'Hood Drama

Superbowl weekend. I don't really care much about the NFL, but we'll watch. Lauren is a big Broncos fan, so we're going for Denver. I'm not really into Coldplay, so I'm not excited about the halftime show this year, but I am looking forward to the commercials!

Big drama in the 'hood this week. A former neighbor of a friend has been dragging her small children around with her, using them to gain entry into people's homes (including my friend's) to steal narcotic pain meds. It ended up on the neighborhood Facebook group, which is okay, but included a very detailed description of the person (her former job, her old street name, etc.), which I thought was over the line. 

Meanwhile, my friend and her neighbors had already contacted this woman's husband and she's in rehab. Best outcome for all involved. The Facebook post was removed by the person who posted it, saying it was "a misunderstanding," which it wasn't, but whatever turned down the drama factor was a good thing.

I may have mentioned our neighborhood Facebook group on here before. I don't know if all neighborhood groups are like ours, but it is about half useful information and half the rantings of people with too much time on their hands. The useful information- many, many lost pets found, great local service/store/restaurant recommendations, news on development and area road projects. The crazy- countless photos of dog poop encountered on people's walks/runs, self-righteous road safety rants always beginning with a creepy salutation like "Dear red Honda Civic on XYZ Street..." along with photos of license plates of the alleged violators, and the ever-warring fireworks/No fireworks groups (we're inside the city limit, but people do it anyway).

Wait. Kevin Smith's daughter is named Harley Quinn? That's awesome. How did I miss that? 

Anyhoo, the group is a good source of entertainment, but it can also be annoying. The lady who posted about the drug seeking neighbor found that information on ANOTHER neighborhood site called NextDoor.com, further proving that some of these folks really need a hobby. And if any of those crazies ever posts my license plate, I'll be at their house taking photos of their license plates and posting them as well. Just sayin'!

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Burnt

Watched Burnt last night. Usually I see all my Bradley Cooper movies at the theater, but somehow I missed this one! 

It was a'ight. Basic element of film- caring about the characters. I don't feel like I ever really came to care much about Bradley Cooper's character. He is an angry, perfectionist chef whose life goal is to get a three star Michelin rating. Not a lot to like about the guy really, which is fine, but you have to have some sort of sympathy for the character, and I didn't. His relationships were all lukewarm and he was just very one-dimensional. I blame the writing, because the actors were all fabulous!

In other news, I've made a browser change to Chrome on my Mac. Never thought I would say that, but it's true. So, Google and Apple can actually work together! AND... Chrome works especially well for Blogger, as is probably expected.

Sunday Stealing

Do you know any couples that have been married for a very long time? 

Jeff's parents have been married over 50 years

What are you tired of people telling you? 

Johnny Manziel has gotten caught doing this or that, as if I should have some sort of explanation or official response on behalf of the university. 

Which type of ice cream do you prefer?

mint chocolate chip

 
Do you have a little sister? What’s her name? 

Nope

What was the last movie you watched on TV? 

I don't watch many TV movies. I can't remember the last one I saw.

If the internet was not available right now, what would you do instead? 

watch a cooking show or HGTV

Do you complain a lot? 

nope

Name a movie that your favorite actor is in. 

Oceans 11

Do you like your toes? 

not really

Would you rather go to an authentic haunted house or an ancient temple?

ancient temple

 
Have you ever had champagne? Did you like it? 

I like it in small doses. Never more than one glass.

Are there any seashells in your room?

No. There are seashells in our guest room though.

 
What was the reason for the last time you went outside? 

We were going to Target. Gorgeous day yesterday!

Do you like fruity or minty gum? 

minty

Are you looking forward to any day of this month? 

Feb 19- Cathy and George are coming for a visit!

What was the last graduation you attended?

Cathy's grad from UTMB

 
Do you rummage through the $5 movie bin at Walmart every time? 

Never

What day of the week do you usually do laundry? 

Wednesday

Do you like using air fresheners? 

yes

Are your nails ever painted red? 

yes

When you were a baby, did you have a favorite blanket?

yep

 
Ever been on a cruise? 

several

Would you rather go to Alaska or Russia? 

