Digital Upgrade

 Loki: Stella and Bess got new phones! Hooray! They have been stuck in the dark ages and always looked at people like they were loony toons for playing on their phone so much. I do believe that they have caught the bug. I have been playing Words with Friends with them pretty consisitently. Mom won't play but she gives her phone to my dad to play. (only at night when she isn't using the phone). I will be almost asleep and hear my ringer go off letting me know that someone played a word. I also am now going to watch which pictures I forward to you, Stella. I was trying on some scrubs the other day (you know for my new job) and I sent Stella a picture. It wasn't pretty. I also had sent her an "ugly" face picture. She showed both of these off to her new friend. Not funny.

Stella: Hahaha. Yes, I LOVE my new phone. It is MY.NEW.BEST.FRIEND. Yes, you have all been replaced. Just kidding. I am still not good at texting on my phone and sometimes I hit buttons and have no idea what happens. I don't think my fingers are incredibly fat.. sure, they are chubby... but I know there have to be more people out there with fatter fingers than me. And so how can THEY text when I can't?! I also very much enjoy the fact that we can send/recieve picture mail now. This has been the greatest thing thus far. We were in the dark ages for so long... We would always have to tell people that we couldn't get mail & that even though they sent us a picture we couldn't see it and it charged our bill ten cents. (Well, Bess was the one worried about the ten cents.) I also LOVE that the only pictures on my phone of my dear sister were hilarious... But I must admit, I am the worst player that ever existed at Words With Friends. For one thing, I hate Scrabble... so I don't know why I torture myself trying to play. And two, I think that everyone who plays just flings the letters around and hit 'submit' until it accepts the word. And here I am, using all the brain power that I have trying to think of real words that I know and can define. Ugh. I need lessons.

Loki: I like playing you on Words with Friends because I don't have to really use my brain. Most times I have to try and decifer the most points I can get and with you I just play the first word I see. Hmmm... I don't really know where to go from here. T was watching some show about other cultures and it showed this woman breastfeeding a monkey. If that is not weird in itself, this tribe actually ate monkeys too. So odd. They breastfed them to keep them alive and because they think that monkeys are more human than animal...yet, they eat them.

Stella: That is revolting. Let's toss this over to Bess to wrap up.

Bess: Oh yes, let me chime in on the new phones!  (not the breastfeeding monkey!  ewww)  I, too, LOVE MY NEW PHONE!!!  I know I am not super cool, but I sure feel like it now, when I whip out that nice TOUCH screen and can browse the web and check facebook now while waiting somewhere (like when I take Bella to dance class.. it is so AWESOME to be like everyone else in the room instead of the ONLY one without a new touch phone!)  AND I LOVE sending pictures and getting pictures. Please, send me all the pictures you want!  :)  And please forgive me if I acidentally call you or send half a message that doesn't make sense or it literally takes 5 min to respond to a text.. as I am new to the phone and it will take TIME.  I was very impressed how Batman (who has fatter fingers than you, Stella) can text on his touch phone without even looking at the screen!  Now that is talent I would like to achieve.....

Oh, and one more word about words with friends.  What a nice, kind, loving and sharing wife I am to give up my wonderful marvelous fabulous phone to my husband each and every night so that he can play everyone in our family this addicting game!!!  I am pretty sure he beats them all (most of the time).. mah ha ha .. (he is so talented at winning games, don't you know).  Here is another amazing thing.  I go to be bed often without my beloved (the phone, not the beloved man) and let my husband keep it so he can continue to play deep into the night (as he is a night owl and me, not so much).  His only instructions are to lovingly plug it in by my bedside when he does come to bed.  And he has remembered that faithfully.  If he dosesn't.. he surely will lose his light night words with frirends benefits!  ha/ha....

What's your favorite Journey song?

Sexy, Stunning, Skillfull Stella

Saucy: Stella. This name sums up my whole life plan. To be like Stella. How many nights I have layed awake yearning to have the cake decorating technique and skill my creative cuz Stella does. How many mornings have I woke up and looked in the mirror wishing I could have that sexy thigh indention and toned lean legs. And How many an afternoon do I lay during Meatball's naps only to read a book, watch tv, or possibly clean instead of spending quality time with Bob as Stella does. I am a failure.

Eyes of Blue: I too am a failure. You couldn't have said it better, Saucy. I've always been jealous of the stunning Stella. We can only dream of having those perfect toned legs and to have a daily get-together with the one and only Bob Harper. Or to up and run a half marathon just for the challenge. Or to look good in absolutely everything, including horizontal stripes. Or to have hair that can go curly or straight. And not to mention she's quite the comedian. She's hilarious and doesn't even have to try. She's even friends with Carrie Underwood's look-alike. Who wouldn't want to be like Stella?!!

Saucy: Yes....Eye's of Blue and I go on a weekly shopping trips on Friday nights. Well, recently I have had a striped fetish...only to find each and every striped shirt I put on looks horrid! I mustered up the courage to ask Eyes of Blue why it all looks hideous and makes me look like a chunky munk. And she says, "It's horizontal stripes, bad idea!"....And then today I see a post on facebook of Stella in NONE OTHER than....horizontal stripes. I wanted to lock myself in the bathroom and cry for it just does NOT look that way on myself... ha!

