Real World

- I'm starting this post off with a HUGE thank you to Tim, who, for an early birthday gift, sent me the Chris Isaak Christmas cd that I've been begging for off my wish list. You are the sweetest! I had to sit in the UPS office for 2 hours to get it, but man was it worth it! I LOVE the cd. Every song is just heaven. Thank you, thank you, thank you. *sends big ehugs and ekisses*

- Speaking of birthday gifts, Jason presented me with a fantabulous one Thursday. We've grown VERY tired of Alltel and their crappy service, so now that our contract is up, Jason decided to switch back to Sprint. We could've kept on with them and paid for shit, or we could go back to Sprint, who was really good to us for years and we were crazy to leave in the first place. So everybody knows that when you sign up for service, you get a free phone, right? Well, I was supposed to get this phone for signing up. Instead, Sprint gave me this $279 Sanyo PM-8200 picture phone...for FREE! Yep, that's my phone...and I love it. Anyone interested in switching? Just let me know, I've got a referral thingy, which basically gives us both a service credit if you sign up.

- And because I now own a picture phone, I signed up for Text America, which is basically a blog for picture phone owners to upload pics. Neat, eh? Here's my moblog, which has nothing on it at the moment.

- Baby, our new dog, is a VERY bad puppy! So far this week, she's ate the crotch out of two pairs of panties and my most favorite shorts. *stern look* She waits until I get busy, then she'll run back to the hallway and pull them out of the laundry basket and chew on them. I was in a rush to get to work earlier in the week and I grabbed a pair that I had washed and folded and I was shocked to find the ENTIRE crotch area gone. WTF? I mean, I know that dogs are comforted by the "smell" of their owners, but uh...leave my crotch alone Baby! Bad dog.

- Speaking of Baby, she also has the annoying habit of wanting to hump Lily all the time. No really, we literally have to extract her from Lily's body every few minutes and tell her "Bad Baby!" I'm beginning to wonder, do I have a lesbian dog?

- Speaking of lesbians, I was hit on by one in Wal-Mart. First of all, I'm not one to get offended by that sort of thing. Why should I be? Hell, I was flattered. At my age, I'm amazed that ANYONE, man or woman, would find me attractive. What DID bother me though was the body odor and bad teeth/odor coming from the lady. She looked like she had rolled around in dirt and then decided to go shopping. I was nice though and grabbed my shampoo and scooted along, telling her "Happy Holidays" as I walked away. Nice lady. Jason, on the other hand, took the macho approach and said, "Do you need me to go beat her up?" No Jason, I do not want you to beat up the lesbian in the middle of Wal-Mart, but thank you for offering. Why do men have to act like that? You know what really scares me? If I had told him to, he probably would've. But I'm not like that, so there you go. In the future though, I prefer nice-smelling lesbians to hit on me. I can work with that.

- One week. One glorious week. That's all I have left in this semester. I have to tell you folks, I'm NOT feeling it this time. I started the semester out on a really high note, making A's and B's, keeping my average up in both classes. But around mid-term, things got hairy and I had to work more, which meant less time for class and homework. And now my averages have dropped significantly and I'm officially in panic mode. I MUST do well on my exams or I'm in serious shit. If I fail, I can forget about going next semester. I'll have to wait until summer semester to enroll again and that WILL suck.

- Speaking of classes, I took my yearly CPR/First Aid class Wednesday. I fell asleep. Yep, right there in the middle of class. It never fails. Because of my job, I have to be certified every single year. And every single year, I have to sit for three hours and watch the most boring video in the world. I'd much rather have someone shove splinters into my eyeballs than sit through that hell. I wasn't tired or anything, but the video has that effect on me. My eyeballs start moving really fast and before I know it, I'm nodding off. Never fear though, I've been in nursing since I was 16, so I can do CPR in my sleep. Damn, they need a new video or something. Anybody else know of the video I'm talking about? The one with the guy who passes out because of toxic fumes, the guy who has a heart attack, and the woman who is hit by boxes in a warehouse. Crapola.

- I'm still working hard on the homemade Christmas cards. I've sent four out already and I have about eight to send off Monday morning. I really hope you all like them. I'm putting a lot of hard work and love into making them. :)

- On Jason's days off, we've been driving around taking pictures of Christmas lights. Since it doesn't snow here, the only thing that really makes it feel like Christmas to me are the lights. So far, we've found a few really nice displays. I'll upload the pictures to the gallery sometime tonight. Remember, you have to register to view the pictures. No-one other than myself will see your email address. I won't sell it. It only takes 30 seconds or less to register. Do it...do it.

