tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71794976619096749532024-03-05T05:47:48.149-05:00Desperately Seeking SeersuckerDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.comBlogger855125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-76558762575666771462012-04-05T10:06:00.000-04:002012-04-05T10:06:11.829-04:00So.....I Won the LotteryHi there! It's been something like a month and a half since I've blogged. For shame, T. For shame :(<br />
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Things have been really, really busy/exciting/hectic around here lately. <br />
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There are no typical days for me. They are all packed with exercise, lunch with friends, organizing events, happy hour with friends & cocktail parties. Sounds pretty divine, right? Of course, there is that ever present knowledge that soon enough one must find a job. Because I did win the lottery my friends, but it wasn't ENOUGH unfortunately. <br />
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I was sitting outside, enjoying lunch on the market with two friends. We've all been job searching (some harder than others), and they announced that they had both found a job. I congratulated them, of course (secretly cursed them)...and then proclaimed.... <br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">"Well, that's it! I'm so sorry for you both! Yes, you have both found a job....so that must mean that I am going to win the lottery tonight! Cheerio!"</span></em><br />
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I left shortly after that, and was fully confident I would win. It was a sign, no?<br />
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TEN and I have a habit of pooling our money (we're talking like $5 total) to buy lottery tickets. We get the numbers all on the same ticket so that we have no knowledge of whose numbers are whose. That way, we HAVE to split the winnings. Pretty clever, huh? So we had a ticket, and Saturday morning TEN checked it on his phone. And we won. And we screeched. I actually asked the lady at the Shell Station if she would like to take our photograph. She just stared at me blankly. Mind you, that could have had something to do with the fact that TEN and I were fully decked out for the Caddy Shack Themed Cocktail Crawl we were headed to? <br />
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Anyway, she didn't want our picture. We took our winnings and we promptly spent all $7 on two shots at the bar. We felt that was an appropriate use of our winnings :)<br />
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Don't let the BIG lottery win fool you though! I'm the same person I've always been. (tehehe...)<br />
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<em>(BFF, Suz, Barbie, TRHoC, me, Marilyn Monroe & T)</em></div>
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<em>(Suz, me & Marilyn Monroe)</em></div>
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<em>(a Mardi Gras celebration of sorts)</em></div>
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<em>(a formal event as part of The Ginger's birthday festivities)</em></div>
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<em>(Marilyn Monroe's birthday celebration found us at a local dive listening to The Drummer's punk band :-o )</em></div>
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<em>(Girl's Night Out! CC was leaving to head back to Vero beach, so it was a perfect send off for her! TEN went to Raleigh, NC with the boys. What, oh what to do? Have a girl's night of course...)</em></div>
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<br />So, you see, life has pretty much been moving along at a leisurely pace. Tonight I'm hosting an event for the local Republican Committee. We hope to bring some new members into the fold, and our Republican Mayoral Candidate will be attending. I'm so very excited!!<br />
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I'm going to start blogging again. It may not be EVERY day, but I hope it is :) I'll let you know how everything goes tonight.<br />
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Smooches,<br />
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T & Louis WellingtonDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com136tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-58208580983605101932012-02-23T16:07:00.000-05:002012-02-23T16:07:51.088-05:00Cupcake Wars! Cupcake - 3 / T - 1<br />
Valentine's Day was amazing! A week prior, TEN and I joined some friends for dinner at a relatively new local restaurant. They had Dr. Pepper Glazed Pork on the menu. It was delish. So, TEN decided that he was going to try to make it at home. Please look at this presh menu that he put together:<br />
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When I arrived the dining room table was set, menus were on the table, flowers in a vase and in the kitchen he had some wine and cheese waiting...<br />
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We chatted while he cooked, and then we enjoyed a fantastically delicious meal.<br />
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I was completely spoiled, and loved every minute of it ;) All of TEN's efforts made my card & gummy hearts seem a bit underwhelming. BUT...I just found something in my spare bedroom that I ordered for him months ago for Valentine's Day! I can't believe I forgot about it. I can't wait to give it to him when he gets back from his trip!<br />
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Friday night was the Murder Mystery Dinner I told you about. My character was called Jasmine, and played a jazz violin in a band. TEN's character was called Shaun, and he played an instrument in the same band. Our instructions told us to wear "modern black clothes", and to carry instruments. We borrowed violin cases from a friend, and got some bright sunglasses. Please note the colored hair that I clipped into my black wig. TEN wore a moustache, thinking that made him look very "aloof and artsy". Neither of us wear a lot of black (or are very artsy), so we just did our best!<br />
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Saturday night was TEN's birthday celebration. So many friends joined us for dinner & drinks, and TEN said he had a wonderful time! <br />
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Some of you may remember that 3 years ago I attempted to bake a cupcake cake for TEN's birthday. I actually attempted to do so 3 times. All 3 were total failures, and the final product was the best of the 3. Yes, friends.....THIS was my best effort:<br />
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I threw a party at TEN's downtown apartment, and invited all of our friends. They were kind, but I could see it written all over their faces. "poor, poor T. she really is a horrible cupcake cake maker."<br />
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Well, let me just tell you that I made that damn cake again this year. Yep. Sure did. And guess what? Well, here, I'll just show you....<br />
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WAAAAAHHHHHOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Success :) That cake looks like a cupcake, wouldn't you say? And I did it on the first try.<br />
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After a lovely dinner, and a cocktail or two, some of us felt compelled to play Rock Band. So, off we went... I will admit that with my new found confidence where the cake was concerned, I decided that perhaps I should sing. Bad idea. But the cake was still a success ;)<br />
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OUR Rock Band...</div>
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We had a rather large snow here in Smalltown, VA on Sunday. I had two trees break and fall over in my back yard :( Thank goodness Marilyn Monroe's husband, the drummer, has a chain saw. On of the trees is so large I haven't a hope of moving it without cutting it up.<br />
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Then, I went to Big City, VA to visit my mother for a few days earlier this week. We had a lovely visit, and ate at an amazing Indian restaurant! It never ceases to amaze me that I spent the whole first part of my life not experimenting with food. I can only imagine what I missed out on! Thank goodness I saw the light ;)<br />
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So there you have it. I'm still job searching. I applied for 5 jobs today, and two of them actually seem quite interesting. I'm giving myself until the end of this month to find something inspiring. If I don't have an offer that has me dancing on the ceiling by then, I guess I'll come back down to reality and apply for something I'm actually qualified for. haha...<br />
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Life is so good I have no worries. I know that everything is going to be A-OK :)<br />
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I am still playing the lottery. Just for fun....<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-36797056763141703562012-02-14T14:53:00.000-05:002012-02-14T15:06:58.430-05:00Babies + Exercise + Murder = Happiness :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi there! Me again :) Just popping in to say Happy Valentine's Day, and to give you a little update. </div>
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<strong><u><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">BABY</span></em></u></strong></div>
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For those of you who don't know, <a href="http://mrsmfc.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">mrs.mfc</span></strong></a> gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on Tuesday, February 7. Both <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://mrsmfc.blogspot.com/">mrs.mfc</a></span></strong> and baby Reid are home and settled in. I had the chance to visit with both of them yesterday, and let me just tell you....that sweet baby captured my heart <3</div>
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<em>(please notice how Reid has placed his head on his hand while having a little rest :)</em></div>
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I know <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://mrsmfc.blogspot.com/">mrs.mfc</a></span></strong> will have lots to share about the new addition to she and B's life, but I wanted to let you all know that they are healthy, happy and home safe and sound!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u><em>PUPPY</em></u></strong></span><br />
Louis and I have become a bit co-dependent. It's terribly unhealthy, and I realize that. Feel free to make fun. It's okay. Really. <br />
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He cannot be further than 1 foot from me at any given moment. I woke up to this little face this morning.....<br />
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I think I need to take him to doggy daycare more often so that he remembers what it's like to not have me there all of the time. We have started to communicate through looks & sounds. Seriously. It's a bit creepy.<br />
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<em>(TEN attempting to dance with Louis. hmmm...perhaps I'm not the only one who's off their rocker lately?)</em></div>
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<strong><em><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">WORK</span></u></em></strong><br />
I continue to apply to for jobs that I am completely unqualified for, but that intrigue me. Jobs that I would feel honored to have. A career that I would throw myself into, 100%. I know that it is possible to have such a thing, because I once did. And then things changed. <br />