ANYWAYS, this sounds rather like I am bashing myself. I assure you I am not. I just admire Stella. Many of us do. She is quite oblivious to this admiration. I do not think she is aware of Eyes of Blue and I's weekly chats about her qualities. She is now! She definitely won the planking contest by far on July 4th......Another thing to add to the list of accomplishments! As if this weren't enough......She is now dating my long lost love, Adorable Aggie.

Eyes of Blue: Geee....we sound pretty pathetic. Shhh, they don't need to know that we have nothing better to do than roam around endless racks of clothes, try everything on that we can, and eat delicious food court garbage every Friday night. After all, we are doing it for little Meatball's sake. He likes it! Probably more now than ever since we've discovered he loves eating yogurt melts and to gnaw on price tags since they're within his arms reach.

Woah woah woah... It sounds like I was the meanie who said horizontal stripes were a no-no. I once learned from the fashion gurus, Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, that one shouldn't wear horizontal stripes, that white isn't allowed after labor day, that you can get anything altered to your body. I bet every striped shirt you tried on this weekend looked good.... but SOMEBODY wouldn't come out of her dressing room. Perhaps we should beg Stella to be our personal shopper and she can find us cute clothes like she always wears, including her perfect striped tee that we adore so much.

Another thing I envy about Stella is her talent to plan a great party!!! I mean seriously, it's a dream job of mine to have a party planning business with her. She is so creative and definitely thinks outside the box. She knows how to do it all. From the immaculate decorations, gorgeous, delicious 3 tiered cakes, fun games, yummy food and punch, I could go on for days!! I know I'm just a beginner planner, but think about it Stella... we could start making the big bucks! Well, maybe you. But I can learn from the best!

Saucy: Oh...don't even get me STARTED on the parties! I won't even try to live up to Bella's parties for Meatball. Poor Meatball will learn to accept plain, mundane birthday parties. ha! Well, now that you all know what freaks we are, let's hear your thoughts.

P.S. Loki, you can be the star of our next banter!

What do you admire about Stella?....

And Stella, are you flattered? or just creeped out??

LIfe Change

Loki: I'm anxious. I feel a big change a comin' in my life. Yes, it is that time to leave my child in the hands of others again. I do realize how blessed I am in that I have family who will help me watch my child for free while I go and work for a living. There is no way I would work if I had to leave my kid at daycare. Nothing against those that use it...it is just not for me and my family. I don't think that it would even end up being worth it as day care costs an arm and a leg. Anyway, I am extremely grateful for the time I did get to stay at home with my boogie bear. Perhaps in the future this is where I will be again...watching my grandchildren. Yikes! Let's not go there! This is getting a little sentimental. Heck I do not even have the job yet. Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself. I have done this once before you know....thought I had a job and I didn't.

Good news! I got the job. It was easy peasy and I wasn't nervous about anything. Well ,that's how interviews are when they don't really even interview you and just explain a job to you that you think you would like to have. Of course, you aren't sure what the heck they are talking about when they use abbreviations and terms that you are not familiar with. I am sure this is how all people feel when they interview for a job in a new field. I will be working with Stella's best friend. She is my boss. I forgot her "blog" name. I think this has caused Stella a little stress, but I think all will be well. I am starting to get a little sad just thinking about getting back to being a working gal plus mommy. I will sure miss my bundle of joy and I just might cry all weekend thinking about having to leave her on Monday. Hopefully, I will enjoy my job and therefore, it won't feel like torture being without my offspring. I do think that it will be easier to leave her this time around only because I know she is having fun. Everyone that watches her loves her just as much as me (well close anyway) and she will be well taken care of. Anyway, I am really excited to have Big T off of my back about getting a job. That is going to be so great. I told him he will have to find a new hobby.

Stella should tell you what she thinks of such things. Ive only heard "be polite and positive" 500 times in the last 3 days. I swear she must think I am going to go in there and start yelling at people. Does she think I am going back to the BROKERAGE?

Stella: Yes, I am quite nervous because I don't think I've ever really seen you be nice & friendly to anyone... I'm not trying to be mean. It's just that we dealt with cranky stupid old men and you were never very nice to them... Even I was probably a little hateful at times. Hard to believe, I know. Anyhow, my bff is Betty Lou. They are all about trying to have a positive welcoming atmosphere at their office so that is why I am encouraging you to be positive. I am also quite nervous that I might starting hating you both. That's just me being honest. I don't like being left out and I don't want to share my best friend. I told Loki that Betty Lou is NOT the Cougar and I would not share her like Bess & Choc Chip do. She's MINE. But who knows how it will go. I'm sure they will have other things to talk about besides me..  Probably not much but I imagine that you can come up with something. (Joking.) But then I will forever be hearing about all the funny stuff that was said or that happened at work and guess who will get grumpy fast? ME. I'll be stuck working with artsy fartsy Dumplings at my job and they'll be off laughing and having a good time. I'm in a bad mood tonight so I don't know why I'm on here trying to blog. Plus I have to work tomorrow too. You know, me. The one who got a job before you. And no matter how grouchy I am, I have to go in and smile and cheese it up and play nice. It's exhausting. 9 hours of happiness. But, if I do say so myself, I pull it off nicely. You should follow my example.

