New Game

When my parents were pregnant, both times the doctor told them they were going to have boys...but they had girls. Thats okay it didn't stop my dad from turning us into the most game oriented, girlish tomboys possible. Growing up, our boyfriends never stood a chance. We had a pool table, a ping pong table, foosball table, every video game known to man and played pretty much any sport with ease.

The love of games were pretty much drilled into our heads from the time we were little tykes. Watching my dad, watch one of us is actually pretty neat. Since becoming an adult it is pretty neat to play a round of golf with pops, playing a game of pool or cornhole, sharing a beer and having a few laughs. On a recent trip to Florida, I got to watch my dad watch my sister play golf. I only watched for 15 seconds or less, but you could see the pure enjoyment on his face as he played golf with his two daughters and son-in-law. He had instilled in us his love for a game, taught us to respect and value the game and all the things that came along with it.

Being taught to love the game (any game that is) is really a fabulous lesson. It teaches that competitive edge that helps provide a daily drive or motivation. Life lessons come in all shapes and sizes. My Denver family has just gotten a new addition. As if we didn't have enough games with the Wii, Playstation 2, Basketball, Ladder Golf, we just got a ping pong table. Growing up I really wanted to have a house like Tom Hanks did in the movie Big...It seems as though, it is actually happening. Anybody up for an game or two?

150 years and counting!

November 22 happened to be Denver's 150th birthday. Bubbles and I thought we would go explore some of the free stuff that was going on around the city. There were quite a few things that were free to do, but we settled on the Museum of Contemporary Art for starters.

We got lost going there, actually we were in the right place (thanks to the trusty GPS unit, my mom gave me), but I didn't think that was the museum that happened to be free. So we left there and went to a different museum that ended up no being free, so back the MCA of Denver. We parked the car out front of Supper Club Wazee, so decided to go in for a beer. One beer turned into 2 and some lunch. Back to our mission of hitting up the free museum. Thank god we went on a day that was free because honestly, Museum of Contemporary Art was an utter disappointment. I can't believe they charge people to go in, when they should be paying people for attending. The building was exquisite. The building itself was fantastic with its tall ceilings, metal almost industrial staircase, abnormal shaped winds from floor to ceiling, and the rock garden on the top of the building was fabulous...but the art or lack of art in the building was pathetic!

Numerous rooms had 1 piece maybe 2 pieces of art in them. Huge empty space. The art was not well labeled, as you had to constantly search for the title, the author, or even the background. There were more volunteers than patrons, and unfortunately the volunteers weren't helpful. A 12 year old boy tried to explain a piece that was just baffling, although, he was talking in what could only be described as gibberish. I don't think he understood the piece, therefore his explanation was short and overlapping. I turned to look at the piece and then ask him a question and it was as if he had run away. We were in and out within 20 minutes!

On to the next free event, we head over towards the Nature and Science Museum hoping that it would be free, but no such luck. The guy taking tickets tells us to wait 15 minutes and then they will let us in for free...done! So we hit up the gift shop, where we are basically picking apart everything and anything that they had for sale. From absolutely hideous jewelry to, broken toys, or globes that light up. We were having a grand ole' time. Our 15 minutes are finally up, so we head back to the ticket taker...who by the way had one leg, a sequence hat, with a tie-dye shirt and glittering earrings, oh and he was a man. He lets us in and we pretty much run from exhibit to exhibit. We got to talking, that we should come every Saturday at 4:15 so that we can see the entire museum for free. I'll keep you posted on we remain true to that concept. Except for the amount of unsupervised children, the Science Museum is actually really neat. The concept and the layout is nicely done, with all the wings having different themes.

