10 Reasons To LMAO OR LYAO

I have been having serious trouble sleeping. Nightmares and everything!! GeeGee has been gone, and will be gone until the 19th :( He blames my irritability and nightmares on the fact that he is gone . . .

So, I got home today feeling a little tired and irritable. .to say the least. My phone rang, and I looked at the caller ID. It was this dang survey company calling for the 1k time (last night they called at 9pm after I had finally shut my eyes after several sleepless nights. .). I answered the phone and agreed to take their survey so they would stop calling me. They told me it would only take a couple of minutes. I told them they had TWO. On the third question, I failed the survey and was no longer a candidate. . .HAH! I "was not in my current job for more than 6 months". Take that (1)! I told them to take me off their list (mf's. . .!).


I carried on with my evening by starting to make some potato leek soup (very yummy might I add. . .), when I noticed my stove was no longer lit. It seemed as though my gas was out (2). . and I am not referring to my energy. After a little troubleshooting, I realized my fireplace was out, the burners were not lighting with my handy dandy lighter, and the oven was not preheating for the quiche I was about to prep for. My first thought was, GeeGee "didn't take care of the gas bill!!". . .. I called him up, and he couldn't remember the gas company we have an account with (3)!!! SOOOO - I went outside to read the propane tank in the sleet .. . .YES SLEET(4). . .and fell on my a** when I slipped down the stairs (5)!! I collected myself, and got the name of the company. Of course I have to call them in the morning to get this taken care of, OR they will charge their emergency fee(6). I called my girl, Aklet, to vent so that GeeGee didn't get to have all the fun. She suggested that I take the soup that I started to make, put it in a Tupperware as is, and save it until he gets home and serve it to him for dinner (7). . GREAT idea!! Instead, I cooled off, and decided to bring out the ole fryin' pan. . .It was in this frying pan that I continued to cook my soup (????). I put it in the blender to puree it up. . . Evidently, the soup was too hot and the blender was too full, so it spilled out ALL over the place in the kitchen AND burned my hand(8). . .yup, all over the computer. . .the Christmas cards on the counter, the floor, and ME... . (I know. . LOL. . and LOLA!!).


Anyway, this is what and how I had dinner tonight (9):

And now I am finishing that bottle of w(h)ine (10)!. . . .Now I am LMFAO!

Chef Pumpkin

GeeGee had off a good part of the day, and decided to chef it up in the kitchen. . .with a pumpkin:

First, there were pumpkin seeds - YUMMY

Then there was pie! Two of them. . . .SO GOOD!

Chef Pumpkin then made dinner that night too! We contiplated Pumpkin Chili, and then voted against it!!

Birthday Celebration

I had a wonderful birthday this year, with some my closest and dearest friends. We went to Si Tapas . The sangria was FABULOUS!!

Anyway, one of my girls wrapped a present (or shall I say presents) for me in the back of the car. Here is what it looked like:

Okay, actually. . I want you to take a better look:

Christmas paper with a ROLL of tape. .. . .

GOD I love my friends!! (and their willingness to humor me)

Complain, Complain, Complain. . . .

I just went to the Outer Banks with a friend of mine, that also happens to be an educator, and experiences the same whoa is me's as I do:

"All I do all summer is pack and unpack, pack and unpack. . . ."
"It is tough being able to go out any night of the week. . .and drink as much as you want."
"In the summer it is hard to keep a regimen. It's basically just eating and drinking!"
(as we were putting on our bathing suits) "It's difficult to keep a nice figure in the summer, with all this eating and stuff. . . "

After the first couple complaints, we made it our weekend joke! "If someone could be a fly on the wall and hear us complaining they would be PISSED!"

LESSON: Summer's off are SOOO hard!! (snicker, snicker. . .)

Pre-Memorial Day Pary (a.k.a.- Big DECK Party)

Red and I took most of the week preparing for our annual Memorial Day weekend party. As always, we had some surpise guests, as well as some people we thought we would definately see, but didn't (Aklet, I was hoping you would be a surprise guest . . .boo-hoo).

This year we had a plutherer of children (so, we know what our friends have been busy doing)! It was very awesome to see everyone having a great time!!

We had a new guest to our annual party that even brought oysters to grill (and actually grilled them himself). Needless to say, my grill duty was not nearly as long as it usually is!!

