L.L. Cool Joe came up with a great little meme; albeit one that's had me thinking about it for over a day already - mainly because I don't feel all that knowledgable in anything. What's that saying; Jack of all trades, master of DUMB? Yeah, that's pretty much me to a T. But I really enjoyed Heather's take on it and wanted to play with the cool kids.
The rules:
1. You’ve got to post a link from the person who tagged you.
2. List 8 things that you know about on your chosen subject. You get to choose the subject.
3. You don’t have to tag anyone but you can if you want. If you do, let them know on their blog that they’ve been tagged.
4. List the rules.
I love a good list. But this was challenging for me; I never realized how much thought goes into listing eight things on one subject. Okay, enough with the disclaimers; my subject is being a wife. Okay, one more disclaimer. This by no means means I feel I'm any kind of expert in marriage or relationships. This is solely based on my experience as an almost ten-year veteran of wifehood.
1. Realize the marriage itself is more important than any wedding. When we decided to get married, he was in school and my parents were struggling with trying to sell their business - pretty much all of us were dead-ass broke. At first I was stressing out about appearances; would his family be disappointed we didn't do the fancy thing like his brother had just done five months before? Would all our friends be pissed they drove from Florida to South Carolina to watch a five-minute outside ceremony and then go to a golf course for not-very-fancy-food and drink? Then my favorite cousin put it all into perspective as usual. He said, Kim, nobody remembers anything about a wedding except whether or not they had a good time. You're having music, you've having alcohol - they'll have a good time. And the end result is that you'll be married to Brian, which was the goal to begin with. Ah, perspective. And now, almost ten years later, people still talk about our fun wedding.
2. This sounds so anti-feminist and old-fashioned, but whatever. Men are fairly simple creatures who really enjoy creature comforts. Unless they're weird. Having a good dinner ready when the guy gets home really goes a long way in showing your love. I am married to someone who loves food, so it's very satisfying to watch him do the anticipatory happy dance when something is smelling good and he's hungry. Even though it does get annoying when he's lurching over me in the tiny kitchen, lifting pot lids and stirring shit that doesn't need to be stirred, trying to make it cook faster. But I'm sorry; it's fun to cook for someone who loves to eat. I even get leery and suspicious about women who brag about never cooking for their husbands and how if he wants to eat, he can do it himself. Wha? You're mean.
3. If you are someone who likes things neat and clean yet are married to someone who has to be prodded fairly regularly to do his share of housework, you're not going to have a happy life. Either learn to let go of some of your clean leanings or be prepared to constantly pick up after someone. Constantly. Like, you are Sisyphus and the chores are the big rock and the house is the huge hill. I've put a lot of thought into this one, apparently.
4. In relation to the above, realize that if you have a messy house, no matter what the reason, it will always reflect worse on you than it does the man. It's just the way it is.
5. Blowjobs.
6. This one is a biggie. Make him the primary or even sole male person you give the majority of your attention to. Yes thank you; I am Captain Obvious, and I just said that. I made the mistake long ago of thinking it was cool to have close guy friends and that Brian was cool with it - we were so cool. Until I started doing things like having marathon phone conversations with the other guys and spending more time with them than I did with Brian and he wasn't so cool with it anymore but didn't say much and I didn't notice and then everything went to Hell in a handbasket. Hey, I never said I was too bright; I'm just glad to have learned some big lessons along the way.
7. Depending on the man, he'll need some amount of male company; dude time, if you will. Some men need a lot; Brian needs a fair amount and I've always tried hard not to begrudge him that, because he's never begrudged me my girl time. Yes, a round of golf takes almost all day. Yes, hunting means he leaves the house at four in the morning and comes home twelve hours later dirty, smelly and with a bloody carcass in the back of his truck. Yes, a bachelor party is going to involve titties. I'm sorry - it's important for them to still be one of the guys. I have enough girlfriends to do girl things with; I don't need or want my husband to be another one of them. As long as the man isn't spending every night away from you involved in questionable activities, give him some space - damn! Nobody wants to be around your nagging ass 24/7! Yes, I'm projecting; I know several women who are Smotherers and I want to slap them.
8. As a wife, you're expected to play many roles: lover, friend, encourager, number one fan and cheerleader (sometimes you're even required to dress the part of the cheerleader) and sometimes yeah - it can be overwhelming. But in my experience, it's also been really rewarding and I would recommend it to near just about anyone.
I'm not good at tagging people, but if you want to do this, I'll read it and love it! Thanks, Cool Joe; that was fun.
Showing posts with label Meme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meme. Show all posts
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Milestone
I just realized something.
My 200th post here was about me going to a dildo party.
I'm thinking: Appropriate.
My 200th post here was about me going to a dildo party.
I'm thinking: Appropriate.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Mystery! Intrigue! Laziness! Presents!
With the dog hurting himself last weekend, my dreams for a family roadtrip on my birthday were squashed, just like last year when I met my friend Jen in Savannah instead of going north to the mountains. Is there some evil force keeping me from seeing over an inch of snow? It's starting to look that way. But I didn't want to leave him with Brian's parents again (since-that's-who-he-was-with-when-he-hurt- himself-not-that-I'm-blaming-them-but-you-know-what-I-mean) and taking him with us was in the original plans but he's still limping, I decided staying home was the only option. It was still a nice day.
