A little plate of crazy

Asparagus - My Way

2010-03-09T10:51:00.006-06:00

One of the things I like best about spring is asparagus. Right now, in just about any grocery store, you can find tender, young asparagus for as low as $0.99 a pound. I was in my local Tom Thumb on Sunday and picked up a bunch of asparagus for our Monday dinner. I love asparagus most ways (except boiled - gross), but this recipe is my absolute favorite.

Spring Asparagus with Garlic

2 tbsp. butter (the real stuff please)
2 tbsp. good olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt (do yourself a favor and buy some good salt - don't use the shaker stuff for this!)
1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. asparagus spears, washed and trimmed

In a medium saute pan over medium heat, melt together the butter and the olive oil. Once this is melted, sprinkle the salt and pepper over the oil and allow the salt to melt into the butter/oil mixture.

Add the minced garlic and let it cook down and infuse the oil for a minute or two - don't let it get brown or burn!

Once the garlic is just barely cooked, add the asparagus spears. Saute the asparagus, turning to coat in the salty, peppery, buttery olive oil, for about 10 minutes or until crisp-tender. Turn the asparagus every minute or so so it doesn't overcook or get brown. The salty-garlicky oil will permeate the spears and they will be so tender and flavorful you'll want to spank your mama.

With asparagus so cheap right now, we're going to be eating a lot of this. Try this recipe - I promise you will NOT be disappointed.

Let me know how it works out for you (but don't really spank your mama - unless she deserves it!)!

Weird Lenten Meals Forced Upon Me... and MORE!

2010-03-08T15:27:00.005-06:00

Growing up Catholic meant that there was NO MEAT on Fridays. I never really cared too much for Lent, because of two things:

1) Gramma Stella wouldn’t give me any candy after lunch
2) Weird dinners on Friday

OK, so the dinners weren’t always weird. But with a family farm in the picture and plenty of access to fresh eggs, one of the go-to meals was BEANS and EGGS. Basically, this was a couple of cans of vegetarian beans warmed up and served with your choice of fried egg. By choice of fried egg, I mean you could have it fried or you could go without. This was often served with soft white bread and plenty of butter or margarine and a glass of milk.

I NEVER eat fried eggs anymore. No joke. It’s even hard for me to watch the hubs eat his sunny side ups. I must have choked down hundreds of eggs when I was a kid (maybe thousands!). Fried eggs for breakfast, egg salad sandwiches, fried egg sandwiches, hard boiled eggs, deviled eggs, and the after school snack of choice – A FRIED EGG! No cookies and milk for us!

Another go to was the Salmon Patty. I don’t know who thought this horrific dish up, but I remember thinking I was being punished for being Catholic. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE SALMON! But that stuff that comes in a can was mixed with bread, eggs and other stuff and it was just… well, icky.

The BEST part about being Catholic during Lent was that once in a while, we got to go to a FISH FRY! These were put on by some fraternal organization, usually the Elks, the Moose or the Eagles, and consisted of all types of fresh Lake Michigan caught fish, usually deep-fried to a crunchy golden brown goodness. French fries, cole slaw and green beans were always on the menu, and we always got DESSERT!!! (Susu likes pie. Amen.)

Second best to the fraternal order of the fish fry, was the home-cooked smelt fry. Smelt are little fish that would run in the early spring, and a lot of times they would wash ashore on the beach. The beach would literally be COVERED with smelt. Anyway, after the big catch came the worst part about the smelt - cleaning them. I would watch my dad do it, chopping off the heads and cleaning out the guts. Once we were old enough, my older sister Jean and I cleaned the fish. Come to think of it, that usually meant that SUSAN cleaned the fish.

The cool thing about smelt is that you basically eat the whole thing – fins and bones included. Dad would dredge them in some seasoned flour and deep fry them until they were golden. We’d eat them with French fries, lots of tartar sauce with homemade pickle relish and a lettuce and pineapple salad.

Sometimes, Dad would make us pancakes for dinner. My mom worked nights, and if Dad came home from work and was not too tired, he would make us all pancakes. Pancakes with lots of butter and syrup and a big glass of milk is still one of my favorite meals – whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Dad pancakes are always the best - just ask any kid!

I can’t say that I miss beans and eggs night (or salmon patty or fish stick night), but I DO miss pancake night. And I haven’t found a fish fry down here in Texas (but then I haven’t looked too hard either). The best part of being a kid was dinner around the table with everyone and even doing the dishes. (Ask my mother why she never got a dishwasher, and she’ll tell you she had FOUR KIDS for crying out loud.)

I don’t keep Lent anymore. I mean the no meat on Friday’s part. I’ll write about the guilt I felt after eating a Friday hamburger during Lent at another time.

Good old Catholic guilt. Amen.

I TOTALLY needed this today.

2009-03-26T11:23:00.003-05:00

Such a beautiful piece that truly inspires.

Take a minute (or seven) to be inspired. Make a difference to somebody today - even to yourself!

Nap time is the BEST time!

2009-02-23T18:17:00.004-06:00

The girls like to lay on top of each other and snuggle during nap time. They are just so darn cute, it's hard to not stop and snap a few quick pics. Of course, this usually wakes one of them up and defeats the purpose of sleepy time.

Miracles on the side of the road

2009-02-21T10:34:00.006-06:00

I have two little miracles living in my house today. This is just a temporary stop for them, because these miracles will eventually find a home of their own. These little miracles are puppies.

Early last week, my rescue group got a call about ten Great Pyrenees puppies found on the side of the road. Now last week was cold - we had bitter cold winds and freezing temperatures and even some rain. It was a bad time to be an outdoors puppy. It was an even worse time to be a puppy dumped in a muddy ditch on the side of the road in rural Texas.

Someone was watching over these pups though, and a call was placed to animal control. They came out to get the soggy, soaking, cold and hungry pups. Not one of them weighed more than 4-5 pounds. There were five boys and five girls, between the age of 4-5 weeks. Probably shouldn't even have been away from their mama. It would only taken a day or two for all of them to die, exposed to the elements and other predatory creatures.

When we picked them up, the shelter manager, a young man who couldn't even be 25 years old, was angry. Angry because these pups deserved a chance, angry because of the idiot who dumped them. You could see the stress on his young face. His day consists of finding animals in his out-of-the-way area, then deciding who could possibly be adopted, then euthanizing the rest. The shelter is very small, I counted only 8 kennels, and one killing room. But the cool thing was how his countenance changed when we came to get these pups. There would be no killing today, at least of these tiny white bundles.

In his gratefulness, he and his staffer bathed them and treated them for fleas. He remarked to us that it was a rare occasion indeed when such a large number of dogs leave his small shelter in just one day. I know he wanted to say "alive" but he was gracious and held it back.

As a Christian, I believe we find miracles when we look for them. There isn't always a flash of bright white light. It isn't often that scales fall from eyes, or people get up from their mats and walk. But there are miracles every day - in the sound of the wind and the rustle of the leaves on the trees, in the flowers - and even the weeds - pushing up from nothingness. There are miracles in the sweetness of puppy breath and the innocent delight of watching babies play, so oblivious to what their fate might have been even last week. There was a miracle in that shelter manager's life last week when he realized that FINDING these ten puppies meant SAVING them, and not having to subject them (and himself) to the sad surrender of the pink liquid, that had been placed in neat rows on the shelves of the killing room cupboard. In my years of doing rescue, I know how you have to harden yourself against the realities of this work. But I've also honestly never seen a shelter manager more softened and grateful.

These ten little miracles are the lucky ones. They were found and they were saved. But hundreds of thousands of miracles are lost every day to ignorance and cruelty. Please. It doesn't matter whether you prefer dogs or cats, please - spay or neuter your pet. DON'T buy a pet from a breeder or a pet shop. Every single one of my pyrs is a pure bred that someone else didn't want.

There are rescue groups all over the United States that have animals available for adoption. Here is the one I work with - Saving Pyrs In Need (SPIN).

Now here is a photo of my two little miracles: Carlee and Caylee, both just 4 pounds of wide-eyed, heart-stealing sweetness.

Random things are fun!

2009-01-15T12:57:00.004-06:00

It's flipping cold outside. And I was wondering why my fingers were about to fall off, so I wandered downstairs to see that the thermostat was only set on 62. No wonder.
Four dogs snoring sounds almost the same as seven dogs snoring.
Sometimes my brain doesn't want to think about sales promotions and post cards. So I have to force it to.
Brain doesn't really care too much for it.
I would like a pair of electric socks. Do they even make electric socks? If they don't, the really should. I'd buy a pair.
I've been doodling boxes today. This has to mean something. Anyone got an interpretation?
Some days I feel undefeatable. And then some days I feel like a fraud.
The trash guys are really late today.
I really hate murdering mice, but it's one of those things that a girl's just gotta do sometimes.
Deli turkey, Rondele Garlic and Herb cheese and romaine on a flat bread tastes delicious. And I think it's good for me too.
Current food obsessions: Clementines, bananas and pomegranates.
Charmin Super Strength toilet paper might as well be called "cardboard." I'm just sayin'.
I've lost about 7 pounds and I'm feeling pretty good about it.
Fountains of Wayne totally rocks, but then again you probably knew that.
Trent Pawley apparently makes the world's best guacamole... and don't even play (whatever that means). But then again, I don't LIKE guacamole. So it could be the best stuff on the planet and I wouldn't give a Mexican avocado for it.
Whenever I see guacamole, I think of "The Exorcist."
So now you know.
But then I think of it when I see split pea soup as well, so I don't care much for that either.
I prefer things in groups of three or five, but a lot of people prefer twos and fours. That just seems odd to me.

Sights Seen at the Surgical Center

2009-01-08T12:09:00.003-06:00

I had to bring Carl in to the Surgery Center of Arlington for a little hand surgery today. He has something called "trigger finger" – the layman's term – on his left hand. This causes two of his middle fingers to bend inward, creating something of a claw. Or as he likes to say, his hand is permanently bent into the "hook 'em horns" symbol. I prefer to say it's the sign for "I love you" but of course I am overruled. He's a tea-sipper all the way.

This surgical center is tucked back in an unobtrusive area off of Matlock Road and Orthopedic Way. I've driven by it many times and never even knew it was here. It's a nice building. The waiting area has lots of space, lots of nooks and corners. The carpet is a charming taupe and beige plaid and the chairs are maroon and metallic taupe – an interesting fashion choice. A flat screen television blasts the Today Show to the room, and the scent of the free coffee is tempting.

When you are sitting in a waiting room, you get to see all different segments of society. There is the dude against the wall reading an instruction manual for a computer application. It totally fits him too. He looks like a geek, so I am assuming that this is what geeks do in a waiting room. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

There is the couple from the low-rent side of town. He wears a three-day growth of beard and is dressed in camouflage and a gimme cap. She is in stretch pants and a wind-breaker. They are hard-working, salt-of-the-earth people, the kind that cities are built on and farms are run with. They smell like cigarette smoke.

The well-dressed couple in the corner are dressed in high-dollar track suits (this is an orthopedic surgery center, and you are asked to come in for your surgery in light, comfortable clothes). He has nicely trimmed salt and pepper hair and sports sandals that have probably never been used for any sort of sport. She is well-coiffed – not a hair out of place – as she gently places her French-manicured hand on his thigh and tells him everything will be all right.

In another corner of this oddly shaped room, we have a group of Mexican women – looks like two sisters and the daughter of one of them. They are quietly speaking Spanish and drinking coffee. There is worry etched on their faces, like this surgery may be a life or death situation. But since it's an orthopedic center, I doubt that's the issue.

There is the single, older woman sitting alone. She is wearing a Dallas Cowboys track suit and holds her cell phone tightly in her hand. She looks a little nervous about her procedure. Or is she waiting for someone already in surgery? I'm not really sure. Her eyes are darting around the room like she's looking for someone to tell her it's going to be okay.

There is a young black man, waiting to have his surgery. I don't know what it is, but he is also alone and he looks nervous.

I just got to go back to see Carl before they take him into surgery. He is wearing a cute little pink and blue gown and his hair is up in one of those little shower cap thingies. He's nervous too, because he was talking a lot and loudly. He makes sure the anesthesiologist knows that he can't take a lot of pain and he better ensure that his arm is completely asleep before they even consider cutting on him. Bless his heart, he's scared. They don't let me stay, I just get a quick kiss, a laugh with the surgeon and am booted out to the waiting area with the rest of the families.

I haven't seen Channel 5 morning news in some time. Looks like Tammy Dombeck let her hair grow. It looks pretty good!

I shoulda brought a book.

A baby changes everything...

2008-12-24T15:21:00.004-06:00

It's that time again, when the world does an about face and all together decides to celebrate the birth of a baby, so long ago.

I love this time of year. It's always been a lot more to me than presents and carols and trees. I love the spirit that seems to humanize (most) people. Even my friends who are not believers in the commonest sense seem to step back, become a little kinder, a little more tolerant.

The birth of seven-pound-six-ounce baby Jesus (thank you Ricky Bobby) brings about a rebirth of goodness, kindness and compassion, even if it's only for a couple weeks out of the year.

Can you imagine being Mary? Being just a teenager - maybe 13 or 14 - so young! Being pregnant with the Son of God? Can you imagine being Joseph? Being asked to become the adoptive daddy to the Savior of Man? What heavy responsibilities asked of a couple so young. This was a baby that truly DID change everything.

But apparently God knew what he was doing. And the story began.

Now most of us know that Jesus wasn't born in December, and that Santa as a person may not really be real (although he is in spirit all year long), yet it's appropriate that we celebrate the season of wonder in the winter, when life is covered in freshly fallen snow and the stars seem to shine brighter in the darkness of the sky. (Insert bad dad joke here: It's the season of wonder alright - I WONDER if this winter will ever end! Ba-dum-bum!)

This Christmas, it will be warm here in Texas. No snow anywhere in sight. And Carl and I will take some time to thank God for that day so long ago, when the Son of God came to earth as a tiny baby. We will thank God that He learned from His parents, that He walked the earth and shared the Good News. We will thank God for His sacrifice and His redemption and His Spirit in our hearts and in our lives.

And I will thank God for you, dear blog reader. May you have a wonderful, warm and happy Christmas and always, please, remember the reason there is a Christmas season. :-)

And if you haven't already heard it, take four and a half minutes out of your life and listen to Faith Hill singing 'A Baby Changes Everything' - and see if you don't get shivers down your spine and thankfulness in your heart.

A Post from the Land of Yuck

2008-12-18T15:56:00.003-06:00

Since last Friday afternoon, I have been down with the Yucks.

Not the Laughing Yucks. Those are fun. I especially like the side-splitting, pain-in-the-gut yucks that leave you gasping for air. Those yucks don't suck.

No, this was (is) the phlegm-y, hacking cough, sore throat, fever, headaches, body aches, what-the-heck-is-that-coming-out-my-nose kinda Yucks. And just for kicks, I lost my voice for a couple of days. I still don't really have it back.

It's a bad time to be down too. There are deadlines to meet, cookies to bake, gifts to give, laundry and cleaning to be done. But no. I have been bent low and wiped out with this nastiness.

So this Christmas will probably be really low-key. Just me and the husband, maybe a movie and a chicken pot pie or something for dinner. Heck, since he is coming down with it, we might just spend the holidays cooped up on the couch in front of the TV, catching up on some old DVDs and Tivo.

