Friday, February 29, 2008

Oh Boy

Remember This?

I freaking stepped into it TODAY! 48 freaking days later and I've stuck my toe into the water. OK, wait, the water rose, I did not seek it out. I was only open to the idea. I was thinking about looking into it sometime in the (then) next 1827 days. Not on the next calendar page. Oh my God! What if I pull it off??

Can You Hear The Footfalls? I Can.

In order for one to achieve great things, either emotionally, physically/personally or in their career, they must entertain thoughts that others perceive as impossible, as folly, wildly incomprehensible or highly improbable.

As the Camino was once only words on someone else's page, there is a glimmer of another "camino" in my future. I'm a patient person when it comes to stalking dreams. I believe in magic. I believe I can do anything I desire to do.

I have lifetime subscriptions to Impossible, Folly and Incomprehensible and Improbable. That, my friends, is why my life continues to gather riches beyond most people's wildest dreams.

Watch me.

Why Blondes Have More Fun

A car gets a flat on the interstate one day. The blonde driver eases it over onto the shoulder of the road, carefully steps out of the car and opens the trunk. She takes out two cardboard men, unfolds them and stands them at the rear of the vehicle facing oncoming traffic. The lifelike cardboard men are in trench coats exposing their nude bodies and private parts to approaching drivers.

Not surprisingly, the traffic becomes snarled and backed up.

It isn't very long before a police car arrives. The officer, clearly enraged, approaches the blonde of the disabled vehicle yelling, "What's going on here?" "My car broke down, officer" says the woman calmly. "Well, what are these obscene cardboard pictures doing here by the road?" he asks.

"Helllooooooo!!!!" says the blonde. "Those are my emergency flashers!"

Sadie Hawkins Day!


February 29, 2008. Leap year. Salaried people work for free day. And Sadie Hawkins Day.

Watch out! I may be stalkin' you 'bout gettin' hitched today!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Krispy Kremes

I love my team at work. One brought in donuts today and prefaced it with he was going to be mean to me. Yummy. Krispy Kremes. My favorite. He thought I'd turn it down. No way! I have a weight loss secret for my office.

I eat whatever is offered to me and give half to one of my co-workers. We both win. I get everything and he gets half of everything. He told me he likes my plan! My favorite item on "this" program is popcorn. I'd eat the whole bag if given the opportunity. The smile on his face as I haul over half the "goods" is worth it all!

So today I got a much wanted Krispy fix!

What a team!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Heart Prints

I recycle envelopes. This one however, still had its adhesive, so I don't know why I peeked inside first.

I was packaging up the little red heart that I'm mailing to Joop. The heart is to replace the footprint pin that he passed onto another Pilgrim he met, who is about to embark on her own pilgrimage.

He feels it might be time to move beyond the Camino. I disagree. I think we were called to be there, to have met who we did and to tend to the physical and emotional Camino as it exists in Spain and in its pilgrims, past and future. I'm tending.

Back to the envelope...in it was a partially used package of stamps... 37 cent stamps with candy hearts on them.

My heart(s) go out to you my sweet friend. Thank you for letting me be your friend and for coaxing me all the way across Spain - even when sometimes it was only your voice in my head!

Vaya Con Dios Padre Jose Maria

I was saddened to learn today that Father Jose Maria has passed away.

He was the tiny, ancient priest who served us garlic soup in San Juan de Ortega. With the help of another pilgrim (from Kentucky no less) who was proficient in Spanish, I was able to thank him for the work he had done in reviving the Camino so that perigrinas like me could have the experience that I was having. He was instrumental in bringing an almost languished pilgrimage route back to life.

The refugio was the coldest, dirtiest, nearly most detestable place on the trip. (I would not shower there as after walking all day I was still cleaner than the shower stall.) But it was THE place to stay. It is where I really got to know Jurgen after meeting him in a park the day before (this picture was taken by Jurgen), it was where I got to see the column cornerstone where Mary and the others turn their head toward Jesus each equinox. It was an unforgettable day in my life. And he was part of it.

Padre - tell my San T'Iago hola for me por favor!

Resolution Update

#1 - 50% - 75% - way ahead of schedule
#2 - 100% - :)
#3 - 95%
#4 - 25% - this was a "bonus" item.

And we're only 1/6 into the year.

Hello Beautiful!

Music to a woman's ears.

This, let me tell you, will instantly elevate a woman's mood and keep it there all day long.

Big points. Mighty big points.

Hello Me

Little 'Ole Me is back.

I'm liking what I'm seeing, what I'm feeling, and I like the things that are happening all around me.

It's all so cyclical. One just has to keep their head up and trust that it'll all work out. It always does.

Lovin' livin'. Lovin' life. Lovin' spring.


