I am not necessarily political, but seriously Republicans, get the fuck over yourselves. The Affordable Healthcare Act is a fucking LAW.
I have never been embarrassed to be an American until now. These fuckers that run our country have shut down our government (whilst getting paid their own salaries mind you) and 800,000 federal workers are either furloughed or being told they are going to work without pay.
Blows my fucking mind how obviously racist and classist this country still is.
Just see this, people. And do it if you can. The Bloggess puts it together so much more eloquently than I ever could.
On a personal note, went to visit my sister this weekend to celebrate what my niece claims is her 8th birthday, but you never know with this child, everything that comes out of her mouth I take with a grain of salt.
Don't trust those baby blue eyes
It was a good visit. It's been a good week, actually. Good to have one before the pre-op (boo!) stuff next week.
Oh, and we had a potluck at work, and I took the infamous pickle dip, and it went over like gangbusters, so here is the recipe. You can thank me afterwards.
8 oz cream cheese, softened
16 oz sour cream
1 tsp garlic salt
1 jar refrigerated pickle spears (preferably Claussen)
Whisk together room temp cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Roughly chop pickles (do not use a processor; hand chop into bite sized chunks). Add chopped pickles to sour cream/cream cheese mixture.
Refrigerate overnight; serve with sturdy plain potato chips. Stand back and prepare to be in awe.
Cheapest, best potluck recipe ever.
Until next time, here is my Mood Ring(tone) of the Day:
Even though my clients tend to be a little nicer, probably because I'm not so dim, and I will say: I had a client who said that ( company I work for) was determined to piss him off and he actually thanked me at the end of the call after I massaged his bruised ego.
Gyno procedure (officially called Colpol) is rescheduled for Tuesday because my god dang body is not cooperating and after three months of no period, suddenly I have a never ending one.
Other than that: no news. Watching college football. Roll Tide. But sometimes no news is good news. Oh, the Rottenator and I did visit a new restaurant in a premature celebration of my birthday last night and he ordered a Bento box:
As I ordered the Green Curry Chicken and let's just say: he downed a lot of wasabi and my heart grew just a little bit bigger that day.
Other than that, my stupid female parts are not cooperating with my gyno's schedule so I have had to move my appointment three times: here's hoping that Tuesday is the charm.
I leave you now with a most excellent and unhealthy recipe that went over quite well for our Gameday celebration; it is so simple, and so delicious and decadently unhealthy:
Ingredients: 16 ounce box Velveeta cheese 1 cups milk 2 teaspoons paprika 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper 15 ounce can Hormel Chili (No Beans) 4 teaspoons chili powder 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1. Cut the velveeta into cubes
2. Combine the cheese with remaining ingredients in medium saucepan over medium heat.
Have you ever had that moment? Where someone totally called you out on your bullshit? And you realized they were the one? Even though you'd been together for four years, you were still unsure and suspicious and never fully trusted them, but then...they totally have your number.
I hate that, too. Why do you not recognize me as the perfect goddess I am; why do you point out my weaknesses? Because, ideally, I have none.
And you love me anyway. Damn you, Rottenator.
Meanwhile, I went to DragonCon and all I got was this single lousy picture:
And this, I didn't even take it; it is courtesy of my sister, who illegally snuck a pic (allegedly) when Spike was not paying attention.
So, this is my only pic, and as you can tell by the date on my sister's blog, it may be a while before I have anymore, but trust that fun was had by all.
In fact, we had a really good time even though the crowds were maddening. I forgot how much I hated crowds, even if they were all sci-fi geeks, and very polite, I'm just old and can't do it anymore. I was near panic attack mode, but it all ended up well thanks to one of my college friends who showed us around because he is an expert at these things.
The one on the right, we love him!
I'm not saying I'd do this again, even though it was kind of funny; the Rottenator would have hated the crowds but Alabama was playing their opening season game the same weekend in Atlanta so there was an immersion of my two worlds; nothing made me happier than watching Alabama football fans clapping at Daleks. Just sayin'...