- The most important event of the week? I had about four inches cut off my hair. I was in DESPERATE need of getting my layers redone and I just couldn't stand it anymore. I'm not entirely happy with the cut, but it is an improvement. And it's still long...that's a good thing. And hello, the cut was only $10, but only because I'm friends with the stylist. My pocketbook thanks you Allie.

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Recipes:

Some more holiday recipes for ya...

- Amish Friendship Bread Starter:

Starter:
3 c. sugar
3 c. flour
3 c. milk

On Day 1: In glass or plastic bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour and 1 cup milk. Stir mixture with wooden or plastic spoon (don't use metal spoon or electric mixer). Cover bowl loosely with paper towel, cloth, wax paper or plastic wrap. Keep at room temperature (don't refrigerate).

On Days 2, 3 and 4: Using wooden or plastic spoon, stir mixture once each day.

On Day 5: Add 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour and 1 cup milk; stir.

On Days 6, 7, 8 and 9: Using wooden or plastic spoon, stir mixture once each day.

On Day 10: Add 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour and 1 cup milk. Remove 3 cups of mixture and give 1 cup each to three friends. Save remaining starter for yourself.

Ready to bake:
1 c. Amish friendship bread starter
2/3 c. oil
3 eggs
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. sugar
In mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Bake in 2 well greased and floured or sugared 9"x5" bread pans. Bake in 350 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes.

NOTE: Raisins, chopped apples, drained, crushed pineapple, candied fruit, coconut, mashed ana, dates, chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips (1/2 cup each) may be added to batter before baking.

- Best ana Bread:
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 large ripe anas, mashed (1 cup)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 375F. Cream margarine and sugar together. Add egss and beat until light. Mash anas with lemon juice. Stir into creamed mixture. Add flour, baking powder and salt. Stir until just blended. Add nuts. Pour into 9x5-inch loaf pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.

- Holiday Pumpkin Bread:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup currants
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In medium bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, spice, baking powder, and salt. Stir 1 tablespoon of the mixture into pecans and currants; set aside.
In large bowl at medium speed, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, pumpkin, juice and vanilla until well blended. Add remaining dry mixture to pumpkin mixture and beat at low speed until thoroughly blended. Stir in reserved pecans and currants.
Line bottom of lightly greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with waxed paper. Pour in batter. Bake in pre-heated 350ºF oven until lightly browned and cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, about 60 to 70 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Gently peel off waxed paper; cool.

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Entertain Me:

- I can't even begin to tell you how much in love I am with the new Kelly Clarkson song, "Since U Been Gone". I LLLL-OOOO-UUU-VVVVV it! I'm digging the guitar/drums riff at the beginning and almost "whisper" quality of it. She sounds a little like Avril on this one, but that's not a bad thing either, because despite the fact I want to smack her around, I like Avril's music too. You go Kelly! I don't care what anyone thinks, girlfriend CAN sing.
AOL Sessions: Kelly Clarkson
MTV: Watch the Video

- Name the States: Score! I missed one. Stupid Rhone Island. I ran out of time before I could get it in the box.

- While all of the nominees are lovely, Jimmie deserves to win this Weblog Award. He's a great guy. He's a fantastic blogger. Vote for Jimmie...or feel my wrath. I'm tired of the same people winning these damn things over and over again. We need new blood. Jimmie in 04! Oh and dude...I endorsed you days ago. No ringing endorsements my ass. You have MUCH ass-kissing to do sir. MUCH.

- Speaking of the awards, the ever-wise Yvonne lays it out for everyone who's bitching and complaining. Mind you, I did a post about not being in the final polls, but I was joking of course, well...mostly anyways. ;) LOL. Of COURSE I was joking. I mean, the world's not going to end if someone isn't nominated or if someone doesn't win. It's just a stupid award people, there's a big world out there, I suggest you try going out into it every once in a while. Seriously. Good post Yvonne.

- I have a confession to make...I've never watched "Desperate Housewives". Collect yourselves please. I don't know if you guys have picked up on this from all my years blogging, but I HATE hype. I loathe it. If everybody is talking about something, I won't watch it...or listen to it...or eat it...or do it. I'm the anti-hype girl. I hear it's a good show, but I'm so frickin' tired of hearing about it. I'll watch it once the talk dies down, but for now, the hype meter is up and well...I'm just not interested.