Lyrics | Killing The Blues lyrics

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Wednesday

Is it Wednesday yet? Is it? Is it? Is it?

I Got Picked Up!

Ha! By blogging about Ross, The Intern tonight (last night?), I was picked up by Google's Hot Trends! Ha ha had you going there on the "pick up" didn't I? Check me out:

Monday, February 25, 2008

Ross The Intern

I LOVE ROSS, THE INTERN!!

He's still as exhuberant and happy and enthralled with his job as he was three years ago (long internship).

He's lost a TON of weight and is absolutely handsome as they come.

Too bad he doesn't play for my team or I'd be all over that.

Ross, baby, I do have friends. Ring me up sometime.

Big winks!

Why So Happy?

I'm always getting asked on line why I use the name Happy on my IM name. Because I am!

How can I not?

I have great friends, many going back to the dawn of time (no, I'm not calling you old...yet).

I have a great job!

I have two great cats!

And I have a fabulous family, including a bundle of kidlets that show and tell me they love me ALL THE TIME!

This past weekend I was very disappointed that my party dissolved. Over the weekend everyone, near and far, initiated little actions that reminded me why my life is so very, very blessed: One met with me for coffee and presented me with a little ceramic bunny, another called and IMed off and on during the weekend, one still gave his acceptance speech today, another a-h-h-m offered to turn my frown upside down, and the person that started the whole chain of events and its demise (I'm so over it), practically broke my office door down this morning with apologies over the mix up.

I shared my party kibbles today with all who stopped by so "yums" abounded.

Yes, there are hiccups and speedbumps, but with bunnies and hugs, how can one NOT be happy!

SpamoMeter

I have to cruise my work spam before I delete it, because occassionally something real gets trapped in there. Out of the 1800+ that I blasted today, some really funny subject lines stood out:

Nominated for an MBA - oh reeeaaally? And well, then, goody goody for me.
10 things to tell a naked woman - I knew these things, but I didn't know it had gone public or would that be "pubic"?
Add 4" to your penis - If I don't have one, will it give me one?
Don't spend nights with your left hand - Trust me, I don't.
Great male machine is your great luck - I couldn't have said it better myself.

Monday

Read it and reap!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/2008/02/to_you_from_me_moi_ya_yo_.html

Ree is so right on.

Her pictures are so beautiful. They bring GRACE to the Wild West.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

OscIM

1915 miles spanned, several great friends, one IM Oscar party. Thank you.

And The Most Gullible Award Goes To......

Me.

Sunday At The Movies

I watched to movies today that I haven't watched in a long, long time. Both fun favorites of mine in days gone by.


I can tell it has been awhile because 1) I haven't seen Footloose since before I moved to Utah. Much of it was filmed in Payson and I haven't seen it to see Payson before. FUN! I found myself doing fancy footwork in the living room with a grin a mile wide across my face and 2) Flashdance. I've been to Pittsburgh since the last time that I saw this. I used to do the dancin' and leg warmer drill. My favorite sweatshirt was the "ripped" one, in vogue thanks to that flick.


If the evening gets any less exciting, I think Dirty Dancing needs to be brought into the mix!

THE Red Dress

I have several red dresses. I love a true red. Nothing is better.

Today I found a 1) Designer, 2) Petite, 3)My size 4) Satin, 5) Perfect red, 6) Halter dress, 7) That fit me like it was made for ME.

I didn't buy it.

Why?

I have no one to wear it with.

I had a royal blue dress (my second favorite color for dresses). Same story. It was a beaded job, perfect fit, unusual, gorgeous. I watched the price of that dress tumble downward over the season. I waited and waited and one day it was at a price I could afford. I bought the dress. My husband wouldn't take me anywhere. I could not get him to take me out. I stared at it in the closet for months on end. When I went to California to work out with Richard Simmons, I tucked the dress in my suitcase at the last minute. I stayed with mylong time friend. One night he asked me if I had brought the dress. Yes, I said "We're going out!" That was the only time I wore it.

He knew me so well.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Get Over It

I was grumpy this morning. I didn't grump AT anyone, but in my head, nobody could do much of anything right. Being conscious of it though, makes all the difference in the world.

I ran my plethora of errands and then retreated to my kitchen. Out poured my grumpies: Tomato soup, Indian curry, quiche, breakfast bars so succulent they could be served as dessert, chowder and the clementine cake. It's late and I have the final round to start. The two things left have to be made today or their flavors will not have set tomorrow. Total time in the kitchen 9 hours.

Harley Dude was on line tonight - sweet man. He offered to turn my frown upside down. LOL. I do owe him dinner as he helped Wendy out with getting her job. He's contented with Rice Krispy treats so it'll be easy when I do.