And you know what else?

Have a great Thursday night.

A Musical Postcard - Fountains of Wayne

2008-12-10T16:45:00.006-06:00

You know how there are songs that just remind you of home? I was reminded of a fave Fountains of Wayne tune by an LL Bean commercial. Can you believe that? LL Bean?

Anyhoo, there is a tune off their 2003 album 'Welcome Interstate Managers' called "Valley Winter Song" that I just love. And subsequently totally forgot about, until LL Bean tried to sell me some slippers and a winter coat. Their commercial features this song and it immediately took me back to this album, and reminded me of other great songs like "Stacy's Mom" and "Hey Julie."

Anybutt, growing up in my home town, I spent a lot of winter nights at the recreation area skating rink. I would trudge through the snow (it was Michigan, for crying out loud) and meet up with my friends and we would skate the night away. The rink was outdoors, and there was only a small warming hut to store your boots and unfreeze your hands after a couple hours of skating around the rink.

Some of my most favorite times were at the skating rink.

So here is a video using Fountains of Wayne's "Valley Winter Song" done by a dude named boojwahz. Not only is it a great tune, but it reminds me of some of the best times of my life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I!

And here are Fountains of Wayne doing the song live.

UPDATE: I found the CD stuck behind a stack of books in the office. SWEET!

Hmm.... what WOULD Jesus do?

2008-12-01T08:42:00.004-06:00

I'm pretty sure Jesus doesn't worry too much about the commerce side of His whole enterprise. He's probably got people that manage that. But I have a feeling SOMEONE is gonna get canned (or at least receive a stern talking-to and a three-week stint in purgatory) for this one:

I really hope I'm not going to hell for this.

Another month, another chance to ...

2008-12-01T07:35:00.004-06:00

...either a) screw it up or b) make it FABULOUS!

I am really hoping for a fabulous December.

So far the freelancing has been going well. I mean I've at least made the last three house payments, so that rocks. I am enjoying my work with BC and am meeting this week with a veep out there - so that will either a) RAWK or b) not rawk.

Ever notice how life is full of choices? A's and B's? Ones or twos? Rawking and not rawking?

Sometimes life is like a ginormous restaurant where every dish ever conceived is always on the menu. You can stuff yourself silly with appetizers or enjoy a buffet of entrees or you can skip it all and go right to dessert.

The hard part is the moderation.

Sometimes, I want to dive right in like I did last night at the Chinese buffet. I had a little Mongolian grill with lots of fresh veggies and chicken and I threw a little lo mien on the plate. I had a couple of dumplings and some garlicky string beans. I had 1.5 plates and that was just a little too much. I was miserable for about 20 minutes and then I was hungry again (HA! That was a joke!) I totally feasted on average Chinese-y food and it was OK.

Because there will be times when the ginormous restaurant will be closed. And then dumplings and Mongolian grills will not be available to me. Life will serve raman noodles and generic store brand macaroni and cheese. With instant powdered milk and fake butter. And I will be (try to be) content with that too.

Man - I really love those garlicky string beans.

What a weird post, huh?

Things that make me happy TODAY!

2008-11-29T16:07:00.004-06:00

I am home, in my own house, sitting on my own couch, watching my own TV and snuggled up in my own Dallas Stars blanket.

While I do like to get away, to me, the best part of vacations will always be the coming home part.

So, in no particular order, and making no particular sense, these are a few things that are making me happy RIGHT NOW, at 4:18 PM on November 29, 2008.

I am home. HOME! In Arlington, Texas.
Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate.
Genie Jean who snuggled with me all night while I was sick.
The nice cold weather and the brisk breeze - my windows wide open and sleeping under an electric blanket. That is BLISS, I tell you.
The dishes are done.
There is no leftover turkey, green bean casserole or yams in my fridge. I DO miss the leftover stuffing and gravy though.
I got a nice check in the mail. SCORE!
Microwave popcorn.
All my pups are happy and healthy. Lorrie took excellent care of them all. Plus I think Molly gained five pounds.
Whatever sickness I had yesterday is just about over. Thank God.
It's the parent's ACTUAL 50th Wedding Anniversary. No fighting today please. Try smacking each other on the butt.

Family Fantasy vs. Reality - What's the Score?

2008-11-25T05:42:00.004-06:00

I am in Branson, MO on a family vacation. With my family. All of my family. This means my sisters and my brother (and their kids) along with my parents. It's day three, and there have already been fights, put-downs, threats to leave, and insults galore. It's been interesting, to say the least.

I have always wanted to have one of those great TV families. You know, like the Brady's or the Walton's or even the Camden's. But I am stuck with the Franckowiak's (try to sound it out - you'll still massacre it), and all that entails.

The reason for our gathering is our parent's 50th wedding anniversary. And while I can respect the good Catholic theology of staying together for the sake of the children, sometimes I wonder if my parents wouldn't be happier if they were not married. Not to mention that the youngest of the children is now in their early 40's and we have all seen the angst and in-fighting in their relationship and we've all wondered... why? Why stay together when there is such animosity?

All this angst has me, for lack of a better and more descriptive word, constipated. I am trying to be the peacemaker, my familial role, and it stresses me out. But I only have until Saturday, then I can head back to my own house and my own bed, hang with my own friends and hug my own dogs.

I realize this post may seem a little negative, but I honestly DO love my family. But there are times when I don't LIKE them very much. :-/

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T09:11:00.003-06:00

Today is Veteran's Day.

Interestingly, a LOT of people think that Veteran's Day is an excuse for blow-out sales and half-price dinners at local restaurants. And since I was in retail for the longest time, I helped perpetuate that fraud. And I am sorry about that.

Veteran's Day is actually about the VETERAN. That's the guy or gal that took a couple years (or longer) out of their lives to serve our Country.

Some of them were fortunate. They travelled the world and guarded our countries while on foreign soil, but never had to see an actual war.

Then there are those, like my brother, who have been in the trenches. Jimmy was involved in the FIRST Iraq war. I remember watching it on television and being absolutely petrified for his young life.

My family has a lot of veterans in it. My Dad and my sweet husband were both in the Air Force. My brother was in the Army. My brother-in-law is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel. My uncle Tom was in the Navy (that's where he got his tattoo). My nephew Bryan is right now on a Navy submarine somewhere only God knows. My other nephew, Brad, is in the Reserves, and knows his time to deploy is coming soon.

The men in my family have always believed in service. Not just for the educational and financial benefit, but to actually SERVE our country. It's not pounded into them - we are not a one-branch-of-the-service family. It's just a way of thanking the United States of America for all the good gifts we have received.

So today, Tuesday November 11, instead of going out and hitting the sales, maybe take a drive by your National Cemetery and plant some flags or watch the service. Or drop by the local VFW and buy a cup of coffee for the guy wearing the "I Served" cap. Or say a little prayer for all the active military personnel still serving around the world. Or just look at the American Flag and say a little "thank you" in your heart.

And remember, freedom is never free, and it's our Veterans (and their families) who paid the price for it. Amen.

My attempt to be a better person - FOR ONE DAY ONLY!!

2008-11-09T11:24:00.003-06:00

OK - this is the dealio.

For one day only, tomorrow, Monday, November 10, 2008, I am ONLY GOING TO SPEAK NICE THINGS ABOUT PEOPLE.

This is my attempt at being a better person - even if it's only for one day. If you hear me say or see me type something bad or nasty about someone, you have permission to slap me. Not too hard though, because I am delicate.

Thanks, Rinila, for the article and the idea. Maybe we should all read it and try it for just one day. Maybe we can all make it a habit.

Nah.

Salt

2008-11-06T14:00:00.009-06:00

There are a lot of different herbs and spices that make life tasty and delicious. In my spice cupboard, there are lots of bottles and cans with mixes and blends that are used for specific things. There are blends like Sunshine, Cajun spice blend, Mesquite BBQ rub, Lemon Dill rub for fish, Montreal chicken and steak seasonings, lemon pepper and the like.

There are herbs, of course. Rosemary is my favorite - I use it a lot. Basil, thyme, sage, tarragon, chervil, parsley, marjoram (another fave) and coriander.

Spices like cinnamon, allspice, saffron (yikes on the cost of THAT!) are in there too.

And then there are the salts. There's regular old Morton's Iodized Salt (Dad still gets his for free), there's kosher salt, smoked salt, grey salt, sea salt, flaked salt, popcorn salt, gos sel, brining salt and pink salt in my cupboard. Yes, all these salts are there and yes, they all get used.

We can't physically live without salt, which is a good thing because it tastes so darn... salty and delicious.

Until I became an 'interested' chef, I never really gave a thought to salt. When I watched a program on salt, I became more intrigued and have been experimenting with all kinds of salts.

Black Salt, Kala Namak, Sanchal - Significant for its strong sulfur odor (India) this salt is a pearly pink gray. It is used in Indian cooking. I have not tried this salt, but i have seen it and smelled it. The smell sorta turned me off, but some might like it. Maybe I'm just not as adventurous as I think I am!
Grey salt, Celtic salt, Sel Gris – Harvested from the light film of salt which forms during the evaporation process. The gray or light purple color comes from the clay in the region of France where it is harvested. Collected using traditional Celtic hand methods. This is a really great, light tasting salt. Perfect on fish, chicken or other lighter meats.
Hawaiian sea salt – Has a distinctive pink hue from the Alaea added to it. The Alaea is volcanic red clay with a high content of iron oxide. This salt is used in many traditional Hawaiian dishes like Kahlua Pig and Hawaiian Jerky. I haven't tried this yet because it's kinda expensive.
Gos Sel, Gale Grosso – Is a larger grain salt which resists moisture and is intended to be ground. Uses include flavoring for soups and salt crusts on meats. I use this in my chicken soup because it really gives it a great flavor.
Flake salt – Shaped like snowflakes, the brine is made using the sun and wind for evaporation. Then the brine is slowly heated to create the flakes. I brine my turkeys and chicken in this. Yummo.
Fleur de Sel, Flower of Salt, Flor De Sal – Skimmed from the top of salt ponds early in the process of evaporation, this is considered a great condiment salt; also good on grilled meats, in salads and on vegetables. The flavor, like wines, varies depending on the region it is harvested from. Typically it is from France though some is produced in Portugal. An expensive salt, I've got a little jar of it and use it sparingly.
French Sea Salt – Processed less than American salt, retains more of the mineral content gained from the Atlantic seawater it is harvested from. This usually includes natural iodine. A coarse salt, this is good for salads, vegetables and grilled meats.
Italian Sea Salt, Sicilian Sea Salt, Sale Marino – Harvested from the lower Mediterranean sea by hand using traditional methods of natural evaporation, this salt is high in iodine, fluorine, magnesium and potassium. A delicate salt which is good on salads and in sauces.
Smoked Sea Salt - One other derivative of sea salt is a smoked sea salt. The salt is smoked over real wood fires to add the flavor to the crystals. These can be used in soups, salads, pasta and also in grilling foods like salmon. I bought some of this from Michael Chiraello's store Napa Style - expensive and worth every penny.

So I totally encourage you to step out of your iodized salt habit and give some of these others a try. You just might find a new taste that you can't live without.

Depression Cooking

2008-11-05T15:32:00.004-06:00

No, this isn't a post about cooking when you are depressed, although I DO do a lot of that. This is actually a post about a little video series I ran across that totally reminded me of my Gramma Stella.

Gramma Stella was my father's mother. She was born in 1903 and died in 2005 - yes, she was 102 years old when she passed. Gramma Stella was a vibrant woman, as big around as she was tall (well, to be honest she was kinda short). She had four children, all of them born during the Depression. Like my Gramma, my dad still has depression sensibilities, i.e., thrift, frugality, making do with what you have, saving, saving, saving, etc. She taught him very well.

Gramma watched us kids a lot when we were little, because my parents worked. Both of them worked afternoon shifts - my dad at the paper mill or the salt plant, and my mom at the hospital. So from about 2:00 until midnight everyday, Gramma watched us.

She was a tough cookie too. Nothing got past her. But I (and my severely whipped-a-lot fanny) digress.

We ate a lot of what people today might find sorta disgusting. We ate a lot of things like liver sausage sandwiches (on dark rye bread), czarnina (a fruity soup cooked with pork shoulder and duck's blood), weird sausages, a lot of Polish foods. Things were always fresh because of the farm - lots of eggs, lots of fresh milk, pork and beef.

During the depression, when things weren't going so hot, Gramma learned to make do with whatever she had on hand. Her creativity in the kitchen resulted in meals that are still familiar to me today - things like kluskis and bacon, noodles and cabbage, and what was known as Poorman's Meal. She made us kids a lot of Poorman's Meals.

Poorman's Meal always started out with potatoes and onions fried together (usually in bacon fat - yummy) with some sort of meat added in toward the end. I remember eating this with hot dogs, ring bologna, kielbasa, smoked sausage and even leftover pork chops.

I found this cool video on YouTube - it's someone's Gramma cooking the Poorman's Meal! Her's is a little different (my Gramma didn't use any tomato sauce or water in hers) but the feeling and tone are the same. She even says potato the way Gramma did (puh-tay-duhs).

This was a fun little reminder for me of those days with Gramma Stella and enjoying her Poorman's Meal.

Getting Out (To) Vote

2008-11-04T07:57:00.004-06:00

Well, here it is, Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Voting day.

I wrote down all my selections yesterday, put the paper on the kitchen table. It must have flown off or something because when I got up this morning, one of the dogs ripped it to shreds. So technically I DO have an excuse to not vote (the dog ate my list), but yet I will NOT let it keep me away from the polls.

The question I am posing to myself right now is this: Do I want to go back upstairs and figure out all of my choices again, thereby saving myself lots of time standing at the machine, or do I just go to the poll, nothing prepared, and stand there and think about which boxes I am going to check and hope - just hope - that my selections will pop back into my head?

Of course another option is to just crawl back into bed and take a nap until around noon. Then I could think about all this stuff again.

Why oh why didn't I vote early (and often)?

November is here... Where'd the year go?

2008-11-03T09:25:00.007-06:00

I love this time of year.

The other day, I drove by a tree that is changing colors (what the...?) and stopped to take a photo. The problem is that I don't know how to download it from my Smart Phone That's Way Smarter Than Me Phone. Seriously, I barely know how to answer the darn thing.

I had to turn on the air conditioner because it's been averaging 88 degrees outside. Someone didn't get the memo about it being November.

The dogs have been digging craters again so they can be cool and comfortable when they are outside for more than 3 minutes at a time. Reminds me of the time I broke my coccyx...

Carl has worn shorts ALL weekend long. Not that this is really unusual because he wears shorts when it snows too. (I, on the other hand, wear flip-flops.)

This past Saturday, we had our annual Pyr Picnic in the Park. All the dogs were hot and tired after about an hour. All the dog owners were hot and tired after about 15 minutes.

Millie was in the Halloween Costume Contest at the Pyr Picnic and got a Participant ribbon. I am such a proud parent. Wait - maybe it's an Achiever ribbon. Honestly tho - does it matter?

Today is November 3. In just 16 short days, I will be 46 years old. I still act like a 12-year old, have skin like a 15-year old and the chin hairs of a 64 year-old. Something here is just not adding up.

