Christmas Eve

2010 - New very cosy Simply Vera microfleece pajamas! Way to go Mama!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Night 22

2009 - Nick and Nora Sock Monkeys with gingerbread houses. It is
Christmas Eve Eve and I am pooped. I made three kinds of cookies today
plus cinnamon rolls that will stay in the fridge overnight to be baked
in the morning.

Night 21

2008 - This set comes with both pants and the shortest shorts ever.
Thus the pants are usually my choice but I wanted you to get the full
effect.

Fat orange kitty sold separately.

This week with the Bachelorette

Monday night was the dinner with BN. I have to say my co-worker E did good. She was correct in what she had said about him being sweet and cute. So based on first impressions, BN ranks better than BS (who has never been heard from again - which as I said before, just makes it easier for me). BN seemed a little nervous (but hey so was I) and it just made him real. He didn't try to be all cool. After dinner (which he paid for - unnecessary but very nice), he asked if I'd like to go out again and I said yes, definitely - which is what I truly meant. So he gave me his number which I promptly called and said, "Now you have mine." As I told E the next day, I'm the girl, I'm not calling. Not that I would never call later but in this scenario, the ball is in his court. With Christmas and all, I'm not really expecting to hear from him any time soon. I am strangely chill about this - very neutral. I'm usually building castles in the sky by now. Maybe I am growing up (gasp)! But not too much...after all Santa will be here soon. I'm sure he'll bring a baby doll and I am hoping the Three Peas in a Pod and Mr. Pricklepants from Toy Story 3. After all, I have been a very good girl! ;)

Night 20

2007 - If these look slightly familiar it is because you saw a
slightly different version last night. Another good Mama story...she
forgets what the 2006 jammies look like and buys these from the same
store. Well of course they have stuck to their basic look just a
different fabric. So once again here are trees, this time in dark red!

Night 19

2006 - Trees in my favorite color of blue, I love these.

Night 18

2005 - Now we arrive at the year where my Mama lost her mind. Not that
they aren't nice but when you put them on you realize that they are
mostly sheer. Not exactly what you would think for Christmas pajamas.
On the upside, we have gotten lots of amusement, at my Mama's expense,
over the year of the slinky pajamas!

I don't know if you can tell in the picture but that is my hand that
you can see right through the leg. The silver in the middle is my
ring. Did I mention the entire back of the top is like this?

Night 17

2004 - What is there to say? Red. The trim is cute red mesh. Ok, time
to snuggle in.

Night 16

2003 - Let it Snow!

You might guess they came from Victoria's Secret.

Night 15

2002- Jingle Belle

Night 14

2001 - I am stuck with year descriptors now as I had graduated from
college at this point. Oh, but this could be known as the Christmas
season I was working in the mall. Putting that Furman degree to good
use! If you don't already that will make you believe in hell. I was in
Ulta the other day and it all came crashing back when I heard THE song
that was the most annoying and on repeat throughout the mall. I don't
even know the name but some very chipper yet longing girls sing,
"Heey Sannntaaa, Hey Santaa". Horrid.

Anyway it was a good year for cute blue snowmen pajamas!

Night 13

Senior year - All I can say is it is currently 27 degrees right
now...those flannel cows are looking pretty good.

Night 12

Junior year - Snowmen/women These make me think of a few things.
First, that I was given a Derek Jeter poster as a joke and there is a
picture of me in my jammies holding it with a scowl. Go Braves!
Second, I got several travel items because a few short weeks later my
roommate Vonda and I left for foreign study in Israel, Greece and
Italy. That's almost 11 years ago, yikes. Third, these remind of the
ones Bridget Jones had on as she sang "All By Myself" drunk in her
flat...who would do that? Well not tonight anyway. ;)

Snowlady with hat and pocketbook!

Night 11

Sophomore year - My roommate Laura always called these the Chinese ho
pajamas. This was because they a gold print (which you can hardly see
now) that gave them a nice chinese look but at first the top straps
were too long do we got them shortened which then upon another washing
made the top too short. All in all is too bad because I like these
very much. Am now thinking of ways to lengthen the top to a more
wearable fashion.

