Old Lady is Disappointed

I told 'Old Lady' today that I was reading Harry Potter and that I saw the movie this weekend with my little brother. You should have seen the look of shame and disappointment that quickly came across her face. I was so sad. She said she's glad I can read at an eight grade level. Oh the humanity. Now I need to double read a good interesting adult reading level book to balance out the magic and make believe, and trust 'Old Lady' I will not be a midnight movie viewer. I don't think I've been to any midnight movie showings for epic movies. I do remember coming out of a late movie and seeing all the freaks dressed up when the first or second Pirates of the Caribbean came out, not my cup of tea.

Anyone been to a midnight release, or better yet dressed up for a movie theater? and is it better to be a nerd and stake out a bookstore for a midnight release or be a nerd and camp out in a movie theater?

So I Might Be a Little Behind the Times

Last night in a last ditch effort to find something interesting to watch at 11 o'clock at night I ran across the end of a Deadliest Catch marathon, the last few episodes from the season that aired this summer. It was the episode that showed the fleet getting the news that Captain Phil Harris had passed away. It was a very sad, I can't stand to see guys cry, it just breaks my heart then of course I start tearing up too.

I don't really remember how it came up but my brother let me borrow the first book of Harry Potter, that came out when and I haven't read it yet? Oh well I'm on it now. I've seen all the movies I guess I was just a little nervous about how big the books are, they are a little intimidating. But I have read the Twilight books and they are big too, and since I've been a part of 'The Page Turners' I've been a little less scared to tackle the bigger books. Back to the movies, NiBo and I went and saw the latest Harry Potter movie it was good I even got a little teary-eyed when the one little elf fella died, well it was sad.

and now here I am catching a Hallmark movie after it's already started. So I guess I'm just in a catching things in the middle and after the initial "everyone is doing it" has worn off. I don't know if I can stick with this Hallmark movie too much longer, I don't like all these sad sappy things, but I do love John Corbett.

I also have a habit of getting into TV shows a little late it seems. I picked up 'The Walking Dead' with only two episodes left (caught it on a marathon too) Wow it seems that mulitple hours of television sucks me in, Dirty Jobs alsmost got me earlier this evening too. And a show set in high school about a group of teens who like to sing (I'm embarassed to admit I watch this show, so I feel that if I don't mention it by name it's not really something I have to admit to, lol) but everyone has already been on that bandwagon and here I am getting into it a little late.

Oh and we had the annual GC Christmas parade last night. We had it a week later than we normally do, it makes it feel more like the Holiday season is here. We also have a tree in the middle of town this year. I have mixed feelings about it, it's in kind of a random spot and it has concrete barriers around it painted like presents, we wonder how long it will be before some crazy drunk person runs into it. Our little town is all busy with the holidays, the lights uptown are lit everynight now, Christmas songs are filling the radio and my mom is requesting Christmas lists already. I don't know if I'm quite ready for it yet, it doesn't quite feel like it just yet.

Did you miss me?

Hello again my loyal followers. I hope you all were busy with your holiday festivities and didn't notice my little cyber vacation. But I'm back after a week off. I'll get back to regular posting this week.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. It's back to the daily grind tomorrow (sadface) but we aren't that far off from Christmas! Whose an overachiever and has their shopping done already?!

Definately a Country Mouse

Mom's rocking the perm, I've got the overalls and gma is rockin the jean jacket. Classic.

Book Club, Party Time, Excellent

The Page Turner's Society turned 1 today! Hooray! We voted on our favorite spot that we'd had dinner at the past year and the food was delish!

It's no secret that I love bookclub, even if the book ends up sucking I have one night a month to hang out with some great ladies and talk and drink and stuff our faces with food. Everyone brings so much to the table... I know you've heard that all before but it's so true. They are so much fun to sit and chat with, as usual we will veer off course but we all like to read and talk, perfect combo.

This month we read Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. It's tells the story of Charlie, a man in his 30's who is mentally challenged and Algernon a lab mouse who scientist used in an experiment to test a procedure that would make him smarter. Needing a human trial they found Charlie and gave him the same operation to increase his IQ. The book is from Charlie's perspective through his progress reports he rights to chart improvements. This book was also a Hallmark movie with Matthew Modine and there is a nice cliff notes version for you as well.

The book starts out with grammatical errors and misspelled words since Charlie isn't too smart. As the book progresses his dated progress reports become more correct as we see that the operation has worked and Charlie's IQ is increasing. As the story continues the author challenges to see whether or not intelligence makes a person better. We follow Charlie through his struggles as his mind outgrows his emotional and social "smartness" It's a sad story as you see him struggle through these changes. But it's one of those books that you have to read to see if you'll like it.

