Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Brennen and I started out for our Thanksgiving Holiday on Tuesday.  I picked up Brennen about 3:45pm on Tuesday afternoon.  The car was packed and filled up.  We got sodas and hit the road.  We were Dublin, TX bound.  We arrived at Mamaw's about 12:15am on Wednesday morning.  My mom and Scotty had made it in Tuesday morning and everyone else was expected to arrive on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, Wednesday morning did not start out well for us.  My mom was sick to her stomach.  My Mamaw went to the doctor with a sore throat, and we were missing Aunt Kay and Rob.  Kim called and announced that she wouldn't be in until Friday.

So, while we waiting for everyone, we took care of some things in preparation for our Thanksgiving Feast.

Brennen and Scotty worked on a list of stuff Mamaw - which included taking down the screen door; fixing it; and then re-hanging it.  You cant' see Brenn, but he is on the other side of the door, holding it while Scotty put the screws in it.  They also worked on the garbage disposal and some other stuff.

My mom and I made homemade dressing; cleaned out the refrigerator to make room; put away dishes, went to the store for stuff for lunch, etc.  Alot of the work was cut out because Aunt Kay and Kim had come down over the weekend and did all of the grocery shopping, made the beds, cleaned up, and stuff.  It was really alot of help.

Towards the middle of the afternoon, we started playing some cards while Mamaw took a nap.  In the late afternoon, Chris, Savannah, and Aunt Pam came in. 


After a dinner of sandwiches we all got busy preparing the meal for tomorrow.  Aunt Pam, Mamaw, and my mom all made pies.  In fact, here is one of my mom's pie crusts.  (It didn't work out so well.  One ended up in a ball and the other ended up doughy and not big enough.  But in the end, we made them both work).

Everyone helped out in the kitchen this year.  Here is Aunt Pam doing making a Cherry O' Cheese pie and my mom washing the dishes.  Mamaw and I helped out a lot by cleaning the beaters. Ha Ha. 

While all of that was occurring in the kitchen, Chris was sure to interject his comments and instructions from the living room.  Scotty helped out by making runs to the store at about 9:00pm for Karo syrup.  He even went to several stores but could not find it.  So, he brought back an acceptable substitute.  The "Teenagers" did their part to by staying out of the kitchen.  (Except to sneak in for candy).

Of course, if you know anything about my Mamaw's house, we know that it gets really warm in there.  Especially with everyone around and the oven on.  So, usually we have windows cracked and fan on.  This year was no exception.  On this night, The Eve Before Thanksgiving, we give the BEST ENTERTAINMENT AWARD to the FAN!!!!!

This fan and people's reaction to it got more laughs than anything this evening.  It makes a whomp whomp sound.  It was pretty bad and in the end it ended up getting turned off. 

So, the rest of the evening was spent playing cards and searching for stuff.  Everything had to be searched for.  But it was a great scavenger hunt!

One thing that really hit home for me this year is that I really enjoy everything that everyone does to make this holiday great.  The traveling, and cooking, and grocery shopping.  Even down to making the beds for family and rearranging the furniture.  I don't want to ever take the little stuff for granted.  I missed a lot of family this year, but enjoyed everything that contributed to my Thanksgiving - even in their absence. 

Morning Blah!

Just a little update. I haven't been sleeping well this week. By not sleeping well, I mean, being restless all night; having weird dreams; and waking at 4:00 in the morning and not returning to sleep until about 5:30.  Needless to say that when my alarm goes off at 6:15 I do not want to get up. I usually snooze it. And then snooze it again. And usually again. On this particular morning I am laying here in bed, really tired and trying to convince myself to get up.  There is no better time to blog - right Sister!?!

As I lay here I remember what my desk looked like starting my morning off yesterday:  

Well guess what! Yup, it still looked the same when I left. The only difference was that the coffee cup was replaced with 5 new case files that I received about 3pm.  So in remembering that and the fact I have double booked meetings in half an hour; I say, hope you have a great day and hope I survive! Ha ha!

Been Awhile!

So, I do apologize.  I fell into my no blogging period.  I have actually been kinda busy.  The last 3 weeks at work have been killer.  (I say that as I sit at my desk thinking about going home.  It is only 7:33pm - 2 hours after I was supposed to be off!)

But I wanted to give you a little update before I go home.  I told myself I would not go home until I blogged!

HEALTH:  My shingles have gone; I've had my flu shot; and I took a second round of antibiotics for my sinus infection.  It still lingers but - it is ok (I think).  Brennen's allergies were really bad about 3 weeks ago - but now, they have settled.  I haven't had to give him an allergy pill in 2 weeks.  That is good.

I love love love winter.  It is my favorite season.  We got our first snow yesterday.  (Well, one day last week we had snow flurries.  But yesterday it really snowed.  Which was perfect because I found a scarf on sale and wanted to get it even though I knew I would probably never wear it.  Well, I am happy to say that I have worn it twice now.  Once yesterday...up around my neck.

Then today in a long loop.  I didn't really know what to think about these infinity scarfs.  But I think I like them.  While I was getting dressed for the day, I was looking for the scarfs I had last year but I don't know what I have done with them.  I am sure they are in a place that totally makes sense - but I just can't remember where.  

