Owner: My Life | My Opinions | My Blog URL:http://keepingtrackoftheinsanity.blogspot.com Join Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2007 10:54:23 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: My life and the world around me as I see it. Site statistics:Click here
I'm In Love!! 2007-05-11 18:20:00 I totally place the blame for this on Melina because she's the one that told me there were chocolate chex snack mixes and then she's the one that actually gave me one. So when I was at the 7-11 I had to check to see if they carried the chocolate chex mix and found this:Yeah, that's Chex Mix Turtle and it has:(If it's too blury to read that says it contains caramel popcorn, caramel chex, chocolate chex, honey roasted peanuts, milk chocolate candies and pretzels.)The PERFECT combo of sweet-n-salty.I love it.I have eaten a bag and a half over this past week!
I've slacked off on my blogging duties... 2007-05-15 16:29:00 Awe - isn't it pretty? Originally uploaded by Misa Gracie. ...as a matter of fact I've slacked off on a lot of things - like letter writing and phone calling and keeping track of the voices in my head. BUT! I did get some plants put in front of the house.. see how preety! I also uploaded some new photos of Maman and Ali doing thier sight seeing best.So let me dazzle you with my photographic uploading skillz while I ponder the subject of my next post... Read more:duties
Happy Anniversary! 2007-05-19 11:56:00 Today is our 7th Wedding Anniversary
so please excuse the lack of blogging - though I'll upload some photos to share with you of our wedding day and quasi-honeymoon.l-r; Reda, Ali, Me, MelinaWe're standing in front of the bookcase in the JP's office.I went and had my hair done that morning at a salon a few blocks from the flower shop where I worked at the time. It was easiest to change there so Ali and Reda met us we all went to city hall from there- which was conveniently just down the street. It was raining - they say that rain on your wedding day is good luck and they just might be right.We met the JP - a very nice woman who spoke to us about the importance of marriage and family. She quoted such sources as Joseph Smith and the Bible, I don't know why because it was supposed to be a non-religious ceremony, but neither of us minded. I think Ali was a tiny bit nervous.When we were pronounced husband and wife she even took the above picture for us. It didn't take very long - but t Read more:Happy
, Happy Anniversary
Fun Fact Friday 2007-05-18 19:05:00 On the 3rd Friday
of each month we have a special luncheon at my office - it provides an opportunity to come together as people, not co-workers, and connect on a more personal level.We call them Fellowship Lunches.These lunches started about a year and a half ago because many thought that our office lacked a certain 'something' and people were not social enough.The first lunch started with many people gathering in the conference room to eat. The talk began about deadlines, recent acquisitions and various work related topics. Being that the whole point was to connect with others on a personal level I put an immediate end to the work speak.I printed up a quick selection of random questions, folded each and placed them in a basket. This basket was passed around and everyone was instructed that they had to read their question aloud and answer it for all to hear.It has become a highly anticipated event and I have come up with some really quirky and/or down right strange questions (thanks
WTF? Wednesday on Friday 2007-05-18 18:04:00 My WTF?!? moment came when Ali asked me:"Are you coming home tonight?"Not:"When are you comign home tonight?" I know what he meant - but it was weird.Maybe because he's trying to be very nonchalant about it and that isn't his strong point. Read more:Friday
, Wednesday
Chili Anyone? 2007-05-17 19:45:00 Since Maman has been staying with us, my newly-ultra-conservative-husband has pretty much left the TV set to the food network - lest Maman be offended by the racy and risque television programs and ads run amok on American airwaves.I would love to see her reaction to programs like Jerry Springer, Desperate Housewives or the Supranos. I think she isn't as conservative as Ali thinks she is (because when I get home at night, I just KNOW she's watching MTV, but her secret is safe with me, and now you I guess.)So, we were watching a program about food - of course - and they were making chili. That sounded good. It still sounded good a few weeks later so I decided to try it. Me being me I hadn't thought to write down what ingredients were used and 'improvised' my own recipe.And it came out absolutely fabu-tastic so I thought I'd share the recipe with you.(Okay - maybe not the actual-factual recipe because I don't really measure anything exact, but it's as close as I can get. Use your Read more:Chili
, Anyone
