to anyone, everyone, a select few?
We have visitor presents under our little tree to give out to any one.

Dec 17.Is your big meal on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning or Christmas afternoon?
Christmas afternoon. We tried a Christmas breakfast once but the kids really didn't go for it...

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Merry Bunco! Gotta Love Dirty Santa!

Thank you Tami for having this rowdy crew in your lovely home! Are you nuts?
Ann gets us all started off! Woo Hoo!

Enjoy the reindeer while it lasts!
Darla's big decision
Marilyn got the reindeer! The girl needs more excitement in her life...
Cyndee and Ashley looking all Innocent, but we all know better...
Jennifer wised up and didn't steal my necklace...Self-preservation kicked in...
Rebbecca stole the SNOW MEN! but She gets to KEEP this gift!!!

Jackie gets the snowmen for a while...

Finally Patty opens the last present. Awesomely cute light up Santa!

This was a totally hoot I don't even regret the extra pound and hang over....MUCH!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

how hard is it to replace the cordless phone in the cradle?

GOOFY KID PIC OF THE WEEK
I don't know if you have this problem or not, BUT it is one VERY annoying one in my household. BOTH my girls have cordless phones in their rooms. We have one in our bedroom, two in the bonus room up stairs, and two down stairs (one needs a battery from being off the hook too much.) That is a lot of phones! Why can I rarely find one on the cradle??? I just don't understand why it seems to be so difficult to place the phone on the charger. A dead phone is useless. So they grab another phone and drain it too! Threats, grounding off the phone only work for about a week. How do I get my point across???

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Kate gets a crown

Well, I've been told my situation was unique... Lucky me, NOT. Getting my tooth prepared for a crown was horrible it was worse than having my wisdom teeth that were impacted removed. Four hours in a dentist chair with so many shots of numbing medication my face was numb till PM at night! My dentist was about to give up and say I had to get my tooth pulled, thank goodness he is in practice with his daddy! Daddy finished the job... My tooth really was in bad shape shame on me...

I was assured that getting the crown put on was quick and painless. LIAR! For most people it is, BUT First mistake my dentist didn't order my crown like he was supposed to, so my gum over-grew back and was more in the socket. If I'd had it put on November 15th this would not have happened. The crown was way too tight the way the lab made it when they received it, so it went in and out of my mouth 5 times as he tried to enlarge it irritating my gum till just touch it lightly hurt. Finally he numb my mouth, and guess what daddy took over... I think I'm just going to see the father in the future.

I have a crown now. I think I earned it and more! YIKES!


Dec 12.What's your favorite Christmas song?

Away in the Manager and Silent night are a tie

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

THE DARWIN AWARD

THE DARWIN AWARD
..and once again, it's time for the Darwin Award Nominees. The Darwin's are awarded every year to the persons who died in the most stupid manner, thereby removing themselves from the gene pool.

***This years nominees are:***

* Nominee No. 1: [San Jose Mercury News]:

An unidentified man, using a shotgun like a club to break a former girlfriends windshield, accidentally shot himself to death when the gun discharged, blowing a hole in his gut.

* Nominee No. 2: [Kalamazoo Gazette]:

James Burns, 34, (a mechanic) of Alamo, MI, was killed in March as he was trying to repair what police describe as a "farm-type truck." Burns got a friend to drive the truck on a highway while Burns hung underneath so that he could ascertain the source of a troubling noise. Burns clothes caught on something, however, and the other man found Burns "wrapped in the drive shaft".

* Nominee No. 3: [Hickory Daily Record]:

Ken Charles Barger, 47, accidentally shot himself to death in December in Newton, NC. Awakening to the sound of a ringing telephone beside his bed, he reached for the phone but grabbed instead a Smith &Wesson 38 Special, which discharged when he drew it to his ear.

* Nominee No. 4: [UPI, Toronto]:*

Police said a lawyer demonstrating the safety of windows in a downtown Toronto skyscraper crashed through a pane with his shoulder and plunged 24 floors to his death. A police spokesman said Garry Hoy, 39, fell into the courtyard of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower early Friday evening as he was explaining the strength of the buildings windows to visiting law students. Hoy previously has conducted demonstrations of window strength according to police reports. Peter Lawson, managing partner of the firm Holden Day Wilson, told the Toronto Sun newspaper that Hoy was "one of the best and brightest" members of the 200 man association.