Most Friday nights, lately, have been spent at the Wool Bowl, watching high school football, socializing, and watching my son run around and NOT watch the game.  I have enjoyed sitting next to the band, but it has really made me appreciate my band instructors, whom I probably did not appreciate enough at the time.  This band is not good.  Their half time show is not good.  and they don't preform well.  There I said it.  I tried to give them credit because they are kids - but wow!  If we ever got on the field and sounded or looked like that, it would be the last time we got on the field.  I even remember a game when Vasquez did not let us march because of something or another.  That's what these kids need.  Anyway, there is my soap box.  

I have been spending my Saturdays with My mom (and Scotty too)!  We have really played the heck out of the card game, Five Crowns.  Even Brennen likes to play it with us.  I really like when he chooses to do things with us.  

On Sundays, I have really been taking time to rest.  Amber has Sundays off too (for now) and so we all kick back and watch movies or do laundry, or piddle around.  It is really nice.  One of the thing I love about Sundays is letting everyone know I AM A....

  

I absolutely love watching them play football.  That is what I look forward to on Sundays!  I was pretty sad that yesterday they had a BYE week.  - but until the next game, my heart will just keep smiling!

We have been entertaining small children.  In fact this weekend they went to go see a T-Rex and other Dinosaur exhibit that came to town.  They were animatronic dinosaurs.  Pretty cool.  

Ok, well, I better get home.  It is now 28 degrees and 8:01pm.  I have to be back to the bump and grind early tomorrow morning.  So, I bid you all a good night and wish for you, sweet dreams.  

Shingles are not just for the Roof!

I have been feeling under the weather for about 2 months.  If you have spent any time with me, you probably quickly saw it.  I was not good at hiding it but tried to take a "non-whining" stance.  A lot of days, I was unsuccessful in that endeavor.  I couldn't really explain it.  I didn't feel "sick" but I didn't feel good either.  It was like this achiness all over my body.  Some days it was my stomach.  Some days it was my head.  Sometimes it was...well, you get the point.

Anyway, I have felt worse the last week or so.  Very tired and lethargic.  I felt so bad on Friday that I decided I was going to the doctor.  The first call was to the Chiropractor (increased headaches and a really bad backache).  They were closed.  What about a massage?  That should help for those same symptoms.  I called her.  She was booked until Monday evening.

I then activated Plan C (to go to the actual doctor).  I called them.  But of course with it being Friday, they couldn't see me until Monday.  But Monday I had 3 meetings and a court hearing (for one of my clients).  So, I set my appointment for Tuesday morning.

My boss convinced me that I just needed to relax and drink a beer.  (Let me tell you, it did not take a lot of convincing).  To Farley's I went.  We sat on the patio and drank a (used very loosely) beer.  Let me tell you, it didn't take long for my headache to fade, along with my aches and pains.  So, I enjoyed my time out on Friday.  I haven't been going out because I just haven't felt good.  It was brought to my attention that I hadn't been out since before my birthday.

Anyway, when I woke on Saturday, my nose was a little sore/sensitive.  I knew I probably had a sinus infection but had already made the doctor's appt.  I didn't think much about it.  On Sunday, it felt like I had several small cuts on my nose.  I kept complaining to Amber about them hurting.  Monday morning my nose was red (like I had a cold).  By Monday evening, those little "cuts" had turned into blisters.  Let me just give you a little idea of what I am talking about in pictures:  (scroll fast if you are sensitive)

Monday @ 10:24pm (see the blisters?)

Tuesday @ 7:32am (see the pouty lips)

Tuesday @ 9:50am (as I sit and wait for the Doctor)
My appt was at 8:45am.  I was getting irritated.
(see the yellow crusty puss?)

Well, I saw the doctor.  Guess what!  I was right.  I have a sinus infection.  But guess what else!  SHINGLES.  Yup.  I have never heard of shingles on the face.  Usually people who get them, have them on their torso or abdominal area.  Well, we began talking about it because I just couldn't believe I had the Shingles.  She (a very great doctor) said that my immune system had been fighting this active virus for a while.  The Shingles virus is in your body if you have ever had the chicken pox.  Well, something activated it.  So, my body has been fighting it.  That explains all of the "not well" feelings I have had over the last two months.  She said that was about the right time frame.  My body was trying to tell me to stop and help fight this viral infection.  But finally, it wore out my immune system.  She said it could have come out on my nose due to the sinus infection.  That sinus infection left my nose and facial area compromised.  So, the virus hit hard and just came out at the weakest spot.

I was treated with an Antibiotic (take 1 tab 2xs daily for 10 days) and another medication specific for the Shingles (take 1 tab 5xs daily for 10 days - but not at the same time as the antibiotic).  REALLY?  Are you SERIOUS?

So, I know take a pill at 7am; another at 8am; another at 11am; then again at 3:00pm; 7:00pm; then the night ones at 8:00pm and the last one at 11:00pm.  That is utterly ridiculous!

Are you grossed out yet?  Well here is the progress:

Tuesday @ 12:30pm

Wednesday morning  

Wednesday @ 6:50pm

I am glad to report that since this is my 3rd day (well 2 1/2 days) my nose is hurting less.  It is also pussing less.  Which are both really good things.  Of course, the medication is making me really sick to my stomach but hopefully, that will clear up really soon.

