Friday, October 31, 2008......
Crockpot Update: Okay, pork chop and cream of chicken soup is just that...the crockpot had no magic powers. The pork chop was very tough and tasted like someone poured hot cream of chicken soup on top of.
So, sad. Hopeful for a really good recipe to renew my hope of the magic of the crockpot.
-----------------------------------------------
Completely mystified as to why, but I have this thing for crockpots.
Over the years, I've owned several in the hopes of using them on a daily basis, but never quite knowing what to do with them. I think the concept of throwing all this food that you would never think go together into one pot and creating something very tasty hours later baffles me.
My friend swears by chicken, apricot preserves and onion soup mix. I don't know, but it sounds like you're put a cat, bird and mouse in a small cage trying to create instant harmony.
Throughout the years, I've moved many times and have left a crockpot behind, but my curiosity has reared its head and I'm on a quest (granted, a stupid one), but a quest to make tasty food with little work by using odd ingredients. I now own a premium one thanks to my friends and am putting it to the test.
First recipe from the crockpot cook book was horrible, but today, I'm using a recipe from a community Weight Watchers' board. I think it will satisfy my fascination of odd combinations - pork chops and cream of chicken soup.
j
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Premium Compost...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008....
Today while at the grocery store, I noticed the store was selling bags of "Premium Compost".
Seriously?
Heck, I garden and compost, but what is considered Standard Compost versus Premium???? More importantly, who determines this difference?
I actually did a double take because I didn't know that there was a difference in the compost world, but I figure out the difference in 10 seconds....it's the price tag.
I guess you can charge more for compost if the word Premium is slapped on the label.
It's always a good thing when you learn something new, but I doubt my friends will care that there is a difference in the standards of compost.
j
Today while at the grocery store, I noticed the store was selling bags of "Premium Compost".
Seriously?
Heck, I garden and compost, but what is considered Standard Compost versus Premium???? More importantly, who determines this difference?
I actually did a double take because I didn't know that there was a difference in the compost world, but I figure out the difference in 10 seconds....it's the price tag.
I guess you can charge more for compost if the word Premium is slapped on the label.
It's always a good thing when you learn something new, but I doubt my friends will care that there is a difference in the standards of compost.
j
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Mad Men and the Virgin Mary's Birth....
Tuesday, October 27, 2008......
Okay, the subject of today's blog have nothing to do with one another, but they are the random thoughts racing through my head today. Let me explain......
I have been a big fan of Mad Men since day ONE.
Yeah, I loved the finale and I think they tied up some lose ends, but what I really appreciated was the use of one word during the episode. The word "wan".
How often do you ever hear anyone ever use that word today for its original meaning? It may be used as WAN (wide area network), but not in my circles.
Mad Men goes one step further depicting 1962 than just the clothes, workplace and chain smoking --- it uses the appropriate vocabulary for that generation.
Personally, I love the word "wan". I will probably never use it, but will just add to the list of words I already do love such as quandary, peruse, etc.....
So, now that I have cleared the Mad Men thought out of my head, let's talk about the Virgin Mary and my 86 year old mother......
I may have mentioned this before, but if I haven't, my mother is 86 and currently resides in a nursing home because she has Alzheimer's. In the past 2 months, the home has called twice because of the things my mother tells them.
Last month they called to check up on my dad. Apparently, my mom tells "anyone" who listens that my dad hasn't come to see her. I say "anyone" because the Director of Admissions called to quiz me about my dad. The conversation went as follows:
Director: Is your father okay?
Me: Yes
Director: Well, your mother tells us he hasn't been to visit her (it should be noted that my dad visits frequently and even does her laundry)
Me: Ummm...you remember my mother has Alzheimer's
Director: Yes
Me: Ummm.... I don't know how to say this, but she's lying. She never remembers my father's visits; even if he visited her 20 minutes earlier.
Director: Oh, okay.