Oh, did I mention that I passed my work test so now I have semi job security? What what?!?!? Yes, this is a huge relief; I've actually mellowed out a little bit about life whereas the Rottenator has gotten more intense. I was hoping that college football season would ease some of his depression, but not so much so far...maybe when they beat Texas A&M he'll feel better. Plus, he's turning 30 this year which can't be easy; I vaguely remember it myself...although 40 was harder than 30...and now every birthday is just another excuse to eat cake and ice cream and possibly get some flowers.
Getting old is weird. Mood Ring(tone) Of The Day:
*Incidentally, this is the song that my sister and brother in law walked down the isle to when they got married...because they are fabulous...
So, a week from today, I will be amongst my peeps, for it is the weekend of DragonCon, and I am so looking forward to it (even though it means I will miss the opening game of college football, Alabama vs VA Tech, we have that shit handled, so don't give me a guilt trip about not watching it with you, Rottenator, Roll Tide..etc).
And here's the question, which I ask of all Dr. Who fans: how do you get past it? That your favorite actor has been replaced? Oh, don't get me wrong, the concept as far as network television goes, it's brilliant. You can replace a lead actor at any time if they get out of line, or are feeling ornery, or wanting to bounce, or whatever, you just boom! Regenerate and then you're on to the next one.
But for the fans...devastating. Let me explain: David Tennant is my favorite Dr. Who, but when Christopher Eccelston regenerated into him....
A part of me died. Just saying.
Though it wasn't as devastating as this:
Moving on, I've combined two posts into one because they do seem to connect somehow and have the same meaning, and are funnily enough, all Dr. Who related...did I mention that I'm looking forward to next weekend? Not only do I get to hang out with my sis and favorite nephew, but we all get to embrace our inner geek, yay!
So, work crap:
What you may see in front of you is a mild-mannered nearly 42 year
old who doesn't speak much....inserts her opinion every once in a while
when a comment is deserved, but other than that, sits quietly at her
desk doing her job. But inside....sometimes....she still
rages....raging on against the dying of the light.
Funnily enough, Stephen Colbert inspired this part of the post.
And
it was also spurred on by everyone in my team talking about past
indiscretions, and my need to feel a part of the group and join in the
conversation, because it's funny, these people don't know me like that.
Their perception: middle aged woman who doesn't know shit about what the issues that the "young kids" are dealing with nowadays.
Side
note and mental check: most of my team are in their late 20's, and/or
early 30's so you're not exactly children. You're not in college anymore
people, and you're not that different from me, sorry to break it to
you.
BTW: think I
passed the second part of my "hey, you're gonna get fired if you don't
know the answers to these questions that have absolutely nothing to do
with your job." I'm in the payroll industry, btw...I hate
math, and I was a journalism major in college. Life is a helluva thing.
For someone who racked up thousands of dollars of debt...to have a job
in payroll...without getting into details, check your paystubs, people.
And check them carefully...oh, and pay your taxes. Because if you
don't it will come back to bite you in the ass with a vengeance.
My outfit for DragonCon:
With this button:
My sister's outfit:
She is either awsesomesauce or a heifer for showing everyone else out...I haven't decided yet...
First off, go here to see where I'm stealing this idea from; I do so love his blog.
Anywho, here we go:
1. What's something people might ask you for help with?
Answer: grocery shopping: I have mad skills when it comes to food shopping on a budget; give me a price limit and I will give you a week's worth of food to feed any sized family. Recognize.
2. What's something you might ask someone else for help with?
Math...and math...did I mention math? Throw in a spot of algebra while you're at it; I could do with a refresher in that, too.
3.
Did your family take summer vacations when you were a child? If so,
where did you go? If you're a parent, did/do you plan summer vacations
with your own family? Did/do they resemble those you took as a child?
Edisto Beach, SC. It's basically the only beach I know, and the only one I want to vacation at...although I hear the Gulf Shores of AL are lovely and I would like to vacation there at some point in the near future to see what their beaches are like.
4. Pool-lake-ocean...which one is most appealing to you on a hot summer day?
Ocean...see #3
5.
Have you ever justified using the expression, 'you gotta be cruel to
be kind'? Was it really necessary or were you rationalising?