* Nominee No. 5: [The News of the Weird]:

Michael Anderson Godwin made News of the Weird posthumously. He had spent several years awaiting South Carolinas electric chair on a murder conviction before having his sentence reduced to life in prison. While sitting on a metal toilet in his cell attempting to fix his small TV set, he bit into a wire and was electrocuted.

* Nominee No. 6: [The Indianapolis Star]:

A cigarette lighter may have triggered a fatal explosion in Dunkirk, IN. A Jay County man, using a cigarette lighter to check the barrel of a muzzle loader, was killed Monday night when the weapon discharged in his face, sheriffs¢ investigators said. Gregory David Pryor, 19, died in his parents rural Dunkirk home at about 11:30 PM. Investigators said Pryor was cleaning a 54-caliber muzzle-loader that had not been firing properly. He was using the lighter to look into the barrel when the gunpowder ignited.

* Nominee No. 7: [Reuters, Mississauga, Ontario]:

A man cleaning a bird feeder on the balcony of his condominium apartment in this Toronto suburb slipped and fell 23 stori es to his death. Stefan Macko, 55, was standing on a wheelchair when the accident occurred, said Inspector Darcy Honer of the Peel Regional Police. "It appears that the chair moved, and he went over the balcony," Honer said.

* Finally, THE WINNER!!!: [Arkansas Democrat Gazette]:*

Two local men were injured when their pickup truck left the road and struck a tree near Cotton Patch on State Highway 38 early Monday. Woodruff County deputy Dovey Snyder reported the accident shortly after midnight Monday. Thurston Poole, 33, of Des Arc, and Billy Ray Wallis, 38, of Little Rock, were returning to Des Arc after a frog catching trip. On an overcast Sunday night, Poole's pickup truck headlights malfunctioned. The two men concluded that the headlight fuse on the older-model truck had burned out. As a replacement fuse was not available, Wallis noticed that the .22 caliber bullets from his pistol fit perfectly into the fuse box next to the steering-wheel column. Upon inserting the bullet the headlights again began to operate properly, and the two men proceeded on eastbound toward the White River Bridge. After traveling approximately 20 miles, and just before crossing the river, the bullet apparently overheated, discharged, and struck Poole in the testicles. The vehicle swerved sharply right, exiting the pavement, and striking a tree Poole suffered only minor cuts and abrasions from the accident but will require extensive surgery to repair the damage to his testicles, which will never operate as intended. Wallis sustained a broken clavicle and was treated and released. "Thank God we weren't on that bridge when Thurston shot his balls off, or we might both be dead," stated Wallis.

"I've been a trooper for 10 years in this part of the world, but this is a first for me. I cant believe that those two would admit how this accident happened," said Snyder. Upon being notified of the wreck, Lavinia (Poole's wife) asked how many frogs the boys had caught and did anyone get them from the truck??? (Though Poole and Wallis did not die as a result of their misadventure as normally required by Darwin Award Official Rules, it can be argued that Poole did, in fact, effectively remove himself from the gene pool.) *

I find these hysterical. I'm sorry for the families, but OMG!

Dec 11.What's your favorite holiday goodie to make and share?

Date nut pinwheels, YUM! Best cookies ever!

Monday, December 10, 2007

more of the Christmas challenge catching up...

Dec 8. What's on the top of your tree?
Nothing right now it isn't up yet! Usually an angel. the two small trees have different topper one is a shiny blue star with stars, and the other is a bunch of berries.

Dec 9. Do you have a nativity displayed through the holidays?
usually as you come through our front door but not this year.

Dec 10.Candy Canes, traditional or flavored? Or Chocolate Covered Cherries?
Both on the candy canes and no on the cherries.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

stupid stuff that mars domestic bliss

The laundry tirade in progress once again. A few towels and blankets on the floor of the laundry room sets Jim off into his rant. So VERY stupid very easily cured with out all the dramatics. He'd have something to complain about IF it was dirty smelly laundry but this is CLEAN and on a freshly mopped floor. If is was his clothing wrinkling on the floor he could have a beef, but stuff that does not wrinkle. Takes 5 minutes or so to fold and is the kids job because it from their bath room and beds. Just tell them to flod their stuff... I truly don't see the problem. The more he has his little childish fits the less I want to fold towels and blankets and pair socks or get the kids to do it.... Guess I'm a tad passive aggressive myself....