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Currently I'm doing a bit of consulting/event planning/helping for a local organization, and I'm loving it! I researched a potential opportunity for said organization just last week, and it felt great to be planning something "fun" again :) I'm going to be working very PT for this organization in another role in the near future as well. I see no reason why I shouldn't gain a little bit of experience, and a little bit of a paycheck, while I'm deciding what I want to be when I grow up!<br />
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I'm also working to help plan a fundraising dinner for our local Republican Committee. And I'm giving friends rides to and fro when needed. And I'm re-organizing my house. <br />
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<em>(Louis helping me "work" from home)</em></div>
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Basically, I'm giving myself another month to find something that falls into the category of "dream job". If I don't find it, I'll go back to applying for those jobs that I'm quite sure I'll get. Because they fall into the category of exactly what I've been doing. For ages.<br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">HAPPINESS</span></u></em></strong><br />
Friends, I cannot tell you how blissfully happy I am. I am so very thankful that I had the opportunity to walk away from such unhappiness. For the last year or so I've been terribly scattered. I've not really been "present" when spending time with friends. Or family. I've just been "getting by". Going from one event to the next. One day to the next. <br />
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<em>(me thoroughly enjoying PJ Brunch Club on Super Bowl Sunday. don't you just ADORE my westie/scottie PJs? one of my loves gave them to me for Christmas!)</em></div>
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I was so terribly tired all of the time. I thought that perhaps I was just getting older, and more tired? WRONG. I was very unhappy, and stressed and felt trapped. It's just that.....well....I didn't realize it. How is that possible? </div>
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I feel like myself again :) I listen when people talk. My mind doesn't wander. I am living in the moment. Enjoying the present. Not worrying about the future one bit. This is the way life should be. Don't you agree? Now, if only I could win the lottery.....<br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">EXERCISE</span></u></em></strong><br />
Every morning. Well, maybe not EVERY morning. I think I've skipped one or two. BUT...I've also exercised twice in one day. Mmmm-huh. True fact. I'm getting F-I-T.<br />
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Let's take yesterday for example. Up at 8:00 (after snuggling with Louis in the bed for approximately 20 minutes ;), onto the treadmill for 50 minutes. Then, into the shower. Dressed and out the door to visit mrs.mfc & Baby Reid. Visited for 1.5 hours, then off to another friends to drop something off. Which turned into an hour visit. And then dry cleaning, gas fill up, etc. Oh my! It's almost 4:30. I have a 4:30 date with Barbie and her Dance Central Kinect. We dance for an hour, and then it's time for a cocktail. <br />
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Do you see where I'm coming from? I don't know about you, but I can't really imagine a life any better than this one I'm living. Well, the lottery would make it a bit better I suppose :) A trip to Greece for Valentine's Day? Or Prague? Or.... Well, yes. The lottery would make it a lot better. But for today, I am so very thankful for what I have. And for what the future has to offer. It's exciting isn't it? The winds of change...... </div>
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Tonight TEN is cooking supper for Valentine's Day. I'm very excited. He has informed me that I may want to bring my camera. Supper is going to be THAT spectacular. Wow :) </div>
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Friday night my women's wine group, and our dates, are going to a local winery for a Murder Mystery Dinner. I'm supposed to be called Jasmine, and should wear all black. I supposedly play the rock violin in a band <em>(~hysterical giggles coming from me at this point~).</em> TEN is also in said band, and wears all black too. However, his day job is to work in a musical book store of sorts.</div>
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I cannot think of any two characters LESS like TEN and I, but alas....we shall dress in all black (I am also going to wear a black wig) and have a lovely time no doubt! BFF's husband's character is a snake charmer, and another friend's husband is a jockey. Definitely not a night to forget the camera.</div>
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<br />TEN's birthday is Monday. We are going to celebrate his birthday Saturday night at a local pub. Dinner & drinks with friends. I've purchased him a lovely birthday gift, with the help of a dear friend (thank you dear friend...you know who you are :).</div>
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So, there you have it. That's what has been going on here at Seersucker Central. I dare say I've been a crap friend to most of you. Terrible about being in touch, and even a bit shady when it comes to reading your blogs. I've become a bit self centered in my temporary retirement, perhaps? Regardless, please know that I adore each and every one of you. Truly. And one day I'll be back to my old self. Gossiping up a storm, and doing so regularly. </div>
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Don't give up on me....</div>
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T</div>DSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-80805229726191561482012-02-14T13:17:00.000-05:002012-02-14T13:17:32.595-05:00Cazones & Cabernet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #990000;">**I typed this post almost 2 weeks ago. I then inadvertantly deleted all of the photos. Which caused me to lose my patience :( So, I'm just now posting it!**</span></em></strong></div>
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Last night Daisy came over and we decided to make homemade calzones. Calzones may be my absolute favorite indulgence EVER. I'm not a big "pizza sauce" person, so a calzone hits the spot! I found a Pampered Chef recipe for homemade calzones, but it didn't include ricotta cheese. It also used swiss chese. I am a firm believer that ricotta cheese is a MUST in a calzone. Also, swiss? I'll take mozzarella please. So, I printed off a few more recipes, and we merged them all together to make our own variation!<br />
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Honestly, this may have been one of the best calzones I've ever eaten. We opted for ricotta, mozzarella & peperoni, but you can put anything you like in it :)<br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em><u>Pepperoni & Cheese Calzone</u></em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><strong><em>1 pkg refridgerated pizza crust (regular crust)</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><strong><em>13.5 oz ricotta cheese</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><strong><em>1.5 cups mozarella cheese</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Italian spices, crushed red pepper flakes, any other spices you like (optional)</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><strong><em>parmesan cheese</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><strong><em>sliced pepperoni</em></strong></span></div>
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine ricotta and mozzarella cheese in a mixing bowl. Add spieces if you choose.</div>
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Unroll pizza crust onto baking stone or pizza pan. Gently stretch and press dough to cover bottom. Spoon cheese/spice mixture onto one half of the pizza crust.</div>
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Fold the dough in half, pinch the seems & press down with a fork on the edges.</div>
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Cut 3 slits into the top of the calzone.</div>
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Brush with olive oil.</div>
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Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until crust is a deep golden brown. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top and allow to melt.</div>
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TEN and I bought one roll of the pizza crust over the weekend, and split it into two. We each made our own smaller calzones, and again...perfection!</div>
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-31690599922817471742012-01-26T14:56:00.001-05:002012-01-26T15:07:16.619-05:00Peeling Back the LayersI've started so many posts, but just can't figure out what to say. I feel like I'm in such a wonderful place right now, with so much opportunity ahead of me. It's just that everything feels....well.....ahead of me. <br />
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It's as if there is nothing happening today that is interesting enough to talk about. Wow. That sounds pitiful. But seriously, let me explain. Yesterday I got up bright and early and headed to a local Food Lion. This particular Food Lion is closing, and everything in store (other than alcohol and tobacco) was 50% off starting yesterday. I grabbed my coupon bag, and headed out the door. <br />
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I was at Food Lion for probably 3 hours. I spent $200. I saved about $300, thanks to my coupons. I came home and my housekeeper was here. Yes, you heard right. I don't have a job, but I still have a housekeeper. Shush. I don't want to hear it. So my housekeeper and I chatted for about an hour, while I put my groceries away. It was past lunch time, and so I had a late lunch. And then little Louis needed some snuggles. And before you knew it...TEN was leaving work and wanted to know if I wanted to watch a movie. <br />
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You see where I'm coming from, right. What in the heck am I going to write about that? <br />
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I've been job searching online today. Looking for something that I think would inspire me. Something that would make me want to better myself. Something that would challenge both my mind and my soul. I started pacing through my house. Down the main staircase. Down to the basement. Back upstairs. Then I decided to take photographs of the things that made me smile. <br />
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I still don't have any idea what I want to be when I grow up, but here's what I found worth smiling about today....<br />
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<em>(my deep freezer!! definitely the best $75 i've ever spent in my life)</em></div>
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<em>(seeing this sucker packed to the brim, and knowing that I won't go hungry for a long, long, long time...)</em></div>
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<em>(oh yes. those are breakfast sausage patties that you see. mmmmm....i'm all about some breakfast these days!)</em></div>
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<em>(part of the personal care section of my stockpile)</em></div>
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<em>(sauces and soups and such...)</em></div>