Wanna hear a funny story?  After we left the doctor's office (in Artesia) Tuesday morning, we headed home (back to Roswell).  We had found 6.8 acres for sale that we wanted to check out.  So, we took the old Dexter Highway back (it was on the way).  Well, it had been raining here off and on for about a day and a half.  We turn on the road to where the acres were supposed to be.  It had been a dirt road, but now was more of a mud road.  I thought I did well, navigating around the water puddles, but just as everyone in the car, besides me, started questioning whether we should continue on this very muddy road, we see an Aaron's Delivery Truck.  He is obviously stuck in the mud.  I immediately (about 2 minutes to late) try to turn around.  Nope!  Stuck in the mud.  Not only do I have Shingles on my FACE but now we are stuck in the mud.  No one in the car had on tennis shoes or boots.  No, Amber and I were wearing flip flops and Gladys was wearing dress shoes.  

This did not go over well!  Amber began to get pretty upset.  And just then, Gladys jumps out of the car and is in the front pushing.  Amber jumped out in her flip flops and began pushing as well.  We made a little head way, but then lost traction.  Amber used some weeds under the tire and we made some more headway.  We finally got out.  I questioned whether we should give the Aaron's guy a ride back to town.  But do you know, he did not even get down to help Amber and Gladys push.  We were only feet away from him and he not once, offered to help.  Ugh!  Anyway, the car has more mud on the inside than the outside - how funny!  

So, hope you guys have a great day!   

Cooking Is A Skill

Over the weekend I got a wild hair and decided to cook for a change.  By cook I mean like dinner and a dessert. I remembered back to my sister's blog about a week ago. She had posted about Sausage & Corn Chowder.  It sounded good. (I love anything made with breakfast sausage).
Saturday was drizzly and cool.  It was the perfect day for a soup.  Also, when I got to thinking about it, I remembered the kids favorite vegetable is cream corn(which is a main ingredient in the chowder).  So I decided that the chowder was the perfect choice. As I thought about it, I thought mmmmm.... Cake.  Coffee cake! So, that is what I decided to make.

I started my day with a great conversation with my sister. During that conversation We had a pretty good laugh when Jaxen hung up on me.  After out I took care of a few errands.  Then I went and had lunch with Mom and Scotty.  After lunch I got in a few wins with 5 Crowns.  

After a quick trip to the grocery store, I started cooking.  It wasn't long after that I realized cooking is a skill!  

Like every other skill if you don't use it, you will loose it.

I started out with the cake.  Everything went beautifully with the cake.  I made my mom's Chocolate Coffee Cake (in a long pan instead of a Bundt pan).  Then I made it my own by adding mini chocolate chips to the batter.  It looked lovely going into the oven.  (I didn't even make a mess).

As I placed it in the oven and reread the recipe card to make sure I hadn't missed any steps, I realized it didn't say how long to cook (see I told you I haven't done this in a while) bake the cake for.  So, I thought of the easiest fix I could - text my sister.  (CARLA TO THE RESCUE!)

But before that, I began the soup.  I started by browning the sausage.  As soon as I got the sausage to start cooking (which was a trick in itself because of my mom's stove), I washed the potatoes.  Now, I say trick because when I did cook, I cooked on gas - you know, actually flames you can see and adjust.  My mom's stove is electric.  Without fail, every time I go to cook something it takes like 10 minutes before I realize it isn't cooking.  Then I turn up the burner and it REALLY begins to cook.  I will tell you what then happens in just a moment....
After I washed the potatoes, I started texting my sister about the cake.  Her final answer, after a few texts and a quick call was to start checking the cake after half an hour.  I realized at this point - during our conversation that the sausage is REALLY cooking - by that I mean in a fast hurry it is getting really crispy and really dark - I refuse to use the word burnt at this point!

So, I very quickly end our conversation and rescue the sausage.  (While on the phone, I decided to double the recipe).  I rescued the sausage by throwing in another pound.  Ha!  Just for a reference point I used one regular and one hot - because I have some people in my family who do not like hot.  They don't even like spice or black pepper, or anything of the sort.  So, as the sausage continues to cook and NOT burn, I start peeling the potatoes.  I peel potatoes pretty well with a peeler.  I am not ashamed to admit that I just figured out what the pointed end on the peeler was for.  So, as I was making this discovery, I realized - I HADN'T TENDED TO THE SAUSAGE IN A BIT.  Then thought poured into my brain - THE CAKE!!!!!

Pulled the sausage off of the burner - luckily it looked GREAT!  Then to the cake.  It was still soupy.  So, I decided it should bake for an hour.  No, harm there.  PHEW!  I take the sausage out of the pan and then put the onions to saute' in the sausage drippings.  I (like my sister) used frozen onions.  As they sauteed at the same heat as my sausage was cooking (oops) I chopped? diced? cubed?  the potatoes.  As I was getting done, I remembered, the onions.  By this time they were pretty brown.

Ugh!  Isn't this over yet?  I will tell you - I was pretty frustrated.  But I LOVED every minute of it.  I was by myself.  I was cooking for my family.  I knew they would love it if i didn't kill it first.  And I remembered all of the sayings about your emotions effecting the taste of your food.  So, I kept positive through all of the frustration.  I really was enjoying myself.  Back to the food......