Brian had to work in the morning, so I slept late. He came back bearing gifts and those gifts were a bunch of dvd's he knew I'd love and a little exercise gadget I've been wanting, one of those calorie counter things I keep seeing on The Biggest Crybaby. I guess he's taking me seriously when I tell him I'm starting to exercise again. He's always been an optimist that way. He also brought home burgers, fries and Cokes, which is my favorite birthday lunch.
We watched Baby Mama, which was better than I thought it would be - surprising. Tina Fey is genius at portraying the late-thirties baby obsession that takes over while you're not paying attention. In one scene she's in a crowded elevator with a lady holding a baby standing in front of her. She reaches out and touches the baby's hand and then secretly sniffs the baby's head; kind of creepy and totally real. Brian looked at me during the scene and I said, Yes. That shit is REAL. He then asked me what was up with her since her character on 30 Rock is also trying to adopt a baby and I told him she's fine; she's married and has a baby in real life. Because I probably know a little too much about her, but it comes in handy for situations like that.
I checked my email that evening and found out work had been trying to get ahold of me but my voicemail box was full. Oops. A lot of people had called and text'd (what is the past tense of text, dammit, becaused "texted" looks stupid) to leave me birthday messages and that made me very happy. But apparently someone had sent flowers to me at work, not knowing I wasn't going to be there yesterday. Was it you? I can't figure it out. They stored them in the cold supply closet for me to help keep them from wilting, but I'm going to take a ride over there today and get them so I can bring them home and stare at them. I like flowers. And I can't wait to find out who sent them!
My friend Johnann sent me a bunch of books from my Amazon wishlist that I've plowed through while still avoiding Twilight. Even so, we're planning a Barnes & Noble date today, as one can never have enough books; I need to buy one for Brian for V-day as well. Annette always gets me Office-related merchandise, but this year she decided to cover all the shows and got me a cool (literally because it's the kind you stick in the freezer so it can keep your drinks cold) mug with the NBC logo on it. She and I are proud Peacock geeks. Before we had cable, NBC was the only channel we could pick up and I was frighteningly fine with that, since that's what 90% of the things I watch are on. I know Heather was naughty and is sending me a birthday box and unlike the one I sent her, I'm sure everything she planned on putting in it will be in it. Does anyone know where four bottles of OPI nailpolish could have run off to, because THEY WEREN'T IN HER BOX AND I DON'T HAVE THEM EITHER. Ahem, sorry. That is the kind of mystery I don't enjoy. And of course my mom sent me a Walmart gift card, because she knows depending on our finances, I'll either spend it on something for myself or on groceries, which also counts for myself. A grocery trip without worrying about over-spending is a very exciting thing to me. I am easily pleased, which makes for a lot more fun and a lot less disappointment in life.
And this morning upon sitting down to the computer, I saw a big red stuffed heart with sneakers on waiting for me - I'm guessing that had to be from Brian or I'm REALLY going to be mystified. I tell him every year not to acknowledge Valentine's, since I feel my birthday is the more important of the two holidays, but every year he gets me a little thing anyway. He's cool like that.
It's been a nice celebratory weekend so far; I hope everyone else's is too.
Brian had to work in the morning, so I slept late. He came back bearing gifts and those gifts were a bunch of dvd's he knew I'd love and a little exercise gadget I've been wanting, one of those calorie counter things I keep seeing on The Biggest Crybaby. I guess he's taking me seriously when I tell him I'm starting to exercise again. He's always been an optimist that way. He also brought home burgers, fries and Cokes, which is my favorite birthday lunch.
We watched Baby Mama, which was better than I thought it would be - surprising. Tina Fey is genius at portraying the late-thirties baby obsession that takes over while you're not paying attention. In one scene she's in a crowded elevator with a lady holding a baby standing in front of her. She reaches out and touches the baby's hand and then secretly sniffs the baby's head; kind of creepy and totally real. Brian looked at me during the scene and I said, Yes. That shit is REAL. He then asked me what was up with her since her character on 30 Rock is also trying to adopt a baby and I told him she's fine; she's married and has a baby in real life. Because I probably know a little too much about her, but it comes in handy for situations like that.
I checked my email that evening and found out work had been trying to get ahold of me but my voicemail box was full. Oops. A lot of people had called and text'd (what is the past tense of text, dammit, becaused "texted" looks stupid) to leave me birthday messages and that made me very happy. But apparently someone had sent flowers to me at work, not knowing I wasn't going to be there yesterday. Was it you? I can't figure it out. They stored them in the cold supply closet for me to help keep them from wilting, but I'm going to take a ride over there today and get them so I can bring them home and stare at them. I like flowers. And I can't wait to find out who sent them!
My friend Johnann sent me a bunch of books from my Amazon wishlist that I've plowed through while still avoiding Twilight. Even so, we're planning a Barnes & Noble date today, as one can never have enough books; I need to buy one for Brian for V-day as well. Annette always gets me Office-related merchandise, but this year she decided to cover all the shows and got me a cool (literally because it's the kind you stick in the freezer so it can keep your drinks cold) mug with the NBC logo on it. She and I are proud Peacock geeks. Before we had cable, NBC was the only channel we could pick up and I was frighteningly fine with that, since that's what 90% of the things I watch are on. I know Heather was naughty and is sending me a birthday box and unlike the one I sent her, I'm sure everything she planned on putting in it will be in it. Does anyone know where four bottles of OPI nailpolish could have run off to, because THEY WEREN'T IN HER BOX AND I DON'T HAVE THEM EITHER. Ahem, sorry. That is the kind of mystery I don't enjoy. And of course my mom sent me a Walmart gift card, because she knows depending on our finances, I'll either spend it on something for myself or on groceries, which also counts for myself. A grocery trip without worrying about over-spending is a very exciting thing to me. I am easily pleased, which makes for a lot more fun and a lot less disappointment in life.
