Addendum

As an addendum to a previous post where I bitched about postal workers getting every holiday possible off work, check this out: postal workers may get another day off work a week. Ok, who knows if that's what this truly means, but WHATEVER! I will take it as I want to take it!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28897426/

Woodland Fields' Progressive Dinner

If you don't know by now, my little slice acreage that I call home is in an area of Southwood called Woodland Fields. Well, me and my fellow homeowners decided to put on a Progressive Dinner. Every house had a tapa and a specialty drink. Signs were put out in front of the house, menus were made, and yes, even a map was provided (in the off chance someone got too drunk to be able to find their way home). The evening was a major success with only a little bit of shenanigans sprinkled in the mix. It was so successful that we have decided to make it an annual event!

The Menu:

House 1 (Matt and Mary):

Saucy Shrimp and Lemon Drop Martinis

Traveling cocktail: jello shots

**Let's all just admit the truth. It all went downhill from house #1. Those lemon drops were S.T.R.O.N.G.! Wow-e! What a way to start the night! And as a chaser? Jello shots! Oh yah, baby. I haven't had those since college. Good times, I'm telling you. Adults should make jello shots more often. However, a few words of caution: (a) if you have children, they will request one because "it's only jello mom!" (b) it is quite hard to travel with them. I believe there is a permanent red stain on the sidewalk from where one was dropped (Gasp! I know - alcohol abuse right?!)

House 2 (Jeremy and Ashley):

Pasta Fagioli Soup and Sgroppinis (haha, that looks like it would be said "S-gro-penis" LOL)

**I believe everyone enjoyed this. Although I can't be sure. I think everyone was too busy feeling the effects of the lemon drops. But I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my soup and drink! :-)

House 3 (Terry and Catherine, Geof and Rebekah):

Bolas de Arroz con Pollo and Sangria

Empanadas and Mohitos

**Wow! What can I say? Delicious in every sense. First of all, I love Rebekah's sangria. It is by far some of the best I've ever had. Possibly it's because I have a passionate love affair with champagne, which just happens to be one of the ingredients in this sangria. And Catherine's empanadas? Yummy, although a tad spicy for my taste (sorry, I have a very sensitive pallate). But Jeremy was in love with them. I swear if one of those empanadas jumped off the plate and asked Jeremy to run away to Mexico with it, he would leave me for the empanada. Don't laugh - that's how much he loved them. And the mohitos?! Well, normally I'm not a huge fan of mohitos. I can't exactly put my finger on why. But these? Well, let's just say I had 2. They were delicious!

House 4 (Brandon and Laura):

Herbert Surprise and The Pink Drink

**Herbert Surprise was named because, well, the meal was a surprise! We ended up with 3 tapas to choose from: shrimp cocktail, potato skins, and wings. Yum!! And the pink drink was sort of like a hunch punch. It brought me back to those college fraternity parties where the frat guy would bring you a drink and say "it's just punch" in hopes of getting in your pants later that evening .... Oh come on! I know this happened to you! Unless I'm mistaken, the first accident of the evening occurred at House #4 - yes, pink drink was spilled on their basically white carpet. EEEEEKKKKKKK! Ok, I'll admit it - I was the culprit. But it was not, I repeat: was NOT, my drink! And whoever put their cup 1/2 full of pink drink up on the bar within elbows reach should also claim some of the blame! I can't help it that I was in a heated discussion with Samantha on possible upcoming legislation......

House 5 (Dustin and Nancy):

Chocolate fondue and cordials

**The last stop of the evening provided the dessert. Chocolate fondue - with or without Maker's Mark - and plenty of accurtamont (sp?) to go along with it. Then there was coffee with a variety of options to "spice" it up, if you know what I mean. And of course, what evening would be complete with a bonfire and smores?

The rest of the evening shall be kept quiet - but it shall live in infamy forever. Sort of like President Kennedy's assasination - who done it? Who knows! But we all remember it! ;-)

So, here is to a wonderful night of fun with friends and looking forward to next year!