Thursday, December 6, 2007

FAN OF THE GAME! ME!!!!

Here is the picture I sent in on the MEGATRON

Here I am getting SMOOCHED by Gnash



Jim took me out to dinner at the Sports Grill, YUM! The seared tuna salad is AWESOME! we had a lovely meal then went over to watch the game.

The only thing that would have made it perfect is if the Preds would have won the game...BLAH! Stupid bad calling refs fault...ROFL!

GO PREDS!!!

Dec 6. When do you put up your decorations?
Some time between Thanksgiving and Christmas...LOL! When the girls were little it would be the day after Thanksgiving...Now well the mini trees are up...

Dec 7. What's your favorite holiday tradition?
Going out on Christmas eve driving around with hot chocolate and cookies looking at all the Christmas lights and decorations.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Mini album of the year 2007

I'm making this album for my parents. I've made so many of them but never for mom& dad! It's about time!

Katie with her BFF Shelby

Don't we look fabu with LONG hair? LOL!

Courtney cracks me up!

GO PREDS!!!

Eber-COOL rock girl Katie

I hope they like it. I just got a call requesting updated pictures. I use to be so good at that now we don't do the professional picture thing so everything goes into our albums. I resolve to do better in the future.

Dec 5: Do you hang mistletoe?

Sometimes. I have a really cute layout on two peas of Katie with Dyson and mistletoe from last year.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Speculation!

We've been speculating on what kind of prize I will receive from the Predators. If any one on the staff has a really good sense of humor I'm getting a leg lamp. Remember the one on A Christmas Story? The dad's major award! I'd die laughing.

It is probably a Predator prize package they give out every game to the Fan or Season ticket holder of the game. That is usually Predator items like a jersey, and some gift certificates.

Gnash is presenting it to me. I may faint! I love the mascot. He almost makes me want to go furry ( remember the CSI episode with the people with fetish for wearing animal costumes?). ROFL! TMI?

Guess we will find out about my "major award" as we are now jokingly calling it around here, Thursday.

GO PREDS! last game tonight on the Canada trip.


Dec 4th. Does Santa wrap the presents or just sit them under the tree?

Wrapped!!! At first with really fancy paintakingly designed looks with just the right accent, then they get sloppier ( be happy it the stick on bow matches), and then gift bags start showing up... ROFL!

Monday, December 3, 2007

I'm So Excited!!!


I got a call this morning from THE NASHVILLE PREDATORS!!! I won the photo contest for my Game Faces!!! This was taken before the first playoff game in Predator history against the Red Wings in 2004. My DH and DD Courtney (she looks so YOUNG!) that was a wonderful game!

So this Thursday between 1st and 2nd period they'll be showing the picture on the new MegaTron and I get a prize! Holy cow I'm so jazzed! and a tad nervous I think I can lose 10 pounds by thursday? LOL!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas


This is the guest gift tree in the dining room. when people drop over we give them a small gift from the tree, this year it is candy.

December 3rd. What's your favorite holiday dish?

Not really sure I have a favorite. I do love the cookies. Date nut spinwheels I only make this time of year...YUM! I don't need to eat any cookies! No one in my family does so I think this year we won't be baking...well maybe one batch of date nut pin wheels just to offer to company...yeah right. ROFL!

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Sophia's Christmas questions

Dec 1. Colored lights or white lights on your house or not at all?

Not at all this year. Saving some energy. I have a wreath up, two snow people out and a festive mat. It look festive enough without the lights. Plus WAY easier to take down.

Dec 2. Hot chocolate or Egg Nog?

BOTH!!! Krogers has a wonderful low fat egg nog, YUM! I love hot chocolate at games to warm up. I like both with and without my favorite adult beverages added.

Let the Parties begin!



Tis the season! We went to DH's office party Saturday. It was held at this excellent restaurant, Flyte. The food was wonderful! I love how the appetisers were done. Just bites of several wonderfully different foods. I totally enjoyed myself. it was a lovely evening! (I had been dreading it...silly) If you are ever in Nashville it is a restaurant I'd recommend.