And this morning upon sitting down to the computer, I saw a big red stuffed heart with sneakers on waiting for me - I'm guessing that had to be from Brian or I'm REALLY going to be mystified. I tell him every year not to acknowledge Valentine's, since I feel my birthday is the more important of the two holidays, but every year he gets me a little thing anyway. He's cool like that.
It's been a nice celebratory weekend so far; I hope everyone else's is too.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Interview with a Kimpire
I really must like talking about myself, because I was excited to find more interview questions from Laura this morning! And she had some GOOD'UNS, man! Since my goal today is to do as little work as I can get away with (Give me a break; I've had a rough week), what better time than now to dig in, so away we go!
1. In your profile, you describe yourself as, "Mediocre in most areas but with occasional flashes of brillance." In what areas do you consider yourself brilliant? No modesty needed, we all know you're fabulous! So brag about it!
Oh my God; note to self - change moronic profile. A better description than "brilliant" would probably be "wit". I've attended five colleges, yet have no degree and I'm so very far away from being "brilliant" about anything relevant. BUT, I have a vast knowledge on almost all things pop culture-related and I also know I can be a pretty funny mofo at times as well. My favorite thing in the world is to make someone laugh, especially the ones who are the toughest nuts to crack, so I consider that a pretty good achievement. I'm glad that was the first question - get over myself already!
2. (Blatantly copying...) If Tom Cruise were standing before you spouting that twaddle he said a while back about how psychological meds just help people cope and don't actually cure anything, would he become the second person you ever punched in the face? Seriously, as a fellow anxiety and depression sufferer, what would you say to those folks who don't "believe" in medicating for mental issues? (And, how's it going?)
I was so happy when I saw this question. I love celebrities, but I have a serious problem when they start spouting off opinions on shit they know little to nothing about such as politics, religion and in this case medicine. As we all know, he's a Scientologist and most of what he says is based on that rhetoric. I know they don't like meds, and while I do believe there are a lot of doctors out there who are butt buddies with their drug companies and love nothing more than to write you a handful of 'scripts to walk out with, Mr. Cruise is bugfuck crazy. He's in a "religion" that is based off of the teachings of a no-talent Science Fiction writer. I am doing great with my anxiety issues at the moment and I believe a "take as needed" drug (Xanax in my case) is the best for me. I also believe if my dad would've been taking it, it might have saved his life. Oh, and would I punch Tom Cruise? No, but that's only because I still remember the glory days of Top Gun, Cocktail and Jerry Mcguire. And his smile is his most redeeming quality, so I wouldn't want to be the one to ruin the teeth. But still: Bug. Fuck. Crazy.
3. What's the best advice you've ever ignored?
Dude, you have some seriously great questions! I would have to say it came from my dad and it was to get a college degree. Referring back to question 1, it's a serious thorn in my side I haven't completed one yet, though I haven't given up on the idea either. Had I even finished my Bachelor's at this point, I could be working in the same job making more money, because no matter what people say that degree equals more cash. Yes, Bill Gates is a college dropout, but I think he might have invented an operating system that helped make him enough bank so that he's not really regretting not having that diploma on the wall. For me, a degree would've helped a lot, both financially and how I view myself. My dad also told me it's just as easy to marry someone rich, but I didn't listen to that either. God, I'm an idiot.
4. You seem to write about nostalgic subjects a lot. What aspects of your misspent youth would you repeat, and what aspects would you care to forget about completely? Please, don't skimp on the embarrassing details.
There was a strange period of limbo-time I spent in my late teens/early 20's, where I somehow managed to still live at home enough to get fed and sleep there sometimes, only work part-time yet always have beer and gas money and had a group of friends, both male and female, who were so incestuously close it was crazy. We took road trips together, went to concerts, went on camping trips, drank beer at our parents' houses, drank beer in the woods, drank beer illegally in scary biker bars, paired off and had sex with each other, slept with each other without having sex - we pretty much spent every free moment together. One of them I moved here with and even after we broke up, we remain friends to this day and we've been talking about having a reunion of sorts with all the people who comprised this group. It was one of the happiest, most free-spirited times in my life and I think of it fondly and often.
And hmmm, what would I care to forget? I'm going to have to take a potty break, refill my coffee and think about this one for a minute. Okay, I'm back - somebody brought in doughnuts so I got distracted for a minute. I guess the part of my life I'd like to forget would be the period from starting September 2001 and lasting through the next year or so. My two-year-old marriage stumbled and both of us turned to other people first emotionally, then in every other way you can imagine. It was a horrible time, yet I'm not sure the right thing would be to forget about it, because we both learned huge lessons during that time and were able to survive it, grow from it and come out with a much stronger relationship than we ever had before. So I guess no forgetting for me.