Tonight at dinner I was telling my daughter that Mom never cooked. She said hers never did either......until now. Yeah, my excuse was because I was too busy raising a smart ass.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Rain!

I don't think I have complained once about all the snow we've had this year. If I did, I'm sorry. It has been raining today. The four foot piles of snow are GONE! We're down to barren, wet brown. I miss the snow! (I'm sure there's a chance that there's more white stuff in the forecast.)

The crocus are about three inches tall, which is nice, but....

This was a winter like we had when I was a little girl and like the first year I moved here. I got hours and hours of exercise shoveling without ever leaving my lot. (OK so I went to the mountains to shovel my friend's lot too!)

And, and, and someone asked to go sledding with me.....the snow's all gone :(

Mouse Pads Are So Passe!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Funky To Do List

OK - my weekend to-do list is an unusual one.

Mail heart to Amsterdam - to replace Joop's feet pin that he sent walking with another pilgrim.
Mail FrootLoops to Spain - Javier's daughter loves FrootLoops.
Shop and then send "miss very much" items to my cousin who is the Peace Corps in the West Indies.
Red carpet and statues for Oscar Night.
Of course - groceries for my kitchen escapades (good things coming down the pike this weekend).
My grandson has been begging me to make cookies for him - on the list!
Glam up!

I can mark the "deviled egg platter" off my shopping list. The handmade in Mexico, fiesta pattern and colors with the chicken in the middle one that I found in the antique store fits me and the bill just dandy. 'Ole!

Oh, oh, (very punny Teri), manana brings on the homemade Indian curry (FROM SCRATCH)! If it passes, I'll post. And I have a chowder I'm taking for a test drive too. Zing!

I suspect tomorrow will bring me to another New Years' resolution milestone and I will be able to claim my Cracker Jack prize.....but I think I'll take a raincheck for now. There's a sweeter goal on the horizon and I think its worth the wait.

Get Your Glam On! - Actors Strike - Cancelled!

Sunday night was to be Oscar night! As usual we had a few wayward birds. This year, thankfully it won't be me. We have seasons we do....pre-Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Superbowl, Mardi Gras, Oscars, etc.

Tiara - check
Boa - check
Dazzle - check
Acceptance Speech - check
Gift bags - check
Statues - check
Red Carpet - we're searching
Food fare - check
Alcohol and Limeade - check
Friends - check

Glam on girl! Glam on!

But there was a change in plans and the stage went dark and the curtin came down.

Maybe next year.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Epiphany

Definition:
A sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something.
A comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive

Yeah, once again, between the mascara and lipstick applications, it hit me - What the hell am I fussin' about?

I have some really, really great firends, that I've had for a very, very long time: 35 years, 20 years, etc., etc.

Why am I spending even a single second worrying about Mr. Right coming along? People come together, people move on. Someone will figure out what my real friends already know....and love about me. And he'll want to be a part of it all.

He'll be a winner.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

VENT!

I'm online in the evenings. I have friends I chat with. I chat with interesting strangers. I've done this since Gore invented the Internet. I've met some. I've dated some. But....I'M NOT STUPID!

Hi Sexy, got more pics? Got cam or mic? Wanna swing? Etc. does not make YOU INTERESTING, desirable, or otherwise worthy of my time.

Oh and the fact your wife is sleeping while you're trolling The Net, STILL doesn't make you interesting.

Sheesh!

Oh Oh

Oh Oh Teri's In The Kitchen has been so much fun. Not only have I been able to share my favorite recipes, I can almost write notes to myself....like substitutions, recipes I want to access quickly, etc.

I never knew it - but I'm a damn good cook!

The Caption Makes The Picture...

...Worth a thousand words.

The photograph is of a vacant school room full of student chairs/desks.

The caption reads: Annual Meeting of Single, Straight, Emotionally-Stable, Financially Secure, Intellegent Men Looking For a Long Term Commitment.

I'm feeling alone and vulnerable tonight. I wonder if I face another ten years of singleness.

Friday looms. I have my ritual. I long for it to be disrupted.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Mardi Gras

One nice thing about being an adult is you can make things up as you go along. Case in point: The wine club wanted to celebrate Mardi Gras, but we couldn't all get together the weekend of the 3rd so we did this last weekend.

French wines, Gumbo, Ettouffe, Catfish Tacos, Dirty Rice, Cajun Cake, Kings' Cake.

Although I have lots of beads, no shirts were raised to earn them. LOL!

The group is growing and about half are beer drinkers. It is so much fun to get together each month. A few headed home around 10 PM. And the rest of us? 1:00 AM. And I really get a kick out of it when I get a text from my daughter: Are you coming home tonight? Hahaha - NO!

I spent the night at my friend's. Happy, a teeny bit loopey, and very, very tired.