Loki: Well, I shall surely try. Gee... I'm capable of being nice and positive. You came in at a wrong time and I was too focused on getting the work done than being cheerful to grumpy old men. I am pretty sure that grumpy old men will not be coming into a chiropractic office to gripe at me. You have got me thinking I am an old hag who is incapable of being polite. Blah. I did learn that you are quite capable of being fake. I think that is my problem. My attitude and thoughts are written all of my face. I need to learn to hide them and hold things in. I am sure Betty Lou and I will have some inside stories that you will not be privy to, but I doubt you will want to hear about them and I seriously doubt we will all be hanging out and leaving you out of it. After your disastrous birthday this year I do not foresee me and Betty Lou and you ever hanging out in a social environment. I am pretty sure you have decided to never hang out with me socially again. We do not have to discuss this again. I am just trying to reassure you that this will be okay. I think I am more nervous about going to work for someone I know rather than a complete stranger. I mean my boss knows things about me that no boss should know. I am sure she is just as nervous as I am...because I know her too.

Stella: Yes, I haven't thought about this. You were always quite mean to me and I'm sure she knows the story about how you grabbed the back of my head and slammed it over and over into the car steering wheel before. hahah. She could hold this over you for sure... In fact, this is the reason I agreed for her to hire you. So that she could secretly torture you and repay you for all the years of cruelty against your dear sister. Haha. I was just suddenly reminded of another friend traitor... Eyes of Blue. That's right. She switched from Curls to Saucy.... Now granted, Curls is/was too busy being in love with the Golden Boy (or was it Man? He's old. It should be Man.) and left poor Eyes out in the cold. And Saucy was kind enough to take her in and love her and feed her lasagna and pot roasts. But even as Curls I would not be too happy with this. Unless I had some beloved man to fawn after...

Loki: Well, maybe you do...maybe you do.

Good Monday to you all! What change would you like to make in your life?

RECIPE FRIDAY: Chicken Parm Meatball Subs

Loki: I realize that my kinko story was not as exciting as dear Stella going on a blind date. Not just any blind date but a blind date that her whole family is routing for. I can't help it that I don't have an exciting life. If you would like I could recall all the gushy details of me and Big T's meeting...but I believe that would not go over as well. I am a sharer....Stella is not. So you will just have to read between the lines and she can talk more about TallBoy if/when they continue dating. So for now.... back to

                       RECIPE FRIDAY

Chicken Parm Meatball Subs:

Meatballs:

1 1/2 pound ground chicken

1 tbl grill seasoning blend (I use Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick)

1 large egg

1 cup grated Parmesan

1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs

handful of chopped parsely leaves

Place ground chicken in a bowl and season with grill seasoning. (sometimes I can not find ground chicken so I have substitued with ground turkey or even ground pork). Add egg, half of the grated cheese, bread crumbs, parsley, and a serious drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to the bowl. Mix the meat and form 12 large meatballs. Squish the balls to flatten them like mini oval meatloaves. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes until golden and firm.

While the meatballs bake...make the sauce.

The Sauce:
3 tbl extra-virgin olive oil

2 large garlic cloves

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 cup chicken stock

salt and pepper

8-10 fresh basil leaves, torn or shredded

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and garlic and cook 5 minutes then remove the garlic cloves. Add crushed red pepper flakes then tomatoes and stir in the chicken stock. Season the sauce with salt and pepper and simmer 10 minutes, adjust seasoning and stir in the basil.

(Be careful adding the crushed tomatoes to the oil...it will splatter)

Turn the broiler on after you take the meatballs out of the oven...turn to low. Cut Sub Rolls, place the meatballs in the bread and cover with provolone cheese (sliced or shredded) and some parmesan cheese as well. Place in the broiler to allow the cheese to melt. This will only take a few minutes...

Take out of oven and enjoy! You use the sauce to dip the sandwhich in.

The recipe calls for you to place the meatballs in the sauce and then put it on the sandwhich. I find this to be too messy and would make the bread soggy. I like dipping it in the sauce better. You can do whatever you choose.

Also the recipe makes a ton of sauce. We usually have a ton left over. It is a good homemade marinara so I am sure you could use for other meals

I added sweet pot. fries with my sandwhich but you could add anything or nothing at all.

ENJOY! So happy for this cooler weather!

