And so ends NaBloPoMo for November 2014

Okay so I didn't blog for the entire month but 20 posts out of a possible 30 isn't so bad. Right? I think what's important is the effort made. Kind of like, it's the thought that counts.

If this were a school test I would have scored a B-. Or at the very least a C+. I wonder if I write two posts for today I could get some sort of extra credit. Yeah, like that's gonna happen. I couldn't even post every single day during the month so doing 2 posts on the last day would be like a Christmas miracle.

Anyway, it's been fun and I got to read some really great blogs in my reading travels that were written by more disciplined bloggers than me who actually wrote a blog post a day. Yeah some of you people are way awesomer than me.

 

So even though I feel like I'm crawling toward the NaBloPoMo finish line it's nice to know that I went through this with such a wonderful community of bloggers. And I can honestly look back to when I first signed on to do this and say, wtf was I thinking?

Here's a little celebratory Rah! Rah! gif to commemorate the occasion. We did it!

Source:giphy.com

I love this movie, but seriously when I say "We did it!" in my head it's less like Elle Woods and more like Grumpy Cat.

Now tell me, did anyone else blog for less than the whole month? Come on, don't leave me hanging here all alone.

Zounds or holy crap, it's all the same in meaning

On Sleepy Hollow this past Monday, Ichabod, in frustration, said the phrase "God's wounds". I'm guessing this was their version of "holy crap". So I thought, hmm let me look up the whats and wheres of this phrase.

According to Wiktionary, the term comes from Christ's wounds before the crucifixion.

Sadly, God's wounds has suffered the same fate as the planet, Pluto, in that it's been demoted. Yep. Recognize the word, Zounds? No? Well, humor me because that's what has become of God's wounds.

Seems kind of sacrilegious. But I guess if you're in a hurry or don't want to sound so wordy, or if you have limited word/character space then Zounds is a better fit. So maybe it's not actually a demotion but an economical wording preference. God's wounds just happened to get edited. Makes sense to me.

Holidays aren't supposed to be perfect

It never fails. No matter how organized or planned out you are, there's always something that gets forgotten. And so it goes that today, the day before Thanksgiving, I was at the local grocery store picking up that one those two several things that were still needed for tomorrow's meal.

I don't mind. In fact I expect it. It's as inevitable as burning dinner rolls or someone spilling something on the table linen during dinner. I always say, it's not a successful meal until someone spills something or ends up eating on their clothes. Unless you dripped sauce on your shirt because that's messy and stains instantly. So does hot chocolate. We won't talk about how I know this.

But these things make great stories for all the Thanksgivings to come. And as long as you are surrounded by good friends and family who don't mind a little mess and there's something delicious (or at least edible) to eat tomorrow, then that's all that matters. Unless you're the turkey.

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A reminder in light of recent events

Because we could all benefit from remembering this.

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A quick dessert idea for Thanksgiving

I'm not a foodie blogger and I don't pretend to be one. In fact any food-related posts usually just reference my love for cookies. And brownies. But since we're heading into Thanksgiving week and everywhere I turn there's a food recipe or commercial, I thought I would make an exception. I've made this several times and everyone loves it (especially me when I lick the spoons during clean up).


Layered Pudding In A Cup

If you're hosting turkey dinner this year and have a need for a quick dessert (as if you don't have enough to do), or, if you want to be nice and bring dessert then this is a delicious and easy-to-make dish. It doesn't require a lot of ingredients (you're welcome) or a lot of prep time and best of all, you can make it in advance.

Amounts vary based on how many people are in your party. Here are the  how's and what's of my dessert:

1 box of vanilla pudding (I used Jello for both)
1 box of chocolate pudding
Reddi Wip whipped cream in a can
2 mixing bowls
A clear glass or mug (I used a small coffee mug for mine)

Mix each pudding in a separate bowl.

Place vanilla pudding as first layer.
Then add the chocolate pudding.
Spray a little whipped cream layer.
Add more vanilla pudding.
Add more chocolate pudding.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled or until serving time.
Feel free to make an extra one for yourself for sampling purposes.

Top with whipped cream before serving.

You can also add chocolate sprinkles or a cherry to the top.

Of course, you can use whatever pudding flavors you and your guests like. I went with basic flavors because I'm plain like that and it was just simpler that way.

Sadly, I don't have a pic to post. Here's what my dessert would have looked like in a glass and with one less vanilla layer.

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Enjoy! And let me know how it turns out. Except if it's bad, then let's keep it between us.

