Funniest Commercial In A Long Time

There are multiple reasons why I find this commercial hysterical.  I literally laughed myself into a frenzy over this one.  Todd came into the room and wondered what the heck was going on.  I haven't laughed like that at a commercial in a loooong time.

Enjoy!
Link to YouTube:  Michael Waltrip

Or click Play:

Round And Round I Go

My awesome buddy Tricia got me hooked on spinning.  I was very reluctant to try it.  It hurts your dierriere!  Why would I want to do something that hurts?  Sounded like crazy talk to me.  BUT that's how she really lost weight and got in shape, so there had to be something to it.

I remember years ago in KS, Suzie tried to talk me into trying spin at the community center, but it just didn't sound like fun to me.  And she got up at some ungodly hour of the morning to go do it.  No way.  Physically, there's no way.  I'm just not a morning person, and I can accept the truth about myself...I don't mentally wake up until 8am and preferrably after 9 and my body wakes up AFTER my mind.

The gym I was going to used to have spin classes so I gave it a try at the urging of Tricia.  The real deal with the pain-in-the-butt: you really do adjust, and kind of get used to it after 3 or 4 weeks, if you consistently stick with it.  I don't think it took me 3 weeks even.  Then I loved it.  The next big thing is the shoes.  Wearing sneakers and using the toe cages just doesn't give you the same workout.  SPD cleated spin shoes are a must for anyone serious about spinning, because they give you a completely different work out.  You maximize your effort.  And isn't that the point?

Well, I'm hooked.  Hook, line, and sinker.  I'd rather go to a spin class than do any other form of exercise (except maybe ride outside).  The main reason I quit my old gym was because they cancelled their spin classes.  And now looking back, there were several other reasons but that was the main one.  I joined Gold's, and I have had the best Spin classes ever.  They are so exhausting and energizing at the same time.  The class I had tonight kicked my butt!  The classes are helping me physically, but the best benefit is the mental part.  It's a huge stress releiver.

If you are mildly curious about a spin class, give it a try.  Don't judge it after your first or second class, and give it a few chances; you might develop a great love for it too!

Oh, another problem you can develop might be friction.  Butt'r is an awesome product for friction.  Also, bag balm is a soothing product for "saddle soreness" after the first couple of workouts.  If you stick with it, you won't need these products for long.  Don't forget the shoes!  And only take classes by certified Spin instructors.  Otherwise they might have you doing some crazy stuff.

Happy Spinning!

Booze & Beads, Episode 4

We finally got together to celebrate our 4th episode of Booze & Beads.  Tricia and I were long overdue for a visit!  Since we are currently at different gyms, I haven't been able to see her almost daily.  :-(   That should change soon!  :-)

We drank what I am calling a "Melon Bomb".  Cause DANG, it sneaks up on you like BAM!!!  It is really a martini, but I'd just have to keep getting up to refill a martini glass, and that just doesn't make sense.

Recipe for a Melon Bomb:

Equal parts of Midori & Malibu Rum, with a few big splashes of lime flavored sparkling mineral water.  It's an instant party!

We both worked on jewelry pieces that we wanted to complete, but I only got one of my items finished.  I can't wait to see her new ensemble, pics will be forthcoming next time, because it is a pretty cool set.

Here are a pair of Mardi Gras inspired earrings, which I made for my ToastMasters club to include in a gift basket raffle.  Someone will be the new owner of these:

We had a great brunch, and caught up on girl talk.  It was a delightful afternoon!  Can't wait for the next one, and I wish others could join us!!!

Texas Pinball Expo

This weekend was the yearly Texas Pinball Expo in Grapevine, that I decided not to attend this year.  I KNEW once it was here, I would regret not going.  It was 87, sunny and beautiful there for Todd yesterday; and it was cold, WINDY, and snowing here at home for me.  But the reason I really miss being there is seeing a lot of our buddies from KC.  He got to pal around with Mitch, Brett, Mike, Jeff, Don, just to mention a few friends.