I hang up, think to myself, duh...he knows she has Alzheimer's and he knows my dad does her laundry, think....was she naked????? If the answer is no, assume he visits. [Note: for the record, my parents have been married 61 years and he does visit often - initially too often and we told him to stop because it was a strain on him]
Now you have a clear picture....my mom loves to chat and somehow convinces the staff of silly things. This past weekend, I receive a message on my answering machine from the home stating "your mother is restless". What the heck does that mean? She's in a wheelchair (only because she decided she was tired of walking after raising 5 children), was she racing the halls with other residents or tripping visitors to the home?
I call my sister because we both get these calls and she was able to talk with them. The home put my mom on the phone and she announced that she gave birth to twins the day before was feeling fine and didn't have sex......there it is....my Virgin Mary connection.
If you are familiar with Alzheimer's, what I asked my sister next won't offend anyone. I asked her if it was a C-Section or did she try those water birth procedures? I asked my sister if our new siblings should be added to the Christmas grab bag list.
I immediately called my sister in NJ and told her of our new siblings and she was to be the God parent as I believe her to be the only sibling that goes to church on a weekly basis.
I don't know what I was more impressed with....the fact that she got pregnant without sex, being 86 and giving birth, or giving birth to twins the day before and already up and about the halls in her wheelchair.
j
Okay, the subject of today's blog have nothing to do with one another, but they are the random thoughts racing through my head today. Let me explain......
I have been a big fan of Mad Men since day ONE.
Yeah, I loved the finale and I think they tied up some lose ends, but what I really appreciated was the use of one word during the episode. The word "wan".
How often do you ever hear anyone ever use that word today for its original meaning? It may be used as WAN (wide area network), but not in my circles.
Mad Men goes one step further depicting 1962 than just the clothes, workplace and chain smoking --- it uses the appropriate vocabulary for that generation.
Personally, I love the word "wan". I will probably never use it, but will just add to the list of words I already do love such as quandary, peruse, etc.....
So, now that I have cleared the Mad Men thought out of my head, let's talk about the Virgin Mary and my 86 year old mother......
I may have mentioned this before, but if I haven't, my mother is 86 and currently resides in a nursing home because she has Alzheimer's. In the past 2 months, the home has called twice because of the things my mother tells them.
Last month they called to check up on my dad. Apparently, my mom tells "anyone" who listens that my dad hasn't come to see her. I say "anyone" because the Director of Admissions called to quiz me about my dad. The conversation went as follows:
Director: Is your father okay?
Me: Yes
Director: Well, your mother tells us he hasn't been to visit her (it should be noted that my dad visits frequently and even does her laundry)
Me: Ummm...you remember my mother has Alzheimer's
Director: Yes
Me: Ummm.... I don't know how to say this, but she's lying. She never remembers my father's visits; even if he visited her 20 minutes earlier.
Director: Oh, okay.
I hang up, think to myself, duh...he knows she has Alzheimer's and he knows my dad does her laundry, think....was she naked????? If the answer is no, assume he visits. [Note: for the record, my parents have been married 61 years and he does visit often - initially too often and we told him to stop because it was a strain on him]
Now you have a clear picture....my mom loves to chat and somehow convinces the staff of silly things. This past weekend, I receive a message on my answering machine from the home stating "your mother is restless". What the heck does that mean? She's in a wheelchair (only because she decided she was tired of walking after raising 5 children), was she racing the halls with other residents or tripping visitors to the home?
I call my sister because we both get these calls and she was able to talk with them. The home put my mom on the phone and she announced that she gave birth to twins the day before was feeling fine and didn't have sex......there it is....my Virgin Mary connection.
If you are familiar with Alzheimer's, what I asked my sister next won't offend anyone. I asked her if it was a C-Section or did she try those water birth procedures? I asked my sister if our new siblings should be added to the Christmas grab bag list.
I immediately called my sister in NJ and told her of our new siblings and she was to be the God parent as I believe her to be the only sibling that goes to church on a weekly basis.