Kinko Schminko

Loki: I loathe FedEx. I hate that store. Everytime I go in there it ends up being a big ordeal. Why we have even had a post about it before. Big T needs some new business cards because the ones his partner made last year were LAME. So we, rather I, have been designing some snazzy new cards to help my man sell, sell, sell. Well he never approved of my designs and apparently they were too girly or something. Long story short, he never ordered the cards so now he needs them in 3 days.We mozy on up to FedEx because I guess Big T had it in his head that they would be able to print him some business cards up quickly. Well they can, they are called QuickCards and they are the really boring business cards, but they get here in 24 hours. I met him at the store on his lunch break. I brought him some food and his baby. Really that was the only reason I was there...so he could see his offspring. Anyway now that I have already drawn this out to a paragraph ...I should get on with it already. We make up this cards...try to print the confirmation and that is where all went wrong. I don't know what it is with these FedEx people but it is like dealing with the post office people. No one knows how to do anything and they just shout back and forth to each other in hopes that the other person working will know what the crap is going on. They have like 4 customers in there and they are acting like they are swamped like a Saturday night at 7:00 at a hip restaurant. It's ridiculous. Anyway after about an hour they finally figure out how to print up a confirmation so I can pay the stupid thing. We tried printing up some more cards with Big T's business partners name and so forth...we had to remember all the changes we did to the orginal template since it won't allow you to just copy. After we do this the stupid computer errorrrrrrsss...and informs us to not proceed again. After speaking with 5 of the smelly FedEx workers (for some reason they all had bad B.O.) they tell us to we can go home an print the business partner's cards and they will be in the same time as Big T's. Well by this time Blue is screaming and hollering because she wants to run around like a wild child and we won't let her. I have already had to take her out of the store once because she threw herself down on the floor in a fit of rage. Her tears were suddenly dried up when she looked out onto the Expressway and saw cars zooming by "WOW", she exclaimed. Anyway back to the screaming ..Big T has to leave because his lunch hour is long gone and he leaves me with this child who is trying to squirm out of my arms so she can go play with the cool display of candy and pens and a bunch of things that are right in front of her face.  Finally all is paid and they never did figure out how to print up a dumb confirmation. I get home and get online to order these other cards and what do you know? You can't order QuickCards online. Sheesh.

Blue woke up from her morning nap and we left the house...we got home and it was already time for her second nap. I was fully prepared to go to the splash park with her but instead we spent our afternoon in a FedEx.

Stella: If you spent your whole day in a FedEx, why did you name this post "Kinko Schminko"? I'm so confused on why you had to be present at this event. I would have refused to bring the baby up to a public place so her daddy could see her while he was working. Just say no. She's just going to run wild and get upset when you try to contain her. But what do I know? Ya know I had a business card once. Yes, I had just received two brand new boxes of business cards when my sister decided that she needed to leave work early to go the gym when she was told not to. And that is why I never saw my business cards again. Have you seen the Mommy business cards? You should make some up and hand them out to new friends so you can have play dates. Give them out to other moms you meet out at the park or that look worn out trying to shop with 4 kids in their cart at the grocery store. hahah. Ya know, leave the house... Get out a bit... That way you aren't desperate to go somewhere and take your child to spend hours inside places like the FedEx.

Loki: Thanks for the advice dear one. I have not seen Mommy business cards and nor do I want to hang out with strange women just because they may have a child my daughter's age. Maybe I should join a mommy and me dance class. Oh, doesn't that sound fun? I think I would rather vomit. I love how you are blaming me for your loss of a job. You did not have to quit. You hated that place and wanted out anyway, and just used me as an excuse. I wish I didn't have to regret leaving that place....and I don't but when you can't find employment anywhere else you start to wonder if you are even hirable or wonder how you ever got a job in the first place. I just didn't think you had to bust your butt and spend countless hours getting a college education only to get a job at McDonald's. Sheesh... I could've saved my money. Gee. I am off topic now. You know, I sit in this house most days and Blue and I run a muck...sometimes a trip to the FedEx/Kinkos sounds fun.

Stella: Exactly. We gotta get you out more. Take some advice from your younger sister. It's nice being able to get out every now & then... Away from your mother.. and father.. and little brother... I do think having a job is very nice even if it's not the best job in the world or I'm making tons of money. You see, I have learned to be very content in my current position in life. Sure, you might only read about my complaints of life because they are more interesting to talk about than to share all my lovely thoughts on peace and joy and happiness. (If you want to read a blog like that, then you should check out our cousin-in-law's blog on babies and rainbows and sunshine and goo.) Anyhow....I don't even know where I was going with that.

Loki: We have started watching Sesame Street. It is quite annoying... but my Blue loves it. After being told that Batman counted to 50 at age 3 I decided she should start watching it. I'm not sure how much more I can take. Yes I need to get out more.

Rainbows and Sunshine to you! Tell us anything.

BLIND Date

Stella: Well, I know the masses are dying to know about my first-ever blind date. Although Batman says these should be called deaf dates these days because almost everyone has facebook and can look to see what the other person looks like. The only thing you really don't know is what they sound like... He's a clever one, that Batman. Well, in this case it was a completely BLIND date as this dude had NO IDEA who I was or what I looked like or any other facts about me other than 1. my name and 2. I am blonde. Let's just say our Match Maker did not provide him with any information at all so he must really trust his judgement to still come & show up with this limited amount of info. I knew a little bit more about the feller (whose Banter name I have not yet come up with... Tall? Tall Coach? I am not feeling creative at the moment and those names suck...) so I, at least, had some idea of who he was. I didn't have a mental image of his face... Just a tall man with a circle for a head. Anyhow, I went into it taking Uncle Don't Throw the Wrapping Papers Advice. "Go get a free meal, meet someone new and move on!" And I must say, it was actually not bad at all. At least with meeting a perfect stranger it's not like you've had a crush on them for years & can't believe this is finally happening & wanting it to go perfectly... So that took off some pressure. And like with a job interview, you just think.. Well, I'll look my best... Try to just sound somewhat intelligent and interesting... and that's all you can do. If you don't get the job, so what.