Beyond "Last Year"

I watched my daughter and her fiance this weekend and particularly when they were curled up on the couch watching a movie with me. I observed the murmurs of conversation between the two of them and the physical and emotional joined-at-the-hip-ness that was ever-present during his visit.

Watching, thinking, remembering. Time, dates, pangs of sorrow. It's been a year.

I don't ever feel lonely until I put today against the measuring stick of last year. I so loved our time and haven't misplaced a single moment. It was too sweet to allow it to become trivialized.

Gratefully, time softens things. Tomorow, literally, takes it beyond "last year". Now and then evolve to two new definitions. "Now" can no longer be heavy with loss and "then" must move to being simply a point in time.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

How 'Bout Them Apples

My daughter and her fiance are downstears pouring over my Post Secret books.

SweetStuff and I used to do that.

Ugh

Friday night I stayed up late.
Saturday night I stayed out all night. (Sounds racy, but I was too tired to drive home.)
Today I have a whopper of a sinus headache and ended up cancelling evening plans. I tried to sleep it off, but it still left me wrung out.

I would have liked to have just moved through the weekend at the speed of light and kept on trucking.

Dang it all.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Saturday's Food Fare

Today I tried a curried deviled egg recipe. I couldn't find the recipe that I had seen the other day. I'll post this one if it passes the yum test. If not, I'll keep searching.

My daughter's fiance (don't ask) is in town this weekend so I did up the bread pudding again. Still and again easy and wowser!

Tomorrow I'm doing a fruity pork tenderloin and hopefully some knock 'em dead garlic potatoes.

The big challenge is, after I've found a recipe I want to try, is figuring out where I saw it or put it. I've taken to just sticking on the refrigerator. That way I can't miss it. For tidiness I need to add a folder to the cookbookcase and go to it. On the todo list.

I went to the local hoity toity grocery store last night. I say that because around here it is the bulk buying and cooking capital of the universe. So the food offering often caters to those cooking for a baseball team. The "special" store had membrillo, my Spanish cheeses, chipotle peppers, seafood stock, garam masala, etc. I found sunburst squash with little zucchinis the size of my little finger. A Whole Foods or Byerley's it isn't but it's close enough.

My cool find of the day was tomato paste in a tube. A lot of times I don't need a whole can, or I need a can and a half. Now I can squeeze out a tablespoon and put the lid back on it.

Just had some yummy sushi....yummy.

Friday, February 15, 2008

So Many Queries

Yes! Valentine's Day was good! (I reserve GREAT for last year - it still holds its rank ;-)~

I'll start at the end of the and move backwards.

End of day, spent some time chatting with Dude. Maybe more to come on this subject, maybe not. Time will tell.

Talked with my girlfriend on the phone. She was traveling and we had stories to tell!

Had a Ball. Literally. I went to the Provo Library ball with some friends of mine. Their motto (my words) "no friend left behind" [on Valentine's Day]! What newlyweds take their single friend with them on Valentine's Day? They do.

Work was a blast. We had our soup lunch for Sub For Santa. I managed, after some forced taste testing of the Carrot Ginger Soup, to only get away with a cup of remaing soup. I spent much of today copying the recipe for everyone. I will post it on Oh-Oh this weekend.

I received nearly a dozen emails and IM's from some of my long time male friends. Guys - you certainly know how to make a girl feel special. (She says as she gives her hair a toss!)

Special cards and gifts from the girlfriends -we girls have to stick together!

And the very best of all was the e-card and hug from SweetStuff. It was the perfect card for me. It swelled my heart and quelled my worry of how we'd get through the day. We did just fine.

Yes, yes, it was a good day! And I'm grateful for that.

Brain Teaser

Name a 9 letter word that as you remove letters, one by one, still remains a word?

startling
starting
staring
string
sting
sing
sin
in
i

Pretty cool huh?

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Sigh

What a beautiful day.

My Job Is Better Than Your Job

Another priceless email.....

When you have a 'I Hate My Job' day, try this:

[even if retired you have those sometimes]

On your way home from work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the thermometer section and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson. Be very sure you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the curtains and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed. Change into very comfortable clothing and sit in your favorite chair. Open the package and remove the thermometer. Now, carefully place it on a table or a surface so that it wil l not become chipped or broken. Now the fun part begins.

Take out the literature from the box and read it carefully. You will notice that in small print there is a statement:

'Every Rectal Thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson is personally tested and then sanitized.'

Now, close your eyes and repeat out loud five times,'I am so glad I do not work in the thermometer quality control department at Johnson & Johnson.'

HAVE A NICE DAY AND REMEMBER, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSE WITH A JOB THAT IS MORE OF A PAIN IN THE ASS THAN YOURS!