Russia

Strawberries or bananas? 

Bananas. They're more consistent.

Are you wearing socks? 

no

When’s the last time you went to the mall?

Last week with Lauren.

Do you like to see it snowing outside?

Yes

Do you tell your family you love them enough?

I hope so.

Do you like getting jewelry or do you not wear any?

I like nice costume jewelry. I appreciate the occasional jewelry gift, but I don't need much in the way of diamonds and precious metals.

Do you watch a lot of NFL football?

No. I used to.

Have you ever used the word ‘lame’?

Yep

Are you/Were you in a band? If so, what was your band name?

I was in a band that got together a few times to play at Grant's, but we never played any gigs and never had a name.

When is the last time you went to the doctor?

A couple of weeks ago I saw my cardiologist. (All good!)

Do you own any shirts with a peace symbol on it?

nope

Would you ever go to Japan?

Yes

What was the last thing you went to Walmart for?

Curad Truly Ouchless bandages (SO wonderful- repositionable and very easy removal). They have them for the best price.

Ever gotten in a car accident?

Once in college, when a deer hit my windshield.

Have you ever been in a choir?

I was in choir all through junior high school. 

Do you like the color of your eyes? If not, what color would you want them?

I'm very happy with my eye color.

When was the last time you went ice skating?

When Lauren was little.

Do you like to brush your teeth?

It has to be done. It's not something I look forward to with great anticipation.

Have you ever had a surgery?

several

Do you look older or younger than you actually are?

I always looked older than I was when I was growing up, and younger than I was when I was an adult. Now I think I finally look my age.

When is the next time you’ll be up on stage?

I don't have any public appearances coming up.

Where did you spend your last birthday?

We didn't do anything big. Probably went out to dinner.

What is the last show that you watched a full episode of?

Chopped

Do you know anyone who lives in Utah?

No

Is there anything you need to work on doing soon?

Kitchen remodel

Do your feelings get hurt easily?

Not particularly.

Do you, or do you know someone who has taken karate lessons?

Chris and Alicia are big into some sort of martial arts. Not sure which variety.

Were you ever a boy or girl scout?

I was a brownie for two years and a junior for one year.

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We Out

I resigned on Monday. I am staying with the company as a contractor, for occasional short term tasks. If I ever want to go back, I have that option as well. Never a bad thing!

I gave eleven weeks notice, 'cuz I'm nice like that. Time for them to hire my replacement and for me to train that person, time to finish out one of my current trials to the end. March 31 is my last day in the office!

Two of my three colleagues are also leaving, both of them for positions in another department. One took her new job last week. The other will take her new job in April.

I won't go into the mountain of reasons I am leaving the 9-5, but I can reveal my next adventure.

When I was a stay-at-home mom, I was home to care for our child full time. I had no real appreciation of the value of all the cleaning, planning our social calendar, organizing and carrying out home improvement projects, all the shopping and cooking meals, etc.

That is, until we didn't have anyone to do it for the past three years.

People may say, "My husband/wife and I both work and we take care of all that stuff without breaking a sweat. Plus we have twin toddlers, two dogs and a half-acre vegetable garden." I know!! Maybe it's just us. Or maybe it's my having had more time to dedicate to those things for so long that now I really just want that time to do things the way I used to.

I want our weekends and evenings to be relaxing, with everything a bit more... put together. A little less worrying and hurrying and a little more zen. Lowering my blood pressure and getting a full night's sleep is #1 on the list to start.

So there you have it. I'll be running our household activities and filling in with the occasional work project. My friends and coworkers are incredibly supportive, and I am very grateful for that!

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Talkin' 'Bout My Geeeeneration

Watching a show about the current generation wanting money and success to come to them without putting in any work, desiring fame, feeling self-important. Well, this is what happens when every kid gets a participation trophy. This generation grew up with an award for showing up, helicopter parents who jump in to help at every turn and an education system that passes them from grade to grade with special allowances for every little thing. The now twenty-somethings want to live in a fabulous space at 22, make six figures by age 30, take expensive vacations and eat/drink at the best places. 