Next weekend we have two more parties and again the following weekend... I see many, many hours on the arch in my future...

Friday, November 30, 2007

WoO hOo! YiPpEe!

The Predators beat the Senators! Nashville looked headed to overtime after giving up a game-tying tally in the final minute, but Martin Erat scored with 22.2 seconds left to give the Preds a stunning 6-5 win over the Sens, their first in Ottawa in eight years. WOo hOo!

Yesterday, the NHL Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale of the Nashville Predators to a prospective ownership group led by David Freeman. YiPpEe!!!

I'm a happy camper!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Domestic Goddess Extraordinaire!

Domestic Goddess Extraordinaire, well maybe NOT... But I did CLEAN today. Not a dust bunny to be found down stairs. My kitchen floor is sparkling as wood can be. All the leather is conditioned. The rugs are clean and fresh smelling due to the baking soda treatment. Not a doggy smell to be sniffed out at least down stairs. I removed all the Thanksgiving decorations, and started putting out and up the Christmas ones. It's getting down right festive looking.

I've realized though I'm going to have to have some help with the house no way I'm going to clean all day several days in a row to keep the house up to standards. The girls and DH are going to have to help more if I do decide to let the cleaning people go. I've pretty much cleaned all day and only have the front room, dining room, living room and Kitchen cleaned. The bathroom needs help and the built in desk area is still a big mess. Everything I didn't know what to do with is on it.
Oh and the spare room is AWFUL! Looks like a room on Clean House. {{{red face}}} Thankfully that and one closet are the only places in my house that look bad. The rest can be picked up in ten minutes flat for company.

I'm going to start working on straightening the room from hell out after I get the house decorated for the holidays. DH needs to pitch in too since it his fault. When we redid the front room he dumped all the video tapes and CDs that were in the old TV amour on the bed in there and just left it. Before that I had cleared it out for company in May. Now it is a heap of junk! YIKES!

Well, the Christmas stuff won't magically get down from the attic nor will the Thanksgiving stuff get up there...Better get back to work....GROAN!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Happy Hump Day! What ever....

Sounds slightly dirty doesn't it? Unfortunately nothing even slightly racy is happening around here. Probably a really good thing since my DH is at work...ROFL!

I'm bored! I have plenty of things to do, but nothing sound appealing in the least. Christmas card writing, wrapping, decorating...beyond the sports tree I haven't done much else in the way of decorating. Ran out of steam and inspiration... I figure I have time it isn't even December yet. RIGHT?!

I got do lovely gross things this morning like clean the girls' bathroom shower curtain aka place where mildew lived. YUCK! Pick up puppy poo and spot shampoo the rug. My life is so glamorous. Some how when you are planning that lovely dream wedding you never think of puppy poo or gross shower curtains... I'm totally over being a house wife this morning.

Monday I was supposed to get my new crown put on, some how signals got crossed and the crown was NEVER ordered. I was as mad as a wet cat. Now I'm even madder since the stupid temporary one has come lose. If they had just ordered the crown and had it ready Monday I would not have to go through having another temporary one put on. I'd like to strangle someone. I think I've settled on the snippy blond assistant that tried to make this mess MY fault. GROWL! I really hate going to the dentist this just reaffirms it in spades.

This just hasn't been my week. No place to go but up right? Pray for me gaining patience before I see the dentist at 2:30...maybe by then steam will have stopped coming out my ears....

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Meet Cookie!



Another adorable animal to wreck the house...ROFL!

We named her Cookie because Ginger Snap and Snickerdoodle were suggestions and rejected as to long. Also her grandma's nick name and the nick name of the breeder. Just seemed right... Cookie Monster is about right...

She's so smart she already knows her name. She's just stolen our hearts. Dyson likes having a little sister.

What a great early christmas present!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Ba Humbug!

The Titans stank up the field. The Predators out shot the Wild 43 to 25 and still managed to lose... Oh, and to top that all off I got an over drawn notice from the bank. Forgot about the $1135 for my tooth. STUPID! I get to go to the dentist today. The scale read 183 lbs. LIFE SUCKS! LOL!

Neddless to say I just don't feel that holiday spirit...

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Decorating for the season!



Hockey and Football that is!


I NEED more Predator ornaments! Guess I've got myself a project! I'll be making what I can't seem to find.