It is really neat to live in a city that has so much to offer. On any given day there is a new adventure that one can take part in. :)

Helping

I don't understand why I do the things I do, why I say the things I say, or why I have grown to think that everything is fixable. Yeah, I know the old saying "if you can't duct it you might as well fuck it," but how many things really can't be fixed with duct tape? Hungry has always called me too charitable, Swallow says I don't know when to quit, Werd says I am door mat that lets everyone in, and well High Five from work says I am every one's best friend or sometimes their only friend. Growing up my sister always said that she would give me everything she ever had yet I wouldn't give her a jacket if I had five hanging in my closet. A saying that has stuck with me over the years. A saying that helps me remember to give back, to give a buck to the bum, to open up my arms and hug someone (even though I am not a fan of being touched), to listen when no one else will listen, probably because the bridges have been burned in the past...but listen none the less.

I seemed to have discovered that I recently inherited a new gene from my mother...the gene of help. One I am eternally grateful for, one that I hope is with me everyday for the rest of my life. My mother could never turn her back on anyone, literally anyone. She was always had an ear to listen with, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to help you when you have fallen, the patience of a saint (well, unless tumbles didn't tie her shoes or I made her buy the most expensive cheese and then let it rot), she even a band-aid to cover your wounds. She missed her calling by not opening a non-profit organization that could help on a world level...or maybe she didn't miss her calling, because she is helping on a day to day level. Either way, she is by far the most amazing female that walks, someone I strive to be like, someone whom no matter how hard I try...I will never be able to fill her shoes, kind of funny since she wears a smaller size than I. Back to the point at hand...my mother is by far the most generous, thoughtful, charitable, gracious, loving individual that bends over backwards at the drop of a hat.

I find myself in situations helping people of need...and not just shelling out 5 dollars here or there. I see myself continuing to insert myself in situations I would normally laugh and point at, well maybe not inserting myself, but definitely not running away. Seabiscuit is about to hit rock bottom, a rock bottom that I don't know I have ever seen or dealt with. I have no previous experience dealing with any of the life altering decisions she made or continues to make. Most people would say something to the effect "well, she has made her bed, now she gets to lie in it." I feel as if instead of pointing and laughing or enjoying the failure of her constantly bad choices, I should jump in with both feet or head first to help. I have no idea what I am doing or why I am doing it...but I know at the end of the day, my mom would do the same thing. Seabiscuit has lied to me, lied to my friends, made TERRIBLE choices, but it honestly seems that the world is literally turning their back on her...and I might be her last hope. No one understands why I am the one reaching my hand out to help, why I am the one looking out for her, and why I even care.

Last night a male attempted to serve her with papers from the court (as if you would be served from anything else, but whatever). One of her friends came running to find me, as if I could fix the problem. Luckily or unluckily (depending on how you look at it) Seabiscuit wasn't around to accept service. Her friend is like what she would do??? I looked at her and said, "why on earth are you looking at me? I have no idea what to tell you." She responds with "well, she admires and respects you, she seems to think that you have a good head on your shoulders, and she will actually listen to you." Enough said, I call and talk to her about what happened at work, and tell her if she needs anything I am here. She starts to cry (great, we all know how I do with tears). Without even thinking, I say "whatever it is...I will be here for you." That cheers her up for the moment, and she says "no one has ever treated me as good as you." Rut Rhoe! I get scared and think what have I gotten myself into. I tell her that I have to go, but we will talk tomorrow or later in the evening, she understands and with that the call is ends. I wake this morning, standing in the kitchen with Swallow when in comes Seabiscuit. Swallow sees her chance to exit and basically jumped without hesitation.

I proceed to give Seabiscuit coffee and a hug. Two things that I always love and again say I am here for whatever it is you need. His girl's family has abandoned her (and after hearing the stories I am not surprised), but she needs someone. Who better than a 26 year old kid with little to no life experience...a kid who thinks that everything can be fixed with duct tape? I might not know all the answers, I might not know any of them for that matter...but I know the feeling of unconditional love and support that a family gives you. Lucky for me, my family just got bigger. I can't turn my back on her but I also know I can't fix everything. The one thing I can be is the rock that she needs...the rock my mom taught me to be.

A huge thanks to my mother for showing me the value of a hug and passing on the gene that I never knew I had. Tumbles, if you ever need a jacket I have a few hanging in my closet, I hope you reach for one soon.

