EWP group?

[IASW Rider]

Hello!

How are you all doing, today?

Thanks for your good wishes, Helenabear, but the cable people messed up yet again! We dot up at 7:00 AM on Saturday morning, in anticipation of our 8:00 AM appointment. At 9:15 AM, a gentleman showed up and said that the specialist who was supposed to come and handle our job had called out sick (is there only ONE person in the entire cable company who deals with special issues??!!) and so we have to reschedule YET AGAIN!!!! AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!

Anyway, the rest of the weekend was nice! We had a nice time at my Aunt's, and it was so nice to see my cousin and her kids! Here are some pictures - here is my cousin (on the left) and me (on the right) and my "niece" Lauren and my "nephew" Jordan:

And here are Lauren and Jordan (they're very cute!)

How was the concert that you attended, Helenabear? It sounds really nice! And did you get to see your friend from Cancun?

Jstmee - I can't believe that your DH has to take unpaid days for the holidays! It's good that he is able to have time off, though, and be able to spend more time with you and your family. It must be so rough with him travelling so often. But then again, it makes the time that you spend together all the more special! Lots of good luck with your tests on Friday. We'll send lots of PD and good wishes your way and will be thinking of you!

Glad that you were able to see some of my tape, SG! No, I didn't hold 3-D glasses in front of the camera during Muppetvision....though I probably should have - you can kind of go "cross eyed" watching the footage of a 3D movie without 3D glasses - some of it looks like you're seeing double! Still, I'm glad that I taped it - I just love that show! Since I'm petrified of Honey, I Shrunk the Audience and I sat curled in a fetal position during It's Tough To Be a Bug, Muppetvision is just my speed! I'm glad that you finally got to see the EWP in its entirety, too! Have fun with your little visitors, this week - it sounds like you are already having a lot of fun with them! I'm sure that they won't want to leave at the end of the week!

OK, now that we've gotten through all of those movies, how about a tour of the Osborne Lights, tonight?

Sorry that this is so short.....gotta get back to work! Have a nice day!
Have a great day, Everyone!

 

[helenabear]

Hi everyone! Sorry I didn't get a chance to reply to you all this weekend. I did indeed get to see my friend from Cancun. She has really popped out in the short time I have seen her since her baby shower. I am so happy for her and I am sure she will be a good mother. She does such a great job with her dogs (not that it makes that much of a difference, but somehow it does) that I am sure she will be able to transfer it all over to her child. We went looking at some crafts. Unfortunately what I loved I couldn't afford and what I could afford I didn't like, but it was so good to finally see her without everyone else in her family around. She got to see our new house and how big the baby of our family has gotten since she was last here.

Later on a friend of mine who goes to Ohio State (friend of the family so she is a bit younger than us) came over to talk about her upcoming decisions. She is finally sort of in a relationship with someone and with that in mind she is trying to figure out where to go for grad school. I gave her the advice that she shouldn't pick just a location (which she was going to) but to pick a bunch of schools and then go from there. As for the guy, I told her what will happen will happen. And with her being his first girlfriend (eek, I feel old) I told her he probably won't be traditional at all

Rider, I love your pictures. "Your" babies are sooo cute. What a proud "Aunt" you make. And I am so sorry to hear about your cable problems. Who is your cable provider?

You know, unless Luis gets a new job, he will be taking Christmas off as unpaid leave. He had to do the same for Thanksgiving as well Some companies really suck when it comes to vacations. Well I hate to run but my soup is ready. Who wants some Ramen noodles withe me?

 

[IASW Rider]

Ramen noodles sound great to me, Helenabear!

That's so neat that you got to see your friends, this weekend! Does your friend from Cancun live in Cancun now, or is she from Mexico originally? I really enjoyed Cancun when I visited years ago - have you ever been there before? We went before it became a big vacation destination (early 80's), and it was really nice. We also visited the Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza and Tulum, which were beautiful and really interesting (it was also really "interesting" figuring out how to climb down from the pyramid, once I'd climbed up! Hee hee! ). When is she due? I'm sure that she is very excited! And you gave great advice to your friend from Ohio State, with regard to her grad school / boyfriend decisions. I'm sure that she will make a good choice, especially with your guidance!