Choices

This was a comment overheard by a favorite blogger of mine of an elderly man in a check out line. He was talking with the casher.

He had asked the cashier if she had a boyfriend and she had responded in the affirmative. Then he said: "Make sure he treats you right, we are defined by who we choose to keep in close company."
What wisdom he shared. Will we entertain it?

Wow!

There's a lot of sweet sentiment out there today (along with a lot of new snow)!

And Here It Comes....

I didn't realize I'd yacked so much about St. Valentine's Day already. But here it is....with all its joy and pain and love and angst. Here's the entire collection of my monologues at your mouse....

and also...

....my best advice. Guys, if you've ever loved someone, do love someone, or think you're close to loving someone, take the time today to tell them. It doesn't take much effort and it doesn't have to be commercialized. Let someone know how you feel about them. Friends, family, lovers. Make today a loving, living happy day for everyone that means anything to you.
Valentine Monologues #1, #2, #3, #4, #5
Be happy, love.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Don't Stop

"You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can't, you do the next best thing. You back up but you don't give up." — Chuck Yeager

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Not Entirely What I Planned

I needed to make soup tonight for a work event. I did (it came out even better than the first time I made it).

And I made coleslaw. I don't usually like coleslaw. This is the second time I've made it in a week and I'm craving it. Yes, I found a good recipe for the "secret sauce". Move over Mom.

And at 9:30 I decided to make Bread Pudding. OK this is another keeper. A couple of adjustments (like a lot less sugar - look at the time folks - zing!) and it will be perfecto!

Oh - and I did my weekly apple cook. Which reminds me, I need to post it on Oh-Oh.

Off to lala land.

Annual Defiance Day

Once a year, in February, I....

  • Defy the season
  • Defy the month
  • Defy convention
  • Defy logic
  • Set myself free

........and put the top down on the convertible and GO FOR IT! And this year there was a bonus - I DIDN'T HAVE TO WEAR GLOVES! (And yes, the heater was going!).

I never want to lose my Zoom Zoom!

Commercial Break

My daughter sent this to me. It is silly, but a tension breaker if you need a breather.

Go to Google.

Type in your name and the word "needs".

Teri needs.....

Yesterday it said: "Teri needs Truth, Beauty, Love and Elisa......". Ahhm. I'll have to think on the Elisa part.

Today it said the same (they usually change in priority from day to day), but I found this a little further down and it made me laugh out loud because it was on the same topic: The Road Lester Traveled: Teri Needs Teri Needs. My Stalker (there was a name here) said I should type those two words into ... Teri needs saving. Mmm hmmmm. Teri needs to be saved from her own damn self! ...cathouseteri.blogspot.com/2007/05/teri-needs.html - 67k -

Now I have another blog to add to my collection....as I one tried to get the same name....cathouseteri and was told it was already in existance. Found it.

And the world shrinks another inch.

Monday, February 11, 2008

It's Here

The single girl's most dreaded week of the year. Love is all around...or at least being commercially demonstrative.

I not only have navigate through the sugar and spice of this holiday, I have a void the size of an elephant to dance with. I'll do my best to let the heart-beast lie dormant and tiptoe past this week.

Shhh.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

I Thought You Had It

No, I thought YOU had it. So went my evening last night. A few of the ByLogicals got together for dinner and to see Pink Floyd's The Wall. He thought she owned it, she thought he was bringing it. We decided to be silly and watch Monster's, Inc. No kidding. Are we becoming Utahns....Land of the G and home of the edited? Oh My!

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Lipstick Jungle

Scene....yellow cat walks into the bedroom room, Brooke Shields is sleeping, her cell phone rings, she reaches over and picks it up off her laptop. While on the phone, her child walks in talking about having stepped in someone else's vomit (probably the cat's).

And then he announces the cat is hurling on the pillow. My cat's don't hurl the hairballs anymore. Oh and I don't have a English accented husband either. But the rest is very familiar.

Awesome Day!

Today was just awesome! A fabulous wonderful perfect day.

And to top it off Barnes and Noble sent me a coupon. Guess what I got?????

Yup. Yum. Yum.

Happy Birthday Ashton

I saw this quote on Answers.com from Ashton and I like it!

Quote: "I don't believe that old cliche that good things come to those who wait. I think good things come to those who want something so bad they can't sit still." — Ashton Kutcher

A Little Vitamin K

Wow - the sunshine musta done me GOOD!

Three customer compliments and a customer project that I get to work on!

Two peer compliments. The best being "you look sooo cute today"!

A compliment from my manager.

Maybe I should take tomorrow off too - that might make for a fabulous Monday!