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<em>(TEN remarked that we needed to find a recipe that would use soy sauce and worcestershire sauce. because i have even more in another stash :-o)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZqjrCjFuI4t24HYmj-UXiTA4rMIXozLhVUob5cNsZzG7seft7Y_Qp-odXmc44gDa26QYSFQGtNXrLd-ZyV5yQelTWUkYLJH_4xxB1C73KPwMtpVORzwBHW9bLzvGbPqVzITWJaICQyQ/s1600/P1010263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZqjrCjFuI4t24HYmj-UXiTA4rMIXozLhVUob5cNsZzG7seft7Y_Qp-odXmc44gDa26QYSFQGtNXrLd-ZyV5yQelTWUkYLJH_4xxB1C73KPwMtpVORzwBHW9bLzvGbPqVzITWJaICQyQ/s400/P1010263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>(paper products)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkgGjceiIEwurvu2DVNTmNSaF5p2vPbjOGCnpB7Zp_KSGYb_DKv9HMhM5-0-4UQVuvw2_QR_qhC5t_Hic50kbfq1vN5uIkpOM_uIT8ksrgGlJsWgi-TNjZCmKr-_m8wjbrgpt6BmSDD8/s1600/P1010264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkgGjceiIEwurvu2DVNTmNSaF5p2vPbjOGCnpB7Zp_KSGYb_DKv9HMhM5-0-4UQVuvw2_QR_qhC5t_Hic50kbfq1vN5uIkpOM_uIT8ksrgGlJsWgi-TNjZCmKr-_m8wjbrgpt6BmSDD8/s400/P1010264.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>(laundry supplies under the counter...)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50EEfYe0GiWjEOOQhvZVBGhEjNhYrqukKkuo50b3U9umz7LnWuAo-SlNLk37RgmCM2tcB8rtHT6-Hj-dVtzd0wPRJ0Z86a_EFw99JaAf_YCSgn0MBF3eEjV_xmaDO_aEazEsxVJ4ofaM/s1600/P1010266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50EEfYe0GiWjEOOQhvZVBGhEjNhYrqukKkuo50b3U9umz7LnWuAo-SlNLk37RgmCM2tcB8rtHT6-Hj-dVtzd0wPRJ0Z86a_EFw99JaAf_YCSgn0MBF3eEjV_xmaDO_aEazEsxVJ4ofaM/s400/P1010266.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>(...and on top of the counter)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyICVVo3s5Be8tlUwrIfdLlYxofmAqjHySMAXTAm9b34FOP2ccQvJ2xQthPviAdEycq-l_cQVGF-r9vFc-tyjr2D7Wtf10klwLF87W6Na2sYgK0iIJo9mv7izy9INs2-NoIB_8OAbVy0w/s1600/P1010267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyICVVo3s5Be8tlUwrIfdLlYxofmAqjHySMAXTAm9b34FOP2ccQvJ2xQthPviAdEycq-l_cQVGF-r9vFc-tyjr2D7Wtf10klwLF87W6Na2sYgK0iIJo9mv7izy9INs2-NoIB_8OAbVy0w/s400/P1010267.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>(this is my view every morning at 8:30am. please notice the 3lb hand weights. my arm muscles are getting out of control. i'll bee up to 4lb hand weights in no time. hehe..)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjT47hJJRzPZaXcjcIPzP4UtyWAfMCn9nnHx9qRbevwin1nQHcMyYzLftrrUjMaz4R6nOPMKsTqASNvoZEfCX-Q62F-qEb7yVD9pEM6eOBeOfcVIY-do6lHUECY5LDHgICKqcaGZOsLs/s1600/P1010270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjT47hJJRzPZaXcjcIPzP4UtyWAfMCn9nnHx9qRbevwin1nQHcMyYzLftrrUjMaz4R6nOPMKsTqASNvoZEfCX-Q62F-qEb7yVD9pEM6eOBeOfcVIY-do6lHUECY5LDHgICKqcaGZOsLs/s400/P1010270.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em>(some of my formal gowns. sometimes, while on my treadmill, i stare at them. and i remember the balls i wore them to. and what wonderful things happened. always good for a smile)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEs0CUyf6OTAW6mhsu5hepriLg6FcW4UM8qr7-a5NRont4UTaUFpA5EcqCZsqiAwpJNCWVzW-1prHFm8MK5EnFInfEssscwaJz5Jm-TkJjcC7gLgY5A0MyAMmDcDxBERfTEe5FcFBtZE/s1600/P1010271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEs0CUyf6OTAW6mhsu5hepriLg6FcW4UM8qr7-a5NRont4UTaUFpA5EcqCZsqiAwpJNCWVzW-1prHFm8MK5EnFInfEssscwaJz5Jm-TkJjcC7gLgY5A0MyAMmDcDxBERfTEe5FcFBtZE/s400/P1010271.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em>(random montage of old halloween costumes. another good walk down memory lane)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRm0LScGjKUikydjUDxHEj3fajJRxZ3pEWDhh-jZA4wqQMgQhzYPzcw7n3fL2No-2jIDl5Ckd_E6AqDamOfqL_woiIGkxXFY04fbpuR-JNmaArrp1tBZJXgNqdmO5Cdn33hu_T4HiChA/s1600/P1010273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRm0LScGjKUikydjUDxHEj3fajJRxZ3pEWDhh-jZA4wqQMgQhzYPzcw7n3fL2No-2jIDl5Ckd_E6AqDamOfqL_woiIGkxXFY04fbpuR-JNmaArrp1tBZJXgNqdmO5Cdn33hu_T4HiChA/s400/P1010273.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em>(rando Russian musical instrument that my dad found and bought. it has all of this Russian writing inside, and is probably worth a mint. wonder if pops would mind if I sold it? hmmm....i'll meditate on that.)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a1hgc3GnyWsaHgbVls0SVLallC_j_9P7B8IPRilC6D9hTU47ef8o06dCjGsDskoDv3rDjMbTjyaVtETXlkpjsX1wobbxx6ZwCJK_LJtBB12Kxowm1LfoiMMjBB9b-OA8np7vZSKv6_4/s1600/P1010274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a1hgc3GnyWsaHgbVls0SVLallC_j_9P7B8IPRilC6D9hTU47ef8o06dCjGsDskoDv3rDjMbTjyaVtETXlkpjsX1wobbxx6ZwCJK_LJtBB12Kxowm1LfoiMMjBB9b-OA8np7vZSKv6_4/s400/P1010274.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em>(what i refer to as my "wine cellar". yes. i really do call it that.)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MLdxGuFdS-QHFZVpDmqaVrnW76Da0obdyY4BS3Aq1FHyDyZdLkf5YLbl6SMaoJsy53JQTSB7ONqfaijJ3SPchoXKujeaDCkUr-693pjCiSBzXu5W2qprL3y_YZ1X4LJfBNiuycjvSMo/s1600/P1010275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MLdxGuFdS-QHFZVpDmqaVrnW76Da0obdyY4BS3Aq1FHyDyZdLkf5YLbl6SMaoJsy53JQTSB7ONqfaijJ3SPchoXKujeaDCkUr-693pjCiSBzXu5W2qprL3y_YZ1X4LJfBNiuycjvSMo/s400/P1010275.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em>(portrait my parents had painted of me once upon a time. aren't i cute? i'm pretty sure that had Toddlers & Tiaras existed back then i would have walked away with Ultimate Grand Supreme. WORK IT TOOTIE!!!)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFnC-GK-6Z7A72hy_3adp9u9bciZ-zd4l7P0CGqXhcwI9XtnUOUKGVWSjEuXUtOEq8nlvW11nWh41mfJdGERg_8MN4zozSLzUnwEXJyCFrCCRg66x3bO8JrUcYHCoGpv_SdvPaGSkHQM/s1600/P1010278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFnC-GK-6Z7A72hy_3adp9u9bciZ-zd4l7P0CGqXhcwI9XtnUOUKGVWSjEuXUtOEq8nlvW11nWh41mfJdGERg_8MN4zozSLzUnwEXJyCFrCCRg66x3bO8JrUcYHCoGpv_SdvPaGSkHQM/s400/P1010278.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em>(this is a photo of my dad. he was younger than me here. sometimes this picture makes me smile. sometimes it makes me cry. i just wish i could talk to him. in person.)</em></div>
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<em>(i don't even remember this time in my life. this is the home in Florida where i grew up. i didn't realize that we hadn't always had the huge screened in porch, the deck and the pool. amazing, since i look like i should be old enough to remember that. dad's rockin the seersucker pants and some mad hair. this little pup is Piper. he was my first westie love.)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxP1HJMBkWuDorLpNECJPTVwktnbXotzTU66QKch4AMpgFZW-oJ7E67nqDhfF0UKB8_OuqZCzsUp7I5jT7N5X3ZAOOYOfA-CU8vkFomUX4ZiAU0FEX_ImTTNmrB-ByDtdufDZta8AIBg/s1600/P1010284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxP1HJMBkWuDorLpNECJPTVwktnbXotzTU66QKch4AMpgFZW-oJ7E67nqDhfF0UKB8_OuqZCzsUp7I5jT7N5X3ZAOOYOfA-CU8vkFomUX4ZiAU0FEX_ImTTNmrB-ByDtdufDZta8AIBg/s400/P1010284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>(dad & i in the hammock. i have this hammock now. it hangs in my back yard in the summer. laying in that hammock is one of the things that makes me happiest in the world.)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLFk_wz0wqz0zlVjpkC4st_0akXUcW_Bs9k4mWE3UI0ONM_Y6aOdJ7qBLfhUNT92Ex5_j5vEjOQd7WsBkpGCNVQVR2pEz21I-b_0EIe48FXEfPV9QSUtpRCzfn7h0atG3rMfTyRkwZo0/s1600/P1010285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLFk_wz0wqz0zlVjpkC4st_0akXUcW_Bs9k4mWE3UI0ONM_Y6aOdJ7qBLfhUNT92Ex5_j5vEjOQd7WsBkpGCNVQVR2pEz21I-b_0EIe48FXEfPV9QSUtpRCzfn7h0atG3rMfTyRkwZo0/s400/P1010285.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>(my mother sent me this picture in this year's birthday card. i can't help but laugh every time i see it. look how demanding i am! for a minute i thought i was giving someone the finger, but i'm sure that can't be so. i'm probably saying "give me that knife so i can cut myself a piece of this damn cake!!")</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xnltEsv1ltR_wDfIuNkP_x3YS19KLOSfJfedkJUpqPa7syc2_8x9Burtah6tez6vqCcgh9INIJQgtNmI5W0HDJEAMsVv0AUwoeFn-tSwebQ8tU4H-3NVnYC3GGE_Rr1Na-8q-5-Faw8/s1600/P1010286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xnltEsv1ltR_wDfIuNkP_x3YS19KLOSfJfedkJUpqPa7syc2_8x9Burtah6tez6vqCcgh9INIJQgtNmI5W0HDJEAMsVv0AUwoeFn-tSwebQ8tU4H-3NVnYC3GGE_Rr1Na-8q-5-Faw8/s400/P1010286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>(the downstairs bathroom where i get ready each morning. i'm not really sure why i get ready downstairs? it is definitely cooler in the summer, and i think i feel like i don't use enough of my house? it has 4BRs and 2 full BRs and it's just me here. regardless, it's my "get ready room")</em></div>
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<em>(another shot from the downstairs bathroom)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4l4tlIGG2Sm1G-8FV4-G_0voKQX7ItRkZkWgi3NHQ1-9948zrPDI8DQ-3EyP4csa10idj3AWcarlGOEXITcX_n6l63FrkhH2HVfq1KO08tz-zk24-CJMNsiEujeiqdBpzUy1k611Wzg/s1600/P1010288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4l4tlIGG2Sm1G-8FV4-G_0voKQX7ItRkZkWgi3NHQ1-9948zrPDI8DQ-3EyP4csa10idj3AWcarlGOEXITcX_n6l63FrkhH2HVfq1KO08tz-zk24-CJMNsiEujeiqdBpzUy1k611Wzg/s400/P1010288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>(this is my kitchen, and my most favorite room. i wish it were bigger, and that i had an island, and newer cabinets...but whatevs. it's mine. and it's where everyone congregates. and where all of my mad cooking skills are put to use.)</em></div>
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<em>(my parents in Europe. i think this was their honeymoon. i love my mother's suit!)</em></div>
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<em>(my upstairs bathroom. my mother's bathroom is all white, and i love it. so...i copied her! white shower curtain. white tile floors. and blue accents.)</em></div>
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<em>(this little man is the first thing i see every morning when i walk out of my bedroom)</em></div>
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<em>(speaking of my bedroom, this is the "accessory" get ready space)</em></div>
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<em>(here is the "which purse shall I carry?" space)</em></div>
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<em>(belt or no belt today??)</em></div>
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<em>(my home "office". this doesn't really make me smile, it actually makes me laugh. hysterically. for some reason?)</em></div>
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<em>(one of my spare bedrooms. well, one corner of it anyway...)</em></div>
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<em>(and here's me! the new me. the me that doesn't really look a whole lot skinnier, but whose legs feel so much stronger! and whose arms are starting to have some definition. someone who isn't sure what the hell she is going to do with her future, but she's pretty darn sure she's looking better and better in her leggins.....)</em></div>
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So there you have it. I've got Mumford & Sons <em>Little Lion Man</em> on repeat, and I won't get tired of it for a while. It's a song that I've always liked, but when I listened to it yesterday I realized that it had a different meaning for me these days. It's empowering somehow? I was singing it at the top of my lungs a few hours ago when the mail lady came. I'm pretty sure I scared her half to death......<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-39574443007423076152012-01-23T16:10:00.001-05:002012-01-23T16:10:38.034-05:00Ladies Who LunchIs there anyone out there?<br />
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Just kidding. I know you are all there :) I've been reading your blogs from my blackberry, and keeping up with your lives, but just not commenting. BUT NOW I've got a wireless internet router for my tablet (yes, yes...I was living in the dark ages), and so I can comment!! And blog!! Woohooo.<br />
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I mean, heaven knows I couldn't be bothered to go into my home office and sit at my PC. Can we say LAZY BONES.<br />
