Y2K was 10 years ago

I managed to get an ugly head cold and doubt I'll be much company this NYE. I feel like a bobble head - you know, when your head feels all giant and heavy? I have taken medicine and the Magical White Guy got me a nose spray thingee that is actually helping, so hopefully the cold will be short-lived. I hope so, because we are going to the Alamo Bowl on Saturday and I want to be at my best, as I'm sure there will be all sorts of clever signs about Gerald Myers and the James kid. In a way, I feel sorry for the poor little punk, as I doubt his parents knew they were throwing him under the bus.

Maybe I'll get a second wind and post a new blog tonight, as I really would like to at least post Christmas stories before St. Valentine's Day. If not, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here's hoping that 2010 if full of friends, family, and fun!

what's that smell?

I will tell you all about Christmas later. (Thanks to the best boyfriend in the whole wide world for making it special even though plans changed. xoxo) Right now though, I want to tell you a little story.

We were dog-sitting the neighbor's dog, Tootsie, all week. I thought she and Blossom found something rank to roll around in the grass outside, because every time I was sitting near them on the couch, they stunk to high heaven. I thought they had infested everything in the house - the couches, the blankets, the throw pillows, etc. At one point I was even sitting next to Larry and told him that he smelled. I thought maybe he had really bad breath or smelly feet or that he had been sitting on a smelly blanket and it rubbed into his clothes.

Well, I was sitting on the couch indian-style and saw that I had something on my warm pink fuzzy slipper sock. I looked closer and even gave it a little sniff, as it looked like chocolate. Um... not chocolate. It was DOG POOP! I was the source of the stench!

I quickly apologized to Larry for insinuating that he was the source, then threw the socks in the washer and jumped in the shower. The lesson I learned today.... "he who smelt it, dealt it."

merry little cookies

I really intended to give you a new blog today. Instead, I was in the kitchen for about 6 hours, baking. Now my back and my feet hurt and the last thing I want to do is upload, resize and edit pictures. So, until I get my second wind, you can create a mental picture of what I baked today:

Sugar cookies - Stacy style. I call them "Stacy style" because I ate about a dozen of these suckers while staying at their house a few weeks ago. I used sugar cookie mix and then rolled them in red sugar before baking. Mmmmmm.

Red Velvet truffles - Bakerella style (she calls them cake balls but I prefer "truffles")

Pumpkin bread - Libby style. This is what Ed & Rita, the next door neighbors get every year because they say they love it. This is homemade and takes quite a bit of time, so I hope they really do love it and aren't just saying that.

Peanut butter thumbprint mini-muffin cookies - I just kind of made these up as I went along because I wanted to use my new mini muffin pan. Again, peanut butter cookie mix (yes, I taught home ec but am not afraid of mixes.) I just put them in the muffin tin and baked, then pressed my thumb down so that they are kind of like little shells. Then I used fudge frosting to pipe the chocolate insides. (I forgot to buy hershey kisses if you must know the truth.)

I had also intended to do cute decorated cupcakes but I think those may get axed.

If you are our neighbor, you'll get a nice little plate of these delicious treats. Also, if you are homeless and happen to visit the Mobile Loaves and Fishes truck tomorrow, you'll get one that I put in a sandwich baggie and tie a little Christmas ribbon on.

Also.... "Little Drummer Boy" is one of my favorite Christmas carols. I love the line "I am a poor boy too" - like, what do I have to give? But after hearing at least ten different versions of it today, I might have to politely tune out the next time I hear it.

If I don't get the chance or find the motivation to post again before Christmas - many blessings to you and yours.

hands free

There is a local place called Hoover's by the house that the Magical White Guy (MWG) likes to visit. This is a picture of the entrance to the bathroom area:



They hung a stocking for all of the employees.

You know they like you when they also hang a stocking for YOU:



I think I know why they like him. He is a clever fella. For example, you all know what a bluetooth is. You see idiots wearing them all over the place - you think they are saying something to you and you're all, "Excuse me?" And then you realize that they are NOT talking to you, they are talking to the little piece of plastic that is hanging from their ear. They look like this:



Well, MWG called me one day from the car and told me that he was talking on his bluetooth. His phone is the old Nokia "brick" type phone, and I don't know that they are even compatible with a bluetooth. Doesn't matter... just give MWG a Texas Longhorns skullie cap and he'll create his own hands-free device. Look and learn:

I'm studying astrophysics and rescuing baby rattlesnakes in my spare time

My family sends out a Christmas letter. You know what I mean.