I just didn't want to spend the money this year for both of us to fly; and I don't have that much vacation time accrued at my new job, so it just made sense to skip a year, save the money, and be home to watch the pups.  I'm still glad I'm not spending the $, but dang, I wish I were there.  Next year, Dawn and I will go.

I remember our first TPE.  It was the end of October 2005, in a different hotel than where they have held it for the past several years.  It was a smaller venue in '05 (and they subsequently moved it to the Spring time).  They had a Halloween costume contest back then.  I remember a scantily clad female police officer, and an Elvis or two.  I remember the Karaoke didn't start until the very end of the evening, and it wasn't BLARINGLY loud like it has been in the new venue.  I can still smell the stewing sour kraut for the bratwursts, like a stench burned into the insides of your nostrils that you just can't get out.  Ok, I don't miss THAT part.

It was a very good time getting together with pinheads from all over.  We made many friends in TX that we still see every year.  (Well not for me this year, cause like I said, I'm not there.)

That first weekend, Dawn could be found playing White Water:

I could be found playing Sopranos (with Don Brownback learning all the tricks as I played):

Todd & Mitch played doubles (each took a flipper):

Gotta love Mitch's shirt:

Told ya, we saw Elvis: 

We always make a stop at Braum's for ice cream and hamburgers.  We always have great BBQ and/or steak.  I remember Mitch and Dawn both ordered Eggs Over My Hammy at Denny's for breakfast that Saturday.  It still amuses me to say it out loud, because it sounds JUST like Eggs Over Miami.  Duh, but it still amuses me.  I can't really explain.

We've been several years between then and now, but that first one will always be one of the very best.  That was my first pinball festival of any kind!  I'll be there with Dawn, next year.  Can't wait!

Where I got my craftiness

Out of the blue, I got the most impressive present from my mother.  She has made GORGEOUS quilts and throw blankets, so she is no stranger to sewing.  She has also made me the best ever tote bag, on which I get compliments all the time.  But the cutest thing she has ever made?  My new apron.  Check it out, is this not something you'd find in the most happening little coffee shop?!?  I am so impressed, and knew you would be too.  I now have a collection of the cutest aprons ever.  Guess I should cook more, huh?

It has double layered pockets at opposite diagonals, so that you can see the back pocket peek through.  And the best detail?  It's reversible!  How ingenious.  My mom ROCKS!!!

So now you see where I got all my craftiness!!!

My Big Goal for 2011

This is a banner year for me.  My goal is to accomplish a sprint level (not a big ole iron man level) triathlon this summer.  It is a totally feasible distance.  I will be swimming, biking, then running, in that order.  I am still torn on which one I want to actually do, but I have my eye on two possibilities.  The Sierra Nevada area is gorgeous, so there are many opportunities to do some amazing courses.  My mountain biking skills are not very technical, so I should probably stick with a street course.  I don't have a road bike, so I will be borrowing or renting one for the actual event.

I have ramped up my physical exercise level, and I am ready to crank it up even more as I get serious about my training.  Wahoo!  This is the year.  This is it.  I'm doing it.

Just FYI, when Todd turned 40, he came home with his ear pierced.  I am doing a triathlon!

You Can Do It Too!

It's time for me to donate blood today, and SAVE UP TO THREE LIVES!  I don't know exactly why I got on this kick, but it feels good (it's relatively painless!!!) to donate something that has no replacement.  Think about it, if you (or rather, your doctor) needed some blood for an upcoming surgery or procedure, it's not like you can go order it online and get it from some lab that synthesized it from a plant or something.  And if you need it because of an accident, I hope the stock is well supplied.  Blood comes from donors.  That's the only place they can get it.


I guess I'm donating for those people I don't know.  I haven't met them.  I don't know what happened that put them in their situation.  But I do know they have an urgent and time sensitive need for something very precious.  I have talked my hubby into going with me!  I'm so proud of him for doing it.  We have a "date" at lunch time today to go to the blood center and donate.  Then we get to eat at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants across the street.  I can't think of a better date (that doesn't involve alcohol).


Think about making an appointment to donate, if you are eligible.  You too could make a life saving impact for someone in need.  Actually the lives of up to THREE people!  I just find that fact amazing.  Go be a hero!  You have it in you.