Since the onions were turning very brown, I just added the potatoes and milk.  I finished adding what I needed.  Then the recipe said to simmer for 20 minutes.  To me, simmer always meant turn the fire real low and let it just bubble a little (not boil) just bubble some.  (Guess, where I learned that - from making Hamburger Helper as a kid - you boil it and then turn the fire down, cover it, and let it simmer).  Well, I turned the fire down.  After about 10 minutes it didn't do ANYTHING!  So, I turned the burner up a little and covered it.  Again, it did nothing!  So, I thought about it.  Maybe she meant boil for 20 minutes.  Potatoes get soft when they boil!  That was what we were trying to do.  So, the burner went back to the higher side of Med/High.  Then the phone rang.  I took a quick phone call and wrote a note to my mom.  All of a sudden I hear all of this boiling, sizzling, popping noise behind me - YUP!  It had boiled over.  AAAAGGHHHH!!!!!  Turned the burner down.  Nothing.  Turn the burner up.  Boil.  Finally, I get it at the exact right spot and it begins to simmer.  At this point I am pulling all of the BURNT pieces of milk out.  I look at the clock and it is 8:15pm.  I am supposed to pick up Amber from work at 8:15pm.  But I just got the soup cooking the way it is supposed to.  I just keep buying time.  8:20, 8:23.  At 8:25pm I turn the soup off.  I will just have to go get her and then come back.  As I am walking out, My mom and Scotty are walking in. I give a very brief synopsis and a promise to be back.

I get Amber and return to the food.  I finish cooking the soup on a simmer for 10 minutes.  As I clean up, my mom and I try the soup.  I am impressed that it doesn't taste burnt but then on the other hand, neither of us are super impressed with the overall taste.  It was ok but nothing GREAT.  Oh, well.  I put it in 3 Tupperware containers to carry home.  By now, it is too late to eat dinner, so we save it for tomorrow.

At 10am we get up and decide to have Sausage and Corn Chowder for breakfast.  We topped it with some cheese.  OH MY GOSH!  It was SO GOOD!  I don't know, but when my mom and I tasted it, maybe the flavors hadn't finished meshing together.  Or maybe the cheese just brought it all together.  But it was so good.  One of the kids had 3 cups full.  All of the other kids loved it too.  Amber and I were impressed.  Gladys, thought it was too spicy (told ya).  But, we had it for lunch (around 3pm) and then again for dinner.  I took the very last of it Monday to work for lunch!  Yummy!  It is definitely on our list to cook again.

I am making a promise to myself to cook more.  I love to cook.  I love to bake.  I don't want to loose what little skills I have.  I want to be a great cook.  I will keep working at it.

Oh, P.S.  somewhere in the boiling and not boiling of the potatoes, I took out the cake.  It was perfect.  We iced half of it with fudge frosting.  The other half we put cool-whip on.  I don't know which one I liked better.  They both had such a different taste to them - but the chocolate chips worked perfectly!

Happy Cooking Everyone!

Homecoming

This will be short and sweet.  (As I type, I am thinking yeah - right!)

So, Goddard won thier Homecoming Game against Carlsbad.  Score was 18 to 13.  Here are some of the pictures that were taken.  I was hoping to get a few other ones from K'Lynn's mom - but here is what I have:

 This picture was taken on Friday at school (obviously).  But she made his mum.  It was almost as big as hers.  Cute.

Brennen & K'Lynn Homecoming 2014

This was them before the dance.  She couldn't wear her mum because there was nowhere to place it.  I tried to get Brenn to dress up - but he likes his "Swag" his style.  

So, pictures weren't great but you get the jist.  They went to the dance and they had a GREAT time.  

Man - That kid is TALL!

Hope everyone has a great weekend. 

Is it Friday Yet?

This week has gone on for so long.  I don't honestly even remember the beginning of the week.  I sat at my desk first thing this morning and looked through my planner to make sure I had accomplished the things I had set out to accomplish this week.

There were a lot of things this week at work I really needed to get done.  I did get through some of them and others I am still working on.  Most of my week was taken up by trainings.  I had an AWMD training on Monday.  For those of you who don't know (which is probably everyone but me) it is Assisting With Medication Delivery.  Basically, how to help people take their medication.  We have to get re-certified every year.  On Wednesday and Thursday, I took my 2 day Person Centered Planning course.  In this class we learn alot about how to write the Plans for each individual's service.  These plans are specifically tailored to each person individually.  I have been reading plans for the last 10years but I have only started writing them since May.  (Looking back at the ones I have written, I did pretty good.  Especially considering that I didn't have any training on how to actually do it.) But now, I know the hows and whys and I have 2 plans sitting on my desk waiting to be written.   So, I am a little anxious to start working on them and to see how they come out.  The wording in these plans is pretty specific and has to be finessed a certain way.    So, what did I do the rest of the week?  On Tuesday I held the 2 meetings for those 2 plans that sit on my desk.  So, as you can probably guess, I have some catching up to do from all of the other stuff that didn't get done.

What did I do in my spare time?  HOMECOMING.  Well, not actually homecoming, but...on my lunch breaks I shopped for homecoming, visited flower shops for homecoming, made little decorations for the mum, made arraignments for this weekend, you know....HOMECOMING.

So, last night the mum was finished and then this morning it was delivered to 2 excited teenagers.  We will see what the rest of the weekend brings.

Here is a picture of the mum (without the date)....

 The pictures really don't do it justice.  It came out really nice.  

Their theme for homecoming (I never knew there was a theme to homecoming besides school spirit) is Super Heroes.  So, Brennen wanted to put an Iron Man on there somewhere.  So, he is a very blurry picture of that.

Here is a very blurry picture of some of the homemade decorations on it.  Brennen's date is on the Color Guard at school and so I made several little flags to incorporate through out the mum (just to kinda personalize and capture a little of her in it).

But I will post more pictures as the weekend goes.  So, I hope everyone has a great weekend.  I am going to stay at the office and hopefully crank out a few more things before a meeting at 2; then picking up Brenn at 4; the game at 7; teenage stuff after that  and finally bed probably about 2am.  