The first house of the evening:

The third house of the evening (notice all the leaning???):

The fourth house of the evening (and yes, the pink drink came out of the carpet!):

The last house of the evening:

First Wedding of 2009

Over the weekend of January 10 we attended the Davies/Raschke wedding in St. Pete. It was all beautiful: the bride, the wedding, the weather. You name it. And I had the opportunity to stay in the hotel where Florida's Governor got married. I know - who cares right? But I like to have my own little claim to fame - even if it's only in my own mind. Yes, I realize I was not at the Governor's actual wedding, but I can pretend.

Anyway, there was a lot of fun to be had that weekend. We picked our good friends Gareth and Vanessa up at the airport Friday night and because they agreed to share a room with us I was able to stay in the Vinoy, thus engaging in my Governor wedding mirage. Saturday we walked around downtown St. Pete - which encompassed like 2 blocks. Or at least that's as far as we went. We endulged in decadent crepes at a truly French creperie and then rushed back to the hotel to get ready for the main event: the wedding.

Of course the ceremony was beautiful, as was the bride. And the reception was beyond fun. Let me say that vodka tonics are my new drink of choice. Even after losing count of how many I had, even with my wonderful bartender filling the glass near to the top with vodka and then adding only a dash of tonic, I managed to feel completely normal the next morning. Ok, well, maybe not completely normal. I felt a tad off. But comparatively speaking to how it could have been? Yes, vodka tonics are my new BFF.

I am sorry it has taken me so long to post photos from the wedding and I hate to admit, I still have the photos from my nice camera to download. So photos from the ceremony? Yah, not here yet. Sorry. I promise to post a few once I download them. However, I do have some of the fun had later!

Me and the love of my life:

Gareth and Vanessa:

The girls at the Andrews 228 table- Vanessa, me, Betsy, and Jen:

Betsy doing her famous dance:

Us and the happy couple:

And some photos at the After-the-Reception-Party:

Me and Fish:

Vica, Erin, and me:

Pet Peeve Vent

I have just wasted 42 cents. I know. It's not a lot of money. But still. It's the principle of the matter. I don't understand why you have to use extra postage when mailing a square envelope rather than a rectangular one. WHY?!? Is it really that hard to sort out the square ones? Postal workers get every holiday known to man off work. If Hallmark created "Happy Friday the 13th Day" I'm sure postal workers would get it off. On a side note, can you imagine the cards??? That could get interesting. Just don't send one of the ones where Michael Myers pops out in his scary mask to your 90 year old grandma - the consequences could be deadly and you may be buying a sympathy card next. Ok, moving on. So since they manage to get every possible holiday off work, then why oh why can't they at least be responsible for separating out the square envelopes when they are actually at work? And how much "more postage" is actually required? Two cents? Ten cents? Unless you take the time to trek over to the post office one does not know. And that is why I have just wasted 42 cents. Because I had to put two stamps on this envelope. I don't know why this bothers me so much but it does. It's just another way the man is trying to get us down. (fist in air!)

Please join me in welcoming to the world . . .

Aiden Robert Holden

Aiden was born January 17, 2009 at 5:37 p.m., weighing in at 6 pounds, 6 ounces! Aiden was so excited to see his mommy and daddy that he came almost a month early (27 days to be exact). But no worries, mommy is doing ok and little Aiden is currently in the NICU with a few complications, but should be ok in just a few days. I wish I had a photo to post of his adorable face (I mean, I guess he could be one of those babies who is really not cute, but no one can bear to tell that to the baby-momma so they just ooh and ahhh because it's what's expected .... no, I'm sure Aiden is in fact adorable and I'm basing this purely on genetics and his wonderful-looking parents!). Anyhoo, I don't currently have a photo, but as soon as I do, I will update my post. So here's to little Aiden and wishing him a speedy recovery so he can hurry home and keep his mommy and daddy up all night crying and eating and pooping! ;-)

**Update: I found a photo of baby Aiden on Facebook (whatever did we do without FB??) and as expected, he IS adorable!

So I'm a little behind

I realize that it is now January 14th. Fourteen days into 2009. And I have not come up with my New Year's Resolutions, aka, things I always have good intentions of doing, but end up crapping out on within the month of January. Maybe this year will be different? Well, one can only hope. Maybe I should take a cue from my friend Amanda and call these my New Year's Goals. I guess resolutions and goals are somewhat similar, huh? Hmmm, let's find out.

resolution (rez-uh-loo-shun) n.
2. A resolve or determination
3. The act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.

goal (gohl) n.
1. The result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

Ok, well, let's call these my New Year's Steps-to-Reach-a-Goal!

