Sumpin Good

Some days at work just stink. Today was one of those days. But, now it's over, it's FRIDAY and I just listened to one of my all time favorite songs. (more on that to follow)

Did you ever think how hard it is to list only "10 All Time Favorite Songs?" Steven and I try to do this all the time, but never seem to be able to. He's named his top three, but I can't even narrow it down to that! But, I've decided that as some of these songs come to my mind, I will share it with the world. The best part about doing this is taking the time to listen, again, to these songs that make me happy.

Today's song is "Touch" by Jonny Lang. This is the first JL song I ever heard. A few years ago, we had just bought XM Radio and were driving to work. (see how much this song affected me? I can still remember that!) Anyway, we were right by Sunoco when I heard this. We were listening to the Starbucks channel, and I looked at the screen to see WHO this was singing. WHAT a song. His voice and the lyrics speak about desire in a way that hits the nail on the head. I rushed out to buy the cd and have since become addicted to JL and enjoy his music and concerts ALMOST as much as DMB. I love many of his songs, but this one will always be special, as it's the first one I heard.

We are going to see JL in concert in Jacksonville in February. I can't wait. Until then, enjoy this lovely ditty. Hang in there to the end, it's worth it!

http://www.imeem.com/rockmusic15/music/4POxbyub/jonny_lang_touch/

A Thursday Night Opinion

I hate this song. I hate it in English. I hate it in German. I hate the video. I can't believe the song I hate most in the world was released in two different languages.

P-U. This STINKS!

This is me watching American Idol tonight. They are in Jacksonville tonight. That means we've heard the obligatory jokes about heat and bugs. They announced that Jax is Randy Jackson's hometown. Stupid, and I do mean stupid, people auditioned. It's only 30 minutes into the show (and the end of the first day) and there's been nothing. It seems to me that they are sending anyone and everyone through this year, as long as the beg, plead or cajole. I promised Johnny that I would see this through, so I'm sure hoping the second half hour sucks less.

Hey! Since it seems the only thing I can blog about currently is TV, what about these "Housewives of Orange County?" Are these the cattiest women in the world, or what? It makes me wish I had seen the Atlanta wives. Although, watching them is like watching a train wreck; I just can't look away! These women are obsessed with money, clothes and plastic surgery. (although, I wonder if they'll admit it?) I can't imagine living in a world as theirs, and I'm sure they couldn't fathom living in mine. I mean, would they ever eat Cheetos???

Okay, back to AI. Day Two in Jacksonville...It begins a bit more promising, there is a 16 year old girl who seems pleasant and has a nice voice, seems to have good stage presence.

Okay, I can't do it. Johnny, I can't do it. I can't watch this and spend time writing about it. I promise to come back and revisit it once they get to the finalists. I just can't write about thisssssssssssss anymore! ACH! I'm going back to the Housewives!

Cheese, Glorious Cheese!

I love cheese. I love soft cheese, hard cheese, strong cheeses, mild cheeses. I love CREAM CHEESE. I love grilled cheese sandwiches. I love cheese on toast. I love macaroni and cheese. I love cheese cubes, cheese balls, shredded cheese, hunks of cheese, Cheetos, Cheez-Its, String Cheese and Squirt Cheese. I love VELVEETA cheese.

Am I being redundant?

I might have a new favorite cheese though. We were at a friend's house recently, and they served an aged Gouda. Dusti bought it at Whole Foods, so I headed there last week. I had never been in Whole Foods, so when I entered, it was a bit overwhelming. I kind of imagine that might be what Heaven is like? Anyway, their cheese counter is wonderful! I would have liked to purchase one of everything. I left with a bit of five year old Gouda. Can I tell you that this might be the best cheese ever? According to Dusti, I need to try the Dutch Parrano next. I can't wait to get back to Whole Foods to buy it. I might just dive into the cheese and never leave.

I do have one thing to admit. There is one cheese I don't like, and I just discovered this fact today. Me and this holey little fella just don't like each other. I have tried it over the years, and I just can't make myself like it. I have nothing against his holes. (thinking of a mouse eating this cheese is the only thing that really is appealing) It just doesn't do it for me. I am sorry. I have nothing against the Swiss, or holes. But, I just can't put this cheese on my love list.