My Ramblings

I always find that there is always so much I COULD blog about but never do.  Then I read some blogs where people just blog about NOTHING everyday.  I really want to find a happy medium.  So, here is what is going on with us:

Really, we are quite boring.  But Brennen does have a date to homecoming this year (in 10 days).  I met her this last weekend and she seems very nice.  So, now the search is on for a Homecoming Mum and Garder.  I would have loved to make them but it is such short notice and although I could probably do it, it would be a lot of stress.  So, I have opted out of making them.  But now on to the hunt for someone else to make them without breaking me (ha ha).

We spent part of this past weekend learning a new card game with Mom & Scotty.  We played 5 Crowns (thanks to Carla and Nik).  It went well.  I enjoyed the game.  I really enjoy spending time with them on the weekends.  It is relaxing to me.

There is something in the air here - I feel flu like but not really SICK.  I don't know what that is - but I don't like it.  Over the last 3 days or so I have been fighting headaches.  I don't know if I am coming down with something or what.

Brennen is doing well.  He had pretty good grades (no D's) on his latest grade report.  So, we will continue to keep an eye and make sure that those don't slide back down.  He has kinda gotten a taste of "social life" and so I am hoping that it will be an encouragement for him to stay on top of things.


Ok, well that is all for now.  I am now off to find or make a mum!  I will let you know how it turns out.  I know I said in an earlier paragraph that I am not going to make it - but of course, I got on Pinterest and am just overloaded with ideas of how I could totally do it.  - I keep thinking about it and then throwing the idea in the trash.  But then here it comes CREEPING again.

I wish I had pictures to put on here but I don't.  Guess I could take a "selfie" and post it but I am totally not going to do that.  (Maybe tomorrow).

HARD ROCK FEVER!

So, this is a continuation from the last post.  If you remember, we had woken up late, gotten ready and headed to the concert...

We got to the Isleta Amphitheater about 12:40pm and got front row VIP parking.  (let me just fore warn you that you will hear VIP alot during this blog).  We walked down a hill about 1/4 of a mile and found a line.  It was the security line.  We lined up and waited FOREVER.  Well, it seemed like forever.  It was hot.  It didn't help that we didn't know what we were supposed to do.  Apparently, all of the kids around us did.  They were just waiting patiently.  Finally, the line started moving and then we went into the main gates where they checked our tickets.  We walked down another hill about 1/2 mile.  We found the VIP lounge/bar/restrooms.  Then we saw the "Main Stage".  It was closed and blocked off.  We found out that the smaller bands were playing on a smaller stage down a little further.  There were vendors set up everywhere selling drinks, food, merchandise, etc.  (It reminded me of the fair how all of the vendors were just set up against all of the walls).  Pretty cool.  

This picture is of BuckCherry.  They were the last group on the small stage.  They honestly could have been the 1st or 2nd group on the main stage - but being on the small stage they got a lot longer time to play.  They have been around for awhile and are pretty established.  

Anyway, we spent the afternoon hanging out in the VIP lounge and walking down to hear different bands play.  Nothing real exciting but it was fun.  We had a good time just watching people and listening to the music.  

About 5pm the catering service showed up and fed us (another benefit to the VIP package).  It was just a sandwich, chips, and a cookie - but hey! It was FREE!

About 5:30pm the Main Stage opened and we made our way to the box!  When we got there 2 gentlemen were already seated in the front of the box.  That was cool.  Amber and I sat behind them.  There was a little metal shelf "table" with drink holders to put your cups.  In just a bit 2 more people showed up for our box and then when the next band came on another 2 showed up.  If we had all been seated and real still it would have been fine - but that was not the case.  The guy in front of me was twice my size and then me and then 6 other people were in this box.  The box was the size of 9 bar stools.  If you lined up in 3 rows of 3 (like when you were a kid and used to pretend to be on a school bus) that would equal the size of our box.  Well, long story short (yeah right) the other 4 people went and talked to security and moved into the empty box next to us.  So then there was plenty of room for us to jump, head bang, dance, flail our arms, and sing as loud as we possibly could (and yes, we did ALL of these things).  

By now, in the blog I am sure that you have figured out that we did not take a lot of pictures.  We were way to busy "Living in the Moment".  But here are a few: 

This group was actually the 2nd band on the Main Stage.  They are a group named PopEvil.  Going into the concert I was only aware of about 2 of their songs.  But as they played I realized I knew almost everyone that they played.  I had no idea they sang all of those songs.  Anyway, their stage presence was GREAT.  They really got the audience involved and were very high energy!  They did SO well, it was truly surprising.  

This was the main headliner.  I have to tell you, in between the band pictured just above and then band, 2 others played.  The 3rd band up was Seether.  They had some technical difficulties but managed to pull through.  Not outstanding (which was disappointing  because I was really looking forward to seeing them) but they did pretty good, considering.  The 4th to come on was ROB ZOMBIE.  He was not the Headliner - but he did steal the show.  I will clue you into him lastly because he was so dang SURPRISING!  

This picture and the one just above it is GodSmack.  They were the headliners.  I did a little research so that I could inform you a little bit.  GodSmack was created in 1995.  In 2001 the won the Billboard Awards as best Rock Artist of the Year and have been nominated for 4 Grammy Awards.  (I could keep going - but let's get back to the concert).  GodSmack went on after Rob Zombie.  After the performance  he put on I thought these guys have to be crazy for a number of reasons:  1.  It's Rob Zombie - he is like a legend in Rock (it's a respect thing) and 2.  No way, anyone could top his performance on this night in particular.