Glad that you liked the photos that I posted - I'm a big picture freak, in case you couldn't tell, and I just love my digital camera and being able to upload pictures and see them right away! Besides, I like to be able to share experiences that I've had with others, and pictures are a great way to do that, when you're far away. When we were in WDW in June, we brought DF's lap top, and we uploaded pictures every night so that the folks at home could see them and sort of feel like they were there with us. My whole unit at work left a message on our voice mail at the Poly when they saw the photos from the night that DF proposed to me!

Our cable provider is RCN. Very strange, considering that every area surrounding us has a different cable provider. Maybe they're great with long distance or internet, or with cable in other places in the country......but not central New Jersey, that's for sure! Someone was supposed to call me back to make another appointment today......and of course no one did. DF and I will be calling the manager with whom we spoke 2 weeks ago, again, tomorrow. UGH.

OK - enough of that - noodles time! Hope that you're all having a nice evening!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi all

In a rush but had to come by and let you know that I received a virus this morning "Bad Tran". I opened it and my virus detector did not pick it up. I think it is something new and I have not updated since vacation. It was simple to get rid of but I did not know about if for a few hours. If anyone receives an attachment from me please do not open it. I will neither be sending nor opening any until I make sure my system is clean. With the boys here it may take me a bit until I can do that.

I am most sorry and hope that no one has been infected through me. It sends itself out and I did not know.

Slightly Goofy and Really Upset

 

[helenabear]

Good evening everyone! I hope all is well with everyone.

I know my friend from Cancun from Ohio actually. She and I were in school together since 6th grade (and friends since then) so when she moved down to Cancun, I lost touch with her. But we were both at our high school reunion and we got in touch again. I was very happy to see her and she seems very happy down in Cancun with her partner. I would love to meet Edmundo in person (her partner) and I hope someday to be able to visit them all in Cancun. I have never been there before but I am sure it is very pretty. Edmundo works in construction (owns his own business and still does a lot of the work) and so the two of them get to stay in homes they are working on if the timing is right. She has stayed in a lot of nice homes that way. They know which rental homes are good and which aren't so I am sure they could direct me in a good way

Now as for my other friend I was talking about earlier, even though I tell her things does not mean she will actually follow them. She thinks that to be in a relationship, it has to be all or nothing. So she is having a real problem with this guy because nothing is "official" with them ah the days of dating that I do not miss. I just couldn't imagine limiting myself to a certain city for gradschool (if I ever went). I guess what doesn't make sense to me is that she wants to go to California, and while she has some family there, they aren't her close family in Georgia or Virginia. And it isn't like she is limiting herself to this city because she likes it here (not that uncommon for undergrads to do). She just thinks one city is good for her. I guess I really don't believe her that much anyway since a year ago she was looking into Arizona. The wonderfulness of fickle friends.

Well today was one of those days that just didn't stop. Nothing seemed to go right (as in software at work makes things go wrong) and I had to try to figure out where some guy messed up a circuit he was working on. I was very frustrated by the end of the day. Also I guess I am getting annoyed with one of my co-workers. She acts a little like my sister and while I love my sister, I get tired of the "I always know what I am talking about attitude and I am always right". I don't know why I am complaining, but maybe it just is all pent up inside of me. She was talking today about a new store was and she was saying it was close to a movie theater, so I replied "Oh so it is right by I-270" she said "No, that is right by Route 161". Now she is right in that the new store is by 161 (I looked up the location later on), but I said "Dublin AMC is right by 270" She just looked at me and said "No, you are wrong." Now I know this sounds petty but I used to go there ALL the time and I knew the AMC was right by 270 so I found out I was right. It didn't bother me that I was right or wrong, but just her response is like my sister's in that if I am not in agreement with my sister, I am the one who is wrong and she won't dream of changing. Also, this person is doing a lot of the "I know what you are talking about even though I don't do what you do anymore". Again this is petty but I am getting annoyed when I go to talk to her about what I am doing, she acts like she knows what is going on. Granted we used to be in the same group and do the EXACT same stuff, but about 1 1/2 years ago, she switched to a different type of job and we do not do the same thing at all now and a lot of things have really changed over the year. I guess I just hate going to vent about an issue at work and she replies like she knows what is going on when I have to correct her three and four times saying that is not how it goes now so it doesn't even effect me. I know I really sound petty and I could give her the benefit of the doubt in that she doesn't realize how things have changed but that doesn't even seem to be the case anymore. It's like she even talks about things in a way that never happened before. Ack, I should stop because it isn't like me to vent so much about a petty little thing. Maybe it is only because she does the exact things that my sister does to bother me.

