Bendy-Friendies V.4 ... Drinks-A-Plenty with a Side Order of Tasty Food!!!

[Dis_Yoda]

feel better Tess ... nothing worse than a holiday party when you don't feel well.

I'm skipping mine this year - they are having it on a Friday night (and there are people in the operations center where I work who are on the clock until 7PM) and it's at the zoo.

Besides the utter rudeness of scheduling it while people are still working, Jay and I have no desire to drive all that way to have Christmas cocktails in a banquet room at the STL Zoo. Personally I think if they couldn't afford a Saturday night soiree then they should just have canceled it like last year.

I'm a crank that way.

That is rude for it to be a on a work night, especially at the zoo.


My holiday party is tonight.

 

[TDC Nala]

We have to pay for our own holiday lunch or the taxpayers get annoyed.

My unit chief usually pays for it out of her own money so I try not to get anything that expensive until after she has paid...then I order myself more stuff...

 

[TigerKat]

Hope you're feeling better Tess.

Bendy - Great Il Mulino reviews! You know we love it there!

 

[hmgray95]

Hi friendies!

Sorry I haven't been around much lately. My dad has been in the hospital but he is on the mend now. I ended up coming back from my Food & Wine trip a couple of days early. My dad had to have heart valve replacement surgery, and then had some complications and was in the hospital longer than expected. But the good news is he's now in rehab and feeling much better. It has been a long, stressful month or so! But I think things are finally looking up

I'll have to go back and catch up on what's been going on around here. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the holiday season so far.

Speaking of which, Elin, I saw that you are compiling the holiday card list for this year. As much as I'd like to particpate, with all that has been going on, I'll be lucky if I get my shopping done. So I think I'm going to have to pass on that this year. But I wish all of you a warm and happy holiday season!

I'm off to Disney World for my birthday in about 10 days As long as my dad continues to do well, I'm still planning on going. I really need the break after all of the stress lately and I'm going to try and just relax a little bit.

Glad to hear he's doing better....and have a great trip!

still dreaming of food over here while we cross our fingers that the furnace only needs minor repairs (will find out tomorrow).

updated the blog with some visits (3) to Il Mulino in October - yummy yummy in our tummies!

Great update Bendy!

Good Morning and Happy December 4, 2010! We are off to the annual culinary fiasco known as the "office party" this evening. I have been sick since Wednesday with a gastrointestinal bug. Thankfully (or not depending on your viewpoint) I am better and able to attend this swank soiree. Please say a prayer that I don't end up with another gastro issue as a result of tonight's mass produced culinary wonders.

Office parties should be discontinued in lieu of larger bonuses.

I agree 100%....but then I do not get either an office party or a bonus!

feel better Tess ... nothing worse than a holiday party when you don't feel well.

I'm skipping mine this year - they are having it on a Friday night (and there are people in the operations center where I work who are on the clock until 7PM) and it's at the zoo.

Besides the utter rudeness of scheduling it while people are still working, Jay and I have no desire to drive all that way to have Christmas cocktails in a banquet room at the STL Zoo. Personally I think if they couldn't afford a Saturday night soiree then they should just have canceled it like last year.

I'm a crank that way.

No, just no.....that should not be allowed....animals and food do not mix unless you are eating them!

 

[tinklynn]

CopyKat!

well, late is better than never, right?? thanks for the welcome!

 

[ChelleinNC]

I just don't seem to have time to breath lately. Working two jobs (my travel company and for Jon's company - so at least it's flexible but busy) and then there are the kids... seems like there's always something!
Couple of updates on our front:

1)For all those that sent prayers & pixie dust last year; my nephew little baby Hunter turned 1 this week! He's doing well

2) We just booked a last minute Christmas & Birthday cruise (It's a kinda big birthday this year, one that ends in "0"). We will be sailing on the Carnival Dream for 9 nights; going to Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Isla Roatan and Belize. I'm very excited! We leave on 12/23 and (sadly) pull back into Port Canaveral on my birthday.

BTW, I'm sharing this news here but not on FB yet; there are certain family members who don't know yet

Moving on:

r.

Now to the news. Hubby and I finally decided where we really want to be is....Omaha.

Congrats on your news! Hope your move goes smoothly!

Hi friendies!