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I've been interviewing for jobs, but still haven't found anything that "inspires" me. Am I being too picky? I guess at this point I feel like I can still afford to be picky. Six months from now, if I still haven't found my dream job, I'll probably jump at the first opportunity I get. Let's hope that isn't where I find myself. <br />
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The craziest part is that I stay completely busy all day long. I thought I would search for jobs, apply online, have an interview or two....but mostly I thought I would be bored out of my mind! Reading books, eating bon-bons and talking on the phone. You know the drill. But I find myself to be just as busy, if not more so, than before!<br />
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I've been playing the lottery. I'm pretty sure I am supposed to win and just be independently wealthy :) I've become on of those "Ladies Who Lunch", and surprisingly I find it suits me. Why did I ever think I needed to be challenged on a daily basis? To push myself to every possible limit to prove how competent I was? Psht. No thanks. I'll just have a Waldorf Salad and a glass of Pinot Grigio, thank you very much.<br />
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And there you have it. True Confessions 101. I want to be a Lady Who Lunches, and who has her hair done and nails done and spends her days on the tennis court and at the spa. Oh, and who gets on the treadmill every morning to assure that all of those lunches don't go right to her hips. I've been doing that you know. Treadmill every morning. Bright and early. Yay for me.<br />
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So I'm making an effort to start blogging again. I need to make a list so that I can remember just what I've been up to lately. Surely something dramatic or exciting has happened?<br />
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We did go to the Black & White Ball again this year....<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-77800089527107758702012-01-05T09:06:00.002-05:002012-01-05T09:07:21.270-05:00Hardwood Floor HELP!And here I thought I was going to be blogging away once I finished my last day at my job (December 30). I thought I would have all of this free time to catch up with everyone else's blogs, and to get back into the swing of things. WRONG. <br />
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That isn't to say that won't happen after this week (fingers crossed), but boy have I been busy!<br />
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One of the things that was most important for me to accomplish this week was to take down my Christmas decorations. I did that yesterday, and last night TEN helped me lug my Christmas tree to the curb. AND THEN....<br />
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You can only imagine the reaction I had when I flung back the living room carpet to sweep and saw this....<br />
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Apparently my tree stand LEAKED onto my hardwood floors :( I checked the stand, and there were water droplets on the bottom. Directly into the garbage that tree stand went, but alas...what to do with the water damage?<br />
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I took a picture and told TEN that I would post it on the blog, and ask for help. I just know one of you has some advice. Can this be fixed? I've left the rug pulled back to let the wood "dry out", but other than that I'm at a loss.<br />
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HELP!<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-25430080936672597312011-12-28T11:49:00.000-05:002011-12-28T11:49:26.345-05:00Christmas in New YorkI finally had a chance to get my pictures off of my camera, and to clean them up a bit. There are more pictures (and some with me actually IN them), but they are on my mother's camera. I'll share those once I have them :) I was quite pleased with some of my pictures, and they definitely tell the story of our trip...for the most part....<br />
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The <a href="http://theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com/">Holiday Shops at Bryant Park</a>:<br />
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I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed with some of the "Christmas" windows. They lacked, well, Christmas. I know that everyone doesn't celebrate Christmas, and that's just fine with me. But the windows have ALWAYS been decorate for Christmas. Don't get me started on the Lady Gaga nonsense at Barney's. Blech.<br />
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Bloomingdale's had a fantastic theme for their windows, but of course I didn't take any pictures. Why, you ask? Well, because Bloomingdale's was far too busy taking OUR pictures. To put on their Facebook. Seriously. Check it out<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://gonyc.about.com/od/christmassights/tp/bloomingdales.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a>...<br />
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Macy's was festive, of course. They never let us down :)<br />
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Van Cleef & Arpels had window displays, but their theme was "Famous Balls". No Christmas to be found, but I did find this window featuring Truman Capote's infamous Black & White Ball. We have a Black & White Ball of our in Smalltown, VA, modeled after this ball, so I had to take a photo...even though it wasn't a Christmas window :(<br />
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All hail C. Wonder! Their window was quite festive :)<br />
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We had to visit Rockefeller Center to be sure it really was Christmas. And of course, it was :)<br />
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And then THE PALACE. It was certainly Christmas there!</div>
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Inside of Macy's was a most exciting display! I had heard rumor of it, and set off to see it with my own two eyes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aNrOl0ytmgfRvNPa4OwE_UKTVIpqWO6iIftrl94vA-azzmSqSidB5sOgq0Yen9894pCmlMmYT_iEe6wUk280ZKQEc4B-Q90uC5DUINnUl-2S_jXgACGECeJn6gLsNE5Jxt9vCBPHEwY/s1600/390329_10150645487245410_640145409_11789053_107189198_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aNrOl0ytmgfRvNPa4OwE_UKTVIpqWO6iIftrl94vA-azzmSqSidB5sOgq0Yen9894pCmlMmYT_iEe6wUk280ZKQEc4B-Q90uC5DUINnUl-2S_jXgACGECeJn6gLsNE5Jxt9vCBPHEwY/s400/390329_10150645487245410_640145409_11789053_107189198_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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There were all types of pups featured, but of course I had to photograph the westies. For Louis. He was quite pleased :)<br />
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Other than these westie prints, here are a few of my other favorite things....<br />
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(found at C. Wonder)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYncObUdTRBEBLSsfG5kzRsjYYC2C39Yffa28I4TXkb2z-A0hzH7llUydyGq0nIKpi4Xo1WTJVNVNg5zpRcfOdOlzf3vzRrEvRi7P67MSBoZ9N5_fGSNsXVkC99alD8qX1FX237xbs6Es/s1600/402774_10150645487785410_640145409_11789063_1318010738_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYncObUdTRBEBLSsfG5kzRsjYYC2C39Yffa28I4TXkb2z-A0hzH7llUydyGq0nIKpi4Xo1WTJVNVNg5zpRcfOdOlzf3vzRrEvRi7P67MSBoZ9N5_fGSNsXVkC99alD8qX1FX237xbs6Es/s400/402774_10150645487785410_640145409_11789063_1318010738_n.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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(found at a shop in Soho, I believe?)</div>
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Wow. I'm beginning to realize that I didn't take half as many pictures as I thought I did. Oh well!</div>
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This little pub was down the street from our hotel, and we stopped in for a pre-dinner cocktail on Saturday evening....</div>
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On Monday, we saw a display of New York's finest. Well, their cars anyway! Does anyone else think it's comical that they are parked in front of "Chase"?? Yes, I know that is as in "J.P. Morgan", but still. Police Chase. hehehe....</div>
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I completely forgot to take photos of our fabulous dinners at Chin Chin & Balthazar. And I showed you this photo yesterday of our lunch at <a href="http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/template/catF7.jhtml?itemId=cat140016">Cafe 745</a> in Bergdorf Goodman:</div>
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Both of our dinners, and lunch, were absolutely spectacular!! I had the Steak Frites at <a href="http://balthazarny.com/">Balthazar</a>, and let me just tell you that I have not stopped dreaming of it since. Absolutely DIVINE :)<br />
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At <a href="http://chinchinny.com/">Chin Chin</a> I had the Crisped Indochine Beef. It was quite good, by I enjoyed my mother's spicy chicken much more. Well, that and the people's Crisped Orange Beef beside us. Yes. They shared. Gotta love New York!!<br />
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We had the most lovely time, and were thoroughly exhausted as we packed our bags and hailed a cab to take us back to the train.....<br />
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One last Christmas tree to bid us farewell, at Penn Station.<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-2389439455201596152011-12-27T09:27:00.001-05:002011-12-27T09:52:58.728-05:00SnapshotI hope you all had the most wonderful holiday! I sure did :) There is nothing quite like New York City at Christmas. If you've not experienced it, you should. <br />
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We pulled into Smalltown, VA last night. I dumped all of my bags on the floor, and curled up on the couch with LW. I missed him terribly while I was away. He stayed with TEN's family, and I know he had a wonderful time...but he missed me very much. He told me so.<br />
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I have so many pictures to share, and can't wait to put together a blog about my Christmas visit to the city. But, until then....<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-40746460615939744042011-12-21T15:17:00.000-05:002011-12-21T15:17:36.289-05:00Oops...It's Westie Wednesday Isn't It?Did I mention that I was going to be spending Christmas in NYC this year? I think I did....<br />
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So many of you have had the most fabulous trips to NYC as of late, and reading your tales while looking at your pictures has made me aboslutely giddy! We didn't want to tie ourselves down with too much of a "schedule", but the following are on our list :)<br />
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We are riding up and back on the train....</div>
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And my hope is that by the time we return, I will have mastered this:<br />
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Have a wonderful holiday, and whatever you and yours are celebrating this year...Louis and I would like to extend our most warm blessings to you!<br />
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(<a href="http://jeanneillenyelookingafterthem.blogspot.com/2011/12/westie-christmas-cards-santa-hat-with.html">borrowed from</a>)</div>
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Merry Christmas & Westie Licks,<br />