I actually had "read" this book back in High School so I knew the general premise of the book. I gave it a 3 and our discussion a 4 this time around. We have already read 12 books, it's crazy to think about. December is my month and we will be reading A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood. You may remember this being my secret submission for the one year anniversary meeting. I really liked the book, it's a different style/direction for the club and it's a good short book for a busy December (can you believe it's almost December already?! crazy!) So read along with us and tell me what you think of the book if you ready it. It's also a very pretty movie directed by Tom Ford starring Colin Firth (love him). Happy Book Club Night everyone!

Make Mine a Double

As I sit here stuffing my face with Doublestuf Oreo cookies, I feel really bad for the guy who invented the original Oreo, he got the ultimate one-up. I mean really when you go the grocery store and you see "singlestuf" Oreos sitting next to Doublestuf Oreos have you ever really found yourself saying, man there is too much stuf in the Doublestuf, I think I'll pass. Nope never. Poor single stuf Oreo fella. There is a lesson to learn from all of this.

Go Big or Go Home.

Happy Veterans Day!

My dad served in the Navy for 20+ years and served in Vietnam

Happy Veterans Day Dad!

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations." - Woodrow Wilson

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.  ~Author unknown

While we enjoy the benefits of living in the greatest democracy in the world, we must be ever conscious of the fact that none of the achievements or freedoms enjoyed in America would be possible without the price that has been paid for by our servicemen and women. --Mark Kennedy

My Hot Toddy

According to good ol' Wiki a hot toddy is: a name given to a mixed drink, usually including alcohol, that is served hot. Hot toddies are traditionally drunk before going to bed, or in wet and/or cold weather. They were believed to help cure the cold and flu.

So last night with the urging of co-workers I went ahead and tried a hot toddy to see if it would clear up what I got's going on with my symptoms. So I made some hot tea, added some honey, added some whiskey, and added some lemon. It actually wasn't too bad, I added way to much lemon which made it gross so I didn't finish the whole thing so I think that negates it's purpose but I'd try it again. I've also heard you can add peppermint instead of lemon if that's your thing, so I might try that if I make one again.

It smelled really good and look at how pretty that mug is with my old timers concoction of get well (aka Whiskey, which oddly enough seems to have been used for many ailments) I'm still sneezing, have a runny nose and sound like a man, so I'll keep trying. But I wouldn't rule this out as a future possibility.

10 Things: The nighttime sniffling sneezing coughing aching stuffy head fever so you can rest medicine edition

It seems like cold and flu season is officially upon us. 'Old Lady' and 'TT' were out today and I was left to hold down the fort all by my lonesome. Somehow I managed. My nose is a little runny and I've been sneezing but I'm going to chalk that up to allergies? I have no known allergies (well Vicodin makes me vomit) is that something that you can develop as you age? I suppose that means my immune system is slowly breaking down, I guess that's why old people have to get flu shots all the time. Not looking forward to that.

But in honor of using your PSL days whether it be legit or not I give you 10 Things: The nighttime sniffling sneezing coughing aching stuffy head fever so you can rest medicine edition. 10 things to get you through cold and flu season.

* Kleenex [we discussed at length one day box preferences, I prefer square]

* Warm tea- helps ease a sore throat

* A safety perimeter- don't get too close to those with symptoms

* Soup- stock up, it makes you feel better

* A warm blanket

* NyQuil (or your drug of choice)

* Did I mention Kleenex?- your going to need em, don't be cheap your nose will thank you

* Hand sanitizer- Use it.

* Cold/Flu germs can live up to 48 hours on hard surfaces- clean your desk!

* No brainer- wash your hands and as a courtesy do the sleeve sneeze

I can tell you what we don't need really is this heatwave. Sure it's nice but now we are all going to be dodging the sicky's and picking up their slack at work. :)

Try to stay healthy!

Cowboys, Chaps and Chicago

Friday Night:
Rodeo/Fuedin Hillbilly's
Time I should have been at friends' house: 5:30pm

Left the House: 5:45ish-pm

In my bed: 1:30am
1-10 Scale: 9

Friday was a fabulous night out with the girls. Dinner at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants (in a different city though) then we were off to the Rodeo. Rodeo events are the Mecca of farmboy/cowboy/wrangler/cowboy hats/boots types. I was in heaven. I love how you don't have to get all cutesy'd up for an event like this. The thing that amazes me the most at the Rodeo is how frickin' huge the Bucking Bronc's are. They are HUGE, you think my little pony with a kicking problem but these things are ginormous. You'd have to see them in person to do it justice. More than anything the Rodeo is a fun time to drool at the eye candy.