Night 10

Freshman Year of college - Now a tragic note in our tale...the
original pajamas were STOLEN! A year after their debut, there was an
epic adventure where first my Mama, Sally and I get snowed in when the
Buffalo airport closed. Then the next day as Sally and I begged
airport personnel to get us even close to South Carolina, Mama still
couldn't drive back to Bradford and the car was broken into overnight.
The creeps took my pajamas. Low! Anyway, these are of the same era and
are also plaid.

Night 9

12th grade - Flannel with a mock turtleneck. It is 2 pieces but I
cannot begin to tell you how stiffled these make me feel. Christmas
cows...

Night 8

11th grade - Cream waffle weave with holly berries, always some of my
favorites. Very comfy. This was also the year that I went to the
Christmas dance with Pat Macfarlane, ah nostaglia, now we're facebook
friends.

Bachelorette Update

I week and two days have gone by and I have heard nothing of BS, who I met last Tuesday night. This is totally fine. Very nice guy, attractive but I wasn't flipping out over him. I would have politely accepted an invitation to dinner were it extended but as lukewarm as I was, this just saves me the trouble of ignoring his calls later. Perhaps, he, like me, just wasn't feeling it. Though, I did have a brief moment of "what was it about me?" But I'm over it.

In other news, I am getting closer in physical proximity to the one I am trying to meet at church. Still no words spoken, but he and his mom were sitting diagonally one row behind us last night. Of course, I had a coughing attack and had to tip toe out for a cup of water at the beginning...not the kind of attention I was hoping to attract.

Otherwise, I had two more friends tell me today that they had someone in mind for me. My friend R who was recently married told me her hubbie was talking about me. He thought of me for his boss. Early 30's, PhD, stable career. No name yet - R has not met him so cannot vouch for him as yet.

Then cookbook friend, L, overhearing conversation says, "Are you talking about boys because I think I have one for you?" But, just getting out of a divorce (eek! but I don't say this to L), owns his own business (lawn care) and has lots of tattoos (thought I was over that but it started to sound appealing when combined with working outdoors) and he wake boards. I told her I couldn't bring him home with all the tattoos but she swears with long sleeved shirt, he'd be fine. She thought perhaps we could all go out on their boat this summer. I told her that I appreciated the six months notice to get myself bathing suit ready. I know this guy's name and it is very similar to a beer. But we won't dub him anything yet.

Stay tuned....dinner with BN week after next!

Night 7

10th grade - Those pajamas look like a
coloring book you say? Yeah, that was the idea. It came with special
crayons that you color the shirt in and it stays forever. Hmmm. Well
it wasn't fast coloring and after I did the wreath, candle and Merry,
I was pretty much over it. All the color but the faint hint you see
here came out in one wash. Thus the rule was instituted: "No pajamas
where you have to actively participate in their creation."

Night 6

9th grade - This one was absurdly short even then. I recall (with
appropriate horror) that I wore some white stirrup pants (gasp)
underneath on Christmas morning. But they went great with the new ice
skates I got - first Christmas in Bradford, PA.

Night 5

8th grade Part 2 - As I recall, we saw the Benetton one and thought
that was cute but the "official" one is always what my Mama picks out.
It is wrapped up and says "Open Christmas Eve".

Puppies

Night 4

8th grade - As true today as it was then! And yes that says United
Colors of Benetton, it was the coolest in '92.

Night 3

7th Grade - a decent length at last!

Mawmaw said, "That reminds me of one you had when you were little."

Night 2

6th grade - I must have been a lot shorter then!

Let the Christmas pajama countdown commence!

5th grade - You can't see it here but under the Deerheart it has a
copyright 1988.