1. Work out more (and lately, just one day a week would classify as "more" - sad)
2. Work on food portion control
3. Continue to try new recipes
4. Concentrate on using patience
5. Try to be more positive (and I got a Positive Thinking book for Christmas - how ironic)

If you noticed, I did NOT say "lose weight." I have always failed on that resolution. It's such a hefty task to undertake and you set yourself up for failure if you aim too high. However, goal #1 and #2 are more or less working toward losing weight. But I figured I might be more succesful if I only have to concentrate on "working out more" or "watching my portions" rather than "I MUST LOSE 10 POUNDS NOW!" You know, that sort of mind manipulation crap. Whoops, there I go, already failing at goal #5. This is going to be a loooong year........

**Whoops, I just remembered I told some friends that "trying to play bunco" would be on my New Year's Resolutions list. I mean, really, what is bunco? It sounds like something you'd find at a rodeo. Like barrel riding or bull riding. Maybe it will be a new game where competitors run around trying to bob the rodeo clowns on the head. Now that might be fun. But I think the bunco my friends are talking about is the one with dice. So I guess I'll settle for something a little more tame. But one of these days I will get to bob a rodeo clown on the head; you just wait and see.

Disaster hits New Orleans!

I believe everyone knows exactly what I'm talking about. No, there was no hurricane; no flooding; no snow; no murder/suicide/assault; no more Congressional madame scandals; no inept mayor and Governor. This disaster was even worse . . .

The 2009 Sugar Bowl!

Yah, that is about how we all felt.

The day started off pretty routine. We left Pensacola and headed over to New Orleans. But not before the crew was immortalized:

(Jeremy, Ashley, Sal, Ronnie)

And of course, there had to be a separate photo of the Alabama divas. Yes, we were the only ones out of the group that actually went to Alabama, hence, we were the ones who cared the most!

The road trip was pretty uneventful actually. I kept waiting for Sal to pull her econo-lodge-of-a-vehicle around us and then pull a speed racer as she left us in the dust. But she patiently drove behind us the entire way! Yes, this requires another one of these:

The other surprise along the vast netherlands that is I-10 is that we did have to stop once for a potty break. BUT ....... I was not the culprit for once! It was Jeremy's bladder that had filled beyond comprehension. I would add another shocked face, but I really don't feel like it. I think you got the point.

We arrived in New Orleans, the land of smell and grime, around 3:00 p.m. and promptly checked into our hotels. Let me tell you, I was thoroughly impressed with the Omni. You must check it out. The turn-down service and chocolate on the pillow is well worth it. Trust me.

After checking in, we met up and headed to the French Quarter where we found a nice little place to eat linner (aka, lunch/dinner) - one that was showing the Ole Miss v. Texas Tech game of course! Go Rebels!!! I got to meet up with an old friend during linner and it was great to see him again!

I started to rush us out of there ("We've got to get going...don't know how far of a walk it is to the Super Dome") when I was promptly informed it was only 5:15 p.m.! And there were beers to be had damnit! So we headed to a bar in the French Quarter that had Karoke, bull riding, and most importantly 3 for 1 beers! What a great little place to chill before heading out to the game. I wish I had gotten a photo of this place, but handling a camera when you have 3 beers is a little difficult. And God forbid you drop a beer!!!!! (Every good Southern woman knows that).

The walk to the Super Dome was relatively short and enjoyable. And our seats were fabulous - club level baby! So far, so good. Even this part was good:

But after that it went downhill . . . and fast. I know, I know. I said on Facebook that I would never speak of this again. But, it's my blog and I'm allowed to break the rules here. However, I do reserve the right, like Betsy did after the Iron Bowl, to delete any rude, sarcastic, or mean comments. And then I reserve the right to come after you with my newly acquired AK47 (did I mention I'm allowed to have it at work now? LOL)