As usual, Scar came down with her family for the party (which is always a hit!).

One thing that really stuck out on Monday morning (besides my throbbing head) was the fact that we nearly had ZERO left overs!! Red even texted me in the morning to see if I could cook her a burger (. . . .really). I had to sadly tell her that there was NOTHING left but potato salad and cole slaw. The only thing that WAS left over, was the bar. . . Yes, if you can believe it. . .We actually had a RIDICULOUS amount of beer and liquor left! What is wrong with our friends!! They must be growing up (and having kids!)!

Showing Off My BIG DECK

Hopefully most of you have recieved Red and I's invite to the Big Deck party for Sunday. If not, bring it on! Hit me up for details!! It will be a good one!!

Ice FISHING 101

So, the Cousin showed me up this weekend! She was the daughter my father WISHED he had. Cousin volenteered to gut and clean the fish from the ice fishing derby on Little Ossippee Lake, Maine. We even got it all on tape!!!

NOTE: I am deciding not to provide any graphics for this one. I am having fish for dinner. . .

THANKSgiving

Although I was was not able to spend Thanksgiving with my family (or GeeGee), I was able to make it a memorable one with friends. We managed to hustle some Germans into the debauchery. They had hit me up from Couchsurfing.com the night before. They were suppose to travel to D.C. (. . . .nightmare!!), but we talked them into to gallavanting around with our posse!

Our carivan consisted of: The Germans - (really Russians), Red, Pepper, Roomie, oatmeal raisin/chocolate chip cookies, cornbread/pumpkin muffins, and CHAMPANGE


We managed to make FOUR stops that day. We had sooo much fun, I could hardly stand (myself) the next day. Below are some pictures from the day:

I hope you had as good of a time as I did!!! HAPPY American Holiday!!

More RETARDS

I really DO wonder about people and were they have learned to BE and ACT stupid. . .REALLY!?! I made a previous post on my adventures at work -- Breaking the LAW

Here is another list of a typical day at Buddy's, surrounded by RETARDED people. This ALL happened in ONE shift:

• The FIRST patrons that walked in, immediately asked to adjust the thermostat to their desired degree
• Letting your kids stick stickers ALL over the tables. . .and leave them
• Telling a patron, "We don't serve drafts outside". When questioned why, another patron took it upon themselves to explain that it's because we "just don't feel like carrying them outside"
• Whistling at me across the bar like a dog to get my attention. . .
• Stand on the outside of the patio to reach over to drink your drink. . .and think that it is NOT an ABC violation
• Asking to subtract the cost of chicken from a sandwich because they chose not to eat it with it (So, in other words: If you got a Mexican omelet, and didn't get the mushrooms and onions, you should be able to subtract the cost of that. . .right???)

I love my second job!!!

Hog Heaven - REALLY

NOTE: The following may contain graphic content, especially if you are sensitive to the killing and eating of animals.

I was fortunate enough to be asked by Red, to attend a family Pig Roast (fortunate meaning, she thought that I was appropriate enough to bring around her family). Our adventure started Friday on our drive to KEEENNNTUUCCCKKYYYY!! Once we arrived (10 hours later), I was able to witness the process of a pig roast. Red's mom was the director of the activities:


1st was the killing of the pig - ONE shot to the head (well, it was suppose to be one. . it took four)

2nd was the beheading of the pig (I bet you are thankful that there are no pictures at this point). This was done with nothing but a pocket knife (The small knife allows for minimal error. You want to be sure not to cut any of the inside system.)

3rd was the draining of the blood

4th was the scrapping of the hair - This was done with boiling water and knives










5th was the gutting (at least at GeeGee's lamb roast, we didn't have to do ANY of this)
This was done by hanging the pig from the Kuboto, and letting farmer Fred take care of business (he gave us a VERY descriptive summary of how he "kept all the system parts together" in order to not "pollute" the meat - I actually did NOT witness this part)

6th Next, they rinsed out the pig, and stuffed it with fresh herbs, pears, and onions
This is when the girls opted for a photo!!














AWAY from the PIG

7th Now, it was time for the pig to be sewed back up. . . .

and time for me to get another adult beverage!

8th The pig was now ready to be wrapped in chicken wire, and put on the handmade smoker (Thanks Dave, for the perfected design!!)