Hey! That Lady looks just like my Mom! 2007-05-21 14:25:00 So after my WTF?? Friday conversation with Ali I went home as usual. Nothing strange or suspicious was happening so I settled down with a movie on my laptop, ear buds firmly in place and began my 'veg-out cuz it's raining outside' plan for the weekend.Then the door bell rang.Repeatedly.ding. ding. dingding. dingdingdingding. ding.Ali said something about it being the lady upstairs.I was all "What the HELL! Just a Freakin' Second. Jeeze!"I opened the door to find Yassin, Ali's friend, with finger firmly pressing the door bell. I shot him a dirty look."What's the deal? One ring is enough man!""But it's raining." he whined.And then from the shadows emerged the Queen of The Universe."Who are you and why do you look like my Mom?""Because I AM your Mom!""wha? how? huh?"Yeah, I was really intelligent at the time. She came all the way from Phoenix to spend the weekend with me for my birthday.We went shopping and out to eat at Bisuteki and Not Your Average Joe's and watched movies and h
How NOT to flush a toilet 2007-05-25 14:17:00 You may or may not know (and may or may not care) that I work in the fantasy world of rental property and it's management - sufice it to say that I deal with the repair and maintenance of commercial properties and for the sake of my job I will stop there. Anyway - I was in the ladies room at a building and in the next stall over I happen to notice that the person kicked the toilet handle to flush
it.This makes no sense to me - but whatever. I go to wash my hands and decide to politely ask this numb-skull to not do that any more."Excuse me, but could you please refrain from kicking the toilet handle? I have to replace flushing mechanisms on a regular basis because people kick them.""Oh, well I don't like to touch the handles and get all germy.""Well, you could use a piece of tissue to protect your delicate palm from the nasties lurking on the handle instead of kicking it.""Yeah, but I don't like my face next to the bowl when it flushes."
Fun Fact Friday 2007-05-25 04:36:00 The question for today is: What do you keep in your wallet or purse?Well, let’s have a look-see shall we? • Black wallet (with credit, gift, insurance, calling and club cards, license, pictures of Ali, Megan, Mom and the girls, various business cards and the paper I thought I had lost with my brothers mailing address on it. Oops.)• Pink change purse (with my business cards in it and nothing else)• Compact• Chapstick• 3 pens• Sunglasses• Keys• Cell phone• Valet Parking Receipt• Lipstick case with Loreal Spiced Cedar lipstick in it.• Eye drops• Barrette• 3 checks written to me (from December, March and May) that I keep forgetting to deposit.• 1 blank deposit slip in case my brain remembers when I’m at the bank.• CVS, Stop-n-Shop and Mobil receipts• $29 in foldable cash• 26 quarters, 16 dimes, 6 nickels, 14 pennies (none of which were in the cute pink change purse)(Missing but usually present are my iPod which is sitting on my desk playing Hu Read more:Friday
The View: Full Contact 2007-05-24 18:57:00 Having watched this I have solidified my opinion that Elizabeth Hasselbeck has no idea what is being asked of her. She continues to debate the politics of the war in Iraq, the President and previous issues when all Rosie is asking her is "Do YOU think I think the soldiers in Iraq are terrorists?". A simple Yes or No would have ended the entire thing.I have very different friends - some are Republican, some are Democrat, some are politically active while others think a poll belongs at a strip club. I have friends that went to college and friends that struggled to finish high school. I have friends that have never been outside of the protective borders of this country and others that emmigrated at various stages of life.Not one of these people have the exact same political views as the other. This is what makes us great friends. We argue, we debate, we educate each other on what we hold dearest.We also support each other because we know, deep down, when times are tough we can count on on
Confessions of a middle-aged drama queen 2007-05-24 09:52:00 Oh boy.I really get myself in to fixes every now and then. I do.I love my husband and by default I love his family. (Right now I am saying a prayer of thanks that they don't read this blog - or English for that matter.) But I have to tell you that having his mother living with us, while a good thing, is a very stressful thing all it's own. I want to be supportive and I want to be sure that she has everything that she needs to be happy and healthy.BUT...I really, really, desperately need her to stop refolding the towels in the linen closet. And also? Yeah, quit rearranging the kitchen pantry. Okay? You don't need to wash our laundry or sweep our floors or make our bed or put things away. Parlez vous Stop?I know that she thinks she's helping, and maybe her way is better - mayyyy be. But my house, my way. That's how it works right? I pay the bills, I get to fold my towels any way I want. If I want to wait a week to sweep the kitchen floor - so be it.And for some "unknown" reason I am Read more:middle
, drama
Don Corleone Says Hi 2007-05-23 16:32:00 I don't know who I pissed off - but leaving the severed end of a bank pen on my desk is a message I received loud and clear.I'll be looking in to the witness protection program. If you start seeing blog posts by Wilma Wonderlust you'll know what happened.