- I hate Simple Plan. I hate Simple Plan. I HATE Simple Plan. Everytime I hear that whiny-sounding pretty boy singing "Welcome to my Life", I want to beat my head into a brick wall. I get the same effect when I see slacker teenagers. Wait...Simple Plan...slacker teenagers. Hrm. And how about them "rocker" names. *rolls eyes.

- Matt is obsessed with the new Star Wars movies and cartoon. I myself am a big Star Wars fan, so I decided to go "old school" on the boy and rent the original trilogy. He was less than amused. It seems that Matt is a big fan of Anakin and doesn't take kindly to the fact that he goes evil and becomes Darth Vader. At one point during the second movie, he turned to me with a look of disgust on his face and said, "Lies. All lies." I couldn't help but crack up. He wasn't impressed by that either. *deep sigh* Kids today, they don't appreciate the finer things in life, like the original Star Wars trilogy. Where did we go wrong as parents? Oh and he thinks that Luke and Leia should hook up. I have to keep explaining to him about how they're twins and that Vader is their father. Again, he's not amused. Lies...all lies. Oh and while we're on the subject of not being amused, I am NOT amused by the cgi-crapfest they turned these movies into. CGI Jabba? Kill me now. I'm sure if they were looking for a lifelike, slobbering slug, Michael Moore would've been more than happy to take on the roll. *dodges the knives being thrown at her by some of her readers*

- Chris Noth...*faints deadaway* What a cute movie! Watch it. :)

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Harry Potter News:

- JK Rowling is in the holiday spirit and it reflects on her site. :)

- In case you haven't guessed, I do indeed have Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azka. I couldn't get my little fingers on that dvd fast enough. My only complaint are the special features. There's really nothing there at all, well at least not for me anyways. I wasn't impressed. Not saying that they won't interest you guys, but I dunno...not me. *shrugs* But damn, the movie is awesome and worth the price alone. They can have their stinkin' special features. My crush on Ron has been renewed. Is Rupert Grint 18 yet?

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Memes and Quizzes:

- Friday Five:

1. If you have a phobia (or something close to one), what is it?
Spiders, in-closed spaces, clowns.

2. How long have you had the phobia (or something close to it)?
Forever, forever, since the day my dad took me to the circus and came home with a glow-in-the-dark Hobo the Clown switchplate. *shakes*

3. If you know anyone with a phobia (or something close to it), how does s/he act when s/he is experiencing it?
I'm only concerned about MY phobias. Everyone else can fend for themselves. IOW: I don't pay attention to other people's phobias.

4. What is one phobia you would wish not to have?
Meat-Eating Phobia

5. What is one phobia you wouldn't mind having, if you were to face one?
Stay Away from Fast Food Phobia ;)

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Politics:

- I found a really great article at The Weekly Standard about President Bush and the people who haven't figured him out yet. It's an interesting article regardless of whether you like him or not.

- Florida Kerry Supporters Meet for Group Therapy:

Twenty John Kerry supporters met for their first group therapy session in
South Florida Thursday, screaming epithets at President Bush as they shared
their emotions with licensed mental health counselors. The first of several free noontime therapy sessions at the American Health Association in Boca Raton was designed to treat what mental health counselors have dubbed Post Election Selection Trauma (PEST).

“If I had a cardboard cutout of President Bush, and these people wanted to
throw darts at it, I would let them do it,” Robert J. Gordon, AHA executive
director, told the Boca News after the session. “It’s no joke. People with
PEST were traumatized by the election. If you even mention religion, their
faces turn blister-red as they shout at Bush.”

Although the meeting was closed to the press, AHA therapists obtained
permission from participants to provide an anonymous transcript to the Boca
Raton News.

“I’m scared,” said one man. “Democracy is at stake and nobody is rising to
protest this president.”

“I want to be a patriot, but it’s impossible to be a patriot in an immoral
war,” said another participant, a woman. “Bush is breaking up marriages and
dividing families by keeping our troops in Iraq.”

Gordon said the participants also granted reluctant permission to open up
next Thursday’s meeting to the general press. Reporters will be forbidden
from taking photographs or using the real names of patients.

“The media outlets, especially Rush Limbaugh and his ilk on talk radio,
scare our patients to death,” said Gordon, facilitator for the meetings.

“More than anything else, people with PEST tremble physically.”
Gordon said the Kerry supporters in therapy are predominantly Jewish and
older than 50. Most are registered independents and all live in Palm Beach
County.

“We mostly let them vent during the first session,” Gordon said. “By the
third session, we’ll be doing some meditation exercises to aid some of their
symptoms. We may use visualization and some techniques designed for bipolar
disease and other mental disorders. That might help them adjust to reality.”