No, never. I tend to err on the side of caution; I can never bear to hurt anyone's feelings. What's the point of giving someone a bad day?
6. The Journal of Psychology
recently mentioned the results of a survey identifying the ten most
hated foods as-liver, lima beans, mayonnaise, mushrooms, eggs, okra,
beets, brussel sprouts, tuna, and gelatine. Of those foods, how many do
you actually hate? Anything you'd add to the list?
How could you possibly hate mayonnaise? If I had anything to add to the list it would be sweet or bread and butter pickles...they are an abomination. Everyone knows that pickles should be dill or sour.
7. What's your favourite book or movie set in a beach or lake town?
Prince of Tides or Conrack. I have watched both numerous times and I make no apologies. Both are awesome.
So, my sister asked me to watch my nieces yesterday, because she and my brother-in-law were taking my nephew to a comic book convention, and I have to admit, at first, I was hesitant.
Not that I don't adore these chirren with all my heart, but still...it's a big responsibility.
I mean, anything could happen. Cuts, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, drowning, abduction, drug overdose, dismemberment, murder-suicide...you just never know.
But I agreed, and I am so glad I did, because we had the best day!
It wasn't 10 seconds after my sister left that the 7 year old turned to me:
"So...when are we going to the pool?"
Drowning.
But, I dutifully packed them up, and down to the pool we went...at 9:30 in the morning. We were the only ones there, naturally. Because it was barely 80 degrees and overcast, but still, we managed to spend a couple of fun-filled hours without anyone turning blue, and then the 7 year old turned to me:
So we dried off, slapped on some makeup, piled into the Mazda, and thanks to Google Navigation, off we went.
We didn't quite make it to Claire's, we were side-tracked by Justice where we bought all sorts of pink and sparkly things, then the 3 year old turned to me:
"McDonald's!"
Yes, not so much a question as a statement, so McDonald's it was, where many cheeseburgers, fries, chicken nuggets and flurries were devoured.
And when my sister got home, she was greeted by two happy, well-fed and exhausted girls who were not missing any appendages.
So, I have a much needed four day weekend break from work thanks to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, and my forward thinking to request Tuesday off as well, so woo hoo! Good thinking on my part, because I am much in need of an extended break.
I won't know the results of my "pass or you get fired" test until early June, but things did not go well. At least the first day. I felt better about the second day, but there were math problems involved, and as we all know:
It tends to stagger me. But we'll see. I'll know whether or not I passed a stupid test that has nothing to do with my day-to-day job in order to keep said job in early June. Until then...I ain't bothered.
Other than that, despite my crushing depression that keeps me from even wanting to wake up in the morning, the Rottenator has been spectacular in supporting me the best he can. I cannot say it enough: there is something to be said for someone who loves you unconditionally. Yes, you may get angry when they leave the seat up...don't take the garbage can to the curb...play NBA basketball on Xbox non-stop, but seriously...then they spend a whole day taking you out to eat, enduring your shopping for clothes, feigning interest in the things you're interested in...it means a lot.
So you deal with the minor problems when it comes down to the fact that they are loyal, love you unconditionally, and do whatever they can to make you feel better...even when there's nothing that they can do. That makes me sad for him, actually. Because there is no logical reason for me to feel so down right now and he is scrambling to do everything he can to make it better, but he can't. Stupid chemical imbalance.
But it's okay; I'm soon to get everything sorted; tomorrow is my mother's birthday, and I made her a strawberry pie...I will post pictures tomorrow, once it's all decorated with the whipped cream and whatnot, and share the recipe IF it gets the approval. It's a homemade version of a Shoney's strawberry pie, y'all.
In the meantime, I am losing myself in a marathon of "Arrested Development" on Netflix because it is one of my most favorite shows every, and they are debuting 14 new episodes tomorrow. God love the internet.
Another weekend at the beach, yes, I know my life is so hard. Whatever.
Anyway, it was a very nice weekend, with more relaxation than work, and I have come to the decision that I am going to retire at the beach...hopefully within the next year.
In my dreams. OH, but I wish I could, because how I envy the laid back, easy going, island life. Even the Rottenator is in a better mood at the beach. There's just something about it.