The Bachelorette

Ok, so that is a picture of a picture and it was taken 9 years ago (boy I wish I still looked that young) but it is perfect for this entry. Lately, I have had several friends wanting to set me up. First, it was my dear friend Ashley, who had a family friend/neighbor in mind. He never materialized in person. Then my beloved Vonda, thought she had a winning candidate and had the brilliant notion of hosting a Swinging Singles Party to get lots of guys and gals together with less pressure. All the single ladies were on board - none of the single guys would commit. Now if that isn't symbolic of the overall reality! Yet, Vonda is not to be thwarted. Though no further definitive plans have been made, she is still plotting - with a least 2, possibly 3 Greenville Bachelors in mind. Then some time ago, my co-worker "E" decides that I need to meet guy who we'll call Bachelor N (BN). BN works with E's hubbie and she thinks he is super terrific. After one failed attempt to get hubbie to ask BN about going out for sushi. E decided to just send a meeting request to all parties. We are going to have sushi in about 3 weeks.

In the meantime, just post-Peru trip, friend "K" calls saying, "I think I know someone who might be o.k. for you." My response is, "Wow, what a ringing endorsement!" K responded by saying that she didn't want to oversell him. While she thinks he is really nice, she only knows him from her hubbie's company co-ed softball team. She also said he was always prepared with ibuprofen for everyone. So I say sure, whatever set it up with....oh yeah K doesn't even know his last name but we'll call him Bachelor C for now.

Just last week my cookbook friend J called and left a message that was like, "I was just thinking about you and I have a question for you." I knew just by the tone in her voice what was up! Once we actually got in touch, she did in fact ask if I was single and how I felt about blind dates. Just as I told K - I trust my friends. So the guy we will call Bachelor S works with her. I am a little wary of all the build up since she told BS that I had beautiful dark hair and porcelian skin. While some would argue the truth to that, I just don't want him thinking too high - like Catherine Zeta-Jones is waltzing in there. But I have to give J props, she made it happen in a week. This very evening, J, her hubbie, BS and I are meeting for drinks after work. We're at T minus an hour and counting and that first-day-of-school-excitement-I'm-going-to-throw-up is kicking in.

So we'll see...I just think it would be interesting to have many of these potentials met in a short period of time so that I really can feel like The Bachelorette -without the cameras.

Oh yeah, and did I mention I'm trying to stalk someone at church too? Not the one that kept ignoring me, another one. But I haven't met him yet. Hope I do in time for the Rose Ceremony!

Anniversary Dinner

My parents celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary this weekend. For such a momentous occasion, I decided to have a little a dinner party for them and invite our family friends Linda and Alan. I have a history of going all out - the first time I ever made dinner for my parents it was a Standing Rib Roast. One year for Mother's Day, I made Lamb Chops and last December I tackled Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon. All of these were met with great acclaim. Though multiple dinner preparations were interrupted by the dulcet tones of the smoke detector. Apartment kitchens are not designed for un gourmand much less trois. (I may have see Julie and Julia too many times.) And truthfully, the boeuf was so time consuming (though unequivocally worth it) that I never even had time to shower. So my parents arrive all dressed up and I have my hair in a knot, am wearing pj pants and my Furman sweatshirt. Then this past Mother's Day, I got distracted with the smoke detector and burned what would have been lovely mashed potatoes.

Therefore, the pressure was on to put a fantastic meal on the table and do it with grace, style and sans disaster. And I have to say - that happened. On the downside, I have but one photo of the process.

The pan with the whisk holds the contents of what will be frosting for a German Chocolate Cake. I highly recommend Egglands Best Eggs.
The cutting board has 4 ounces of chopped white chocolate that would make one of the top 3 cake frostings I have ever had.

So the menu:

Bleu Camembert Torte with Crackers

Green Salad with Lemon Olive Oil Dressing

Osso Buco with Tomatoes, Olives and Gremolata

Risotto Milanese

Asparagus Wrapped in Phyllo

Foccacia

German Chocolate Cake

White Chocolate and Lemon Wedding Cake

The appetizer you might find in a little cookbook I know of that is debuting in the spring. The salad was Jamie Oliver's obtained at FoodNetwork.com. The osso buco is from Gourmet, the risotto is James Beard's classic, the wedding cake from Bon Appetit and I found all the recipes on Epicurious. The asparagus can be found in Cooking in High Cotton from the JL of Monroe, Louisiana. The German Chocolate Cake frosting is Trisha Yearwood's - she makes it for Garth!