Loki: Whatever. How am I supposed to contribute to this? No one wants to listen to me ramble off something clever about blind/deaf dates and what it is like..yadda yadda. They just want you to continue to talk about this guy. This headless guy that you just met and had to "interview" with. I find interviews to be exhausting and horrible so I would hate to go in to a date thinking that it was an interview. I was set up on a true blind date almost 9 years ago with Big T. No, we did not meet for dinner or set down talking to each other...We met in a group at a bar and had the comfort of friends around. Anyway, I think it is funny how everyone wants to be so involved in this and know every detail. I am just happy you went on a date. Not that I think you are a lonely cat lady who needs to get out or anything. I just think that at least you agreed and took the chance to put yourself out there. So...you continue to date this dude or find yourself another date (since this one was set up and all.) I would think the 2nd date would be more nerve racking because you probably run out of all the interview questions on the 1st date. You know that people put up their "representative" on dates. It takes a while before the real person comes out. .... Don't listen to me. I don't know what I am talking about. Please Stella continue to tell us about your date with Keller? haha I dont know. Helen Keller? We can  come up with a name later when you have known him longer.

Stella: You're right. That's about the worst contribution to this blog that you've ever made. And probably the worst name suggestion of all time. Helen Keller is a girl for one thing. A dead one at that. Let's just call him: Single Man I Met at BWW for a Blind Date Last Night That My Cousin Saucy is Secretly In Love With- Oh Wait It's Not a Secret Anymore- And That Everyone Wants To Ask Me 200 Questions About Even Though I Only Have Gone Out With the Guy One Time. Well, maybe I should shorten that to:

 S.M.I.M.A.B.F.A.B.D.L.N.T.M.C.S.I.S.I.L.W.O.W.I.N.A.S.A.A.T.E.W.T.A.M.

2.Q.A.E.T.I.O.H.G.O.W.T.G.O.T.

Oh, I do amuse myself. Anyhow, I don't know what you're trying to say about putting up a representative. I tend to think of myself as a nice, pleasant person who is always cheerful and outgoing... So anyway, I wasn't really nervous once I got there. I actually beat him there and when I first walked in I saw this really tall blonde guy. Well, it just so happens that I graduated with this kid so I knew immediately that wasn't him. Shew. Avoided making an idiot of myself by introducing myself to the wrong tall man standing by himself. And then he actually came in about 2 seconds behind me & the initial greeting was a little strange, but that's to be expected. (But no awkward hug hello or manly handshake so another sigh of relief as I don't do either of those.) We sat in a booth in the back (so thankful it wasn't a table out in the middle) where he began to drill me with about 100 questions before I could even sit down. Hah. Then he would immediately apologize for asking the 100 questions, but I didn't really mind.. As long as he was coming up with things to say, I could just answer and return the question back. It was discovered within about 1.5 minutes that he didn't even know I was Choc Chip's niece. Thanks Match Maker Doofus for not telling him ANYTHING AT ALL so I sound like a fool assuming he at least knows basic facts about me. (I'm actually a little surprised he trusts that guy at all. But that's a whole other story. Guess I did too since I just showed up myself!!!) So then we order & I don't really remember eating, although we ordered the same exact thing. It's a sign... Just kidding. Oh, and he shared his cheese fries with me. (That was thrown in just to make Saucy swoon. HAHA) Okay, Loki. Say something unintelligent and then I'll pick up with the rest of the story.

Loki: Gee, you could just write a solo peice here. I have nothing to add and I am sure the readers are getting annoyed with my bantering that is interuppting the all-important date. I just hope that if you really end up liking this guy then your family will back off. Like if you say that you like him...and you tell people you like him, they will have you married off in a heartbeat I am sure. Sheesh. I feel like there is a lot of pressure. I just looked over at mom at the dinner table last night and she had a goofy grin on her face. Dad and I both were like...what is wrong with you? She just giggles and says that it is 6:40 so Stella is probably sitting down eating now. Then Cookie calls at about 7 and wants to know what we know. As if you got there and immediatly started texting us your thoughts on him. She then gets to talk to mom and they are both excited. I swear it is like you went on a date with Luke. Luke...or another church boy that mom had hand picked for you when you were 3. I wouldn't continue dating him just because everyone approves. How boring.

Stella: Hello. I'm not 18. I don't feel the need to rebel against my parent's approval. You'd just be jealous that Big T would move down a notch if the parents did indeed like him. (Since my ex drastically moved him UP in the parenta's eyes. haha.) And I'm pretty sure being a coach and being tall has at least given him 20 points. Although he does like the wrong football team so that might put him in the negative. But why did you say Luke's real name? I was just telling Bess how I think he's a Mimbo = Male Bimbo. Call him that if he ever comes up again so I can chuckle at it. He was hand picked for you by the way. She never picked out anyone for me. I think that's a little insulting now that I think about it.... But supposedly Tall Coach is as good as the Wacks. Hah. (According to Choc Chip who, of course, loves the Wacks seeing as how her daughter is one now.) Anyhow, I really feel the only pressure is FROM YOU.  The overbearing sister who feels the need to bombard me with questions & opinions & unsolicited advice. You were acting just as jumpy as Bess. You should have seen everyone STARING at me before I even left. Talk about uncomfortable!