Well I am making pork chops tonight and rice to go with. Anyone care to join on that one? They are both done Puerto Rican style and they are nice and yummy. They are herbed & spiced up nicely so they have flavor without being hot or Mexican style (I am not fond of Mexican food at all). So I had better get back to them to make sure they are going just fine. I hope you guys have a wonderful evening!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi!

Sorry that it took me so long to write back, but I haven't been able to get on the Boards since Tuesday night! I think that many other people were having the same problem. I'm glad that we are able to get back on, now!

Don't worry about the virus, SG - was your computer all right? I'm sure that it was just associated with an attachment or two, and hopefully you won't have to worry about your system being infected!

I completely understand what you mean about your co-worker, Helenabear - that's not "petty" at all! When you have to spend the majority of your day with someone, as we do at work, then of course the constant "know-it-all" and "know-it-better-than-you" attitude can get a bit annoying! I've worked with similar people and it was all I could do to keep my mouth shut and not give them a piece of my mind, sometimes! But it sounds like you are very patient and fair with her. Just hang in there and try not to let it get to you!

Sorry that this is so short, but I'm at work and we have a meeting about some major reorganization that is going to be occurring within our division, now, so I have to run.

Will check in again, later - hope that all is well with all of you!

 

[helenabear]

Hi everyone! I did write a post at lunch, but the servers ate it I hope everyone is doing well. I had a busy day at work and once again, I volunteered to stay after to get something done ASAP. I don't mind too much as that is overtime pay that I get

I wish I could write more but since I came home late and everything, and I have choir practice tonight I had better go. You all are welcome to visit me while we are singing, but I can't say we are that good. Well I just wanted to drop in and say hi and that I was thinking of you all!!!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hello!

Sorry - I didn't mean to end my last post so abruptly, but all kinds of things were going on at work, yesterday. We found out that our entire division is going to be completely restructured, next year. Fortunately, although my job will be changing, my job is safe, and I am pretty sure that I will be able to continue to do the sort of work that I'm doing, now. We had a huge meeting about it, yesterday, right before our COO held a press conference and issued a press release. It was very overwhelming to hear about, but I think that it will be very good, in the end.

Anyway.......as I was saying, I hope that you're not letting that woman at work get to you too much, Helenabear. I know how annoying and frustrating people like that can be, at work. Don't let her make you feel badly or make you angry! Some people just always have to be "right" or have the last word to make themselves feel "superior". Just try to ignore her when she gets like that!

Angelina - where did your post go?! I could swear that I saw a post from you here, this morning, when I checked the thread! Hope that your computer is all right!

Well, not too much going on here, except all of this reorganization at work. I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend with no cable people appointments! (hee hee!)

By the way, I don't know if there are any "All My Children" fans in the Suite, but in case there are, a bunch of photos of me with various people from the "AMC" cast are posted on the "AMC" thread on the Community Board, if you'd like to see!

Hope that you're all having a nice day!

 

[helenabear]

Hi there everyone!!!

Rider, you weren't abrupt I totally understand how life is. You set down to do one thing and something comes up so that you have to run. I am glad you understand how I feel. I think it does bother me because she is so much like my sister. She says how tree hugging & dirt loving she is but she drives a Dodge (not known for being very ecologically friendly) and she prints off junk at work. Yet she complains when I wash my hands and let the water run while I reach for a paper towel to turn the sink off with (that's a freaky thing of me, I won't turn off water in public with my bare hand). I guess I am glad that she will be on vacation next week... which of course she had to gloat about Okay I am done now about her.

I hope your job change will be good for you. Sometimes it is nice to do different tasks. My job has changed a lot over the two years I have worked where I work. It wasn't just that I found out more about my job, but they added what we did and finally we are now completely in control of what we do (well as much as we can be). I remember our last major reorganization was really devistating, but then again we had massive lay offs right before and we were already shaken up by that. I have been reorged since, but it seems to get easier as time goes on Plus my job hasn't changed too much in the last year so that is good.