WTF?? Wednesday 2007-05-23 08:12:00 It's that time ladies and gentlemen - WTF?? Wednesday
is here.This isn't on the WTF list for the content of the story (though it could have been), it is on the list for the fact that it IS a story. Who cares? She was probably drunk and the dog thought "I'll get you for putting that stupid outfit on me Beeatch!" and jumped in front of her staggering ass.I think that the number listed here is rather conservative. It seems that 62% is a better number, just so long as I'm not included.And then there is this which just may put this guy in the WTF?? Hall of Fame! I mean really, few are so passionate about their cause. Viva la Pancake!This might be why Monster has cut down on its listings for foreign language teachers in the Idaho area because aparently Opie and Aunt Bea can't be bothered with culture. Viva le Ignorance!I can't tell if this is a joke or not. I pray it is a joke but suspect it is not.EDIT: It has been brought to my attention that 100% of the Onion's content is fictional
Mama and her boys 2007-05-23 07:51:00 Ali, Mama and Yasin May 2007Originally uploaded by Misa Gracie. There are few things as certain as death, taxes and gravity - unless you consider my Mom and her love of The Boys.Here she's sitting next to Ali (her favorite son-in-law) and Yasin (who is just plain out her favorite. It's okay, we understand.)And let me tell you, the boys love their Mama! This is everyone at dinner on Sunday (l-r; Reda, Ali, Mama, Yasin, Souhil, Housien and Maman) - I took the picture so I'm not in it though I was sitting next to Reda across from Maman.
Jackie and Tim MOVE! 2007-05-27 12:47:00 The moving crew Originally uploaded by Misa Gracie. Late breaking news: After 14 years in our sleepy little town Jackie
and Tim have bought a home in Melrose. The move was yesterday and went very smoothly - everything has been relocated to the new place and now they have the uber-fun task of unpacking and putting it all away!!Happy Memorial Day!
They Are The Roses 2007-05-31 21:50:00 I remember my neice Destany always singing the chorus to a song over and over and over. Something about being Rosemary's grand daughter but I never really knew who the original artist was... having only heard Destany's version.So I googled it. Jessica Andrews. A very talented artist. She also has another song "They are the roses" that inspired me to make this. Read more:Roses
WTF Wednesday?? 2007-05-30 13:09:00 See Jane Run? Run Jane, Run!I drive to work each morning. When I leave the house I am all cool calm and collected. When I arrive at work however, I am a boiling, roiling ball of padestrian hate waiting to explode.Mainly it is because people in Boston feel it is their right to walk out into traffic without looking, against the lights and to dawdle on their merry way. They step in front of moving vehicles. They block traffic. They start crossing at intersections just as the light turns green. They ignore do not walk signs and have no regard for any vehicles moving or not.If only they paid attention to the crosswalks. Not only do they "J" walk, they stop in the middle of traffic, cross intersections diagonally and move at a snails pace.It seems they have never heard the term "Hit and Run" before. Imagine the damage a car can do to a person and visa-versa. It's not pretty.This morning a woman was strolling across an intersection, chatting on her cell, sipping an iced coffee without a care Read more:Wednesday
What's in the shopping bag? 2007-06-03 13:22:00 What's in the shopping bag? Originally uploaded by Misa Gracie. Kathy and I were going to the Revs game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro last night. We decided to meet early at the Wrentham Outlets for a little shopping and dinner.Well, there were some pretty great sales going on so we skipped the game in favor of shopping and had dinner at the Ruby Tuesdays at the Outlets.When I got home I was putting my new twin-sets (For $7 a piece!!) in the closet when I looked over at the bag.It has mysteriously refilled itself.Gee...I wonder what could be in it??
