I’m very much against shock collars for dogs. But for douchebags…..
6
Feb
Ok, party is tomorrow!! Oh yeah – so is the Superbowl :) Kinda sad really…it’s that same feeling that I get on December 24th. Loving Christmas so, so much but knowing it will all be over soon. Same thing with football season.
But oh fiddle-dee-dee, I’ll be Scarlett and think about that tomorrow! Menu will be:
Today’s Macaroni and Cheese (Rick Bayless recipe)
Jambalaya (scoured Internet for recipe – found on that sounds good on Food Network)
Hogs in a Blanket with cheesy dipping sauce
Buffalo Chicken Hot Wing Dip (Hungry Girl’s healthier version!)
Chips and Salsa
Ruffles with sour cream dip – always the first thing to be demolished no matter what
Various cheeses and crackers (courtesy of @missmelon)
Veggies (have to offer them even tho always the LAST thing to go no matter what!)
Homemade brownies (courtesy of @sonya415)
Beer (husband’s one job since I don’t drink beer)
And of course bubbly for me :)
People will bring stuff I imagine so I have no idea what else will be added to this but this is what I am making or know will be brought. I just need to figure out timing on making everything though…
Making Cipiriani’s pea risotto tonight with some chicken for dinner. I ate very little yesterday and won’t eat much today in preparation for dinner and tomorrow’s food fest. Yikes….my stepper will be my friend next week I guess.
I like both teams. And would be happy for either team to win. I need a high-scoring game to win our office pool but doesn’t actually matter which teams wins – just lots and lots of points on the board! But Peyton Manning is my QB1 so I’m rooting for the Colts to win. And will be wearing my #18 jersey tomorrow!
I hope for a good game played by both teams. No blow outs. And of course looking forward to some good commercials. I always tear up at the National Anthem because I’m a goofball. But I hush everyone up for that and always stand for it – even in my living room. The half time show? Well…I’ll watch it I guess. I think I know a song or 2 by The Who. I think? I must, right?
Storm is quite excited for the Superbowl as well. He is strategizing his food stealing knowing that tomorrow’s guests will be easy targets :)
What are you doing for the Superbowl??
5
Feb
Funny. People have asked me in my life how I’ve done something, put up with something, dealt with something, whatever…
My answer is typically the same: whatever, deal with it, suck it up, rub some dirt on it, etc, etc.
Separately, completely…there is always this:
Cancer and Independence:
Cancer is the astrology sign that is packed full of contradictions so when it comes to independence, they possibly can or can not be independent. On one side, they have the perseverance and drive to do what needs to be done, they are self-sufficient and do not need to depend on other people for the material and physical things in life. On the other hand, they depend on people for emotional support and encouragement. A Cancer that is not fully self-actualized will need the constant support of others and will not be very independent but the Cancer that is ‘evolved’ and has properly harnessed their emotional issues will be wildly successful as an independent human being. They crave attention and comfort from other people and they are happiest when they have a small, close knit group of friends or family.
Cancer and Friendship:
Cancer is extremely loyal to those who appreciate and support them, they are the nurturer of the zodiac and will protect and cherish the person for a long time. One of the greatest things about Cancer is their ability to make others feel good about themselves and loved. This is because instead of doing this for themselves, they project this onto other people. This is a positive cycle because in making others feel nurtured, wanted and loved, they in return feel good for making someone feel good. Other people can lean on and depend on cancer, they will listen to people’s problems and help them however they will rarely express their own deep feelings to anyone. People who want to share deep emotional thoughts and opinions with a Cancer might feel that the scales are tipped on one side for cancer will rarely reveal it’s true deep feelings. A friend of Cancer is usually a lifelong devoted friend that can be trusted.
Cancer and Business:
Once cancer resolved their emotional issues such as shyness and insecurity, the powerful character will shine though, there is practically nothing they can’t do. They have incredible perseverance and will stand up for what they believe in. With their strong intuition, sensitivity, powers of observation and intelligence, they will have great success in anything they undertake. They are excellent business people and investors because of their intuitive and psychic ability and their creative forward thinking mind, they are able to predict future trends. They attract wealth very well and know where to invest. Money and financial well being is very important to Cancer and this can help their drive in business. They need financial security and if they allow themselves to properly focus their energy and do not allow their emotions to over take them, they are more then capable of obtaining their financial goals and being incredibly successful business people.
Cancer Temperament:
They are complex, fragile, unpredictable and temperamental and need constant support and encouragement, more then any other astrology signs, Cancer needs to be needed. Even when all needs are satisfied, they can be irritable and cranky. They have an uneasy, delicate temperament. The contradictory nature of Cancer gives their temperament the wild mood swings and possible temper tantrums. They are easily offended and will sulk and wallow in self pity for a long time when they get hurt.
Cancer Deep Inside:
It is difficult for cancer to open up and have a close emotionally fulfilled relationship with someone because they are so closed off emotionally and physically to the world. This is driven by their fear of trust, Cancer has a difficult time trusting people. In addition to lack of trust for people, Cancer is deeply sensitive and easily hurt, this is other reason why they have their defense shell in place, to avoid being hurt by others. Cancer has a lot of emotional issues to deal with but once they overcome this large hump of shyness and insecurity, there is practically nothing they can’t do. With their strong intuition, sensitivity, powers of observation and intelligence, they will have great success in anything they undertake. Cancer is constantly feeling, feelings and emotions are hallmarks of this sign and this is the root of their problems, human beings are not as evolved in the emotional area and this is where cancer gets the brunt of their problems. They are the ones who have to cope with their strong feelings more so then any other sign. Once properly harnessed, there is nothing that is this powerful astrology sign can not accomplish. Harmony is very important to Cancer, it keeps them happy. Conflict of any kind causes great distress. Deep inside, Cancer is a very powerful sign, they have the ability to stand up for what they think is right and they have lots of perseverance and can be fine on their own provided they don’t let their emotions get the better of them and have the stability they need. They are not fond of change but they have the ability to do what needs to be done, they are not pushovers or lazy people.
Cancer in a Nutshell:
Cancer is a mysterious sign, filled with contradictions. They want security and comfort yet seek new adventure. They are very helpful to others yet sometimes can be cranky and indifferent. Cancer has a driving, forceful personality that can be easily hidden beneath a calm, and cool exterior. The crab is Cancer’s ruling animal and it suits them well, they can come out of their shell and fight but they can also hide in their shell of skitter away back into the depths of the ocean. They are very unpredictable. With cancer, there is always something more that meets the eye, for they are always partially hidden behind the shell. They are a have a deep psyche and intuitive mind that is hidden from the world. Cancer is deeply sensitive and easily hurt, this might be why they have their defense shell in place, to avoids being hurt by others. They are nurturers so they surround themselves with people, whom after a while can offend or hurt a cancer without even knowing they did so, therefore Cancer’s protective shell keeps them safe from hurt. They are complex, fragile, unpredictable and temperamental and need constant support and encouragement, more then any other astrology signs, Cancer needs to be needed. When cancer gets the support it needs, it has a tremendous amount to offer in return. When cancer gets offended, they tend to sulk instead of confronting the persons face to face. This needlessly prolongs the pain and suffering. Cancer is very possessive, not just with material possessions but with people as well. Cancer will always want to stay in touch with old friends and anyone who has ever been close to them, because it is easier to maintain a friendship then attempt to learn to trust a new person. It is easier this way for them emotionally. If you befriend a Cancer, you will stay friends for a long time. Cancer makes the perfect mother, this is the sign that represents motherhood. They have unconditional love and caring more so then any other astrology sign. Cancer are very intuitive. Most of the psychics of the world are Cancer astrology signs. They have an excellent memory and are very observant and can read people very well. They can usually tell of other people’s intentions are good or not. Never dupe a Cancer, they can see your motives. Cancer has a lot of emotional issues to deal with but once they overcome this large hump of shyness and insecurity, there is practically nothing they can’t do. With their strong intuition, sensitivity, powers of observation and intelligence, they will have great success in anything they undertake.
Now, do I believe in astrology? Nope, not really, I do not. Can I deny this describes me pretty darn well? No, I cannot. Generalities tend to work pretty well – religion figured this out pretty early on. Sucks people in for sure.
But do I know for sure it’s crap? No. Like all belief systems, I have no idea for sure. No one does. That’s why hokey religion and ancient weapons are genius. They are needed. But no match for a good blaster at your side…
Hey Saks, if you are going to target me for your office attire ads, maybe you should choose a model who doesn’t look like she’s dressing up in Mom’s clothes…(also, bad choice of outfit/hair/makeup…)
Really? She looks 14...
It’s ridiculous when I get catalogs for clothing obviously not meant for 15 year-olds but with models who barely look 15. It looks so dumb (see almost every single clothing ad in Vanity Fair.) I get that you need stick thin models and it’s much easier to find that in teenyboppers but unless you are advertising Abercrombie or The Gap it just looks silly.
4
Feb
Ever feel out of sorts? Like 2 different people? 2 different sides anyway? Not entirely yin and yang but close? What you want. What you believe.
Hard to describe I guess.
