Stories of Pure Genius and Stupidity

New Blog - Table Talk

2008-12-06T10:16:00.004-05:00

I am not sure if it is the upcoming New Year or that I am now the big 3-0, but I decided to create a new blog. I plan on keeping Real Men...active, but not sure how much time I will have to post. My New Blog is Table Talk - Whatever You Want to Bring to the Table. Be sure to save it as a favorite, even if you do not care for it, and check back often....after all you never know when you will be the topic of a post.

Ricky Gervais 2008 Stand-Up

2008-11-30T19:04:00.003-05:00

The other day I was sound asleep and all I could hear was HPU cracking up laughing alone in the family room. Curiosity eventually got the best of me and I went out to see what was going on. HPU was watching Ricky Gervais, star from the British Office and Extras, stand-up on HBO. I actually never got into Ricky Gervais, but decided to spend some quality time with HPU and check it out. Immediately my thought was this is freaking hilarious. Like crack up laughing to the point of stomach pains.

My favorite part of the stand-up was when Gervais was giving his translation of the morals found in Nursery Rhymes. Give it till 1:22...seriously so funny....and check out the rest of the stand-up on HBO On Demand.

When I Grow Up---

2008-11-30T19:02:00.001-05:00

When I grow up I want to be a psychic investigator or detective........

Sex In The City - Recovering

2008-11-30T11:02:00.006-05:00

So I have been sick all weekend, no worries, I just ripped out all of my Sex in the City DVDs, pushed HPU out the door, and pushed the play button. I love these girls. My favorite seasons are 5 and 6: Carrie meets and breaks up with Berger, you learn Mr. Big's real name, Charlotte meets Harry and converts to Judaism, Charlotte adopts Elizabeth Taylor, Samantha breaks up with Richard and meets Smith, Paris, Miranda and Steve. There are some great episodes in Season 5 and 6, but then it ends. Happy ending, but it ends.

So still recovering Sunday morning and I remember there is a movie....so for $4.99 I watch. I have to admit I like it better now than I did in the movies.

The Last Thirty Years---- Happy Birthday To Me

2008-11-28T11:29:00.018-05:00

Due to all the great-happy moments that have occurred during the past 30 years of my life

this slide show has been condensed and only includes

pictures that I actually have on my computer

Thanks Amanda for most of the old school pictures.....

Mini Me....

High School Graduation!!!

New Years Moment

college graduation

PU

Boca Baby

Little Blessings....

More Little Blessings

Halloween

Engagement

Showers of Happiness

Maids.....

More Sisters.......

M Best Friends' Weddings

My Wedding to HPU

Honeymoon Part 1

Thanks to all my friends, family, and the love of my life (HPU) for making 30 years of my life happy, fun, exciting, and memorable.

I AM SO EXCITED TO FIND OUT WHAT IS IN STORE FOR ME IN MY THIRTIES!!!!

SO FAR THIRTY ROCKS!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T10:51:00.003-05:00

This was scheduled for Halloween, but I didn't get it it out in time....so I waited until Thanksgiving-after all you need pumpkins for pie and cookies.

Polling - Pie and Holidays

2008-11-27T10:21:00.000-05:00

A clear winner for the Holiday Polls was Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas. This either shows that there are a lot of thankful people in the world or just a lot of people committing food gluttony. I am a thankful-sinner and also picked Thanksgiving as my very favorite holiday; I just think Thanksgiving is less stressful and more enjoyable than the other holidays, plus I love orange and brown to decorate my house.

As for the Pie Poll; I asked for help on picking a pie to serve at Thanksgiving Dinner. The results of the Pie Poll were not so helpful even though delightful. There was a five way tie between Apple, Cherry, Pumpkin, Cheesecake and Other. So I decided to serve for Thanksgiving dessert an Apple Pie, a Cherry Pie, a Cheesecake Pumpkin Roll (so good), and a Birthday Cake. I am not sure what the "other" vote was for, but just in case it was Brien or Nikki I was happy to see a Birthday Cake on the table. (If you are the person who voted for "other" in the poll I am very curious to know what the "other" is.)

Happy 20th Anniversary - Brian and Jill

2008-11-26T10:50:00.000-05:00

Brian and Jill have been happily married, through the good times and bad, for the last 20 years, but they were also dating for many years prior to their marriage. (If I was clever I would have requested old school pictures of Brian and Jill as a couple before their married days, but I just thought of it while I was writing this post.) Anyway, I was not around when Jill and Brian first met or for most of their history together, but I can account for the last five years or so and can say they are truly a great couple who are surrounded by love- love for each other, for family, for friends, and for life.

Cheers to Brian and Jill for 20 great years of marriage!!! and many many more....

(Brian and Jill's Wedding Song)

Infomercials - Ear Lifts

2008-11-25T07:16:00.000-05:00

A while back I let the world know that sometimes I become hypnotised by infomercials. I am seriously fascinated by them, but also have the self-control not to buy every single one i see; no matter how tempting the commercials may be.

Ear Lifts

Advertisement: Ear Lifts were invented to help your earlobes support your heavy-burdensome earrings. The Ear Lifts brag that your earlobes will no longer stretch, droop, tear, or sag because of your favorite-fashionable earrings. From what I gather Ear Lifts are the wonder bra for your ear. Did I mention that Ear Lifts are hypoallergenic and invisible? Bonus!!!

How to Use: Take the invisible-hypoallergenic-sticky Ear Lift and place it around your lobe. Once in place pop on your favorite earrings, even the ones that weigh 5lbs each, and the Ear Lift will take the weight of your earrings off your lobe, which is the reason your ear will no longer droop, tear, stretch, or sag.

Potential Hazards: 1) I am skeptical of putting anything sticky on my skin. I am assuming that the stickiness of the Ear Lift will remain on your ear well after the Ear Lift has been removed. Of course some soap and water would take care of this matter, but if you are wearing 5 lb earrings I am thinking you are going out to party and when you get home the soap and water is not happening. 2) The Ear Lifts appear to be square in size. The last time I checked my ears were roundish? So I am thinking the Ear Lift will not lay flat and will bubble because of the different shapes. 3) If your ears are drooping, tearing, stretching, or sagging I would say "Stop Wearing 5 lbs Earrings." That is really gross and painful.

Bonus Buys: Bonus Buys are when the commercial is wrapping up the Ad and moving on to the cost of the item. It goes something like this, The Ear Lifts are just $1 each, but if you call in the next 20 minutes you can get 60 Ear Lifts for just $10, that is a $50 savings, and we will also throw in a Fast Dry Hair Wrap and the Lighted 5x Magnification Mirror. (This is not exact words from the commercial, but the Ear Lifts are 60 for $10, plus those added bonus gifts.) I love the bonus buys and fall for it every time.

Rating: I do not wear earrings so I feel bad rating this product; however, if I liked earrings I would be very concerned if my lobes started to tear, droop, stretch, and sag and would try anything to make it stop, especially at $10; plus the bonus buys are really good.....so I would rate this product a B-.

Drink Alert - Beer Margaritas

2008-11-24T21:25:00.003-05:00

I pulled this drink recipe out of Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cooking: Simple and Smart Family Favorites Nothing is Made From Scratch. It sounds a little weird, but at the same time a little good.

Thoughts From Sandra Lee: Arriba, Arriba! These Beer Margaritas will disappear in no time. You may as well double the recipe because everyone will want seconds.

BEER MARGARITAS

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 2minutes

Ingredients:

1 Lime, Cut into 8 Wedges
1/4 Cup Coarse Salt
2 Bottles (12 Oz Each) Corona or your favorite beer, chilled
1/2 Cup Frozen Concentrate Limeade, thawed, Minute Maid
1/2 Cup Chilled Tequila, Jose Cuervo Especial
Ice Cubes

Instructions:

1. Rub lime wedges around rims of 4 margarita glasses. Dip rims into salt to coat lightly.

2. In a medium pitcher, combine beer, limeade, and tequila. Fill prepared glasses with ice, then with margarita mixture.

3. Garnish with remaining lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Happy Birthday Lily Ann - My Little GD

2008-11-23T21:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my little BFF Lily Ann.

I hope you get the castle to go with your princess attitude.

Stay Sweet!!!

Make-Over Completed and Successful

2008-11-22T08:48:00.005-05:00

So I did it and I feel really good about it. I think I will actually love it once I figure out how to own it. HPU also loves it......he actually might like it more than me, which is a good sign. The only problem so far is the wall of mirrors in my living room. HPU must have caught me looking at myself 100x. I do not think I ever looked in those mirrors, but until I figure out this hairstyle I will most likely continue to do that. And bedhead...ha, but it is a cute bedhead.

And funny story- yesterday after the cut and color, I found myself clutching a ponytail holder. I did not even know I was doing it!!! But once I noticed I was holding it I gave a little laugh and tried, unsuccessfully, to put it in my hair. When that did not work I simply put it down, walked away, said goodbye, and grabbed a headband. HA. I am horrible, but will only be using the headband in my house and on really lazy days.

So the pictures that I showed my stylist Carolyn from Salon Thalia, which is an awesome salon, to base my hair on:

Now I just have to figure out how to style it similar to the pictures....