Have been working on the parent's 50th wedding anniversary trip and family reunion. Friends and relatives have been sending cards and gifts and I just wanna open them all up because there's nothing I enjoy more than ripping the wrapping paper off a present.

Seriously, what do you get two people who already HAVE everything? I wonder if there are any toasters in this group. Or an electric can opener. Not that I need either one.

I also wonder how I am gonna get my suitcases in the car with all this other poop.

Have been working on a big freelance project for the last four weeks. Have not been paid yet. That is kinda frustrating as they owe me several thousand dollars right now. Still have not made the October mortgage payment. Have not yet freaked out, nor have I contemplated murder. Armed robbery, yes.

Since Halloween is also Carl's Birthday, I planned a weekend of fun for him and called it Carlukka. He enjoyed some presents from Lorrie and me, all his favorite activities, favorite foods and even a little golf and time with his doppelganger son. I think he totally enjoyed his 50th birthday. That was the goal. SCORE!

This post is pretty random, but that's just how I feel right now. Random.

Or maybe I am feeling with my fingers. I'll never tell.

Bring me some turkeys!!!

Tag! I am IT! And so are Debi, Heidi and Heather!

2008-10-15T18:58:00.005-05:00

Hmmm... Mrs. Senora Cobbey over at Orangina (formerly God Writes a Lot of Comedy) tagged me for the Three Things thingy.

So, here goes:

3 Joys

1. Carl. He likes me the way I am, and that's hot.

2. Bailey Gene, Bellie Jean, Molly Jean, Henry Gene, Millie Jean, Genie Jean and Jude.

3. Doing something unexpected for a friend.

3 Fears

1. Dying in a fire

2. Getting dementia or Alzheimer's.

3. Having no one to wipe my butt when I am old and in a home.

3 Goals

1. Moving out of this neighborhood

2. De-cluttering my life. MONICA WHERE ARE YOU?????

3. Setting some cash away for my eventual old age.

3 Current Obsessions

1. Sleep... sleep... sleep.

2. Shoes.

3. The BeautiControl Opportunity (don't ask)

3 Random/Surprising Facts

1. I was the class clown in high school. Hard to believe, huh?

2. I recently found a stray chin hair... on my boob!!!!

3. When I am missing home, I make a pot of kluskis and bacon (potato dumplings fried with bacon and onions) and I am back in Gramma's kitchen. Even at this age, I still get homesick.

Now the fun part. I tag the following ladies...

Debi over at Scriggle

Heidi/TeaHo over at RaggyGirl

Heather/RelocatedYank over at Desperately Seeking Sanity

Ladies - please share!!

The credit crisis has reached Japan

2008-10-13T19:13:00.001-05:00

It's true! The credit crisis has reached Japan...

In the last 7 days, Origami Bank has folded, Sumo Bank has gone belly up and Bonsai Bank announced plans to cut some of its branches.

Yesterday, it was announced that Karaoke Bank is up for sale and will likely go for a song while today shares in Kamikaze Bank were suspended after they nose-dived.

While Samurai Bank is soldiering on following sharp cutbacks, Ninja Bank is reported to have taken a hit, but they remain in the black.

Furthermore, 500 staff at Karate Bank got the chop and analysts report that there is something fishy going on at Sushi Bank where it is feared that staff may get a raw deal.

(Dang, this is funny stuff.)

And now for something completely different...

2008-10-13T18:41:00.004-05:00

Sent to me by a friend in a far-away place (west Fort-freaking Worth) and too darn funny NOT to share. Be sure you have your sound turned on!

I always do that music in my head when I am either a) close to missing a deadline, b)thisclose to missing a deadline, or c) I've just missed the darn deadline.

This music plays in my head a lot.

The Story of Millie and How She Grew (or is Growing)

2008-10-03T15:41:00.011-05:00

This was Millie only five sort months ago. Do you see that cute little handful of a dog? She started out as one of five pure-bred Great Pyrenees puppies unceremoniously DUMPED on the side of the road in Abilene, Texas. Millie, one sister and three brothers were picked up by a concerned passer by and taken to the Abilene shelter.

This is that little ball of nothing today.

It is totally hard for me to believe how big of a change there has been in her. She went from being a little runty (but quite feisty) pup to a 60-pound bundle of energy, joy and love. It seems like overnight.

Great Pyrenees are known for their herding and guarding abilities. Quite often, they are placed as puppies with a flock of goats or sheep (and usually an adult Pyr) to learn the guarding and herding secrets that are passed from Pyr generation to Pyr generation. At least that's how I *think* it works. Maybe I am getting Great Pyrenees mixed up with American Indians. Maybe I am confused. Maybe I need a nap.

However, Millie (or Mildred Jean when she misbehaves) is nothing at all like the herding guardian she is supposed to be.

Nope. Not at all.

Carl, my dear husband, has totally spoiled this little monkey. She is totally and deeply in love with her Papi and has him wrapped around her tiny little dew claws. Anything Millie wants, Millie gets. (Hey - I feel a song coming on here.) Whether it's a puppy treat, an hour-long tummy rub, snuggle time with a nap for good measure or the opportunity to clean his plate after dinner, he denies her nothing. NOTHING! What a sucker!

Millie fell in love with Carl on the ride home from Abilene. Our rescue group took in four of the five pups (don't worry - the other girl was adopted by a shelter worker and is living the high life too). From the time Carl (and Lorrie) picked her and her brothers up, she has rarely left his side.

Anybutt, I was looking at some photos of her, and am just truly amazed at how she has grown and how deeply she is entrenched in our lives. The problem with us (the League's) and rescue dogs is that once we have them all well and healthy, we find it too hard to give them up to new homes.

So, obviously, Millie is a foster failure. She joins Jude, Henry and Genie - all failures too.

Seriously, is there ANYTHING we don't suck at? GADS!

EDITED: Here is a photo of Millie in Carl's arms right after he picked her up from the shelter. Can you SEE why she is Papi's girl???

Note: Millie was only 8 weeks old in the first photo. She is now almost 7 months old. What a cutie!

I am NOT a Mommy-Blogger. I'm not even a MOMMY!

2008-10-01T08:12:00.007-05:00

Mommy blogging is hot-hot-HOT! You've heard about them all, Dooce, Pioneer Woman, Amalah, Dad Gone Mad... blech, blech, BLECH! I'm not even going to link them here because sometimes (just sometimes) reading about other people's kids and all the cute little misadventures, bad words and goofy little things they do, get on my nerve.

You know I only have the one, right?

I've done some research and my blog doesn't fit into any of the mainstream blogging categories, which (in case you didn't know) are: Automotive, Business & Marketing, Entertainment, Graphic Arts, Green, Lifestyle, Mobile, News 2.0 (what the...), Parenting, Sports, Tech and Video Gaming.

My little home on the web doesn't fit into any of those particular categories very well, so I'm going to suggest a few of my own.

Dog Bloggers: Puppy parents (or kitty parents) blog about the day-to-day trials and triumphs of living with pets. You can have all the wailing puppy stories, the cat-ate-my-couch stories, tips on finding the right food, hairball relief, training a puppy to only poop in the neighbor's yard tips and so forth. THIS is a blog I would read.

Evil Step-Moms to 20-Something Kids: Another blog that is relevant to me. I have two stepkids - 28 and 26 - who STILL LIVE WITH THEIR MOTHER!!! No, I am not kidding. This irks me to no end, but then again, I was on my own at 17, married at 18 and divorced by 21. My step kids think I push them too hard to find jobs, get their own places, and have their own bank accounts. So does their mother. They're right - I AM evil!

Jobless and Maybe Soon-to-be Homeless: FABULOUS! I am right here, right now. I think this blog might be a little discouraging though. Just writing the title made me a little sad. Of course, if Federated Media decided this was a worthy category, it could wind up being a money-making deal. Then it wouldn't be so darn depressing.

Cooking from Cans: I noticed that there weren't any Food categories up there, yet there are a LOT of food blogs. I think some should be dedicated solely to the art of cooking from canned items. I've got some weird things in my cupboard that I have no idea what to do with - like Cream of Crab Leg Soup (now with MORE imitation crab legs!) and Jalapeno-Mint Jelly.

No Kids, No Way, No How: While I always thought I would have kids of my own, that wasn't the hand I was dealt. And I'm OK with that. But lets have some blogs dedicated to us - SINKs or DINKs or whatever they want to call us. They can focus on our obsessive needs to have clean hardwood floors, sparkling fixtures, and the latest and greatest gadgets in our homes, cars and on our persons. It could be the TOTALLY Selfish Blog! I like it. I should run with it (except that I am a member of the Jobless and Soon-To-Be-Homeless demographic).

All seriousness aside, you KNOW I love hearing about your kids, seeing their artwork and recounting their outstanding accomplishments on the soccer fields of America. I also like hearing about your cats, dogs and hamsters (SO sorry about Jello) their hairballs and seizures and potty problems. And I love to hear about your jobs too - especially if you JUST got a promotion and a GREAT BIG RAISE. Those make me feel all warm and gooey on the inside.

Hey - can anyone help me move a couple of bodies? :-D

What kind of blogger am I?

2008-09-23T10:29:00.003-05:00

Apparently, I am THIS kind:

You Are a Life Blogger!

Your blog is the story of your life - a living diary.
If it happens, you blog it. And you make it as entertaining as possible.
You may be guilty of over-sharing a bit on your blog, but you can't help it.
Your life is truly an open book. Or in this case, an open blog!

What Kind of Blogger Are You?

How my Really Hard Head saved me from seven years of bad luck

2008-09-22T06:55:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I had an accident. An accident in the home, where apparently MOST accidents actually happen. Actually, I had THREE accidents yesterday in the home. It's a strange and weird thing that so many accidents happen at home, but home is where there are a lot of dangerous things, like forks and ice cubes and heavy mirrors from The Bombay Company.

So yesterday was not the best day for me, in terms of hanging out at home and being safe. In fact, I probably would have had a much better time if I had gone swimming with sharks, laid on a bed of nails, ran with the bulls in Pamplona or was played with the big boys in the Cowboys game.

Weird accident #1: So I am vacuuming the floor as company is supposed to be coming over for a breakfast date, when I step on a fork that is STICKING UP FROM UNDER MY FLOOR RUG. What the???? Come to find out that it was my husband's fork from his little snack the night before that he had "given to the dog to clean so I don't have to wash it before I put it in the dishwasher." While I truly appreciate that, not picking UP the fork after the dog was done, and leaving the fork UNDER the carpet was probably a pretty dumb thing. So I stepped on the fork and the four tines went right into my right heel. And since I couldn't see what I was stepping on, I STEPPED ON IT AGAIN!! Twice. On the same foot. But not in the same place.

So I've got my foot bleeding all over the place in two places. I guess that's what I get for vacuuming barefoot and trusting my husband with kitchen utensils. Gimme a little peroxide and I'll be fine. Lets go have pancakes!

Weird accident #2: Our dogs like ice cubes. They are like the Haagen Daas of dog treats for them, don't ask me why. It's just frozen water to me, but to them, they are little treats from heaven. Anyhoo, I was walking across the hardwoods in the den after giving the dogs an ice cube treat, when I slid on a piece of ice and smashed headlong into the loveseat, twisting my left knee in the process. Again, I was barefoot, but at least my carpets were vacuumed and the floor was swept. So I sat down and decided to check my email. I mean - COME ON - certainly nothing can happen to me while I am SITTING ON THE COUCH, right???

Weird accident #3: So I've got my right heel all nasty with eight little fork holes in it and my left knee is twisted from the stinking ice cube. Email seems so harmless - and actually, the email was. I was just about finished when the dogs come running in chasing each other. Henry, my little gay pyr (bless his heart) jumps up on me as I am setting the laptop on top of the bookshelf. The SAME bookshelf where a large, heavy mirror from The Bombay Company (my former employer - thanks for going out of business and leaving me broke and brokenhearted) is just LEANING against the wall - because it's way stylish that way and I am too lazy to hang it. (Was that a really long run on sentence? Sorry.) So I apparently pushed the laptop back too far and the mirror comes CRASHING down ON TOP OF MY HEAD.

So I sit there for a few seconds - with a scared dog in one arm and a heavy mirror ON TOP OF MY HEAD when I realize - hey - THAT'S BLOOD! So I yell for my husband who is out in the garage doing secret manly things that can only be done secretly by a man in a garage, and he (eventually) comes in to see what I am screaming about.

Bless his heart, he lifts the heavy heavy mirror off my head and says, "Hey, you're bleeding - don't get any of that stuff on the couch! And hey look - the mirror ISN'T EVEN BROKEN! Good thing for you, woman - that's seven years of no sex, or bad luck or somesuch."

While part of me is glad that the mirror isn't damaged, I'm not quite as happy about the state of my head. I grab a towel and wipe up some of the blood that has landed on the Rich Corinthian Leather of our Man Room furniture, and head to the kitchen to see where the heck all this runny stuff is coming from.

My sweet husband has to advise me (from across the room) that it's from a nice two-inch gash on my head. Then he reminds me that other people's blood makes him nauseous. So while I want to cry and scream (my head FREAKING HURTS HERE PEOPLE!!!), I try to remain calm because I don't want my sweet love bug to hork - that's just ONE MORE THING that might send me over the edge.

After about a half an hour, the bleeding sorta stops. Man - heads REALLY bleed! Since I am uninsured, I decide NOT to make the trip to the ER and just buck up. They would probably just Super Glue my head closed anyway.

So I decided that probably the BEST thing for me to do would be to just go to bed. There IS a mirror over the bed, but it's hung pretty well, so I feel semi-safe. So at 7:13 PM on a Sunday evening, I am in bed, my pillows swathed with towels to catch any random bleeding from my head, my left foot in a sock to keep the fork tine holes clean, and my right knee on ice to keep the swelling down.

You know, I am REALLY glad I didn't decide to rewire that table lamp yesterday. It could have been a disaster.

Remembering Grandpa Harry

2008-09-10T08:03:00.004-05:00

This morning I was up bright and early, Twittering, reading email and catching up on some blogs that I follow. A friend-that-I-have-never-met, Rini, had a link on her blog to the writings of Adrian Plass. I was intrigued and began reading.

First off, I thought that I had found a kindred spirit (but that's another post). Then I read one of his pieces called "First Harvest," and I find myself with happy tears, remembering my time with Grandpa Harry.

Grandpa Harry was my mom's dad. Very tall, heavy and deep-voiced, he always appeared to be a gruff kind of man to me, especially when I was very small. However, Grandpa was terrifically funny and we had this totally goofball relationship. He would listen to my jokes and funny stories, and then I would laugh while he played the invisible piano, or when he would poke his false teeth out at Grandma while her back was turned. I really think it was Grandpa Harry's gift to me - my offbeat sense of humor and the ability to make people laugh.

Grandpa also kept a garden in the back. It was large and neat. There were rows of tomatoes, zucchini, beans, onions and more.

And there was kohlrabi.

I remember one warm pre-fall afternoon I was hanging out with Grandpa. We were farting around in the garden, picking some of the late tomatoes and zucchini. I got to feed the turkeys which was fun.