I don't know what I was more impressed with....the fact that she got pregnant without sex, being 86 and giving birth, or giving birth to twins the day before and already up and about the halls in her wheelchair.
j
Monday, October 20, 2008
Happy Monday???
Monday, October 20, 2008......
It's Monday and my hubby is at work, the wedding planning is over and I'm SICK as a dog. I was ready to step back into real life, but whammie, a horrific head cold that is just knocking me down....
Enough about that....I haven't posted since my wedding and just have to say, it was GREAT!!!! The day couldn't have been better and everything went off without a hitch (although, I think this was my nephew's first time at an event with an open bar, but I will say he is very funny).
We had about 65 people and the feedback received was that the place gorgeous, food yummy and everything was laid back. Since, we're a pretty laid back couple, I'm glad the guests felt very comfortable.
If I can figure out how to post pics to this blog, I try to post some of the place, however, I'm so fuzzy headed at the moment, that I might end up posting a photo of God knows what....
Back to the couch and some Thera Flu......
j
It's Monday and my hubby is at work, the wedding planning is over and I'm SICK as a dog. I was ready to step back into real life, but whammie, a horrific head cold that is just knocking me down....
Enough about that....I haven't posted since my wedding and just have to say, it was GREAT!!!! The day couldn't have been better and everything went off without a hitch (although, I think this was my nephew's first time at an event with an open bar, but I will say he is very funny).
We had about 65 people and the feedback received was that the place gorgeous, food yummy and everything was laid back. Since, we're a pretty laid back couple, I'm glad the guests felt very comfortable.
If I can figure out how to post pics to this blog, I try to post some of the place, however, I'm so fuzzy headed at the moment, that I might end up posting a photo of God knows what....
Back to the couch and some Thera Flu......
j
Friday, October 10, 2008
One Day and Counting.....
Friday, October 10, 2008.....
Tomorrow, I will be marrying a man that I truly love and I can't wait.
Unfortunately, I haven't been sleeping well because of the markets and my unemployment status --- the joy that would normally be represented on my face has been replaced with a look of "blah" because I'm just that exhausted. My catholic guilt has been eating away at me because I feel horrible that we're starting our life together with me automatically in the "bad" times category and not the "good". I feel as though I'm short changing him because I'm not at my best.
I am excited about marrying this man. He is kindhearted, strong and exudes confidence. He understands me, compliments my personality, makes me giggle (totally different than laugh)and has seen me at my best and worst and still loves me.
We are both so thrilled that friends and family will be able to share the day with us and the fact that is going to beautiful out (a plus since I'm getting married outside)is a bonus.
I can't wait. Now off to finish last minute details!
j
Tomorrow, I will be marrying a man that I truly love and I can't wait.
Unfortunately, I haven't been sleeping well because of the markets and my unemployment status --- the joy that would normally be represented on my face has been replaced with a look of "blah" because I'm just that exhausted. My catholic guilt has been eating away at me because I feel horrible that we're starting our life together with me automatically in the "bad" times category and not the "good". I feel as though I'm short changing him because I'm not at my best.
I am excited about marrying this man. He is kindhearted, strong and exudes confidence. He understands me, compliments my personality, makes me giggle (totally different than laugh)and has seen me at my best and worst and still loves me.
We are both so thrilled that friends and family will be able to share the day with us and the fact that is going to beautiful out (a plus since I'm getting married outside)is a bonus.
I can't wait. Now off to finish last minute details!
j
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Susan G. Komen.....
Tuesday, October 7, 2008....
My sister sent this newsbit to me and I thought I'd share. It's legit.
Donate to Komen on mobile: In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure is allowing people to donate by sending a text message. People who text Komen to 90999 will automatically donate $5 with standard texting rates applying. The donation will show up on your monthly cell phone bill.
My sister sent this newsbit to me and I thought I'd share. It's legit.