Twilight - Release

2008-11-21T11:12:00.002-05:00

OMG today is November 21st - Twilight is an action packed, modern-day love story between a teenage girl, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), and a vampire, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). I am in love with the vampire!!!

Spoiler Alert:

Knock Knock Wednesday - On Friday (In the Trenches)

2008-11-21T11:05:00.002-05:00

Please check this out.....this is hilarious!!!!
http://amanda-inthetrenches.blogspot.com/2008/11/wordless-wednesday.html

My Day Off - PITA

2008-11-21T10:17:00.005-05:00

My PITA (pain-in-the-@ss ) cases are finally history!!! Hooray!!! In celebration of this wonderful event I drank a couple bottles (yes bottles) of wine and had some Mikado sushi. I was so happy last night, but today on my celebratory day off from work I am laying in bed with a major hangover. This is not how I picture my day off. Oh- and HPU, before he left for work this fine morning, said (and I quote), "Take a shower; you look like a crazy person. AND since you have off today can you go to the store and buy me a mirror for the shower (to shave) like the one I use to have, but you and your mother decided to throw away." I am pretty sure HPU is suffering from jealousy.....cause I have the day off. Or he is just mad that last night after sushi I left his dinner on the front doorstep and phoned him to let him know that his dinner had arrived.....ha. Unfortunately, HPU did not believe me so when I got home his dinner was still on the front doorstep just where I left it. Seriously, our neighbors hate us!!!

Or HPU is mad because after he cleaned the house (like he does every day after work--which is awesome of him) the peanut butter and jelly with cracker ghost struck again and literally got peanut butter and jelly all over the place...on light switches, counters, the stove, my hair...ha.... That ghost is crazy!!!

Pretty sure I am ringing the truce bell!!!

The PonyTail Holder

2008-11-21T07:28:00.000-05:00

Belinda Carlisle - Mad About You - Music Video via Noolmusic.com
Dedication---for my old friend.

If you remember at the end of September 2008 I claimed to have found the perfect gift idea for my 30th Birthday....the gift involved a make-over? Anyway, my birthday is a little more than a week away and I am running out of excuses to do this make-over thing. I have anxiety about it, but I keep reminding myself that 30 is one of those "milestone" markers? Whatever that means. My nerves are making me babble....but today at around 3:30 well 5:00, considering I am in major need of a color, I am getting a brand new look. Not because I do not like my look, but because I am welcoming change. So before I talk myself out of this---I am on my way.

But lastly, I think Tim Gunn and Stacy London would be so proud of me, especially considering my strong relationship with the ponytail holder (yes I said ponytail holder); it is literally my favorite thing on the planet and I don't think I have ever gone one day - no, one minute - without it. It might be the only thing in the world that I look for every single morning (besides my glasses) and know instantly when it is missing for just one second. Well today, where I am going, I am no longer going to need my trusted friend the ponytail holder, that sounds so very sad and a little scary, but I am sure we will be reunited in a couple months when my hair grows back. So can someone seriously contact Tim Gunn and/or Stacy London about my transformation and please tell them that I will have to do my hair every single morning for the next couple months until I am reunited with my ponytail holder? I can already see Tim Gunn crying and Stacy London making some sarcastic comment about finally retiring the ponytail and growing up.....

OH---and now since I blogged this I am going to look like a total fool if I back out. So I guess I am not going to back out, but if I do just remember it is my Birthday and I can do what I want.

Thanksgiving Dinner - Spiced Cranberry Dip

2008-11-21T07:02:00.000-05:00

For an appetizer I am going to keep the prep time down and make a Spiced Cranberry Dip from Kraft.

Spiced Cranberry Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1/2 cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/4 cup PLANTERS Slivered Almonds, toasted

Preparation:

SPREAD cream cheese onto bottom of 9-inch pie plate.
MIX cranberry sauce, orange marmalade and ground red pepper; spoon over cream cheese.
Sprinkle with almonds.
SERVE with RITZ Crackers.
VARIATION: Prepare as directed, omitting the red pepper and substituting hot pepper jelly for the orange marmalade.

Polling - Longest Running TV Show

2008-11-19T20:02:00.005-05:00

The polls are closed and a majority of the voters thought that Saturday Night Live has been on longer than The Simpsons, Real World, AFHV, Jerry Springer, ER, and CSI. The Simpsons was the second runner up followed by Jerry-Jerry-Jerry.

According to Wikapedia Saturday Night Live first broadcast in October 1975- It is actually older than me - while the Simpsons first aired in December 1989. Ahead of the Simpsons by one month is AFHV, which aired on November 1989; however, the Simpsons has more seasons than AFHV. The Jerry Springer Show aired in September 1991 and as of January 2008 had 3362 episodes.

Liam - I have to hand it to you, either you do research for Wikapedia, cheated, or just have a bunch of useless knowledge stored up in your head. Either way you are correct about Guiding Light and Meet the Press being two of the longest running TV programs. Guiding Light first aired on TV in June 1952 and is currently the longest running soap. Meet the Press is the longest running show first broadcasting in November 1947. Meet the Press is celebrating 60 years of show time.

Some other really long running shows:

Real World - September 1997
South Park - August 1997
The Price is Right - September 1972 (longest running game show)
The O'Reilly Factor - October 1996
Sesame Street - November 1969
Pro Bowlers Tour - 1962 (longest running sports program)
ER - September 1994 and still has about 9 million viewers (This show deserves a blog of its own.)
Oprah - September 1986

Stuffing Wars - Polish Raisin-Almond Stuffing

2008-11-19T05:56:00.001-05:00

Polish raisin-almond stuffing is popular with a variety of roasted meats, but especially with roast turkey on New Year's Day.

Polish Raisin-Almond Stuffing

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Serving: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:
1 pound stale egg bread like chalka (see below), crumbled or cut into small cubes
4 cups milk
4 large eggs
4 tablespoons soft butter
2 cups raisins plumped in water and drained
2 cups blanched chopped almonds
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cloves
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
An eggy bread like chalka works well in this recipe. Combine all ingredients thoroughly. Fill poultry cavity loosely with stuffing. If there are leftovers, bake separately in a pan. DO NOT STUFF YOUR BIRD HOURS IN ADVANCE OF ROASTING. HARMFUL BACTERIA CAN ACCUMULATE. Once the bird has been cooked, remove all the stuffing from the cavity before storing leftovers in the refrigerator

Thoughts:

I am not sure why this recipe is Polish. After all the recipe does not call for Kielbasa or Cabbage (bigos). I guess it is about the chalka? Mom, Jill, Grandmom, or Lauren - can you help me with this?
The recipe actually caught my eye, because of the fruit and almonds. However, the recipe lost me at the "fill poultry cavity" and the "stuff your bird...harmful bacteria..."
I have no idea how I am even going to cook the "bird" (must it be called that) let alone stuff the bird's "cavity."
And there is no way my hangover (caused by Thanksgiving Eve Drinking) is going to allow me to go near a bird's cavity....Amanda - did you just get nervous.

Honeymoon Cruise- Pride of America

2008-11-18T19:18:00.000-05:00

We will be cruising around Hawaii via Pride of America. The ship is not as big as normal cruise ships, but still has a lot going on. The ship is equipped with 10 restaurants, 9 lounges and bars, 2 pools, 4 hot tubs, a theater, golf driving range, shopping, tennis courts, arcade, fitness room, running track, chess room, etc. Needless to say there are are a lot of things to do on the ship. The only thing I really plan to do on the ship is drink and go to the spa, but it is nice to know that HPU will have something to do while I am getting pampered. Oh- and I almost forgot they have a chapel, so we can renew our vows.

I have never been on a cruise, but my trusty travel agent, Mrs. Kwas, warned us that cruise ship rooms are pretty small. Not that I care, because I will only be in my room for the three S's...sleep, shower, and sh*t. With that said, Mrs. Kwas also talked us into getting a balcony room. Good option.

Sausage Stuffing Wars - Nikki's Italian Stuffing Recipe

2008-11-18T09:36:00.003-05:00

Submitted by Spectacular Nikki - "Ok, this recipe is totally awesome. It sounds strange but tastes so good. I have had this every Thanksgiving of my entire life. It's an Italian thing, but everyone loves it."

Thoughts: I am not sure if it is the Italian Sausage or the Ricotta Cheese that makes this stuffing Italian, but I am so happy Nikki submitted this recipe. Thanks. If you have a stuffing recipe or a favorite Thanksgiving recipe for another item please submit it to megmcdev33@yahoo.com

Italian Sausage Stuffing

2 lbs. Sweet Italian Sausage without casing
2 lbs. Ricotta Cheese
2 Eggs
2 Large Onions
6 Large Green Peppers
2 Celery Stalks
Olive Oil

Dice onions, peppers, and celery. Put in skillet, add olive oil, cook until tender. Cook sausage, stirring to make crumbly. In separate bowl, stir cheese and eggs. Fold in sausage, peppers, onions, and celery. Pour in shallow baking pan. Bake at 325 until moisture has been cooked out.

Spread Some Christmas Cheer!!!!

2008-11-17T18:18:00.002-05:00

GREAT IDEA!! When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and
send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get. When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue,NW

Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Thanks Nicola for the information!!!