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T & LouisDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-46670235986309607862011-12-20T15:13:00.001-05:002011-12-21T09:10:45.112-05:00Santa Came Early to Seersucker Central!Last night TEN and I decided to exchange our Christmas gifts. We are both heading out of town on Thursday, and have a birthday celebration both tonight and tomorrow night. We didn't want to just "fit in" OUR Christmas, so we decided that last night was the night.<br />
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Louis was very excited, as he noticed the boxes under the tree moving to and fro. He didn't have a clue what was about to happen...but regardless...he wanted in on it!</div>
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<em>(please notice the little pink mark on Louis' nose. he scraped his nose while chasing a mouse in the wood pile. silly pups!!)</em></div>
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I just realized that I haven't posted a picture of my tree, but it's especially beautiful this year :) I have a most special ornament hanging right up front!</div>
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So wine was opened, and the unwrapping began! Well, the stockings came first, of course...</div>
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And then the cards....</div>
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<em>(TEN's card to me..from a local shop that makes the most adorable screen print cards)</em></div>
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<em>(my card to TEN. not nearly as creative, but just as cute, don't you think?)</em></div>
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<em>(Louis' card to TEN. Louis always gets TEN a card :)</em></div>
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Finally, the packages are opened!</div>
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<em>(TEN is setting up a bar in his home, and wanted some liquor decanters)</em></div>
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<em>(a navy sweater was on the top of his list for Santa!)</em></div>
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<em>(the ol' bash-n-chop for cooking. monogrammed, of course. hehehe...)</em></div>
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Louis was getting a wee bit frustrated, so we let him open a gift of his very own!</div>
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TEN takes most pictures "up and down", if you will. Blogger is not my friend when it comes to "up and down" pictures, so we don't have many of me opening gifts. Which, honestly, is okay. I tend to get really excited and make ridiculous faces. TEN smiles handsomely, and I jump around. After I jumped around when I got my BIG gift, I calmed down for a moment so that he could take a picture of me "side ways" for the blog :)</div>
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<em>(TEN bought me a tablet!!! i LOVE it. well, actually i'm incredibly intimidated by it. i don't have "touch" anything, so i inadvertently changed the language to chinese at one point. but i'm learning!!!)</em></div>
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<em>(TEN's "BIG" gift was the fish hook belt from Vineyard Vines. he has wanted it for MONTHS, and that's about as long as it took for me to find a size 36. the last one left on the planet, apparently. thanks Molls!)</em></div>
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I also got some serving dishes that I love, a gel eye mask that I asked for AND the most amazing racks for my clothes. NICE racks. I've been contemplating turning the upstairs spare bedroom into a dressing room. But I don't think this is my "forever" house, so I don't want to do built-ins or anything. I wanted nice, sturdy, attractive clothing racks to line part of the room. It's a large room, so shoes would have a place too. And perhaps a chair and dressing table too. Anyway, I've been talking about it forever, and TEN has gotten me started. Woohooo!!!</div>
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So that was Christmas at Seersucker Central. TEN and I both must have been VERY good this year :)</div>
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Ho, ho, ho,</div>
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T</div>DSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-23799250545607035862011-12-19T15:00:00.000-05:002011-12-20T09:40:21.613-05:00"Weekends Don't Count Unless You Spend Them Doing Something Completely Pointless. ~Bill WattersonFriday night TEN and I had 2 Christmas parties to attend. The first was a <strong>work party for TEN</strong>, and the second was an <strong>annual get together a dear friend has been having for years</strong>.<br />
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I'm not going to lie, I was a little bit nervous about meeting all of TEN's work folks. All of them at once? Bosses and colleagues and other department staff. Yikes! I have never taken TEN to my office's Christmas party for that simple reason. It's A LOT to deal with. And can be terribly stressful for the +1.<br />
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TEN assured me over and over that I had nothing to worry about. That everyone would like me. That I would like everyone. That it would be fun. Regardless, I must have changed outfits about 10 times. He told me at one point that it was casual Friday in the office, and everyone would probably just be wearing jeans. JEANS?!??!? I was in a dress. The party included <strong>dinner at his boss's house</strong>! JEANS?!?!? <br />
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You can see how this went down. Back and forth. Jeans with heels & jewels? Dress w/ballet flats and no jewels? Which would be better?<br />
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Let me just quit boring you with this and come to the point. <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">WE HAD THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME!</span> Seriously :) <br />
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I feel like it really didn't matter what I was wearing. The people TEN works with are amazing! They are quirky and kind, funny & honest. They truly enjoy each other, and were happy to be at their boss' house celebrating the Christmas holiday. I can't say I've ever really experienced anything like that. It was refreshing. It was exciting. THAT is what I want :)<br />
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I pretty much knew all was well when I saw that TEN's boss had these cocktails napkins out on the bar:<br />
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I said <strong><em>"Look at this TEN!"</em> </strong>(and while pointing to the word Monolos I said...) <em><strong>"I want THESE for Christmas!"</strong> </em> TEN said <em><strong>"The napkins? Okay"</strong></em> and stuffed a few into his jacket pocket. I thought I was going to faint. It was most likely the funniest thing that happened all weekend :)<br />
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Saturday was errand day for me. I'll spare you the horrid experience that was <span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;"><strong>Best Buy</strong></span>. I won't tell you about the stereo I ordered online, that came in a million pieces, that the online people told me I could exchange at the store, that the Customer Service Manager in the store told me to I would have to file a claim with UPS for.<br />
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I'll just tell you that I'm shipping the whole damn thing back to <span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;"><strong>Best Buy</strong></span>, cancelling my credit card with them and purchasing it from Sears or some other such place.<br />
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Saturday night we had <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><em><strong>fondue night</strong></em></span>. It was relaxing and lovely, and just what I needed after quite a dramatic week. I was so overwhelmed by life in general on Saturday, that I forgot to take pictures. Boo hiss! Just imagine fondue. And wine. And laughter. Yep. That's what it looked like.<br />
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Sunday I didn't get out of my pajamas. I cooked pancakes & turkey bacon & sausage for breakfast, with orange juice. I wrapped all of my Christmas packages. We made a fire. We watched a movie. Have you seen <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1606392/">Win Win</a></span></strong>? It's really good :) I saw it for the second time yesterday, and honestly...I'd watch it again. What a good reminder of what really matters in life. And what really doesn't.<br />
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I'm leaving for <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">**</span><span style="color: magenta;">New York City**</span></span></strong> on Thursday for Christmas. Between now and then I've got 2 birthday celebrations, a mani/pedi & Christmas with TEN. It's going to be a <strong>FANTASTIC</strong> week!<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-23497809739111944572011-12-19T09:52:00.000-05:002011-12-19T09:53:14.271-05:00“All Great Changes are Preceded by Chaos.” -Deepak Chopra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hinted last week that some changes were coming for this girl, and then I said I would tell you all about it on Friday. I didn't get a chance to, because I had some other really exciting things happening...and I got sidetracked. I'm sorry!<br />
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In a nutshell, <strong>I'm leaving my job on December 30!</strong> New Year. New Career. I'm really excited :) It's a little scary, sure, but...I've never made a career change that hasn't been for the best (knock on wood), looking back. AND....that tells me this is a really good thing.<br />
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What is it that you will be doing now, you ask? And part of the excitement is that right now is that I would look a little something like this:<br />
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Because I haven't decided. There are some great opportunities, and I'm just not sure exactly WHAT I want to do moving forward. I do know one thing though friends. This time around, I will NOT allow this guy:<br />
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to be the decision maker. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>So here's to a fantastic 2012!</em></span></strong> To seeing more of the world, and letting go of all of the stress I have been carrying. To living, loving and laughing so much more than I did in 2011. And to the knowledge that some things, and people, will be left behind....forever. Thank you baby Jesus.<br />
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xoxo,<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-63257188719939132152011-12-15T15:26:00.005-05:002011-12-15T15:26:58.376-05:00Oops...It WAS Westie Wednesday!Hi there! I forgot poor Louis yesterday, but let me assure you that you will forgive me. Once I clue you in. But I'm not able to do that until tomorrow. I know, I know...that's not nice of me. Sorry. <br />
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Anyway, change it is a comin' over here at Seersucker Central. And that's all I'll say about that right now. <br />
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In other news....<br />
