I can see it now, everything got better after I posted. I can't imagine what that's all about. Anyway.....i wish someone would come up with some fun bloggin......

I am unable to see the blog. Anyone else having difficulty? I can read it through blogger, but not by going directly to the site.

Also, just so you know, I made it to the Marden's book sale. I got LIdia's Italian American Kitchen, Good Poems, and teh Works of Henry David Thoreau.

OK, you KNOW I can be really ignorant and sophomoric, so you will take that into consideration before you visit...


http://www.thesneeze.com/mt-archives/cat_steve_dont_eat_it.php

OMG. Leigh, you will love this site, I predict.

You are encouraged to attend....

The pack 64 Cake Auction, February 11th 5p.m. If you think you want to bid on a cake let me know what kind you'd be interested so I can be sure there'll be one on hand!

I think he DOES want them. Kids always want mail. Isaiah asks every day if he got any mail.

Yesterday when I was unpacking a bag I found Liam's un-mailed Christmas card and stickers. I suck! Do you think he would want them late?

Blog Review: Into the West

This story of the white man's settlement of the West is like a big scar on someone's face. You know you shouldn't look, but for some reason you can't help it. It's told through the point of view of two men "Jacob Wheeler" and "Loved by the Buffalo". The scheme is they try to put The Walton's and Little House on the Prairie in one show but also do the same thing with Indians. I can't say I hated it because I watched the entire dvd AND I even teared up at a couple of points, but it's Spielburg so is pretty formulaic, with no surprises. I don't think they should have killed off so many people in the same family, AND the violence is just graphic enough to make you wince but not quite so over the top that it's unbelievable. I hated the amputation scene.

I don't like Moxie, but it's like tripe to me, I'm strangely drawn to it and ALWAYS get sucked into having a taste then I think it's disgusting. HOWEVER, it is NOT the most disgusting soda on earth as that honor belongs to Dr. Pepper.

I canNOT find a decent lipstick!!! I've bought TWO this year and they both SUCK!! Just so you know, they're already in next years product exchange bag and I used a qtip to apply them because i was suspicious of them.

One of my friends mailed me a bottle of Moxie. Candy thought it was the most disgusting thing she'd ever tasted.

I love all my kids more than bunnies. Too bad I never get to see them. How cute that Gram offered to send me a care package. Don't worry Gram, I have lots of canned goods!

I'm so excited to be visiting Houlton tonight I can't even tell you! It's been forever since I've seen those kiddo's. I'm taking my camera AND my video camera I think!! Other than that, my weekend is going to be VERY dull. WHAT are we going to do without football snoop? I suppose we could set up the card table in Suzanne's living room and play hold em while watching NFL channel or something! Anyway, hopefully someone will come up with an idea for an activity tomorrow evening!

Ok, you won't believe this, but i LOVED Kung Fu Hustle. It is incredibly artistic. And I agree, the movie does get a little hokie at the end, but that's what kung fu movies do. You will find ourself adding "MY ASS!" to the end of every statement after you watch it...be warned!

And no, Gram, I don't need a care package, but thanks! I got paid yesterday!

Alright I've added it to my list, but it will probably be three or 4 years till i see it. It's number 434.

Blog Review: Fiddler on the Roof

Last night Maddy and I watched Fiddler on the Roof, well she watched until intermission then I finished it. I was actually surprised that she sat there through it, but she did. She thought the music was "ok", so I consider that a raving review. She recognized a lot of the songs. I loved it and balled all through the end of course. Well, it didn't help that JK was sitting there WAITING for me to ball. Ah well. Watch it for yourself, if you like musicals. I need to get Dr. Zhivago.

Today I have no work to do yet. I did send one email and fill out my timesheet for yesterday, and I have some filing to do. At some point, boss lady and I are going to Costco so I can get dishwasher detergent, Propel, and toilet paper, and maybe cat food. I should file at some point. The only reason I listed the contents of my fridge was because it was so empty. I thought it was pretty funny.