But that aged Gouda? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Newest Obsession

Last night I sat down to watch American Idol, so I could faithfully report on it for my mass readers. (Johnny and Dusti) I don't have a whole lot to report. The people they show right now are just D-U-M-B. There are a few people who look to have potential, but we won't know until they get to Hollywood. So, as it stands, DC is still heads and shoulders above the rest!! (NOTE: I didn't watch Tuesday night, as I was enjoying the inaugural festivities; much more important than watching some out of tune singers pretend they have a chance...)

But, guess what I happened upon over the weekend! You guessed correctly, TOP CHEF! I started by watching a few re-runs and then last night watched a new episode. I love it! I am amazed by the things these folks can do with food. I know I'm way behind the rest of the world and that everyone else on the planet has seen this show, but I sure am excited to have found it!

Here's a few random thoughts:

I watch too much tv.

I still haven't beat Steven in Scrabble.

Baby clothes are so cute nowadays.

I think Kendall is finally waking up from her coma on AMC.

I heard from Jake tonight. WHAT a kid.

Hooray for another weekend just around the corner!!

What a Glorious Day!

This day felt special from the get-go. I went on Facebook early this morning, and already, people were excited for the inauguration of Barack Obama. As the morning wore on, the excitement grew palpable. At work, we were all trying to follow it on line. Of course, the coverage kept cutting out, so many of us trekked to our lunch room to watch the swearing in ceremonies and Obama's speech. I've worked at my job for twelve years, and many of us have been together for historical events. We all sat in that room on 9/11 and watched the Twin Towers come down. We watched as the hearts of America broke together.

Today, we all watched together, as the nation celebrated a joyous turn in our country's history. Watching our new President take the oath of office, and speak to the nation, truly inspired me. I was moved to tears and feelings of such pride and happiness. I believe what he says and I believe that he has the country in his corner. I feel that this man can lead us to greatness.

I watched, overjoyed, as the crowd was filled with people from all backgrounds; black, white, green, yellow, purple, came together to BE together as one on this special day. It gives me hope that one day prejudice and bigotry will be replaced with compassion and understanding.

I was moved as I watched the two young Obama daughters watch their father. It is going to be such a joy to see them in the White House. I think they represent what I see in this President, youth, class, and a little bit of mischief.

I have heard so many people speak of JFK with awe and admiration. I understand that feeling today. I feel so blessed to have seen Barack Obama elected and inaugurated as our 44th President. I am so proud to have voted for him. I am proud to live in a country that he leads. For the first time in a long time, I am proud to be an American.

Weekends and Dreams

I can't believe the Arizona Cardinals are in the Super Bowl. Somewhere, my dad is spinning in his grave. Come to think of it, I bet my mom is spinning right along with him.

Chinese food is so much better when shared with a group of people; you get to try so many different things! And, is there anything better than a steamed dumpling? (Okay, maybe crab rangoon...)

I thought everyone had seen "The Godfather." It makes me feel pretty old that the new generation of folks haven't seen it.

Chili cook-offs hurt my stomach. (And, cinammon tastes good in chili, who'd have thunk it?)

I really hate the ending of the movie, "Seven."

"House Hunters International" is making me want to buy a house somewhere in the tropics.

My dog might just be the cutest thing on earth.

Here's the most important statement in this blog:

"...I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. " MLK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHxHTMlyaqQ

Can anyone measure up?

I wish this were my couch. Well, not really, look at that middle leg. I think if I sat on it, that thing would crumble in a heartbeat. But, I do love the color and the lines. I guess the cushions look a tad bit flat, but let's just pretend it's really comfortable. Okay, now that we've done all that, WHY a picture of a couch you ask? Remember, I am going to be spending a lot of time on the couch for the next few months. In case you didn't read yesterday's blog, let me catch you up. I got sucked into American Idol again.

*SO* to Johnny, who gave me a great idea. He suggested I update my blog with any worthy performances. So, that I plan to do. Then, I thought to myself, all I'm going to do throughout the season is compare all these contestants to David Cook. Thus, the birth of a series. Will anyone be able to catch my eye (and heart) like DC? Oh, I highly doubt it. I'll start with last night. You ready?

No one even came CLOSE. Granted, it's still the horrible audition rounds, but only one person piqued my interest. The person I found interesting was Asa Barnes. He's a middle school band director. This guy deserves a break, and he his voice was pleasant and IN TUNE. (So many of these yahoos sing out of tune.) He made it through to Hollywood, so I'm hoping for good things for him. Other than him, it was boring and the same old same old. And, I don't think I like the new judge, but I'll reserve comments for later.