Beer Bread

When it comes to food, I have three loves (basil, bread, and beer). I am sure I have more, but honestly a meal isn't complete without these three. We recently just a got a new keg of beer, the weather is starting to get a little chill in air, seems like the perfect time to start baking. I also had a basil plant that I was drying so that I could pack my own herbs. As you all know I am not a baker, but I enjoy being in the kitchen. I also enjoy inventing things in my head.

This past weekend seemed like the perfect time to try my recipe or better yet my idea for bread (yeastless bread that is). I mix up what I think seems like the right consistency, stick it in the oven for what I think is the right amount of time, and begin to pray. My idea was to combine all three of my loves into one dish, throw it in the oven and come out with basil beer bread. Swallow was coming home on Sunday night and I thought, what better welcome home then the aroma of fresh baked bread. To me and my roommates delight, the bread came out of the oven, sat on the counter for about 10 minutes (not long enough) and then proceeded to get devoured! I woke up Monday morning to 1 slice of bread left and some crumbs on the cutting board. I'd say my concoction was a success.

Last night Ames was over, Stripper and Hungry came home from work and were talking about my beer bread. Ames asked if I wanted to make some more, because it sounded so good. Okay, twist my arm...I'll whip up another loaf. I got out a bowl, threw in the ingredients (in no such order, and without measuring), placed it in the oven and went back to chatting. I knew I had to change up the temperatures to give it a more crunchy crust, but that was really the only thing I changed. The bread came out a picture perfect golden brown and made the house smell delicious! After it cooled for about 20-25 minutes, the troops began to dig in. Once again, the bread was down to about 1/3 of a loaf in a matter of minutes. I reminded them that basil beer bread shouldn't be dinner, and so they stopped going back for slice after slice. Instead they decided to finish off the loaf with dinner.

The jist of my beer bread recipe is: trust me these are what I think the measurements were.

3 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of salt (but I just held the salt shaker upside down for a while)
3-4 tablespoons of sugar (half at a time)
A few pinches of baking soda
1 beer (roughly 12-16 ounces, depending on your glass size)
6-8 large dry basil leaves (I am going to guess that is about 2 table spoons)
2-3 tablespoons of melted butter

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease the sides of the loaf pan. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, except for half of the amount of sugar. The bread mixture should be sticky but not terrible, should not be a ball consistency (that means to much flour, so if thats the case, add more beer). Right before you put the dough in loaf pan sprinkler a little sugar on the bottom of loaf pan. Put the dough in and then sprinkle the remainder on the top with a little melted butter. Gives it a nice sweet crunch to the crust. Bake in the oven for about 35-40 minutes. Turn the heat up to 425 for 5 minutes and the bread is done. Let cool on a bakers rack for 20-25 minutes, slice and enjoy!

The thing with making beer bread, is that it isn't really baking (at least in my eyes). I am 100% sure that I am by far the worst baker in the history of baking. I don't like to measure, after all it is safe to say that I probably don't even know how to measure. Swallow has been upset since we moved in, that I don't even have a measuring cup for 1 cup. I can eye ball about any measurement you want but if it has to be exact, well then have someone else do it! Measuring takes the fun of making a concoction.

Since the basil beer bread turned out so well, they convinced me to make banana bread with the browning bananas that have been on the counter for 2 weeks. I said "alrighty, but I need a recipe for that." We found one with only 6 ingredients, and about 2 sentences worth of instructions. It took me three times as long to make banana bread as it did beer bread, because you had to do things in the order of the recipe. Stripper was reading the recipe to me and I looked up a few times after I realized that I mixed the wrong ingredients together...everyone got a good laugh. Oh well, I thought...it all gets mixed together eventually. The banana bread came out good, but not great as there is still a half a loaf on the counter (and it was smaller than basil beer bread loaf). Lesson learned...concoctions are much more appealing than following a recipe.

Publishing an Ad

Wonka and Tumbles are moving! Wonka got a promotion to his own store for Edwin Watts. Congrats Wonka. The only negative about the promotion is that they have to move, booo! They are being relocated to a place I like to call "hell on earth," but lucky for me I am not part of the move...just an opinion. Its actually rather comical. They are moving to the lovely city of Tallahassee...being a gator graduate, I am not a huge fan of the city.