Another part of the issue is instant gratification in entertainment and news and social media. Everything happens fast and they want that instant positive response in every aspect of their lives. It all makes sense. Some of it is our fault as parents (which probably goes back to how we were parented) and some of it is the state of technology.

Of course, not all twenty-somethings fit this description, but it's definitely the prevailing type of personality. I hope for all of them that they can let go of the notion that everything will come easy and that they are entitled to have whatever they want when they want it, because as was also pointed out, this generation has the highest rate of depression and anxiety of any other. 

Take that pressure off yourselves. Adult life is a journey that almost always begins with very little money and a very little apartment. There are a lot of sandwiches for dinner. A few years down the road, things get more comfortable and you can look back and remember those simpler, but leaner times, and truly appreciate and be proud of how far you've come with the work you've put in and the goals you've accomplished. 

Saturday 9: Let's Dance (1983)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
In memory of David Bowie (1947-2016)

1) In this song, David encourages his partner to "put on your red shoes and dance." When did you last dance?

Thursday, doing Zumba with Lauren.

2) Mr. Bowie recalled that he and choreographer Toni Basil developed a dance step now known as "the moonwalk" for his 1974 tour, nearly a decade before Michael Jackson performed "Billie Jean." Can you think of something you should have gotten credit for, but didn't?

I don't think so.

3) Similarly, the band Roxy Music was upset because Bowie copied their "catsuit look" for his own stage wardrobe and made it famous. What do you usually wear, Monday through Friday?
Dark or black jeans, a dressy top and flats.

4) David Bowie was particular about the aftershave he wore, and one of his favorites was by Guerlain. Do you regularly apply cologne or aftershave?

I sometimes wear Philosophy Pure Grace perfume.

5) In school, David's best subject was art. Think back to your own school days. In which class did you excel?

math

6) In addition to art and music, David Bowie displayed a keen head for business, leaving a fortune of more than $600,000,000. Would you describe yourself as "good with money?"

I am very good with money. I've stretched a dollar like no one else and I've also managed investments after I had more money to work with.

7) Bowie also appeared in a variety of movies from The Man Who Fell to Earth to Zoolander. Who is your all-time favorite movie actor?

Harrison Ford

8) One of Bowie's hits is "Life on Mars." If you had the opportunity to travel into space, would you take it?

I wish I could say yes, but I would be really claustrophobic in the tiny cockpit.

9) The creators of SpongeBob Square Pants are huge Bowie fans and were thrilled when, in 2007, he appeared in an episode. Sam suspects that she may be the only person who hasn't seen that cartoon show. What about you? Have you ever watched an episode of SpongeBob, start to finish?

We're big Spongebob fans at our house. I've seen almost all the episodes from start to finish.

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SEC SEC SEC

Congratulations, Bama!!

Watched the first half of the game with Scott-n-Julie Monday night. Kirsten is home from school right now. We were talking about people who died young, who always said they could never picture themselves old. I always make an extra effort to picture myself as old, just because of that! Ha!

Julie: I can easily picture myself as old... Kirsten bringing the kids over...
Kirsten: Goats, maybe.
Julie: Baaaaahhh-haha.

Oy. LOL

So, I'm using Safari for my browser on my MacBook, now that Firefox has something all jacked up about it on Mac that makes it scroll weird. Safari has its own challenges, like the Blogger cursor being weird.

Are there ANY non-weird browsers out there?! Stop yelling Chrome, because we all know Chrome sucks. Half the sites I regularly visit don't even display correctly in Chrome.

Damn you, Safari cursor.

What else.. OH. New Coen Bros. film Feb 5! (And Clooney!)

Someone is calling from the future...

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I'll Take South American Capitals for a Thousand

So yesterday, Jeopardy was on. I don't normally watch it, but it was just in the background and I noticed it while Lauren and I were getting ready to go to the mall. The category: South American Capitals.