Nanny 911 -

2008-11-17T06:58:00.000-05:00

Nanny Central is the headquarters for Nanny 911, Inc. It is where Mother Nanny Lilian reviews the chaos and problems that exist with each family that has requested assistance from the corporation. Once the family "problems" are reviewed Lilian decides which nanny on her team- Deb, Stella, or Yvonne- would best be able to rectify the family's child rearing problems. I have never seen Nanny Yvonne in action, but Nanny Deb and Nanny Stella are simply amazing. I am seriously left speechless, which is no small task-ask HPU, at their wisdom.

Once a nanny receives their new assignment they vanish from Nanny Central and appear down the street from where the family in need resides. They are armed with their nanny bag, nanny knowledge, nanny rule book, black gloves, a little red cape, and matching little red cap. I love that part, but wish they had an umbrella. I always wonder what sort of transportation the nannies use to get to their work location. I honestly think they fall out of the sky, sort of like Mary Poppins. And yes, I also think the nannies' bags are a bottomless pit just like Poppins.

The nannies' magic does not end with the bottomless bags and the teleportation. On day one, they begin the observation of the family. Yikes. You often hear the nanny shriek or sigh at what is being observed in the household. I often find myself shrieking or sighing at the same exact time as the nanny. On day two, the nanny is ready to lay down the law. Once this happens there is no turning back and the parents are forced to take the advice from the persistent nanny. I am simply spellbound at how easily the nannies know what to do to fix these families. They are never wrong.

At the end of the episode the family is fixed and the nanny gets ready to teleport back to Nanny Central to receive her new assignment. I often find myself in tears at this part. I always want the nanny to stay with the family, especially Nanny Deb; she is always crying at her departure and says the nicest things ever. I love her!!!!

I am currently writing down all the tips that the nannies reveal in their episodes. I hope I will never need to use these tips, but you never know. I might even start to share these secrets with some of you.

I think that if Pat and I were ever to have children the main problem would be that we coddle them too much. We always say that we have too much love in our little family for just two people, so we need more people to share our love with....ha. Unfortunately we are currently too selfish to have children or a dog...so our love for each other will have to be enough for now. (Sorry Pete and Amanda!)

Holy Sunday - Prayer for Veterans

2008-11-16T11:43:00.003-05:00

A prayer for all veterans (My Dad)

God of the ages, We thank You for all who have served in the armed forces of this country. We thank You for the freedom their sacrifice has earned and guarded for us. Help us to prize this freedom and use it well. We ask You to bless all living veterans in a special way today, as well as the families of all veterans.Comfort those who grieve for those who gave the last full measure of devotion.Strengthen those who bear physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds.Stand with those who provide care to them. Move us to reach out to sisters and brothers who are veterans, or relatives of veterans, or who currently serve in the military. We pray for the day when no one needs to serve in the military. Help us to live now in anticipation of that day, as people who long for peace, who pray for peace, and who seek to be peacemakers in this world.
We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Mad World - Very Interesting

2008-11-15T10:25:00.010-05:00

Please refer to my earlier post entitled Mad World - Gary Jules for background information to this post. I should have done my research before writing that earlier post.

Now I know and get it:

The song is called Mad World not Gary Jules, as I first thought. Mad World is a single off the album The Hurting by Tears for Fears. The Hurting is Tears for Fears first album and Mad World was a hit in the UK in 1982.

Gary Jules is not that the name of the song, as I first thought, but a singer-songwriter that is best known for his cover of Tears for Fears' song Mad World. Gary Jules recorded Mad World for the "cult film" Donnie Darko.

Please stay with me. This is where it gets good.

I am thinking, HPU first heard the song Mad World on the commercial for the X-Box 360 video game Gears of War. This is all making so much sense right now.

I am also thinking that HPU does not even care about the $15 CD, but is sending me subliminal messages that he wants the $50 video game Gears of War 2 that was just released into stores on November 7, 2008; around the same time HPU started listening to Mad World on the computer.

This is the same reason that HPU has brought out his X-Box 360 and is now playing Gears of War 1. Very interesting.

Other Information:

The video for Mad World that I posted from U-Tube is actually very good. The kids making the different symbols and signs are hilarious.
And HPU you can buy the video game and I will figure out a way to download the song Mad World to your I.Pod. Problem solved.

Mad World - Gary Jules

2008-11-15T09:35:00.003-05:00

Since HPU and I combined bank accounts, about 3 years ago, he always calls me to "ask permission" before making any purchases or "large" ($50 and up) ATM cash withdrawals. I am not sure why he started doing that, but I have never extended the same courtesy to him. Yikes. The other thing about HPU's financial habits is that he rarely spends any money at all - besides on beer and golf. So his "ask permission" phone calls are few and far between.

With that said I am giving HPU permission to buy the CD Mad World. He has not asked for permission to buy this CD; however, he is constantly playing the song Gary Jules, via U-Tube, on the computer wasting valuable blog time (HA). He also carries the computer around like an I-pod, which makes me scared for the safety of our computer, so he can play the song Gary Jules over and over and over and over again. The best part about all this is HPU has an I-pod, but neither of us know how to download songs off the internet onto the pod. I guess we should learn how to do that.

Polling - Longest Running Television Programs

2008-11-13T21:14:00.005-05:00

I have created a poll listing the longest running television programs. It actually fascinates me that some of these shows I am about to list on my poll have been running for so long. Can these shows still be good? HPU always says that the best seasons of a series are always at the end, so maybe the best is yet to come? Anyway, try not to cheat on the poll and in a couple weeks I will announce the ultimate longest running television show.....and maybe you will have selected the correct answer....and what will you win? Nothing, but bragging rights!!

Survivor - The Bow Tie

2008-11-13T20:33:00.004-05:00

I could not figure out Survivor Fantasy, so I have gone back to just cheering for my favorite survivor-alone in my family room with nobody to discuss the episode with. At one time HPU watched survivor with me, it was our date night-also pathetic, but I loved it- until he "got sick of survivor." What? How do you get sick of survivor? How did I marry someone that "got sick of survivor."

So I am now down to four survivors that I am hoping will win the $1 Million Dollars and title of the ultimate survivor. They are (in no order) Bob, Matty, Sugar, and Kenny. I always liked Bob, but I like him even more now that I noticed he ties his buff in a bow tie. That is something I would do (see picture above). He is great! I also like that he made an awesome fake idol. That was smart.

Thanksgiving Dinner 2008 - Stuffing

2008-11-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

There has been some controversy over the Thanksgiving stuffing in my family for some time now. The problem is that the stuffing sucks every year. Sorry to be blunt. The stuffing is actually the only item on the menu that nobody is providing recipes or any sort of instructions on how to make. I am pretty sure my Thanksgiving Dinner hosting fate lies in the hands of how good I make the stuffing.

With that said I decided to start from stuffing scratch for my Thanksgiving stuffing recipe. I got my stuffing recipe out of Better Homes and Gardens-New Cookbook Bridal Edition. Thank you Edie A. for the cookbook. The book is great and even provides a section entitled Thanksgiving Dinner and more importantly a section entitled Cocktail Cool. If this recipe does not turn out tasty I am going to have a box of Stove Top Stuffing on hand to pass off as my own. Data shows that over 60 million boxes of Stove Top Stuffing are sold at Thanksgiving time. Wow...lots of Thanksgiving Dinner posers. That is great.

Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing

Prep: 15 minutes

Bake: 30 minutes

Oven: 325 degrees

Makes: 12 to 14 servings (about 8 cups)

Ingredients:

1.5 cups chopped celery (3 stalks)
1 cups chopped onion (1 large)
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 tablespoon snipped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or ground sage
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 cups dry bread cubes
1 to 1.25 cup chicken broth

Directions:

In a large skillet cook celery and onion in got butter until tender but not brown. Remove from heat. Stir in sage and pepper. Place dry bread cubes in a large bowl; add onion mixture. Drizzle with enough chicken broth to moisten, tossing lightly to combine.
Place stuffing in a 2-quart casserole. Bake, covered in a 325 degree over for 30 to 45 minutes or until heated through.

HALLOWEEN - Pictures

2008-11-12T20:20:00.000-05:00

Sanity Level is 4.16....and dropping fast

2008-11-12T14:05:00.003-05:00

I am at an all time low...4.16. If I can get through today without anyone mentioning the word "extension" I might make it until next week. If not, my options are a mental ward or going back to school to be an engineer, like my father-in-law. What kind of engineer is he again? I am pretty sure being a Bio-chemical-structural-nuclear Engineer is not that hard...ha. I will just get BU to do all my homework.

Veterans Day - In Flanders Field

2008-11-11T20:44:00.007-05:00

In Flanders Fields By:

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

In Flanders Fields the poppies grow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Veterans Day - November 11, 2008

2008-11-11T09:30:00.002-05:00

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America- "On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States. From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history...."

In 1919 President Wilson originally proclaimed Armistice Day to honor the men that served in World War I; however, in 1954 President Eisenhower, with the suggestion of World War I Veteran Al King, changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day so that all veterans that have served in the United States Military are recognized, celebrated, and honored.