Grandpa called me over to the back porch and showed me this odd looking root vegetable and said, "Let's have ourselves a little snack here, chuckle head." I got the hose out and we rinsed off this odd looking vegetable. Then Grandpa took out his pocket knife and gave me my first ever slice of kohlrabi. I remember that the first bite was crisp, and it tasted all peppery and clean. It was so crunchy and was totally delightful.

We sat on the porch and shared that little kohlrabi together until it was gone. Just us. And the turkeys.

That day had to have happened almost 40 years ago, but it feels like just yesterday.

Grandpa Harry has been gone a good long time now. I miss him a lot. I miss his silly jokes, and his pretend swatting of Grandma's behind. I miss how even when I was all grown up and living on my own, his bear hugs made me feel tiny and small and oh-so loved.

And I miss his invisible meat sandwiches too, but again, that's another post in itself. :-)

Am I waiting for the other shoe to fall or is it really a turnaround?

2008-09-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

Since I wrote about being discouraged last week, things have really been happening. Changing, mostly for the better.

I am cautiously optimistic. I am liking this change.

Which is not to say that there still aren't rotten things going on. My A/C unit, which happens to be upstairs in a little closet, is leaking and coming through my kitchen ceiling (which I just had fixed). I throw out a couple of the 5-gallon buckets of water every day. This is exasperating, because we just spent a little over $11,000 to get everything fixed and back to normal. Now that whole rigmarole will be starting again.

But, things are actually better and I am not freaking out about this mess (like I probably think I maybe should be).

On the job front, Carl was moved to a much better store. Sure it's further away and it's in Dallas, but he has much better people to work with and his salary will double because this store actually does business. It's in the Oak Lawn area of town and people there have disposable income and can pay for repairs on their cars. He works with another manager who appreciates his people skills and they work well as a team. Even Carl is happier in the mornings to go to work.

As for me, I had a good interview yesterday with a potential employer. This place would be perfect for me because it would be utilizing all my skills and it's only 3 miles from home. I can wear my jammies to work if I want - don't have to see anyone at all. It's all internet and phone. The money is a lot less, but I wouldn't have to spend money on gas or clothing or lunches - I could go home and see my puppies every day.

After months of waiting for our gas lease money to come through, we will finally be getting it this Thursday. We are one of the last families to get this bonus, because I bought my house before I married, and there were some issues there (my name had changed and Carl is not on the deed, etc.). But the good news is that this Thursday, we will get our bonus and will be able to get caught up on everything that has been hanging.

I believe I am finally clean of all Zoloft that had been in my system. I can't tell you how good I feel. I can sleep at night without grinding my teeth, and I sleep all the way through. No wake ups. I can cry when I feel sad, and I can totally belly laugh now when something strikes me as silly. I am a little sad that I missed out on FEELING things for almost three years, but I am happier that I am off the pills. And even with all the stress lately, I have not had a migraine. I hope I am not tempting fate, but I really have been feeling good.

There have been lots of prayers prayed for Carl and I, and I want to thank those of you who thought about us and lifted us up. Thank you to friends who have been there for us in thick and (really really) thin.

We believe that winds of change are blowing... where will it take us?

On being discouraged

2008-09-02T06:16:00.005-05:00

There. I've said it. I am discouraged.

I have been putting on a brave face for the last few months regarding my job situation and life in general. I gotta admit - it's been hard. Very hard. Money is very tight. There's a lot of tension in the air. I feel cut off from my friends and I'm generally just not as happy-go-lucky as I usually am. I can't seem to find a job in my field to save my life.

And then the news, in their daring quest to keep the world informed of the most depressing things possible, puts out this little article titled "People Who Lose Jobs Become Hermits." Um... ya think?

This article enlightens you to the fact that the world's social butterflies who involuntarily lose their jobs are 35% less likely to be involved in their communities than their employed counterparts.

Well heck - I could have told them that!

Shockingly, "Workers who got flung out of their jobs during their peak earning years, between the ages of 35 and 53, were the most likely to withdraw from the social buzz throughout their lives."

I've got to admit, my circle of friends has gotten considerably smaller since my recent job loss. Sure, there are some that are concerned about me, but I think there are far more who feign interest and those who really, in the big scheme of things, don't give a poop one way or the other.

I am happy (or trying to be) for my friends who have good jobs, lots of family support and a cushion to fall back on. But honestly, as most of these friends/acquaintances go on about their daily lives, people like me aren't given a single thought. We can't help them anymore. Believe me, it's difficult for me to NOT give of myself, my things or my money. And both Carl and I have noticed that since we no longer have the "means," many of our friends no longer have the "way" to reach out to us. It's then that we realize these people may not have truly been friends - but probably just hangers-on. And then it turns to bitterness and regret.

And then I wonder: Am I just a poor judge of people?

Believe me, I truly cherish those who have stuck with me and reached out to me during the last few months, when times have been the hardest. There have been two dear friends who have totally stuck by me, helped me through the most difficult, agonizing times, listened to me talk or was patient while I typed my IMs. I am so thankful to you two women (and you know who you are).

You know what the funniest part of this is? These two women aren't even "believers" in the commonest sense. One claims to be an agnostic (I believe) and the other, though she grew up Catholic, claims to be an atheist (although she herself was deeply injured by the religion and the inherent guilt heaped upon the heads of those trying to be faithful).

How wonderful is it that these two wonderful women are much closer to me than many of my Christian sisters! How wonderful that they will see a need and meet it, when others will turn a blind eye or walk away. How wonderful that they are literally putting feet to God's words without even believing them.

So this morning, I will cry a little, blog a little and pray a lot. Actually, these tears streaming down my face right now feel so cleansing.

And I know that in just a little while, BOTH of these dear women will contact me to check on me. They will remind me that it's not so bad. They will encourage me to NOT become the hermit I want to be.

I love you guys. Thanks for making me feel a lot less alone.

Things I COULD live without, but don't want to.

2008-08-27T09:19:00.000-05:00

Today's post is in appreciation of all those little things that make living a little better or a little easier. I mean, you COULD do without them, but why would you want to?

Garbage disposals. Mine has been out for almost six weeks now. I am living without it, but living WITH it makes living less messy. And less frustrating.
Long-handled back scratchers. I got my latest one from World Market for $1.89 (although you can find less pretty ones at the Dollar Tree). It has a little Asian girl on it and gets all those itchy, scratchy places on my back that I just can't reach. Sure, I could be like a bear and go scratch my back on a tree, but the neighbors have been frowning on nudity lately. Who can blame them?
Bacon. Enough said.
A CAR! Living in the largest city in America WITHOUT public transportation blows. Anyhoo, I just got my car back after five weeks of not having it, and, while I haven't actually gotten out of the house, I CAN IF I WANT TO!!!
Great Pyreneeses. I don't really NEED seven of these sweet little monkeys, but they sure do make my life interesting. And hairy.
Gas grills. My husband says that real men cook with real fire. I guess he's probably right (what with him being an actual MAN and all), but I like the convenience of a gas grill. But I don't have one anyway so it doesn't matter.
The Ped Egg. I never knew how much I liked this thing until one of the dogs chewed on it, rendering it practically useless. And while I don't NEED it, I totally WANT this thing. It works great on getting rid of nasty skin on my well-used feets.
Hold 'em in underpants. Any woman over age 20 probably needs these things. How nice of them to make these instruments of torture in sizes to fit us voluptuous babes too.

OK, well I gotta go make some bacon... er... breakfast. Thank goodness for my hold 'em in underpants.

You find out who your friends are

2008-08-25T07:01:00.001-05:00

Tracy Lawrence sings a song that has always rung true for me called "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" about just who steps up when you have an hour of need. This past week and weekend, I got to find out who some of my friends are. And it's been the coolest thing ever.

Let's talk about what I found out, what I asked God for, and how things got worked out.

The Car Story

As you, dear lone single reader, may have read, Carl blew up the engine on his car. Since he is the only one in the family to have a job right now, I had to give up Buddy, my friendly black Explorer, so he could get to work. This left me trapped in the house (see previous post on going stir crazy). Well, last week, we sold what was left of his car for $1200 - a little on the low side, but the guy who bought it WILL need to get a new engine. Anyhoo, I was talking to God and saying that we really, really needed a cash car that was less than $1000, that looked decent and ran good.

I think that's a pretty tall order.

So I was perusing the Craig's List (love you Craig and your little list too!) and saw an ad for a 1994 Lincoln Town Car - $850. I clicked on the link and saw a very nicely kept car, with just a few minor issues. I contact the owner and waited. And waited. And I waited.

I don't think I ever checked my email so often.

About 8:00 that night, I got an email back with a phone number to call. I immediately answered back and had Carl call this fellow about the car. He set up an appointment to go see the car within the hour - literally right down the street from us.

So he met the owner and drove the car and pronounced it good. He came home, called his master mechanic brother who told him he would be an idiot to not purchase this car - especially at that price.

We set up an appointment the next night to pay for and pick up the car. When I met the couple selling the car, I was immediately at ease. In fact, they got out of their car and came and HUGGED us both - basically complete strangers. Then I really felt that I was supposed to tell them about what I had prayed for. Phyllis, the wife, said that it was so weird because SHE had prayed that the car would go to someone who really NEEDED it. They had gotten SO many responses about the car that this had to really be a God thing - we both believe that.

Is this car perfect? No. It needs window motors and a rear view mirror. But the car is very clean and has obviously been well taken care of. It doesn't look like a 14 year old car.

Some of you might ask "Why get a cash car? Why didn't you trade in Carl's car for something newer?

Well, short and sweet, we simply can't afford a car payment now with me not working. And to tell you the truth, after four years of NOT having one, I kinda don't want one! And even if this car is older, it still gets decent mileage (in fact a little better than the Explorer), so we are saving money still by not having an extra $400 a month car payment.

This short story is still very long, but it demonstrates the faithfulness of God, and just how he sends people to you at the right time, and makes sure that your needs are taken care of. This was one cool experience. The next one is pretty cool too!

The Vacuum Cleaner

I have seven dogs. That's not news to many people, since Carl and I are always rescuing some Great Pyrenees from somewhere. So, I have to vacuum every day. Have to - or everything will be covered in piles of white fur.

Anyhoo, Thursday, I pull out my trusty 14-year old Oreck vacuum, turn it on and it goes "phifttttz kaboom." The motor on it blew.

Ever have something that just sets you over the edge? A straw that breaks your camel's back? This was one of those things. I just sat down and BAWLED - over a VACUUM CLEANER!

So I Twittered about it, and then just sat down to cry some more and ask God just HOW MUCH MORE AM I SUPPOSED TO TAKE? To a lot of people, a vacuum is really just a little thing. You can go to your local Walsmart or Targay and pick one up cheap - no problemo, right?

Except I am trapped without a car and the jobless thing makes purchases like this, necessary as it might be, a thing of the past. In my life today, EVERY little thing has to be budgeted.

Enter my friend Debi. Warm spirited and generous, Debi is like a little breath of fresh air in my life. We met at Pier 1, working on the same team and she is like a long-lost sister. We hit it off immediately and we would literally have lunch every day (and play Qwirkle and Skip-Bo and stuff).

She emailed and said she had an extra vacuum and would I like it - to which I of course, said YES! So my friend Lorrie took me to meet her at her yarn shop on Saturday.

She said the vacuum was old, but I sincerely do not believe her. She gave me a very pretty Hoover - very clean, looked like it had hardly been used, and even a bunch of bags. I was totally shocked! I swear this thing looks brand new!

When I got home, I turned that puppy on and vacuumed and vacuumed. It picked up everything I asked it to and more! Plus it's nice and loud and it makes the dogs MOVE when I get close. The Oreck was pretty quiet and I usually had to vacuum around any sleeping dogs. This way I can get it done right the first time.

And my house is clean again. Well, the floors are anyway (lets not talk about the rest, OK?).

Two major (to me) issues were taken care of in just a very short period of time by friends old and new.

So this fine, sunny Monday morning, after having a night of wonderfully deep, fulfilling sleep, I am grateful to God and to my friends for meeting these two important needs. I was stuck, and you guys pulled me out. So thank you to my old friend Debi, and our new friends Dee and Phyllis.

I hope you know that you can count on us right back.

Websites that I didn't know were real websites (until I checked)

2008-08-23T07:48:00.000-05:00

OK, I've been out of a job since May 23, and I've got a LOT of time on my hands (what with being carless and TRAPPED IN MY HOUSE since about that time). So I surf the InterWebs (thank you Al Gore for inventing this) looking for interesting (to me anyhoo) stuff.

So the other day, I was thinking to myself and I said, "Susan - SELL A KIDNEY!" Sure it's a little painful and kind of invasive. Sure, living with only ONE kidney can be risky, but I NEED THE MONEY. So I checked out http://www.buymykidney.com/ to see if it was available, and OF COURSE someone has already thought of this idea.

DAMMIT.

Anyway, on to another of my most favorite subjects - poop. I have seven dogs, and 2.5 of them are puppies, so poop is just a part of my everyday life. It's part of YOUR everyday life too, but you are probably too couth and delicate to talk about it. Anyway, http://www.poopreport.com/ has everything you need to know about poop (they say they are the #1 source for your #2 business). But BE WARNED - the website totally stinks. And it also gives new meaning to the term "Captain's Log." Hahaha - I made a some funnies. About poop.

And then there's this one - http://www.jellowrestling.com/. Apparently, you don't have to have 900 little packages of jello or boiling water.

I sure wish I would have known this LAST week.

Funny Email Subject Lines

2008-08-18T06:26:00.000-05:00

... well, they are funny to me! These are ACTUAL email subject lines of emails I've received in my SPAM box just this morning.

Dumb and Poor? Here's a simple way to make money!!!
Refresh Your Insides!!!! (see offer for details)
Find out why 100k Americans are buying land in Costa Rica!!!!!
Would you meet me tonight if I was SPICY or if I was SWEET?
Ringworm?
Stop embarrassing credit checks!!!!!

I've decided that my insides DEFINITELY need refreshing. I really appreciate this little email reminder. And since I AM apparently both poor AND dumb, I'd better check out that "simple" way to make money. I'm sure it can't include me sending MY money in to some dude in exchange for ... nothing, can it? I mean, if it came DIRECT TO ME via email, it all has to be true, and legit, right?

I suppose if my insides were nice and fresh, I wouldn't have to worry about ringworm OR embarrassing credit checks. And maybe my new spicy or sweet lover would take my poor and dumb self away to our new land in Costa Rica, because we would have LOADS of money from taking surveys over the internets. Apparently, you can make THOUSANDS!

What are the funniest, goofiest, most off-the-wall-iest email subject lines YOU'VE seen? Let's share!

Little irritations and little nice-y-nices...

2008-08-17T21:28:00.000-05:00

I know that we all have those little tiny "things" that just bug the heck out of us. I have noticed since by stopping the Zoloft, that there are a lot more little things that bug me. Some of those things are:

WHY does my husband have to BREATHE SO LOUD? Is there some sort of breathing competition that I am not aware of? It's bad enough that he snores at like 220 decibels (OK - maybe only 210), but regular old breathing too? Man, it's really been bugging me today.
Michael Phelps. I appreciate his accomplishment at this year's Olympics - I really do. But why do you want to push the DVD of his GREATEST OLYMPIC MOMENTS, his MEMOIRS (he's 23 years old! What kind of living could he have done other than that swimming thing?) and Michael's PERSONAL photo album?
Alicia Sacramone of the U.S. TOTALLY got screwed on the vault thingy. You give a medal to a girl who FALLS DOWN???
Blogger decided to publish this before I was ready. BAD BLOGGER! BAD!!!