The letter that gives you the update of what has happened in the lives of all the family members. To tell the truth, I actually like those letters and read every one that comes in. I always learn something that I didn't know. I'll say things to myself like, "Huh! I didn't know they went to Costa Rica over Spring Break!" or "Oh my gosh, poor little guy broke his arm! At least he got a Spiderman cast." etc. My parents do a really good job on theirs. My dad usually makes it into some sort of a pamphlet or something with just a sentence or two to give a quick snippet on the lives of us all. (of course, maybe I think it is a good letter because I'm mentioned in it... who knows.)

This year, my dad asked us to write our own updates. What?!?! If you know me at all, you should realize that I really don't like to talk about myself. I'm not one for lots of attention or fanfare. Example: My entire family is musical and doesn't mind performing... we've got it all - singers, guitar players, bass players, harmonica players and djimbe players - yet I kind of sing along in the background and pretty much refuse to sing by myself. (unless there is wine involved.) I realize that having a blog could be considered a method of promoting myself or bragging, but since I don't have anyone around me when I'm writing, it's more like I'm just writing an autobiography.

So anyway, we were requested to send in our updates using 150 words or less. This is what I probably should have submitted:

Just to answer your question: Rachel is not married yet, nor is she sporting anything sparkly on her left hand. She has no children but enjoys dressing up her dog in an effort to satisfy her maternal instincts. She does have a really good job that she enjoys, although sitting in a cubicle has contributed to some weight gain. She is halfway done with graduate school, and is hoping it is worth the additional $20,000 of student loans.

Here is what I submitted:

Rachel is still in Austin, loving her job as a teacher educator in a certification program. She is half-way done with her master's degree in Administrative Leadership, focusing on Human Resource Development and Adult Education. She loves being “Aunt Bee” to her nieces and nephews and tries to visit as much as possible. In her spare time, she enjoys dressing her dachshund, Blossom, in ridiculous outfits as her boyfriend Larry hangs his head in shame. Together, they enjoy volunteering with Mobile Loaves and Fishes, hosting parties, and sharing the many blessings of life with family and friends. If you’re the blogging type, you can keep up with her at www.thatcatbythebar.blogspot.com.

(insert vomiting soundtrack here)

See? I'm really not very good at self-promotion. These things are so hard to write, because you want people to be happy for the exciting things that are going on in your life, but there is no way to word them without sounding a little pretentious. For instance:

Best Brags

Our daughter no longer colors, she designs . . .
[The daughter was three and a half, and not quite potty trained.]

Our high school won the State Football Championship this year . . .
[None of the family's children played, but they attended regularly. Go, Bulldogs!]

Our son was invited to send a biography to "Who's Who in American High School Students" . . .
[Main selection criteria: order a copy, for $49.99.]

I'm going to learn ancient Greek next year, so I can see if the Bible was translated properly . . .
Sent to Maryanne in California, as was the next.

Our daughter has mastered French. She isn't interested in Spanish and the school doesn't offer Russian, so she's taking Mandarin Chinese . . .
[Daughter who had mastered French was in the 9th grade.]

So anyway, if you happen to get a Christmas letter from my parents this year, don't laugh at my section. I did my best.

tick tock

It can be awkward when a male coworker says.... "Can I ask you a personal question?" The coworker in question is a very nice man and not creepy or anything, so I say, "Sure." (Side note - what are you supposed to say to this question?) He proceeds with "Do you want kids? I was playing with my kids last night, and I don't know what made me think of it, but I was just thinking you would be a really good mom." I said, "Well thanks! I want a family, not just some random kids, so we'll see."

But actually, I do remember exactly when it happened. About a year ago, I was at the gym on the elliptical, and IT happened. My biological clock started ticking.

cartoon credits

If you haven't hit 30 yet, just wait. It's not a myth. I saw this pregnant lady and thought - hmmm. I could do that. I could be a mom. You see, up to that point, I really wasn't sure. I kind of like being able to come and go as I please and not really be responsible for anything. (aka: I am/was selfish.) But all of a sudden, something in my head/heart/body was all... "Hey self, I would probably be a good mom. I am good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like me." I'm pretty sure I was meant for more than just being a fun girl that throws a good party.