5. This last one is less of a question and more of a request. Demand? Something. I need more recipes! Share a favorite one, please!
Well, considering I've looked many times at your World Famous Nosh, I'm a little intimidated to offer YOU one of MINE. But since you asked, no DEMANDED, I guess I will. This comes from the Soprano Family Cook-book and it was the first time I'd ever made my own spaghetti sauce from scratch. It took most of a whole day and I was a nervous wreck not to screw up thirty bucks' worth of ingredients, but holy cannoli was that stuff the shit! Here goes:
Sopranos Sunday Gravy (That's what them Eye-talians call sauce)
Ingredients
For the Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb meaty pork neck bones or pork spareribs
1 lb veal stew meat or 2 veal shoulder chops
1 lb Italian sausage
4 garlic cloves
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 (28 ounce) cans peeled Italian tomatoes
2 cups water
6 leaves fresh basil, torn into small pieces
For the Meatballs
1 lb ground beef (or combination of beef or pork)
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
1/2 cup freshly grated romano cheese or parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon salt
pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
To Serve
1 lb pasta shells or rigatoni pasta, cooked and hot
freshly grated romano cheese or parmesan cheese
Directions
- To make the sauce, heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
- Pat the pork dry and put the pieces in the pot.
- Cook turning occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until nicely browned on all sides.
- Transfer pork to a plate.
- Brown the veal in the same way and add it to the plate.
- Place the sausages in the pot and brown on all sides.
- Set the sausages aside with the pork.
- Drain off most of the fat from the pot.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes or until golden.
- Remove and discard the garlic.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- With a food mill (I use a Braun hand blender) puree the tomatoes, with their juice into the pot.
- Or for a chunkier sauce, just chop up the tomatoes and add them.
- Add the water; and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the pork, veal, sausages, and basil and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Partially cover the pot and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water.
- Meanwhile, make the meatballs: Combine all the ingredients except the oil in a large bowl.
- Mix together thoroughly.
- Rinse your hands with cool water and lightly shape the mixture into 2 inch balls.
- Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet.
- Add the meatballs and brown them well on all sides.
- They will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Transfer the meatballs to a plate.
- After the sauce has cooked for its two hours, add the meatballs and cook for 30 minutes or until the sauce is thick and the meats are very tender.
- To serve, remove the meats from the sauce and set aside.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Serve the meats as a second course, or reserve them for another day.
Well, if that wasn't fun as heck to do. I look forward to reading everyone else's Q & A's as well. I had an idea, but I don't think I ever realized what a voyeur I really and truly am. Somebody get me a tape recorder and some binoculars and I'll be able to embark on a whole new career.
1. In your profile, you describe yourself as, "Mediocre in most areas but with occasional flashes of brillance." In what areas do you consider yourself brilliant? No modesty needed, we all know you're fabulous! So brag about it!
Oh my God; note to self - change moronic profile. A better description than "brilliant" would probably be "wit". I've attended five colleges, yet have no degree and I'm so very far away from being "brilliant" about anything relevant. BUT, I have a vast knowledge on almost all things pop culture-related and I also know I can be a pretty funny mofo at times as well. My favorite thing in the world is to make someone laugh, especially the ones who are the toughest nuts to crack, so I consider that a pretty good achievement. I'm glad that was the first question - get over myself already!
2. (Blatantly copying...) If Tom Cruise were standing before you spouting that twaddle he said a while back about how psychological meds just help people cope and don't actually cure anything, would he become the second person you ever punched in the face? Seriously, as a fellow anxiety and depression sufferer, what would you say to those folks who don't "believe" in medicating for mental issues? (And, how's it going?)
I was so happy when I saw this question. I love celebrities, but I have a serious problem when they start spouting off opinions on shit they know little to nothing about such as politics, religion and in this case medicine. As we all know, he's a Scientologist and most of what he says is based on that rhetoric. I know they don't like meds, and while I do believe there are a lot of doctors out there who are butt buddies with their drug companies and love nothing more than to write you a handful of 'scripts to walk out with, Mr. Cruise is bugfuck crazy. He's in a "religion" that is based off of the teachings of a no-talent Science Fiction writer. I am doing great with my anxiety issues at the moment and I believe a "take as needed" drug (Xanax in my case) is the best for me. I also believe if my dad would've been taking it, it might have saved his life. Oh, and would I punch Tom Cruise? No, but that's only because I still remember the glory days of Top Gun, Cocktail and Jerry Mcguire. And his smile is his most redeeming quality, so I wouldn't want to be the one to ruin the teeth. But still: Bug. Fuck. Crazy.
3. What's the best advice you've ever ignored?
Dude, you have some seriously great questions! I would have to say it came from my dad and it was to get a college degree. Referring back to question 1, it's a serious thorn in my side I haven't completed one yet, though I haven't given up on the idea either. Had I even finished my Bachelor's at this point, I could be working in the same job making more money, because no matter what people say that degree equals more cash. Yes, Bill Gates is a college dropout, but I think he might have invented an operating system that helped make him enough bank so that he's not really regretting not having that diploma on the wall. For me, a degree would've helped a lot, both financially and how I view myself. My dad also told me it's just as easy to marry someone rich, but I didn't listen to that either. God, I'm an idiot.
4. You seem to write about nostalgic subjects a lot. What aspects of your misspent youth would you repeat, and what aspects would you care to forget about completely? Please, don't skimp on the embarrassing details.