I wouldn't dare list the contents of my fridge, althogh it HAS been recently cleaned out...the condiments would be ridiculous. I'm on my own today. JK has left me and gone South for the day. What are you doing?

The Contents of My Refridgerator

a tub of cream cheese
a bottle of Propel
10 white extra large eggs
2 jars of relish (sunshine and zuccini)
1 jar of jam (strawberry)
1/2 C butter flavor crisco
1/4 C fleishman's w/olive oil
1 bottle of heinz catsup
1 bottle of french's mustard
1 jar of cranberry mustard
1/2 small jar of tartar sauce from Trader Joe's
1/2 5 gallon jug of Wegman's spring water
1 jar Worchestershire sauce
2 packets of chinese take-out mustard
1 packet of chinese take-out soy sauce

My Birthday Continues!

When I got home from work today, there was a card from Andrea awaiting me, as well as a gift from Michelle!!! How lucky am I?

Today is Wednesday. I am having a hard time keeping my days of the week straight for some reason. It seems like it should be Thursday.

Last night I watched Dukes of Hazzard and American Idol. I love trash TV.

I have very little actual work to do today--I might even need to file stuff...how sad.

OK, firstly, you KNEW where I was, you chose to forget!

Happy bday Uncle Ralph, many happy returns (whatever that means).

I'm working today, unfortunately, I have appointments upon appointments and will be leaving shortly for a quick trip down state.

Bridge tonight!

Where is RK today? How odd that she not be online in the morning and I not know her whereabouts. Let's see...I have been settling in quite nicely at my new home. Max seems to like it as well. We like it better than the basement behind the garage. We're like the Jeffersons...we finally got a piece of the pie!

Happy Birthday uncle Ralph!

More later, if I'm not working myself to death!

Well, you may have noticed my reference to Super Mario Bros. (Isaiah calles it Bro's NOT brothers) anyway, I just thought I should tell you HOW INTO this game my kid is. I found this website where they tell you all the tricks the names of all the creatures, weapons and levels etc. He read the ENTIRE thing and basically memorized it. Now he tells me what everything is so I'll be sure to know the difference between the red hopping turtles and the green flying turtles. These are subtle differences but can mean the difference between life and death as you know. The best thing is the "matter of fact" tone he has when describing it all to me. You're really missing some fun here.

Well, you may have noticed my reference to Super Mario Bros. (Isaiah calles it Bro's NOT brothers) anyway, I just thought I should tell you HOW INTO this game my kid is. I found this website where they tell you all the tricks the names of all the creatures, weapons and levels etc. He read the ENTIRE thing and basically memorized it. Now he tells me what everything is so I'll be sure to know the difference between the red hopping turtles and the green flying turtles. These are subtle differences but can mean the difference between life and death as you know. The best thing is the "matter of fact" tone he has when describing it all to me. You're really missing some fun here.

I haven't seen the one in the BDN, this one he looks REALLY good for Stephen King and BLONDE-ish. Has he done "work"? Does anyone know the scoop?

Um, has anyone else seen the recent photo of Stephen King in the NYTIMES?????

Upcoming Events

I'm sure you're all as anxious as I am, so I'll just let you know that the 3rd annual Blog Brackets start on 3/16, so it's time to start thinking about your picks. Will LTL come back after last years shocking defeat to JK? Will Lemurdad avenge his very close loss to JK last year? Will RK EVER get into the final 4? It's anybody's guess at this point. Anyone can participate in the blog brackets, so email me if you'd like to participate.

So Friday, Maddy, Leigh and I all got our hair done. Thanks Bob! We all look fantastic again. Then we ate at Bugaboo. We sat at the bar for a while and the bartender tried to get Maddy to talk to him but she waouldn't. In fact she had a "this guy is really creepy" look on her face, but he wasn't crappy, he was nice. Dinner was pretty good. I had the shrimp alfredo thingy, but it was way too much food and couldn't eat the whole thing. Maddy had (you guessed it) chicken tenders, I had a bite and those are pretty good things you know? They have this spicy tempura-like batter on them. Leigh had a steak. Saturday Isaiah went and played with Brady, which was a lot of fun and Sunday it was just waiting for football, then watching football. Isaiah and I got through World 6 level 6 in Mario.