SO.. after we ate he asked if I wanted to accompany him to the movies. Of course he didn't say it like that or I would have had to say no. We walked around the canal for about an hour since we were early... Then we saw "Horrible Bosses" which was a little (say it Bess!)  Awk-ward !!!!! Just not sure which crude joke is okay to laugh at... (ie. Will he think I'm disgusting if I laugh at this???) The ride back was a little quiet.. and the only time I thought to myself, "Say something!" But at this point, we've talked over 2 hours & covered every basic question you can ask someone you first meet without divulging your complete life history. And so, the end! I survived! And the verdict you've all been waiting for:  He was very nice & I would probably do it again if he was interested... Because who knows what he thought about me! Right now I can't even remember what his face looks like again. I'm really just glad this didn't turn out to be a piece on how I narrowly escaped a serial killer stalker or a Star Wars-quoting, Yoda-loving, live-in-my-parents-basement type of guy.

Loki: You just talked an entire post and never managed to say what you really thought about him.

 Thoughts? Go.

Love/Hate

Loki: I love eating and hate working out. The workouts have begun again. I was doing rather well this summer with dieting (healthy eating) and working out until I had an interruption in my schedule for 3 weeks...IE: The Firework Stand. Since then I have been having a hard time getting myself back on schedule. I did enjoy not working out and eating whatever I so pleased. Its nice and if only I could live that way...I can't though as I do not wish to become a whale (or remain one) . My dieting is back in control....now for the working out. Stella has so graciously lent me some of her beloved BOB videos. Now she only is lending them to me for 2 days. I guess I am supposed to memorize them in that short time, or perhaps she will just keep swapping me out everytime I see her. That or I guess I will have to go buy my own. I have decided that I do better with those videos when I work out by myself. It is not as fun but I do better. I guess for some reason I wuss out when I look over and see Stella doing her chair pose and she is practically sitting on the floor. There is just no way I can get that low.  I am already sore. I did the video 4 hours ago and sore already. Gee what is tomorrow going to bring. Although I enjoy porking out on food and being lazy, I definitely feel better when I am doing the opposite.

Stella: It's been a week now! You are overdue! In fact, I am going to charge you a late fee! Ha! I LOVED you commenting on my immaculate form. I can't help it that I've got these great short, muscular legs while you & Mom are constantly complaining (ie, making excuses) about your super long & lanky legs. It really shouldn't matter. Irregardless, you better start building up your miles pretty soon. We're going to need to be up to par when we start training for our marathon this spring. (I mean sure, you say you might have a job by then or you might move or maybe you will be pregnant again... but I'm thinking NOT so you shouldn't try to think about what may never happen.)

Loki: I think you are insane. INSANE. You just decided that I was going to run a full marathon only because Cookie doesn't think she will be able. The thing is I have never even run a HALF. I don't even know if I have a HALF in me. I think I could do it. I just haven't been getting up and running yet. I was building up some muscle and getting into shape before I hit the pavement. (Really I just haven't been able to get up at the butt crack of dawn so that it is cool enough not to melt.) And Excuse ME! I was late to church last Sunday because I turned around so I wouldn't forget your precious DVDs. I was not late. Speaking of...bring me another tomorrow and I will trade you out.

Stella: What?! Why did you turn around to go get them and then not even give them to me? Here is what needs to happen. Choc Chip needs to go to the dr! Then she needs to give up one month of her life and not run so her old bod can heal. Then you won't have to do any running at all. But since I know the aunt won't go do this, I'm telling you now to start getting yourself in shape! You see, this is the one thing I can't talk Bess into doing. I can pretty much make her do anything else in life. But not running long distances. Why, I've been able to get her to run short distances. But the one time I made her run around the section (4 miles up and down hill) I felt like I had dragged her around behind a car the whole time she was so beat up and sore and out of breath (and red...) You just shouldn't do things like that to your dear mother. But your sister. Now that's something else entirely. YOU CAN DO IT!

Loki: I will. I will. I tried to get you to do a boot camp with me. I need a boot camp buddy. Obviously I missed out on this month but maybe I can talk someone into doing it with me next month. Perhaps my friend Ebony will. She is always game to do some kind of fitness...she just isn't very reliable as she gives up on any diet or exercise after a week. You should just feel grateful that you have a workout buddy that you can drag around with you everywhere. One time I tried to work out with Big T.. (before we had little Blue). I worked in with him on his weight lifting...he also tried to tell me what my work out should be. The man is insane. It was not good for our relationship. I just felt like a weakling. After that first experience we would go to the gym together and then I would go to the cardio room and "girly" weight machines and he would go the opposite way to the manly weights...or free weights. We would meet up to play a game of Raquetball. I loved raquetball.  I think T liked it so much because he was able to try and beam me with a ball...and I occasionally smacked it right back at myself anyway so it was quite entertaining. Good workout. You would enjoy it. The gym closed down so we no longer have a place to play. It's so much better than just running on a stationary machine.