Luckily for GodSmack  there was quite a bit of time for stage tear down and set up.  This gave the crowd time to "come down from their  'excitement'".  Anyway, they opened really strong with the song that their  new album is named after.  There was fire and it was upbeat and powerful.  They did it.  They got everyone's attention.  Then in the middle they started doing a lot of letting the audience sing instead of them...you know - crowd participation stuff - UGH!  This is a big turn off for me.  I paid big money to hear the band sing, not the dang crowd.  But then, just about the time I was like getting irritated, I noticed the drum set started moving towards my right.  As the song was coming to an end, the drums and drummer just kept easily sliding over.  I knew that something was fixing to come out of the stage.  I NEVER expected it to be a BIGGER drum set up!  So, above pictured are the two drum sets.  They battled and then did a duet for 10 or so minutes.  It was HUGE!  Of course they ended the show really strong.  It was a great concert.

So, if you have been paying attention you will have noted that we have not covered ROB ZOMBIE's set.  (I know what you are thinking - that we really aren't missing much!)  When I heard we going to see Rob Zombie I was like, "that's cool"; "He's a legend" "that's cool" (with shrugged shoulders).  But let me tell you....HE WAS AWESOME!!!!

When I thought about Zombie - I thought "horror show" "bloody mess" "lots of prop usuage" and real "heavy metal stage show".  I am not really into all of it.  I like Zombie because I like the energy in his music.  I really don't care that it has titles like "Living Dead Girl" or "More Human Than Human".  I love the energy behind it.  The subtle music behind it, the use of techno that makes you just wanna bounce around - those are the things about Zombie that I like.  Well, his concert was great.  It was really surprising  but all of the things mentioned above that I thought I would see I didn't.  There were a few stage props and yes they had makeup on - but it there wasn't the "heavy metal horror show" stuff.  Tony Clayton (local DJ) really summed up this experience.  He wrote exactly what I was thinking: "I've never seen Rob with a "plain" set. It's usually filled with all kinds doodads and flashy *stuff. Last night, Rob let the music speak for him and it SCREAMED "ROCK 'N ROLL!!" Seriously, I've never seen Rob that animated and having that much fun."  When we say Rock 'N Roll - it was everything!  They even played James Brown - and Rob Zombie was dancing, jumping, sliding all over the stage and when I say DANCING - I mean DANCING - really getting down!  He did play some of his hits (of course) but then he also did some other stuff.  Like I said - He was the real SHOW STOPPER!
                                               
So, after the concert - we went for some waffles and then sleep.  On Sunday I got to watch the football game at Buffalo Wild Wings - which was totally cool on so many levels.  We did a little piddling around town and then headed back to Roswell.  So, since it has taken me 10 days to write these two posts, I will stop there.  

Hope everyone is having a great week.

Albuquerque Trip

So, I started writing this blog 3 days ago.  It has become so long that I decided to split it into 2 separate blogs.  That happens to me all too often.  But here we go - 

On Thursday evening we got to celebrate my mom's birthday!  Mom, Scotty, Brennen, and myself all went to dinner to mark the occasion.  We had a really great time.  After that, I went to pick up Amber from work and get her something to eat - Then we hit the road.

We left town about 9:20pm and headed to Albuquerque.  Let me tell you - Can you believe I didn't even speed!?!?!  Amazing right.  It seemed like we got there in no time at all.  We just talked all the way till about Cline's Corners.  Then we turned on music - (Amber gets real nervous on the Interstate - lucky for us I was driving!)  But anyway, we pulled into Albuquerque about 12am.  Then we had to find the hotel.  I really thought I knew where I was going.  My gut said, take I25.  My head said follow until you see the sign for the airport.  Anyway, long story short, half an hour later we pulled out 2 GPSs.  Bad idea.  We were stinkin' tired and at one point we were following both of them (at the same time).  Each one was taking us a different way.  Finally, we just picked 1 and put the other one up.  Of course, it was then that we found the hotel.

This blog wouldn't be mine unless something had happened, right!?!  So guess what - they couldn't find our reservations (of course) - but then just as we were about to say forget it and start all over with the info - poof; there were our reservations.  We went to the room and crashed.

Friday we didn't really have any plans but got up in time to eat breakfast.  Then we laid back down for about an hour.  Once we were up, we got dressed and headed out to explore.  For lunch we chose to eat at a steakhouse. (Yum!)  Well, we had picked out Ember's Steakhouse.  When we finally found it (inside the Isleta Casino)  we found out that it was by reservation only and not till after 3pm.  Needless to say, we didn't stick around.  Then we had the best time just driving around looking for another steakhouse.  Can you believe that no one eats steak until 4 in the afternoon?!  Well, we finally settled at the Olive Garden around 2:30pm.  Lunch was very yummy!  I had a citrus chicken something or another and Amber had the Tour of Italy but not before we both finished off some calamari.  I had peach tea - which was decent.  We even got a meal to go by accident (one of their featured promo's right now).

After we left the Olive Garden we stopped at a few places we just drove by and thought were interesting.  We then had to make a run to Wal-Greens.  I needed medicine, Amber wanted a new lipstick, and we had forgotten Q-tips.  (That's a pretty weird thing not to be able to live without for 3 days but, it was really driving me CRAZY!).  When we finished there, we had driven by a Putt-Putt place.  So, guess what we did -

We played Miniature Golf.  The animals around the course is what really caught our eye.  But we just had to stop and play.  We had so much fun.  Although - I would like to testify to the fact that Putt-Putt was not made for really tall people.  