They do have a very nice hospital (Tallahassee Memorial), which I have spent about a day in. It has that very nice mental hospital feel, which is what everyone that chooses to live in that city must be...MENTAL! Needless to say, I am very happy for both of them. Tumbles will get the feeling of living outside of the state of Florida. It is hilly, with more than the tradiational hot season, that seems to be what Orlando is all about, it is a city with history, and lucky for her she will get to enjoy a few gator games. While Wonka will face new challenges of having his own store. Everyone likes a fresh new challenge.

I was talking to my sister about the upcoming move. She wants to rent the house. I got a kick out of her when she said she was going to rent it for $900. I immediately thought she was kidding, and asked her again what are you really renting it for? She again said $900. I think I responded with something like "are you are kidding me, you live in a great neighborhood, and have a kick butt house. What exactly are you thinking?" Instead of defending the stupidity of $900, she said "well, will you help me write an ad for craigslist?" Of course, I will help you...you sound like you need all the help you can possibily get. I write out an ad, with about 5 questions I need her to answer before it can be posted, shoot over the email and get a response like "sounds great, did you post it?" Stripper is sitting next me when I say...its a good thing my sister is cute, because she isn't using her brain today." I email her back highlighting all the questions that she didn't answer in the first email. When she responds this time she and at least answered some of the questions. Okay, you have had your chance, I will know make the executive decision (from Colorado) about renting your house.

I talk to her today, and she immediately, says thanks for posting the ad...not one mention of me making the executive decisions for her. I know my sister so well, that she just wants it done, and she wants me to do it. She trusts me and knows I am out to help her get the most bang for her buck. I don't come across as demanding or too involved, more like (Tumbles, this is what we are going to do and this is why) that always gets the response of, "oh, okay sounds good to us." I think the bottom line is, she enjoys not having to think. The ad has been posted on craigslist and she is starting to get emails. I am glad that I could help and take a little pressure off of Tumbles & Wonka.

Stuart Woods

Everytime I see my mother she gives me a fresh stack of Stuart Woods books. It usually takes me a month or so actually be able to be in the mood to read them, but once I pick up a Stuart Woods book, I have a difficult time putting them down.

I got off work at say 3:15 am on Tuesday and couldn't fall asleep (highly unlikely for me), so I turned to my night stand which has about 7 books that I need to knock out here rather shortly. Look at the spine of the books and see Shoot Him If He Runs by Stuart Woods. Three hours later, the sun is coming up and I realize that it might be a good idea to get some sleep. I sleep for a few hours maybe three and then I head to work. Life back in Corporate America although, rewarding really does get in a way of my leisure days of reading, hiking, exercising, and enjoying the weather.

I read a chapter or two before I headed the vigil (I'll save that for another blog) and then come home to read. I was so excited about finishing my book, but I got side tracked while talking to Hungry and Stripper. Decided that since I didn't get much sleep the night before, I better not start reading my book again. After all I didn't want to pull another all-nighter for a book. I was on a few conference calls this morning, set up some meetings for tomorrow and monday and figured that my day of work should be complete.

I successfully finished Shoot Him If He Runs in about a day and a half. It was 290 pages of pure enjoyment. I love Stuart Woods, but I only really enjoy the Stone Barrington series and when he can include the Holly Barker character its double plus good! I have never been a Will Lee fan, but he was in the book (although, only a little) so it was totally tolerable. If you want a story book, that has you turning pages faster than you think can handle...I highly recommend it. The sex and alcohol that he usually inserts is not as intense as his other books, but does make an appearance here and there. He also added some non-fiction material to allow you to believe that this is possible or relevant to our society.

Resume

If I said that I have done about 100 resumes in my lifetime I wouldn't be lying. Growing up with two computer challenged parents and my father being out of work on average every 4-5 years, I got my practice working on resumes. I didn't realize what a gift that was until I was in college. As my friends were all graduating, I must have written or re-written 20 resumes in the months before graduation.