Donate to Komen on mobile: In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure is allowing people to donate by sending a text message. People who text Komen to 90999 will automatically donate $5 with standard texting rates applying. The donation will show up on your monthly cell phone bill.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Scavenger Hunt....
Monday, October 6, 2008.....
This past Saturday my sister organized an interesting get together for my "bachlorette/bridal shower" party. I didn't want the the traditional bridal shower, nor the bachlorette party where everyone gets drunk and I'm hungover for days and days -- only reminding me that as you get older you don't spring back as quickly when I was in my twenties.
Her only description of the event was that we'd start in the afternoon and she'd tell me how I should dress. I immediately concluded that she was organizing a paintball event. I was wrong.
We met at my house and took a train into NYC for a scavenger hunt organized by Watson Adventures (http://www.watsonadventures.com/). I've actually done two of their hunts in the past and will say they are well organized and it is an interesting way to see a museum or a part of a city in a different light. Watson Adventures customized the hunt for my sister and it was just my group of friends.
The groups were evenly divided with friends I've known since I was 5 (I'm 43 now), college and ones that I've met as an adult. It was a nice way for each one of my friends to meet another friend of mine from a different walk of life. I noticed as I looked around the bar in Grand Central before starting the day that there were common threads among the group other than going to high school or working at the same company together. Some were passionate about golfing; others loved yoga, a lot were mothers and others I learned quilted (I have to admit, I've tried and have no patience so I'm in awe of these individuals).
After the hunt, which my team lost (think it was rigged), we had dinner at a great burger joint. I have to admit, a great burger is always hard to find and I always appreciate them when I find them. To further break the ice, I decided the group needed to play "Fuck, Marry or Kill". If you haven't played, it is a definitely a great ice breaker. Basically, you give a person 3 names and they have to tell you who their would "F, M or K". I do apologize to my 3 of my friends for doing the 80s throwback, politicians and reality show stars. Although, my friend's face was priceless when I said Flavor Flav to her. Unlike the women on the reality show that found him incredibly sexy, here were 12 women that clearly wouldn't be applying for his show if there were a Season Three.
We ended the evening at this great champagne bar, Flute, on 54th Street. Always a good day when you can start and end your day with champagne.
I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did. I hope that everyone knows how happy I was that they took time out from their hectic lives to spend the day with me. It really was wonderful!
Thanks again sis for making this all happen. Six more days and counting.
This past Saturday my sister organized an interesting get together for my "bachlorette/bridal shower" party. I didn't want the the traditional bridal shower, nor the bachlorette party where everyone gets drunk and I'm hungover for days and days -- only reminding me that as you get older you don't spring back as quickly when I was in my twenties.
Her only description of the event was that we'd start in the afternoon and she'd tell me how I should dress. I immediately concluded that she was organizing a paintball event. I was wrong.
We met at my house and took a train into NYC for a scavenger hunt organized by Watson Adventures (http://www.watsonadventures.com/). I've actually done two of their hunts in the past and will say they are well organized and it is an interesting way to see a museum or a part of a city in a different light. Watson Adventures customized the hunt for my sister and it was just my group of friends.
The groups were evenly divided with friends I've known since I was 5 (I'm 43 now), college and ones that I've met as an adult. It was a nice way for each one of my friends to meet another friend of mine from a different walk of life. I noticed as I looked around the bar in Grand Central before starting the day that there were common threads among the group other than going to high school or working at the same company together. Some were passionate about golfing; others loved yoga, a lot were mothers and others I learned quilted (I have to admit, I've tried and have no patience so I'm in awe of these individuals).
After the hunt, which my team lost (think it was rigged), we had dinner at a great burger joint. I have to admit, a great burger is always hard to find and I always appreciate them when I find them. To further break the ice, I decided the group needed to play "Fuck, Marry or Kill". If you haven't played, it is a definitely a great ice breaker. Basically, you give a person 3 names and they have to tell you who their would "F, M or K". I do apologize to my 3 of my friends for doing the 80s throwback, politicians and reality show stars. Although, my friend's face was priceless when I said Flavor Flav to her. Unlike the women on the reality show that found him incredibly sexy, here were 12 women that clearly wouldn't be applying for his show if there were a Season Three.