I don't have too much going on right now, but I can't remember if I told you guys that Luis' parents are coming for Christmas weekend or not. I tried looking back through the posts but I didn't see anything about it. So if I am repeating myself I am sorry. If I didn't tell you guys about it, please tell me and I will talk about it more!

Well my cats are calling for my attention so I had better go.

Angelina... I saw your post... where did you go?

SG, jstmee, CC & the rest I hope all is well with you! We miss you!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hope that the 3rd time is the charm. The last two posts were lost. The boys are at home with their parents. I was glad to see them come and glad to see them go. I am worn out. I have often wondered about women who decide to give birth after age 50. Maybe if they are rich enough to hire help they might be able to manage it but I don't think I could. Don't get me wrong the boys are pretty good kids but it is still very time consuming altho interesting to have kids full time. Am glad to be back to being just a grandma. LOL

Dear Rider, we are thrilled to hear from you whenever and for however long. A little bit of you is much better than none. I have downloaded a few virus programs and hope to get my computer all sorted out sometime soon. Have a very busy week next week. 4 Christmas parties and one is at my house. I belong to a club of ladies and the lady who was to have had the party got a chance to go see her grandson in a school play so I volunteered to take over. I may get the house clean but I fear it will be a quick trip to the Wal Mart Super Store for ready made food. The only thing I plan on cooking are the Moravian Sugar Cookies.

Helenabear, it sounds as if your coworker is a very insecure person. That is why she is so adamant about always being right cause she does not think much of herself. I refuse to touch the bathroom door handle myself. All those people who did not wash their hands touched it. Ugh!! I prefer fast food restaurants also since you can usually see the food preparation area. I refuse to eat food that people have handled with their hands. No deli for me unless they use gloves. I worked in too many restaurants when young and have seen what goes on. I am careful in my own kitchen and would only eat hot, well cooked food out.

I saw a message from Angelina also. Wonder what happened? Maybe the same thing that happened to my other posts?

Looking forward to a good night's sleep and storing up enough energy to get thru the next week. (smile)

System getting unstable again so I had better head and hope it improves tomorrow.

SG/Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hello!

How are you all doing, today?

No, you hadn't mentioned that Luis's parents are coming for Christmas, Helenabear! Forgive me - I know that you told us this, but where do they live? Will they be staying with you? I'm sure that it will be nice for you both to have them there!

Glad that you had a nice week with your grandchildren, SG! I'm sure that it was hectic and exhausting, but fun! WOW - 4 Christmas parties in one week! I'm sure that they will be fun, though! And I'm sure that the one at your house will be great!

I also get freaked out by touching public bathroom faucets and door handles, Helenabear and SG - particularly now that many people have colds. I also hate when people at work who have colds hand me papers - I am constantly running to the restroom to wash my hands!

This was a nice, quiet weekend. I kind of feel guilty that DF was running around both today and yesterday (yesterday was cold and rainy.....after our sunny 72 degree weather only 3 days ago!) doing holiday shopping, while I stayed home. But this week really wiped me out - particularly after that big announcement about the reorganization of our division at work. Sounds very similar to what you experienced, Helenabear - right after all the layoffs, the big reorg is occurring. Anyway, I'm trying to get some things done around the house. After I'm done posting, I'll start making my "Happy Chanukah" calls to my family and friends, since the holiday starts tonight! Too lazy to make potato pancakes from scratch, tonight - I'm making frozen ones! Oh well - it's the thought that counts, anyway! Frank is out, now, in search of the DVD player which we are "giving eachother" for the holidays. I hope that he finds one, today. I already bought the first DVD that I want to watch on it - it's a filmed version of the very first Broadway show that I ever saw - "The Magic Show" with Doug Henning. The DVD is of a performance that was filmed in 1980 - I saw the show live in 1975. It has very special memories for me (especially since one of the ladies who was in the show invited me backstage to meet the entire cast - which was the moment that my love of theater really began) and I can't wait to see it again! Last night, we watched the videotape of "The Grinch" which I had given DF for Thanksgiving - it was cute! But now I don't remember the animated version well enough to compare, so maybe we'll watch that tonight, too (I gave that to DF as a Christmas present last year!)!

Anyway, hope that you're all having a nice weekend! Talk to you soon!