Lauren and I had a laugh over that while we put on our shoes, because neither of us would EVER know any of those. First of all, I'm geographically challenged. Secondly, it's South America, oddly one of the least visited destinations by Americans.

Answer: Something something Río de la Plata something...
Me: BUENOS AIRES!

All three contestants buzz in and every one of those geniuses answers incorrectly.

Alex: The question is 'What is Buenos Aires?'

YES IT IS!!!!

High fives all around. I didn't even care that I hadn't responded in the form of a question.

See, the first rule of trivia games is that you key in on the related thing you know and make an extremely educated guess using that tidbit of information. I happen to be fluent in Evita song lyrics, so Rio de la Plata, Florida, Corrientes, Nueve de Julio, is all I want to know.

Hello, Buenos Aires.

Never underestimate the power of musical theater!

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Happy New Year!!

Happy 2016!! I hope everyone had a fun fun fun New Year's Eve with no hangovers!

Song Survey

1. a song from the year you were born


2. a song that reminds you of school


3. a song tied to a specific moment in your life
from our wedding...


4. a song that is not sung in your native language
...from my dad's favorite Mireille Mathieu album, Rendezvous mit Mireille. I knew all the words to the songs from that record.


5. a song over 5 minutes long
Oh yes... I'm lookin' out for angels...


6. a song under 2 minutes long
Anything by The Judy's! ;)


7. an instrumental
Mom's TV obsession...


8. a classical piece


9. a song with no percussion


10. something you’ve heard performed live


11. something you’d give ANYTHING to hear performed live
Bette Midler singing just about anything...


12. a song by an artist who’s from where you’re from (town/city/state/country)


13. a song made suddenly precious because of a special someone


14. a song made suddenly awful because of a special someone


15. something to BELT SHAMELESSLY/do DIVA HANDS to


16. something to SCREAM ALONG to


17. a song for raging
old but still GREAT...


18. a song that demands lipsyncing into a makeshift microphone


19. the last song you had stuck in your head


20. a song you’re dying to master all the words to


21. a song that you could SLAY at karaoke


22. a song you can’t help but dance to
Ever since the last concert, when we were dancing...


23. a song that makes you want to dance on a table


24. a song that makes you wanna STRIP
How can you NOT strip when this comes on?


25. a song with a great music video


26. a song that makes you act out the music video when you hear it


27. a song with counting


28. a song with spelling


29. a song with lots of clapping


30. a song 40 years older than you
from Show Boat (1927)


31. a song you wish your parents didn’t know the words to


32. a song whose lyrics shocked you once you were old enough to understand them


33. a song you have ZERO patience for


34. a song you’d like your favorite artist to cover
I'd love to hear Daughtry cover this...


35. a great song you discovered thanks to a movie


36. a great song you discovered thanks to television


37. a song you’re ashamed to have in your music library


38. ok what’s the song you were too ashamed to even post for #37


39. the most played song in your music library


40. favorite Disney song

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Christmas 2015

So it's The Day After Boxing Day! I will never forget my dad, stepbrother, stepbro's BFF and I, ready to go shopping in London the day after Christmas 1983, when we found out all the stores were closed for something called Boxing Day.

What. The. ?!

Brits.

Anyhoo... The beef tenderloin was a big hit! It was super easy and the meat was fantastic. Not an everyday thing at $27 a pound, but yes. Good stuff. I also made crack potatoes, which everyone knows are the best potatoes ever invented. So it worked well. Lauren and Grandma made the strawberry jello, cream cheese, pretzel crust dessert thing, which was delicious. First family Christmas meal at my place is now in the memory books.

We didn't go out to eat one single time while the fam was here. That's probably some sort of record as well. We also didn't finish our 1000 piece puzzle for the first time ever! Ack. That thing is still sitting on the table. We will finish it!

We have finally made a pact with Steven that we will no longer purchase gift cards to exchange at Christmas. (I don't prefer to get anyone a gift card unless it's something really unique that requires it, but that's what he asks for every year.) It's just weird to trade gift cards. I mean, honestly. What exactly is the point? Now the cancellation of this horrible tradition has been decreed! Yaaaaay! And I am free to just give him a gag gift, which is WAY more fun.