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Louis had a hair appointment this week. He looks smashing, but for some reason he refuses to pose for the camera. This is the best I could get, and he looks like some poor abused little pups. I promise I've done nothing but love him and feed him treats!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL5dIJONN7QnlOAAjv06QXLTb88GCo_b6loyH76DhkegiZlaa27yD0JQTMbtmWb5mDPKh57kEI58XOFozvO9Vza7amvdYXUGxBscGy5EIg_zefUJT77FVqdkwbITYPoxppPpNzPBIgT4/s1600/IMG00500-20111213-2208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL5dIJONN7QnlOAAjv06QXLTb88GCo_b6loyH76DhkegiZlaa27yD0JQTMbtmWb5mDPKh57kEI58XOFozvO9Vza7amvdYXUGxBscGy5EIg_zefUJT77FVqdkwbITYPoxppPpNzPBIgT4/s400/IMG00500-20111213-2208.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We also made a special ornament for Louis this year. Daisy is the creative one, as always, and did this for her pups. She is Louis's Auntie Daisy, and she made enough for him to have one too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAFeFO4KTgrm-XYvci2FIqHNaulEliERhQwWDgIJ9UHF813lXMBPhGyzFMqU30GM4-yDVElORwAWrFjLgZuou6yaKHMmZqtw3-0LIId8Y-FgwqHsdInzWgLhCpRiNqLIRMYehD-sLYlk/s1600/381230_10150609424370410_640145409_11635126_68128316_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAFeFO4KTgrm-XYvci2FIqHNaulEliERhQwWDgIJ9UHF813lXMBPhGyzFMqU30GM4-yDVElORwAWrFjLgZuou6yaKHMmZqtw3-0LIId8Y-FgwqHsdInzWgLhCpRiNqLIRMYehD-sLYlk/s400/381230_10150609424370410_640145409_11635126_68128316_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I know I will treasure this ornament always, and wanted to share Daisy's recipe & instructions should any of you have the desire to make an ornament as well.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>1 Cup Flour</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>1 cup Water </strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>1/2 cup Salt</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>knead together, add spices or none (we used cinnamon) </strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>roll out to desired thickness</strong></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>shape</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>MAKE SURE TO PUT A HOLE IN IT IF AN ORNAMENT</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>bake at 250 for an hour or so until it is hard. </strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Super simple!! </strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">We used a wine bottle stopper, with a pointed end, for writing. We also used one of those little things that you stick into the end of a cob of corn. Either will do :) You will need a heart cookie cutter, or any other shape. The bigger the better.</span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">So that WAS Westie Wednesday. I've been a day behind all week, and I've also had so much going on that I haven't had a minute to sit down to blog. </span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">Westie Licks, </span><br />
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<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">T & Louis</span>DSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-55093676454626883922011-12-12T09:00:00.000-05:002011-12-12T09:00:07.141-05:00This Year's AngelSome friends and I went in to buy some prizes for a very special little baby. This baby has some special needs, and was born to a young woman who doesn't have a lot of money. What she does have, is a lot of love for this baby :) <br />
<br />
I was just saying that I wondered why someone who wasn't "settled" wouldn't give up their baby for adoption. There are so many lovely families looking for a child of their own, and wouldn't that just make more sense? But I've never been a mother. I don't begin to understand that attachment you have to that little life growing inside of you. And so I hushed up and decided that if this little baby was going to stay where he was, he probably needed some things to make him feel special. And loved. Because he is. <br />
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Here's what we came up with. I think we did pretty darned good if I do say so myself!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035ER8FI">(Dream On Me Classic 2 in 1 Convertible Stationary Side Crib - $99) </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004044LD4">(Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib Mattress, White - $52.99)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FV68TM">(J.Lamb & Friends Waterproof Fitted Crib Pad, White - $10.99)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038L8RFS">(Luvable Friends Fitted Knit Crib Sheet, Celery - $8.69)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BSGWTW">(Luvable Friends 6-Pack Flannel Receiving Blankets - $12.49)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvTfkwyspMpSZDMD24NbKjy4xrUQbmndGF-pl_TqTex2PbgFeM2NQpEQXcOfMDpAhPF5sBcNYblWH0M3qLcfJVgVCycNigae89n3yzJb9aLII7lsaDtMKwW3g1Y27XM0lSEx2CJvK6jI/s1600/81xQjA9QolL__AA1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvTfkwyspMpSZDMD24NbKjy4xrUQbmndGF-pl_TqTex2PbgFeM2NQpEQXcOfMDpAhPF5sBcNYblWH0M3qLcfJVgVCycNigae89n3yzJb9aLII7lsaDtMKwW3g1Y27XM0lSEx2CJvK6jI/s400/81xQjA9QolL__AA1500_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://gerber%20stripe%20nylon%20diaper%20tote/">(Gerber Stripe Nylon Diaper Tote - $18.39)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WB2G9I">(The First Years Jet Stroller - $39.99)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DZS720">(Kiddopotamus Snuzzler Complete Head and Body Support - $12.75)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000067EH7">(The First Year's Infant To Toddler Tub with Sling - $17.98)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VBXY4U">(Bright Starts Fun on Safari Cradling Bouncer - $21.29)</a></div>
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Thanks to Amazon's free super saver shipping, we were able to get all of this for only $300.13. Not too shabby! Unfortunately, for anyone interested, the crib has increased to $119 as of today. But it's still a great deal :) <br />
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So, for those of you mothers out there...did we do okay? Formula & diapers are being assisted with by another group, and another friend is probably going to be donating some gently use baby boy clothes and some other little things. <br />
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I sure hope this little angel feels the love this Christmas! <br />
<br />
T <br />
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<br /></div>DSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-77285912983963064152011-12-09T14:08:00.001-05:002011-12-09T14:10:46.756-05:00Aaaaaaaaand....<br />
<br />
.....because <span style="font-size: large;"><strong><a href="http://mrsmfc.blogspot.com/">mrs.mfc</a></strong></span> is so NOT a fan.....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>My winter blog header :)</em></strong></span></div>
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I think it makes me look like a hooker. With a big rear. But, truth be told...I do kindove have a big rear. I also spell kindove wrong. <br />
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But who's counting?<br />
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Mwah!<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-26848186231011152092011-12-09T13:25:00.001-05:002011-12-09T14:12:31.852-05:00Ho, Ho, Ho... No, Not You Silly!I made some changes/updates to yesterday's post about the Virginia Tech shootings. I'm sure everyone knows the story by now, but I like to have my facts straight. So they are straightened. If you are interested.<br />
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It's been a long week. Yesterday was hard. <br />
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I still don't feel like posting about my trip to New York City for Christmas. I'm really excited, and have lots to tell you about, but I think I'll save that until Monday. Hopefully a cheery day :)<br />
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I will tell you that my friend <a href="http://thesports-o-nista.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">The Sports-o-Nista</span></a> just returned from Manhattan. She took this photo for me: <br />
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(photo by <a href="http://thesports-o-nista.blogspot.com/">The Sports-o-Nista</a>)</div>
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Apparently Macy's has been overtaken by westies. I absolutely cannot wait!<br />
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We've got a full weekend planned. Tonight is game night with some couples we haven't spent nearly enough time with in the last year. Rumor has it we will be playing <em><strong>"The Newlywed Game".</strong></em> The old school version.<br />
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<em>(i'm totally that girl on the far left. the blonde. i suppose that makes TEN the guy next to me. nice collar TEN. hehehe)</em></div>
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Should make for a VERY interesting night. <br />
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Saturday is the Young Professional's Organization that we are very involved with's annual Christmas Cocktail Crawl. I found my jingle bell antlers last night, and they are all polished and ready to go. Louis has his annual check up at the vet first thing in the morning, and then we're off to celebrate!<br />
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<em>(last year's cocktail crawl. don't mind my expression. i'm pretty sure i'm about 3 sheets to the wind)</em></div>
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Sunday we plan to get my tree. I still don't have a tree. I know, I know. It's abominable. I do have a beautiful fresh Frasier Fur wreath with a big red bow on the front door. So that kindove counts. Kindove. And Louis has been wearing his Christmas sweater. That's got to count for something.<br />
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Time to Get Festive!<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-49558691783174692252011-12-08T13:48:00.001-05:002011-12-09T14:16:12.836-05:00Prayers for Virginia Tech...AgainI was getting ready to post something I had written about the holidays. But then I heard the news.<br />
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There has been another shooting at Virginia Tech. <strike>A police officer was sitting in her cruiser, and the gunman walked up to the window and shot her.</strike> (correction...<strike>she</strike> he was making a routine traffic stop. and some rando - not the person stoped - walked up and shot <strike>her </strike>him.) <strike>She</strike> He didn't make it.<br />
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And now there is another victim in The Cage parking lot. (UPDATE - they didn't make it either)(UPDATE - he was the gunman & shot himself.)<br />
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What is going on? Why is this happening?<br />
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Prayers for the students & faculty of Virginia Tech who were simply gearing up for exams. Minding their own business. Please keep them safe. <br />
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Prayers for the family of the police officer. I know they will miss <strike>her</strike> him terribly. Prayers for the <strike>other victim's family as well.</strike> gunman's family as well. (Not for him, mind you, because I'm still too angry to waste my prayers on him at the moment. But I feel for his family. How terrible to be associated with someone so evil.)<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-14192700804786035692011-12-07T13:00:00.001-05:002011-12-07T13:05:55.704-05:00Westie Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A certain little white puppy is feeling under the weather on this Westie Wednesday :( He may have had too much left over turkey, or perhaps he is just overwhelmed by the excitement that Christmas decorating has brought to the house.<br />