We ended the evening at this great champagne bar, Flute, on 54th Street. Always a good day when you can start and end your day with champagne.
I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did. I hope that everyone knows how happy I was that they took time out from their hectic lives to spend the day with me. It really was wonderful!
Thanks again sis for making this all happen. Six more days and counting.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Songs You'd Never Dance to With Dad.....
Friday, October 3, 2008......
As I'm getting closer to my wedding, I selected various must-have songs to have played during the reception. Because of the venue I selected, a band was out and we hired a DJ. We also decided to be a bit non-traditional and play songs we like, but can't dance to during cocktail hour and dinner. We selected some Citzen Cope, Dave Matthews, Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, David Gray, Crosby Stills, Nash & Young etc. to be interspersed with some jazzy type music during this time.
The DJ asked what song we would like to dance to with our parents. The fact that both my fiance's parents are dead and my mom was admitted to a nursing home for Alzheimer's this year led us to the decision to nix the parent's dance. However, since this will be my dad's first celebratory event without my mom, I thought it'd be nice that my dad have a special dance with each of his four daughters that day.
I sent the email out to my three sisters and I realized as I was talking with one of my sister's yesterday I don't have a song. I don't want a traditional song you'd hear at weddings (i.e You're My Hero by Bette Midler) and am now stumped. As I was talking with my sister, I could easily pick songs that you shouldn't dance to with your dad. Here is a very short list from our discussion:
- Anything by Prince. We started naming some of his songs and realized that there were enough for it to be considered a collection and thought safer to eliminate the artist;
- Sex by Berlin
- Sex by Madonna
- Afternoon Delight by Starland Vocal Band
- Sexyback by J. Timberlake
- Push It - Salt n-Pepa
- Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye
- SuperFreak - Rick James
My sister and I went through a litany of song titles before I realized it could be almost any song on my iPod.
Two of my sisters are set with their songs; one is dancing to Teach the Children by Crosby, Stills Nash & Young and the other selected My Life by the Beatles.
I haven't a clue and am looking for suggestions....
As I'm getting closer to my wedding, I selected various must-have songs to have played during the reception. Because of the venue I selected, a band was out and we hired a DJ. We also decided to be a bit non-traditional and play songs we like, but can't dance to during cocktail hour and dinner. We selected some Citzen Cope, Dave Matthews, Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, David Gray, Crosby Stills, Nash & Young etc. to be interspersed with some jazzy type music during this time.
The DJ asked what song we would like to dance to with our parents. The fact that both my fiance's parents are dead and my mom was admitted to a nursing home for Alzheimer's this year led us to the decision to nix the parent's dance. However, since this will be my dad's first celebratory event without my mom, I thought it'd be nice that my dad have a special dance with each of his four daughters that day.
I sent the email out to my three sisters and I realized as I was talking with one of my sister's yesterday I don't have a song. I don't want a traditional song you'd hear at weddings (i.e You're My Hero by Bette Midler) and am now stumped. As I was talking with my sister, I could easily pick songs that you shouldn't dance to with your dad. Here is a very short list from our discussion:
- Anything by Prince. We started naming some of his songs and realized that there were enough for it to be considered a collection and thought safer to eliminate the artist;
- Sex by Berlin
- Sex by Madonna
- Afternoon Delight by Starland Vocal Band
- Sexyback by J. Timberlake
- Push It - Salt n-Pepa
- Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye
- SuperFreak - Rick James
My sister and I went through a litany of song titles before I realized it could be almost any song on my iPod.
Two of my sisters are set with their songs; one is dancing to Teach the Children by Crosby, Stills Nash & Young and the other selected My Life by the Beatles.
I haven't a clue and am looking for suggestions....
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