9th After TWELVE sleepless hours of keeping the smoker at 250 degrees (of course, this sleepless was NOT referring to me. . .), the pig was ready to be removed from the smoker and prepared for EATING

10th THIS is pulling pork

11th This is EATING pork (yes, I did. . . )
And yes, THEY did. . . .

The pig roast was held in a large field (ONE of the many fields on this farm). The hosts had also acquired a bluegrass band (and later, a Karaoke machine). Red and I helped conduct the games:

HIGHLIGHTS -

balloon toss: the winners carried around their balloon the rest of the evening (I am not sure which one of the cousins got to actually take the balloon home)

three legged race: I got to witness children dragging their partners across the grass

wheel barrel race: Red laughing her butt off while trying to keep up with the kids!

Although I am in the dog house for being a party pooper (I did not hang as long as I usually do. . . ), I feel like I have experienced something that not everyone gets to experience authenically.

Special Notes: bring LOTS of cold medicine for road trips in which you are not driving,
experience is knowledge, don't take TOO much cold medicine when you arrive to
where you are visiting, seeing what you are eating isn't really that bad, understanding
someone else's family dynamics is always complicated, cute guys with cowboy

hats don't always end up being cool

Breaking The LAW

As you all already know, I am usually one who breaks the rules. . . This is not to be misinterpreted by, breaking the law. I worked both Saturday and Sunday this week. During the course of the weekend I was fortunate enough to wait on several UNEDUCATED beings. Below is the list of violations:

• Patrons entered with their own food (I know the food isn't OUTSTANDING at the restaurant, but it is surely better than Hardy's) - Health Code Violation


• Patrons entered with their own beverages ( I know times are tough, but at least you get free refills on your soft drinks, right??) - ABC Violation


• I had TWO separate patrons believe it was okay to have their dogs sit on the patio with them (and let their dogs beg at OTHER people's food. . .) - Health Code Violation


• A group of people drinking their beers OUTSIDE of the patio (they obviously did not think they had enough room ON the patio -the patio was empty) - ABC Violation


• Lastly, my favorite: A man comes up to me (who's party was eating and drinking on the patio with two infants), and asked if I had Styrofoam cups? I replied by saying, "I do, but not to put your alcohol beverage in!" He suggested that it was not for that reason. OH! Did I mention that there was a table of cops in the restaurant too?- ABC Violation

On top of the violations, I had several customers wanting to get the "2 for 1" meal for themselves (so they could order FOUR eggs, TWO sides of meat, TWO sides of bread, and TWO sides of hash browns - and throw away half of it, because it is TOO much food). Not to mention, these people stereotypically do not tip accordingly. I also had a person call in a to-go order for a 2 for 1 meal - NOT HAPPENING

People. . . ???? What are you smoking??

Take THAT!

So, some of you may remember me writing a blog at the end of July titled, Intolerances. It was about my adventures to the farmer's market, where I stumbled upon a lady who was VERY rude to one of the ladies at the stand.
Today, I ventured to the stand (since it is WAY cheaper than buying the produce at the grocery store, and you are supporting your local farmers. . .no matter what language they speak). Anyway, as I approached the market, there was one HUGE stand with the largest tent (Washington Redskins tent) at the market. As I approached the stand, admiring the produce, I recognized the same Spanish speaking lady behind the stand. She was helping two other people of Spanish decent learn how to communicate and work the counter for customers. I caught her eye, and I could tell she recognized me! I remembered part of the conversion earlier this Summer:

The mean woman continued to harass the lady behind the counter.

mean woman: Did you farm these (pointing at the potatoes)? You're not the farmer!! Say "weigh". . . . How much is the corn?

By the looks of the stand today, it looks like my little Spanish friend did just fine this Summer. First of all, she probably WAS the farmer (grew, picked, packed, displayed and sold her produce). Second of all, she seemed to be doing just well by greeting customers with her friendly smile and ability to communicate a sale or two. I sure hope that mean woman comes back to the stand and sees how well her friend (that doesn't belong here, because she does not know the English language perfect) is doing. . . .How do you say "bite it b**ch" in Spanish??