 The lady at the counter when we first went in did not do a good job explaining to us about the course.  Don't you just hate it when someone doesn't do the job they are being paid to do!  We asked her where we start from and she pointed to the right and said that is number 1 but you can start from any of the yellow signs.  Well, being the right brained person that Amber is, we usually follow each and every thing in order.  So, we started to the right at #1.

 We were behind a large family and so we played till we caught up with them and then we skipped two holes and were going to go back to them when they were done - so I set up my ball on the little rubber mat to make my shot.  After my second stroke, I got the ball in the hole and then it disappeared!  Ugh!  (Guess that was then end of our Putt-Putt).

What she didn't tell us was that each yellow sign represented a different course. We thought the whole thing was one course - but it wasn't.  It was 3 courses.  Oh well, we had fun and then we went around just taking pictures with all of the different animals.  

Totally cute right!?!  

When we were done there, we continued just exploring around town with nowhere really to be.  Once evening hit, we went exploring a few clubs.  The first club that we went to was really dead but the people that worked there were really nice so we just kinda hung out and talked to them for a bit.  

After we left there I found out that Amber had never had Jack in the box.  So, you guessed it.  I took her to Jack in the Box.  We really wanted Panda Express but they were closed already.  Then we decided on Popeye's Chicken.  Nope.  They were closed too (at 10pm).  Can you believe that?  I thought this was a big city!  With a night life!  On a Friday!  

So, anyway we stopped at Jack in the Box and put a little food on our bellies.  Then we went downtown to another club.  This one was busy.   It's a little different getting used to things in a big city.  We had to park in a parking garage and then walk to the club.  Not too bad.  This club was bumping!  Music, lights, people, etc..........So, we did some hanging out, and then we did some dancing, and some more dancing.  Then we danced with people we don't even know.  By then we decided to go.  (I didn't want my foot to hurt for tomorrow because I figured there would be a lot of walking and that old broken foot of mine just can't take a lot).  Little did we know it was already 2am.  Back to the hotel we went.  

When we got there, we were really surprised that there was no parking ANYWHERE.  We ended up parking on the street in front of the hotel.  Once I hit the bed I went right to sleep.  I think Amber had a hard time sleeping - but not me.  So when I woke up Saturday morning at 8:30am I decided we could skip breakfast because we were going to eat lunch before the concert.  I kept thinking - ok, the concert isn't until this afternoon so we are good to sleep in.  I never did really add it up in my head.  At 10:30am when we woke again, it was time to start getting ready.  We had originally wanted to leave our hotel by 12:00 since we didn't know where it was or what to expect.... 

September 16, 1979

Happy Birthday To ME!!!!

For some reason it seems like when I think about my birthday last year, I remember celebrating like all week long.  Well, appearently that just how I roll!  because this year - it seems we celebrated all year again.  

On Sunday the kids wanted to throw me a little party.  It included them helping make a big family style lunch with rotisserie chicken, broccolli rice, vegetables, and then of course....

 (See that in the corner?  Wonder what it is?  They put a Hershey Kiss on it for me!)  They all sang me a song, and then sang Happy Birthday.  They even got together and counted up their change to buy me some earrings.  

Then came Monday, I received a card and gift from my Mamaw!  - So sweet that even after 35 years she still remembers my birthday every year.  Then I got to go visit with my mom for a few hours.  We talked about her trip and watched Dancing With the Stars and made our commentary about thier dancing.  I really do enjoy spending time with her.  While I was there I received a gift from her and Scotty.  What a way to end the night!

On Tuesday - The 35th anniversary of the day I was born, I had to work - YUCK!  But I didn't really mind and I will tell you why in a minute.  But my crew from work all took me out to lunch at Cattle Baron.  Where I had steak and salad - so good!  Then we all passed around my fried ice cream.  When I got back to work I went to a meeting that lasted like 2 stinkin' hours.  When the meeting was finished I had to leave to go pick up Brennen.  I walked hurridly into my office to grab my keys and look what was on my desk...
                                             

They are so bright and cheerful!  They were perfect.

On Wednesday, after going to lunch with Amber and Mama, I came back to work with a message that our tickets had arrived.  Amber told me a few weeks back that for my birthday she wanted to take me out of town.  Just so happened that I ran across a concert in Albuquerque featuring some of my favorite "Hard Rock" bands.  No way I thought we would really go - but I just threw it out there as like a wishful thinking cloud.  Well, guess what!  Not only did she get us tickets to the concert but she got us VIP tickets which include catering at the concert, access to the lounge where the bands hang out, a table in the middle, VIP bathrooms, and parking!!!!!  This is awesome considering that it is an all day concert.  It starts at 1:00pm and there are 5 bands playing.  

I have told several people about the concert but only about 3 have gotten excited with me - because no one else I know listens to this music - but here are a few songs you might be familiar with by them:

Rob Zombie - Thunder Kiss '65 or Black Sunshine

Godsmack - I Stand Alone (one of the theme songs to the Scorpion King movie)

Seether - Broken ft. Amy Lee

Pop Evil - Monster You Made Me

Escape The Fate - This War Is Ours

So, maybe you want to check them out - Maybe not.  Either way, I am super excited.  The concert is on Saturday and we are leaving tonight about 8:30pm.  We will hang out and just do random stuff on Friday and Sunday and then we will attend the concert ALL day Saturday.  