Some Ideas Should Remain Imaginary

There was a skit I remember chuckling at the first time I ever saw it, about Flatuscents.  I'm sure anyone who has ever shared a bed has dreamed of something like this at some point after a spicy pot of chili.

However, there are some things that should be left a fantasy.  Really.  I could NOT believe my eyes when I was flipping through a catalog and saw this item.  It's really for sale.  You can actually BUY these.  Subtle Butt, disposable gas neutralizers:

If the link doesn't work for anyone, here is the product description pasted directly from the site (hey, it's not MY typo):

Sometimes you just con’t control a gassy stomach...and what may happen as a result. But relax—the pressure’s off when you’re protected with these antimicrobial pads. Just stick to your underwear (even thongs) and go about your day. If you make a slip, don’t worry—the odor is neutralized by the activated carbon layer, and you’re spared the embarrassment. Great for travel, office or anywhere you’re in close quarters!

I am sure everyone is RELIEVED to know these work with thongs.  Whew!  I knew you were worried.

There were TWO REAL Product Reviews for this item!

• "For those who actually have this embarrassing problem, these work great. They are very pricey to use daily. That's my only complaint."
• "I bought them for myself...I have experienced too many embarrassing moments...I am so glad that I came across these pads...they are definitely helpful!"

Ok, folks.  Here is a REAL question.  This item takes care of the smell.  But

WHAT THE HECK DO YOU DO ABOUT THE SOUND?

Humidi-Whaaat?

I am totally convinced that my husband has been experiencing Humidifier Fever. Humidi whaaat??? Yea, humidifier FEVER. It super sucks and looks/acts JUST like a horrible round of the flu. He gets violent chills and a fairly high fever (102...103). I can stack 4 or 5 blankets on him when I only have a sheet. What convinces me that this is the reason besides the fact that I've always gotten the humidifier going just several hours before he becomes ill... is that I never catch it. Even though I had a flu shot, being this close to a sicky, I'd catch it. And I haven't. I have had a "fuzzy chest on the inside" like I can't take a completely full and deep breath. So I react differently.


Poor guy. I am SO SORRY I started the humidifier. It will never happen again. It's just not worth it. He is M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E!!! Worst-wife-award winner-of-the-year right here. But best Doctor-wanna-be too!  He's going to be all better tomorrow.  It was a rough day for him.

I won, I won!

I'm in a Toastmasters club so that I can master my fear of public speaking.  When I stand up and speak in front of people, I hear my voice shake, feel my palms sweat, and speak at the speed of light without breathing.  I've been able to improve my ability to master my fears.  I have learned to develop a speech with an introduction, body and conclusion.  I still haven't learned to gauge the time so that I know how much I can say in X amount of time, but that comes with practice.

Tonight I spoke about one of my favorite subjects, NASCAR, and I brought home the first place ribbon!!  Yay, go me!  It was one of my favorite speeches that I have delivered, but I relied too much on my notes because of the technical "goals" of the speech (which everyone says the goal of speech #4 sucks).  Whew, glad that one is over!  And it was really fun to deliver.  I found a few other NASCAR fans in the audience!

Go #99!

And Now For The Wiener....

Well, almost.  I have ALMOST chosen my gym-of-choice-winner.  I had an awesome spin class tonight (I walked in there with 3,200 steps on my pedometer, and walked out with 10,500!!!).  I was HOPING that I would enjoy the spin class, and I did!  I was immediately pleased.  You have no idea how difficult I am to please.  ;-)  I was happy when I walked into the room because it was COOL!!!  The dedicated full-time spin room was prepared for people to exercise and heat up.  It's a miracle.  That was my make-or-break test.  My next test of this gym will be zumba.  Not sure when I can make the class, but we will see.

Let's see, Gold's gym has this going for it:
1. Spin classes,
2. In a cool room!
3. Zumba classes--they have them.
4. Swimming pool--so I can really ramp up my training!!!
5. There is a location by my work, for lunch time work outs; and a location near my home for the weekends.
6. For $20 a month, it's a huuuuuuuuge bargain compared to what I was paying, AND there are way more classes that I will be able to make now because the times work with MY schedule.