The TEST

Yesterday, a group of us went to Godfrey's for brunch. I asked GeeGee to go, knowing that he had NO IDEA what he was getting into (I know, I am ROTTEN!). It ended up being a group of 14 girls that went, GeeGee making 15(the only guy!). GeeGee first realized that he was the only guy in our group when we were outside, but what he didn't realize is that it wasn't going to be OUR group of girls to harass him. . .The pictures will tell the story:

Need I say more??

The TEST: NO WOOD

HOTlanta

First of all, I will say that I have been entirely HORRIBLE at blogging since I have entered my Summer world. The day after I got out of school, I headed out to Atlanta with GeeGee. I have been excited about this trip and a little bit hesitant at the same time. . . .This trip was the start of meeting GeeGee's family:

Once we got to Atlanta, I broke GeeGee in by meeting my right arm, Aklet. He passed that test, by not turning around and running for his life as he saw the reaction of the "Aklet & Honeychild combination". He tolerated. I would even go as far as to say that he enjoyed the company of my best friend and I. We only cause just SOOOO much trouble together. . .

After several days, of exposing GeeGee to Aket, loads of KIDS, and meeting family, we managed to end "our" trip together with a nice dinner at Cafe Istanbul. It was a eye widening experience to the Turkish culture and food.

We started by getting seated on cushions around a table. As we swished in six of us, the table next to us swished in 12 (which GeeGee was soooo pleased about. . .sharing personal space with 5-14 years olds. . .smoking Hukas). It was quite the dining experience. We all enjoyed a nice meal, and finshed it off with a mixed berry smoke.

Quite tasty, if I do say so myself! Oh, and did I fail to mention the belly dancing entertainment (and no Chuk, I am not referring to YOUR interpretation. . . )

After our dinner, we returned to the Vinson household to rock it out with some Rock Band. GeeGee "represented" on the drums, and Chuk, Aklet, and I took turns singing and playing guitar and bass. Good times!!

We ended GeeGee and I's visit in the ATL together, by going to his sister's house for one last hurray. This time, we brought the Vinson family, and case of beer, and a bottle of red wine. The younger kids got along grand! It was a good thing, since I had my bottle of wine to concentrate on. . . .

At the end of the day, my Summer has had a very nice start. I have gotten to visit with my best friend, as well as spend time with GeeGee vacationing.

GeeGee has since flown back to the RVA, and I am still in HOTlanta to finish up my visit. I head to Destin in a couple of days, and can hardly wait. It is going to be a girl's trip from here on out.

Look out, dirty south!!

DECKED By The Party

So, I FINALLY had a party at my house. . .which is not really new any more (March 07'). We (my roomie and I) decided we had a reason to have a party though. .. MY NEW DECKS (Thanks Pa!)

We tried to have all the bells and whistles: Keg, Tiki Torches, Slip N' Slide, 100 + invitations, TONS of food, and the company of our good friends (well, at least those who couldn't come up with an excuse, that we wouldn't later call them out on). GeeGee didn't think it was enough to make the party FABULOUS, so he needed to up the anti. How about a little Greek Lamb roast??

SOOOO- I went with it. After GeeGee learned that is wasn't going to HANG in my laundry room overnight, he opted to place the dead lamb in my tub on Friday night. He arrived at my house carrying what looked like a small dead child in a trash bag. It stayed there overnight during the majority of the party. Many got to witness its deadness in my tub. The next day, GeeGee got out the lamb and started prepping it:

The lamb ended up on a spit over HOT charcoal for about 3 hours on Saturday. GeeGee spun it almost the ENTIRE time. My neighbor, Steve, and friend, Scott, helped while GeeGee worked on smothering the lamb with butter, lemon, and Greek seasoning.

Anyway - I was VERY pleased with the turnout, and the fact that my house is still all in one piece (NOTHING broke. . .. except me and Sarah of course!). I think I did okay for my age. . .I RAGED Friday AND Saturday AND worked on Sunday. . . .The only sad thing about the BIG bash on Friday, is I did not get any pictures (must have been because I was grilling, tending to trash, saying hello to arrivals, being intoxicated. . . ). The only few I got were of the following (there is proof in my eyes why there was not more. . .Can you say WASTED. . .??):

Jimmy, Chuck, and I . . . . This was early. . . .

Steve K. and I (Thanks for coming Steve!! You were my highlight!!

A BIG thanks to all our friends that came from near and FAR, to celebrate Summer with us!!

Kisses!!

Honeychild