All in all, I have to say it made for fine eatin'! We had lots of fun with great music in the background. My 1965 playlist included:

I Can't Get No Satisfaction ~ The Rolling Stones

I Can't Help Myself ~ The Four Tops

Wooly Bully ~ Sam The Sham & The Pharoahs

My Girl ~ The Temptations

You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' ~ The Righteous Brothers

Downtown ~ Petula Clark

Crying In The Chapel ~ Elvis Presley

You Were On My Mind ~ We Five

I Got You Babe ~ Sonny & Cher

Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me ~ Mel Carter

Shotgun ~ Junior Walker & The All Stars

Help Me, Rhonda ~ The Beach Boys

Stop! In The Name Of Love ~ The Supremes

Unchained Melody ~ The Righteous Brothers

What's New Pussycat ~ Tom Jones

The Game Of Love ~ Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders

California Girls ~ The Beach Boys

Shake ~ Sam Cooke

What The World Needs Now Is Love ~ Jackie DeShannon

I Got You (I Feel Good) ~ James Brown

Do You Believe In Magic? ~ The Lovin' Spoonful

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You ~ Marvin Gaye

Can you believe that all those great songs were hits in 1965? And that was just the tip of the iceberg. There were many "they don't make songs like that anymore" comments.

A very successful dinner to celebrate a very successful marriage!

The Cat Who Loved Shoes Too Much

It started innocently enough.

Just a place to rest.

Accessories were included too.

There might be any number of things I might want in here. Best to claim it now. I can always return it.

Wait, where are these going? Are there shoes in this box?

What? I am trying to decide which ones match better.

I don't know what you're talking about. I don't see a Furman flip flop anywhere.

Back off Cinderella, this isn't yours. See it fits my right paw perfectly.

First and Finest

Since I don't have enough to do (ha ha), after getting emails from our new ADPi Alumnae Chapter President, I decided I needed to get involved. She is doing a fabulous job and encouraged us to help the local chapter (Beta Beta at UTC) with Recruitment. So about an hour ago I dropped off cookies for the girls to munch in preparation for today's Philanthropy party. I had a vision of a wonderful recipe from my friend Kathryn for White Chocolate Cranberry Macadamia Nut cookies. Then I thought, I could make cookies decorated with our letters. Then I thought I am tired and I am buying a box mix. Which is what I did...well two boxes of Double Chocolate to which I did add a bag of white chocolate morsels to jazz it up. They turned out great except that it was a little tricky to get all the chips incorporated. Oh, and in who's world does one box produce 3 dozen cookies? Is that based on a hobbit's rounded teaspoon? I mostly gave up on answering that question years ago but I would like to note that two boxes and a bag of morsels produced 43 normal sized cookies.

Anyway, I took the cookies to the lovely Lindsay Street Hall, where ADPi is holding Recruitment this year.

And to think we were just happy when we had a room with windows and a little molding instead of that stark plain walled room in the middle of the University Center. Though, I wouldn't trade my beloved Furman for any place in the world. Continuing on this theme though, I'll be returning to the hall on Saturday, black dress on (and my pin!), for what we always called Pref Tea but they have referred to as simply Preference. It should be an interesting experience. I am looking forward to meeting some other alumnae. I think this may be the outlet for my volunteering energy after I take my "retired from active duty, paying lesser dues" status with my aforementioned organization that shall not be named. :)

Violets, diamonds, BYA and Pi love to all!

Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas!

Despite three years of high school classes and two terms at Furman, my Spanish is pretty limited. The most impressive thing I can say in Espanol is what the above phrase, which is what the voice on the monorail at Disney World tells you. It means, "Please stand clear of the doors."

Nevertheless, it is pretty much official that I am going to Peru in October on a mission trip. Once a deacon on the missions committee says something to you about it and then the pastor joyously greets you over it, there really is no turning back. Not that I have any desire to turn back, I am just afraid that something will prevent me from going. It is a lot easier to say, "Oh yeah, I went to Peru, didn't you know?" than, "Well I was supposed to go but fill in the blank happened."