So Friday, Maddy, Leigh and I all got our hair done. Thanks Bob! We all look fantastic again. Then we ate at Bugaboo. We sat at the bar for a while and the bartender tried to get Maddy to talk to him but she waouldn't. In fact she had a "this guy is really creepy" look on her face, but he wasn't crappy, he was nice. Dinner was pretty good. I had the shrimp alfredo thingy, but it was way too much food and couldn't eat the whole thing. Maddy had (you guessed it) chicken tenders, I had a bite and those are pretty good things you know? They have this spicy tempura-like batter on them. Leigh had a steak. Saturday Isaiah went and played with Brady, which was a lot of fun and Sunday it was just waiting for football, then watching football. Isaiah and I got through World 6 level 6 in Mario.

I can't believe they have bots crawling blogs and posting comments. GMAB. Anyway, I do find the King kind of weird, yet I'm drawn to him. Not drawn enough to actually eat there, mind you. The only fast food burger I truly like is Wendy's.

The Roethlisburger's worked again. Leigh and I live to see another game!!!

Million Dollar Baby

Wow...this movie is slow, and not particularly interesting.

I'm not talking about the food...I'm talking about the actual Burger King. Ya know, the creepy thing that is all over the commercials?

Is it just Todd and I who find the Burger King more than mildly disturbing?

Mad Mad MAD props to the Candy clan yesterday for helping me move. And to think I would ever need to eat something sugary again, Candy brought me a little cheesecake for a housewarming gift. Not that I needed anything, her sons were SO sweet about moving my stuff. They were so careful and asked where i wanted everything situated--they wouldn't even let me lift half the futon. They were very very polite and strong and nice, and one of them even filled the over-the-fridge wine rack before he left--I hated that it was empty and I don't have my mini-ladder yet. BUT--I'm buying it soon--Mila and Todd gave me the hook up with a BB&Beyond coupon.

Hard to believe that I could ever eat again after that brunch, but on my actual birthday (boss's b-day too), we went to Sweetwater Tavern for lunch. I got the roasted chicken salad.

Is that all the birthday eating, you ask? Hell no. Friday I got taken out to lunch as well--Sweetwater again (it's really good) and had the Monterey chicken salad.

Oh and I forgot, to top off the birthday celebrations, on Monday we had this dessert called chocolate waffle. We all 3 shared it. Let me see if I can even do it justice. It is a cake, baked in a waffle iron. They cut it in half and stack it on top of itself, after drizzling it with chocolate and caramel syrup. Then they put whipped cream on it, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, and a chocolate star on top. WAY too sweet to eat by yourself! But good.

I"m going to take a break from unpacking (a very NOT fun job) to talk about the rest of my birthday celebrations. Mila gave me too much vodka saturday night--i tell ya what. nearly killed me sunday morning. But somehow I got up and got ready to go into DC to brunch. We went to Georgia Brown's (low southern cuisine) for Sunday Jazz Brunch. Here's basically how it works--you have a breakfasat buffet, then you order an entree (that 99% of folks get to go), and then there's a dessert buffet that includes a chocolate fountain. Needless to say, I ate a LOT. Fresh sausage, biscuit french toast, bacon, biscuits, salad (imagine), and a little hair of the dog--mimosa. Oh and of course Mila and I partook of the chocolate fountain. I got southern fried chicken to go, so did Mila--todd got gumbo I think. THANKS much to Mila and Todd for making my birthday weekend an extravaganza!

Yesterday I was THRILLED to get birthday cards from Gram, Lemur, LTL, and Aunt Janelle! Thanks all!

That lemur has IMPECCABLE taste in cards!

Usually I have oatmeal for breakfast. But today for some reason I am CRAVING a sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit. I am too lazy to go to McD's, however. So I went to Starbucks, got my Friday coffee, and go to the office, content to suffer until lunch. Well, my boss called about 20 minutes ago and said "I'm driving through McDonald's today, I'm starving! Want a breakfast sandwich?"....I mean, that woman reads my mind. When I told her how much I was craving one she said "You must have been sending out some STRONG vibes this morning, girl!" How weird.