Now, if you need a little reminder about what these people need to live up to, here's a couple links to some DC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_aiawC-9aM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pUa8BfnMhc

Sucked In Again

Yep, I'm watching American Idol again. I had taken a few years off, but last year, fell in love with David Cook, and watched my favorite go on to win the title. I was so happy when he won, I literally was moved to tears. (Yes, I'm a big sap!) And, as pleased as I was when he won, I was also glad that the show had ended, as it took up so much of my time! (Two nights a week for a few months is a lot of time to commit!!)

So, here we are again, the start of another season. I didn't watch last night and had told myself that I would wait until they were on the big stage and the contestants were weeded down to the serious ones. I made it through one night. Here I am, watching the Kansas City contestants. The best part so far, is that there have been a lot of David Cook cuts. I hope this continues. :-) Anyway, I've watched for 30 minutes now, and I think I'm sucked in again.

Sheesh. Goodbye to life outside the living room for the next few months.

Yummy.

SHOUT OUT

Whoever invented the weekend needs to be thanked. So, here's my first shout out (SO) of the night. Thank you to the weekend inventor.

Actually, the first SO should go to Dusti. She inspired me to give SO's. Thanks to Dusti and Johnny for a wonderful evening of food and games. Johnny cooked us a delightful steak pie, sausage rolls, potatoes and some glorious cheese. We played a great game of 80's trivia. The boys won. I'm still trying to figure out how they did it. I'm sure they cheated, but I can't figure out how... (just kidding!) Be sure to check out Dusti's blog, she has much better details and pics on the fun evening.

The second SO has to go to HASBRO Games. They are the makers of Scrabble. We had great fun playing Scrabble in the mountains with Larry and Mary. So, we decided to get our own board this weekend. We took a trip to Barnes and Noble and purchased the ONYX edition. It sure is pretty. It also rotates, has black tiles and its own scorepad. Unfortunately, it didn't make me any smarter. Steven kicked my ass in three games straight. I wonder how long it will take me to beat him.

My words are all the ones with low point totals, or three letters. Oh well, at least it was fun! Now I need to learn all the two letter words accepted by the Scrabble Dictionary. Apparently, there are 102 of them.

Another SO to Pixar. Taylor and I watched Wall-E again today. She and I had seen the movie at the theatre and enjoyed it. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. It's a sweet movie and very well done. It's amazing how a movie with such little dialogue can say so much.

As always, I have to give a SO to the Pioneer Woman. I made her lasagna last night. It was delicious, and like all of her recipes, can probably feed a small army. She has the best recipes and they are the most fun to make.

My final SO is to Taylor and Steven. I was lucky enough to get to spend some good time with both of them this weekend. I know that most 16 year olds don't want to get near their parents, so I'm very grateful that I get the time I do. And, even if Steven did kick my booty, it was still a great weekend. I hope yours was as well!

Combining Good Things

This little glorious green thing might be one of my favorite things in the whole wide world. I love the taste of an avocado. I love it with salt and pepper on it. I love it squished up, combined with garlic and pepper, and eaten with Santitas. I love it on sandwiches. (especially with tomato and mayo!) I love it in the morning, noon and night. I even enjoy cutting it open. When ripe, a knife slips through it so easily. Then, you can get the seed out and there is the magical inside waiting to be eaten. YUM.

The other BEST food in the whole world (with the exception of CREAM CHEESE) is the baguette. That crunchy outer crust and the soft inner taste is to DIE FOR. (please excuse my Valley Girl speak, I'm just so excited about the baguette.) Like the avocado, the baguette can be eaten in many different ways. Let me list a few of them for you: toast, topped with alouette, colby cheese, swiss almond cheese, feta cheese & olive oil, mozarella cheese and tomato, pimento cheese spread, etc etc!!

I enjoy a bit of butter, garlic salt and parmesan cheese on the bread, then baked in the toaster oven for a few minutes. Well, tonight, I had a plate of cut up avocado, and some of the above mentioned lovely little baguette slices siting side by side. Something urged me to combine the two. And, oh, it was BLISS! Honestly, it was such a great taste. The taste combination is a new classic (think PBJ, beer and pretzels, fish and chips!) and I hope you will try it. It was groovalicious!

****Side note: I'm so happy it's 2009. That means no more Ferrero Rocher commercials driving my household batty.***