Sorry I haven't been around much lately. My dad has been in the hospital but he is on the mend now. I ended up coming back from my Food & Wine trip a couple of days early. My dad had to have heart valve replacement surgery, and then had some complications and was in the hospital longer than expected. But the good news is he's now in rehab and feeling much better. It has been a long, stressful month or so! But I think things are finally looking up


I'm off to Disney World for my birthday in about 10 days As long as my dad continues to do well, I'm still planning on going. I really need the break after all of the stress lately and I'm going to try and just relax a little bit.

Glad to hear your dad is feeling better. Happy early birthday!

Happy Chanukkah! I'm half Jewish, but we're consolidating holidays this year and having our latkes for Christmas dinner.

I'm half as well, Mom was Jewish but I was raised Lutheran. I like the latkes for Christmas dinner idea then again I'm the girl that has 4 Christmas trees and a Hanukkah tree

Hope everyone has a great day!
Bendy, I'm off to read your updated blog!

 

[Tink rules]

2) We just booked a last minute Christmas & Birthday cruise (It's a kinda big birthday this year, one that ends in "0"). We will be sailing on the Carnival Dream for 9 nights; going to Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Isla Roatan and Belize. I'm very excited! We leave on 12/23 and (sadly) pull back into Port Canaveral on my birthday.

Advice... Pack spam... & don't drink enough to fall overboard... I really don't want to turn on CNN and see you floatin off a Mexico...

 

[Tink rules]

Ok... you may have seen this before... but I loved it...

How to give a cat a pill (copied while my nephews cat is ignoring me here in the office)

Pick the cat up and cradle in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth pop pill into it, allow cat to close mouth and swallow.

Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind the sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.

Retrieve cat from bedroom and throw soggy pill away. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.

Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call partner in from garden. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get partner to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.

Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from the foil wrap. Make note to buy a new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered 'Doulton' figurines from hearth and set to one side for gluing later. Wrap cat in large towel and get partner to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force cat's mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.

Check label to make sure pills not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply band-aid to partner's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed and get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon and flick pill down throat with rubber band.

Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Throw t-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom. Call fire department to retrieve cat from tree across the road and apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid the cat. Take last pill from foil wrap. Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed and pry cat's mouth open with a small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by a large piece of filet steak. Hold head vertically and pour a pint of water down throat to wash down pill.

Get partner to drive you to the Emergency Room and sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearms and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call at furniture shop on way home to order new table.

 

[cntkg1]

feel better Tess ... nothing worse than a holiday party when you don't feel well.

I'm skipping mine this year - they are having it on a Friday night (and there are people in the operations center where I work who are on the clock until 7PM) and it's at the zoo.

Besides the utter rudeness of scheduling it while people are still working, Jay and I have no desire to drive all that way to have Christmas cocktails in a banquet room at the STL Zoo. Personally I think if they couldn't afford a Saturday night soiree then they should just have canceled it like last year.

I'm a crank that way.

How about this one? Our Holiday Party is tomorrow night from 3-6 in the building next door. My department works until 6. But we are welcome to come after work. HUH?? For what? To help with the clean up and get the leftover scraps?? I'll be skipping mine too Bendy.

 

[cbg1027]

I just don't seem to have time to breath lately. Working two jobs (my travel company and for Jon's company - so at least it's flexible but busy) and then there are the kids... seems like there's always something!
Couple of updates on our front:

1)For all those that sent prayers & pixie dust last year; my nephew little baby Hunter turned 1 this week! He's doing well

2) We just booked a last minute Christmas & Birthday cruise (It's a kinda big birthday this year, one that ends in "0"). We will be sailing on the Carnival Dream for 9 nights; going to Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Isla Roatan and Belize. I'm very excited! We leave on 12/23 and (sadly) pull back into Port Canaveral on my birthday.

BTW, I'm sharing this news here but not on FB yet; there are certain family members who don't know yet



I'm half as well, Mom was Jewish but I was raised Lutheran. I like the latkes for Christmas dinner idea then again I'm the girl that has 4 Christmas trees and a Hanukkah tree

Awesome, a last minute vacay...those are the best kind! Hope you have a great time!

We have one tree, and we call it a Chanukkah Bush.

Ok... you may have seen this before... but I loved it...

How to give a cat a pill (copied while my nephews cat is ignoring me here in the office)

How true is that?

I actually have a cat who willingly takes pills. It's really funny...he comes running when he hears me get the pills out! I always give a him a treat after he takes it, and this has confirmed he is the world's biggest food slut and will do anything for a bite to eat!