Happy Birthday to David Lynch...and whoever else.....

I'm moving out on saturday and sunday, and my landlord has already turned off the cable AND the internet. how impressed am i?

I wonder why Leigh put "me and daddy"? This must be some reference to something that I'm not getting. Apparently almost EVERYONE is on the blog today for a change. I'm gonna try to hit marden's tomorrow.

That's why the word LEISURE is there, leisure is reading, movies, books knitting, croquet...LEISURE was intende for the people that don't like sports.

I don't know what you're talking about. I"m here--I'm really here!

I hate sports n' leisure--but I know, having said that, that that's what it will be.

I nominate "Sports and Leisure" as next year's holiday theme. We are now accepting other nominations.

DOUBLE ESPRESSO VODKA?!?!

I guess you don't need so say anything else do you.

Deep blue, your cool and used for special occations


Which nail polish are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Terry Bradshaw


What NFL quarterback Are you???
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No school today, it must have been sleeting in Bangor or something this morning. I wonder if leigh got half-way here and had to turn around. So - I'm making them clean their room. I re-discovered the wonderful world of super mario yesterday. I was instantly addicted. You see, Isaiah showed me, he stayed home yesterday, sick. Anyway after I completed the first world he exclaimed, " I didn't think YOU would get this far in ONE DAY!!" What does that say? Of course he doesn't know that I INVENTED the word Nintendinitis, and you don't come up with things like that reading books, now, do you?

Props to me for my correct GG picks!

RK's Golden Globe Review

Best Dressed - Johnny Depp, Female- Nicolette Sheridan
Worst Dressed - Emma Thompson (gawd), Philip Seymour Hoffman
Robbed - CHARLIE SHEEN!!!! I can't believe they gave that ignorant Office guy an award. GAWD (again)

Birthday Celebrations

Well, if I recall correctly, Friday I laid pretty low. Went to work, had something for suppah (don't remember what), and went to bed at a decent hour. Saturday the plan was to be at Mila's at 2:30 to go see "the Producers".....well when I showed up she was just taking her gorgeous lemon bundt cake out of the oven. as she turned it over onto the cooling rack, she and todd watched it slowly cave in.......but we managed to get it back into the pan and into the oven and save it. it was GREAT. She also made GREAT pesto, yummy pear and goat cheese salad, and DELICIOUS vanilla ice cream. it was quite a feast. Add to that a glass of wine, 3 or 4 martinis, and a blueberry juice & vodka (and a dukes of hazzard reunion movie), and you have our night. A good time was had by all. OH and I got gifts! A cinnamon candle, a calendar with 50s housewives and funny quotes, some cookies, and some body shop foot lotion.

Jen's GG Picks

BMP Drama--Good Night, and Good Luck
BMP Mus/Com--Walk the Line
Best Actor/Drama--Tie: Heath Ledger, P S Hoffman
Best Actress/Drama--Gweenith Paltrow
Actor/Comedy--Johnny Depp
Actress/Comedy--Reese Witherspoon
Supporting Actor--George Clooney
Supporting Actress--Rachel Weisz
Director--Ang Lee
Screenplay--Gn&Gl
Original Song--Transamerica
Original Score--Narnia
Foreign Film--Paradise Now
TV/Drama--Lost
TV/Comedy--Weeds
Mini-Series--Empire Falls
Actor/Mini-Series--Kenneth Branagh
Actress/Mini-Series--S. Epatha Merkeson
Actor/TV/Comedy--Jason Lee
Actress/TV/Comedy--Eva Longoria
Actor/TV/Drama--Hugh Laurie
Actress/TV/Drama--Kyra Sedgwick
Actor, Supporting/TV --Naveen Andrews
Actress, Supporting/TV--Candice Bergen

Don't forget to post your golden globe picks!