There was a strange period of limbo-time I spent in my late teens/early 20's, where I somehow managed to still live at home enough to get fed and sleep there sometimes, only work part-time yet always have beer and gas money and had a group of friends, both male and female, who were so incestuously close it was crazy. We took road trips together, went to concerts, went on camping trips, drank beer at our parents' houses, drank beer in the woods, drank beer illegally in scary biker bars, paired off and had sex with each other, slept with each other without having sex - we pretty much spent every free moment together. One of them I moved here with and even after we broke up, we remain friends to this day and we've been talking about having a reunion of sorts with all the people who comprised this group. It was one of the happiest, most free-spirited times in my life and I think of it fondly and often.
And hmmm, what would I care to forget? I'm going to have to take a potty break, refill my coffee and think about this one for a minute. Okay, I'm back - somebody brought in doughnuts so I got distracted for a minute. I guess the part of my life I'd like to forget would be the period from starting September 2001 and lasting through the next year or so. My two-year-old marriage stumbled and both of us turned to other people first emotionally, then in every other way you can imagine. It was a horrible time, yet I'm not sure the right thing would be to forget about it, because we both learned huge lessons during that time and were able to survive it, grow from it and come out with a much stronger relationship than we ever had before. So I guess no forgetting for me.
5. This last one is less of a question and more of a request. Demand? Something. I need more recipes! Share a favorite one, please!
Well, considering I've looked many times at your World Famous Nosh, I'm a little intimidated to offer YOU one of MINE. But since you asked, no DEMANDED, I guess I will. This comes from the Soprano Family Cook-book and it was the first time I'd ever made my own spaghetti sauce from scratch. It took most of a whole day and I was a nervous wreck not to screw up thirty bucks' worth of ingredients, but holy cannoli was that stuff the shit! Here goes:
Sopranos Sunday Gravy (That's what them Eye-talians call sauce)
Ingredients
For the Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb meaty pork neck bones or pork spareribs
1 lb veal stew meat or 2 veal shoulder chops
1 lb Italian sausage
4 garlic cloves
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 (28 ounce) cans peeled Italian tomatoes
2 cups water
6 leaves fresh basil, torn into small pieces
For the Meatballs
1 lb ground beef (or combination of beef or pork)
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
1/2 cup freshly grated romano cheese or parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon salt
pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
To Serve
1 lb pasta shells or rigatoni pasta, cooked and hot
freshly grated romano cheese or parmesan cheese
Directions
- To make the sauce, heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
- Pat the pork dry and put the pieces in the pot.
- Cook turning occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until nicely browned on all sides.
- Transfer pork to a plate.
- Brown the veal in the same way and add it to the plate.
- Place the sausages in the pot and brown on all sides.
- Set the sausages aside with the pork.
- Drain off most of the fat from the pot.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes or until golden.
- Remove and discard the garlic.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- With a food mill (I use a Braun hand blender) puree the tomatoes, with their juice into the pot.
- Or for a chunkier sauce, just chop up the tomatoes and add them.
- Add the water; and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the pork, veal, sausages, and basil and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Partially cover the pot and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water.
- Meanwhile, make the meatballs: Combine all the ingredients except the oil in a large bowl.
- Mix together thoroughly.
- Rinse your hands with cool water and lightly shape the mixture into 2 inch balls.
- Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet.
- Add the meatballs and brown them well on all sides.
- They will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Transfer the meatballs to a plate.
- After the sauce has cooked for its two hours, add the meatballs and cook for 30 minutes or until the sauce is thick and the meats are very tender.
- To serve, remove the meats from the sauce and set aside.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Serve the meats as a second course, or reserve them for another day.
Well, if that wasn't fun as heck to do. I look forward to reading everyone else's Q & A's as well. I had an idea, but I don't think I ever realized what a voyeur I really and truly am. Somebody get me a tape recorder and some binoculars and I'll be able to embark on a whole new career.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
When the naked guy on the roof asks you questions, you answer
Morethananelectrician did a post the other day where he was interviewed by another blogger than offered his services as interviewee to anyone who was interested; who was I to turn down a request like that? I thought his questions were both well-rounded and fun, so without further ado:
1. If George Bush and Tim Tebow were standing in front of you and you were forced to strike one of them in the knee with a blunt heavy weapon...which one would you choose and why? Or would you not be FORCED to hit Tebow?
VERY tricky (and timely!), Mr. MTAE!
If you'd asked me this question at different times over the past couple of years, I may have answered differently, as I am both conservative and a Florida Gator hater. However, I learned a lot about Mr. Tebow over the last year and found him to be an amazing young man who will has done and will do great things in his life that have nothing to do with football. He's using his celebrity status to help charities, go on missionary trips and help kids. He's a Christian guy who when he thanks God during interviews you can tell it's not arbitrary and that he really means it. He'll only play for the Gators one more year, so I'll only be forced to wish them well for a short amount of time and then it will be a different team on the NFL. So I guess my short answer would have to be George Bush. And that would be a lot easier now that I wouldn't have to scale the White House walls to do it.
2. Do you have personal "book giving away policy"? (I only give a book to someone I know will appreciate it like I did....not leave it on the floor of their truck.)