After the Rodeo ended about 10:30pm we ventured to our favorite Country Bar to check out a favorite local band. I was a little worn out so I didn't get my drink on or shake it country style because I had to be up "early" the next day to head to Chi-town.

Saturday:
Chicago-Financial Seminar w/Bill & Giuliana Rancic/America's Got Talent
Left the House: 8:20am
In my bed: 11:30ish-pm
1-10 Scale: 10+

There are not enough words I can put together to explain how much fun was had on Saturday. Luckily for a friend we were heading up the Chicago the same day as the America's Got Talent Chicago open auditions were held, so he was able to hitch a ride up there with us. The way there and back was the quickest (felt like it anyway) trip to Chicago I have even been on (which hasn't been too many times actually) but me, 'Willie' and 'It's Sew My Style' in one vehicle = too much fun and a major ab workout from laughing so hard.

After we dropped 'Willie' off at his huge mile long line outside of McCormick place we realized that we neglected to print off our confirmation email that would allow us to enter our seminar. No big deal.

We found a parking garage (PS I may have broken every traffic law on the books. It's hard for a country girl to know where to go and avoid potholes AND taxi's AND other cars who can't drive. No ticket no foul, we survived and Simon didn't get a scratch on him). We then located the nearest hotel which turned out to be the Marriott off Michigan Ave. Very nice hotel and I'd recommend staying there if you have the means to do so, very nice decor. We found the business center and got our email printed off.. good to go. Now we were starving too, neither of us had eaten anything yet that day. So we hike it to Watertower place to the food court, we only had about an hour to play with and the line was huge. (everyone and their brother must have been in the city that day) so we decide we should probably head to the other side of town where our whole point of the day was.

With my crazy mad traffic skills and awesome navigator pointing the direction we were hoping the parking that was available for the event wasn't full already or we'd have to find the other place that would require a shuttle to take us and we were only 15 minutes early. Since the parking was in a Catholic Church lot, I said a Hail Mary and hoped for the best. SCORE! Open spots left. So we waited in line and ended up being fine on time since it started an hour late so everyone had time to get in line. Meanwhile, we checked in on our good friend 'Willie' who informed us 3 hours later he was still outside waiting (it wasn't a warm day in Chicago either)

Bill and Giuliana Ranic were the main draw for the MB Financial Bank/Mastercard sponsored Financial seminar. They took the stage and talked about some financial stuff. Giuliana is a twig, very skinny and OMG her ring was blinding us when it caught the light. They are so cute and funny together, a great couple. Giuliana told the story about how she took all the snack bars they had in their green room stating that in this economy you have to take advantage of every opportunity. They were very funny and cute and Bill (who was the winner of the first Apprentice) had some great points to make. The whole time we were listening to all the speakers talk we had a camera guy up in our face with a bright light on top of his camera. What they were filming for we don't actually know, it could be for Bill & Giuliana's reality show, we didn't sign any releases so I don't know how much of our face they could use. Hope I looked good and didn't pick my nose.

There was a Q&A section at the end and this douchey guy (who supposedly went to school with Bill and was probably wearing an Armani suit) really had no question but wanted to brag at how wealthy he was and that he is starting a consulting company and has a 3.2 million dollar contract lined up and doesn't know why he has to put his $700,000 home up for collateral blah blah blah. The crowd turned on him, love it. Then at the end there was a raffle of two tickets to an upcoming Bears game and guess who one. Yep Sir Douche, I'm sure there is a lesson in there somewhere. If we wanted to wait probably another hour or so in line there was a meet and greet with B&G, but we were worn out and too hungry to stay. We ventured back towards downtown.

We decided to have dinner at the Cheesecake factory and parked conveniently on the 10th floor of the John Hancock Building. That was a crazy ride up a spiral parking garage entrance and had to have the underside of the car and the trunk checked before we could enter. We didn't even have to step outside, just a few steps and an elevator trip down we arrived.. finally food... well sort of. We had to wait an hour for a table. It's been awhile since that hungry. Since we had time we checked back in with 'Willie' we had earlier received a text picture of the sign confirming that he had official reached the front of the line. He was now about ready to go in and perform in front of some of the producers for the show. We wished him luck and our table was ready. (Timing was amazing in Chicago too!)

We were so starved that once the waitress came back to get our drink orders we were ready to order (food would make it to us quicker) and we wanted our bread stat! After we had stuffed our face, we ordered our cheesecake to go and 'Willie' had called and said his audition went well he thinks and the friends he made in line were going to give him a ride to downtown where we were, perfect! Just as we exited the restaurant he was there too and we began our venture home.