Time To Laugh

These were sent to me in an email today:



Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Teddy Bear Tea Party

I retreated today. I took the day off from work, from being a friend, from being a parent and from being a grandparent. I felt an emotional day coming on and decided instead of letting it lurk and keep pecking at my head, to turn around and face it full on. Use it, go with it, let it happen.

I started last night with eating leftovers in the loft. I started watching the election returns and decided they would still be here this morning and served up without all the rhetoric. I was a brat and drink a glass of wine in protest of a Utah law that says alcohol can't be served anywhere in the state until the polls are closed. By the way, I don't have a problem with that rule. I have a problem with the polls being open until 8pm. Close them at noon or at five and let the drinking begin. And and and then too we wouldn't be one of those "undetermined" states on television.

I went to bed early and remembered to turn off the alarm. I woke to the smell of coffee and having dropped another two pounds. Still no coffee delivery boy (see Notable Actions in a Relationship #5) in my house, but at least it was steaming hot and waiting for me without any effort on my part.

It started snowing at 8am and stopped at 8:15, started at 8:3o again and so on and so forth. That's OK. My favorite days home are when it is snowing. It eventually made way to blue skies and sunshine (doesn't everything?). I did rock-star hair, donned the warmies, grabbed my pack and bagged iPod as it was doing its own thing going through all my audio books by itself and was nearly dead, and headed out. It's a nice feeling to know you have a whole day of wandering ahead of you.

I walked to the Mall by way of Starbucks. I visited Build A Bear bringing home a floopy pink bear in memory of Mom - they didn't have angel wings :( Mama Bear will join Red Bear , Santiago Bear and all the white bears in my collection; Hallmark - want this but got a little booboo version of one of these, and emptied the Bath and Body Shop. I broke my own rule about buying shampoo`. I tried to shop at Kays but was told "the special doesn't start until tomorrow". OK - I got the postcard, I walked to their store. I said I wanted to buy a few things. Get a clue folks - your customer is standing in front of you and talking in plural. (This is why I praise Bed Bath and Beyond weekly - their coupon program doesn't have boundries). I had California Pizza Kitchen's yummy Miso salad and also ordered the Pinot Grigio at 11:51. How did I know the time? The waitress said she'd bring the wine in nine minutes. Welcome to Utah - at least it wasn't Super Tuesday.

My cats checked on me a hundred times, my friends, fortunately less, but they all stayed very close.

I recalled having coffee with my mother; smoking together (and once we both thought the other had quit and ran into each other sneaking puffs out back of the house); the donut shop; heated debates; dance costumes; giggle fests; the robin egg blue Belair (wrong color for a pre-teen's mother to be driving); sneaking into a bar, underage, only to meet up with her on the dance floor; sending her "city" at night or "city" in the fog postcards from all over; "Bob"; having a "kegger" in the basement without her knowing it and her being upstairs thinking my friends were so nice to come up and see her all night long (you do the math: 20+ kids and a pony keg in the basement and one bathroom and mom upstairs); the multi day bus trip to Mississipi in 1962-1963 to visit my brother (more to this story - let me tell you), my first airplane trip to Phoenix and the snails she let me fly back; my first and only road trip with her to Kansas. I recalled living in the castle house; when we bought she bought our first house; that she never said anything bad about my father, although I know he wasn't good to her; how proud she's always been of me; dragging main with her and her honking at the cute boys (I was always hiding under the dashboard at that point); that she never told me I was an accident (although I was).

Mom sometimes had a potty mouth (defined by the 50's - not today), she was over protective, and when she was mad she was a yeller. That my friends, is the extent of her faults.
Mom taught me that women are special without being less, playing it safe isn't the funnest, take risks and love hard. Run, fall down, get up, go on.
As you can see - I blogged a ton today too.

Today was all about us. She who made me and the space I needed to honor her. It was a good and positive day. No tears were shed. Instead, I felt so happy that I am who I am! Coffee cup up!

Blog Etiquette

Many of my friends blog. The newest member of my "reads" is one of my best friends whose friendship goes back to Junior High (before the term "middle school" was invented). She posted that she's trying to learn blogging from me.

No need to look to me...there's a ton of stuff out there to reference for ideas, links and perfection. But.... I, you know me, have some opinions to share. Two of my friends have a journalism background - so the following probably isn't needed, but for the sake of anyone else thinking of blogging or intelligently IMing, I'm going to go out on a limb.

1) My biggest pet peeves are with with use your and you're. If it belongs to one of us the word is your. If there's an action involved it is you're. Nails on a blackboard come to mind when someone writes to me "your so smart". Well sir: you're not!

2) Next peeve - plurals and possessiveness. This weeks menu isn't right. This months records are wrong (joke here - did you notice?). Week's and month's. Now if we're talking about the past's collection of weeks then it all changes. I'm far from perfect in this arena, but the basics should be known - we're all adults around here (or at least we should be).