So, thanks to my sister and brother-in-law, there was less furniture putting together, and more relaxing, and more eating this weekend, which is good and bad. And I cannot truly distinguish between the two, so I will offer you a mixture of both:
First good and bad: we had time to explore Botany Bay which is a protected nature habitat near Edisto Island which is great if you love birds and wildlife and, as the Rottenator calls them, "tree-hugging hippies". Whatever, is was very pretty, even though the "tour" left much to be desired.
I would insert a bunch of pictures here of our tour and how anti-spectacular it exactly was but for some reason, my phone and my computer are not communicating so you will have to just imagine the spectacular that was the "stone beehive"...and imagine the Rottenator saying, "What...the...fuck...this...is...bullshit..." as he sped up the car and we whizzed by at 100 mph.
And for once, I did not blame him. I was done at the ruins of the plantation house that consisted of a pile of bricks that sat surrounded by what I assume is electronic fencing. And this was after we passed the John Deere tractors. Did they have those back in the 1800s?
Needless to say, the tour was not memorable. But the beach was very nice, and the shells were quite pretty...to look at. Because don't take one, or someone might report you to 1-800-Thief, and then...yeah, well, get ready to pony up that $470 Mister, or you're off to the pokey.
Despite the disappointment of the tour, the beach is very pretty. Au natural, as it were. So, not a wasted walk. I will now offer you up a link of spectacular photos to look at because I cannot provide my own: Gorgeous.
I loved the hermit crabs the most.
Part two of the good and bad: oh my Jeebus did I eat too much this weekend! I mean seriously, I am done. Not just with seafood, but I'm talking all of it: biscuits, chicken, hamburgers, shrimp, red snapper, hollandaise sauce, crab, more shrimp, more burgers, more Rubens, more chips and salsa, Reeses white peanut butter cups, Snickers peanut butter bites, you are all the devil! I renounce you all!
So, moving on, the diet starts tomorrow. Power bar breakfast, yogurt for lunch, lean cuisine for dinner. I'm not fucking around. Just one week of this and I'll be back on course. Because I am pretty fucking sick of my belly jiggling like Santa Claus every time I laugh. Yes, before you start, I have weight issues. I finally got to the point where I am in the "normal" weight range and I'm not about to let it go now, and I see my triggers and I'm catching the problem before it becomes a true issue. This is just me. A daily struggle on how to be healthy.
Meanwhile, my mother is about to get her pool all kinds of fancied up with a new liner so that's how I plan to spend my summer: laps in the pool. Because god knows, the only thing I hate more than excercise is sweating, so I figure, burning off some calories in the pool is a win-win...win.
In the meantime, I adore this tune, so here is My Mood Ring(tone) of the Day:
Are you kidding me, he is in Batman footie pajamas, how could I not love him?
If the couch has a permanent indentation of your ass, you may have a weight problem.
Though who am I to judge; the same could be said for the recliner that I am currently residing in.
Incidentally, I need to post that little turd's picture on http://shameyourpet.com/ because in the brief hour that the Rottenator and I were out today, he managed to somehow swipe down one of the Moroccan lamps I have on the mantle, and now it sits there all wonky and fractured. but I can't bear to throw it away because I love symmetry.
And now looking at that photo, I realize that I need another framed picture on the right side of my mantle because the symmetry is totally off...and the photo is crooked. God! Meanwhile, have you been following the Masters coverage? No? Me either, which is a shame because it is happening 15 minutes away but I can't bring myself to care because let's face it, golf is not high on my list of fascinating things to watch. That being said, the Rottenator bought a Tiger Woods XBox Golf Game today. You know what's more boring than golf? Watching someone play a golf video game...badly. Is it college football season yet? My Mood Ring(tone) Of The Day:
Seriously, how do you guys with kids do it? Because I can barely spend a day with the Nooge without wanting him to die in a violent "accident".
Oh, yeah, sure, he looks innocent, but trust me, he is not. He is 20 lbs of furry evil. I don't think it's a coincidence that his birthday is April 20th.
You know who else was born on April 20th?