I'm going to do mini theme trees this year for our different interests, and to reflect the Joyous season! I'm trying HARD to get into the holiday spirit! It will help a lot if the Titans beat the Bengals today, LOL!

GO TITANS!!!

Friday, November 23, 2007

The Thanksgiving hang over...

It sort of wild that a holiday meant for us to give thanks has changed into a holiday that we eat ourselves into a turkey coma every year. Yup, coma snoring on the coach in front of the games. Actually the pumpkin pie does me in too...4 slices worth. GROAN! Or maybe it was just that the match ups for the NFL games SUCKED! They were a real snooze fest.

I maybe just bitter, because when I got on the scale this AM I was not pleased with gluttony. Well I wasn't that BAD, but I could have restrained myself a bit more. Really, aside from the pie eating bonanza over two days, I was pretty good, relatively speaking. Yes, I made the candy yam casserole. It's a once a year thing!
Besides aren't yams supposed to be MUCH better for you than regular potatoes... So we had them too, green bean casserole, and stuffing...

It sucks I work out like a mad woman. I'm tired of feeling guilty over a slice or 4 of pie! Stupid scale anyway... I just want to hit that magic number 179! to be below 180. Having to strengthen my resolve yet again to really watch what I eat. Unfortunately 'tis the season for parties. We have three so far that we will be attending, plus a weekend of goofing off with another couple. Staying over night in Nashville... December is going to be murder on the sensible eating thing at least on the weekends. YIKES! Will power needs to be a friend of mine or I need to become a hermit!

One thing was very perfect on Thanksgiving. The Predators beat the Red Wings despite some horrendous calls the first period that had my Preds killing off several 5 on 3 penalties. They killed them off and scored! It was an exciting game! Third straight Thanksgiving victory! We had a blast.

Maybe tomorrow when I get back on the scales again they'll be kinder... Hope springs eternal!

Monday, November 19, 2007

Current Favorite Quote

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile


I think they are words to live by....

Have an Awesome Day!

Friday, November 16, 2007

Happy Day! It is Puppy Day!



Today at 10 AM I go get our new puppy! She's a fawn Pomeranian. I'm so excited! Dyson will have a playmate his size! We still have no idea what we are going to call her. Maybe Ginger? Not sure I guess we will live with her a bit and then name her. Woo Hoo! gotta LOVE puppy day!

I can't wait!! I'll post pictures later!


Last night was one of those perfect nights. My hair turned out! It was Date night with DH. PREDS GAME! The Predators won last night! Exciting game against the up and coming Black Hawks. Before that DH took out to the Sports Grill for a delicious dinner. Their grilled salmon is to die for! We share a sinfully good gourmet caramel apple with dark chocolate white chocolate and pecan on it. OH YUM! It was a AWESOME night!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Fun things! Silly things, Things that make you say, huh?

I got the call yesterday we get to take our new puppy home this weekend! YIPPEE! I can't wait to see her! we have to pick out a name for her yet and we have no GOOD ideas. HELP! any suggestions???

Help us name this precious ball of fluff!

Poor Dyson has a severe flea allergy. Just one bite from hanging with the cats and he is chewing and digging. Driving us nuts and making his skin so red. I can't find a flea on him. I bath him in oatmeal bath for itching. I spray him with anti-itch stuff (which he HATES). Gave him benadryl (knocks him out). I'm at my wits end! I hate to get steroids for him again. Any one with Pap have similar problems? HELP!!!

This is pet peeve of mine. Because a "friend", acquaintances really, starts one of those "home" business. You get invited to 3 of the same party. One of my bunco group is selling 31 that personalized stuff mostly purses and stationary. I'm not fond of the products, but I feel like I'm forced to buy something just to be nice, neighborly. I'm sorry but I HATE this, I hate the fact that women seem to think it is OK to emotionally black mail their acquaintances into buying crap they don't want or need. For the record this is the 5th party I've been invited to since this neighbor started her home business. Enough is enough!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Some Enchanted Evening



Well, this night was in the layout. We went to a pre-season Preds game for a period, and the LeAnn Rimes concert with the Nashville Symphony. The concert was just beautiful. I am not a country music fan at all, but she has an extraordinary voice. Most of her music is more pop to me than country.