These are harmless and funny

I want to be friends with whoever is responsible for these. I know if I do the first one people will look at me oddly but that's okay I'm used to it. At the very least I'll make myself laugh because I think it's funny.


I was tempted to do this at the grocery store this morning but it was so busy that I just wanted to get out of there. Some other time, detergents, some other time.

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I love this because I used to "mis"label the file cabinets in my former co-workers' offices with tags like, Contraband, Body Parts, and Lost Socks. 

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The Devil's Arithmetic

6a - 3b
2(x + 4)
5x + 3 = -2

This is what my son is learning in Math class. He's only in sixth grade. At least I was in 8th grade when I had to learn Algebra. I barely passed. When I finally finished all the required math classes in school, which included absurdly enough, Algebra II, my guidance counselors wisely kept me from stepping foot inside another one.

Because I love to read and write, I did very well in English and Literature classes. But numbers and I are like oil and water, we do not get along.

My son is the opposite. English is his least favorite class but he loves math. I don't get it. I blame the husband.


Algebra is the Devil's Arithmetic. Numbers and letters mixing together. I think a, b, x, and y all need to mind their own business.

Sometimes during homework, he gets frustrated and declares, I don't understand what this means! You and me both, kid. But after a moment he 'gets it' and goes on solving the problems with ease while I'm sitting there referencing Google for help.

This all reminds me of when I was working for a company in NJ. Somehow the burden of monthly and quarterly tax filings fell on me. I told them I couldn't do it because quite plainly I sucked at math. I protested. I pleaded with them. I think I even held my breath until I turned blue.

In their defense, it wasn't that big a deal and the off-site bookkeeper taught me what to do and always looked over my work.

But still, what were they thinking? I couldn't even be trusted to make a decent cup of coffee.

I envy people who are math whizzes. Give them a numeric problem and they can do it in their heads and give you the answer. I'm the one counting on fingers and trying to remember to carry the 2.  And let's just forget the x's and y's, shall we?

I'm not done with my Christmas shopping, in fact I haven't even started

Has anyone started their Christmas shopping yet? No? Okay, good. Now I don't feel so bad. I do, however, have a list appropriately titled, "Ideas of What to Get People". This list will get updated, changed, crumpled up and smoothed out several times before the last gift is purchased. But it's a start!

I have this friend who just posted that she is nearly done with all her shopping. I could just reach through my computer and smack her with a turkey leg. But I think we all have that one friend. You know the one. She's super organized and always just so ready for the holidays. If I have all my gifts bought and wrapped by Christmas Eve I call it a win.

And whoever came up with the gift bag idea is a genius in my book. Take your present, add some tissue paper (or, if you're in a pinch - tissues, not used of course) and toss it in a bag and you're done. Simple.

Have I mentioned that my wrapping is sub-par? I'm known for using too much tape and having too little paper. It's not entirely my fault that when I put the item down it moves as I'm cutting the wrapping paper. But I have perfected the art of cobbling together scraps of paper for those times I do come up short on one end.

This looks like something I wrapped.

I bring all this up because yesterday while I was at the store I noticed something that would be cool for the husband. Did I buy it? No. Because I prefer adding the undue stress to my life of running around like a crazy person looking for a gift that I saw weeks ago but didn't buy. I'm not even sure it was on the list.

Thanks-for-giving such laughs

We're coming down the homestretch to Thanksgiving so I wanted to share some turkey day funnies. This first one should appeal to anyone who's ever been elbow deep in a turkey's butt trying to grab the giblets and gizzards found in there.

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I'd rather sit at the kid's table quite personally. There, you don't have to partake in boring grown-up conversation. And you get to throw peas at the other kids and tell fart jokes and laugh until someone yells at you to "keep it down". Wait a minute. I still tell fart jokes and laugh even now at the adult table. Nevermind.

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And of course, the Peanuts Gang.

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I once worked with a girl who didn't like turkey. Come to think of it, I don't think she ate any poultry. Anyway, for Thanksgiving, her Italian grandma would cook lasagna specifically for her.  This would be considered a win-win for the birds and anyone who doesn't eat birds because if you've ever eaten lasagna homemade by an Italian grandmother you would know my co-worker wasn't missing out much on the traditional foods.

Jake and Jenny and Me and Bill

In between all the reality shows and the endless Christmas movies on the Hallmark channels, a few of my favorite movies have been on television recently. And even though I can quote them by heart I watch them, sometimes keeping them on as background noise that I refer to as I'm doing other random things on my computer but always following happily along.