Fun Fact Friday! 2007-06-01 22:57:00 Q: What was the first car you ever owned or drove?A: The first car I ever drove wasn't really a 'car' at all - it was a tractor. We lived in a small desert town in Arizona called Hyder. I don't even think it's on any maps anymore - it was that small. My dad taught me and my brother how to drive though technically we were only 9 and 11 respectively. It made sense, being that we were so very far from anything. If an emergency occurred and my mom was unable to drive due to illness or injury and he wasn't there we could wait hours for someone to help. If we knew how to drive we could get to help in minutes.Anyway, he taught us to drive the tractor first. Then Mom let us practice driving the car - a Ford Fairlane - and we took the car to the trash dump, used it to walk Micky the sheep (what is singular for sheep? sheep? lamb? maybe he was a lamb? I don't remember, I was only 8 and 9 at the time and had to remember clutch vs brake people. My head was full.) and drove each other crazy Read more:Friday
Choices, Choices, Choices 2007-06-07 09:58:00 With the imminent demise of my Lexus, I must find another car to tote my royal hinny around town. I've been thinking about hybrids but much of the press says that they claim better mpg than they actually get (Prius claims 51/60 and drivers say it's more along the lines of 31/38). So, having determined that the expense of a hybrid isn't really worth it if I don't save on gas, I am looking at compact sedans – most notably hatchbacks.I have found a few that I like - so now I need to figure out which is the best…and I am seeking your opinions...*drum roll*And the contestants are:The Honda Fit: The Fit hails form European roots and is a much loved car across the pond. Honda itself has a reputation for quality and good service, so lineage is not an issue. The Fit has a fun and stylish body (though these contests aren't all about the body, you know, we care about what's inside too!).31/37 mpg1.5 L 4 cylinders automatic4 wheel ABS standard60/40 split bench rear seatPower windows/lock
WTF? Wednesday 2007-06-06 09:38:00 The WTF? Wednesday
moment came courtesy of my car... because I think I'm going to puke...A few days ago my car started making this whining noise - in my vast knowledge of vehicle mechanics I pronounced it a power steering fluid issue. I stopped at the local Targe, picked up some power steering fluid (along with a new steering wheel cover) and filled up the power steering reservoir.The noise stopped for about 2 hours.Then it started again. On Monday I noticed it was getting worse and pronounced the issue to be with either a line feeding the steering or the pump itself. For some reason the fluid wasn't making it from point A to point B and quite possibly was escaping while enroute. On Tuesday I called the mechanic and made arrangements to drop the car off at 7am today to have it checked out.Damn my mechanical knowledge because I was right. It's the power steering and to quote my mechanic "How long do you plan on keeping this car?" isn't a great way to begin talking about repairs. Esp
Dear Obnoxious Lady in the black Volvo; 2007-06-05 08:29:00 You are not more important than any other person on the road each morning. It is not more important for you to reach your destination 5 minutes earlier than anyone else. If it is imperative that you arrive at your location earlier, here's a tip, leave earlier.The fact that you tailgate the car in front of you only makes you look like a rude, impatient ass. Please, for your own sake and for the safety of others STOP.Vehicular terrorism, which is how I choose to describe your particular style of driving, will not make me go any faster than I already am. If I am travelling in the middle or right lane, at or slightly above, the posted speed limit, you have no right to drive right up my tail pipe.If, as was the case today, I am driving in the left lane at approximately 20mph OVER the posted limit, tailgating me, flashing your lights and generally making a fool of yourself is only going to make me want to mess with you.I have no problem slowing down and blocking you in just because you're
I think I just peed my pants... 2007-06-04 17:01:00 ...just a little, mind you. I'm not needing depends or anything. It's because my sister just sent me an email and I wasn't ready for it (damn that 20oz Mountain Dew!). She usually passes along those inspirational emails with the "WWJD" message - or the "I LOVE YOU" type of things. She's my own personal daily affirmation.Well, I thought this email was the same as the last few. One of those "Do unto others..." messages for the masses.Not today. Today is all about drunks.A man and his wife are awakened, at 2 o'clock in the morning by a loud pounding on the door. The man gets up and goes to the door where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push."Not a chance," says the husband, "it is 2 o'clock in the morning ! He slams the door and returns to bed. "Who was that?" asked his wife."Just some drunk guy asking for a push," he answers. "Did you help him?" she asks."No, I did not, it is 2 o'clock in the morning and it is pouring out there!""Well, you have a Read more:think
Vacationitis: The Hawaiian Version 2007-06-04 14:18:00 I am suffering from the rare affliction of 'mybrainsafailin' brought on by the little known 'weathersux' virus. Looking at the 10-day forecast it shows rain, sprinkles, scattered thunderstorms, cloudy, slightly cloudy and fog. Temperatures are going to hover in the low 60's. Yay. In New England the saying goes "What always follows a rainy day? Monday."BUT!Check this out. Kauai Hawaii. Warm. Sun. Sand-n-Surf. Palm Trees. Fish. Flowers....Imagine sitting there in the sun, enjoying an ice cold drink brought to you by an attractive cabana boy.... mmmm vacation.The green foliage, the colorful flowers, the scents, the sights, the tropical climate... sigh....I have never been to the islands - though many of my family and friends have - and would love to go. My friend Sue and her husband John eloped to Hawaii. When I was in the flower business I did a special delivery of tropical arrangements to two homes with identical messages of "Just Maui'd". I'm guessing that someone else eloped to Read more:Hawaiian
Captain Kirk has invaded my head... 2007-06-09 08:13:00 I really.Must.Stop. With the Captain
.Kirk. Dialogue in my head.It's.So annoying but.I can't seem to stop.I.think I.Need coffee.