Needless to say, I'm actually pretty impressed with how our band played on the field. I mean, who would have thought they could start to rally in the second half. But that's what they did. Good boys. Oh wait..... that WASN'T our band on the field?!? Then where the hell was our team???? Oh yes, that's right. Now I remember. They didn't show up. I seriously have no clue where our team was during the Sugar Bowl. Granted we were missing Smith and Cody (still don't know the whole story on why he didn't play much of the game - hope he didn't rehurt himself!), and yes, they are great players.... but you can't blame this mess on them. The whole team was missing. And after JP's first interception I would have sworn he was being paid off. Utah came to win the Sugar Bowl and Alabama was pissed off they weren't in the National Championship. Yup, that's what happened folks. So give Utah some credit - they played a good game. That being said, I will never endorse them for #1 and I do not believe they should have a beef about not being in the National Championship game. They played a good game like I said. But it's still Utah. And, if Alabama had even come close to showing up to the game the score would not have been like it was. So, yes, Utah won, but not because they are just THAT good of a team. Rather, they won because Alabama played like shit. Sorry to say it my friends, but it is the truth. And any person out there (especially any SEC fan) knows deep down that if Alabama had played like they did during thier regular 12 games of the season, we would have kicked the snot out of them Utes. But, that's not here nor there. It can't be undone. So, we shall congratulate Utah on their nice win and undefeated season!

Anyway, as the debacle was going on, we still tried to have a good time (and ignore the $8 beers). Look at these great seats!


And of course, once it was all over, we decided to head to Bourbon Street. Where else can you forget your sorrows?! And the night went on and on and on and on . . . due to Ronnie's ADHD mostly. Awww, we love you Ronnie! Despite the fact that the Utah fans were suddenly out in force (and non-existent before the game) and completely obnoxious, we had a good time.
Maybe this is why they say "boys have cooties." What is up with these faces?!?

And of course we are completely normal! LOL

Now, there is just one more thing to say. Because like Sal had to tell some Utah bitch, we are NOT fair weather fans and we love our team no matter what . . .

ROLL TIDE ROLL BABY!!!!!!!!

New Year's Fun

Happy 2009!!!!

New Year's was a blast - in fact there was a little TOO much shenanigans going on in Southwood. But you only live once. Jeremy and I started the evening grilling out a nice filet mignon, paired with rice (for Jeremy - yes, he is weird) and a baked potato for me, and some veggie. Funny how I don't remember what the veggie was - you can see where my mind was: MEAT AND POTATOES BABY!!! Anyway, it was delicious if I do say so myself. Jeremy makes a mean steak!

Anyway, after filling our bellies in anticipation of the long night of boozing that was to come, we headed over to Catherine and Terry's house. By the way, her house is A.DOR.A.BLE! I swear she and Rebekah came from Martha Stewart's womb! We hung out there for awhile and then headed to Matt and Mary's for some good time cheer. Unfortunately, Matt and Mary were not able to acquire a babysitter, hence the get-together at their place. Sadly, we did wake the babies (Evelyn and Eloise at least). But you know what that meant .... PASS THE BABY!!! Yes, all of us girls passed Evelyn around like she was our own little sack of potatoes. She was so freaking cute!!! And about that time I believe there was some sort of pact made. But that is top secret and shall not be revealed until due time! Heheehe. So, after waking the kiddies, we decided we should head out. We headed to the Cooksey's for some more fun. They have a beautiful house! I think the boys were in heaven because of all of the big screen TVs. [rolling my eyes] Then it was off to another party. Yes, we made the rounds. We headed to Janene's house next. Her's was the first that was not actually in our little piece of paradise (Woodland Fields). Luckily, she still lives in Southwood, so it was not a far drive. And that is where the party began! We had shots, champagne, participated in a Spanish tradition (grapes on a stick - yum!) and had our own dance floor in the dining room. It was a good time had by all. That's all I will say - partially because I don't feel like writing down how much fun we really had and partially because I'm not sure if I can remember how much fun we really had! LOL

Needless to say it was a VERY late night. And thankfully I have the best husband around - one who loves me unconditionally. Thanks hunny!!

Now for some incriminating evidence!

Everyone had to take a photo with the 2009 glasses. Duh!

Rebekah in the 2009 glasses:

Geof in the 2009 glasses:

I think Jeremy was saying something like "I'm going to get you...."

Two lovely ladies: Rebekah and our wonderful host, Janene:

Oh yes, there was dancing:

Catherine and me...towards the end of the evening....

Terry, Catherine, Brandon and me: