Sunday, November 29, 2009

White Elephant


My cousins and I are having a White Elephant gift exchange over the Christmas Holidays. We did it last year, and it was hysterical. Someone walked away with an old retainer, another person used tennis shoes. . . This year, however, you are only allowed to bring gifts that you purchased from infomercials. It is pretty much guaranteed to be another great success. However, I still need to get my "prize!" Has anyone seen any great "as seen on TV" gag gifts lately? Ideas and suggestions greatly encouraged!!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!!


Happy Thanksgiving!

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Monday, November 23, 2009

The Car Fairy

Crazy left her car lights on AGAIN today. (3rd time). I told you life is never boring living next to the elderly!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Worst first date ever. . .

If you didn't see this on the Tonight show, I hope you're sitting down when you read it. This is probably the funniest date story ever, first date or not!!! We have all had bad dates but this takes the cake. Jay Leno went into the audience to find the most embarrassing first date that a woman ever had. The winner described her worst first date experience. There was absolutely no question as to why her tale took the prize!

She said it was midwinter...Snowing and quite cold... and the guy had taken her skiing in the mountains outside Salt Lake City , Utah. It was a day trip (no overnight). They were strangers, after all, and had never met before. The outing was fun but relatively uneventful until they were headed home late that afternoon. They were driving back down the mountain, when she gradually began to realize that she should not have had that extra latte. They were about an hour away from anywhere with a rest room and in the middle of nowhere!

Her companion suggested she try to hold it, which she did for a while. Unfortunately, because of the heavy snow and slow going, there came a point where she told him that he had better stop and let her go beside the road, or it would be the front seat of his car.

They stopped and she quickly crawled out beside the car, yanked her pants down and started. In the deep snow she didn't have good footing, so she let her butt rest against the rear fender to steady herself. Her companion stood on the side of the car watching for traffic and indeed was a real gentleman and refrained from peeking. All she could think about was the relief she felt despite the rather embarrassing nature of the situation.

Upon finishing however, she soon became aware of another sensation. As she bent to pull up her pants, the young lady discovered her buttocks were firmly glued against the car's fender. Thoughts of tongues frozen to poles immediately came to mind as she attempted to disengage her flesh from the icy metal. It was quickly apparent that she had a brand new problem, due to the extreme cold.

Horrified by her plight and yet aware of the humor of the moment, she answered her date's concerns about' what is taking so long' with a reply that indeed, she was 'freezing her butt off' and in need of some assistance! He came around the car as she tried to cover herself with her sweater and then, as she looked imploringly into his eyes, he burst out laughing. She too, got the giggles and when they finally managed to compose themselves, they assessed her dilemma. Obviously, as hysterical as the situation was, they also were faced with a real problem.

Both agreed it would take something hot to free her chilly cheeks from the grip of the icy metal! Thinking about what had gotten her into the predicament in the first place, both quickly realized that there was only one way to get her free. So, as she looked the other way, her first time date proceeded to unzip his pants and pee her butt off the fender.

As the audience screamed in laughter, she took the Tonight Show prize hands down. Or perhaps that should be 'pants down. And you thought your first date was embarrassing. Jay Leno's comment...'This gives a whole new meaning to being pissed off.'

Oh and how did the first date turn out? He became her husband and was sitting next to her on the Leno show.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Ginger People

Apparently, I have food on the brain this Tuesday... but this is something that I just had to share. You need to go out right now and buy this sweet Thai Chili sauce. It is the best. I am very picky about a good Thai Chili sauce and this one beats everyone I have ever tasted (store bought). It is the perfect blend of sweet and heat, with balanced flavors of the ginger, chiles, and red peppers. I serve it with so many dishes!

The one I love is made by The Ginger People and is their "sweet ginger chili sauce." I haven't looked yet at Publix or any "regular" grocery story, but I've found the sauces at Earthfare and Whole Foods... Be careful though and stock up, because several times when I've gone to get it, I have actually grabbed the last one on the shelf! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Penne with Asparagus and Peas

This is a delicious and easy recipe for any week night if you need something to throw together! Add sautéed chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

Ingredients:
1/2 lb penne
2 T EVOO
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. thick asparaguas, cut into 1" pieces
2 c. chicken stock
2 c. peas
1/4 c. heavy cream (I use milk)
2 T. unsalted butter
1/2 c. grated Parmigiano- Reggiano

1. Boil pasta al dente
2. Heat EVOO, add garlic and asparagus- cook over moderately low heat, stirring 3 mins
3. Add stock and boil over high heat until reduced by half, about 5 mins
4. Add peas and cream to the skillet, boil until sauce has thickened, about 3 mins
5. Stir in penne, heat through
6. Remove from heat. Add butter and cheese. S&P to taste.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Make Over 2

I'm still playing with my blog background. I want something simple.... that does not distract from the blog itself. The other ones I thought were a little busy, so I'm enjoying this one for a nice change! However,does anyone know how to make the blog title center in the middle of the blog header? I can't figure that out on here... Help a sista out!

Lash and I are about to feast on breakfast for dinner-- YUM! I'll try to do another post later tonight but it might have to wait until tomorrow. Hope everyone is doing well!

Monday, November 9, 2009

I PASSED!

Thanks so much for everyone's prayers and support over the last week! It was a rigorous week of studying, but thankfully, it is over, and I successfully passed the state exam!

I can definitely see why "adults" struggle with going back to school after they have been out of school for several years. It took me 3 days to get in the class routine and turn my brain/ studying mode on... and I haven't been out of school but 6 months!

Needless to say, right now I am completely content with my 9-5 routine any day. I LOVE knocking off in the evening and having no obligations (or studying to do!!) until the next morning. But I learned a lot last week and am so thankful for the opportunity that I had. I would definitely recommend the Brewer School of Insurance to anyone that is interested... My nerdy self really enjoyed it! Now, I just can't wait to get a deeper understanding how PURE with all the knowledge I gained from the class!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Insurance School

I'm back in school for the week getting my insurance license! I'm really excited that PURE has given me the opportunity to become a SC Property and Casualty producer... but please pray for me this week! Especially for some strength, knowledge, and peace of mind! I'm in class this week from 8-5:30, and then I've got a 2 1/2 hour exam to pass!