Any way last night was anything but enchanted. Well, for a bit any way my oldest DD and I had a knock down drag-out fight about a boy. I think he is totally unsuitable for her. I don't want him around. It was so much easier when we got to make the play dates... GROAN! Teenagers!

Oh well, DH took me and youngest DD out for a wonderful dinner at my favorite Italian
restaurant, Marina's on the Square. YUM! ( oldest DD opted for sulking in her room at home) When we got back we watched DVR TV. Love having the luxury to zip through commercials! So I guess it was a tad enchanted...

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Tuesday....

Silly kid picture of the Day!

This is what Katie gets for taking off with my camera...

The Predators spanked the Columbus Blue Jackets last night, so all is right in my world. LOL! (NHL Hockey) It was a wonderful game! I listened to most of it on the Radio because it was trainer night. I did get to see the 3rd period on TV. My trainer now thinks I'm nuts...

Made the yummiest turkey meat loaf! Here's the recipe. Good if you are dieting or not.


1/2 cup plain dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons whole milk
1/2 cup grated Romano
1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat
10 ounces sliced pancetta, about 10 slices


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In a large bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, eggs, milk, cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Add the turkey and gently stir to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.

On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lay out the pancetta, overlapping the slices, into a large rectangle shape. In the middle of the rectangle, place the turkey mixture, shaping into a loaf. Using the parchment paper, wrap the pancetta up and around the turkey loaf to cover completely. Squeeze the parchment-covered loaf with your hands to secure the pancetta and solidify the shape of the loaf. While still covered in parchment, bake the loaf until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 45 minutes.

I actually scrapbooked yesterday! A scrap lift challenge. I really haven't journaled it yet. Will finish that up today and post it. I may start digging in and working on the Halloween pictures.

Have a great day!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Blahs....

I think I'm experiencing Halloween let down. some people experience the holiday let down after Christmas. But I LOVE Halloween plan and plan for the parties, decorations, food, costumes, etc. We had a blast! Now every thing seems a bit flat.

I was never one to get into Thanksgiving. I'm not especially fond of eating gobs of food. It always seemed like we starved half the day then just gorged till you couldn't move or you'd explode like the guy in the Meaning of Life (Monty Python). We have no family near by here. We haven't had company in years now. Last year we were suppose to have my Brother's family but my SIL became ill, so those plans went down the drain.

I'm not excited about it at all. I have decorated. I bought cute stuff for last years aborted celebration. I put it up as I took down Halloween. So the house looks festive even though I'm not feeling it. I need some good modified recipes for Thanksgiving. We are going to have a very small turkey. Courtney doesn't eat meat so she won't eat the stuffing of gravy either. I need more vegetable dishes beyond the green bean and yam casseroles. Something new different and not so calorie filled I have to be on the Arch an extra hour.

What can make Thanksgivng FUN?

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Are you Ready for Some Football?

BIG game today! Jacksonville Jaguars vs the Tennessee Titans at LP Field 12 PM sharp!

Tailgating will be going on! Made dump chili in the crock pot and the corn muffins are going in the oven in a few minutes. Easy and good tailgating food!

Dump chili is just as it sounds. dump all these thing in a crockpot or on the stove

2 cans of chicken
1 box of chicken stock
1 can of Northern beans
1 can corn
1 jar salsa
1 bag of cheese
1 can refried beans

heat to boiling... you can vary this recipe any way. make it as spicy or mild as you want. add black beans for more contrast of color... leave out something you don't like... Quick to get ready and EASY!

Happy tail gating everyone! or what ever you do on Sunday!

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Dyson bite that Ref!


Officiating inconsistencies During the Predators vs Red Wing Game. I'm VERY tired of seeing bad call after bad call. Why are there so many inconsistencies between refs? Why isn't there instant replay in hockey?

TWO, two disallowed goals. Horrific calls! Jason Arnot scores on Ozgood and they call him for goal tender interference. on the replay it clearly show what a terrible call that was. Then later JP Dumont scores and the ref says he blue the whistle on the replay he blows it AFTER the goal is made. The Preds should have WON that game 4 to 2 not settle for a over time loss and one point. Oh and the last call on Zidlicky was bogus too! he NEVER touched the guy and was called for hooking???

Sorry looks to me like the refs were on the Red Wing pay role... some reform or better training would be NICE!