I hadn't written too many resumes in last couple of years, well besides my own. However, that all changed when Swallow mentioned that I took her resume from a piece of shit and made it a work of art. Yeah, her resume was sad, but if no one ever taught her to write a resume than you can't blame her. If I wrote a resume like that, then I should be taken out back and shot. A few years back I wrote Wonka's resume with my sister looking over my shoulder. I think at that moment alone I gained great respect from Tumbles. There is something inside of me that comes alive when dealing with the creative writing process in a very technical writing document. Most resumes are formal and boring, however, I really enjoy the process of expanding the bland words and make things pop. Elaborating on a simple sentence from a boring job and turning it into a description that makes most people want that job. It is all in the presentation.

A-DOLL heard that I did Swallow's, Sam I Am's, and Werd's resumes in the last couple of months and asked if I would look at his. Sure, bring it on. He sent it to me on Tuesday night, I looked at it when I got home and thought "holy shit, that is gonna take a lot of work...I better wait till tomorrow morning to start working on that." I looked at it again in the morning and felt that I had my work cut out for me. I hadn't had to actually really work on a resume since I did Wonka's (my sister will attest, that his resume would have been easier to write if I had started with a blank sheet of paper). This one was pretty much the same...but I was up for the challenge, after all I didn't have to work yesterday. It also made me feel productive, when I looked at the the finished product.

Here is a sample-

L Technologies- Data Collector July 2008-Present
• Collect cell tower signal strength from alpha to gamma for analysis
• Retreive data call and voice call analysis through various programs & tests

was turned into:
L TECHNOLOGIES – Denver, Colorado July 2008 to Present
Account Manager
· Work with the development team members with software, hardware and system verification on isolating and resolving problems found.
· Evaluate, test, and adapt components from business partners for assimilation and/or enhancement of solutions.
· Collect cell tower signal strength from alpha to gamma transmitting back to development for analysis.
· Prepare the analysis of the short-term or long-term capacity needs for switching, routing transmission and signaling through towers.
· Retrieving data and voice call analysis through company programs.

A-DOLL was thrilled with the transformation. He sent an email with this response...OMG!!! How the hell can you make something sound so professional and exciting to look at??!! I would have never in a million years been able to word my experience like that. You have a skill young lady. Thank you so much. I definitely owe you one for this. What can I do for you?

It is kind of nice to have the simple recognition that it was done to his liking. I enjoy helping people, even if it is something as simple as a resume. If you think your resume is good, let someone else look at it and see. They will probably see something you missed, I always miss things on my own, but rip others to shreds. Remember you might be an amazing candidate, but if your resume sucks you will never get the chance to show how amazing you are. You must look good on paper before you can look good in the interview.

Maybe 30,000?

I love love love college football. I love love love watching young athletes try to make it big! While I was in college, I tried to attend all kinds of sporting events. Hey, why wouldn't I they were all free (well except for the football games, which were $7). If I had to pick, I would probably choose to attend a college event over a pro game any day. However, I realized this past weekend that my love for college football all stems from being a Florida Gator. The Swamp is the most amazing place to take in a football game...I take that back, any stadium in the SEC is a great place to watch football. The fans make the game, they create and keep the loudness a true factor in the game. Fans can honestly make or break an experience. Saturday, I realized how blessed I was to call the Swamp home.

I attended a game at Folsom Field the home of the Colorado Buffs. I can't make up enough excuses to truly believe that the fans bleed their team colors like we do in the Swamp. The student section was about 90% empty at kickoff and did eventually fill in but still not full by game's end. We had fantastic seats on the 16th row near the end zone. That section would have been packed if we were in the Swamp. At any given moment Iowa State's fans were louder that the CU fans. It was really pathetic when the jumbo-tron said make noise and I could still carry on a conversation without yelling. Dempsey reminded me that this wasn't the SEC!