So we'll see what life brings me. I will admit spending time with the nieces and nephews does make me think about it, because they are just so cute and fun. And they say funny things. And they give hugs. And I can color. (And I may or may not like to buy children's clothing.) But really, I think about what my legacy will be. Fortunately I still have a *little* bit of time to see how it all plays out.

good intentions

I totally intended to post a new blog post tonight, but I spent the last 1.5 hours resizing pictures to upload to Facebook, so it's not going to happen.

That will be all for now.

blogaversary

It was a year ago, the night before Thanksgiving, that I decided to start a blog. Aside from starting grad school and gaining one niece and one nephew, not much has changed, so I'm wondering what in the world I wrote about for a whole year? Oh yeah, my bunion surgery.

Here's hoping that I have no surgeries to post about this year.

And here's hoping that this year is just as blessed. If you're reading this, you're most likely a person that I thank God for every day. (I say "most likely" because I really have no idea who reads this thing.)

Remember to be thankful for your blessings EVERY day, not just Thanksgiving. Cheers!

hurry up Aidan!

I'm in my hometown visiting and hoping that my sister has the baby (Aidan) soon. (due date is today...) A snapshot of what I've done so far:

Mopped a kitchen floor and realized I might need to start doing housework more often, as I got a blister.

Practiced lamaze breathing with my sister. (don't forget the "cleansing" breath!)

Went to see New Moon - much better than the first movie. While there, I saw the best Twilight t-shirt for a woman over the age of 30.... "The wolf in Jacob brings out the cougar in me"

Had a slumber party with 3 girls under five. Dipped marshmallows and strawberries in white chocolate, frosted sugar cookies, painted toe nails, danced and watch Barbie in Swan Lake.

Had a bean (b-e-a-n) burrito from Taco Villa.

Spent several hours in almost every store in town shopping for my mom's birthday present.

Currently, I'm doing homework and needed a break, but will get back to the grind as soon as I click "Publish Post."

last Thursday

Sarah did a blog where you take one picture every hour and then post it on your blog. In true single white female style, I decided to steal this idea and do it too. I chose to do it last Thursday - while I was in Dallas baby-sitting my niece. (Because if I would have done a normal day, it would just be 9 pictures of my cubicle at work, 1 at happy hour, and 3 sitting on the couch...) So, without any further adieu:

7am: Molly wakes up

8am: We are dancing with the bunny that sings

9am: Changing out of pajamas

10am: Reading a book

11am: On the road, headed up to Denton to meet Molly's new little sister, Ellie - and we passed by Texas Motor Speedway on a race weekend

12pm: Meet Elisabeth Rose

1pm: Drive by a big flock of birds


2pm: Larry gets to stop at George's in Waco


3pm: We pass by the Fort Hood exit only an hour after the horrible shooting tragedy occurred (PLEASE PAUSE AND SAY A PRAYER FOR ALL AFFECTED)

4pm: Make it home and see that my flowers survived my absence

5pm: Get started on homework

6pm: Tijuana Thursday at Pluckers with Dale

7pm: (7:55pm to be exact... I almost forgot to take a picture during the 7pm hour.) Shots for Larry's upcoming birthday weekend

8pm: Back to homework for the rest of the night

And that pretty much tells you how exciting my life is on a daily basis.

I don't care what you say

It is NEVER a good day when you wake up and realize that you've gotten the Texas Flag tattooed on your neck.
It is ALWAYS a good deal to get 22 diapers and 20 tampex for $3.50. (So if your child weighs more than 27 pounds, I have diapers for when you visit.)

I have the CUTEST boy in the world, and Red Robin may serve previously frozen, yucky meat, but they offer you a free burger on your birthday and they sure do dress it up nice. We called this the "pac-man" burger.

That will be all. Good day.

magnetic belly

I got to babysit my precious niece, Molly, while my brother and his wife were having their second child. Molly and I did all sorts of fun things - play-doh, drawing, dancing, reading, and playing with the pregnant barbie.
She handed it to me and I was all - how cute! A pregnant barbie so that Molly will understand that her mommy is pregnant and that a new baby will be coming home!
Out of curiosity, I wanted to see how Mattel made the big plastic belly...
Upon closer look, I noticed that the pregnant belly is magnetic and REMOVABLE! Complete with the baby inside! (You could even position it to be breech if you wanted to.)
Once the baby is "born," you can just remove the pregnant belly and you have a regular sized barbie.
I'm not sure if I love this barbie or if I'm disturbed by it. Either way, I'm excited for Miss Molly to have her little sister.