I have more of a book lending policy than giving away, since I don't generally give away my books. If I buy a person a book as a gift, what they do with it is their choice. If I lend them one of my books, it has to be a fellow book-lover and someone I know will treat it with the same care I would. I've been burned before, by some very good friends no less, where I've gotten the book back with the covers and pages bent and that made me very, very angry.
3. What do you put on a hamburger? (Lettuce, ketchup, cheese, etc...)
Weirdly, I only usually put ketchup on my hamburgers. And let me tell you, that's a very challenging order at most McDonald's, who for some reason can't comprehend when I say VERY CLEARLY, "Let me get a Quarter-Pounder, no cheese, ketchup only." Eight times out of ten they ignore the no cheese part. And then I have to scrape it off with a fry. It has been the bane of my fast-food existence.
4. Have you ever punched someone in the mouth...with the intent to cause real pain? If so, how long ago was it?
Wow, this one's going to make me look real bad. Yes. Only one person and it was my husband. Let me explain! This was during the Dark Time in our marriage eight years ago, when we spent almost a year separated. We'd see each other every so often though, as we were sharing custody of our dog. We usually conviened at a good friend's house where we would deal with stuff like the dog or bills or sometimes just to see each other and talk, since we also missed each other during the separation (VERY long story). This particular time we were both there and one of our very good friends had just passed away. I tried to get Brian the funeral information so he could attend since I knew he'd want to go. However, getting the information to him was extremely difficult because he was staying with another woman who didn't have a phone in her house (klassy) and he didn't have a cell at the time. I passed the date and time along through mutual friends of ours and assumed he'd get the message. He didn't get the info in time though and missed the funeral. The night of the punch, he accused me of not telling him, and got mad at me. I finally understood the saying "seeing red," and I completely reacted spontaneously, by giving him a solid uppercut to the jaw (I'm much shorter than he is). I connected too, and it was both horribly upsetting and supremely satisfying. He was shocked, but I guess knew he deserved it though and to this day he laughs at me and says I barely grazed him and it didn't hurt at all. But I know it did.
5. Name one popular singer or band, that, if you hear on the radio, you HAVE TO get up and either change the channel or turn of the radio.
Oh dear God, there are so many. I guess if I had to pick just one right now it would be that Taylor Swift chick. She's cute, but her voice makes my ears bleed. On the flip side, when I hear that Single Ladies song by Beyonce, I turn that shit way up! *Hangs head in shame* Yeah Heather, go ahead and mock - I can take it!
So, that was fun! I'll go ahead and keep it going if anyone's interested and I'll play Katie Couric to your Sarah Palin (without the rudeness). Let me know if you want to be interviewed in the comments and post your five questions and answers on your blog.
1. If George Bush and Tim Tebow were standing in front of you and you were forced to strike one of them in the knee with a blunt heavy weapon...which one would you choose and why? Or would you not be FORCED to hit Tebow?
VERY tricky (and timely!), Mr. MTAE!
If you'd asked me this question at different times over the past couple of years, I may have answered differently, as I am both conservative and a Florida Gator hater. However, I learned a lot about Mr. Tebow over the last year and found him to be an amazing young man who will has done and will do great things in his life that have nothing to do with football. He's using his celebrity status to help charities, go on missionary trips and help kids. He's a Christian guy who when he thanks God during interviews you can tell it's not arbitrary and that he really means it. He'll only play for the Gators one more year, so I'll only be forced to wish them well for a short amount of time and then it will be a different team on the NFL. So I guess my short answer would have to be George Bush. And that would be a lot easier now that I wouldn't have to scale the White House walls to do it.
2. Do you have personal "book giving away policy"? (I only give a book to someone I know will appreciate it like I did....not leave it on the floor of their truck.)
I have more of a book lending policy than giving away, since I don't generally give away my books. If I buy a person a book as a gift, what they do with it is their choice. If I lend them one of my books, it has to be a fellow book-lover and someone I know will treat it with the same care I would. I've been burned before, by some very good friends no less, where I've gotten the book back with the covers and pages bent and that made me very, very angry.
3. What do you put on a hamburger? (Lettuce, ketchup, cheese, etc...)
Weirdly, I only usually put ketchup on my hamburgers. And let me tell you, that's a very challenging order at most McDonald's, who for some reason can't comprehend when I say VERY CLEARLY, "Let me get a Quarter-Pounder, no cheese, ketchup only." Eight times out of ten they ignore the no cheese part. And then I have to scrape it off with a fry. It has been the bane of my fast-food existence.
4. Have you ever punched someone in the mouth...with the intent to cause real pain? If so, how long ago was it?
Wow, this one's going to make me look real bad. Yes. Only one person and it was my husband. Let me explain! This was during the Dark Time in our marriage eight years ago, when we spent almost a year separated. We'd see each other every so often though, as we were sharing custody of our dog. We usually conviened at a good friend's house where we would deal with stuff like the dog or bills or sometimes just to see each other and talk, since we also missed each other during the separation (VERY long story). This particular time we were both there and one of our very good friends had just passed away. I tried to get Brian the funeral information so he could attend since I knew he'd want to go. However, getting the information to him was extremely difficult because he was staying with another woman who didn't have a phone in her house (klassy) and he didn't have a cell at the time. I passed the date and time along through mutual friends of ours and assumed he'd get the message. He didn't get the info in time though and missed the funeral. The night of the punch, he accused me of not telling him, and got mad at me. I finally understood the saying "seeing red," and I completely reacted spontaneously, by giving him a solid uppercut to the jaw (I'm much shorter than he is). I connected too, and it was both horribly upsetting and supremely satisfying. He was shocked, but I guess knew he deserved it though and to this day he laughs at me and says I barely grazed him and it didn't hurt at all. But I know it did.