I'm just sayin'...we have not had a good weekend together.
Also, the pollen is out of control down here. Have you ever seen pollen underneath a microscope?
This is why I can't breathe and my eyes are red and burny. And yes, I feel sympathy for those of you who are still experiencing an ass-load of snow when it's supposed to be spring, but our very mild winter means that the pollen is out of control.
The following videos express what we're experiencing down here; just imagine billions of those little fuckers invading your sinus cavities and clinging on for dear life.
So, due to unforeseen complications such as not being able to breathe, and PMS-overload, I'm taking a day off from work to sit. Not that I haven't just spent a weekend of sitting, but I think one more day might do me...so I don't end up like this...
Back from Easter vacation at Edisto Beach, SC, and am very sad to be back, I must say. I love the beach. The relaxation, the wind, the waves, the smells, the food...oh, yes the food...
There is no more appropriate place than the beach to enjoy a uniquely southern dish known as "Shrimp and Grits". And oh my God, if you've never had it, then you are missing out:
I decided to indulge this weekend, and had a taste test between two local restaurants (not that there are a lot to choose from on this humble island) and tried out the shrimp and grits at the Sea Cow and the Waterfront...which doesn't have a website, which is so stupid, because they are awesome. And they won this taste test.
Though both were amazeballs. You know what else is amazeballs? Pimento Cheese burgers. Those were enjoyed courtesy of McConkey's Jungle Shack.
So, tomorrow, the diet and the dreaded workweek start again, but in the meantime, I will share with you the best recipes I have ever found for Pimento Cheese and Shrimp and Grits and just a few pics of my lovely holiday weekend.
Pimento Cheese:
6 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup Vermont extra sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup Monterrey jack cheese, grated
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
4 ounces pimientos (in a jar), chopped
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 dash hot sauce (or more!)
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
1
Using a hand held mixer, beat cream cheese until soft.
2
Add the remaining ingredients and beat until creamy and combined.
3
Cover and refrigerate for about an hour.
Ta-da! Then smother it on everything: burgers, fries, celery, crackers, your face, the possibilities are endless!
Bring chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat; stir
in grits. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 to 7 minutes or until
thickened. Remove from heat; stir in salt and next 3 ingredients. Set
aside, and keep warm.
Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 3 minutes or until crisp; remove bacon from pan.
Cook shrimp in same pan over medium-high heat 3 minutes or until
almost pink, stirring occasionally. Add lemon juice and next 4
ingredients, and cook 3 minutes. Stir in bacon.
Spoon grits onto individual plates or into shallow bowls; top with shrimp mixture. Serve immediately.
Trust me, you'll love them both. And if you ever happen to find yourself at Edisto Beach, if you find a shark's tooth while walking the shore at low tide, I hope you'll think of me...because I didn't find one this time around, dammit. I'm usually a pro at that sort of thing.
Happy Easter everyone! And despite whatever anyone else says, it IS all about the bunny...
And the Godiva truffles...thank you,Rottenator!
Meanwhile, the Nooge survived his first overnight alone. Although he did greet us like this at the door...
Obviously, he has very short term memory and forgot who we were for a few minutes. Oh, he was not happy with us being gone, and greeted us with fluffy tail and mohawk. The Rottenator says it's because it was he was prepared to protect the house against strangers. My thoughts are that he was so fucking pissed that he'd been abandoned he was ready to rip our throats out.
Nevertheless,all was forgiven. Never...leave...again...
They both had a hard weekend
I like this pic because it's kinda abstract
This let's you know that you've really arrived; famous decorated Edisto "tree"
This pic does not accurately show how fucking cold it was
2nd place winner in the Scrimp & Grits contest
Awesome pimento cheese burgers
Oak trees, wisteria and spanish moss...telltale signs you're hitting the low country
Improved service and awesome food...preview of my Tripadvisor review...
One way in...one way out..."THE" bridge onto the island
My Mood(ring) Tone of the Day:
Just to add, the main purpose of the trip was to put together
furniture for my mom's beach house. Whilst the Rottenator excelled at
this task...
