Happy Birthday and Brownies!

Happy Birthday to my Aunt Beck!

For Beck's birthday, I made mini brownie bites with cream cheese frosting and candy topping (I stole the idea from our bakery).  They came out so cute!

I took a picture of my mess - this is real life folks, not a tv studio kitchen.  You should see the floor :)

Some people....

I am beyond annoyed.

Why do some people INSIST on constantly saying rude things just to fire other people up or "get under their skin"?  All together now....because it works. 

I get that. 

But why does getting other people upset help these antagonists be in a better mood?  WHY does misery love company? 

I wish I could be one of those people that blow kisses to assholes that cut you off in traffic but I'm not - I get mad or upset or generally feel that it is not right that jerks like that get away with it.  Just be decent - I'm not asking everyone to be freaking besties or save the world, but just.be.decent. to one another.  Why is this such a hard concept?

Sigh.  2011 resolution here I come.....

Photo Memory

Thanks to Write Here, Write Now for inspiring me to post this picutre. 

This is a photo from my second (ish?) date with DT on 7/24/2007 - we were at DTE in Michigan for a Def Leppard concert.  What a fun date and an amazing show. 

This is the first picture we ever took together and to date, my favorite picture of us.

Words from Tony

I have been having fun eating and drinking but it is such a catch 22 for me.  I find the more I eat and drink, the worse I feel about myself and that it is just not worth it.  I really slacked for about 10 days but got back to it on Sunday and I already feel much better.  Now, don't get me wrong, it's not like I live for broccoli and running, but it makes me feel so much better and really helps my mental attitude and seriously helps me avoid depression. 

I read Tony Horton's blog (the creator of p90x) and it always inspires me so I wanted to share. Thanks for the words of wisdom Tony!  I need you to help me get in the best shape of my life for my wedding this year - don't let me down!


Here is the link to Tony's blog and his post on Christmas Day:

Holiday Health

On this Christmas day we have an opportunity to count our blessing and look to the future. The New Year is just days away and quite often we neglect healthier choices and blow off our workouts with the hope that come 2011 we'll get our act together again. Why not turn this week between Christmas and New Years into a productive 7 days. Temptation is everywhere and holiday obligations abound but I know you can manage at least three workouts this week and avoid eating fruit cake and Christmas candy. Give yourself a 7 day running start before January 1 because going in strong is a whole lot better than starting bloated and grumpy.

Peace,

Holiday Horton

Thanks Santa (s)!

Go rockets!

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Ford Field

Lazy Sunday Poll

I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas!

Today's poll: what are your plans for New Year's Eve?

Are you excited to get dressed up and go out or are you over it? Game night at home with friends? Working?

We are going to a hotel party and I have rounded up a decent amount of friends to join. We have dinner and drinks of course and then stay overnight - which is the best part - no driving no cabs. Looking forward to it.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Cards

I strung up the flat picture cards on a string - sort of garland-esque so I can see them all, tents on the table. I used cotton yard and tape - easy!

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Dear Con-Air....

It seems to me that with all these new inventions and solar panels and focus on renewable energy, that we should come up with a solution for hair dryers.

How awesome would it be to be able to walk around the house while blow drying your hair?  The correct response is - quite awesome to incredibly awesome.

I did some research and there are small rechargeable blow dryers meant for travelling but no big daddies that can handle a Bret Michaels-sized mane like mine.  That's 80s Bret, not current bandanna Bret. 

Come on Con-Air!  Bring us the cordless mega, ceramic dryer with diffuser option.  It's Christmas for cripes sake.

Red Wings Hockey

Resolutions

Well, it really is that time of year again.  Everyone is thinking it - New Year's Resolutions.

Revolutions.

Resolutions.

Revelations?

Anyway.  Every year I vow to do the same thing - lose weight, save money, but really, that's not a resolution.  It's more like daily affirmations - like our friend Stuart Smalley, because I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me. 

So, this year, my resolution is going to be something much bigger and more encompassing.  I am going to try to not worry so much about the things I cannot control.  This is big for me.  I tend to worry about stuff before it happens, I worry about what other people will think, I worry about the ramifications of what has not yet happened and I try to control what cannot be controlled.  All I can do is concentrate on that which I can control and forget the rest.  Like Tony says, do your best, and forget the rest.

Are you resolving to do or not do anything this year?

Underwater Sculpture

While perusing a very important literary magazine (I was in doctor's office and all the People mags were taken), I stumbled upon an article about this Underwater Sculpture by Jason de Caires Taylor.  This sculpture contains 400 statues consisting of material that will cultivate coral life and was created as an underwater museum, a living museum of the sea.