Someone says something that upsets you but it shouldn’t. Someone responds sweetly so you smile but then takes it back – deleted in a flash and you don’t know why. Someone ignores you or treats you like just some random person. Says something you’d find in a Hallmark card to a co-worker or neighbor…but not a friend or loved one.
Tiring week I guess. Tiring year (it’s only February…wth?)
Good thing I have huskies :) The world is truly a better place with the fluffy. I’m truly sad for those that don’t have that…
…this bag screams my name. It is SO me. Especially the “tan-armed, cute dress or silky tank-top wearing” me in the spring and summer…
Going on my watch list :)
Husband brought home some lobster macaroni & cheese for me from a business dinner. He knows I LOVE mac&cheese.
It was ok. I mean even a “bad” mac&cheese is a good mac & cheese :)
Mac & cheese is like risotto it seems. Many chefs feel they need to fancify it for their foodie tastes. So they add all sorts of weird stuff that has no business in either of them.
I’ve had risotto that some people might rave about that I was pretty turned off by. But it’s the simple that I like – pea risotto made using the Cipriani recipe is better than any gross seafood risotto made by some stupid, self-important chef in SF.
And a simple baked, rich cheesy mac&cheese is way better than some over the top version looking to be less “middle-class”. I’ll be making a yummy one for my Superbowl party that’s much yummier…in my opinion. But truthfully…I prefer the Kraft blue box or Stouffer’s to most foodies desperate attempts to not be so middle class or regular. Meh.
Obviously this is a personal choice. Some people want the exotic. They choose the exotic or different when the simple is so much better.
So in the end, I had a couple bites but the huskies were pretty stoked on the doggie bag of fancy food. :)
Illumin8 with Youthful Synergy Complex Eye Shadow Palette by Anastasia
While I am going to most likely purchase this eye shadow because I love all of the colors, I have to snicker at the anti-aging declarations. It’s eye-shadow people…
What it does:
These mineral-based eyeshadows provide a sheer wash of gorgeous, natural color. The long-wearing formula is free of fragrances and artificial dyes and contains both a Youthful Synergy Complex and a Balkan Botanical Infusion. The Youthful Synergy Complex has Brown Algae, Diamond Core Powder, and powerful antioxidants that lift, hydrate, and revitalize the appearance of skin. The Balkan Botanical Infusion soothes, softens, and hydrates the skin.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?categoryId=A17&id=P254224
I think every single facial product sold nowadays has to promise to reduce spots, or wrinkles, or just a general reversal of aging. And while I can see people falling for those claims and promises with night/day creams and potions (and my people I mean me, myself and I), I can’t imagine anyone actually believing make-up (especially eyeshadow!?) will deliver this. It might cover up aging to a limited degree but otherwise I think it’s rather silly to make or believe this claim (unless you can walk around photoshopped – now THAT would be the invention!!)
But any make-up you spend money on and wear should make you feel pretty. And I think that when you feel that you look good, you emanate that so then you do look good. So maybe if you believe you look a little younger, you walk around with a smile and then you do look younger. So it IS magic-fairy dust!
But hey – they are great colors so I will still buy no matter what… :)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100203/ap_on_bi_ge/us_stocks__bad_is_good
“It’s called a short squeeze, and though many Americans don’t know such a thing exists, much less understand it, it’s driving up many stocks.”
Really? Do people just not know or understand the stock market? I LOVE this stuff!! It’s also important for people to understand how the market works. So many people have a 401k account, or a pension, or a stock plan. Does everyone need to be a fund manager? No. But knowing all of the basics should be mandatory learning in school nowadays. IMO…
Short sellers have always been vilified. The hedge fund I worked at did a LOT of shorting and made a LOT of money from it. Ferreting out bad companies who would lie to their investors, pump up their stock price, had NO earnings. Short sellers didn’t create these situations – they found them out.
Can there be bad people short selling and driving good companies down? Of course. Like in everything, there will be bad people taking advantage of situations. i.e people shorting airline stocks around 9/11.
It’s much riskier than going long. And they have put in more rules over the years to try and keep it “fair”. But if you see an opportunity where a company is over-valued and the market is not correcting it, there is nothing wrong with betting against it.
It’s a market counter-balance. It truly is when the value of information is a motto (as Gordon Gekko knew.)
http://shop.starwars.com/catalog/detailed.xml?product_id=1318434&type=img1
I couldn’t help myself….it’s coolio :) So someone will help me pack up all this stuff and display it elsewhere when my husband divorces me, right? :)
Animated Slave Leia from Gentle Giant
And herein lies my confusion….animated Leia…cute shoes….stock….animated Leia….cute shoes….stock….