Stella: Isn't this where you saw Sammy Bradford playing raquetball? It's too bad that Kansas Cousin gave up on him and is already engaged to someone else. I told Bess that if I ever did marry Sammy myself, I'd give her a million bucks just for getting out of the way. Hahah. And speaking of male suitors, it appears I have signed myself up for a blind date this Saturday. Stay tuned... because if it's awful you'll definitely be

hearing about it. :)

Give Stella some advice people.

Randomness

Loki: So what is the deal? We said we were going to start blogging again and we lasted all of a week. How sad. It's not because we don't want to blog but I think it is sometimes hard for us to come up with a topic. A purpose if you will. I have been relying on Stella (since she is the one with the new job) to come up with some topics and she did quite well for a while but really its just not the same as when we worked in the same place. I've tried to start many blogs but they just end up being me rambling about my kid or my husband and I am pretty sure you all have heard enough of our crazy antics. Speaking of... did you know that Big T has a meeting with downtown OKC next week....he is putting in a bid to do the downtown Christmas lights. I'm so proud. He really knows how to network and talk a little crap since he has no idea how to do such a big job. You can't say the man is not motivated or optomistic. Well anyway there I go again rambling about my life. I was going to suggest that we talk about random things...like my love for diet coke or your obsession with Sonic. How I have to put like 5 tablespoons of creamer in my coffee.  Side Story: When I worked at that dreaded place one of the girls that I liked (she ended up quitting) taught me how to make coffee. I mean I drank coffee before but never every morning. Anyway she told me how I could make it really good. I watched her dump like the whole can of creamer (the powder kind) in her cup until it formed a blob on top...I sat there with a gapping mouth because that seemed a little excessive. She continued to do the same with the sugar. She said TRY IT. I did and of course it was WONDERFUL. It tastes like a cappachino (I just realized that our spell check isn't working because who knows how to spell cappachino...I think Stella has done this to make me look stupid). Anyway that is why I now put too much stuff in my coffee. Okay stella..Go.

I also just wanted to let everyone know that I am sitting at my kitchen table and across from me is a super cute curly headed baby and she is playing in her oatmeal. Yes I noticed awhile ago but it is keeping her entertained. Now however it is smeared all over the table, chair, floor, and not to mention..her.. Please don't judge me.

Stella: Why is is my job to write all of these blogs? I am a super-duper-busy person these days! I don't have time for such trivial matters. I get up early to work out 2 hours before I have to go wake up my little sleeping babe, get her ready for school, fight with her about what she is being forced to wear, take her to school, come home and get ready for work, go back to the school to pick up the dumpling, who has long forgotten about her clothing/shoe/headband-woes, bring her back home, eat lunch, go to work, work with girls who don't talk to me, come home to eat dinner, get the girl ready for bed, bath, stories, brushing teeth, prayer book, and finally going to bed. I don't even have time to watch any t.v. I am exhuasted at 8 p.m. and ready to go to sleep myself so GOODNIGHT! Where am I supposed to schedule in "write silly blogs with your sister?" Hmmm.

With that being said, you are the Queen of Random Thinking. When I think of your brain, I imagine a big cluttery mess that I just want to pick up and organize. Get things filed where they belong! Give you some order, some rhyme & reason to all those senseless thoughts! Instead I will teach you something new to take away from today's blog. A cappachino is a frothy beverage. You make it with steamed milk & espresso. After steaming the milk to the correct temp, you move the can around in the steaming wand to create bubbles and a nice frothy top. A latte consists of the exact same thing, only you don't make any froth. (I'm sure Saucy remembers these wonderful lessons from her previous work at P-Bread as well.) Now I am not sure what 7-11 serves that they are calling a cappachino. It is really just a flavored latte. What you are drinking is just coffee with way too much cream & sugar.

Loki: Don't think about my brain or how to change it. I am just fine the way I am. Blue just grabbed the remote and changed the channel... I guess she didn't want to watch whatever movie I had playing and instead we are now watching a marathon of the top 100 videos. I know that everyone makes videos but I never see them. I am quite pleased she picked this channel because now we can dance together. We have a lot of dance parties and she is a dancer. She likes to mimick my moves which would be way cuter if I had some moves to begin with. I guess she will have to stick to the hip shaking and head banging. Perhaps Belle can come over and do the booty shake. Do you think it is odd that it is nearly 11 am and I am still in my PJs? I have washed my face, brushed my teeth, put contacts in, and made pancakes...but that is the extent of my morning. It is starting to look like a lazy day.

Stella: What a sloth. Go put on your broomskirt at least. So I've got to explain this booty dance you are referring to. Belle got out of the bath one night and was drying off while we were all sitting there glued to the tv. Now every now and then she likes to do things just to horrify her uncle, TMC. Which I always think is very great & amusing... So while everyone is busy trying to concentrate on the silly reality show that I'm sure we were watching at the time, Bella just turns around and starts shaking her bottom in front of TMC while singing "Do the booty shake..." Now keep in mind she is stark naked and her bottom is as white as can be (from her swim suit/tan line.) It was pretty funny as TMC sat there with a look of disgust on his face & began to scream "Put some clothes on!!!!" This only made her more pleased with her performance and so now we all very often get to see the Booty dance. (P.S. She is usually clothed.)