Well I'll tell you about our football weekend. Saturday, we watched the Seahawks/Redskins, and though we rooted for the skins they lost. During the skins game we had brie and shrimp cocktail for snacks and (mostly) red wine. Then we watched the Pat's and had salmon with a big salad and lemon martini's in honor of Jen's bday.

Due to the result of BOTH those games, we've decided that in order to develp the appropriate mojo for you favorite team you can't eat that shi-shi-yuppy CRAP when you're watching the game.

The evidence to support this is that on Sunday we hat Roethlisburgers, onion rings, beer, ben's bbq sauce and LOOK how that game went. I don't know what we'll be having next week, but you can be sure it will deep fried and have meat and cheese in it someplace.

And speaking of the burgers. Even though we only ate 1/3 of a roethlisburger I'm still not hungry. Apparently sausage, egg, hamburg and cheese is superfood!

Gilmore Farms Update

Leigh treated me to a lovely breakfast at GF this morning and guess what?!?!?!? The lattes were HOT!!! We didn't even have to ASK for them to BE hot!!! They did it all on their own. I'm thinkin all that bitching we did to Aunt Doris has had an effect, what other explanation could there be?

I cannot wait to find out what A_Lo got me for my birthday, especially if I'm going to LOVE it!

I bought myself the new Stephen King book. I bought it for my boss, too. She loves Stephen King, and her birthday is the same day as mine.

It's not so much that I needed or even WANTED the coins. It's that it's his job to bring me correct change, and not ASSUME that the money is HIS. it's My change!! Come on, commenters, back me up here!

well...you SHOULD buy one for yourself, your nails will love you for it.

i don't dare to use it. i'm afraid of ripping my finger off.

Best thing I got for xmas that I would NEVER buy for myself

Cuticle trimmer. I can't believe I've never owned on. Thanks A0LO

Congrats to the grandparents! Remember--grandchildren love cookies!

Um, mold and dust in the upstairs of your house?

Last night I borrowed an adorable CD player and speakers from Mila and Todd. Now I can actually play music at home--what a concept!

Now, I need an alarm clock.

Coughs.


Well my kids are passing the hacking cough back and forth. Scientific research came out this week that cough medicine doesn't work. What DOES seem to work for my kids is to let them sleep with you, which is very strange. They're upstairs coughing like fools we bring them down, they stop immediately and sleep peacefully. What could possibly cause that?

Happy Birthday to ME!

I have decided to chronicle all my wonderful birthday goings-on. Everything I do for the next few days "because it's my birthday" will be blogged.

For example, tonight I was expecting a box of Harry & David pears from RK. But they hadn't arrived when I picked up Mila for the gym. After I left her, the UPS guy arrived, so I went back. Not pears, after all, but a GORGEOUS hazelnut and pistachio mocha torte. it has 6 layers! HOLY GOD is it good! My first birthday cake of the season. Mila and I ate some before dinner because it's my birthday, and I am going to attempt to freeze the rest. I think I'd rather lose it to frostbite than to share such a decadent and gorgeous thing with office mates. Thanks Ks!

i think that I know have the time and energy to write a post.

So a few days ago I was at lunch with my boss. The bill came to $14.67. I put a 20 on the table and the waiter asked me if i wanted change--of COURSE I want change--isn't that your job? gawd.

So he brings me back $5 change. In ones, which is good. But--where's my 33 cents? I mean, how lazy is this dude? Isn't his job to take care of the check and etc? Needless to say, I was very pee-oed at this presumptuous garcon. So as he walked by, I said "Excuse me, but you didn't give me correct change."

He looked at me as if I had 3 heads and said "Oh, you WANTED the 37 cents?"

I curtly responded, "It was 33 cents, and yes, I'd like my change please." He brought me 2 quarters.

I ended up leaving him 2.50 in tip, but man...I didn't want to. When the waiters just ASSUME their own tips, isn't that taking it a bit too far?

Am I overreacting? I know that would be out of character for me....

He should save that kind of talk for when she's 10 so he can give her a complex.