Please take a couple minutes out of your day to remember, thank, and pray for the men and women that served and our currently serving your Country. These courageous individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice by agreeing to bravely take on the selfless and honorable quest to defend and protect our Country as well as weaker countries around the globe. You can also honor a veteran by simply taking some time to really appreciate the gift of freedom that has been continually preserved by military veterans. At 11:00 a.m. on 11/11, observe a moment of silence to remember the Soldier - a friend, a dad, a mom, a sibling, a daughter, a son, A HERO.

National Veterans Awareness Week is November 9th - November 15th and the Department of Veterans Affairs, About.com, and Military.com have created an activity guide for teachers and parents to help educate children about the importance of Veterans Day. Please have your children participate in these activities so that they understand how the sacrifices made by veterans have improved their way of life. After informing your children of the importance of the day have them send an E.Card to a veteran.

Support Groups - Veterans of military service have organized support groups such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. On Veterans' Day and Memorial Day, these groups raise funds for their charitable activities by selling paper poppies made by disabled veterans. This bright red wildflower became a symbol of World War I after a bloody battle in a field of poppies called Flanders Field in Belgium.

Thanksgiving Dinner - Apple Slaw

2008-11-11T07:15:00.000-05:00

First I want to thank my sister for giving me the book Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cooking: Simple and Smart Family Favorites. The book includes simple semi-homemade recipes and even includes a chapter on slow cooker meals. Check it out.

One of the foods on my Thanksgiving 2008 Menu is Apple Slaw:

APPLE SLAW

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cooling Time: 20 Minutes

Thoughts from Sandra Lee on her recipe:
"Amazing easy! Amazingly good! This Apple Slaw breathes new life into old coleslaw. It's tangy with a hint of sweetness..."

Ingredients:

3/4 Cup Sour Cream
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar, C&H
3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, Heinz
2 Tablespoons dry ranch salad dressing mix, Hidden Valley
1 package (8 Oz) shredded cabbage and carrots, Ready Pac
3 green apples, cored and diced
4 green onions, thinly sliced
Salt and Pepper

Preparation:

Whisk sour cream, sugar, vinegar, and ranch seasoning in a large bowl to blend.
Add cabbage mixture, apples, and green onions. Toss to coat.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover tightly and chill 20 minutes or up to 4 hours. Serve Cold.

Moody Monday - Amtrak

2008-11-10T18:43:00.003-05:00

I took the Amtrak from Philly to Washington, DC for work today. All was going well until I actually got on the train and was surrounded by a bunch of self-absorbed people. For starters a little boy was allowed to sing an entire song book at the top of his lungs. Did I mention that he was singing in Hebrew? Then a lady got on and sat right behind me and was either talking really loud on her cell phone or licking her fingers obnoxiously. I have no idea what she was eating, but the meal lasted two hours between licks and chatter. Gross.

A dedication to the lady that got on the train in Delaware and was visiting a friend in Virgina for lunch, but who felt bad attending the lunch because another friend was not invited. OH--and your dad was involved some how. Anyway, this is for making my Moody Monday....

Happy Birthday Gwen

2008-11-10T08:54:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Gwen!!!

Stoli Doli(s) are in order!!!!

Thanksgiving Dinner 2008 - Preparations

2008-11-09T11:41:00.004-05:00

So I am back to hosting Thanksgiving Dinner 2008. Today I am going to sit down and write a menu and make a to do list of things I need to do to prepare for the day. I am also going to bark some orders out to my sister and my mom. HA.

Besides that I am going to keep praying that my dining room set will be in, as scheduled, on November 21st!! That would be a huge help. I can't wait to get it. It is awesome.

And from now until Thanksgiving I am going to blog some recipes for menu items, things to do, some drink options, and maybe even some decoration ideas. Not sure if I am going to get that far, but you never know.

Please send some of your favorite recipes or Thanksgiving ideas to megmcdev33@yahoo.com. I need all the help I can get.

Holy Sunday Stories - Keep Your Fork

2008-11-09T11:34:00.006-05:00

"KEEP YOUR FORK"

There was a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. The woman also requested to be buried with her favorite Bible. Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the pastor's reply. "This is very important," the woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand." The pastor stood looking at the woman, not knowing quite what to say. "That surprises you, doesn't it?" the woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor. The woman explained. "In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance! So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?'. Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork - the best is yet to come".

The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She KNEW that something better was coming. At the funeral people were walking by the woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and her favorite Bible and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the pastor heard the question "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled. During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you, oh so gently, that the best is yet to come.

Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us. Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND even if it means sending back to the person who sent it to you.

Alvin Edlund, Jr. from Colorado, aedlund@chaffee.net , sent me this story that he had received from Jodi Miller.

Happy Birthday - Amanda

2008-11-09T11:03:00.006-05:00

Happy Birthday Amanda.....

You are an phenomenal mom, a loving wife, a supportive sister,

an outstanding friend, a fun sister-in-law (HA),

and just an all around amazing person

who deserves a killer birthday with lots of

DIAMONDS!!!!

New Kids On The Block - Concert Review

2008-11-06T08:36:00.010-05:00

Fifteen years ago I attended my first concert ever, New Kids On the Block. It was the concert to be at for all us then 12-15 year old girls. Now 15 years later the New Kids have reunited and the fans, sporting big buttons and NKOTB tees, of the past were there to watch the comeback. Some differences between then and now: the age, beer, PARENT CHAPERONS, and the occasional crude jesters made by a Kid on stage. The crudeness of the boys was the low point of the evening. That and funny man Donnie Walhberg trying to top "World F-ing Series" Champion Chase Utley by yelling "World Mother F-ing Champions." At first I was a little upset that a Kid in a Boston baseball hat and Celtics Jersey was mocking our trophy in the streets of Philadelphia, but I quickly remembered that the Red Soxs did not even show up for the World F-ing Series and I let my Philly attitude melt with the music.

The Kids (Men) on the Block gave a show that left the fans wanting more. Their performance was better than I can ever remember and so were their looks; they sure got hotter in their old age. You could also tell KNOTB showed up for their fans, often playing their oldies, and not just to promote their new album, The Block. They played classics like Please Don't Go Girl, Valentine Girl, Cover Girl, Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time, My Favorite Girl, Step by Step, etc. and enjoyed doing it. To be honest they performed for a straight 3.5 hours and pretty much covered every hit on their albums, with the exception of Funky, Funky X-Mas. They closed the concert out with Hanging Tough and I did not see a hand down in the entire stadium. Us fans still remember how to get it done. Cell phones, instead of lighters, were a blazing.

The NKOTB also played some songs from their new album and some songs of their personal singles. I actually liked the songs from the new album, but I also think Paris Hilton can sing.

Other Thoughts:
Thanks to Amy for scoring us awesome seats, which were located to the left of the stage in the SuperBox. The SuperBox is where all the fabulous people go to watch a concert. HA-Not really, but you have your own bar, waitress, food selections, and bathrooms; the stadium was filled with 99% females, so lines to the bathroom were no joke.

We decided to pre-game the night at McFadden's at the stadium. When we arrived at the bar we were greeted by 100s of screaming ladies just as I imagined. It was a little weird being in a bar with all those women with no men to act as buffers. I am pretty sure the only men in the stadium where the two that I offended with my sarcasm, husbands that were dragged along by their wives (don't get it), homosexuals, and I am pretty sure this guy http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mis/907736668.html.

Anyway, Natasha Bedingfield opened for NKOTB. She was awesome. She played all her hits and closed with "Unwritten."

And as much as I loved the concert and the boys, it was a little heartening to see these 40 somethings trying so hard to relive their fame. With this said, I do not think this is going to be the last of the NKOTB. They had a sell out show in Philly and I am sure this is not going to be the last we hear of them.....

Knock-Knock Wednesday - Philly Fans

2008-11-05T08:16:00.000-05:00

Be sure to read the very small print....I LOVE PHILLY FANS!!!

My Favorite Things - Paris Hilton

2008-11-04T08:28:00.000-05:00

( I love this dress by Marc Jacobs.)

I might be in love with Paris Hilton. I loved her in the Simple Life and I love her even more in her MTV series My New Best Friend. She is super funny with her catch phrases and her monotone personalty. She cracks me up. I might set up a profile on her website http://parisbff.com/ to try out for next season's show. Does anyone else share my love for Paris?

I also like her songs Stars Are Blind, I Want You, HeartBeat, Screwed, and Turn It Up. I actually like a lot of her songs. Who would have thought--OH-and do not be surprised if I start rocking some of the jeans from her clothing line. ...I just need to lose about 20 pounds.

Moody Monday - UGH

2008-11-03T21:18:00.004-05:00

Today I woke up late and did not have time for coffee. I almost missed an appointment, that I already canceled twice, because of traffic and a train delay. I spent $8 (all the money in my pocket) on a cab to get to the appointment about 15 minutes late, still with no coffee. When I finally got out of the appointment and ready to get my coffee, I realized that I did not have my MAC card or any sort of funds (or a license because I lost it over the weekend). So I hiked my @ss about 15 blocks (should have been only 10, but walked about 2.5 blocks in the wrong direction so I had to back track) back to work on foot in spitting rain; the entire time praying to God to not let it pour because I also did not have an umbrella. And I hate Market Street...that place is a breeding ground for the homeless. UM-that is it. Thank God it is Tuesday.

HOPE ALL OF YOU HAD A BETTER MONDAY.