Now it is starting to feel real, well no, more like surreal but close all the same. Saturday, I had my new passport photos taken. That was a joy. I didn't have to put my hair behind my ears last time. I also went to Walgreen's this time for speed and efficiency. But I am now sure that what Erma Bombeck said is true - "when you start to look like your passport photo it is time to go home." Today, I mailed the forms, my old passport, the two photos and of course, the dinero (ooh more Spanish I know!) to the National Passport Processing Center. It is very nerve wrecking. What if I have one of the little staples is crooked and they reject me? What if it doesn't get there or back in time? What if it falls into the black hole of government never to be seen again? There is my first possible fill in the blank for why I didn't get to go to Peru.

Since the word is out, the reality of "you need to prepare for this" hit me. I thought I would go to Barnes and Noble and pick up a book to brush up on my Spanish. If only I was back in my Furman Spanish 12Y class with all those hunks to help me study in grupos de dos. But I digress...I was feeling really good when I walked in and right there in the vestibule of the B&N is a whole rack of Drive and Learn language sets! Bargain priced to boot! I snatched up a Spanish one, refrained from also grabbing the Italian and popped on in the store. I looked for some other things...ok I was in the Children's section getting three more Little House books for my Mawmaw. She whipped through the first two in just a few weeks and is on to the Anne of Green Gables I gave her. I must say I am highly disappointed at the lack of Anne series paperbacks available in the store but I did get the next 3 Little House books.

Anyway... I wandered back to the travel section and picked up the first book on the shelf about Peru. Now this is not really a "traveling" trip so I didn't feel the need to own but just to flip through. First thing in the book is a map....cannot find Alis on the map. Am pretty sure it is somewhat near Huancayo. No sign of it - hmmm, perhaps it is best not to dwell on that. Went on over to the overwhelming display of language materials. Naturally Spanish was one whole section with multiple shelves. How could I possibly know what to choose? Aside from the fact that I was not willing to part with several hundred dollars for Rosetta Stone, though I would have liked to have it. After much thumbing, sideways reading of spines, sitting on one of those stools and staring, I decided I did not want Spanish for Dummies but there seemed to be a lot of different options by Living Languages and with nothing else to go on I thought that must make them reputable. The one I purchased is something like 30 Days to Great Spanish. I figured if I conquered that I could always come back.

Being eager to learn, I drove to work this morning, repeating and singing, "Donde esta? Donde esta? Esta aqui! Esta aqui! Donde esta? Donde esta? Esta alli! Esta alli!" Love it. Can't wait to drive home.

Mama, who is that man?!

I am a few days late honoring the anniversary of the passing of the King of Rock and Roll...Several years ago (I was in high school) we happened to be in Memphis and visited Graceland on the day after the anniversary of Elvis' death. I know I am a crier anyway but I was unexpectedly touched by all the flowers and tributes to Elvis at his graveside. And I certainly can't watch the Designing Women episide E.P. Phone Home without sobbing!

I imagine that when I uttered the title words at a mere 3 years old, that this was pretty close to what I was seeing on the tv screen. I was mesmerized...and I still am.

Hunka Hunka Burning Love

Blue Hawaii will always be my favorite Elvis movie!

Elvis, "You know that I'll always be loving you."

Adventures in Toddlerland

I recently spent 6 days in Toddlerland, otherwise known as Florida where my two and a half year old cousin Melanie and my one and a half year old cousin Maddie both live (separately). Here, Melanie and I are in line for Toy Story Mania.








Later at the Animal Kingdom - slightly more defeated by the heat!

Over the weekend we went to see the rest of the family, including Maddie. Here we are styling on our way to dinner.


After dinner, Maddie's brother bought her a blue lollipop! We'll see who's laughing when his own bundle of joy arrives in 2011.















Well, I love my girls and a good time was had by all but let's just say that when I returned home, I was happy to see no toys on the floor!