Rant over for now....

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Meanderings of my mind

My scrapping mojo has gone out the window... any mojo building tips? Oh well, time to focus on something else for a bit till it decides to return. Problem is I just feel like sitting around and vegetating. Not terribly productive. Reading one or two good books would be nice... any suggestions? I'm thinking a really good thriller would be nice.

I still haven't gotten all my Halloween stuff put away. It has all been taken down. I just have to get back to the attic. YUCK! I HATE putting away decorations. It is always so fun to put them up. I think I'm going to go to Wally-world and get some nice clear plastic containers so I can see exactly what is in each one. I need laundry detergent any way...

Went to Zumba this morning. It is an exercise class that mixes latin dances, belly dancing and aerobic moves together. IT IS SO FUN!!! I sweat like pig, but it feels like vacation dancing in Cancun. The hour flies by so fast. I'm trying to Zumba my butt off!
Still stuck at 182 but I'm thinking it maybe water weight and in a week or two I'll see a big drop or at least a drop... I really want to be 150 by March. That will be my year anniversary. The last couple of months it has been slow going on the weight loss. Watching what goes in my mouth is a the big thing. Tail gating and parties they are killing me!

Tonight is the first Predators vs Red Wing game in Detroit. GO PREDS!!! I know this is going to be a tough game. It would be amazingly wonderful if they ended this long road trip with a win at the Joe.

Thanks for taking time out of your day to reading these Meanderings of my mind.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Scrapbook Drama

It is a bit ironic that I started scrapbooking as a hobby to relieve the stress of my day to day life. When I began I was working full time as a crisis counselor and had a three year old and a new baby. Yup, a stress reliever! Guess that was many moons ago now...

After making my hobby into a business, which I'd never do if I had to do it all over again, I learned what stress was. I'm still dealing with crap that happened in 2003.
Never ever go into business with friends... Let's just say I learned the hard way...

Now all over the message boards is nothing but drama over scrapbooking. HOF contest, who calling who names, whether or not scrapbookers are crazy because people didn't follow rules of contest... I have to admit I did get caught up in it. Call it residue from working in the industry. Maybe a few axes to grind with CK... I have good reason or at one time I did...

Anyway it is OK to be upset when someone cheats. Just because it a predominately female hobby it gets put down. If it were a fix on the SuperBowl you bet it be front page news and the out cry ...HOLY COW! Some Baseball players have allegedly taken steroids, and now congress is involved. Get real it is only a game BUT it is a predomoniately male activity (not to say women don't love sports). So that isn't silly? I know $$$ is involved the same with the scrapbook contest maybe not the same amount, but money and a piece of fame just the same.

But it is time to back away from all this drama... it isn't healthy.

I think now I'm washing my hands of it. Back to enjoying my hobby!

Sunday, November 4, 2007

YIPPEE!

Great sports weekend! Ohio State won, the Preds won Thursday, Friday and Sunday on a road trip!!! plus the Titans beat Carolina. I'm a happy little sports fan!

WOO HOO! time to Tail gate!

Our friends the Delaney's at the last Titans game


It's Sunday! Time to get packed up for a day of Football Fun! This time I made a batch of regular chili. Lean ground beef and turkey mix trying to keep it light and healthy! Made mini corn muffins, I doctored a Jiffy mix to make it mine by adding corn. There will be fat free sour cream and 2% milk Mexican cheese mix to put on top. It will be nice and warm! Nice for the cooler temperatures now.

It is going to be a bright sunny day! Perfect for football!

GO TITANS!!!

Friday, November 2, 2007

Updates

Good Morning Tiger!

isn't he gorgeous?

My mouth isn't hurting nearly as much as yesterday. It will probably will be fine tomorrow, so I need to milk it for as much sympathy as I can get today. Chewing still doesn't feel so good but cold and hot beverages don't bother it. It is mostly gum pain not really tooth. Maybe the girls won't groan nearly as much helping me put Halloween decoration back in the attic. I won't hold my breath though...

I've taken down all the decorations and pulled all the head stones. It all just needs to go to the garage and attic storage. I haven't ventured out to see what is on sale in the stores yet... I probably shouldn't but I know I will. I'm an addict.