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Whatever the case may be, his belly is NOT pleased. Poor little muffin. <br />
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This morning, as I was leaving for work, he moaned from his crate.. <em>"mummy. mummy. pleeeaassseeee don't tell anyone that i messed myself yesterday. pleeeeeaaassseeee"</em> What a pitiful little voice I heard from the kitchen. And so, I'm not going to tell you about that. I'm just going to show you this sweet picture I took of him on Monday evening when I said "Where's your daddy? Where ISSSSS your daddy?"<br />
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Cracks me up every time :)<br />
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Sickly Westie Licks, <br />
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T & LouisDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-34687345616152817052011-12-05T13:51:00.001-05:002011-12-05T16:02:16.828-05:00Dawn Has Broken<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>****SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!****</strong></span></div>
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Good heavens. How in the world I forgot to tell you that I saw Breaking Dawn this weekend is beyond me! BFF and I went to the 1pm showing on Saturday afternoon. I, obviously, wore my "Team Edward" t-shirt. BFF did not wear her "Real Men Sparkle" t-shirt, and I was slightly disappointed. <br />
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I guess she is not as wrapped up in this Twilight movement as I am. <br />
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Couple of things. First, Bella should have worn this dress for her wedding...<br />
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....it was much prettier than the one she wore. Sorry. But it was.<br />
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Second, Bella is really annoying these days. I mean really annoying. I'm glad that it all worked out for her, but I must say that there was a little part of me that wanted it not to. Just because she was such a martyr about that baby and such. </div>
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Yes, I read the books. Yes, I know what is going to happen in the movies. No, that doesn't keep me from being disappointed when she turns out to be just as whiny and irritating as she was in the books.</div>
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My friend J posted this on his FB wall. His wife made him go to the movie with her. I think he sums up the movie rather well....</div>
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<strong><em>I'm just going to spoil Breaking Dawn Pt 1 for everyone:</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Edward and Bella get married.</em></strong></div>
<strong><em>Edward and Bella do it...for like an hour of the movie.</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Edward yells at the baby he put in Bella cuz it's trying to kill her.</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>... Intermission - While you wait here are some working baby names: EJ (Edward Jacob) or Renesme (their mom's names combined).</em></strong><br />
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<strong><em>And we're back - Baby is still trying to kill Bella. Good baby.</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Someone says "Oh maybe the baby wants blood".</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Bella drinks a buncha blood and has baby, dies, then comes back to life.</em></strong><br />
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And that's about what happens. Seriously. <br />
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Remind me again why I'm so crazy about this series???<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-79301261301664466102011-12-05T11:42:00.001-05:002011-12-05T14:06:59.140-05:00Now That That's Over With...I have been remiss in chronicling my life as of late. One would assume that it was due to me being so busy living. One would be incorrect. I've just been too busy being lazy ;) But I've earned it!<br />
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The Saturday after Thanksgiving I hosted a little <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Va Tech/UVA</strong></span> game day get together. I do this every year, since most of us don't make it to the game. This year TEN and I made the following snacks for the party:<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>TEN's Homemade Turkey Chili</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>T's Stuffing Fritters</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Potato Croquettes</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Red Pepper Jelly over Cream Cheese w/Triscuits</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Taco Cheese Ball</strong></em></span></div>
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Of course we were so busy making these tasty treats that I forgot to take pictures. But believe me, the house was decked out...and the treats were delish!<br />
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The Real Housewife of Charleston, and Mr. Charleston, came to the game party...and look here at what they brought me!!<br />
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Isn't that the cutest??!?!?! It's an ornament for the tree, with Louis' little picture in it. Louis is snuggled up in that blanket that TRHoC game me for Christmas last year. The one with westies and scotties all over it. Presh little muffin :) She printed the photo off of the computer, put it in that adorable ornament and hung it around a bottle of Pinot Noir. Be still my heart! (you see why we are such good friends!)<br />
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slively and his wife and son came over for the game. They brought me a prize as well! I was so spoiled, and there was definitely a theme emerging:<br />
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I think everyone is pretty sure that you cannot go wrong with a a bottle of wine and a dog :) Not sure what that says about me, but that's okay!<br />
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The next day, Sunday, was <span style="font-size: large;"><strong><a href="http://mrsmfc.blogspot.com/">mrs.mfc's</a></strong></span> baby shower. It was a lovely event, but again...no pictures of my own :( Bad, bad T. I pilfered a few from Marilyn Monroe...<br />
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I spent much time last week on my:<br />
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And I'm pretty proud of myself, to tell you the truth. I do not like exercise one bit, but I've got the stereo set up in the basement. I get home from work and turn that sucker up to high, grab my 3lb hand weights (shush it! no giggling!) and go to town on that treadmill! It feels great :)<br />
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Friday night BFF and I went to my absolute favorite restaurant in Smalltown, VA. I always split the scallop appetizer with my dinner date, and then order the filet oscar. Always. I also always clean my plate. Only this time...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxnPbzajgeuIqZGga60PfGEOsCAXGji3DA-7lq_1r7bUFNkYg_tErKtT-NZNrIWgelA58GQrL-7nB9QP1C0NoXfWQ_-ln54LjodIqA6LL5Dw-z3Qi4AaQarOJakeyZItCwzO2x7YM1hM/s1600/IMG00488-20111202-1933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxnPbzajgeuIqZGga60PfGEOsCAXGji3DA-7lq_1r7bUFNkYg_tErKtT-NZNrIWgelA58GQrL-7nB9QP1C0NoXfWQ_-ln54LjodIqA6LL5Dw-z3Qi4AaQarOJakeyZItCwzO2x7YM1hM/s400/IMG00488-20111202-1933.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was slightly devastated, and requested a to go box. WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON HERE?!?!?!? I have never been unable to finish off what I deem to be the most perfect meal in the world. NEVER. Until Friday night :( <br />
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TEN was a happy camper, as he enjoyed my doggy bag..... He did share some with Louis. Louis & TEN eating my prized fielt oscar. Hmph. Well, at least it didn't go to waste....<br />
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Saturday night was our wine club's <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Christmas Party</strong></span>! Always a festive occasion, and always hosted by <strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://mrsmfc.blogspot.com/">mrs.mfc</a></span></strong>. She and <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>mr.mfc</strong></span> are such wonderful hosts, and the food and decor is always beyond fantastic :)<br />
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(TEN and I at the party. what do you think of his Novembeard?)</div>
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(BFF, me, The Voice of Reason, Barbie)</div>
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(me, the girls......, mrs.mfc)</div>
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Now...I should be all caught up. Well, except for the fact that I won a SHABBY <a href="http://barefootbird.blogspot.com/2011/11/lets-play-dress-up-giveaway.html">APPLE DRESS GIVEAWAY</a>!!! Eeeekkksss!!! *squeals and dances around with joy*<br />
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Do you know <a href="http://barefootbird.blogspot.com/2011/11/lets-play-dress-up-giveaway.html"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;"><strong>Barefoot in the Park</strong></span></a>? If not you probably should. She's presh as can be (and she has a very clever pup. as in he can do tricks and such. srsly). She also hosted an Amaaaaaaaaaaaazing giveaway earlier this month. A dress from <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Shabby Apple</strong></span></a> was up for grabs, and if you haven't figured it out by now....THIS lucky girl won!<br />
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I went back and forth, and all around, and these were my final top 3 choices:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6Oi0qUhCN0pvs1SuySIswO2c0xZ4RsePjEU7RIPdhSGdCdEWAd-GXt4qVslAJId8zXXNP1oKam3Q6tVH6jLyIMME_WEKr3iPVxbaG38yoRkDt1MvHhcmUyJiHdLes34zWdp_1wE1tWs/s1600/440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6Oi0qUhCN0pvs1SuySIswO2c0xZ4RsePjEU7RIPdhSGdCdEWAd-GXt4qVslAJId8zXXNP1oKam3Q6tVH6jLyIMME_WEKr3iPVxbaG38yoRkDt1MvHhcmUyJiHdLes34zWdp_1wE1tWs/s400/440.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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(<a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-440-ferris-wheel.aspx">The Ferris Wheel Dress</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioxjj_BqAJec48AwORj6Wk1ytYB-iyUz8TFsmgjokXoZl5IInDJ1zK_OOTWO4fmlt-2WgcKZyW9-J8tTnfxsP67r10Zq4iWqXkRlXirraPas5KYVqxtEVqPX6vvceubfkuKTeYDc43Rw/s1600/1052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioxjj_BqAJec48AwORj6Wk1ytYB-iyUz8TFsmgjokXoZl5IInDJ1zK_OOTWO4fmlt-2WgcKZyW9-J8tTnfxsP67r10Zq4iWqXkRlXirraPas5KYVqxtEVqPX6vvceubfkuKTeYDc43Rw/s400/1052.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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(<a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-1052-overboard.aspx">The Overboard Dress</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipD_0Qv8XRnofmurYKh1MlTCDehGA9qvBv-X-pyIlyU1xofieCU_znoZAto7ul7xIH4UmwYkxuNx-ag2CVtkb7oPdG5GuteT_p3vSaPt7eu6ed6XYBVwg4hyphenhyphen61Fya6noBAv03uA-lIaig/s1600/gondola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipD_0Qv8XRnofmurYKh1MlTCDehGA9qvBv-X-pyIlyU1xofieCU_znoZAto7ul7xIH4UmwYkxuNx-ag2CVtkb7oPdG5GuteT_p3vSaPt7eu6ed6XYBVwg4hyphenhyphen61Fya6noBAv03uA-lIaig/s400/gondola.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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(<a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-955-gondola.aspx">The Gondola Dress</a>)</div>