I think the winner is pretty clear, but I will still use my 7-day free pass just to make sure!  I made a spreadsheet of all my gym choices and the details of each, but I don't even need it.

Having a gym chosen will make me feel better because I will not feel so in limbo.  I will soon have my home-away-from-home selected.  Yea, I'm addicted to working out, it's not a bad thing.

Jus, My Hero

My roommate from college is an amazing woman.  She is my only close friend from any kind of school...  I don't keep in touch with anyone from high school, and nobody else from college.  So she is my longest close friend.  Geez, I've known her now more than half my life, yikes.  There can be years that go by when we don't have a chance to communicate, and then something happens and we know we can write or pick up the phone and it's like we pick up right where we left off.  We've seen each other go through a lot, and it is amazing how the years have flown.

Now for a digression in the story, but trust me, it IS related.  I love to drink water (just plain tap, nothing fancy out of a bottle).  Not only is it usually free, but I prefer it ever since I moved to the desert and I drink so much more of it.  I really don't care for soda very often.  When Jus and I would go eat during our freshman and sophomore years of college, I would always order her water for her.  She has an English accent (so adorable) and people could never understand her when she would order water.  Still to this day I always think of her when I order water.

So, why is Jus so amazing, and why is she my hero?  I will tell you, glad you asked.  She joined the National Guard, and she left to fulfill her duty and serve our country on Friday.  I still can't believe it.  I'm so very proud of her!  The other important detail is that she went through and graduated boot camp last year, AND SHE IS MY AGE!!!!  I am so amazed at her courage.  It had to be the hardest thing ever to get through.  I can't imagine the physical stress, or the mental stress, of going through that at our age (with a bunch of youngsters!).  She's one tough cookie.  She wants to do something very meaningful, and she wants to make a difference with her life.  She's doing that. 

I'll update you as she goes on her adventure of a lifetime.  She is stationed at a few bases in the US before being deployed to probably <gulp> Afghanistan.  I worry about her going overseas at such a tumultuous time, and I will not rest easy until she is back safe and sound.  She's got a great family waiting at home to come back to. 

Godspeed, Jus.  And all my love.

Let Me See Ya Shake Your Tail Feathers

Holy aerobic dancing, Batman, have I missed Zumba!!! I had a total butt kickin' good time tonight dancing like an uncoordinated football player on a ballroom dance floor. IT WAS A BLAST!!! It has been a long time since I have been lucky enough to attend a zumba class. Probably a year. I was never good at it to begin with, but I don't care. It is just an hour of somewhat choreographed chaotic energetic movement. And it is the best aerobic exercise ever. If you've never tried it, it does take a half dozen classes to "get it". But the cool thing is, IF YOU ARE MOVING, YOU ARE DOING IT RIGHT!!!

I walked into class with my pedometer around 2,000 steps. I walked outta there with... Wanna guess? Go ahead, guess. Ok, I'll tell you. ALMOST 11,000 steps!!! I've never gotten that out of an hour exercise class. Ever. And my sweat crystals had sweat crystals!!!!

I quit my old gym yesterday, and I've never felt better. I feel liberated. I am gym shopping and trying every available gym this month to select my final one. How fun is this?!?

DRIVERS* Start Your Engines!

Wahoo for the girls!  Way to go, Danica Patrick.  I watched (delayed) her win 4th place in today's Nationwide race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  She set a record for the best ever finish by a female driver.  Keep an eye on her, she's going to keep getting better.  I can't wait to see her in victory circle.

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar/feed/2011-01/danica-patrick/story/danica-patrick-registers-best-finish-by-female-driver-in-nascar#ixzz1FnM5LSOj

Who gives a damn that it ended up being a fuel mileage race.  Think anybody is going to remember that next year when they say how she came in 4th this year?  Nope. 

She's a badass in my book.



Oh, and congrats to Mark Martin for winning the big enchilada.  I think he's pretty cool and so happy to see him win!!!  Totally deserves it.