3) Reference sites - reference being applicable in two ways. Try www.answers.com - to check spellings and definitions. If you're (not your) attempting to use big or obscure words, check to make sure you're not actually using the plural of bug butts. General information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page. Quotes: http://www.quoteland.com/. Best of all, anything you want to know more about can be found by searching www.google.com.

4) Look for your (not you're) typos. I found that I find my mistakes best by clicking "Publish Post" and then "View Blog) to review it. I can read it a couple or so times in the Create window and still miss my mark.

6) There, their, they're. There.

8) Be unique. If you can't be unique, give credit where credit is due. If someone's post inspired you and you want to take it a step further - just say so. Keep in mind, it only takes a nano second for Google check originality.

9) Ohhh and don't forget: It is "I couldn't care less" and not "I could care less".

10) Want to learn some more? http://www.dailyblogtips.com/

11) Gina pulled it all together on her blog: http://ginamama.blogspot.com/2007/08/blog-etiquette.html

Blog on girlfriends....blog on

Drool

I saw this awhile back on La Tienda . But today I saw IT at the bookstore! I want it, I want it I want it. It is published by the same company as The Silver Spoon, - Phaidon. It is Spain's favorite cookbook (having been published in Spanish first). It has a 5-star rating. I must, must, must have it. "1080 Recipes is the definitive book on traditional and authentic Spanish home cooking, trusted throughout Spain for over thirty years. Written by Spain's best-loved food authorities, it showcases the fastest growing cuisine in popularity, with Spanish restaurants and tapas bars opening in cities all over the world. A bestseller since publication, 1080 Recipes has sold millions of copies in Spain. It contains 1080 recipes from all Spanish regions, covering everything from appetizers to stews, from vegetables to desserts. 1080 Recipes is designed by Javier Mariscal, the famous Spanish graphic designer and illustrator, and it includes over 200 illustrations he has created exclusively for this edition along with 100 specially commissioned photographs."

After "living" in Spain for a month - I have some definite favorites. And knowing the tastes possible from each of the of five different regions.....drool del dia!

Mom

Today is the 15th anniversary of my mother passing away. Oh how I miss her! She was a very strong woman, with unflappable integrity and a hard worker.

She taught me that everything would always be fine, maybe not easy, but fine. And she taught me that fine is good enough. And she also taught me that if I wanted more than fine, expect to work for it. She taught me never to lie. She taught me never to write what I wouldn't want her to read (blogging would have blown her away - and yes, she would have approved of the Abercrombie posts). She was much loved and never tamed. She taught me to never give up and to always believe.

I do believe Mom. And it has never failed me. You have never failed me. Your actions and your words are still in play. You live in me today and you are living in my children - ALL of them. I see it in my grandchildren too.

You have given this world a legacy. Thank you.

Monday, February 04, 2008

I Knew It Would Happen

I'm working my way through the boxes in my storage closet.

There's lots of history, much success, miles of growth. Sure enough....photo albums, memory boxes....so many things that used to be me. Things and people that nourished me and parts of me that that have broken off and fallen away.

I feel brittle tonight. Raw.

Pay It Forward

If you haven't seen this movie...see it. See it again and see it again.

Pay It Forward reminds us to take what you have and give it way. It can be service, it can be pleasantries, it can be money, it can be time, it can be talent.

The Camino reminded me of this movie....hundreds of people cared for me (one was as simple kiss on my forehead because I was limping so badly. That's all she could offer). Some I will never know, some I have met and will never see again, some will never know exactly what they did for me and some, I have the privilege of thanking every few days or so.

If something bugs you - fix it. Do it very quietly and gently. Do it with an open and contrite heart. Make it better.

Shovel your neighbor's sidewalk, help someone with a task, try to do it before they feel the need to ask. Just do it.

The world will be a better place and you'll feel all shiny inside.

Copy Cat

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery....so I've been told.

Oooooh Aaaaahh!

I know what the fuss is all about!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Click on the arrows to advance the photos.

What's the problem....they're just advertising that these cute young things needs some clothes...their clothes of course!

I Refuse To Engage

The best part about being an intelligent adult is making the choice of to engage in non-productive behavior. (Or choosing to as I sometimes do too).


My office is full of cranky pants today. Albiet it is Monday, post SuperBowl, more snow piled up over the weekend and the ground hog disappeared for another six weeks but.....


I'm choosing not to participate today.

See me smiling: :)

Super Ad Sunday

Super Ad Sunday (SuperBowl Sunday) never fails to capture the attention of us ad-at-hearts.

Loving the e-Trade baby......

Baby #1

Baby #2

Budweiser always entertains...I'm trying to locate the Rocky-themed Clydesdale ad. I'll update the post when I locate it.