Jees, leigh, you ought-a list the author of that!!!

the menu Sunday

the Roethlisburger

Here’s what you need for one sandwich:
6 ounces hot sausage, chopped finely
6 ounces high-quality ground beef
½ cup chopped onion
1 jumbo egg, scrambled
4 slices American or provolone cheese
1 fresh Italian sub roll
Optional garnishes: lettuce, tomatoes, hot pepper, mayonnaise
Cook the sausage, beef and onion on a griddle or skillet (if needed, grease the surface with a small bit of olive oil). When the meat and onions are just about ready, toss in the scrambled egg with the meat and mix together. When egg is cooked, place cheese across the top. Let cheese melt, and then scoop everything up into a sub roll. Garnish as desired.

of course, we will be having MICRO Roethlisburger's with onion rings, SALAD, and beer.....

I STILL KNOW IT JENN!!!

Burlington Bridge Report:

Bridge was hosted by Rachael at the home of Suzanne Shorey on Tuesday, January 10. Lora Harding, Suzanne Shorey, Rachael Kilby, Orland Shorey, Tracey Lemay, Nonie Lord, Helen Fogg and Faye Wakefield all attended. The cards were pretty good and the scores were very high overall. Helen got a grand slam; Helen, Tracey, Faye and Orlie all got Little slams, and Rachael made two little slams, with one doubled. Prizes were awarded to Tracey (high and goose), Nonie (low). Rachael served her cottage pudding with nutmeg sauce. A very good time was had by all. Next week bridge will be at Suzanne's on Wednesday, hosted by Faye.

If I had been there that would have been the end of me--I would have keeled over in hysterics.

Cursing update

Well, it's happened. My child cursed. I was pretty proud of him. Here's the story.

He was jumping on the bed, I'd told him to stop SEVERAL times. Finally I said, "Isaiah, I've asked you to stop jumping on the bed SIXTEEN TIMES, will you STOP NOW!!!"

He sits down on the edge of the bed and say, "HELL." He didn't yell it or anything, just god that look on his face that said, "jees, I'm having fun here, what's the problem" and then "Hell."

I had to look at the computer and try not to laugh. Luckily Madeline was there and said, "Um, Isaiah, you probably shouldn't say that."

He said, "I didn't know it was a bad word."

I told him, that it really wasn't a very good word and if it weren't for the normal social conventions I probably wouldn't mind. But for now, he shouldn't say it. This is going to be the most difficult part of my parenting I think, because I love to curse, I try very hard not to curse in front of the kids, though. I just don't see what's so wrong about cursing in your own house. What should I do?

Robin Hood Update

Robin Hood IS scheduled for 3/24, however, we have no news on the assigned parts yet. Maybe today or tomorrow.

Coffee REview

Today's coffee is Ethiopian Harrar "Horse". It is one of the best coffee's I've ever had. It's just plain coffee, not flavored or anything, but it's rich and bold with just the perfect amount of caffeine. I highly recommend it to you.

If anyone wants to get me an apt warming gift, I'm going to need one of those step ladder thingys. A sturdy one, as I have a huge butt. Most of the cabinets are way out of my reach. Damned 9ft ceilings.

I have found the BEST deal on an apt. My new apartment features hardwood floors in the kitchen and entry way, an enormous walk-in closet in the bedroom, full size washer and dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, a HUGE soaking bathtub, and is less than a year old! The best part, you ask? Northrop Grumman employee discount! I get the keys next Sunday.

Shiretowners

What's the scoop with those boys anyway? What's their record? Do we have playoff potential?