Saturday 9: Happy Holidays!

1. As you can see, Sam loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?
I always enjoyed it! Lots of pics of me on Santa's lap. I didn't want to miss telling him what I wanted, so he wouldn't give me clothes.

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?
Nice. I got there by making it through the entire year without silly stringing the office of that person we can't stand at work.

3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?
I only shipped one (a live tabletop evergreen arrangement). It went to my Grandpa in Dallas.

4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?
Guitar Hero Live

5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie?
Love Actually

6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?
We usually go to a movie on Christmas afternoon. We didn't this year.

7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party? 
I wish I had, so this answer would be entertaining, but no.

8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather?
spiced cider

9. Share a memory from last Christmas. 
Going to Johnson City with Scott and Julie!

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'Tis the Season to be Jolly

Fa la la la laaaaaaaaa...

Yesterday, Kathy and I went to Armadillo Bazaar at Palmer Events Center. It's always the best art show in town. I even bought something this year!! It's cut metal folk art by Hayley Nolte. A mirror to be precise. SO cool. I've hung it in my foyer and I am elated to own it. I debated between a cowboy boot motif and a sea turtle motif, both of which I loved, but I have some other decor that is Texas-themed, so I went with the boots. It's perfect! You can see a similar one on their website here (my boot mirror's color scheme is different than the photo there). I think Jeff even likes it.

Today, I helped Kathy bake her Christmas cookies and fudge for her trip home to Houston tomorrow. I'm not doing any baking this year, so it was nice to participate. I will, however, be roasting a beef tenderloin for the first time ever on Friday, so watch for that story right here on Boxing Day.

Tomorrow... Jeff's fam arrives. Let the annual traditional Christmas puzzle begin!


Saturday 9: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (1979)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) According to a marketing research firm, this song is both one of the most played and most hated songs of the season. Do you like it?
Nope.

2) In this song, Grandma's troubles start when she drinks too much eggnog. Do you like eggnog?
Yes, but not more than one glass.

3) In the song, Grandpa recovers from losing Grandma by drinking beer and playing cards with Cousin Mel. Will you be celebrating the holidays with cousins?
No, just Jeff's parents and my brother-in-law.

4) When did you most recently drink a beer? Was it in a bottle, a can or a glass?
I vaguely remember recently having a Shiner Bock in a bottle with Jeff.

5) The lyrics refer to "pudding of fig." In "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," the carolers demand figgy pudding. Yet despite its popularity in holiday songs, Sam has never tasted fig pudding. Have you?
I have not.

6) Thinking of holiday sweets, would you prefer a gingerbread cookie or slice of pumpkin pie?
gingerbread cookie

7) This song was recorded by a duo named Elmo & Patsy. It occurs to Sam that she has never met anyone named Elmo. How about you? Any Elmos in your life?
I know no Elmos (Elmoes?).

8) Do you need snow to get "into the spirit?"
I live in central Texas. We very rarely get snow at all, so... nope!

9) Random question: Are you going to get/have you gotten a flu shot this year?
I got my flu shot!

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Rolo Tales

We had our company Christmas potluck this week. I was going to make those Rolo pretzel turtle candies, but when I went to the grocery store to buy the pretzels, Rolos and pecans, those three very specific items were conspicuously GONE from their respective shelf spaces. This told me that tons of people are making these this year and I worried that someone may bring them to the party, so I bought cheddar popcorn to bring instead.

I showed up to work that morning and told KathyG (my office mate) the story of why I hadn't brought the pretzel turtles. She turned and picked up her dish and showed me a full plate of them. HA! Plus, she's been a professional baker for years and decorated hers with red and green icing, so mine would have paled in comparison. Whew! SO glad I didn't make them. 