I've also got my eye on Jennifer Jo Cobb, hoping she does well this season.  Looks like I'm going to have to start watching the truck series too!
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/02/jennifer_jo_cobbs_finish_made.html

*Since there were two women in the race, they couldn't say "Gentlemen, start your engines", so it's "Drivers, start your engines"--I love it!

When Good Cakes Go Bad

I went to the grocery store yesterday with the intention of buying a pre-baked angel food cake for a recipe I am making to take to work tomorrow.  However, when I saw the selection in the bakery, I reconsidered.  They had a small dinky cake for $4.  It was like the size of MAYBE half of a standard angel food cake.  So I went to the cake mix isle.  I got a mix for $3.  I swear I stood there for 10 minutes debating the price of that cake mix.  $3 for a friggin cake mix?!?!?  You've GOT to be kidding me.  And *I* gotta bake it?  So, it's been awhile since I've done the grocery shopping.  Obviously.  I was expecting it to be $1.49 at the most, like a regular cake mix.  Apparently this one is special.  So I buy it.  I'm in a time crunch and have no other options, other than the over priced small dinky pre-baked one.

I prepare to make it last night.  I read the high altitude instructions.  Cause, well, I'm at a high altitude.  The special instructions say to add 2 TABLESPOONS of corn starch to the dry mix.  I read it 5 times to make sure it didn't say teaspoon.  Nope, it definitely said tablespoon, and 2 of them.  So I do it.  I add all of 2 leveled tablespoons.  I mix it for the required time.  It foams up as expected and gets all full, as I remember.  I put it in my special angel food cake pan.  I put it in the oven.  I wait.

I check it after the first 5 minutes.  It's rising!!!  Holy cake batter, Batman, it's rising!  I always get nervous about baking, cause baking at this altitude is NOT like baking in KS.  I let it go another 10 minutes and check it again.  It's rising MORE!  Wahoo!  It feels like real success.  I'm all happy with myself because I made a wise decision.  I just let it go, cause it's looking like a real angel food cake. 

Another 10 minutes go by.  My hubby walks through the kitchen and says "Uhhh, I think you need to check this".  I run over to the oven.  OMG, the thing has morphed into some kind of cake monster.  HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN???  Oh yea, the corn starch.  All 2 tablespoons of it.

Keep in mind, you can't see some of the stuff that slid over the edge and onto the bottom of the oven that is under the foil I quickly put down.  Can you see that haze?  Yea, that's SMOKE.

The good news?  Our house smelled like toasted marshmallows all evening into the next morning.  I love toasted marshmallow flavoring in my latte (along with caramel--awesome combination).

So let me ask, does anyone else have a GLASS bottle (with a metal cap, not plastic) on which to turn the cake over to let it cool?  Remember how mom used to bake/cool an angel food cake like that?  My mom always used a Heinz vinegar bottle.  Thank goodness, I had a bottle of limeade carbonated beverage for some booze concoction I had in mind at one time but never got around to making.  Otherwise, I would have been screwed.  Again.

Life

So... I'm bored. In many ways. I'm bored with what I'm doing in many facets of my life.  My gym bores me, so I'm changing this spring.  An association or two I am in are boring me so I am not volunteering as much.  All the tasks I can't get caught up on at home bore me.  The weed pulling I know I will be doing this spring is going to bore me.  My daily commute is really boring and stress inducing.

Thank God for my pups and the fact that my hubby cooks.  He cooks well.  He cooks creatively.  He is an awesomely inventive master chef.  The man is amazing.  He can take a few ingredients and make something that makes me salivate weeks later just thinking about what we ate.  I have very few specialties.  I make a mean gourmet grilled cheese (this ain't your mom's grilled cheese), but I can't just whip up something from nothing.  Thank goodness he's in charge of the food around here, otherwise life might be *really* boring. 

I need to find more time to do fun things, so I get out of this boring rut.  I think a new gym will help immensely and I will ramp up my physical training.  I have to change some things, cause I don't deal well with boredom.  Sorry for the boring post.