Congrats to Joe and Mel!



UPDATED: In the words of Alan Jackson..."I'm not a real political man," but I will address the "victory" in the health care reform bill that happened tonight:

The House version of the health care reform legislation narrowly passed with the vote of 220-215 late Saturday evening, but it was done without provisions for the funding of abortions.

I don't know about y'all, but looking at those two babies posted above is enough to convince me. But just in case you need more to chew on... http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2009/09-228.shtml

Health care reform isn't just about abortion, it is also about those families you "sponsor" at Christmas, your Grandma on Medicaid and the guys you pick up at Home Depot to build your fence.

"Universal coverage should be truly universal, not denying health care to those in need because of their condition, age, where they come from or when they arrive here." Just sayin'.

100K

I think I’ve mentioned before that I did NOT want to learn how to drive. Why drive myself when somebody else can drive for me? (To this day, if I could have one perk of the wealthy, I would choose a personal driver. No question. Well, the unlimited shoe budget is a close second, but I’d still go with a driver.)

Needless to say, not only could my parents not afford to get me a car when I was 16, I had no desire for one. I was happy satisfied to be driven around in the family yellow station wagon or conversion van. When I was a senior in high school, I got my first job. I waited tables at Chelsea Street Pub and Grill in the mall on the weekends. So, I had to take one of the family cars. Well, that got old and it became apparent that I was going to have to have my own vehicle. So, after I graduated, I took my fist full of $2500 and went searching. There aren’t many cars that an 18 year old girl wants that are automatic and cost less than $3000. Nevertheless, I think the car salesman LOST money on me, but I was the proud owner of a 1993 white Eagle Summit.

That car was the best. The speedometer didn’t work, so I never had any idea how fast I was going. (But never got a speeding ticket!) This is the car that I never changed the oil in, so it only lasted me a few years. (Remember - engines break when you don’t change the oil.)

I went back to borrowing cars for a couple months until I graduated college and accepted my first teaching job. At that point, I knew that I needed an actual new car. I had signed on the dotted line that I would be getting a salary, so I felt confident in adding a car note to my plate. Fortunately, I dated the roommate of the Finance Director at the local Ford house, so I got a pretty sweet deal on a 2000 Mustang.

I had the car for about 3 days before I went driving around town, saying goodbye to all my friends before moving to Austin. I was all teary-eyed and sad as I drove down the country road back to my parent’s house. AND HIT A DOG. It was a dalmation and I killed it. So, I was sobbing by the time I got home, because who really wants to kill a dog? Besides that, the front bumper of my brand new car was all broken. (Never got it fixed either)

After getting a dog and transporting her in their crate in the back seat back and forth to Lubbock, I realized I needed a 4-door vehicle. So, as sad as it was, I traded in the Mustang for my 2003 Altima.

I had just gone in “to look” but apparently was a pretty easy target for the salesman. I don’t mind. I love my Altima. Love it so much that I managed to put 100,000 miles on it. It happened last Sunday on the way to church. I took a picture as it happened. The song on the radio was “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” by George Strait.

Now I just have to decide if I want to drive it until the wheels fall off since it is almost paid for, or if it is time to open the next chapter of my car history. (Not like I have any say…. SOMEBODY probably won’t let me get a new one until I pay off my student loans.)

Midgees

Did anybody else use to sort their Halloween candy? You know, like all the skinny tootsie rolls in one pile, all the midgees in a different pile, then the tootsie roll bars in a separate pile? Suckers and lollipops went together, as did Dots and Now "n" Laters. There was a sacred pile of the really good stuff - like Kit Kats or Three Musketeers. Then there was the pile of those candies that are nougaty and wrapped in orange or black wax paper, meh. And believe it or not, I would have traded you all of my Reece's Peanut Butter Cups for your Junior Mints. Mmmmm. I miss trick-or-treating.

But anyway...it's no secret that I love Hungry Girl. In case you don't subscribe to her emails, I have done my good deed for the Halloween season and posted the calorie count for all your favorite trick-or-treat goodies. (And if you have any leftover Tootsie Roll Midgees, send them my way!)

No stats on the back of your bite-sized Halloween goodies? Don't stress! Check out our new HUGE guide to the calorie counts and fat contents of your favorite candies, and then forward this to all your hungry pals!