Sunday Stealing: Why Do You Want To Know That Meme

1. List 5 things you want to do before the year ends. 
box and store all of Lauren's storage items, take some much-needed time away from work (two weeks!), get together with Laura, buy more Neutrogena Rainbath shower gel (I've now tried regular soap and another shower gel and I simply must have it), see a movie

2. What color are your pants? 
I'm not wearing pants.

3. Favorite motivational quote. 
Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. -Albert Einstein

4. When was the last time you drank coffee? 
yesterday- Dunkin Decaf from the Keurig

5. What was the last thing you ate? 
cheddar chicken patty, edamame and stuffing/gravy

6. Favorite animal. 
tiger

7. Favorite song. 
"Hello" Adele

8. Last movie you watched? 
This is 40

9. Any turn ons?
intelligence

10. Any turn offs? 
arrogance

11. List 4 big words off of the top of your head. 
flibbertigibbet, preponderance, supraclavicular, idiosyncrasy

12. What are some meaningful movies? 
Little Miss Sunshine, Love, Actually,  Steel Magnolias, Terms of Endearment

13. 2 most important people in your life right now? 
Jeff and Lauren

14. What are 3 things you want for Christmas? 
I only specifically want a new rice steamer

15. When was the last time you read a good book? 
a long time ago

16. What was the last thing you studied?
clinical database software administration

17. Do you have any nicknames? 
not that anyone calls me on a regular basis

18. Favorite kind of perfume? (fruity, alluring, etc.) 
alluring and understated

19. Do you have any international friends / friends who live out of state?
lots of friends out of state, my friend Sue Ellen lives in Sydney, Eva lives in Brussels, Stephen's wife is Australian and they live there, Bob and his English wife live in England

20. What is something unique that you do every single day?
I do nothing unique every single day.

21. If there was a movie based on your life, what would it be called? 
That's What She Said

22. When was the last time you bought a gift for someone? 
I think the last gift I bought was for Lauren on Monday.

23. Are you a shopaholic? 
No, but I do enjoy shopping!

24. What are some songs that always make you feel better? 
"Accidentally In Love" Counting Crows, "Drive By" Train, "You and I" Lady Gaga

25. List 3 activities that you can only enjoy by yourself. 
shopping for clothing (I like time to peruse every little item), creative writing, music through great headphones

26. If you could live in any biome* (and survive) which biome would you live in? (*a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g., forest or tundra.)
I'm going to say forest, because I would burn with a lot of sun exposure in the other biomes.

27. How do you like being roused in the morning? 
with a very quiet and gentle chiming alarm sound

28. How was your day? What did you do? 
Jeff and I went to lunch at Panera and then ventured to Walmart (omg) to get a few things. At Walmart, we found Guitar Hero Live, which I have been wanting. We bought it and played it all afternoon. SUPERfun. Very realistic.

29. What did your last text message say? 
"Ahaha. It's so hideous, on top of looking anatomical." to Lauren, about the 'vagina sofa' shown on an episode of Ellen this week.

30. Do you respond to texts quickly? 
I always respond to texts as soon as I see them, if I am able to. I don't carry my phone with me all the time, so it is not always an immediate response.

31. Who was the last person you called? 
Laura

32. List 5 things that are on your wish list. 
just the rice steamer!

33. If you were famous, what do you think you would be famous for? 
coming up with some sort of efficiency in an industry process

34. Winter or summer? 
summer

35. What is a quality that all people should have?
optimism

36. If you could have a large collection of one item, what would that item be? 
gold bars

37. What have you been thinking about lately? 
my vacation, which starts Tuesday

38. What is the secret to a happy life? 
having a purpose that you value

39. What are some phrases you say often? 
"Awesome!!"
"Why on earth would you..."
"Yeesh"

40. Favorite food? 
pizza

41. What is your wish for the world?
peace and tolerance

42. What are some of your greatest fears? 
earthquakes, scorpions, food-borne illnesses

43. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer? 
documents from my cardiologist's office

44. Most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen (in real life)? 
the view from the top of Mount Jenner in Bavaria

45. Spicy food: Like or dislike? 
dislike

46. Scary movies: Like or dislike? 
like

47. Do you like to travel?
yep!

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