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It was a VERY tough decision, but I decided on the Gondola Dress!! I cannot wait for it to arrive :)<br />
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And THAT's all folks. <br />
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All caught up and ready to face the week. A week of Christmas Tree putting up, Christmas decorating, Angel Tree shopping and a weekend of The Newlywed Game & a Christmas Cocktail Crawl. <br />
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Gotta love the holidays!!<br />
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xoxo,<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-37986829476903001162011-12-02T11:48:00.001-05:002011-12-02T11:57:50.481-05:00Let's Discuss....<br />
Did someone really write in to ask this? Seriously? <br />
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Bless their little heart.....<br />
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I was recently "called out" by someone for my not inviting them to a get together. But this certain someone is famous for not RSVPing. In my opinion, if you can't bother to let me know if I should purchase cocktails and food for you, then I can't bother to invite you. I am OCD people. I <strong><em>NEED</em></strong> to know who is coming to my house. (Last minute emergencies aside, of course!)<br />
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So when this little gem showed up on Facebook today, I couldn't help but re-post. Quite a spark of conversation has started over Miss Manners article of the day, and I've found myself pondering a few of the questions that have been posed:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Should "maybe" be deleted from the list of RSVP options?</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Must one reply to a Facebook "invite" when it's obvious everyone the invitor is friends with has been invited? It certainly isn't a "personal" invitation. Is it rude to ignore? </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Is it "tacky" to follow-up with people who have missed the RSVP date, and neither confirmed nor denied their attendance?</em></span><br />
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What do YOU think?<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-89196863524799133092011-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:002011-11-30T09:00:12.071-05:00Westie Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Quite a few years ago, a dear friend gave me this print. I put it in a very special place <em>(read: place where it would not get lost</em>), and then proceeded to lose it! This print was given to me before Louis came to live with me, and for that reason is even more special. :) I finally had it framed, and it is on the fire place mantle in my living room. </div>
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Louis spent most of the Thanksgiving Holiday resting his eyes. And his paws. And his belly. He pretty much rested everything on various part of the couch....for 6 days. He is an excellent rest-er.</div>
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Well, until he found that mouse under my woodpile. Then was quite alert!</div>
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I fear he's a wee bit out of shape though. There is still a mouse in my woodpile :-o</div>
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Westie Licks, </div>
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T & Louis</div>DSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-80420842134392665232011-11-29T15:00:00.000-05:002011-11-29T15:00:02.137-05:00Oh The Places You'll Go!I have been in the mood to cook a lot lately. <br />
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I think it's the change of seasons, and the general desire to "hunker down" for the winter that finds me at home with the time to do so. Even though it's still an average of 70 degrees or something here in Smalltown, VA....the days are shorter, and the leaves have fallen. It's time to cook!<br />
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I found a recipe that I had tucked into an old notebook. I remember the day I pulled the recipe out from my <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/balsamic-poached-chicken-10000001168196/index.html">Real Simple Magazine</a>. I remember thinking that the presentation was lovely, but that the recipe sounded too "hard" for me. I pulled the recipe out anyway. That was probably 4 years ago :)<br />
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Last week I found myself chuckling at the memory. Too hard? Could I have been serious? And I stood there in the kitchen having one of those "flashback" moments that take us by surprise sometimes. You know the ones. A certain smell, or a song on the radio...and you're gone. Back to the 8th grade. Or Senior Prom. Or whatever. So anyway, I'm standing in my kitchen and I remember standing right there and thinking <em>"maybe if my mother comes to visit sometime I could make this. it looks impressive, and it's healthy. nahhhh...i'd mess it up. it's too hard."</em> And I tucked it into a notebook.<br />
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What a silly girl I was! Too hard? Psshhht! But, I hadn't been practicing back then! I hadn't given myself the chance. And I'm just so glad that I kept that recipe in the old notebook. And that I found it just the other day. And that I cooked it. And that it was a success :)<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/balsamic-poached-chicken-10000001168196/index.html">Balsamic Poached Chicken</a></span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>1 pound new potatoes, halved or quartered</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>1/4 teaspoon black pepper</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>1 pound asparagus, trimmed</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>1 14.5-ounce can chicken broth</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>1 cup balsamic vinegar</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts</em></span></div>
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I don't mean to sound arrogant, or as if I am some sort of fancy pants chef, but that I was intimidated by this recipe really makes me giggle. Now :)</div>
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First, you take 2 pounds of new potatoes and you put them into a roasting pan in the oven. Season with 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 tsp of black pepper, and toss. Roast for 30 minutes, shaking the pan once. </div>
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Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring 14.5oz chicken broth & 1 cup balsamic vinegar to a boil. <em>(SIDE NOTE - be sure to have windows open, fans on, etc, before you start boiling this vinegar. We followed this suggestion and didn't have a terrible smell. I have heard it can be horrid if you don't take precautions!)</em> Add the chicken and, if necessary, enough water (up to 1/2 cup) to cover it. Simmer for 1 minute. Cover, remove from heat, and set aside until cooked through, about 15 minutes. <br />
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Add 1lb asparagus to the pan with the potatoes, season with the remaining salt, and toss. Roast until the asparagus is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. </div>
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After removing the chicken, continue to reduce the chicken broth/vinegar mixture for about 10 minutes. You are looking for a thickening in the mixture to drizzle over the finished product.<br />
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And then......<br />
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Could it be any easier? <br />
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The potatoes and asparagus were divine! The chicken was good too, but we were wondering if perhaps marinating it for a bit in the chicken broth/vinegar mixture and then grilling it may be even better? Or, perhaps it would be too overpowered with vinegar that way? <br />
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Regardless, I'm sure we will try this recipe (in one form or another) again!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em><u>Oh, the Places You'll Go!</u></em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">by Dr. Seuss</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Congratulations!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Today is your day.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>You're off to Great Places!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>You're off and away!</strong></span></div>
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Feeling Bold & Sassy in the Kitchen,<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7179497661909674953.post-20507986598144791092011-11-29T09:00:00.000-05:002011-11-29T09:00:03.204-05:00Gullah Gullah Gumbo from Charleston, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When we were visiting Charleston, SC earlier this fall, we picked up a few of these little starter packets for different types of low country food from <a href="http://www.gullahgourmet.com/entrees/gullah-gullah-gumbo">Gullah Gourmet</a>. We had yet to make any of them, so on a cold and rainy evening we decided it was time for the <a href="http://www.gullahgourmet.com/entrees/gullah-gullah-gumbo">Gullah Gullah Gumbo</a>!<br />
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Inside the bag were two pouches. One with rice, and the other with all of the spices.<br />
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The directions told us to bring the spices to a boil.</div>
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And in the meantime to cook the shrimp/chicken/spicy sausage/etc. I had chicken & spicy sausage on hand, so that is what we used.</div>
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Then, we added the chicken and sausage into the boiling mixture (which had really thickened over the last 20 minutes), and we couldn't wait to try it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ9q9cGAgE7QrVtTcmez7qKT8GCHhBaz1k5hkIX1rznRU27NgTX9tYB0wT08XOpNQCb8E4hwZdUHCBoYTknh-AsGxwTtUZCjPUPQViXkdgrCiOupEQNFJVRwNlx1gm1moB2IGJQPSEQM/s1600/P1010034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ9q9cGAgE7QrVtTcmez7qKT8GCHhBaz1k5hkIX1rznRU27NgTX9tYB0wT08XOpNQCb8E4hwZdUHCBoYTknh-AsGxwTtUZCjPUPQViXkdgrCiOupEQNFJVRwNlx1gm1moB2IGJQPSEQM/s320/P1010034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We boiled the rice, and filled our plates.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0Be_lZEYOa4e8LFbPMKRyZKlcHNIKzIcdLdhU1jTq1HnadyrCL2zZTuAcYvhvh_cIqyLI8Y3UCoHbeqMVzvZE9DCXMNBXxClDOQXx1hi5RP0QgG3zSd0kT8t2dNZloWKy4trvIsV594/s1600/P1010036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0Be_lZEYOa4e8LFbPMKRyZKlcHNIKzIcdLdhU1jTq1HnadyrCL2zZTuAcYvhvh_cIqyLI8Y3UCoHbeqMVzvZE9DCXMNBXxClDOQXx1hi5RP0QgG3zSd0kT8t2dNZloWKy4trvIsV594/s320/P1010036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It hit the spot for a cold and rainy night. *HOWEVER* if we were ever to make this again, we would need to add MORE spice. Yes, you heard it here friends. I really am becoming a spice-a-holic. MORE, MORE, MORE! Even TEN agreed that it was delish, but could have used some spicy peppers to give it a bit of a kick.<br />
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Have you ever made one of these Gullah Gourmet meals in a bag? If so, did you like it? Which one was it?<br />
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TDSShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724512479195083594noreply@blogger.com1