 

[helenabear]

Hi everyone! I hope you all are having a great weekend! I am sitting here with Cleo sitting on my lap while I am typing. Either my lap is getting smaller or my cat is fluffing up because she just isn't fitting as good as she used to. Either way it doesn't matter, as I enjoy the warm fuzzy vibrations no matter how big or small.

Maybe I just thought I told you all about his family visiting because I probably typed it but it was eaten or lost in cyber space somewhere. Well yes, FINALLY Luis' parents are coming to visit. Actually his dad made it here while he was on business here in Ohio, but his mom and brother haven't been here since we were married over a year ago (they all live in the DC area in Alexandria VA). THey are all three coming out on Dec. 22 and leaving the afternoon of the 25th. I totally understand why they have to leave that day because his dad is already taking the 24th off (no pay I think) and he can't afford to do that another day (not necessarily for the money but for his job itself). So they will be staying with us (I was almost afraid that they were going to stay in a hotel). So now I am all worried about this because I am afraid his mother will judge me. It is a very long story but the Christmas before we got married, I was at his parents home visiting and during dinner Luis interrupted me. Now that is a little thing but all my life in my family, my family has interupted me and after all these years it really bothers me. Luis knows this so he knew why I was mad when I was. I had a paper napkin and I gently threw it on his lap to quietly let him know why I was upset with him. Well his mother hated it. So the next day she came up to me and told me basically that she thought that maybe we should get counceling before we got married and she was afraid that we would wind up in divorce because I would do something to make him mad or hurt him. She was also afraid that Luis' temper would fly and he would hurt me after I hurt him after a long time of it bottling up. I was devistated. She said this to me right before dinner and then forced me to come to eat even though I was not hungry at all. Now I have said before why Christmas is sad to me at points. Well this just put me over the top. I always hoped that whomever I would marry, I could have a realtionship with their mother since I don't have one and I had hoped at one day that my MIL would help me through the times when I might need a mother. To make a long story short, I now feel like I am being judged. Two years later I cannot forget what she said to me. Luis told me not to worry and that she likes me but I can't forget it. So you can say with that one day my dreams of having a good relationship with a MIL were shot. I wished that I had Luis and an ex boyfriend's mother. This one woman, Sheri, was just wonderful to me. She really was motherly yet a friend to me. She and I would go to lunch together and she never made it a secret that she was unhappy that her son ended it with me. So now I feel like I have two weeks to get the house perfect and have everything just right for her.

Now that I am done rambling... I just realized I have some laundry to do before work tomorrow. I hope all is well with everyone!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Helenabear, I will be your surrogate mother until you feel more comfortable with your mil. I hope that the two of you can get to know each other a bit better during this visit. Please do not obsess about your house. Just be your sweet self and don't worry about the small things that do not matter. When she sees the "home" you have made for Luis and how happy he is she will appreciate you. A "home" is a feeling NOT a perfectly decorated or maintained residence. I had a good relationship with my mil. in part because even tho I did not agree with her, I respected her right to have her ideas. Now, don't get me wrong she did not tickle my fancy all the time and I probably did not tickle her all the time either. It was a good relationship but not the great one I would have liked. In order to have a great relationship IMHO you have to have an exchange of ideas without fear of rejection. My bil was stationed in Alexandria, Va. and we used to go visit him all the time. He lived in a very fancy condo with a view of the Lincoln Monument (?). It is wonderful that they are able and willing to come to Columbus to celebrate the holidays with you. Luis must be over the moon with excitement and wanting to show off the house and his wife. Have you had time to implement any of the redecorating ideas that you had told us about? I just love seeing what people do to their houses.

Rider, even over the internet I can feel the power of your personality. You make friends everywhere and get to meet the most interesting people and learn all kinds of great things. I would be too tongue tied to talk to anyone let alone a performer. I am better than I used to be though. I am looking forward to figuring out when we are coming to NYC and am so hoping to meet you and at least getting some advice on what shows to see. Other than going to Europe this is right at the top of my "To do before I croak list". I will feel comfortable with my baby sisters watching out for me. One sister goes often and knows her way around quite well.