So, that is my birthday week review!  I will post more about the concert next week.  Tonight I will be helping my mom celebrate her birthday!  

Hope everyone has a great day!

Quinoa

I will start out this blog by saying that if you haven't read my sister's Blog Post entitled "Food" at www.nikandcarladavis.blogspot.com and the comments following it, then you will not really "get" this blog.  My Sister has started cooking a food called Quinoa.  Well, I wanted to know more about the "superfood".  I wanted to know more about the superfood, my sister was feeding to my nephew.  So, here it is:

Quinoa (/ˈkiːnwɑː/ or /kɨˈnoʊ.ə/, from Quechua: kinwa),^[2] a species of goosefoot, is a grain crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal, as it is not a member of the true grass family. As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beetroots, spinach and tumbleweeds. (Yup - the dang dicationary just said that my Sister is eating a food related to tumbleweeds.  So, what is a tumbleweed?  I guess that people from New York might not know.  But let me tell you - us from West Texas and New Mexico sure know what a tumbleweed is - we even have people who make "snowmen" out of them).

A tumbleweed is a structural part of the above-ground anatomy of any of a number of species of plants, a diaspore that, once it is mature and dry, detaches from its root or stem, and tumbles away in the wind.
   Here is what it looks like.  Would you want to eat this guy's cousin?

   

Ok so, since my family is eating this crazy "pseudocereal" let's get serious.  Quinoa became important to the diet of pre-Columbian Andean civilizations.^[16] The food has only been around for about 3 or 4 thousand years.  The Incas, who held the crop to be sacred,^[27]referred to it as chisaya mama or "mother of all grains", and it was the Inca emperor who would traditionally sow the first seeds of the season using "golden implements".^[27] During the Spanish conquest of South America, the colonists scorned it as "food for Indians",^[28]and suppressed its cultivation, due to its status within indigenous religious ceremonies.^[29] The conquistadors forbade quinoa cultivation for a time^[30] and the Incas were forced to grow wheat instead.  But Quinoa has made it's come back and has been increasingly popular since about 2006. This is a Quinoa flower - if you zoom on it - it really does look like fish eggs waiting to be hatched.
Quinoa grain has been called a superfood.^[17] Protein content is very high for a cereal/pseudo-cereal (14% by mass), but not as high as most beans and legumes. The protein content per 100 calories is higher than brown rice, potatoes, barley and millet, but is less than wild rice and oats.^[18] Nutritional evaluations indicate that quinoa is a source of complete protein.^[19][20][21] Other sources claim its protein is not complete but relatively high in essential amino acids. ^[22] The grain is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. It is a source of calcium, and thus is useful for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant.^[23] It is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. Because of these characteristics, it is being considered a possible crop in NASA's Controlled Ecological Life Support System for long-duration human occupied space flights.^[24]
Here is what it looks like in the plant form:

 The nutrient composition is favourable compared with common cereals. Quinoa seeds contain essential amino acids like lysine and acceptable quantities of calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
 One of the best reasons to enjoy quinoa is because it has a high-protein content, which makes it a great cholesterol-free and low-fat source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. According to the USDA nutrient database, 1 cup of cooked quinoa (185 g) contains 8.14 grams of protein . To put that in reference, the recommended daily protein intake is about 56 grams for most men and 46 for most women. (Let's look at what it looks like cooked):   This is my Sister's picture.  It has been cooked and then chunks of carrots have been added.  Now, refer back to the flower picture - yes - still looks like fish eggs.  

This is a picture of actual fish eggs.  See the resemblance?

But here is some more good stuff about it:

Quinoa is a great source of iron and fiber for vegetarians, vegans , and omnivores alike. One cup of cooked quinoa (185 grams) provides 15% of the recommended daily intake of iron, and 5 grams of fiber, which is 21% the recommended amount. Quinoa is also an excellent source of magnesium , with 118 mg per cup, cooked. According to the USDA nutrient database, one cup of cooked quinoa provides:

• 39.41 g carbohydrates
• 31 mg calcium
• 2.76 mg iron
• 318 mg potassium
• 13 mg sodium
• 2.02 mg zinc

Ok, so I understand why they call it a superfood - but really?  Let's get down to it.  There is a negative side:  In their natural state, the seeds have a coating of bitter-tasting saponins, making them unpalatable. Most of the grain sold commercially has been processed to remove this coating.^[10] This bitterness has beneficial effects during cultivation, as it is unpopular with birds and therefore requires minimal protection.^[11] 

The toxicity category rating of quinoa saponins treats them as mild eye and respiratory irritants and as a low gastrointestinal irritant.^[13] The saponin is a toxic glycoside, a main contributor to its hemolytic effects when combined directly with blood cells. In South America, quinoa saponin has many uses, including as a detergent for clothing and washing and as an antiseptic for skin injuries.  

To sum this post up:  YUCK! for 1.  For 2.  This food is related to TUMBLEWEEDS.  3.  Yes it is nutritious and a "superfood" but 4.  The stuff is also used as antiseptic and laundry detergent.  
Truth be told if my sister put a spoonful in front of me and said TRY THIS - I woullllllddddd.....try 2 little egg things.  Of course the time that they lasted in my mouth would definitely depend on their texture.  UGH!  So, Sister, please enjoy your fish egg salad.  But becareful!  and if you ever stop making laundry detergent, you could always use your fish eggs.