Thursday Thirteen 2007-06-07 16:27:00 Okay - I'm jumping on the ThursdayThirteen
bandwagon too (See Melina's posts here, which are very good by the way).13 Rainy Day TV ShowsThere are certain episodes I like more than others, but these programs have kept me entertained on rainy days and late nights for years. I'm just sad that they're no longer around, but every great show has to end sometime.1. I Love LucyThe number one show of all time. Lucille Ball was a genius and her work is a joy to watch. It is simply timeless. 2. Three's Company Anything with John Ritter is gold as far as I am concerned... there hasn't been a better slapstick comedian since.3. FrasierLove Niles. LOVE him. As far as I'm concerned he was the comic genius that fueled this show into the long running classic it has become. Granted Kelsey Grammar and Jane Leaves did their part, but David Hyde Pierce stole this show.4. The Carol Burnett ShowI just wish they would run this on late night TV on a regular basis instead of just your occasional annivers
Dear Liar L. Pantsonfire; 2007-06-13 08:40:00 I, along with the vast majority, do not enjoy being lied too.I don't find pleasure in covering for you due to excessive absences. Whether it is because of illnesses, family emergencies or jury duty - no one should take as much time as you have without a doctor's note.I mean, come on!A close family member passes away - that happens, it is very sad and we all offer our condolences. You are allowed extra days off, don't mistake generosity for weakness.You are called for jury duty - this happens too (I am called at least monthly, so I know the system is screwy). Don't expect us to believe that your jury duty started at 9am and you're out by noon - I've been there, done that and know that the city doesn't release you until 1:30pm when the afternoon sessions are decided. Something is fishy in Denmark Liar Pantsonfire, and we're taking notice.You are sick with pneumonia, migraines, conjunctivitis, food poisoning, bronchitis, flu, allergies and colds to the point that you are out regul
Kathy's Favorite Cookies 2007-06-11 12:28:00 Every year my friend Kathy
asks for the same thing for her birthday - cookies. Specifically, Apple Cream Pennies. She loves them. It's almost obscene how much.Thought I'd share the recipe I found at YankeeMagazine.com:Alden’s Apple Cream Pennies2 ½ cups all-purpose flour½ teaspoon baking soda¼ teaspoon salt1 cup dark brown sugar, packed½ cup sugar1 cup butter, softened2 large eggs2 teaspoons vanilla extractFilling:8 ounces cream cheese, softened¼ cup sugar½ cup apple butterWisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.In a large bowl, blend sugars until combined, add butter and blend until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, beat at medium speed until light and fluffy.Add flour mixture and blend until combined.Shape dough into marble size balls or use a small cookie scoop. Place dough on ungreased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake 10-11 minutes at 300*, DO NOT BROWN. Transfer cookies to cooling rack immediately.Cookies
will be very soft but when cool will be slightly che Read more:Favorite
13 things that Make Me Just Like Everyone Else 2007-06-14 08:42:00 I've been thinking about Oh, The Joys comment that we focus too much on what sets us apart from everyone else - how we are different - what makes us unique... When we should really concentrate on what joins us - what makes us a community - what we have in commong with others.Thursday Thirteen: What makes me just like everyone else1. I have value2. I have regrets3. I don't take as many vacations as I want too4. I spend too much time complaining5. I want6. My life is not what I thought it would be when I was a kid7. I don't spend enough time doing things
I enjoy8. I have loved someone that didn't love me back9. I love to laugh10. I am not grateful enough for the things that I have11. I miss people that are gone or far away12. I will defend my beliefs to my last breath13. I hopeWhat do you have in common with everyone else?
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