I am thrilled I got to take in a college game this year. Looking up and seeing the Flat Irons looming behind the jumbo-tron, with the sun shining down...it was hard not enjoy the moment. The company was great, easy conversation and then moments of silence...typical afternoon for Dempsey and I. As we strolled into Boulder the morning of the game, their was no traffic or congestion to deal with, parking was easy (and free), it was a rather different experience then anything I had ever experienced before. Tailgating seemed as if it was a foreign concept to these people...I invite them all to a real school to see how it is done! We struggled to find food, but settled on burritos and a six pack of Alaskan Amber's winter ale. We had a few beers before the game (I think it should be illegal to attend a game without at least 1 drink in your system). We sat on the soft green grass watching the fans stroll into the stadium. Since the Iowa State fans were few and far between, I decided I would count them. It took me almost an hour to get to 110 fans and then I gave up.

Colorado pulled out a win on the last play of the game...Unfortunately, I was secretly cheering for Iowa State (well probably no so secretly, but I was trying). The Colorado fans were just weird. At one point, their was a fan that was waving his keys as they were losing (really, why on earth would you do that), you are LOSING! Oh, well his team pulled out the win, and they jingled his keys yet again. I am not sure that he understands the message of jingling keys. Ralphie was pretty cool to see, I am pretty thankful that I don't have to run with him. :)

Next up AirForce. I'd like to take in a game their just to compare. I am sure it will be even less like the Swamp, but at least it helps me appreciate being a Florida Gator. Although, I am not sure my friends would agree that I actually need help appreciating my love for the Gators.

How Long?

When does the question of "how long" change? You are all probably thinking that the question doesn't even make sense, but let me give you the background to help clarify. When you are young, you misbehave or make a poor decision and get in trouble, our parents or guardians punish us (or should punish us)...they get to make the decision of how long your punishment is. However, as you get older you make a poor decision or judgment and misbehave in the eyes of society and your fellow peers punish you (that is if your are actually caught and found guilty). Remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty (however, I actually believe that our society looks at that from a different angle...we can address that in another blog).

When you are young the variables are a little different as is your punishment. You could be given a punishment and the next hour all is well, or next week, or month (depending on how bad you screwed up). When you are an adult, one wrong decision or judgment can be your life. How is it possible that one day or one period of time (whether it be 15 seconds) can really change your life in terms of years. I have been addressing a situation, that I can't seem to grasp the concept of. Do people deserve a second chance without a true punishment? Can they punish themselves everyday or do the courts and society have to hand down an actual sentence for them to truly be punished? They made a poor decision, they have to live everyday with that decision...but honestly, what good does it do to sit and rot in jail (yes, I do believe that a person in jail rots)! When does the victim say, you know what they have suffered enough, lets drop this and all move on? Bad things happen to good people all the time, bad things happen to bad people, people do occasionally have temporary insanity. How else can you describe something as simple people losing their temper. Obviously, no one intentionally explodes, of course robbers do not wake up and say I am going to injure someone today (they might actually say I am going to rob someone, but definitely not injure or kill them). Something goes a rye and they snap and end up injuring someone. Sometimes it is a mistake, sometimes it is an accident and sometimes I think we should let things go. Sweep things under the rug and continue to about their lives.

How long should some one's punishment be? So, I haven't had the easiest last year and half...but I think it has molded me into a different BETTER person then I was 2 years ago. I think that I drive slower, I stop randomly to smell the flowers (literally), I wake up earlier to enjoy a leisurely morning (rather than trying to get that extras 20 minutes of sleep and then run around like a chicken with my head cut off), I live everyday outside of my comfort zone...and I LOVE LIFE! Before I was in a rush to work, to grow up and be a success...I was living to work and not working to live! Someone changed my life and gave me the opportunity to see that I should live life like the 2 minute warning (one of my new favorite sayings). Try different things, live outside my comfort zone and never leave anything for tomorrow. Never put anything off until tomorrow because there is a huge possibility that tomorrow isn't going to come. Yes, the world will go on...but I might not. Instead of punishing the person that changed my life, I have decided to thank him (with the help of my therapist). It isn't everyday that you get the opportunity to see your life flash before your eyes and it isn't everyday that you get the opportunity to hold someone else's future in the palm of your hands. For those of you who know me, know what I have been through, why I up and changed my life without even blinking, why I live life the way I do...and most of you wonder why I don't seek justice. At the end of the day, this person has given me a gift of life. What kind of person would I be if I didn't return the favor?