Little nice things that are happening that make me... well, happy.

My formerly homeless friend in Michigan - Lynne - now has an apartment of her own. YAY LYNNE! I'm so glad God worked this all out for you!!!
I've had nine sales in my little etsy shop. Thank you Monica's sister-in-law Rini, Debi the Doodle and everybody else!!!
Lorrie and I are going to try to go into business together. This plan just might work!
Millie and Henry are turning into TOTAL snugglers. There is nothing like being snuggled by a Great Pyrenees puppy or two.
My banana-chocolate chip muffins turned out very well. Excellent even. And they taste SOOOOOOOOO good!

Well, that's about it. I'm kinda tired, a little dizzy. Another little thing that makes me happy is knowing that this too will pass and all my feelers will start getting back to something called "normal" - whatever that is.

The road back to normal...

2008-08-15T08:39:00.000-05:00

I am off the Zoloft. It is day five and it is getting better.

Yesterday was a bad day. I had the withdrawal headache all day, tremors, brain "zaps" and more. Nausea and a little vertigo too.

I thought for a long time that Zoloft was a wonder drug - and it sort of WAS a wonder for me. I had been experiencing severe, debilitating migraine headaches when my doctor decided to put me on Zoloft. By severe, I mean winding up in the emergency room, with doctors thinking brain tumor or aneurysm. An eye that literally ran tears and couldn't open or close because the pain was so bad. Sleeping in a closet because it was the darkest room in the house. Cat scans, MRIs, Demerol, morphine - you name it, I went through it. If you've had a migraine that bad, you know where I'm coming from.

So, after taking Zoloft for almost three years, I really decided that I wanted to FEEL things again.

When I was on Zoloft, life was pretty even-keeled. I wasn't worried about too many things. But things were always in neutral. I mean I couldn't cry at funerals or at my own failures or disappointments. I couldn't really celebrate my victories and triumphs either though. I couldn't get in gear, and I couldn't stay parked (a funny car analogy - you are welcome, Carl). I was just stuck.

My doctor, bless his handsome little heart, never told me about the withdrawal symptoms - probably because he had never been on the drug himself. I honestly think that if I had known about them, I never would have gotten on it in the first place.

Here's what you CAN experience when withdrawing from Zoloft. Please note, this list is in no way complete:

Headache

Nausea

Tremors

Vertigo

Excessive thirst

REM disorder

Brain "zaps"

Irritability

Joint pain

Tingling in extremities

Breathing difficulties

Fatigue

Wow - I've been experiencing ALL of these things in the past few days. Today, Friday, is the first day I have wakened without a headache - and I feel almost back to normal.

By brain is having wonderful, new creative thoughts - something that has actually been difficult in the past. I'm keeping a notebook close by for when these flashes of genius (ha!) happen. They usually occur after a brain zap, which is then followed by a weird sensation of my lungs opening up - like an involuntary deep, deep breath that cleanses out the head. In pops an idea!

Zoloft has a 50% daily half life. I'm no math whiz, but there after taking 100 mg a day for almost three years, I'm thinking that I will be totally clean in about two weeks, give or take... four to six weeks. LOL.

What HAS been good about this? I've been able to mourn my friend Jamie's death. I've finally cried about being RIFed from Pier 1. I am feeling sorta romantic toward my husband again (he'll be pretty happy to hear that). Of course, I am also feeling anger, irritability and hopelessness occasionally too - but that's ALL RIGHT. I think that's NORMAL. At least I am FEELING again. And that's the best part.

On Life Not Turning Out As Planned

2008-08-11T15:50:00.000-05:00

Has your life turned out as planned? Are you doing all the things you imagined you'd do? Have you traveled the world, given birth to the most intelligent and beautiful children, are you living in a five-bedroom house with a pool and a tennis court? Did you marry the football player hunk? Are you a gazillionaire and sharing the wealth? Are you as HAPPY as you thought you'd be?

The Pioneer Woman posed this question on her website: "How does your life compare to the plans, dreams, and expectations you had ten, twenty years ago?" The responses have made for fascinating reading, and have caused me to ponder just what the heck happened to MY life. It sure didn't turn out as planned.

When I was a kid, I always thought that I would get married and have three or four kids that would love me and be affectionate - totally NOT the way I grew up. I mean, I knew my parents loved me, but showing it was another story. Anyway, my kids would have been brilliant, outgoing, athletic, funny - a lot of the things I am not. I would be married to a successful man who took good care of me, met my every whim, gave me the opportunity to grow and develop myself. He would be gorgeous and have rock-hard abs. I would be a size six princess with long strawberry blonde hair. My Polish nose would have been "fixed" a long time ago.

Funny how real life is never what you expect. Dreams die, or change. You realize the perfection you chased is never going to materialize.

Maybe you just grow up. Maybe you were deluding yourself all along.

I sure didn't picture myself unemployed at age 45, childless, mortgaged to the hilt, bankrupt, married to a man that I love, but who can't support me, always having to work so hard for everything... If I had foreseen THIS future, I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago.

So, life is a struggle. One thing after another. There is no bed of roses for me to lie on, no smart and beautiful children to take care of me in my old age, no nice nest egg in the bank.

Maybe I am just freaking out because I am off the Zoloft and can really FEEL things again. I was telling a friend earlier that I've just been bawling today because I am finally able to do so. I'm not a fan of this feeling stuff. I kind of liked it when I was zoned out and things didn't bother me and I wasn't worried about the future and what's coming around the bend.

Dang that Pioneer Woman for making me all thinky, freaking out-y and melancholy.

Anyhow, blog reader (all one of you), has YOUR life turned out the way you thought it would? Tell me about it.

All the maybes...

2008-08-06T13:06:00.000-05:00

Ever have blogger's block?

I think I've got it.

I have a lot of stuff in my head, it just wants to stay there. Weird.

Maybe I am just getting lazy. Maybe I am just tired. Maybe I just can't combine the thoughts and words together into sentences that make any sense.

Maybe it's because I am weaning myself off the Zoloft since I can't afford it anymore. Maybe that's causing my fatigue.

Maybe I have been trapped in the house too long (17 days and counting).

Maybe I should take a shower and wash my hair.

Maybe I should just take a nap.

Maybe.

Silly me... they're SIMILES not METAPHORS

2008-08-01T16:43:00.000-05:00

I have been without a car now for almost two weeks. Actually it's only been 12 days (who's counting?) but it SEEMS like longer.

Anyhoo, in my intense boredom (there's only so much laundry one can do, and so much junk food one can eat and only so many channels one can surf), I decided to come up with a fun list of similes for being trapped. Hey, it beats cleaning the carpet.

Feel free to add to this list at any time.

Trapped like a rat in a maze.
Trapped like a fly in a jar (with no holes).
Trapped like bears in a pit.
Trapped like roaches in a MOTEL (get it?).
Trapped like a mouse under a bowl.
Trapped like dinner in a cannibal's cauldron.
Trapped like a cricket in a shoebox (with no holes).
Trapped like a fly between the screen door and the storm door.
Trapped like a medieval prisioner in an Iron Maiden. (ummm.... OUCH!)
Trapped like hairs in a drainpipe.
Trapped like a bear in ... well, a trap.
Trapped like a butterfly in a net.
Trapped like a rock between two hard places.
Trapped like a skinny dude between two fat people on an airplane.
Trapped like boobs in a brassiere.
Trapped like a fish in a net.
Trapped like a bird in a cage.
Trapped like that dude in "Groundhog's Day".
Trapped like an ant in a farm (break the glass! break the glass!).
Trapped like a lobster in a pot of boiling water (mmmm... them's good eats).

Well, I'm all tapped out, like a keg at a frat party.

Excuse me - have you READ my resume?

2008-07-31T21:13:00.000-05:00

I am looking for a job.

After I was RIFed from Pier 1, I took a few days to regroup and breathe. I was thinking about that old saying - you know - when God closes a door, He opens a window. I don't know if I believe it or not. Things haven't been good for a while - money has been tight, one thing or another is always broken or missing or needs to be replaced, it's a never-ending circle of something.

You know what I mean?

Today I had a job interview with a company who shall remain nameless. They were so excited to bring me in. Said they saw my resume, my online portfolio, my funny words, etc. They reached out to me to come on in.

So I go on in there to interview for a copywriting position. First interview goes great. The second interview goes well too - until the hiring manager says something like "you seem so overqualified for this entry level position."

What?

This is the deal - THEY contacted ME. THEY saw my online portfolio, my book, my resume and me. How in the world could they even THINK I would be interested in an entry level position?

The hiring manager said that she was seeing a lot more people accepting lower paying positions because of the economy. I totally understand that, but there is no way that I would drive THAT far for that little money. I said I would wind up OWING them for working there!

Maybe I went out there for a reason. Maybe a well-paying writing position will open up.

I'll just keep looking for that window.

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain

2008-07-30T09:25:00.000-05:00

It's finally raining. After what seems like months since the last time water fell from the sky, we are being sprinkled with a steady, moderately light rain that just tap-tap-taps on the deck. It makes me happy. It makes me sleepy.

There is something comforting about this rain. There hasn't been any thunder (yet) or lightning. Just two hours of gentle, soothing, caressing rain. My yard looks greener already. My dogs smell wet-doggier already (probably since they were out cavorting in this stuff - the puppies ADORE the rain). I don't even care that the hardwoods are wet and a little muddy and that's it's more work for me later. They were so happy outside, catching the rain with open mouths, like kids do when it snows. I can't remember when the last time was that the pups saw rain.

Now it's quiet. Everyone is resting. All the dogs are snoozing, the littler ones are piled on top of one another in a puppy pile. The box fan is humming. The ceiling fan has a little squeak. The rain quietly falls on the deck.

There's a blanket here on the loveseat but the sofa is calling my name... I believe that I am being lured by the siren of sleep... I must give in... I must...

Things that make me go... what the???

2008-07-16T13:22:00.001-05:00

You know, there is not a day that goes by when I see something that makes me wonder about people. Here are a few of those things.

The Bluetooth: First of all, it's a goofy-butt name. Second of all, it makes people look like they are talking to themselves. A couple of days ago, I was in an an elevator and I totally thought the woman was talking to ME, but she was calling her daughter. I thought it was weird that she called me "honey bun", but hey, I'm cute and I DO have buns. My husband has one, and it drives me crazy because he looks like he's talking to himself like a nut. Plus he uses his hands. That's funny.
iPods: I understand their appeal- I mean you can keep all your meaningful music at your fingertips, there's no fumbling around for CDs or farting around with the radio. But honestly, it seems like people walk around with those little plugs in their ears all the time. Do they hear the wind? The rain? People calling their names from the cube next door?
Mindless Twitter following: There are a number of people following me on Twitter that I don't know and that don't know me and aren't friends of friends or acquaintances. I've looked at some of them and I am added by some sort of a bot that just adds me to their following list. Why? I mean, I'm sure my life is interesting to SOME people, but to follow me just to follow somebody is just weird. Following friends of friends is great, but following me just so you can say you are following 250,000 people is, well, nutz.
Painting your car neon pink: There is a Honda Civic being driven around town that is neon pink. And it's driven by a dude. A DUDE! He is obviously VERY secure in his manhood. OR he painted it for his girlfriend.
Time Warner Cable: OK, how about hiring techs and supervisors who ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING!?!?!? TWC has been out to my house SIX times in the past two weeks because my phone and internet keep going out. I have to reset my EMTA box two and three times a day. And they keep sending techs, who keep going onto my very hot attic, who say everything is OK. Do they test my line with meters? NO! Because these techs don't HAVE meters! My hubby did it FOR them and they still don't listen. Yesterday they came out WITH A SUPERVISOR, changed out my box and left. I STILL had no phone, no internet for over eight hours. AND they let my dogs out! But they said it was "fixed." Hey Time Warner Cable - how about hiring people who really know what the heck they are doing?

That's all for this posting, which was actually supposed to be YESTERDAY'S posting, but because I didn't have INTERNET has to be posted today. So depending on how I feel later, there may be an ACTUAL today's post, but for now we will just say that yesterday's is today's and today's might wind up being tomorrow's and on down the line.

:-/

Blooming Like a Flower

2008-07-09T08:04:00.000-05:00

One of my very first posts on this blog was about Nick, a dog Carl and I had the opportunity to rescue from Longview, TX on Christmas Eve. You can read about his story here.

Well, the good news is that Nick was adopted a couple of months ago. I totally neglected to update this blog with a photo and story, but hey - better late than never, right?

Take a look at the initial post, when Nick was nothing but a bag of bones, covered in mange and stinking to high heaven, practically toothless, scabby, hairless. He was in such sad shape, I cried (and I don't cry a lot).

This is a photo of Nick today. Wowza, ya think???

It is totally amazing what good food, a little vet care, and lots and lots of love can do for an injured, mistreated and abused animal. This is the reason we work in rescue. Nick has a good home now, with a couple of squiddos to play with. He is totally loved, totally adored, and will never again be that scab-covered mongrel he once was.

We are so fortunate to have played even a small part in his rescue, recovery and re-homing. Nick is a true sweetheart - one Carl and I will never forget.

Fifteen Things For Today

2008-07-08T21:28:00.000-05:00

Here's one of those totally random posts. I really like doing these things - just typing the first things that pop into my head.

I think Kirkland brand toilet paper is the best there is on the market. Not too soft, and it's pretty strong. Check out the Poop Report (yes, it's real - click the link). Carl is a Charmin kinda guy - my least favorite kind. So I buy two brands to keep the peace.

Looking for a job gives me a headache. I hope this headache ends soon.

I got a really sweet call from my friend Lorrie today. Carl and I have been helping her get her life and house together. She told me she was looking in every room of her house and saw something from us and how greatful she was. I appreciate that - it's better than winning the lottery. We love Lorrie and are happy to help her. Plus we have so much, it's hard NOT to share it.

Millie is trying her darndest to become the alpha female. I gotta whip this girlie girl into shape.

The Furminator - the best product on the market for getting off your dog's undercoat. Expensive and worth every penny.

We finally got some rain today. This afternoon, I stood outside on the deck and let it rain, rain, rain on me. It felt SO good!

You know those potatoes you can find at the supermarket that are washed, wrapped and ready for microwaving? Those potatoes are pretty darn good - and dinner can be had for less than a dollar!

Tomorrow I am making Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti for dinner. It's pretty much the only casserole Carl will eat too.

I made the prettiest centerpiece with an $8 vase and some faux mondo grass I got at Big Lots for $2. I have gotten SO many compliments on it, it's weird that the whole thing cost me less than $10!

I am freaking out about making the mortgage payment this month. Pray that something comes through for us!

I am taking Genie to an adoption day this Saturday. I keep telling her that we are going to find her a new family, but Carl says she is staying here. She is awfully darn loveable and a real cutie - I think it's her eyes. One has black lashes, the other white. She is a beautiful Pyr.