World Series Stories - Fan Base

2008-11-03T12:03:00.000-05:00

The world's newest Phillies fans arrived just in time to see their team win the World Series.
Cole and Chase Ryan were born Monday in Abington, Pennsylvania, and their names have very special meanings. Parents Renee and Chris Ryan named their newborns after their favorite Phillies; one was named Cole after World Series MVP Cole Hamels, the other named Chase after second baseman Chase Utley. The proud parents point out that since their last name is Ryan, their babies actually share names with three Phillies: Hamels, Utley and First Baseman Ryan Howard.

Dafney Tales from the Philadelphia Daily News reports, But one fan may have taken his devotion a bit too far when police say he robbed a bank and later allegedly funded a shopping spree for Phillies gear with the stolen cash. About 10 a.m. yesterday, a man, who police did not identify, entered a PNC Bank on Welsh Road near Roosevelt Boulevard and slipped the teller a demand note. Shortly after, the man, wearing a red and gray hat pulled down over his face and a beige hoodie, fled westbound on Welsh with an undisclosed amount of cash, said a detective from Northeast Detectives.About 20 minutes later, cops found the suspect, who police have not identified, a few miles away coming out of the Modell's Sporting Goods store at the Roosevelt Mall, Cottman and Bustleton avenues.

Kathy Matheson from Associated Press Writer reports, Fans continued the celebration on Thursday, snapping up World Series T-shirts, pennants and hats. At one downtown sporting goods outlet, at least 100 people stood in a line wrapping around the inside of the store as they waited to pay for their merchandise.

The city's two main newspapers, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News, sold out of their first run of 350,000 copies and ended up printing another 350,000 to be available by Thursday afternoon, publisher Brian Tierney said.

The Phillies' victory over the Tampa Bay Rays also means Mayor Nutter gets to enjoy a meal of Florida seafood. He won a bet with three Tampa-area officials—St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio—who will be sending him coconut shrimp, stone crab claws, Cuban sandwiches, key lime pie and cigars. Had the Phillies lost, Nutter would have been sending cheesesteaks, soft pretzels and Tastykakes to Florida.

Philly Fans are welcomed to upload pictures and share their World Series experience at the 700 Level

World Series - Everything You Need to Know

2008-11-02T11:16:00.003-05:00

Check out MLB.com for awesome coverage on the World Series: the players, the fans, the coaches/managers, the highlights, and the parade. They did an awesome job covering the entire event, including posting videos of each player during the parade and throughout the entire World Series. Check it out--- http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/ps/y2008/index.jsp

OH--and most of the stories and footage are tear jerkers so watch alone.

Charlie Manuel Moments - Philly is the City of Brotherly Love

2008-11-02T11:06:00.003-05:00

Hal Bodley Senior Correspondent for MLB.com writes, Just as a TV camera's light flashed on, virtually blinding the skipper (Coach Manuel) for a second or two, closer Brad Lidge -- with a baseball in his hand and followed closely by catcher Carlos Ruiz -- pushed his way through a rapidly growing media mob to get at Manuel.

Lidge stuck his hand between me and a couple other reporters to reach the manager.
"It's for you," a hoarse Lidge said. "Carlos and I have been fighting over it. We decided you should have it."

There was a trace of tearing in Charlie's bright blue eyes as he took the ball.

"That's Mr. Perfect," Manuel said to me, referring to Lidge's 48-for-48 saves docket for the season.

"How about that?" he added, staring at the precious gift and visibly moved.

It was the ball Lidge threw past the Tampa Bay Rays' Eric Hinske, sealing the 4-3 victory and igniting a Philadelphia celebration that will continue until we're all knee-deep in snow. Lidge thought Ruiz, his catcher, should have it. Ruiz said Lidge, the relief ace, should keep it.

Holy Sunday - St. Jude (for my dad)

2008-11-02T09:26:00.004-05:00

October 28th marked the feast day of Saint Jude, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus. Saint Jude is the patron saint of desperate cases, because his New Testament letter stresses that the faithful should persevere in the environment of harsh, difficult circumstances, just as their forefathers had done before them. Saint Jude is also the patron saint of lost causes. Saint Jude is the most called upon saint in modern day prayer.

A common prayer to St. Jude is:

"Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered thy beloved Master into the hands of His enemies hath caused thee to be forgotten by many, but the Church honors and invokes thee universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of things despaired of. Pray for me, who am so miserable. Make use, I implore thee, of that particular privilege accorded to thee, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly -- (Mention your request) and that I may praise God with thee and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise, O blessed Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor thee as my special and powerful patron, and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to thee. Amen."

An alternative prayer is :
“Saint Jude, Hope of the Hopeless, Pray for me.”

Highlights From Three Day World Series, Game 5

2008-11-01T11:15:00.008-04:00

Highlights From World Series Game:

Shane Victorino's two-run single in the first inning.

Ray's Akinori Iwamura's error in the sixth inning on Jon Werth's pop up to short center with a man on third give the Phillies a 3-2 lead on the bottom of the sixth inning.

Tampa Bay Ray's Rocco Baldelli homer in the seventh tieing at 3 all.

With Ray's Jason Bartlett on second base and two out in a 3-3 game, Akinori Iwamura hit a grounder up the middle. Utley, knowing he had no shot at getting the out on Iwamura, had his sights on Bartlett who was rounding third for the shot to lead the Phillies for the first time in the game. Utley faked to first and made a throw home to Ruiz, who grabbed the throw on a hop and dove back to his right to apply a sprawling tag on Bartlett, who was sliding headfirst into the plate. Umpire Jeff Kellogg made an emphatic call on a clear-cut play. (Might have been the best play of the game.)

In the seventh, Pat Burrell picked the ideal time for his first World Series hit setting the scene for pinch-runner Bruntlett who later scored the winning run of the World Series on Pedro Feliz's tiebreaking single.

Phillies' pitcher Brad Lidge striking out Eric Hinske winning the World Series.
When Pitching Coach Rich Dubee asked Lidge "Have you faced this guy (Hinske) before?" Lidge response was, "Yah, he waffled a fastball off me."

Information provided by: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2008_10_27_tbamlb_phimlb_1

Halloween Costumes

2008-11-01T09:28:00.002-04:00

Please send pictures of your children dressed up for Trick or Treating to megmcdev33@yahoo.com. Thanks.

Top Ten Halloween Costumes for 2008

2008-10-31T09:03:00.005-04:00

According to the Chicago Tribune here is a list of the top ten Halloween costumes for 2008:

10. Iron Man

9. Indiana Jones

8. Wall - E

7. Fed Chairmen Ben Bernanke

6. Vince Neil- Motley Crew

5. 300 (inspired warrior)

4. Vampire - Twilight Series (Little C-Man)

3. The Joker

2. Joe the Plumber

1. Sarah Palin

With the presidential election right around the corner the top 1 and 2 slots should come as no surprise. It is also no surprise that Hollywood plays a huge part in Halloween costume options: be it Iron Man, Indiana Jones, Bat Man. Since I am obsessed with the Twilight Series I am also excited to know that Vampires are making a come back.

Here are my top ten Halloween costume predictions for 2008:

Michael Phelps (Summer Olympian)
Palin, Obama, McCain, Hillary, Bush, and Biden (Presidental Election 2008)
Indiana Jones (Movies)
The Joker and Batman (Movies)
Vampires (Twilight Series)
Victorino, Hamels, Moyer, Chase, Burrell (World Series Winners)
High School Musical Characters (????)
New Kids On The Block (Music)
Rachel Zoe, Tim Gunn, Tabatha (Bravo Inspired TV)
Paris Hilton (just because she is so cool!!)

Happy Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T08:49:00.002-04:00

Best and Worst Moments of World Series -

2008-10-30T19:44:00.023-04:00

Game 1 - Phillies 3 vs. Rays 2
(Worst) - Learning all the "ground rules" of Tropicana Field.
(Best) - Utley's two-run homer in the first inning.

Pitcher Cole Hamels Performance

Game 2 - Phillies 2 vs. Rays 4
(Worst) - We lost.
(Best) - They Won.
I don't even remember this game.

Game 3 - Phillies 5 vs. Rays 4
(Worst) - B. Upton
(Best) - Jamie Moyer!! I love him.

Game 4 - Phillies 10 vs. Rays 2
(Worst) - Nothing
(Best) - Howard's three-run homer in the 4th
Blanton's homer in the 5th (eyes closed and all)
Werth's homer in the 8th
Howard's homer in the 8th

Game 5, Part 1 - Phillies 2 vs. Rays 2
(Worst) - The Weather
(Best) - MVP Cole Hamel

Game 5, Part 2 - Phillies 4 vs. Rays 3
*WORLD SERIES WINNERS!!!!!
*PHILLY ROCKS!!!!

Just Because -----

2008-10-30T19:06:00.007-04:00

Just because I love you!!!

Thanks for everything.....

(BTW- This picture should be motivation to get a new picture of us---ha.)

Happy Belated Birthday Too!!!!

Happy Birthday

2008-10-28T18:36:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to my Baby Brother!!!!

Steal A Base, Steal A Taco

2008-10-28T04:00:00.000-04:00

Steal A Base, Steal A Taco---"A Base Has Been Stolen in the World Series, now America Gets a Free Taco." Run for the boarder between 2:00pm - 6:00pm today and get 1) Free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco. Enjoy!!!