Pepsi's "Bob's House" was brought to my attention (pre-game) by one of the guys at work. Click to enlarge the screen - you'll need the captions (unless you know ASL).

It Wasn't Utah?

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Police confiscated two display photos of scantily clad men and a woman from an Abercrombie & Fitch store and cited the manager on a misdemeanor obscenity charge, authorities said. Read on....

It is winter and it is cold and I just have to....I must.....go back to a previous post.

Sunday, February 03, 2008

Clementine Cake

Moved to Oh Oh Teri's In The Kitchen!

Cooking Blogs

Bookmark this page and check for updates.

Printer and Piemaker: Recipes
The Pioneer Woman Cooks!
Coconut & Lime

There are a few others that I've run into- when I decide I like them, I'll post them here too.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

Sunday's Here

Post Secret.....

You Live In Utah

A friend forwarded this to me tonight....

THIS IS WHAT JEFF FOXWORTHY HAD TO SAY ABOUT UTAHNS!

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September to May, you live in Utah.
If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Utah.
If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you live in Utah.
If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number, you live in Utah.
If "vacation" means going anywhere south of Salt Lake City for the weekend, you live in Utah.
If you measure distance in hours, you live in Utah.
If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Utah.
If you have switched from "heat" to "A/C" and back again in the same day, you live in Utah.
If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both unlocked, you live in Utah.
If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Utah.
If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you live in Utah.
If the speed limit on the highway is 75 mph -- you're going 80, and everyone is still passing you, you live in Utah.
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you live in Utah.
If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Utah.
If you find 10 degrees "a little chilly" you live in Utah.
If you actually understand these jokes and forward them to all your friends, you live in Utah.
And one addition was also sent:
Also - if you drive for hours and can't find a Starbucks, you live in Utah!

Ground Hog Day

I love it when I am so sequestered that I get my "local" news from half way around the world. Case in point: It's 7:15 pm, February 2nd. I'm reading the blog of one of the women (please note that I am referencing just one of the women in this post) who decided she liked Spain so much she just MOVED there. Anyway - she managed to vote in the primary- which I think is just fabulous - it means you can love your home ground and love another ground without having to give up one for another. Me thinks that's even better than an elicit love affair.

Back to my story point - she was calling her mom this morning (from Spain to the US) got put on "wait" because it was time for Puxatwany Phil's annual Spring go / no-go report. I laughed out loud. Some things just take precedence.

So it was a shadow day meaning 6 more weeks of Winter. I gotta better plan. I'm planning an Ignore Winter Party. What to bring? Your favorite summer food and blooming silk flowers. And....and....and.... summer clothes. I'll crank up the heat and start a fire. We'll light up the room, show some skin, eat good food, laugh and p-a-r-t-y. I'll check calendars and get it booked. Anything that needs to be refrigerated will just shove into the snow bank!

Cooky Cooky

With one exception, today was a "what do I have" and "what will I do with it" cooking day. I'm really glad, now, that I didn't have to go out of town. I would have returned to a vegetable bin resembling a science project.

So...instead we have..... my exquisite (OK Richard Simmon's Chicken Noodle Keep-Away-The- Flu Soup) chicken noodle soup with chicken, carrots, zucchini, celery, mushrooms and onions; a beautiful red cabbage slaw with carrots, green onions, red cabbage; a fabulous quiche with fresh spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, potato and onions; and four-cheese (supposed to be five, but I didnt' feel like the 5th was worth a trip to the store) stuffed shells (also has some spinach).

My exception (of on hand) is a clementine cake. I read about it last night and it was worthy of a trip to the store for the clems. OMG - the base is very much like my Tarta de Santaigo, but has clementines in it - all of the clementine. It is a real, real, real, real orange cake. Amond and Orange - orgasmic. I'm thinking one little drizzle of chocolate and I will....not going there.

This gem of a recipe came from one of those "church" or "school" cookbooks that I picked up in Pittsburgh. The bookstore had hundreds, if not thousands, of the fund-raising cookbooks families, churches and schools have printed with "old family recipes". I carefully selected my books from regions - New York: Italian with all the contributor's names ending in "ini" a Christmas Favorites, a "Treasured Recipes from..." meaning that I, at a clearance rate, purchased a half dozen "secret recipe" cookbooks. This cake is no exception.

The best part of all of my weekend food adventures is that the food is fresh and healthy. I haven't gained an ounce (quite the opposite). And I'm learning a lot!

Friday, February 01, 2008

Date Nite

Ahhh another Friday night! The fun just never stops.

Groceries, tried the new Thai restaurant, pajamas, TV.

Boy do I live on the edge!

TV Quote

What part of "I Love You" don't you understand?