Dara Torres is a world record swimmer at age 41. She totally rocks!

I really, really, REALLY need to mow the grass. I wish I could get motivated to do it, but it's too darn hot.

My passport is expired.

Scarlett O'Hara said, "Tomorrow is another day." I hope tomorrow brings something new, fresh and exciting for me. Maybe even a job!

Getting my act together - finally

2008-07-07T19:37:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning (and needing) to get my poop in a group and get a website together that showcased my work at Pier 1 and Bombay Company. You would think this would be pretty easy straightforward and not too gosh-darned complicated. And it really isn't, I just haven't been able to really take the time and get it done.

Well, get this Internet - I got it STARTED! HA! I bet you thought I was going to say that it was done. But I ran into problems. Plan A turned into Plan B (lunch) and Plan B finally became Plan C, which is sorta working. It's not yet 100%, and it needs a lot of tweaking, but it's a start. And I'm not too horribly ashamed to put it out there in the Universe for potential employers to see.

Anyhoo, I hope that you all will check out my little online portfolio here and let me know what you think. Is there anything I should add? Delete? Give me some feedback!

Fireworks and the passing of a good man...

2008-07-04T21:17:00.000-05:00

The Fourth is almost over, thank goodness. The neighbors are shooting off fireworks and firecrackers and the dogs are going bananas. I tried to take Jude for a walk tonight and he heard one go off pretty close to us. I never saw him run home so fast - ever!

The fireworks are the hardest part about having dogs. I don't live in the world's best neighborhood, and there were a couple thrown right into my yard already - freaking out both ME and the little monkeys.

Oh well. Just a couple more hours and it will all be over...

The sad news is that my friend Luther's dad passed away on June 28th. Luther is married to Monica, and they have the squiddo, Danielito Pablo Escobar Enrique Jose. I only got to meet Max Cobbey once, but he made an impression on me even in that brief period. We were helping Luther clean and organize his li-berry at the elementary school and both his mom and dad were there. What struck me about his dad was his very cool hat and his handsome, sorta beatnik look. That and the fact that you could tell he adored his family. We chatted only a little, but he seemed wise, wonderful, sensitive, sensible and deliberate - the kind of a parent most kids wish they would have had.

He served in WW II, taught school and eventually went to the mission field. He is survived by his wife, five kids and (my count) four grandchildren.

Luther and Monica are on their way back from China as we speak for his memorial service on Wednesday. I think I will go.

Here are some very sweet posts written by Monica about her father-in-law. One is about a couple of reason's her FIL totally rocked . The other is about the loving consistency of the Cobbey men. Both are cool, insightful reads.

I know his family is devastated at his passing, but grateful that this man of faith is chatting it up with his Maker and Master right now. Godspeed, Mr. Cobbey.

Celebrating the Fourth of July

2008-07-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July.

When I was a little girl, I absolutely LOVED the Fourth of July. I come from a pretty small town in Michigan, and the Fourth was one of those days when the whole place stopped down to have some fun.

The day began early with Dad getting the grill ready for some barbecued chicken. In those days, there was a rotisserie basket thing that turned the chicken all day long so it never cooked too long in one spot. I can still hear the hum of the thing as it turned for hours and hours.

Us kids practically LIVED for the big parade. Floats, bands and Miss Manistee were big parts of it. Plus they tossed candy off the floats in those days - perfect for a chunky girl with a sweet tooth!

The parade was the highlight of the day. Folks would line U.S. 31 and downtown River Street to watch. There were all the high school and middle school bands, of course, and the Scottville Clown Band - which was a bunch of guys dressed up like women playing instruments. They always scared the poop out of me, but they were a semi-famous local group.

There were lots of antique cars and fire engines, the mayor, of course, and certain city officials. But of course my sisters and I always wanted to see Miss Manistee, the Strawberry Queen. She was always so beautiful and wholesome and waved like you thought a true queen would. She was usually a teen from the local high school. The pageant itself brought girls in from all the surrounding counties for a chance to win that rhinestone tiara. Because it was affiliated with the Miss America Pageant, she not only had to be beautiful, but she had to be talented as well. No milking cows or shearing sheep - only singers, dancers, musicians and of course - BATON TWIRLERS - ever became Miss Manistee.

After the parade, we went back home to eat barbecue, chat with relatives, gorge ourselves sick on strawberries and soda pop (this was one of the few times when we were allowed a WHOLE CAN and didn't have to share it four ways) and all the goodies that came with the Fourth. We would lay down in the grass and take a nap, or the more adventurous would venture on down to the beach to watch the Lumberjack contests or AAAAA baseball. Sometimes it meant taking a drive to the cemetery to plant a flag or some red, white and blue flowers or pinwheels on the graves of our ancestors.

Also, the Fourth of July always coincided with the National Strawberry Festival. This meant that dessert was always strawberry shortcake, strawberry ice cream, strawberry cheese cake or some other variation of the strawberry. For weeks before and after, mom and grandma would be making and canning strawberry jam and freezing strawberries to use in the winter months.

When dusk came, and we had had a snack of leftovers and more strawberries, we all piled into the car and went down to the beach to watch the fireworks. There was nothing more wonderful than those beautiful, swirling, colorful, noisy lights popping off in the sky, the scent of gunpowder and cheap wine, and the sounds of people kissing as the fireworks went off, as if kissing at just the right time would bring them happiness and a good long marriage. Usually one of us would fall asleep and Dad would have to carry us back to the car. We always slept good that night.

I miss those old-fashioned, small town Fourths. I miss the freedom we had to ride our bikes and follow the parade to get more candy. I miss eating strawberries right off the vine and not worrying about pesticides. I miss Dad's rotisserie chicken and grandma's strawberry cheesecake.

Most of all I think I miss being a kid. Being a kid in a small town was a wonderful gift that I took totally for granted.

Tomorrow, I will line my drive with little American flags (that have been made in China) and Carl will make some barbecued ribs and a brisket. Our friend Lorrie will come by to share the bounty. We will eat until our stomachs are about to pop and then we will eat some more. Later on, we will sit and watch the fireworks from our deck.

And I will totally miss HOME, and my family, and being a kid and feeling so safe - back when the Fourth of July was such a wondrous, magical time.

Letting the sleeping dog lie

2008-06-26T17:14:00.000-05:00

Millie Jean, our littlest pyr, is a world class sleeper. World class. If there were a gold medal given for puppy sleeping, she should win it hands down. Er, paws down.

Giving to the fact that she is, after all, only about four months old, Millie is a PLAYA. By that I mean she literally PLAYS all the time. And when she is NOT playing, she is sleeping. Hard sleeping. She lays down and she is totally out like the proverbial light.

And this dog loves to get comfortable. No, sleeping on the floor is NOT for her. There are cushy things called sofas, chairs and beds and only the best will do for this little princess. No blanket on the floor is good enough. No simple ortho pad in the crate will work. She must have comfort, and it's best if there are blankets and pillows involved for moving around to create a nest that is juuuuust right.

Just this afternoon, after about an hour of wrestling with Henry and Genie, 'swimming' in her paddling pool, and running up and down the stairs, Millie climbed on to the couch. Before I could say "who's your mama?" she was out like a light.

She is a hard sleeper, and she is also a SNORER. I thought Carl was a champion snorer until Millie came into our lives. She snores, she has her little puppy dreams where she runs, she tosses, she turns. She takes her sleeping very seriously.

When she wakes, she's like me. She absolutely CANNOT believe that her nap is over and she looks totally groggy and unprepared for the day (or the rest of her day).

Henry, bless his little gay pyr heart, is telling her that she has morning breath. Then, of course, she kisses him. ON THE PUPPY LIPS!!!

You know, in my next life, I think I want to come back as a totally spoiled dog - just like mine are. I think I deserve the life of Riley, whoever he is.

A Death by Chocolate dream

2008-06-25T08:08:00.000-05:00

I had the oddest dream this morning.

My friend Debi told me the other day that for lunch she had a Death by Chocolate sundae from a local custard (mustard) shop. Me, in my middle-age wisdom and knowledge, told her that you don't actually DIE from eating Death by Chocolate - just in case she was worrying about passing away at her desk or something.

Anyhoo, this morning I dreamed that anyone who ate the Death by Chocolate sundae from this particular custard (mustard) shop, actually DID die. Channel 5's Jane McGarry was reporting from the scene and there were all these people laying dead, but there were LOTS of smiles on their faces.

Jane was getting ready to sample Death by Chocolate and tempt fate when Henry leapt on top of me to wake me up.

I wonder if Jane will make the 6:00 o' clock news tonight...

Ten random things for today...

2008-06-24T15:54:00.000-05:00

For today's post, I thought that Ten Random Things might be fun. It also might NOT be fun, so just bear with me.

I had lunch today with Debi and Tiffany (hereafter to be known as Doodle and Tootle). It was totally fun to catch up. I miss my buds from the Pier a lot.
Pappa's Burgers have probably the best burgers I've had in a while. And good crispy fries too. I ate the WHOLE thing. And a Diet Cherry Coke.
I think Henry, my mini pyr (he had parvo and survived) is gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that. He's very delicate and dainty and likes to be held.
I think somebody might have pooped upstairs. Too darn bad I'm in the middle of a blog post. HAHAHA!
Nope, it was just a Bailey fart. Good LORD that dog's farts stink.
Wow - already with the farting post. I guess that's the price I pay for feeding my dogs hard boiled eggs, whole wheat bread and laxatives.
I am totally into creating black and white cards now. For a long time I was really into the bright colors and paint chips. I haven't gone completely away from them, but I'm digging this B&W stuff I'm producing.
Hobby Lobby was having 50% off all scrapbooking papers and I am a paper whore. This is my heaven.
I got a brand new 20x30 self-healing mat for half price because the package was opened. It's great that you can bargain your way into cool stuff if you have the nerve to.
Ten random things took a lot less time than I thought it would. Maybe I should have made it 15 random things. Oh well, since this post is already finished, it's just too darn late.

4:39 PM update: I was totally wrong about the poop. Yikes. Thank goodness for 1) puppy pads 2) Febreeze and 3) LYSOL.

Quiet Time

2008-06-23T06:27:00.000-05:00

Monday morning, 6:29 AM... all is quiet on my southern front.

The weekend was busier than normal. Friends in crisis, "discussions" with the husband, cleaning, laundry, painting... I need a work-week to rest up from my weekend. Seriously.

Quiet is nice, but sometimes it makes me nervous. Growing up in a house full of people, it was never quiet. There were always people yelling, dogs barking, cows mooing, something blasting away on the television or country music on the radio. Quiet was something I craved. It was SO hard to think when I was growing up. So if the day was nice, I would walk to the First Street Beach. There was a lovely, looooong pier there with a lighthouse at the end of it. I could sit there for hours - just me, the boulders, the seagulls and the crashing waves. God, it was so wonderful there. I miss that so dearly.

When I took Carl home to meet my family, I took him out the the pier and lighthouse. Like me, Carl is a water sign. We spent about an hour out there - NOT TALKING. I've got to tell you, it was the best communication time ever.

Anyway, back to the quiet. Even now, I just can't rest when it is TOO quiet. I have to have some noise. In my bedroom, I have a little air conditioner AND a box fan AND a ceiling fan. Both the noise and the cold make me sleep better. There is something to soothing to me about the hum of a box fan or the whirr of the air conditioner that sort of induces sleep - better than a pill or a bath or aromatherapy.

In just a couple of hours, the phone will start ringing, the doorbell will buzz, kids will get outside and start playing (meaning the dogs will be barking up a storm), and all my "quiet" will be gone for another day. So I will relish this semi-silent time, thank God for His blessings in my life, and Boy Scout Motto myself up for another day.

Rawk on!

Living within one's means - or trying to!

2008-06-21T15:33:00.000-05:00

To say my husband and I have struggled financially would be an understatement. It seems like ever since we got married, there has been one financial trial and tribulation after another. Whether is was major credit account debt, or one of us losing our job, or a major medical bill or an auto accident, there always seemed to be some big money-sucking monster waiting around the corner.

In October 2001, I lost my job. September 11 was rough on the airlines and postal industries - our two largest clients. Hubby and I were devastated, but we had the requisite six months of savings in the bank so we thought we were OK. I mean, come on - I'm smart, not horrible looking, do great work and clean up well. I seriously thought I would have another marketing job in no time.

Of course things didn't turn out the way we planned.

You know, we burned through that money fast - way faster than six months - and eventually we wound up filing bankruptcy.

Wow - that is out there in the Universe now.

We filed a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which means we are paying our creditors off (if they filed a claim). We have about 18 months left to go in our plan. I don't want to tell you the extreme about of debt we were in. Suffice it to say we were young (ok - not so young), stupid and lived a lot in the moment. We were a disaster waiting to happen.

My friend Lorrie turned me on to the CNN Money website, and today I found this article about 10 families living without credit card debt. This has been Carl and I since roughly 2002. While it IS hard, especially saving for something big, there have been a lot of good things coming out of this.

Both our cars are paid for. No big monthly payments for us. Even with the high gas prices, we are saving a little because our cars are paid off.
We HAVE to save for large purchases now. Before, we had absolutely no problem opening up another credit account or a three years-no interest plan for furniture or appliances. Now, we get TOTAL satisfaction walking into a store and paying CASH for large purchases. BONUS - you can do a lot more negotiating when you have the cash in hand. We saved about 15% on our suite of leather furniture for the den, and my living room furniture we saved about 12%. That's cash back in my pocket.
Shopping sample sales at work has been a bonus too. After 9/11, I was working in the corporate area of retail operations. One of the perks of the job was having access to furniture and home decor at sample sale prices - usually cost or significantly below. My entire house is beautifully decorated thanks to The Bombay Company and Pier 1. The trick, of course, is not to buy a sample simply to buy it - you gotta have a plan. (Confession time: a LOT of times, I had no plan.)
ING Direct is a great way to save for the future. When I first signed up for an account, the interest rate was about 4.5%. Now it's about 3%, but you get that on ANY amount in your account. Plus they pay you DAILY, so you can literally see it adding up. Sign up and make a deposit and they usually give you $25. Sign up under me, and I get an extra $10 in my account. Then set up a weekly or bi-weekly draft from your checking account and let it be. In no time, you will be rolling in the cash.
Dollar Stores - I used to think they were trashy and only for really poor people. Then I went in and was actually AMAZED at the things you can find for about a buck. Name brand shampoos and conditioners, food wrap and containers, scrapbooking stuff, candles, detergent and even toothpaste. Of course some of the stuff is made who-knows-where, but if you look you can find all kinds of bargains.
Farmers Markets - one of the best places to find the tastiest LOCAL produce is your farmer's market. If you are close to a big city, there is usually one around somewhere. Here you find freshly picked, locally-grown goodies like beans, tomatoes, peaches, onions, etc. They taste WAY better than what you can get in a grocery store, and you are helping your local farmer stay in business.
Friends with chickens - yes, you read that right. When I worked at Bombay, my buddy Steve would bring me some eggs from his chickens. They were always wonderfully fresh with bright yellow yolks. Best part was they were FREE! Sometimes, chickens lay so may eggs people will practically THROW them at you!!!