3rd Annual Halloween Party

2008-10-26T23:03:00.003-04:00

http://nikki-mylifeisspectacular.blogspot.com/2008/10/80s-flashback.html

I was going to do a Halloween Post, but Spectacular Nikki beat me to it and there is no way I am going to be able to do a better post......Awesome. Please check it out.

Happy Birthday Tyler

2008-10-26T22:55:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday!!!

World Series - Jessie Foyle

2008-10-26T22:23:00.003-04:00

Jessie Foyle, a 90 year old women from Roxborough, had never missed a world series game since 1964.

Polling - The 80's Songs

2008-10-26T22:08:00.002-04:00

Winners of Madonna 80's: Cherish, Crazy For you, and La Isla Bonita.

Winner All 80's - Cyndi Lauper, Time After Time

Watch more Dailymotion videos on AOL Video

Winner Michael Jackson 80's: Thriller, Billie Jean, and Wanna Be Startin Something

Michael Jackson - New Music - More Music Videos

Happy 11th Anniversary

2008-10-25T22:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Anniversary!!!

Evite - Uninvited

2008-10-20T20:07:00.003-04:00

Can someone please invite me to my own Halloween party via evite? Yes, I am no longer invited to the party that I am hosting. Evite really does suck.

Survivor Fantasy - Episode 5

2008-10-16T19:34:00.000-04:00

Not sure how I am doing in survivor fantasy, but here are my picks this week.

I know I keep changing it up every week, but Matty is my final pick to win survivor.

Does anyone want to take that bet?

Matty
Jessica

Charlie

Marcus

World Series Here We Come (That's What She Said)

2008-10-16T08:27:00.006-04:00

Reasons for our Win:

Nikki Blogged the Phillies' emblem correctly keeping up with superstition.....
Nina's Birthday brought us luck....
Or that every player on the Phillies team (even Howard) is awesome.....

Sidenote- Pete K. I did not tell HPU that Shane Victorino's name is Vick Torino. He is so dumb.

Knock-Knock Wednesday - Funny T-Shirts Edition

2008-10-15T16:18:00.002-04:00

website- http://www.localcelebrity.com/catalog/mens_t_shirts/view/mustache_t_shirt/
Thanks Rizzo.

Happy Birthday Nina -

2008-10-15T15:55:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday!!!

Enjoy Your Day!!!

Recipe - Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

2008-10-14T01:40:00.000-04:00

Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
SUBMITTED BY: Carolyn
PHOTO BY: Jessica

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes
COOK TIME : 1 Hour
READY IN: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Original recipe yield 2 cups

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 tablespoons margarine, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic salt
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
Combine the margarine, salt, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce and pumpkin seeds. Mix thoroughly and place in shallow baking dish.
Bake for 1 hour, stirring occasionally

Moody Monday - Columbus Day

2008-10-13T08:49:00.002-04:00

For the people that have to work on Columbus Day,

basically everyone that is not in a union or works for the government.....

Knowing that you have to work today

while others are off celebrating Columbus.

Celebration Nikki & Brian - September 13, 2008

2008-10-13T05:59:00.000-04:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

On September 13, 2008 (one month ago today) Nikki and Brian tied the knot of happily ever after. Their ceremony took place at a Catholic Church, St. Peter & Paul, in Washington Twp, NJ and the reception -which can be reached through a secret road tucked away behind the rest stop on the Atlantic City Expressway- was at the Carriage House in Galloway Township. An absolute diamond in the rough.

The Ceremony

Nikki did not waste any time captivating her guests at the wedding. When the church doors opened all eyes were on the bride. She was absolutely lovely wearing her signature color pink. Unfortunately I could not clearly see Nikki walking down the aisle, but I did get to watch Brian's reaction to her entrance....that was really all I needed to know that the ceremony would be perfect and all the stress of planning and life could be put to rest for the day. Some history, the priest that married the couple also baptised Nikki. Nikki and Brian opted for the less is more Catholic ceremony instead of the entire mass. Conducting the ceremony in this way really put an emphasis on the couple uniting in marriage. The ceremony was all laughs and nervous giggles and ended with a loud cheer from the bride--just like we practiced.

The Bride

I have to say, Nikki was the ultimate bride. The dress was the Brittanya designed by Maggie Sottero. Starting bottom up - The taffeta A-line light pink gown featuring numerous pulls throughout the skirt and a very very long train (four people holding it up long) was not complete until the numerous layers of tulle were added, at the bride's request, to puff out the bottom. The strapless white/light pink lace bodice was accented with "taffeta ornamenting the empire waistline and sprinkled with crystals." The bodice had a very appealing corset back that was absolutely stunning and tied the dress altogether. Accessories added by the bride included a two layer veil with tiara headpiece, a jewel necklace, and dangling earrings. All of this with her beautiful bouquet completed the ultimate bride appearance of southern belle meets Marilyn Monroe. Nikki- love you! you really were stunning; crying while I write this. OH-and a suggestion was made that Nikki should wear the lace corset top (with a blazer) at every anniversary with Brian. I love this idea and am seriously jealous that she can do this....it is the dress that keeps on giving. LOVE IT.

The Reception

Before the reception the bridal party and bride & groom got to relax in the bridal suites. It was a perfect way to unwind and get all the important pictures done while the festivities were on hold. The Carriage House was a photographers dream offering many great sites to capture the moment. It also helped that the Carriage House complimented Nikki's gown completely; a southern plantation background. The cocktail hour featuring a large variety of stations and endless hors d'oeuvres was filling without overload. Nikki-your dad and I didn't stop until we hunted down the "pigs in a blanket." HA.

Nikki's cake was unbelievably grand, as well. I need a picture, because words could not explain the cake presentation. If I had to try, it was four layers on separate cake stands swirling down to a smaller and smaller stand...does that make sense? I need a pictures. It was awesome is appearance and taste. I should know I stole like five pieces for the hotel room.

The reception hall was GRAND and again staying with the theme of the night. Nikki's dress was bustled and night was filled with friends, family, fun, and love. Highlights of the night: the cake; the dress; the re-crowning of Mr. Washington Twp; the first dance, Heaven-Bryan Adams, w/added dance moves by the couple; the candy bar; and just knowing that the couple had a great night and were truly happy, very much in love, and living the dream........

Happy Birthday Weston ---

2008-10-12T11:07:00.000-04:00

Holy Sunday - Jack O'Lantern

2008-10-12T06:36:00.001-04:00

History of the Jack O'Lantern
The Irish brought the tradition of the Jack O'Lantern to America. But, the original Jack O'Lantern was not a pumpkin. The Jack O'Lantern legend goes back hundreds of years in Irish History. As the story goes, Stingy Jack was a miserable, old drunk who liked to play tricks on everyone: family, friends, his mother and even the Devil himself. One day, he tricked the Devil into climbing up an apple tree. Once the Devil climbed up the apple tree, Stingy Jack hurriedly placed crosses around the trunk of the tree. The Devil was then unable to get down the tree. Stingy Jack made the Devil promise him not to take his soul when he died. Once the devil promised not to take his soul, Stingy Jack removed the crosses and let the Devil down.

Many years later, when Jack finally died, he went to the pearly gates of Heaven and was told by Saint Peter that he was too mean and too cruel and had led a miserable and worthless life on earth. He was not allowed to enter heaven. He then went down to Hell and the Devil. The Devil kept his promise and would not allow him to enter Hell. Now Jack was scared and had nowhere to go but to wander about forever in the darkness between heaven and hell. He asked the Devil how he could leave as there was no light. The Devil tossed him an ember from the flames of Hell to help him light his way. Jack placed the ember in a hollowed out Turnip, one of his favorite foods which he always carried around with him whenever he could steal one. For that day onward, Stingy Jack roamed the earth without a resting place, lighting his way as he went with his "Jack O'Lantern".

On all Hallow's eve, the Irish hollowed out Turnips, rutabagas, gourds, potatoes and beets. They placed a light in them to ward off evil spirits and keep Stingy Jack away. These were the original Jack O'Lanterns. In the 1800's a couple of waves of Irish immigrants came to America. The Irish immigrants quickly discovered that Pumpkins were bigger and easier to carve out. So they used pumpkins for Jack O'Lanterns.

Happy Belated Anniversary - Robinsons

2008-10-11T16:12:00.002-04:00

Happy Anniversary Candi and Joe.

We hope you had a great time reminiscing about the

passed 9 years together.

Phillies Game October 9th

2008-10-11T11:17:00.004-04:00

Victory Dance!!!!!!

pictures provided by Siobhan

Thanksgiving Hostess Wanted - Position Filled

2008-10-11T10:33:00.002-04:00

So my sister was not kidding when she said in her wedding toast, "Now that you are married what Holiday are you going to host?" I was hoping that the options would remain the SuperBowl, The World Series, or Halloween (something geared towards munchies and booze); however, my sister had other plans in mind for me. Today I got the phone call about hosting Thanksgiving dinner. I am pretty sure last year I was not even allowed to make corn or pick up rolls for Thanksgiving dinner--So either my family thinks that with marriage you automatically form the ability to cook an entire Thanksgiving dinner or they are buying me cooking lessons for my 30th Birthday. Wait, does that mean I have to stick my hand up a turkey's butt? I might buy a pre-cooked turkey and pass it off as my own.