I find this absolutely fascinating.  Sort of eerie, sort of beautiful, artistic no doubt.

Check out the website - the story/information and inspiration are completely captivating and I could not possibly sum it up.  The pictures are just stunning. 

Lazy Sunday Poll

What are you doing today?

We are on our way to EMU for Danny's sisters graduation. Then some serious couch time.

PO BO

In line at the post office yesterday, I was taking in my surroundings....and let me assure you, there was plenty to take in.  At the counter, I could only see the backside of what was clearly a streetwalker.  Tall black boots with buckles made out of foil (it looked like foil), fishnets with holes, a piece of fabric that was supposed to be a skirt, a pleather black jacket, some teased out, stressed out, dyed-to-hell "blonde" hair, and a pick.  Hot.  She was about my height and easily double the weight (that's 5 foot and I wouldn't tell you the weight if you paid me, but I don't think the BMI scale even goes there).

Ok - then, someone line jumps in front of me and I didn't want to mess with her.  Touche crazy bag lady.

Next, the metal detector goes off and no one does a thing about it.  I feel safe.

So, I am patiently waiting in line, and crazy bag lazy turns around to me and says, "It smells nice in here doesn't it?"  I just smiled at her as I was holding back a gag because it obviously smelled like vomit or rotting food. 

No wonder these poor people at the counter are rude.  I would be.  Or drunk.  Or both.

What?

Why is there Easter candy in the store?

I know how Chris Farley felt

I loathe driving with a coat on.  I will suffer pre-hypothermia for those terrible few minutes where the heat has not kicked on yet and then blast it until my contacts almost dry up and fall out if it means I don't have to wear that straight-jacket of a winter apparel.  Bring it.

Maybe I have a coat that doesn't fit, but if that's true, I have never in my entire life had a coat that fits.  Or maybe my biceps are just giant pythons that while cloaked, constrain me that much.  I hate it.

Let's talk collar.  I feel like a horse in blinders while glancing over my shoulder when changing lanes.  Is there a car to the right rear?  No idea -all I see is a woolly blocker that sometimes stabs me directly in the eye.  Which is pleasant since the heat already dried the shit out of my retina.

Arms, hands and fingers -  I can't feel my finger tips since the arms of this dumb thing have cut off the circulation to my hands while in the driving position.  Standing?  Fine.  Driving?  Torture. 

This is why the vest, scarf, gloves combo is my favorite.  I will rock this all day and put a coat over it if I have to with all disregard to my obvious bulkiness.  Sing it with me....fat guy in a little coat....fat gut in a little cooooooaaaattt......

Coats should have arm pleats.  That might  help.  Or maybe I will just continue to be angry on my blog.  That definitely helps.

Lazy Sunday Poll

I'm never going to get this, am I?  New title - Forgetful Tuesday Poll (not quiiiiite the same ring.....).  This is why I love you all, because you forgive me and participate ANYway.

Ok...here we go!

Are you done Christmas shopping?

I am not yet - but only because I want to pay for everything in cash this year.  I will be this week though when I get paid.  Then I have to finish wrapping...and I lurrrrve to wrap presents!  I really enjoy getting creative, gift inside gift, rolling it up, using unconventional paper, making my own, etc...  FUN!  My goal is to be all done by December 19th. 

Metrodome Fail

Holy Wow.  I am sure many of you have heard about the Metrodome, home of the Minnesota Vikings, collapsing but if you have not watched this video - it is a must see.  This is a time lapse and it is so incredibly terrifying.  Thank God there was not a game taking place when this happened.  Click here for story and a picture of the roof afterwards. 



Here is another version.  It is lower quality, but you can see how much the roof gives in this one.

Hand Made Ornaments

Look! I made fun ornaments out of last year's Christmas cards (thaks for the idea Martha). This one features Miss Lila Ross. Happy holidays!
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Worst Hookups

I stumbled upon this great blog yesterday - crazy!  It's pretty gross so don't read it if you don't like crazy inappropriate stories about hook-ups (MOM!).

The Father's Day story is hilarious (if you are not MOM).

Click here for some raunchy, funny stories.

New phrase

Today I heard someone say, "That's basic Seagull Behavior," in terms of a work problem.

I must have looked puzzled because he continued to explain.

"You know...someone flies in unwelcome, shits all over the situation, and then flies away."

It's perfect.