5. Name one popular singer or band, that, if you hear on the radio, you HAVE TO get up and either change the channel or turn of the radio.
Oh dear God, there are so many. I guess if I had to pick just one right now it would be that Taylor Swift chick. She's cute, but her voice makes my ears bleed. On the flip side, when I hear that Single Ladies song by Beyonce, I turn that shit way up! *Hangs head in shame* Yeah Heather, go ahead and mock - I can take it!
So, that was fun! I'll go ahead and keep it going if anyone's interested and I'll play Katie Couric to your Sarah Palin (without the rudeness). Let me know if you want to be interviewed in the comments and post your five questions and answers on your blog.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Pop quiz
My favorite blogger Sundry has posted this year-end quiz she's done for the last several years and I thought it might be fun. I do a lot of year-end list type stuff on my own, so this is right up my alley (that's what she said).
Okay, without further ado, the quiz:
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Got the balls to step up to a microphone and ask Kevin Smith a question in front of hundreds of people at one of his Q & A's.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year, but this year is the quitting smoking thing. It's less a resolution and more I HAVE NO CHOICE.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My ex-boyfriend's cousin. I wouldn't say we're close, but we keep in touch.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Unfortunately, yes. My grandmother at age 91 and my friend Lisa at 43. Lisa's was the hardest - untimely, violent and at the hands of her boyfriend.
5. What countries did you visit?
All my travel was limited to the US of A.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A baby. And I'm excited because we've never been closer to this goal than we are now.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 6 - Annette took her first road trip in ages by herself to drive 480 miles to come visit.
February 27 - My sister and baby niece flew up here to visit.
March 1 - My 7th Kid Rock concert with my sister, but first one where Brian joined us.
March 30 - Johnann called to tell me Lisa had been killed the night before.
July 4 - Flew to Florida to visit Jen for the weekend.
July 25 - Annette & I met in Savannah where we spent the weekend sight-seeing and going to see The Dark Knight.
August 29 - We took our first real vacation in a very long time to the beach at Fripp Island and shared an amazing beach house with his dad and that side of the family. The fun side.
October 9 - Grace & Elizabeth made their first trip up to visit.
October 13 - More friends from FL were here and we all went to the state fair.
October 15 - Got the call my grandmother died. Unbelievably I'd gotten to talk to her on the phone THE DAY BEFORE.
October 17 - Annette (again!) and Jen from FL were here and we all went to the state fair and the next night to an awesome Halloween party.
October 31 - I spent a few days with my family in Disney World; got to see all the little kids, our family's next generation of cousins trick-or-treat and play with each other.
December 9 - Found out there actually is hope for us to potentially have a baby for the first time. After almost ten years of being married and childless.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Quitting smoking.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not being able to quit cold turkey.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Besides some potty troubles, thankfully no.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Brian's replacement Playstation; his happiness and excitment was good enough for me.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Our men and women in the military who continue to sacrifice themselves in order so we're able to continue to enjoy the freedom we take completely for granted.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Most of the people involved in politics and/or this election.
14. Where did most of your money go?
BILLZ, where else?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
See above; December 9th.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter
c) richer or poorer? About the same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Further my education by taking a class, which I'm allowed to do FOR FREE through work at the college. Idiot.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry about things I can't control. But that's every year.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With the un-fun mother-in-law's side of the family who live an hour and a half away. ALL DAY. But it wasn't too bad.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
No, but I remained in love.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office, 30 Rock, Deadliest Catch, Family Guy
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I haven't really hated anyone since 2002.
24. What was the best book you read?
Wow, this is a toughie. Out of the 69 books I've completed this year...*consults book journal*...It's a tie between Population 485 by Michael Perry, Naked by David Sedaris and A Wolf at the Table by Augesten Burroughs.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Sadly, I had none this year.
26. What did you want and get?
My engagement ring setting to be changed from yellow to white gold.
27. What did you want and not get?
Pregnant. Yet. Do you sense a reccuring theme here?
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I don't know if it technically came out in 2008, but that's when I saw it (twice) in the theaters - Juno. By far.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 39 and met Jen and her mom in Savannah for the weekend. Again, with the Savannah. I've now seen all there is to see there and don't ever really have to go back.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting my own private office at work.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Same as every year - Target & Gap with a side of thrift. Although the sizes got bigger this year, so that was fun.
32. What kept you sane?
My husband and my meds.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Glenn Beck. And yes, I am turning into an old fart; thank you for noticing.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The fact that we have two border patrol guards, Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean serving over ten years in prison each for shooting a Mexican drug dealer in the ass who was attempting to flee after trying to smuggle 750 pounds of weed into this country. They've been in jail for two years already and their families are struggling horribly. Hey, Mr. President - how about a pardon for people who ACTUALLY DESERVE IT (he's already pardoned some drug dealers) before you slink out of office like a sheepish pussy. What the fuck. Got-DAMN, that shit pisses me off.