Even though it sounds like I am complaining I am actually pretty happy that my family has bestowed such a big task on HPU and I. It must mean they think we have grown-up...ha. I mean after all Thanksgiving Dinner is no joke. Plus, if we screw this up we can go back to hosting drinking parties permanently...not that I would screw-up on purpose. Seriously though, I am really looking forward to using my new dishes and all the great things I got at my Wedding Shower. Plus this will make HPU and I move a little quicker in buying a new dining room set. And added bonus - HPU and I might even get some leftovers this year. We are usually passed over on the leftovers because we are kid-less, we forget to bring over Tupperware*, and we are not bachelors living in AC.

SO McDevitt/Engelien family you are cordially invited to Thanksgiving Dinner at the Underwood residence-please bring your own tupperware. Mom U, Dad U, and Abber if Disney falls through you are also invited (without Jersey). Klaus Family you are not invited. There are way to many of you for my first dinner party and I am pretty sure Jill might be the only one that can figure out how to handle a dinner for that many people without so much as dropping one f-word. Simply amazing.

*Sidenote-We do not even own Tupperware. We think it is gross and HPU will not eat any leftovers that have touched Tupperware.....it is actually something I really like about him.

Penn State Vs. Wisconsin - Good Luck

2008-10-11T08:35:00.008-04:00

Penn State vs. Wisconsin

There is only one set of twins in these two pictures......

Siobhan and Megan - I will be rooting for Penn State until you take me

to a Wisconsin Bar like the Skeller......

Good Luck to Both Teams!!!!

Happy Birthday Mike D.

2008-10-10T10:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to a One of A Kind Guy....

Enjoy Your Day.

Happy Birthday PB--- Love, LM

2008-10-10T09:24:00.002-04:00

Lets bring it home for your birthday!!!!

Phillies Beat Dodgers 3-2 in NLCS Opener

2008-10-10T07:39:00.006-04:00

Some Facts:

Lauren high-fived Pat the Bat on Locust Street a couple days prior to him hitting the homer that won the game. Coincidence? I think not. Don't wash that hand-just in case.

I love my husband for taking me to the game and for just being him.
I like the name Cole for a boy and maybe Colie for a girl....either way Cole Hamels played a pretty strong game.
The Phillies played their first NLCS game since clinching the pennant in Game 6 against Atlanta at old Veterans Stadium on Oct. 13, 1993.
The Phillies are seeking their second World Series title (first was in 1980) in the franchise's 126-year history.
When Burrell lined a 3-1 pitch into the left-field stands for a 3-2 lead, the sellout crowd of 45,839 went into a frenzy.
Speedy Shane Victorino reached second base leading off on shortstop Rafael Furcal's throwing error. Utley ripped the next pitch into the seats in right-center for his first postseason homer in 29 at-bats, tying it at 2.
It's the fourth time in 31 years that the Dodgers and Phillies meet in the NLCS. The Dodgers beat the Phillies in 1977 and 1978. The Phillies won in '83. ...
Dodgers 3B coach Larry Bowa, who managed the Phillies and played shortstop for the 1980 championship team, received a nice ovation in pregame introductions.
Game 2 is Friday in Philadelphia, with Phillies right-hander Brett Myers facing Dodgers righty Chad Billingsley. We are watching at the TapRoom.
My head is killing me from all the booze last night. And we might be on the news....I need to look.

Material Provided by Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press

Fantasy Survivor - Week 4

2008-10-09T01:55:00.001-04:00

I think that the score keepers in Survivor Fantasy are messing up my score. I currently have 472 points. This is confusing to me considering my picks. O-well. I will just keep playing in hopes that they get my score right at some point. My picks for this week are the following:

Sugar

Charlie

Matty

and Bob

Knock Knock Wednesday - Halloween Foreclosed

2008-10-08T02:36:00.000-04:00

Recipe - Roasting Pumpkin Seeds

2008-10-07T06:29:00.000-04:00

So for our (HPU and my) upcoming monthly date night, that I just set into play, we are going to carve a pumpkin(s) for our party. Once the pumpkin(s) are carved I am hoping to make this recipe for our Halloween Party:

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds
By: Allrecipes Staff

When you're carving your Halloween pumpkins, don't throw away the seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds have a nutty flavor and are packed with protein and fiber. Pumpkin seeds are delicious toasted and salted, but they're even better flavored with sweet and savory spices.

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds:

Rinse pumpkin seeds under cold water and pick out the pulp and strings. (This is easiest just after you've removed the seeds from the pumpkin, before the pulp has dried.)

Place the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet, stirring to coat. If you prefer, omit the oil and coat with non-stick cooking spray.
Sprinkle with salt and bake at 325 degrees F until toasted, about 25 minutes, checking and stirring after 10 minutes.

Let cool and store in an air-tight container.

Every Tuesday, until Halloween, I am going to add a recipe for different spices to add to your roasted pumpkin seeds for flavor......

Pumpkin Carving - Burger

2008-10-06T18:55:00.000-04:00

Mooday Monday - Just Because

2008-10-06T05:47:00.001-04:00

I HATE MONDAYS.

ALREADY LOOKING FORWARD TO

THE UPCOMING WEEKEND. LOTS OF FUN

STUFF PLANNED.........

Holy Sunday - Morning Prayers

2008-10-05T10:21:00.002-04:00

Take Care of Me
Each morning when I wake,

I say Take care of me, Dear God,

Today In work and play, please let me be,

Always Jesus, just for Thee. In all I think, and do and say

Take care of me, Dear God, I pray.

Amen

Morning Offering
Good morning, dear God, I offer to You

My thoughts, words and actions And all that I do.

Amen

Good Morning, God
You are ushering in another day, untouched and freshly new

So here I come to ask You, God, if You'll renew me, too,

Forgive the many errors that I made yesterday And let me try again, dear God,

to walk closer in thy way...

But, Father, I am well aware I can't make it on my own

So take my hand and hold it tight

For I can't walk alone!

Polling - Songs from the 80's

2008-10-04T09:13:00.005-04:00

In the spirit of my upcoming 80's Halloween Party I have created three polls that deal with Popular Songs from the 1980's. Picking the songs to poll was no easy task. I basically picked the songs that I thought screamed the 80's, but there were a million songs that I had to leave out. I also had to create a separate poll for Madonna and Michael Jackson, because they are the 80's. Please vote for your three favorite songs on each poll. I am anxiously awaiting the results.

Halloween-Costume Found

2008-10-02T22:16:00.004-04:00

I found it!!! The ultimate 80's costume. The search is now over.......nice!!!

Also, we had some very good suggestions tonight. I hope to see some of you dressed like the 80's characters that were thought of tonight........this is going to be a very good costume year. I might up the winnings. Happy Hunting.

WTH----Phillies Win and $1 Beers

2008-10-02T21:37:00.005-04:00

So instead of watching season 17 episode 3 of Survivor I got sucked into watching the Phillies beat the Brewers 5-2 with $1 Miller Lights on tap....not a bad trade off. I don't know what is more exciting the Phillies beating the Brewers 5-2 or the $1 Miller Lights at a bar (which I will not name because I don't want that many people crowding in for the $1 beers). I guess the Phillies beating the Brewers is the best part of the deal, because I switched from $1 Miller Lights to $2 Oktoberfest Beers by the 7th Inning Stretch. Also not a bad trade. Either way, go Phillies. Thanks for an awesome season and more to come.....

Fantasy Survivor - Week 3

2008-10-02T17:41:00.001-04:00

I have secured a position in the middle of the list with 328 points. I actually think I am doing rather well considering I did not vote for the bonus question like the rest of the league. I did not know about the bonus question until it was too late. I made a couple trades this week and am pretty nervous. Bob and Corinne are a sure thing, but GC and Charlie can either make or break me. Especially GC.

Bob

Corinne

GC

Charlie

Polls are Closed - Mr. New Year's Eve

2008-10-02T09:24:00.003-04:00

I am so happy to announce that HPU has been crowned the next Mr. New Year's Ever after Dick Clark gives up his reign. Now I need to find out how to get these results to someone that can actually make this happen. Maybe Oprah? Ryan Seacreast came in second place with an amazing six votes. I am so fascinated by his popularity. I really need to give him another chance to change my opinion of him. Third runner up was the funny Jimmy Kimmel, who in my opinion would have been a very entertaining Mr. New Year's Eve. Fourth place winners go to Ron White and Jimmy Fallon, followed by Bill O'Reilly. I am still going to enter my poll idea and entries to the Factor. Bill would get a kick out of even having three votes in the polls. In last place Jack Black, Gary Beucey, and Conan O'Brien.

Thanks for participating. I wonder if Ryan Seacreast has put a hit out on HPU.......