Sixteen Candles was on yesterday. This movie makes me laugh (a lot) and cry a little. I liken Bill to the main male character. He's the guy worth waiting for who always comes to my rescue.

For the hundred-thousandth time, Forrest Gump is on TV, as I write this. I love this movie for its sweetness, its great soundtrack and the love story. Whenever I ask Bill why he loves me or why he's so good to me, his reply is:

Corny? Probably a little. Okay, a lot.  What can I say? We speak in movie quotes so it stands to reason that we should reference movie characters when describing our love story. Minus the fact  that Bill doesn't drive a red Porsche and I was never a flower child/hippie chick.

World Diabetes Day

Today is World Diabetes Day. In honor of this day I salute people, like my son, who have diabetes as well as their caregivers/supporters. We're all in this together.

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Many will take this day to spread awareness of this auto-immune disease and try to dispel the myths and stigmatisms that surround it. I don't want to get too preachy, I just want to mention all the things my type 1 diabetic son can do. He's no different than any other 11-year old boy, except he wears an insulin pump and has to check his blood sugar levels and dose himself with insulin accordingly.

In spite of having diabetes...

he goes to Middle School and maintains A-B Honor Roll grades.
he plays video games and hangs out with his friends.
he eats pizza and chocolate cake. (yep, because it's only a myth that sugar causes diabetes and that once you get it you can never eat sugary products again)
he swims and runs and kicks my butt at chess.
he laughs and plays pranks.
he likes toilet humor and fart jokes.
he flies model airplanes and rides his scooter.
he thinks he might be a teacher in the future.
he has a great smile.
he has a sunny demeanor.


According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are 382 million people living with diabetes worldwide. Check out this link  and this link if you want to learn more about World Diabetes Day.

I like eating turkey so I guess that makes me Thanksgiving

I took one of those Fb quizzes. Again. This one asked, What holiday are you? My answer seems appropo considering the month and all. There was one question which asked if I liked eating turkey. I answered, Yes, because I do and I think this question single-handedly resulted in my answer.

I agree with most of the description. In truth I am a homebody and I do like being a hostess, and it really doesn't take a lot to make me happy, however, I draw the line at utilizing so much energy in preparation that it's like a full time job. I like Thanksgiving but let's be serious here, Quiz people.

    
   
   
     

You Are Thanksgiving

You are a bit of a homebody who enjoys being in the company of people you love. It doesn't take a lot to make you happy. You're enjoying life as it is. You have many blessings in your life, and you are grateful for each one. You believe that life is about what you *do* have. You feel like you have enough of the good stuff. What makes you celebrate: Family, friends, and the changing of the seasons. At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The host of the party. On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: Spend so much energy preparing that it's a full time job               Blogthings: 100's of Fun, Free Quizzes!

Thank you, Veterans.

This Veteran's Day I want to say a big Thank You to all veterans for their service to our country.

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Hey, what's your hurry?

I was looking at some pictures of Autumn and kind of missing the changing leaves-cooler weather-crispness of it all. Then I came across this and was like Whoa! Everyone and everything is always in such a hurry. Even me, when I'm not putting things off till the last minute, or, maybe because I do, I can be in a hurry. My grandmother had a saying: Everything always gets done. She was right.

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The weather is 78 degrees but Baby It's Cold Outside

I've had the song,  "Baby It's Cold Outside" going through my head for days. Also, it's been 78 degrees all week. I can explain. I'm not someone who shivers and grabs a sweater the minute the mercury dips below 80. I have, however, been listening to Christmas music because I want to add to the full onslaught of early Christmas this year. I'm taking a "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" approach.

I know it seems like every year Christmas is thrust on us earlier and earlier but usually it's like a slow leak until around Thanksgiving when it becomes a huge flood of Tis the Season. But this year is different. It's like I told a friend of mine the other day, Halloween is barely cold in the ground and already everyone's gone Christmas. Makes me feel bad for Thanksgiving, like we're giving it the bum's rush. But if you check your calendar you'll see that Thanksgiving is late this year. It occurs on the last week of November. And Christmas is three and a half weeks later so we're not even getting the full 4 weeks which might explain why the stores and Hallmark Channels jumped the Yuletide gun before the trick-or-treaters even had a chance to go door-to-door.

It doesn't, however, explain why this of all Christmas songs, is stuck in my head. Catchy lyrics? An evil ear worm? I might never know why and maybe it's best to leave it at that. But could someone explain the song's relevancy to Christmas? At no point during the song does it reference the holiday. In fact, this song could be sung at any point in the winter, like February. Don't get me wrong, I like this song and there's one rendition featuring  Harry Connick, Jr. which is smokin'. Go on, give it a listen.