Its been a challenging month as things actually start to progress, but I am comfortable in my decision that I need to return the favor to the gentleman that opened my eyes. Yeah, he didn't open them in the nicest of ways, but its possible that if they were opened in any other manor that I wouldn't truly take it in and understand it. After all, the people that know my family, know that I had everything at my disposal growing up...but I didn't realize that anyone had it any different. For example, I honestly, thought that people had a Christmas tree up all year long, or they could go get new soccer cleats at the beginning of every season without even blinking an eye...I didn't realize just how lucky I was. I think I realize that now...as I look myself in the mirror and realize how happy I actually am!

History...

The day we will tell our grandchildren about? I am sure that is actually a possibility but in all honesty, when I am giving my friends that are hardcore Obama fans high fives, the last thing I want to hear is that this is a day that we will tell our grandchildren about. I don't even know that I understand what that statement means. Yes, of course I grasp the concept that history was made today, but who knows that what will come from today will actually be something I tell my grandchildren. Am I going to have grandchildren (that is probably a question my mother asks herself everyday). How can telling grandchildren about this day in history be the first thing my friends think about?

I began to think how many monumental days my grandparents have experienced, and how many of them they actually said "this is a day we will tell our grandchildren about." Not to mention how many lessons of history I have actually learned from my grandparents. Yes, both sets of my grandparents were active in my life, but unless you count my Great Gran (Isabel Leo) I can't think of one actual conversation with either set of grandparents that was about a particular day in history. Now Gram on the other hand, had a internal calendar like no other...she could recite any random day and give you a story or a monumental experience from that day in history. Every person in my parents generation can probably tell me where they were and what they were doing when Kennedy was assassinated or people from my grandparents generation when asked where they were the ruling of Brown vs. The Board of Education from Supreme Court came down. I am also willing to bet that if I asked Gram Leo where she was when she got the news that women got the right to vote, she could tell me. Those are monumental days in history, but how many of them were actually seen as "days we will tell our grandchildren about"? I was incredibly shocked because the actual statement was said by a 30 year old.

I couldn't be happier to finally be able to say that I voted for a Presidential candidate that actually got elected. Yep, that makes me completely responsible if all goes to hell in a hand basket, but it also gives me the chance to smile if the economy turns around things start to progress for our country. Depending on how you look at it, you can either embrace change or point your finger and laugh the attempts of our new President. The last two elections, I unfortunately didn't pick the winning candidate. This time I did!

Either way, I am happy to admit that I am excited that the election is over. I no longer have to watch Swallow get into bar fights with random people because she doesn't agree with them, I no longer have to bite my tongue when in conversations with people trying to sway me over to their side of the fence, and I no longer have to play the stupid blonde that doesn't understand what is different about the political parties. I no longer have to feel as though I should justify my reasoning for registering as an independent. After all that conversation only comes up every four years. I am registered an independent for a reason. I agree with my choice and I am happy to continue being an independent. I will wait another 4 years for people to try and convince me to switch teams...maybe in the mean time I can come up with some really off the cuff response that will throw them for a loop. The I used this year that I loved was "is there more then one option?"

Congratulations to the Obama-Biden team, but mostly to their families. It was a great win, and one for the record books...(probably one that I will be able to tell my grandchildren about). I do have one question that I think is interesting...since Governor Palin didn't win, do you think her pregnant teenager daughter will still get married?

Gobble Gobble

It has been a standing tradition for the last three years that I make a mock thanksgiving dinner about a month before Thanksgiving, and this year is no different. We have sister dinner every Wednesday at rotating houses, this week it happens to be at our house...I couldn't be happier. One of my absolute favorite things is making dinner and having friends over. I truly missed my calling of being a chef, but when push comes to shove, I could never actually be a chef. Cooking for others and following recipes are not my cup of tea...now creating dinner is an entirely different passion.