Guilt-Free Classics! Tootsie Caramel Apple Pop - 60 calories, 0.5g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Charms Blow Pop - 60 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Dum Dum Pop - 25 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Lik-m-aid Fun Dip 0.5-oz. Pouch - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Jolly Rancher Hard Candy (3 Pieces), Original - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Jolly Rancher Lollipop - 60 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Laffy Taffy Miniature - 32 calories, 0.4g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Pixy Stix (7 Straws) - 60 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Smarties Candy Roll - 25 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Tootsie Pop Miniature (3 Pops) - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Tootsie Pop - 60 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Tootsie Roll Midgee (About 1-Inch Long) - 23 calories, 0.5g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Tootsie Roll Snack Bar (0.5 oz., About 3-Inches Long) - 50 calories, 1.25g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Twizzlers Strawberry Twists, Snack Size (3 Minis) or Individually Wrapped Twist - 30 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)

Chocolate 101: Size Matters! Before you chew, know the difference between Snack Size, Fun Size, and Miniatures... Miniatures/Minis are the square-shaped morsels -- those babies are each about a quarter-ounce in weight. A Snack Size or Fun Size chocolate treat weighs in at a little more than a half-ounce and is usually about 2 inches long. Not all size-categorized treats are created equal. We've found seemingly identical Fun Size bars on shelves -- same brand, same flavor -- with varying weights and calorie counts. If you want to be extra-careful, we recommend going by the higher set of stats listed below.

Choc-O-Licious 3 Musketeers Mini Bar - 24 calories, 0.7g fat (POINTS® value 1*) 3 Musketeers Fun Size Bar - 63 - 70 calories, 2 - 2.25g fat (POINTS® value 1 - 2*) Almond Joy Snack Size Bar - 80 - 85 calories, 4.5g fat (POINTS® value 2*) Butterfinger Miniature - 45 calories, 1.75g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Butterfinger Fun Size Bar - 100 calories, 4g fat (POINTS® value 2*) Hershey's Kiss, Milk Chocolate - 25 calories, 1.4g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Hershey's Kiss, Pumpkin Spice or Candy Corn Flavor - 23 calories, 1.3g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Hershey's Mini ature Bar, Any Flavor - 42 calories, 2.5g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Hershey's Milk Chocolate Snack Size Bar - 67 calories, 4g fat (POINTS® value 2*) Milky Way Mini - 40 calories, 1.5g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Milky Way Fun Size Snack Bar - 75 - 80 calories, 3g fat (POINTS® value 2*) Nestle Crunch Miniature - 30 calories, 1.5g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Nestle Crunch Fun Size Bar - 60 - 70 calories, 3 - 3.3g fat (POINTS® value 1 - 2*) Reese's Miniature Peanut Butter Cup - 44 calories, 2.6g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Reese's Snack Size Peanut Butter Cup - 90 - 110 calories, 5 - 6.5g fat (POINTS® value 2 - 3*) SHOCKER! Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkin - 170 calories, 10g fat (POINTS® value 4*) Snickers Miniature - 45 calories, 2g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Snickers Fun Size Bar - 80 calories, 4g fat (POINTS® value 2*) Twix Mini Caramel Cookie Bar - 50 calories, 2.6g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Twix Fun Size Peanut Butter Cookie or Caramel Cookie Bar - 80 calories, 4 - 5g fat (POINTS® value 2*) York Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Pattie Pumpkin - 60 calories, 1.25g fat (POINTS® value 1*)

Goodie Bag (or Box)! Dots Mini Box - 75 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 2*) Junior Mints Snack Size Box - 80 calories, 1.5g fat (POINTS® value 2*) Life-Savers Gummies Pouch - 70 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) M&M's Fun Size Bag - 63 - 83 calories, 2.6 - 4g fat (POINTS® value 1 - 2*) Peanut M&M's Fun Size Bag - 67 - 90 calories, 3.3 - 5g fat (POINTS® value 2*) Mike and Ike Snack Size Pack - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Milk Duds Snack Size Box - 53 calories, 2g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Nerds Mini Box - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Runts Mini Package - 70 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Skittles Fun Size Pack, Original - 53 - 80 calories, 0.5g - 1g fat (POINTS® value 1 - 2*) Sour Patch Kids Treat Size Package - 55 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Starburst Original Fruit Chews Fun Size Package (2 Chews) - 40 calories, 0.8g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Swedish Fish Treat Size Package - 55 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*) Sweetarts Pouch - 50 calories, 0g fat (POINTS® value 1*)