According to AHA officials, symptoms of PEST are similar to post-traumatic
stress disorder. They include nightmares, sleeplessness, hostility, listlessness, and emotional outbursts including threats to leave the country.

“There’s an overall sense of emotional helplessness and adonment,” said
Sheila Cooperman, a licensed AHA psychotherapist from Delray Beach. “In
psychology, we call it ‘learned helplessness.’ After you zap a caged dog
twice, he stops moving because he knows there is no place to go. That’s what
happened with these Kerry voters. They’ve been zapped so many times that
they’re on the verge of giving up on politics.”

Cooperman, also a practicing psychic, added, “One person today said he
thinks the country is now run by fascists. Another felt personally
threatened by the president’s love for big business. Many believe Bush is
going to draft their grandchildren. The anxiety may not affect them every
day, but it affects their energy level.”

An additional 30 people are signed up for two other AHA election support
groups, which will meet for the remainder of the year and possibly beyond.
Gordon said his patients’ emotional problems typically started with the
“hanging chad” debacle of 2000.

“First, they need to realize they’re not going to overturn the 2004
election,” Gordon said. “They have to live with it. The problem is they have
no faith because they think the religious right has hijacked the political
system. We try to tell them there is still an election in 2008. You can’t
just give up and be apathetic.”

The AHA, using a holistic approach to health that has been mocked as new age
voodoo by some national talk show hosts, has stressed to patients that their
post-election emotions are normal and deserve to be taken seriously.

“These people talk about the 2000 election being stolen,” Gordon said. “They
talk about Theresa LePore and the Ohio recount. They feel it’s the ‘Right
House,’ not the White House. They feel the world is not safe with George W.
Bush as president. They spewed out a lot of anger. They are angry at the
Democratic Party for being aimless and leaderless. They have a right to
these feelings.”

The Boca Raton News first reported on Nov. 9 that depressed Florida Kerry
supporters were seeking trauma therapy in the wake of the Nov. 2
presidential election. One Boca psychologist alone, Douglas Schooler,
eventually treated 20 Kerry voters with intense hypnotherapy — for a sliding
fee.

The trauma specialist, whose bills were covered by clients’ insurance
companies, was later accused by some colleagues of unethically “cashing in”
on the misery of Kerry voters. In interviews with the Boca News, Schooler
said many of the Kerry supporters had visited him for severe mental problems
prior to the election.

Unlike Schooler, the AHA is a registered Florida non-profit and its
therapists do not charge for sessions. Conservative talk show hosts Sean
Hannity and Rush Limbaugh recently offered their own “free therapy,” irking
the AHA counselors.

I'm not saying a word...not...a...single...word. *bites lip*
(Hat tip: Grouchy Old Cripple)

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Top 5 Blog Posts of the Week:

5. Riika: 100 Things About Me
4. Michelle Malkin: Maglalangadingdong This
3. Gut Rumbles: Like Her or Not
2. Wizg: Dumbasses Celebrate New Years Too
1. Hog on Ice: Post-Presidential Pow-Wow for Pouting Palm Beach Pukes

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Friday Music:
I think there's something here for everyone this week. Enjoy folks. And if you like what I'm putting here, please let me know. If no-one's taking advantage of the tunes, I'll probably stop with this section. Comments...feedback...always a good thing.

You know the rules:
- DO NOT STREAM!
- Right Click/Save Target As.
- Files will stay up for 24 hours and then they're gone forever. Please delete these from your computer. Don't want the music nazis after you do ya?
- If you like the music, purchase the cds! Keep the music flowing people. If you can't do that, at least click on the purchase links and help me get to the next tier.
- A bloody "thank you" would be nice.

Right. Learn it. Know it. Live it.

Chris Isaak - Mele Kalikimaka / Purchase
I love my birthday cd SO MUCH that I just had to include this song. :)

Nat King Cole / Purchase
What a classy song from a classy guy. It just isn't Christmas if I don't hear this song. Timeless.

Diana Krall - Jingle Bells.mp3 / Purchase
*taps foot* Gotta love Diana!

Elvis - Blue Christmas / Purchase
This is tied with "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for my all-time favorite holiday songs. The "oohh-ohhh's" in the background give me chills.

Coldplay - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas / Purchase
I just found this...and wow! I love Coldplay.

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Et Finalement:

I'm still feeling pretty crappy, so I'm off to bed. L8r G8r. ;)