Knock-Knock Wednesday - SuperFreak

2008-10-01T16:24:00.002-04:00

Happy Wednesday Or Happy Work Week is Half Done

You Have Been Mooned

2008-10-01T16:16:00.001-04:00

Look Whose Running for President

2008-10-01T11:21:00.001-04:00

Article provided by Klauder -

http://www.news3online.com/index.php?code=61MH2xRp2YIU87t34b48

Play with Proverbs - Shut Your Pie Hole

2008-10-01T09:39:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be appropriate to say "Shut Your Pie Hole" in today's post concerning the season premier of Pushing Daises. (If you watch the show you get it.) Anyway - HPU told me not to say that, so now I am curious as to what it actual means or where the saying originated.

My Definition: Shut up. I also know that Ben Stiller told the flight attendant to "shut her pie hole" in the movie Meet the Parents.

Real Definition: Nobody Knows......

Pushing Daisies Premier Tonight

2008-10-01T09:31:00.000-04:00

Shut Your Pie Hole and get ready to watch the

Season Premier of Pushing Daisies!!!!!

Evite Website

2008-09-30T21:10:00.005-04:00

In the last six months I might have received five different invitations via Evite. This is almost one per month. So this must mean that Evite is a pretty popular site? With this said, if Evite is so popular why does their website suck so bad? The site is hard to use and has dumb features that need to be updated. For example, I hate the poll your guest option. The feature would be really cool if everyone could see the guests' responses to the polls; however, Evite only allows the host to see the responses. What? And it is harder to obtain access to my Evite account than my bank account. Lastly I know people who can view porn on their computer, but if they get an Evite it is banned. UGH. You would think that a site that has enough power to put the United States Postal Service out of business would be a little better and easier to use.

Anyway - The Evites for our 3rd Annual Halloween Party, that is scheduled for Friday, October 24th, will be out by noon tomorrow. Be on the look out!!!! I vow to send paper invitations for my next party.

Moody Monday - Gloomy Moon on Moody Monday

2008-09-29T01:01:00.000-04:00

Gloomy Moon On Moody Monday

Silhouette the night charade

As we run along the old arcade

I heard the whispers deep within

And felt the pulse where life begins

What light breeds shadows upon the rain

Is there the reason to hide in shame

My heart is like the deepest ocean

And carried forth with one good notion

Which lives and breathes within my heart

As I listen to the sounds upon your harp

Whispers echo like silent rain

As they dance upon the window pane

Gloomy moon on moody Monday

How I wish it were forever Sunday

-Author Unknown

Phils Clinch

2008-09-28T12:11:00.003-04:00

How did I find out the Phillies Clinched on Saturday? When I was on the bridge coming home from Philly via PATCO, HPU and I looked over at the stadiums and fireworks erupted in the sky. At that moment we knew.........GO PHILLIES.

Holy Sunday - Lady of Czestochowa (Black Madonna)

2008-09-28T09:44:00.004-04:00

History - The creator and time stamp for the portrait of Our Lady of Czestochowa are unknown. History will have it that the portrait was created by St. Luke, the evangelist, on a wooden table where the Virgin took her meals. The portrait was eventually removed from the Holy Land by St. Helena in the fourth century and taken to Constantinople. The painting was later used to run invaders, called the Saracens, out of the city. Eventually the Saracens Emperor threatened to destroy the painting. Upon hearing this the Emperor's wife, Irene, hid the painting from her husband for almost 500 years. It later became part of a dowry and was transported to Russia to a region that later became Poland. In the fifteenth century it was owned and protected by St. Ladislaus.

Miracles - Due to many attempted attacks of the painting, St. Ladislaus decided to relocated the painting to the safer city of Opala. During the excursion to Opala, St. Ladislaus stopped in Czestochowa, and placed the portrait in the monastery site Jasna Gora for safe keeping during his visit. Upon departure of Czestochowa he placed the portrait back in his cart, but the horses refused to move. St. Ladislaus took this as a sign from above that the painting's rightful place was the Jasna Gora, which was named for the Assumption. Once the painting was replaced in Jasna Gora the horses continued on their journey to Opala. The painting was replaced in the Jasna Gora on August 26, 1382, a day that is still observed as the Feast Day of the painting.

Even though the painting found a permanent location, it was still not safe from attacks. In 1430 invaders called the Hussites stormed the monastery and stole the painting. Once the painting was placed in the cart the horses again refused to move. The Hussite became angry and threw the painting from the cart where it broke into pieces. Once broken one of the thieves drew his sword and slashed the image two times on the face. While attempting his third slash the thief began to wither in agony, until his death. Many have attempted to restore the painting from the injuries, two slashes on the cheek and one on the throat, inflicted by the Hussites; however, each time the painting was restored the images of the slashes reappear.

In 1655 the painting was again threatened, but the Madonna protected the 300 men that were guarding the painting from an army of 12,000. After this attack the Holy Mother was named the Queen of Poland.

Pilgrimages - During World War II, Hitler ordered all religious pilgrimages ceased. In defiance of Hitler's order a half a million Poles made the voyage to the Lady of Czestochowa for worship. Again in 1948 when the Poles took over Warsaw and the entire country from the Soviet Union, the Polish people made a pilgrimage to the Lady of Czestochowa for worship. The pilgrimage to the Lady of Czestochowa is still taken today by many Polish Catholics. There is also a National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA.

Why is the lady black? The Lady of Czestochawa is one of the few acclaimed versions of the Black Madonnas. Some claim that the portrait turned black from candle light smoke while the painting was in hiding for protection. History also claims that the Madonna protected the monastery from fire, but not before the flames turned the pigment in the portrait to black.

Bibliography: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Czestochowa, http://www.catholictradition.org/Mary/czesto.htm and http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/meditations/olczest.html

Marriott Waikiki Resort and Spa

2008-09-28T09:21:00.005-04:00

We are staying at the Marriott Waikiki Resort and Spa for the first leg of our honeymoon. The hotel is located on Waikiki Beach and is central to most of the attractions. It has six restaurants that include Italian, Steak, Sushi/Seafood, and a couple lounges and breakfast/lunch grills. It also has a spa, fitness room, two pools, and a whirlpool. I am very happy about the on site spa. I am sure HPU will be happy to know that we are surrounded by six golf courses; however, HPU does not want to talk about the honeymoon, so he might never find out about that little fact.

How to Score Points in Survivor Fantasy

2008-09-27T08:28:00.002-04:00

Here's how the points are scored:

Reads Tree Mail: Your team earns 10 points any time one of your Survivors reads aloud any part of the "Tree Mail".
Cries: Your team earns 12 points any time one of your Survivors sheds tears
Sprint Forward in the Game: Wins Immunity (group): Your team earns 25 points any time one of your Survivors is on the tribe that wins the Immunity Challenge.
Sprint Forward in the Game: Wins Immunity (individual): Your team earns 30 points any time one of your Survivors wins the individual Immunity Challenge.
Wins Reward Challenge (group): Your team earns 10 points any time one of your Survivors is on the tribe that wins a Reward Challenge.
Wins Reward Challenge (individual): Your team earns 20 points any time one of your Survivors wins the individual Reward Challenge.
Jeff Says Your Name: Your team earns 3 points any time Jeff Probst says the name of one of your Survivors.
Use of NOW Wireless Device: Your team earns 30 points any time on of your Survivors uses a Sprint NOW Wireless Device.
Chosen for Reward Prize: Your team earns 10 points any time one of your Survivors is chosen to share a reward prize.
Gets Immunity Idol: Your team earns 15 points any time one of your Survivors is given an Immunity Idol by any other Survivor.
Sent to Exile Island: Your team loses 18 points any time one of your Survivors visits Exile Island.
Sits Out Challenge: Your team loses 12 points any time one of your Survivors does not take part in a group
Challenge: Reward or Immunity. Voted Off: Your team loses 40 points when one of your Survivors gets voted off the island.
Gives Immunity Idol: Your team loses 15 points any time one of your Survivors gives the Immunity Idol to another Survivor.
Receive Medical Attention: Your team loses 10 points any time one of your Survivors receives professional medical attention from a Survivor Staff memver.

Bonus Points/Ponderosa: You are awarded 30 points for correctly answering the Weekly Bonus Point question and/or the Ponderosa Extra Point question. How do Bonus Points/Ponderosa work? Weekly Bonus Point Question: Each week at midnight Eastern time following the broadcast of each new episode of Survivor: Gabon a multiple choice Weekly Bonus Points question based on the episode broadcasted the previous evening will be posted at the Survivor: Gabon Fantasy League site. For each Weekly Bonus Points question answered correctly by a registered player, the registered player's team will be awarded 30 Bonus points. A registered player has until 5:00 pm ET the following Thursday to submit their answer. Ponderosa Extra Point Question: Starting on or about 11/07/08, a weekly three-part multiple choice question will be added to the game. For each weekly Ponderosa question answered correctly by a registered player, the registered player's team will be awarded 30 Ponderosa points. The content will be based on the prior week's PONDEROSA clip which will be available online at www.cbs.com/ponderosa.

Points accrued through the WEEKLY BONUS POINT and the PONDEROSA EXTRA POINT questions will be added to the players overall game total by 6:00 PM Pacific Time the day following the night of each new Survivor: Gabon broadcast.

30th Birthday Make-Over

2008-09-26T22:02:00.004-04:00

So the search for my 30th Birthday present is over.......

I found the perfect gift!!!!!!!

I am so very excited that I might try to convince HPU

to let me have it early.....like October.

HPU is also very excited about my gift....yay.