What NOT to make

Rachel Ray's Chili

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 pounds ground sirloin
2 tablespoons grill seasoning (recommended: McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning) a palm full
1/2 pound baby Portobello mushrooms, chopped
1/4 pound shiitake mushroom caps,
sliced 1 medium yellow skinned onion,
chopped 3 ribs celery, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped, with their juices or 1 generous palm full ground chipotle chili powder, about
2 tablespoons 1 tablespoon ground cumin, half a palm full
1 bottle imported beer (recommended: Stella Artois (...imported just 'cause we're Uptown and that's all they drink here.)
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup beef stock (8-ounce box)
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
8-ounce piece smoked Gouda, shredded 1 small white onion, finely chopped Heat a deep, large skillet or a pot over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and the meat. Season it with grill seasoning and sear it up, browning and crumbling it, for 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer meat to a plate and return pot to stove. Reduce heat to medium- high and add another tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. Add the mushrooms and begin to brown them before adding the other veggies. After 2 or 3 minutes the mushrooms will begin to shirk and soften. Push the mushrooms off to one side of the pot and add all the remaining veggies to the opposite side of the pot surface. Once the onions, celery, peppers and garlic have been working for a few minutes as well, mix the veggies with the mushrooms. Add the meat back, season with Worcestershire sauce, chipotle in adobo or chipotle powder and cumin. Add in beer to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the pan drippings. Reduce the beer by half, about 2 minutes. Add the black beans, tomatoes, stock and thyme to chili and simmer 10 minutes for flavors to combine. Taste to adjust seasonings. Top bowls of the chili with shredded smoked Gouda and finely chopped raw onions.


This is one of the grossest chili's i've ever made. Re-read the ingredients - it's nothing but meat and juice, not even thick juice. Luckily, I was smart enough NOT to put 2 whole chipotle's in the chili so it was salvageable. If you feel you MUST make this chili, may I suggest you use twice the amount of tomatoes a large can of tomato sauce, 2 more cans of beans and have a few cans of tomato paste on hand just in case you need them. However, your best bet it to stick to mccormicks chili spice mix and follow the directions exactly.

my xmas vacation

I think some of you will get a kick out of this little story by Isaiah.

On Christmas morning when I woke up and Maddy was atill asleep. An hour later she woke up. The first thing she opened was a gun from Sants. The first thing I opened was a wooden car. The second thing Maddy opened was a pair of earrings. We got much more stuff.

Well, it was a pretty busy, but fun weekend. Saturday was mostly cleaning and laundry and cooking. Saturday afternoon and evening we had a football party featuring Leigh, chili and beer.
Sunday I had a class reunion meeting and a fire dept. skating party, followed by more football.
Overall, I'll have to say Leigh and I had a GREAT football weekend, (at Gram's expense) with both the Pat's and Steeler's doing us proud, AND the discovery lives about a mile from the Redskins. Get us some tix or something Jen, come on.

apparently it's going to be 58 degrees here on monday.

i cannot whistle a tune, unless it's three notes or less. I think whistling is a dying art.

i disqualify myself from the movie quote as i've seen that movie at least 10 times.

BLOG POLL

Ask everyone you know. Do you think the majority of adults can whistle a tune?

I think they can. I can.

I STILL KNOW IT JENN!!!

what happened to all this blogging everyone was gonna do anyway? So, yesterday I knit on Ellen's scarf some, did tons of laundry and that's about it.

RMQOTD:
[Mother (the conspiracy theorist) is reading a tabloid]
Mother: Cattle mutilations are up.
Donald Crease: Don't.
Mother: Sorry. name the movie RRSSOTD: Feeling so tired, can’t understand itJust had a fortnight’s sleepI’m feeling so tired, I’m so distractedAin’t touched a thing all week

name the movie
RRPQOTD:
As he lay asleep and cumbrous On the summit of the mountains, Like a rock with mosses on it, Spotted brown and gray with mosses. Silently he stole upon him Till the red nails of the monster Almost touched him, almost scared him, name the poem

RRSKBOTD:
Civilization doesn't end with a bang or a whimper. It ends with a call on your cell phone name the book

morning report

Last night we had (your choice) grilled cheese with sliced apples and baby carrotsfor dinner, or leftover soup.

We didn't do much but watch the Rosebowl, which was a much better game than I expected it to be. Congrats to the longhorns even though I hate all things texan, I now hate all things texan except Vince Young. Maybe he's not really texan though.

Anyway, the coffee this morning is Guatemalen "Pacaman", thanks Gram.