He
put together two of these bad boys, plus two other chairs
lickety-split, whilst I was not so fortunate. My mother ordered a
microwave cabinet that was supposed to look like this...
And I gave her an end product that looked like this....
Needless to say, JC may have been a carpenter, but Kathleen definitely is not.
So, this upcoming weekend, the Rottenator, the Mominator and I are going to spend Easter at the beach and I am SO looking forward to it.
Not only does this mean I have a four day work week, but I also get to be at the beach!
Incidentally, the family beach house is at Edisto Beach,SC which is approximately here:
And it looks like this:
And this is the oak tree in the yard that I absolutely adore:
I have been craving fresh seafood for a few weeks, so this trip is a long time coming. I'm kind of a snob when it comes to seafood; it has to be fresh from the dock to my plate for me to enjoy it.
Needless to say, I've never been a fan of Red Lobster. And rightfully so. Except for their god damn cheese biscuits. They are amazeballs; more than enough to pull you over to the dark side.
This will also mark the first weekend that the Nooge is going to be left alone overnight. This cat can barely stand a second by himself without going mental so I don't know what we're going to return to.
Side note: I accidentally locked him in the bathroom for a few hours while I was running errands this afternoon. And after he wrecked the entire room, I've had to deal with this:
"Never leave again...never leave again!" He's been passed out ever since his unfortunate incarceration.
I fully expect a demolished house upon our return.
Nevertheless, upcoming mini vacation, yay! I hope to find many shark's teeth and also am praying for no rain.
And an Easter basket on Sunday morning. If not a basket, then at least some perfume. I'm just sayin'...time to make up for Valentine's Day, Rottenator.
Don't get me wrong, I do love living in the south, and I love all the pretty little flowers of spring. The tulip trees, the azaleas, the daffodils and whatnot but OH MY GOD:
Everything is covered with this yellow crap down here. We had an incredibly mild winter so everything is blooming full force and although it is going to be spectacular and beautiful, I will not be here to enjoy it because I will have suffocated underneath all of this pollen.
Incidentally, have you ever seen pollen underneath a microscope?
This is the nasty stuff that attaches itself to your lungs and mucus membranes and everything else and causes you not to breathe for a good four months out of the year.
However, I guess I shouldn't complain because I know that even though we are officially into the Spring season, Mother Nature is not recognizing this fact in many areas of the US of A.
Meanwhile in Florida (Florida, are you serious?!?!)
So I guess I should keep my mouth (and nose) shut and just be thankful that it's not bitterly cold and snowy and icy down here because in general, Southerners do not handle any adverse weather conditions very well when it comes to operating moving vehicles.
In fact, this pretty much sums up Southerners reaction to any inclement weather:
Roll Tide.
Anyhoo, I have spent my day doing absolutely nothing; it is gray and damp here which is preventing me from my normal spring cleaning OCD fit, so I will just sit and enjoy my marathon of Buffy courtesy of Netflix.
Incidentally, I am also watching Curtis Stone on Food Network, so that affects my Mood Ring(tone) Of The Day:
Which leads me to this:
I'm beginning to think that there is not one aspect of my life that cannot be appropriately captured in an episode of "Scrubs" or "Buffy" or in the movie "Office Space".
So, I have stuffis to do but I am not feeling up to it.
I have to get my nails did, these claws are out of control; I have to clean my bathroom, I have to make dinner, but fuck it...I don't feel like it.
Sad, old ass hand
What I feel like doing is watching old (old meaning 80s and 90s) movies on Netflix and sitting here like a blob. So I shall.
Even God rested on the 7th day, right?
The Rottenator and the Nooge are both asleep, so I am going to sit on my ass and enjoy the relative peace and quiet...until work tomorrow. *sigh*
I just want to say that although I an grateful for the opportunity and the paycheck, I am just about over this job.
I was not meant for payroll and they have just restructured my department so now instead of just reporting to one manager, I have to answer to five. Seriously, five. No more hiding under the radar for me. It's fine, I'm going to put in my time and maybe move onto something more rewarding.
First world problems, right? I know. I get it. But still, I can't help wondering if I was meant for something better in this world.