Loki: P.S.- Don't google booty shaking and look at the images. It is not pretty.

What is your random thought for the day?

Christmas in September?

Loki: Christmas lights are the only suitable topic in this household these days. It's September you say? It is still 100 plus degrees outside but Streetside Limited is on the prowl. Streetside is the name of my husband's business... errr OUR business. Who would think but downtown OKC is already planning their Christmas activities. T has already had 2 business meetings and is currently crunching the numbers to produce a bid. I don't know how but it is looking like Streetside, in only its 2nd year of business, will be putting up Christmas Lights for half of downtown. They do not have the job yet but it is looking pretty promising. If you can believe it the problem we are having now is what to actually bid a job....they are afraid they are under-bidding. There is such a thing as under bidding. You wouldnt buy a carseat for $3 without wondering what was wrong with it. This is the problem all business' have...what are they willing to pay? What are they expecting to spend? The picture above is the Automobile Alley in Oklahoma City...this is what T will be doing. This is called a curtain. I was literally picturing curtains...which in my mind sounded impossible and I didn't know how the boy was going to pull it off. I think this looks simpler...still complicated though. Anyway I better learn how to hang some lights so I can help....or I guess get a job so I don't have to!

Stella: When I read your title "Christmas in September" I thought you were referring to young Bella's birthday. Mwhahah .Last year it was truly the event of the year. But this year, I am afraid, the Belle has other plans. In fact, she insisted on not having a birthday party at all. I had thrown out a few suggestions to her... Tangled (just think I could build a tower cake, make hazelnut soup, decorate with the kingdom flags.. I even purchased 5 paper lanterns to set off at the Big T Firework stand. Which we will still use of course!) and she talked about doing a Rock Concert Party (thanks to my father's influence in her life, my daughter thinks it's perfectly wonderful to have loud, rock concerts in the house where you blast the music & run around like wild banshees.) But when it came down to the grind of picking what we were going to do, Bella said she wanted an "Adult Party Only." She had decided she wanted only our family + Choc Chip, Saucy & Meatball. It's a very exclusive event this year. And Baby Blue & Meatball are the only two children allowed to come, she said. A few weeks later, she came up with the notion that she wants a plain lemon cake & only yellow decorations. So we went to Target & bought the standard streamers/balloons party decor, all in yellow, and guess what? I spent 10 BUCKS! 10 WHOLE freakin dollars! hahah. It was great! So that is the plan for the party this year even though she's turning 5, which is a HUGE deal! We'll still do lots of other things to celebrate. She wants to get her ears peirced on her actual bday and then just go have a "girl's shopping day." Yes, I did just say she was only turning 5 but sometimes I do think it is more like 25. We'll probably do lunch wherever she wants & maybe Texas Roadhouse that night since I know she'll insist on eating a steak. haha

Loki: Wow Stella. What a great job of totally ignoring the first paragraph. Not even mentioning my dear husband who is about to get the biggest job he has ever had concerning Christmas lights.I know, I know.. you hate talking about his big plans. In fact, I would presume that it is on your top 5 things you hate to listen to....right next to the story about you and kindergarden. I won't even spill the story because it is very odd that it has become a tramatic story for you. Not experience because you don't even remember it- but story. Who knew that story telling could be damaging. Remember when Batman woke up in the middle of the night and peed on TMC's head thinking it was a toilet? Do you think TMC or Batman remember this happening? Anyway I am excited about Belle's "Adult" party. I just hope that she in the following years she wants a birthday party. She has the rest of her adult hood to do the adult shopping. I am glad that I she is going to pick her out her present this year though as the last several years your suggestions have been total FAIL. I think that one year I was a hero... she loved my gift the most (only because you told me what to get her) ...but she must have only been 1 or maybe 2. I think from then on it didn't matter what I bought her...she wasn't going to like it. We have an odd relationship...your child and me.

Stella: You're right. I hate to hear about Big T's ideas almost more than anything. It'd at least be number 2 or 3 on the list. Right up there with Nana always yammering about the land development anytime we drive anywhere. (It has become a serious problem for her.) It's nothing personal against you. I just want a man who is content in life. NO BIG IDEAS. I'm putting it down on my list. "Do you like your current job? Would you happy to work there FOREVER? Do you have any notions of having your own side businesses in the future? Do you always want bigger and better?" The first two should be 'yes' & the last two 'no.' If not, he's disqualified. Anyhow, Nana and I decided that at some point during this last year she just decided she was going to be an adult and was no longer a child. Pretty sad. But of course, she is still a child. She just thinks she's an adult... ?!?!

Loki: Nana or Bella?! Motivation is not a bad quality to have. I hope when you come over to my big new house with my big swimming pool you will not be jealous. I will tell you that motivation and determination bought such things. You do know that all of this is so that he can make enough money to spend more time with his kid. I told him he better get on it since his child is already one and half....she won't stay little for long...and soon she will be wanting an "adult" party and only want girl shopping days.  (he did tell me that if I found a job making the same amount that he did --plus his side business' that I could have another kid or two) What a jerk.

What motivates you?