 

[robinm1215]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the good thoughts and prayers for my dad. He finally came home from rehab this past weekend and is feeling much better. He still has some recovering to do but he's doing much better overall

So I'm hoping to enjoy my upcoming trip, even though it looks like I'm going to have to pack my parka! What happened to the 80 degree weather? Oh well, I guess I can't complain, at least I won't be at work and I get to celebrate my birthday at Disney

Hope everyone who celebrates is having a Happy Hanukkah! And I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and getting ready for Christmas.

No holiday work party for me which is just as well. All they are doing this year is a lunch, which is next week while I'm out on vacation. I'm actually pretty happy I'm going to miss it. And I'm sure there won't be any booze at lunchtime anyway!

So is anyone making plans for Food & Wine next year? I'm still trying to figure out my dates. I'm sorry I missed meeting a lot of you at the Ditch this year -- my friend and I were in AK that morning with good intentions of making it back to Epcot but we never made it there until around 2:30 and I didn't see anyone still around. I guess there's always next year

 

[ChelleinNC]

Advice... Pack spam... & don't drink enough to fall overboard... I really don't want to turn on CNN and see you floatin off a Mexico...

I knew who wrote this without even seeing your avatar or signature

How about this one? Our Holiday Party is tomorrow night from 3-6 in the building next door. My department works until 6. But we are welcome to come after work. HUH?? For what? To help with the clean up and get the leftover scraps?? I'll be skipping mine too Bendy.

Wow, really feeling the holiday spirit and love there

Awesome, a last minute vacay...those are the best kind! Hope you have a great time!

We have one tree, and we call it a Chanukkah Bush.

Chanukkah Bush, love it!

 

[TigerKat]

So is anyone making plans for Food & Wine next year? I'm still trying to figure out my dates. I'm sorry I missed meeting a lot of you at the Ditch this year -- my friend and I were in AK that morning with good intentions of making it back to Epcot but we never made it there until around 2:30 and I didn't see anyone still around. I guess there's always next year

Tentatively looking at 10/15 - 10/22!!!

 

[oybolshoi]

no food and wine for us in 2011 .... sad, but we really do need a break from it so that we can appreciate it a little more the next time we attend.

Robin, so glad that your dad is doing better and you can still take your birthday trip!

Chelle ... congrats on the cruise! Wish we were going too!!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

So is anyone making plans for Food & Wine next year? I'm still trying to figure out my dates. I'm sorry I missed meeting a lot of you at the Ditch this year -- my friend and I were in AK that morning with good intentions of making it back to Epcot but we never made it there until around 2:30 and I didn't see anyone still around. I guess there's always next year

No plans yet. It looks like we may hold off on Disneyland for another year as we are planning on trying to move in 2012 depending on the housing market and job market.

I'll probably wait until the schedule gets released and base my trip off the events I most want to attend as I really want to try a California Grill signature dinner or a Flying Fish one.

 

[Tess]

So is anyone making plans for Food & Wine next year? I'm still trying to figure out my dates. I'm sorry I missed meeting a lot of you at the Ditch this year -- my friend and I were in AK that morning with good intentions of making it back to Epcot but we never made it there until around 2:30 and I didn't see anyone still around. I guess there's always next year

We are booked for September 30-October 8 or 9, 2011 and bringing along our friends. I can't believe they want to go back especially since one of them has professed his undying dislike of the Mouse. I think we made him a convert during this year's visit!

 

[RachelTori]

We are booked for September 30-October 8 or 9, 2011 and bringing along our friends. I can't believe they want to go back especially since one of them has professed his undying dislike of the Mouse. I think we made him a convert during this year's visit!

Hey, Tess!! We'll see you next year too!! Still working on our reservations, but we're arriving on the 29th or 30th; staying until the the 8th or 9th!

 

[Tess]

Hey, Tess!! We'll see you next year too!! Still working on our reservations, but we're arriving on the 29th or 30th; staying until the the 8th or 9th!

We'll have to make more time this year so we can enjoy a longer drink.

 

[RachelTori]

We'll have to make more time this year so we can enjoy a longer drink.

I'll raise my glass to that!!

 

[podsnel]

Hi there Bendy & her Friendies!!! I have a quick question- over on my latest TR, we have been discussing "the Ditch" and trying to figure out which one of you brilliantly witty and clever women came up with the title...sooo....who do we have to thank?

Thanks-
Ellen