35. Who did you miss?
My dad, like every year. My sister and niece. (SOME) of my family in NY and Florida. My friends from all over.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
No question about it; Indiana Heather. Best thing to ever have come out of this silly blogging thing.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Having and keeping faith is difficult but well worth your time and energy.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Here's a shocker; I'll use a Kid Rock song called Roll On:
Roll on Roll on roller roaster
We're one day older and one step closer
Roll on there's mountains to climb
Roll on we're on borrowed time
Roll on roller coaster
Roll on tonight
Well, there you have it. Anybody who wants to participate, you know I'll read them all and love them because there's not much else I love more than documenting and making lists.
Okay, without further ado, the quiz:
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Got the balls to step up to a microphone and ask Kevin Smith a question in front of hundreds of people at one of his Q & A's.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any last year, but this year is the quitting smoking thing. It's less a resolution and more I HAVE NO CHOICE.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My ex-boyfriend's cousin. I wouldn't say we're close, but we keep in touch.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Unfortunately, yes. My grandmother at age 91 and my friend Lisa at 43. Lisa's was the hardest - untimely, violent and at the hands of her boyfriend.
5. What countries did you visit?
All my travel was limited to the US of A.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A baby. And I'm excited because we've never been closer to this goal than we are now.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 6 - Annette took her first road trip in ages by herself to drive 480 miles to come visit.
February 27 - My sister and baby niece flew up here to visit.
March 1 - My 7th Kid Rock concert with my sister, but first one where Brian joined us.
March 30 - Johnann called to tell me Lisa had been killed the night before.
July 4 - Flew to Florida to visit Jen for the weekend.
July 25 - Annette & I met in Savannah where we spent the weekend sight-seeing and going to see The Dark Knight.
August 29 - We took our first real vacation in a very long time to the beach at Fripp Island and shared an amazing beach house with his dad and that side of the family. The fun side.
October 9 - Grace & Elizabeth made their first trip up to visit.
October 13 - More friends from FL were here and we all went to the state fair.
October 15 - Got the call my grandmother died. Unbelievably I'd gotten to talk to her on the phone THE DAY BEFORE.
October 17 - Annette (again!) and Jen from FL were here and we all went to the state fair and the next night to an awesome Halloween party.
October 31 - I spent a few days with my family in Disney World; got to see all the little kids, our family's next generation of cousins trick-or-treat and play with each other.
December 9 - Found out there actually is hope for us to potentially have a baby for the first time. After almost ten years of being married and childless.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Quitting smoking.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not being able to quit cold turkey.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Besides some potty troubles, thankfully no.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Brian's replacement Playstation; his happiness and excitment was good enough for me.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Our men and women in the military who continue to sacrifice themselves in order so we're able to continue to enjoy the freedom we take completely for granted.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Most of the people involved in politics and/or this election.
14. Where did most of your money go?
BILLZ, where else?
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
See above; December 9th.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter
c) richer or poorer? About the same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Further my education by taking a class, which I'm allowed to do FOR FREE through work at the college. Idiot.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry about things I can't control. But that's every year.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With the un-fun mother-in-law's side of the family who live an hour and a half away. ALL DAY. But it wasn't too bad.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
No, but I remained in love.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office, 30 Rock, Deadliest Catch, Family Guy
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I haven't really hated anyone since 2002.
24. What was the best book you read?
Wow, this is a toughie. Out of the 69 books I've completed this year...*consults book journal*...It's a tie between Population 485 by Michael Perry, Naked by David Sedaris and A Wolf at the Table by Augesten Burroughs.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Sadly, I had none this year.
26. What did you want and get?
My engagement ring setting to be changed from yellow to white gold.
27. What did you want and not get?
Pregnant. Yet. Do you sense a reccuring theme here?
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I don't know if it technically came out in 2008, but that's when I saw it (twice) in the theaters - Juno. By far.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 39 and met Jen and her mom in Savannah for the weekend. Again, with the Savannah. I've now seen all there is to see there and don't ever really have to go back.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting my own private office at work.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Same as every year - Target & Gap with a side of thrift. Although the sizes got bigger this year, so that was fun.
32. What kept you sane?
My husband and my meds.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Glenn Beck. And yes, I am turning into an old fart; thank you for noticing.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The fact that we have two border patrol guards, Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean serving over ten years in prison each for shooting a Mexican drug dealer in the ass who was attempting to flee after trying to smuggle 750 pounds of weed into this country. They've been in jail for two years already and their families are struggling horribly. Hey, Mr. President - how about a pardon for people who ACTUALLY DESERVE IT (he's already pardoned some drug dealers) before you slink out of office like a sheepish pussy. What the fuck. Got-DAMN, that shit pisses me off.
35. Who did you miss?
My dad, like every year. My sister and niece. (SOME) of my family in NY and Florida. My friends from all over.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
No question about it; Indiana Heather. Best thing to ever have come out of this silly blogging thing.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Having and keeping faith is difficult but well worth your time and energy.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Here's a shocker; I'll use a Kid Rock song called Roll On:
Roll on Roll on roller roaster
We're one day older and one step closer
Roll on there's mountains to climb
Roll on we're on borrowed time
Roll on roller coaster
Roll on tonight
Well, there you have it. Anybody who wants to participate, you know I'll read them all and love them because there's not much else I love more than documenting and making lists.
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