Two Pretzels Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza

Well, I may have gone a bit overboard on the title - but so many participants!  Amazing!

Nothing like doing this at the last minute ;)

Check out Two Pretzels Blog for the giveaway and more fun things.

Great idea!  MUY GENEROUSO (I made that up - in case you could not tell).

America's Tallest Christmas Trees

Look who made #6!

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-36906427

I think it's excellent that we have a tree that is living and that it is not cut down from a forest.  If you read the article, each city has it's own interesting facts.  I love that #1 is the largest living Christmas tree at 161 feet and the star at the top is 10 feet itself!  Pretty neat!

Song Rip-off

Holiday time is prime time for advertising and while I enjoy some holiday commercials (see earlier post), I feel like others make me want to take a sleigh ride through a store window.

For instance - have you noticed that most companies just use an existing song or jingle and try to fit words or lyrics into that tune?  It NEVER works and most often, it sounds horribly un-clever. I hate it.  See also:  the stupid Burger King Breakfast jingle.  Awful.  It's not to the tune of anything and besides that it's so poorly written and "performed" (dare I say that), it just makes me cringe.

To all advertising companies - please cease and desist your rendition of the 12 days of Christmas.  It's so dumb.  It's not catchy.  It's not making me want to purchase your product for myself, my loved ones or my uncle that I pulled for the gift exchange this year.  Just shell out the cash and feature a celebrity endorsing your wares, local marching band with real students, a really adorable kid, or go completely the opposite direction like Quzinos did with those weird crazy rat/hamsters - oddball style.   We love theeee SUUUUUUBS!  They are a dollaaaaarrrr OFFF!

Just stop making bad musical commericals.  Stop jamming words where they don't belong.  I can't take it. 

Merry Christmas.
- The Grinch of Great Smials

Lazy Sunday Poll

Ha!  I remembered (psssst....I scheduled this to post on Thursday - and that's not cheating, it's, uh...planning).

What is on your Christmas List?  Top five items please.

And let's not get all preachy or churchy, mmmmmkay? This is for fun.

My list:
1)  Sweet new gloves that are classy looking and black leather (note, no holes and must match).
2)  Burberry perfume - any style
3)  A new duffel/gym bag
4)  A can opener that actually opens cans - ARRRGH!
5)  A shopping spree for new clothes at a store of my liking with no other shoppers in said store

Thanks Santa!

Good Friends

I am visiting good friends this weekend in Wooster,OH.  I am happy...

Happy Weekend!!

Waiting in line

For Kid Rock tickets!!!

Cake Dive?

Today I received an email inviting me to a bridal showcase at the Findlay Village Mall.   The show features a CAKE dive, yes, this is what is sounds like, and the prize is $50.  Fifty bucks?  I don't know about you, but I would not dive into a flippin' cake for $50 in a mall.   See below for description.  I cannot believe this is not a joke:

At 5:00pm the I Said "Yes!"  Bridal Showcase will feature a CAKE DIVE!  This has been a huge success over the years!  Select brides will be chosen to dive into an actual wedding cake!  During the cake dive brides will battle for prizes valued over $50 each.  You can increase your business exposure to brides by sponsoring a prize valued at a minimum of $50.  All prizes will be used for the cake dive, door prizes during presentations, and throughout the day.  Plus, with your  sponsored prize you will receive additional advertising. 

Pomplamoose

Have you seen the Hyundai commercials that feature that insanely cool and catchy version of "Up on the Housetop?"  Well, I have.  And I simply cannot get it out of my head.  I LOVE IT.  I love it so much I looked it up and the band is called Pomplamoose (I have been trying to pronounce it in my head).  They have a great sound.

Here is the commercial - go ahead, watch it five times.  It's so cool.  Make sure you watch Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls!  Christmas Spirit is in the air!




Here is their version of Single Ladies.  Supposedly this is how they got discovered as this video went viral on You Tube (also sweet):

Harry Potter 7.1

You can breathe now.

I held my breath most of this movie due to anticipation and nerves.

Maybe it was because I knew what was going to happen.  Maybe it's because I was nervous/excited while watching it happen.

Or maybe it's just a fascinating and fantastic story.

I am not sure who those people are that are saying this movie is slow, but I feel like they saw a different film.  Or maybe they read a review that made the same claim and are regurgitating this statement so as to sound intelligent.

Sirs, I respectfully disagree.

It's awesome (as in awe inspiring, not just plain old awesome that has lost it's meaning) and I am anxiously awaiting HP 7.2.

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it.