With the economy today being what it is (and with me being currently unemployed), families really need to find ways to cut costs. Staying afloat is a full-time job for me right now, but we are managing OK. I won't say living without credit is a cake walk - it's not. There are still times I walk into a store and want to buy the latest and greatest (I really want a WII and WII Fit), but those feelings are being tempered with a little bit of wisdom now.

Hey - don't let my mistakes and misfortune become yours. My dad always said that if you lived below your means, you'd always have money in the bank. Boy howdy, it might have taken me 45 years, but that has finally sunk in. Thanks Dad!

Other People's Blogs

2008-06-20T07:51:00.000-05:00

If you are like me, you have a few blogs that you frequent every day. Sometimes, it's just a glance into someone else's life - someone you've never met. Other times, it's a friend or acquaintance's blog. Maybe you've seriously looked for it, maybe you happened on it by accident. Sometimes it's a way to catch up, to continue a dialogue started a long time ago. For me, I like to read certain of my friendies's blogs to see what's cooking in their lives. Sometimes it's hard to get together even when you live in the same town! So here's a sampling of some of the blogs I read. You should check them out too!

Scriggle's Blog. I met my friend Debi Doodle at my last place of employment (thanks for RIF-ing me, Pier 1). Ever meet a kindred spirit? That's Debi. We are polar opposites on a lot of things, but totally think like one person on a lot of other stuff. What I love about Debi is that SHE GETS ME and my silly, juvenile humor. That's such a bonus. Also, neither one of us has kids, we both have husbands and all that entails, and we like animals (Debi is a cat person, but I don't hold that against her). Debi has knitted TWO pairs of socks (that I know of), yet has never knitted ME a pair. She has been known to knit in public, but has yet to be arrested.

Beauty From Ashes is Jennifer's blog. It took almost a year to really get to know Jennifer. We went to the same church before really, REALLY getting to know each other at a scrapbooking retreat. Then we talked all the time, scrapped a lot, and I watched her get pregnant with her FOURTH kid. Well, maybe I didn't WATCH her get pregnant - I was absent for the actual deed - but it was one of the few times I hung with a friend from pretty much conception to birth. Jennifer has four kids that are pretty smart, outspoken and fun to be around. Her boys are really into boobs tho. Jennifer doesn't blog a lot, and maybe this post will shame her into telling us a little more about her life, homeschooling all those kids and just what goes on inside her head.

God Writes a Lot of Comedy is Monica's blog. I got to know Monica through Jennifer when I had a little scrapping party at my house. Monica is a very funny Latina chicka who is going to be teaching some very lucky kids how to speak Spanish and write Haiku this fall. Monica is married to a librarian (!?!?) named Luther (HE CRACKS ME UP) and has a very fun kid named Danielito Enrique Escobar Francisco. Once, after a day of crafting at Monicas, Daniel told me that he "really, really loved me". What a sugar booger butter bean (I think it was the dog-shaped brads I gave him to play with) who makes my heart all melty. Anyhoo, Monica's blog is funny, heartwarming, angst-y and sweet - just like she is. All together now: Awwwwww!

Kareah's Cake Walk. I don't know Kareah all that well, but she has an infectiously happy spirit and is a totally sweet girl. She likes to go on mission trips to dig wells and snuggle babies, although she has yet to smuggle one home in her suitcase. Her smile lights up a room - literally.

Rian is Moody - and so am I! Rian is another girl I met through church a while ago. I have been following her struggle with infertility and miscarriage and finally her triumph - RIAN IS HAVING A BABY BOY!! Her posts are honest and real and full of heartache, pain and, not surprising if you know her, gratitude. She and Josh are going to make great parents.

My friend Donna is FragileMom. Mother to three kids with Fragile X Syndrome, she posts about the little triumphs and milestones of her beautiful babies. Donna and Jim are two of the finest people I know - both are very real, open and honest. They are managing the hand that they were dealt with grace.

Catching up with Wendy isn't easy because she wears Flying Shoes! Wendy and I got to know each other when we worked at Bombay. Wendy is a mystical, magical woman with wisdom to spare. She moved to Nebraska but I think is coming back to Texas. Maybe then we will actually get to have lunch, even though our fave mexican place just burned down. YIKES.

I read Becki's blog because she reminds me of me. Well, a younger, cooler version of me. I like her sense of humor - what what.

Larry Powell talks about dogs. And rescue. And those who know me, know that I'm nuts about dogs and totally involved in rescue. A former columnist with the Dallas Morning News, Larry spreads the word about what's happening in the rescue community, highlights special needs dogs, and exposes the general disregard for animals a lot of people have. And when he's done shaming the rats who injure animals, he'll temper his posts with stories of good Samaritans, miraculous recoveries and forgiveness.

Dooce. Who DOESN'T read Dooce?

PostSecret is a scary-fun-shameful-intriguing look at other people's secrets. Sent to Frank Warren on postcards, you'll see yourself in a lot of these. And guess what - you are totally NOT alone! Updated every Sunday, there's also a link to more postcards on their Facebook page.

I read The Pioneer Woman because she reminds me of me. Hey - cattle can be funny. Plus she cooks and is a source for great recipes like this one, which I have renamed Carl's Favorite Sandwich. Try it. Don't forget to invite me over. Seriously.

So, dear reader, this is a little insight into what the heck I read and follow. This list isn't all inclusive, of course, because I am currently unemployed and have a lot of time on my hands. Which means I read a LOT more blogs than this. It also means that I hardly ever get laundry done or supper on the table for the husband. Hey - you have to have priorities, ya know?

If it's Wednesday, there must be cheeseburgers.

2008-06-18T16:22:00.000-05:00

There are some things that I know for certain. Some of these things are:

If you plan for absolutely every variation for every issue, the one you didn't think of will happen. I guess that means I didn't account for every issue.
The Celtics will beat the Lakers in six. HAHAHAHA!
If the puppies are finally asleep, someone will ring the doorbell.
When you are waiting for a check, the days get reaaaaalllllllllllyyyyyy long.
Wednesdays are the best days to catch the clearance poop at Joann.
As you get older, it doesn't matter if you count the days between periods, because that whole female-hormone-what-the-hell stuff is just going to eat your lunch.
When you pluck one chin hair, eleven more take its place.
Just when I think I've got my housekeeping under control, I find another box of crap, old mail, love letters or items purchased at a sample sale. Who the heck needs so much crap???
When you clean up your scrap room, you find a whole lot of cool supplies you never even knew you had. SCORE!!!
When you have a husband, dishes, laundry and all that other stuff doubles.
Whoever said two could live as cheaply as one was a liar.
The paperless office is a myth.
Free stuff is just that - stuff. You still gotta make room for it.
When I buy a loaf of bread, most of the time it's never opened prior to its expiration date.
Dogs really don't like taking pills. Why don't they make them all meat flavored?
I've probably spent a couple grand on Texas Lotto tickets. I've won probably $200.
Using the guest bathroom after your husband practically guarantees that the toilet paper WILL run out and there will be none under the sink. Also, he will be at WORK, and you have to talk upstairs with your pants half down to get some.
That dude who was Britney Spears on America's Got Talent was... er... talented.
The probability of my cell phone running out of battery life while I am using it: 97%.

OK, that's it for today. There are a million more things I'm pretty darn sure of, and I will get to them at a later date. Thank you, dear Internet reader, for tuning in.

Please send cash, checks or Zoloft.

The Old Man and the Shade

2008-06-10T11:49:00.000-05:00

Bailey, my oldest dog, is fourteen this summer. That's pretty old in dog years, and finally, after spending so much time in perpetual puppyhood, Bailey is acting his age.

Bailey is the sweetest dog I have ever had. A Newfie/Golden Retriever mix (technically a Flat-Coat Retriever), he has the best termperament. He is a total love bug - adores giving kisses, high fives (or low fives) and getting his big ole' belly rubbed. When he was younger, he would love to swim in the neighbor's pools (shhh - don't tell them!). He has the webbed feet of the Newfie and boy, did he put them to good use. We also gave him a kiddie pool, and there was nothing better for him than laying in that pool catching some rays.

This morning, he fell when he was trying to go outside. His back legs just up and gave out on him and he went "kerploot" on the hardwoods. He couldn't develop any traction, so I had to lift him up. Bailey is not a little thing either - he's almost 130 pounds! After that, he was fine, but he had this look on his face like, "this is SO humiliating..." Poor thing.

Bailey loves to walk about the neighborhood with me. In his advanced age, there is no longer the need for a leash, so I let him out and he moseys along with me. He never goes farther than the corner by himself, and he likes to watch Carl and I unload the car after a shopping trip. Sometimes, I think I see a glimpse of his past, when he would happily hop into the truck, stick his head out the window and drooooool. This boy LOVED riding in the car. Now he can't even get in, even with his little ramp.

It would appear that the time is coming where we will have to let him go. He has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. We rescued him on his last day of life (another story) - and he ended up rescuing us right back.

Retail Therapy

2008-06-04T14:24:00.000-05:00

You know, being unemployed has SOME advantages. It's great to be able to shop the sales (both grocery and department store) without the crowds of weekend shoppers. Today, with the help of a bunch of gift cards, I treated myself to a couple hours of retail relaxation.

I picked up some $3 body washes at Bath and Body Works. Carl, my sweet little hubby, likes Coconut Lime Verbena. I know, it's kinda girly, but he really smells delicious after a shower. I kinda like it on him. My favorite is Midnight Pomegranate and Pink Grapefruit. And pretty much anything citrus-y. I also got an aromatherapy body spray - Ylang Rose (or somesuch). Total spent with gift card: $5.24

Chubby chicks of the world unite! Lane Bryant is having a great clearance and sale going on right now and you can use your Real Women Dollars. I got two pairs of capri style sweatpants, a sweatshirt and a very fancy black beaded top - ALL on sale. BONUS: When I told the manager I had just lost my job, she gave me an extra 40% off the black top. All the sportswear was $14.99 - originally $49.50. The black top was $14.99 - regular $59.50. And I had a $25 Real Women Gift card. So I got a $208 worth of cute outfits for a total of: $34.52. BONUS! The manager gave me someone to contact about a job - that was FREE!

OK - now this next store is where I lose a lot of people, but it really is one of my faves. Ross Dress For Less is like a treasure hunt every time I go there. Today was a bonus treasure hunt. I had a small gift card and they were having CLEARANCE, Clarence! I hit the motherlode here: a pair of $60 sandals for $8.99, another really comfy pair of $79 LifeStride sandals for $14.99, three embroidered tee-shirts (on clearance) for $3.99 - $5.99 each and a taupe blouse for $8.99. If I would add up the regular retails, it amounted to $248. My cost with the gifty card: $40.96. Can a girl EVER have too many shoes???

All that shopping made me hungry. So I made a stop at my all-time favorite fast food restaurant: Chick-Fil-A. For the longest time I couldn't pronounce it, but that's just because I am a Yankee and a dork. I always get the same thing - the chicken sammwich, fries and a diet Coke. (Diet Cokes offset the calories in the fries - every girl knows this).

So now I am home, telling you, dearest Internet, about my fabulous day of shopping. For less than $100 ($80.72 to be exact), I got a bunch of cute stuff and plenty of body wash for the next few months.

Now I guess I could do some cleaning and laundry, but honestly, the snoring of the dogs is making me sleepy. Sooooooo sleepy....

I gotta tell you, leisure is kinda nice.

2008-06-03T13:49:00.000-05:00

So, tomorrow will be one week since I was RIF-ed. You know, I am actually feeling OK about it. I'm liking this 'lady of leisure' business. And 'leisure' is totally what I have been enjoying.

Things I have been doing since the RIF:

Sleeping past 6:00 AM - usually til 6:30 or 6:45. Thanks doggies.

Enjoying odd things in combination for lunch like pot stickers and Golden Grahams (today).

Adding points to my Pepsi Points account.

Playing games on MSN Live - thanks for the cool tote bag and the speaker thingies!

Laundry. This is not as much fun.

Thinking about cleaning the carpet. A LOT of thought must go into this before doing any actual work.

Chatting it up with Debi and sometimes Tiffany (but she is very busy and important now).

Wondering how I accumulated so much CRAP and considering having a garage sale since Monica won't do it for me.

Thinking about cleaning my bathroom.

Scanning the yellow pages for a haz-mat crew to clean Carl's bathroom. Yes, it's that bad.

Dishes.

Scanning the ads for jobs that appeal to me. Not too many.

Filling out the 125 page form for Challenger, Gray and Christmas. I hope I get a present when it's all over.

And other various and sundry things.

No wonder I am so tired at the end of the day. All this THINKING. Sheesh.

Hey! I made the Wall of Honor

2008-05-29T12:45:00.000-05:00

OK - so I was RIF-ed yesterday. I cried. I pouted. I got mad. And now, I gotta get on with my life.

So here it is, Thursday at 12:44 PM Central Time, and I am STILL IN MY JAMMIES!!!

My morning has consisted of phone calls and filling out a 35 page questionnaire from the outplacement people. ALL ESSAY QUESTIONS!!! What is up with that??? It gives me tired head.

One lead from my buddy Tiffany (haaaaaaay Tiffy!) at Dillards, so that's one resume sent out.

On a more productive note, I DID get the top of my desk cleaned off at home. I am currently THINKING about doing laundry and dishes (thinking... not doing) and maybe even getting dressed and brushing my teeth.

I really can't do any of those things because Millie, the littlest pyrenees, is laying on top of my foot. She totally snores. Loud.

My dear buddy-friend Debi sent me a pic. They took my name tag and put it on the Wall of Honor. Or Wall of Shame. Either way, it's nice to be remembered.

But it doesn't look like I am going to get my Qwirkle fix today.

So hey all you faithful blog readers, how's about clicking on those little ad thingies you see on the side of my blog? In case you haven't heard, I am currently unemployed and I need all the help I can get.

Poop Loops - RIF-ed Again.

2008-05-28T15:02:00.000-05:00

So today I was RIF'ed (Reduction In Force for those out of the know) from Pier 1. Man, does that ever SUCK!

I'm sad. I really, really , really liked my job, liked 90% of the people - heck, I even liked my BOSS! How often does THAT happen!? Now they are left with two freelance (i.e., highly paid) copywriters on their staff. Weird that they would get rid of lowly ole me, but hey - I wasn't part of the stinking decision making process.

So, I cried for like three minutes (the Zoloft doesn't let me cry too much), and then I got over it. I suppose that this is just another one of those "things" or those "tests" that I have to go through. I wonder though, why God keeps picking ME.

I guess this will finally give me time to get the house cleaned, curtains made for the den and stuff like that.

I can look forward to $378 a week in unemployment benefits. Yeehaw.

Worst part is, the HR rep didn't allow anyone to say goodbye. Said it would be "too hard" on other employees. Heck - what about ME? How hard do they think this is going to be on ME???

I get to go back to the office on Saturday between 10:00 and 11:00 AM to clean out my office. They don't want others to see us. How thoughtful.

Poop loops.

Do I NEED that Snickers Bar? No. Am I going to HAVE that Snicker's Bar? YES

2008-04-24T15:46:00.001-05:00

Because some days, you really, really, REALLY need chocolate. And peanuts. And caramel.

You know what I'm talkin' about.

Holla.

Zoinks!

2008-04-15T15:53:00.000-05:00

Life has sure been busy. I've missed you blogger buddy and the ZERO total people who read about my sad, sorry and silly old life.