Since it is my night to make dinner and I am now cooking for 10, I thought I'd make my version of thanksgiving dinner. Pesto turkey, cheesy leek mashed potatoes, oyster dressing, wild mushroom green beans, orange glazed cranberry chutney followed with homemade pumpkin pie. Hmmmmm, my mouth is watering as I type...I guess I'll go get another cup of coffee to supress my appetite. I was up super early this morning as Camden, Hungry and I took a hike at 6 am. We got home around 7 am and I thought it would be a perfect time to head to the grocery store. Of course, I didn't make a list but I knew everything I needed...so I thought for sure I was good to go. I was pretty happy when the total came to 44.42. That is super cheap when you are feeding 10 mouths. Now, I can see why we had the traditional turkey dinner at least once a week growing up...turkey is cheap!

As I was unpacking the groceries, I immediately realized that I forgot the leeks...no big deal, dinner isn't til tomorrow, so I have plenty of time. Then it hit me, Swallow passes two Sun Flower Markets on her way to work and home so I will just have her pick up some leeks. I left her a list of things we needed (not things I forgot but things we actually needed for the house like...lemons & limes). We only get our citrus at Sun Flower Market, it is fresh and cheaper. I asked Swallow to stop at the store on the way home, and she responded with no problem. As she looked at the list she said "what is a leek?" I kind of chuckled and explained to her what it was...as I could tell she was still puzzled I said "come here I'll show you a picture." She looked at the picture and said "why didn't you just say its a fat green onion?" I just laughed. Now I realize that "leeks" aren't a traditional staple in most peoples diets, but I tend to cook with them fairly regularly, as I feel that they have just enough bite to intense the flavor but are by no means overwhelming. I can also pass them off on people who swear up and down that they don't ever eat onions. I always love that :).

I will be sure to take pictures of my thanksgiving feast and post them. The above picture is my pretty carving job that I did last year, we will see how well I do this year and compare. :) I'll also try to pay attention to measurement amounts as I am cooking so if anyone wants a recipe I will at least have a general idea of how much I put in something.

Cord of Wood

Swallow mentioned that we should do things we hadn't ever done before. My sister always use to call me and say lets do something we have never done before. I use to think that was the most annoying statement. Well today, I did something I have never done before. I purchased a cord of wood.

I was on the phone with Tumbles today, when I mentioned that I did something I had never done before. She was intrigued and asked what exactly that was...I elaborated that I purchased a cord of firewood. I have never lived in a city that you actually needed firewood. Yeah, Buster & I had a fireplace and whenever someone would cut down a tree in their yard we would go pick up the scraps for the winter...but by no means did we ever really need firewood. It was more for the enjoyment of having a fireplace. Growing up we would be those ready to light logs on the odd occasion.

However, after last year, I realized how necessary firewood actually is. The scary part is the fact that I hadn't considered the cost at all! I was talking to Hungry over the weekend about buying firewood and that I wanted him to make the arrangements, as I am type that doesn't talk to strangers. :) Like a good boy, he did as he was told...found firewood, arranged delivery, and told me how much it was going to cost. All I had to do was be home when it was delivered, OH and I also had to write the check...Done and Done. When the guy showed up, he asked me if Hungry was my landlord because he seemed that he was arranging the deal. I said no, he is my roommate...but I had never bought wood before so I didn't want to get scammed by paying to much. He then proceeded to look at me like I had five heads. I had to explain that I am from Florida and we really don't need all that much firewood for a year so no one ever buys a "cord." Handyman Dan, took the time to explain to me what the different wood would do, what exactly I was buying and what to look for when buying wood.

So, I am now a seasoned wood buyer. I am actually rather impressed that we got a cord of wood for the cheap asking price of $135.00. Now all we have to do is teach Trav that he doesn't have to build such huge fires. I think that will be easier said than done.