The ride home went just as fast with tons of laughs and conversations that I can't repeat. We had so much fun on this trip. It's part of our plan to be a little more spontaneous and try different things. We decided we like to be a little more planned out ahead but we did good. I'm trying not to stress out so much about the unknown (aka not knowing my way around Chicago for this example) and anyone who knows me knows that I get a little stressed and uneasy about places I've never been or don't know exactly where I'm going. But this trip just goes to show that if you don't stress, laugh a little, and don't worry so much, things have a way of working themselves out.

“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” -Greg Anderson

B-I-N-G-O was Not This Girls Name-O

The Bingo mistress of luck can be cruel or merciful to beginner bingo-ers. Tonight to me she was not nice. TT she gave $100.... grrr.

Let me run down the scenario for you. We attended the weekly Thursday night Bingo game(s) at the local Moose Lodge. As 'Old Lady' and I walked in the door, there was already too many options for us to choose from. There were technical looking computerized cards and the good ol paper cards. We did note that they were selling daubers there (I searched all over creation for them last night to at least be kind of prepared when we walked through the door) There was a price list off to the side but it's a tough decision to decide how much money do you want to spend to try and win some more money. As we stood there looking perplexed people (clearly pro's) were walking up buying their cards throwing down 40 bones at a time!?! Craziness.

We finally decided on a hybrid purchase. I think we ended up with, actually I don't know how many there were, on the high-tech computery version of bingo and 6 cards per game paper. I chose a green dauber color, while Old Lady had a purple and TT had pink. The computery games were the easiest just type in the number and it does all the work for you, it will even play a little song when you have bingo (although I never heard mine).

We made some friends who are regulars and they helped us out, everyone was so nice. But I could tell there were some hardcore folk there, you know the kind. Kind of butchy old ladies that are probably retired PE teachers, they were there too. Our friends were the sweet old bingo ladies you'd expect to see at any bingo hall.

Once we got in our rhythm we were rockin and rollin' I think the money went to TT's head and she wanted to keep on adding cards like she's a pro because she won a measly $100 game. She's going to cry when I eventually win the big pot. I may be 90 but winning is winning! ;)

Those ladies (and a few men) will through down their whole social security check in hopes of winning a game (about 40-60 dollars assuming there is one winner) but good for them. I hope that at their age I've still got my wits about me to know what numbers are and if I can I'll crank that hearing aide up, rub my little troll's belly for luck and daub away and yell BINGO at the top of my little old lady lungs.

Bingo night was lots of fun, now that my nerves have settled I'm totally ready to go back for more. Watch out because I may just have an official bingo bag to take with me if I keep it up.

10 Things: Favorite Holiday Movies

I had to make a stop at Target this evening to snoop to see what they had and to see if I could find anything that I couldn't live without. But what to my little eyes should appear (if you're expecting eight tiny reindeer you're not too far off) That's right folks the Holiday season is officially upon us. There were "Holiday" trimmings all around the store, hanging from the ceilings, in the form of trimmings for your tree... the whole shebang. And I think I mentioned in a tweet way back in September that the winter scents candle commercial kind of makes me want the holiday season to be here..ask and you shall receive. With only 52 days until Christmas (thanks iphone App, yep there is indeed an App for that) and the holiday songs getting stuck in my head already AND the stores forcing it upon us early... I bring you 10 Things: My Favorite Holiday Movies (meaning a MUST watch every season or it's not Christmas yet) in no particular order...

- A Christmas Story (annual tradition to at least try all 24 hours, thanks TNT!)
- Frosty the Snowman & Frosty Returns (a back-to-back must)
- Rudolph
- Charlie Brown Christmas
- Christmas Vacation
- Home Alone
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (classic cartoon edition)
- It's a Wonderful Life
and the last two are actually Halloween movies, but a Holiday must none the less
- Hocus Pocus
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show

It just isnt' a Holiday Season without these movies.
What are you're must-see Holiday Movies?

Say What?!

I cannot honestly believe that it is November already. At least we get to 'fall back' this weekend and get our lost hour back.

Busy weekend up ahead. Friday is gma's birthday!! She doesn't like to be reminded. Friday is also the annual Rodeo/girls night AND added bonus our favorite band is playing at our country bar Friday night and bonus free admission if you show your ticket stub from the rodeo.. score!

and Saturday I'm heading to the big city to see Bill and Giuliana speak at a financial seminar, it's free, (I'm all about the free and discounts) it's just something spontaneous to do and on a whim.

I'm pretty much at writers block but at least wanted to give you something to read. Oh and I voted.. good job me!

PS. I missed Old Lady today (she was being governmental official today)
PPS. We are going to Bingo Thursday, it shall be fun, wish me luck.
PPPS. I have began putting one less dollar of gas in my car to buy a $1 scratch off.. gotta play to win so far I'm 0/3. It'll pay off one of these days..hopefully!