I've been putting up the Thanksgiving/fall decorations up as I take the Halloween ones down, so the whole house will be decorated for Thanksgiving when I'm done. Killing tow birds with one stone! or using my head for a change.... LOL! I really liked the Halloween stuff up. Festive in a ghoulish way! Different not all the same old, same old. I think I crave a change. At least during these months you can redecorate to your hearts desire one new holiday after another. I'm trying to find some cool inexpensive crafts to do, but so far most of the stuff I've found on the web was lame. Not into the too cute country look, it screams 1990's. I'll keep looking. I want something with simple elegance. I know something is out there.

I had to pay a $2 fine and court costs so a whopping $115 for my tardy tags... I still think the officer was an ass hole. I mean who pulls someone over for tags? oh well....

At the rate we are going we'll never ever retire. I really do have to get a job.... Every time I think we're going to be ahead a car breaks, a tooth breaks, a kid need braces... On and on...

Well the decoration aren't going to magically get to the attic by themselves. I better start working on it.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

OUCH!

Halloween is my favorite holiday, but now it is forever marred. Well that might be a bit dramatic, but I'm feeling a bit like a drama queen this AM with my throbbing jaw. I'm getting ahead of myself. I have this throbbing jaw due to a temporary crown on my back right molar. I went in yesterday to the dentist to have this done. Sunday I was chewing gum and half of my tooth just broke. No avoiding the dentist any more... Any way this fairly simple procedure turned into an ordeal that lasted 3 1/2 hours. Here's the kicker the dentist isn't sure this is going to work... Well, one said that the other dentist, who happens to be his daddy finished with my mouth.
I swear he was drilling for oil in my mouth! Well, maybe gold, and he found it to the tune of $1135.00. OUCH! That is adding insult to injury for sure!

This really SUCKS! I really can't take the lovely Lor-tabs they prescribed because I have to drive my girls to school and after that I have traffic court for the expired tags ticket I got a few weeks ago. When it rains it pours... I could just see me going into court high on pain killers that should make a real good impression, NOT. Plus other people on the roads will be thankful. So ibuprofen and an ice pack it is to try to sooth my cauterized gums, and aching jaw. My jaw aches from having my mouth open that long! Holy cow! I swear getting my wisdom teeth cut out was easier!

Of course this is all on my favorite night of the year. I love trick or treat! This year it was just hard to enjoy with my jaw becoming not numb any more. Not so happy Halloween to me... Sniff, sniff

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Are you getting ghoulish?


today is the cul du sac party in my neighborhood! I'll be making some the above cupcakes. Passing out the treats!

Can't believe it is almost November! WOW!

Have a Happy and safe Halloween!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Updates on everything but Halloween

My scale decided to move once again 182! WOO HOO! I'm one happy camper!

I tried the new class offered at my health club, Zumba. It is a HOOT! To me it is like dancing for a hour. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! only thing is I'm going to be a tad more careful I was a bit too wild on a neck swing and pinched a nerve in my neck. I walked around with my heat wrap on the rest of the day...Was a real challenge during DH's and my personal training because everything hurt my neck!
It feels much better now but still isn't 100%.

I broke my tooth! The very back molar on the right side. I was just chewing gum and SNAP! the dentist put a temporary patch on it yesterday. Wednesday I go get a crown, and now the kind with diamonds on it, But it will be gold...LOL! Gee, It could be my new thing a grill.... Wouldn't my DDs love that one?

Monday, October 29, 2007

Halloween Party Part II aka Kids party

Courtney the Goth chic and Jessie the army guy


Katie and her group of friends hamming it up for the camera.


I am officially partied out! I think next year we are going to just get a group together to go tour the haunted houses of Nashville maybe get a limo to party in for the ride to and from. It was a lot of work this year and I had next to zero help from my family. Jim helped me get the coffin down from the attic and place on the dining room table. The girls helped carry a few things from the attic... So basically everything you see in the pictures is all from my warped brain. I even got all the costumes for my family... It turned out great! Don't get me wrong it was a totally hoot! We had a good time, but I'm NOT looking forward to the tear down. I think I'll be demanding a bit more help!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Party!






This is Jim and I just before the guests arrived.

Everyone had GREAT costumes! We fested on all the lovely gory food I made. The shrimp brain was a hit and my master piece! We all had a good time!