I got a haircut. It's really short. REALLY short. The kind of short that makes your husband look like a long-haired-hippie-freak-even-tho-he's-got-a-crewcut short. But it's cool, and it only takes me three (3) minutes in the morning. And THAT'S what it's all about.

I was reading a funny article on Newsweek.com about this dude who became an - his words here peeps - asshole. Newsweek did an article about him (Martin Kihn: A$$hole: How I Got Rich and Happy by Not Giving a Damn About Anyone and How You Can Too) and it was funny how many different terms they had to come up with for the word ass/asshole. For instance:

masspole !!!
rectum (damn near killed him - HAHAHAHA! That is the BEST joke!)
family-unfriendly word that NEWSWEEK generally avoids
curse word synonymous with "unbelievable jerk" that begins with the letter A
[anus]ism
epithet that begins with the first letter of the alphabet
buttocks personified
scatological body part
orifice
disagreeable people
excretory opening
proctological
posterior portal
the word we have refrained from printing thus far in this interview
begins with A, you figure it out

Anyhoo, I found it funny and I think that I will begin calling a$$holes by the term "posterior portals" - a much cleverer term.

Bonus: My husband will have to think for a few minutes before he realizes what I've called him. KIDDING!!!

It might take a little longer.

When a Chili's burger breaks your tooth, your dentist gives you a flipper.

2008-03-25T11:43:00.000-05:00

I have been having the worst run of luck lately and I just can't figure out why. The icing on my most recent cake is the breaking of a tooth at a local Chili's restaurant.

We had just settled in for a nice dinner of Chili's burgers. We are pretty regular diners at Chili's and have never had a problem with anything before. But today, the God of Chili's decided my time had come.

I had ordered a Smokehouse Bacon Burger - you've seen them on TV - big burgers with two strips of really thick bacon. Anyhoo, I cut the burger in half, take a bite of it and lo-and-behold, my front right incisor (I think it's an incisor anyway) pops off. Down to the root.

My mouth is bleeding and hubby tells the waiter to get the manager. I look at my tooth, check the burger, and realize the bacon is rock solid hard. So the "manager on duty" comes over and says, "So you broke your tooth on a piece of bacon, hey?" And then he starts laughing. He kneels beside our table and says, "Ma'am, I'm not laughing AT you, I'm laughing WITH you." I replied to him that I didn't think I was laughing.

He proceeded to give us a card with the manager's name on it and he also took my information.

Oh, and the best part yet, THEY MADE US PAY FOR OUR MEAL!!!!

After spending all weekend front-toothless, I finally got hold of someone at Chili's Guest Relations on Monday who said that a regional manager would call me back. Of course no one has yet.

So I went to the dentist yesterday to see what could be done and she said with the way the tooth broke off, the best result would be with an implant. This takes up to a year and thousands of dollars. YIKES!! So now, I am getting what's called a flipper until we decide what to do and who is going to pay for it. This does not sound fun at all.

Today I called Chili's Risk Management department, again, leaving a message. Again no one has called me back. I am deliberating on getting an attorney.

Poop, all I wanted was a hamburger!!! Now I am getting the shaft. BOO!

I've been dreaming of horses.

2008-03-17T11:18:00.000-05:00

It's odd, but I have been dreaming of horses lately. Wild, free, majestic horses. Stallions and mares and foals and all. The meaning of these dreams can be many, according to whatever dream interpretation dictionary you choose to read.

We have been having significant financial problems. Some dream interpreters say that to dream of horses is a premonition of a financial windfall. While this would be the ultimate in answers or foresight, the pessimist in me reminds me that financial windfalls don't come along often to everyday people. And I, believe it or not, am an everyday people.

Some other dream dictionaries say that to dream of horses represents a strong, physical energy - that I need to tame the wild forces. The dream may also imply that I have been horsing around. Or perhaps I need to be less arrogant and "get off my high horse".

So either I am due for a windfall or I am too arrogant for my own good.

I sure hope it's the windfall.

There's a puppy in the house... again.

2008-02-24T19:11:00.000-06:00

Millie is here. She's been here for a couple of weeks now, and when there is a puppy in the house, everything on my little plate of crazy gets a little bit bigger.

Millie was part of a quartet found in Abilene - and the only girl in the bunch. When she got here, she was a little on the thin side and had a bad case of hookworms. After a little doctoring, she is a little chubby fluffball full of fun.

Millie has recently learned how to go up and down the stairs. She climbs up them just fine, but when she comes down, she uses her butt as a little bumper. She is heartbreakingly cute and it looks like we are going to fail at this foster as well.

Merry Christmas to St. Nick

2007-12-25T13:07:00.000-06:00

Husband (I'm sure he hates being called "husband") and I do work for a rescue group called SPIN - Saving Pyrs in Need. This group rescues and rehabs Great Pyrenees and adopts them out to good homes across the United States.

The day before Christmas Eve, we got a call about a pyr in east Texas, almost to Shreveport. This "girl" had been abandoned and was in pretty sorry shape. You name it, "she" had it - mange, stinky, emaciated, running eyes, worms, who knows if "she" had heart worms. We were sent a photo of this awful looking dog in a cage and of course, we were moved. Carl (aka "husband") said we would go to east Texas to get her if someone could foster. Looks like Angel would have a good Christmas after all.

Well, Christmas eve, we get in the car and head east. I've brought along a couple of small packages of cookies, a leash and blankets for our newest rescue. We get to the shelter, the worker lets us in, and brings to use the most God-awful looking and smelling BOY pyr either one of us has ever seen.

I swear, when I saw him. I wanted to cry so badly. About a year old, this boy was practically bald, his skin all crusty and scabby, he smelled to high heaven. And yet, he was the most polite and GRATEFUL boy ever. I opened a package of cookies and gave them to him on the spot. It was like he hadn't eaten in a while - his ribs and hipbones were sticking straight out of him.

Carl took him out of the shelter to walk him while I did the paperwork. Come to find out this pyr was basically abandoned, yet still technically "owned" - we were kidnapping this boy so he could not be returned to his "owners." God bless this shelter for allowing us to do this.

We got this little body of bones into the truck and headed back to Dallas. We stopped a couple of times to let him potty. Clumps of hair were literally falling off his body. I took Carl's knife and cut off this HUGE clump that was hanging by a couple of strands of hair. He looked at me gratefully, like I was cutting off a huge piece of his past.

We fed him cookies, jerky and slim jims on the ride home, all the way driving with the windows wide open. He would hang his face out of the window, always facing forward - he never once looked back. I don't believe he ever sat on the drive home. Between looking out the windows, he would lay his head on husband's shoulder, and then on mine, or he would come and ask for a scratch under the chin - the only place that seemed safe to touch him. The rest of him was so cracked and crusty and bleeding. His eyes were framed by ancient looking scabbed-over skin in deep folds - there was literally no fat, no waste on this dog anywhere. But his eyes - oh his eyes were SO happy looking - like he knew something better was about to happen.

We got him to Cindy's house, where he will be staying. When Love saw him, she started to cry. There has never been a pyr this bad taken in to the group before. Oh they have seen some bad ones, but this one was so pitiful.

Love gave him his shots, a bunch of pills, a bowl of food and water. I looked around and took some animal cookies from a jar and gave them to him. He took them gently, one by one, eating them and looking for more.

He began to feel safer and made himself at home on Cindy's couch. Love said she was going to try to give this boy a bath - he smelled SO bad. There was infection all over him.

There were a bunch of emails flying back and forth amongst the group about what to call this "girl." Of course, now that we found out he is a BOY, my suggestion was Beautiful Joe - after the dog in the book of the same name (if you have a chance, read it - it will break your heart and then restore it). But I guess I was overruled.

So little Nick woke up today in a warm house, with food in his belly and antibiotics flowing through his system. He might be the ugliest pyr right now, but give him time. He's going to be one Beautiful Joe.

Merry Christmas, Nick. Thank you for letting us be a little part of your story.

Things I am thankful for today

2007-12-22T11:02:00.000-06:00

There are a LOT of things I am thankful for. So here's my top ten list from the home office in Sioux City, Iowa:

Big G, Little J and the rocking Holy Spirit
My husband - because he's a sweetie and a good smoocher
My parents and family - so far away. I MISS you guys!
Our six doggies. You heard right, there's six. Including TWO puppies.
HOT HOT showers on cold windy days (like today)
Diet Pepsi Max - the invigorating cola with ginseng and other stuff to PEP you up
Good friends both near and far
A job I really, really like at Pier 1
My friend Lynne, whom God managed to work out a reconnection after 25 years. This is the coolest story - and Lynne is now SAVED! YAY Lynne!
The worship music of Kari Jobe - that girl rocks! And is totally used of God. Thank you Anita for introducing me to her!

Susan's Famous Pot Roast recipe

2007-12-21T22:05:00.000-06:00

Since you've been asking... here it is!

1 good-sized roast - 2-4 pounds, with decent marbling (that fat isn't going to kill you)
1 large onion, cut into quarters
4 stalks celery, washed and cut into large chunks
1 pound baby carrots
1 pound fresh green beans, cleaned and the ends trimmed
1 pkg. instant onion soup mix

Get out your crock pot and turn it on LOW. Make a mirepoix (that's a fancy French term for vegetables you are going to throw away) of the onion and the celery. Place them in the bottom of the crock pot.

Place a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a deep pan and turn it on medium high to high. Get your roast and season it liberally with seasoned salt and LOTS of black pepper. Now we are going to sear this puppy.

Sear the roast on all sides in the hot oil until browned on the outside. This is the secret to the pot roast (shhhh!). This takes a little time, but believe me, this roast will make you want to spank your mama.

Once the roast is seared, place it on top of the onions and celery in the crock pot. Sprinkle with one envelope of onion soup mix. Then top the roast with the carrots and the green beans.

Cover the crock pot with foil and then put the lid on. NOTE: We did NOT add any water to this roast. You don't want a New England Boiled dinner here. DON'T ADD ANY WATER!!!

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until it smells so good you will sell your kids to the neighbors for a set of dinnerware.

Remove the green beans and carrots to a bowl. The roast will be falling apart tender, so put that on a platter. The onions and celery are for flavoring only. You can eat them if you want, but I usually just toss them.

You will find you have a fabulous stock left. Strain this into a small saucepan and turn on the heat to medium-ish. In a shaker, mix 1/4 cup flour with about 1/2 cup water. Shake shake shake until there are no lumps in this mixture. By this time, your stock should be boiling. Mix the flour mixture into the stock with a wire whisk. Simmer for a minute or two until the flour is cooked through and the gravy is thickened.

I serve this with cream cheese smashed potatoes and the vegetables. And a BIG glass of milk.

"So I says to her, Lynne, I says..."

2007-12-21T21:44:00.000-06:00

Have you ever wondered what happened to some of the people you grew up with? You know, those people who totally meant a lot to you in high school or college or something?

Let me tell you about one of my friends. Her name is Lynne.

Ever since I "got my Jesus back", I have been having some interesting dreams. I dreamed one of my friends was pregnant, and she turned out to be. Cool. I dreamed about my old friend Lynne, whom I haven't seen in 25 years - that's 25 - probably before some of you were born. Anybutt, I had this dream about Lynne and the dream was basically that she was in some trouble and she needed to leave the place she was in, but the message she was saying was "but my whole life is here."

Like I said, it's been 25 years since we've seen each other. Oh, we talked back in the late 80's when I was totally on fire for Christ. At that time, Lynne was into some Wiccan practices and was technically a witch. Anyhoo, I was praying and thinking about HOW in the world I could get in touch with her. She had no listed phone number and had long since moved from the address I had for her. So I looked on Reunion.com - nothing. Finally, I did a search for some common acquaintances and found one. Terri is a Wiccan priestess, but she had Lynne's email address (or an old one). She gave it to me and I sent Lynne an email.

I was totally SHOCKED by two things - first that the email address was a good one, and second. to learn that Lynne was homeless. By homeless, I mean living in a shelter, losing all your money and your job and your home and your car kind of homeless. And it had happened to her in just the past month.

WOW, was pretty much all I could think of. We fell into an email correspondence (the homeless in Michigan hang out at the library too - it must be some kind of law) and she told me that she GOT SAVED and was a believer now. She repented to me of not listening to the message when it was offered a long time ago, but I knew that when God plants seeds, they find a way to get watered and grow. He's very cool like that.

Anyway, it's very cool what God does when you are truly at the end of your rope and there is nowhere left to turn. It's interesting, how when I told Lynne about the dream I had about her, and that I thought she needed to leave Michigan, the thing she said to me was "but my whole life is here."

Now we know that her life is in Christ now, praise God. Sometimes we become so attached to our things, that we forget that Big G has already taken care of all our needs.

Now Lynne has next to nothing and I have an extra bedroom. And now we are getting somewhere. (That's a whole lot of nows and I apologize blog reader. Would you believe I am PAID to write in my real life?)

:::::to be continued:::::

Christmas Questions (or getting to know me a little better)

2007-12-21T17:56:00.000-06:00

I got these questions from a friend and thought they might be fun! What are YOUR answers???

Wrapping paper or gift bags? I LOVE to rip off wrapping paper and make a huge mess. Plus the dogs LOVE the paper!
Real tree or artificial? Love real trees, but the dogs will pee on them,.
When do you put up the tree? We don't put a tree up, really, as there is no room at our house. We DO have a little 2-foot one for the dining table tho.
When do you take the tree down? Are you SUPPOSED to take it down?
Do you like eggnog? No. A thousand times no.
Favorite gift received as a child? A Chrissy doll. Her hair grew when you poked in her belly button. And my gramma Stella used to give us $5.00 in dimes. SCORE!!!
Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, my mom bought me a very nice one. Thanks, Mom!
Hardest person to buy for? Carl. He never wants anything. And Dad. Same thing.
Easiest person to buy for? Monica. She sends lists so I know what to get her. Even though I usually just wind up giving her a gift card... LOL.
Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A sweater with all kinds of sparkly jewels on it. SO not me.
Mail or email Christmas cards? I try to mail them, but have failed for two years in a row now. Call me a slacker. Go ahead. have I gotten a card from YOU yet?
Favorite Christmas Movie? ELF. Smiling's my favorite.
When do you start shopping for Christmas? I shop all year long and then have a mad rush on Christmas Eve.
Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Who want's to know? I took the tags off, right?
Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? This list can get really long: Ham, my fabulous cheesy potatoes, baked beans, toffee chocolate chip cookies, big glasses of cold milk.
Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear.
Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night and My Grown-up Christmas Wish by Amy Grant.
Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home mostly, but I do want to get back home to Michigan for Christmas before my parents don't remember me.
Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes.
Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? YES. Mostly I open presents whenever I see one addressed to me. I love presents!
What do you like least about Christmas? The crazy traffic, the crazy drivers, and the crazy amounts of people in stores like Walmart or Target.
What I love most about Christmas? Being able to sleep in! The dogs opening their presents. Calling home and having Dad talk to me for more than just a "Hello, here's your mother." Smooching Carl under the mistletoe (even if we don't have any mistletoe).

Why call it A Little Plate of Crazy?

2007-12-18T18:54:00.000-06:00

Well, because it's how I feel about me right now. :-D