Pretty cool (pun intended) version, amiright? But, no mention of Santa, elves or trees. And yet this song finds itself being played every year between Jingle Bells and Winter Wonderland during the Christmas season. Wait a minute, neither of these songs is about Christmas either. I give up. I better quit while I'm ahead or I'll have them stuck in my head and besides, I really can't stay...

I gave a drink company some nice feedback

I've been drinking regular unsweetened ice tea for months now. Why? Because I like it. No, really, I do. But recently I discovered a new flavored ice tea drink and because I was so wowed by them I thought, why not leave them a nice comment on their feedback. This is what I wrote:

Dear (Name Withheld So I Don't Get Sued) Tea Makers,

I tried your drink for the first time this week, specifically the Not Too Sweet Peach. It was DELICIOUS! Usually I'm skeptical about drinking flavored teas because they're too sweet or the flavor over-powers the tea itself. I was pleasantly surprised with your drink. I am now a fan and looking forward to drinking more and maybe trying your other flavors, too. Except for the diet ones, I'm not big on diet drinks. Anyway, I know most people usually take the time to send complaints but I thought you would appreciate hearing some positive news regarding your product. 
 

Thanks for the great drink!

I wanted to add the following post scripts at the bottom but I thought it might seem too pushy and could perhaps land me in jail on bribery or extortion charges, even though I would have added the PPS to seem more light-hearted and less of a shyster.

PS: I accept bribes in the form of free bottles of tea in exchange for a review on my blog.
PPS: If this seems unacceptable or unprofessional I at least hope whoever reads your company feedback gets a chuckle out of this reply. Or, at the very least a smile. 

 
In the end I left it out because with my luck they wouldn't have gotten my attempt at humor. As yet, I haven't received a reply. I'm guessing my kind words left them speechless. You're welcome, Tea People.

This blog may sound funny but that's just how I tawk

My blog has a voice and it's all me. I write the way I talk.

Warm and fuzzy holiday memories

Today's writing prompt is difficult. It should be easy but it requires picking out one of an endless supply of choices. I like having choices but when there are so many it overwhelms me.

I probably should have skipped this writing prompt and written about anything else

The first writing prompt for this month's NaBloPoMo is: Write about an amazing imaginary brand or organization you'd love to work with. I was going to skip this and write about something else because I'm not creative enough to think of an imaginary brand/organization. Then it hit me. Not so much hit me like a bus but more like the splat you get when a bird poops on you.

I speak in movie quotes so this seemed like a great idea. I would like to work with an organization dedicated to archiving random quotes from movies and television because let's face it there's a quote for just about every situation in life. We could have a phone number and  live people on hand to research the perfect quote or, a mobile app for instant access to our library database. This could seriously help benefit those with weak comeback responses.


Does something like this exist? It probably does. Which means I'm already screwing up NaBloPoMo. And the month just started!

In all seriousness, if I could work for any imaginary brand I'd like to work for Santa Claus. I could even learn to love all the cold and snow because of the great perks, like an endless supply of cookies from Mrs. C. Yes, I do love Christmas and all that it brings so working at the North Pole would be so much fun. Besides, everyone's always so jolly and happy, it would be better and cheaper than anti-depressants. Now, I'm not talking as an elf making the toys but I wouldn't mind being a journalist on the North Pole Gazette or contributing to their website.

And now that I've added to the full on rush of Christmas by mentioning it this early in November and also possibly traumatized any children reading this, I'm going to end right here and hope that my month and my posts get better. Maybe I should have asked the Great Pumpkin to bring me a list of acceptable topics to write about.

I'm committing myself, again, but to writing for NaBloPoMo not to an institution

I'm taking part in NaBloPoMo, again. NaBloPomo stands for National Blog Posting Month which means I'll be chained to my computer writing a post every day for the month of November or else the NaBloPolice come after me. I'm kidding but only about the police although you are expected to post daily or else why do this? I actively participated in the October 2013 one because I wanted to add unnecessary stress to my life. It wasn't so bad. Given the month and time of year, I had a lot of material to work with which is why my posts centered mainly on Halloween and Halloween-related things. This time around I might actually follow a few of their writing prompts because there's really only so much you can write about Thanksgiving before you lose your audience.

This is also a good way to commit myself to writing on a daily basis and let's face it I have been slacking off big time in that department. So here's to 30 days (give or take) of writing. Cheating by way of posting only gifs or jokes is optional. I made up that last rule, ya know, just in case.