Emily's daily post could be something like: The cute thing my kid did yesterday or "the bad thing my kid did yesterday"

Leigh's could be along the same lines with her student's but don't name names.

In acting news. Miss M is trying out for one of the leads in a production of "Robin Hood"... she was distraught over missing the announcements for tryouts yesterday. Hopefully she got it straightened out today. I should have sent her with her tapes and references dang it.

Dear Ms. T. I assume you have a new email address? I was going to bring you coffee this a.m. but you didn't answer your phone. How's the job?

RK's leftover miracle of the day

This is what you make with leftover chicken

Roast a chicken. Save all the drippings and put them in a fridge so the fat will separate.

Eat about half of the chicken.

The next day, skim the fat off the chicken drippings and make this wonderful soup (especially if someone you know has a cold).

Leftover chicken soup
This is not an original recipe, but I've been making it so long it seems like it is.

Fry a tbsp zarbs and 1 stalk chopped celery for one minute in hot olive oil. Then put the chicken carcass in the pot with as much water as you want soup, a couple of grinds of fresh ground pepper a bay leaf and a pinch of oregano.

Bring to a simmer but DO NOT BOIL. Add the drippings you saved from the roasting if you have them.

After an hour or so remove the chicken and let it cool so you can remove the meat. Add one package frozen spinach, a half pound of sliced mushrooms, some carrots, a couple of cloves of minced FRESH garlic (or as much as you want, use more if someone that has a cold is going to be eating it) to the broth, and slowly bring to a boil. Return chicken meat to the soup and add some pasta or rice (frozen mini cheese ravioli is VERY good). Cook until pasta is done. Remove from heat and add FRESH grated parmesan to the soup. This is pretty important but not essential if you don't have any.

Enjoy.

I think this is a frugal gourmet recipe, but it might be bon appetite or gourmet, who knows. Anyway, it's awesome.

I wonder what the "f" stands for in LFNYE. Dare I ask? Anyway, I think everyone should pick a blog job for the next month. You must post every other day, some topic of interest. I'll let you know when I think of one for myself.

DANG!!! I was really hoping her nickname was gonna be "Pinky".

hello all. i can't believe i just woke up. i'm about to catch a taxi to take one of independence air's last flights back to va. i'm so sad about independence air being done on thursday. it really bums me out more than you can imagine.

hello all. i can't believe i just woke up. i'm about to catch a taxi to take one of independence air's last flights back to va. i'm so sad about independence air being done on thursday. it really bums me out more than you can imagine.

Good luck at your first day of work Ms. T. Knock em dead!

What'd I do yesterday? Well not much really. Took Jen to the bus in Bangor, got a few groceries, watched football, played poker and cooked an excellent roasted chicken. Today, probably more of the same.

Yo, Snoop, your green scarf is all ready whenever you want it.

Maddy is 4'7" and has grown 1.34 inches since July
Isaiah is 3'10 3/8" and has grown 3/4 of an inch since july.

Jen's Best/Worst of 2005

Best Music Purchase: White Stripes, Get Behind Me Satan
Best Concert: Shins/White Stripes
Best Performer I had Never Heard of Until I Saw Live: Ben Lee
Best Trip: Spamalot/NYC with Andrea (and Lorie and Mike)
Best Company: Maddy and Isaiah
Best Toddler: Liam
Best Baby: Sinead
Best Christmas Carol I'm Embarassed to Admit Loving: All I Want for Christmas is You, Mariah Carey
Best Alcoholic Beverage: Sprite and Vodka
Best TV Experience: Dukes of Hazzard w/Mila and Todd
Best Boss: Candy
Best Cheeseburger: Red Robin
Best Cat: Max
Best Place to Furnish a Basement Apt: Target
Best Fashion Find: Brown Cordoroy Jacket from Ross, $15
Best Tea: Four Seasons w/ Mila
Biggest Holiday Disappointment: Halloween
Worst TV Experience: Wall Street Week
Worst Commerical: Kraft Crumbles--or any Commercial that uses a song I like from the 80s.