We went to see the Grinch last year as it was one of Dalton's favorite books. I think he enjoyed the movie but even at age 3 he did say "The book was better", and I had to agree. I like special effects so I tried to enjoy that part of the movie. We want to go see Monsters. Inc. before it leaves the theaters. Will be interested in hearing what you think of the DVD player. I have such a collection of videos the thought of having to start all over again with a different format is scary. Have been thinking of waiting until the recordable DVD's get a bit cheaper and then copying my present collection over on DVD. Not sure if that is legal but sure should be since I paid for the videos. I could be a real tech addict if I let myself go as I just love gadgets.

Speaking of the little devil, I now have a 4 year old ensconsed on the end of the couch watching Disney (of course). His parents had a dinner at the church and so he decided to visit me instead. It was a fair trade as they took DH with them. Going to go make a few batches of cookies for my cookie exchange and parties.

Jstmee, we are looking forward to an update on how you are doing. Hope you are far too busy having fun and that is why you have not been by lately.

Angelina, hey girl! You are a slippery creature. Elusive and mysterious. Wonder where your post went?

I hope that Bo has the jacuzzi all heated up for later. I will n eed that and a cool one by the end of this evening.

Slightly Goofy

 

[helenabear]

Hello again everyone!

SG, thank you for your kind words. It will be hard for me not to judge myself while his mother is here but I will surely try. Luis' mom works full time and so does his dad but his mom is still able to keep the house looking practically spotless and she cooks dinner for him. This is not the type of relationship I have with Luis, it is actually completely the opposite. We help each other a lot. I do a lot of the cooking but I like that. He helps with almost all the other chores around the house and he understands that it is hard for me to be able to come home, lift weights (I am odd, I love to lift and finally I have all my weights together so I can begin to lift again and get my arms strong again), cook dinner, practice my guitar, clean and then be able to relax by reading or watching TV. He only plays on his computer after work and he understands that the lifting and practicing guitar are a part of myself and I feel good when I am able to do them. It will be hard on the weekend they are here because that is when I almost NEVER cook and both of his parents expect to see me cook and not him. It is my weekend and I will keep it that way. Luis doesn't really cook but he makes pancakes better than I do At least his dad and his brother really do like me and his brother is glad that I got Luis to come out of his shell and feel again. Before me, Luis would keep everything inside and it would fester and fester and then he would explode (his mother made reference to it when she 'spoke' to me two years ago). Fortunately Luis doesn't do that and even though we can "kick and scream" (not really but we have our stubborn fights here and there) at least he gets it out right away unlike before. I am happy to have his family here finally as I was beginning to think that his family didn't want to come visit because of me and the cats. Luis is very happy because he and I are proud of our house and he really wants to show off what we have accomplished together.

Rider, I too was very impressed with your ability to talk to those people. From all the pictures I have seen of you, you look like a very personable person (and you seem to be a great person here as well). I think I would be a nervous wreck around all those people. Good luck with your DVD purchase. We love our DVD. Luis got it for me last Christmas and I love watching all the movies I have on it. We still use the VCR, but the DVD is much nicer to use and great if you want to see a scene again

Well the Simpsons are on now and I hope you all have a great day! Angelina & Jstmee I hope all is well with you both as well!

 

[angelina]

Hi, everyone. I've been trying to catch up. My computer was kidnapped and re-something'd to make it go faster and add more memory. All gibberish to me, I'm afraid. I'm just glad to have it back. I did make a quick post last week, then deleted it to rewrite it and add something, but before I could finish it, the girls got into something and I had to run. We had a dinner party Friday night for 5 couples, and I was busy decorating and cleaning house for over a week trying to get ready. I'm glad to say it was a tremendous success, except for the hangover that wouldn't go away. I am NOT a drinker, but the wine was sooo good, I had a glass or three. Now I've been reminded why I don't drink, not even a glass.

Helenabear, I have a couple of terrific dishes for breakfast that can be made ahead and put in the fridge, then cooked in the a.m. when needed, just serve with fresh fruit and coffee or juice. I'll be glad to send them to you if you're interrested. I love to cook, my grandmother let me help with her huge meals from the time I was old enough to stand in a chair and hold a spoon. One of my recipes if for Apple Stuffed french toast with pecans and warm vanilla sauce, and the other is for breakfast burritos with ham and cheese. Both are to die for and only a matter of assembling the ingredients, nothing hard at all. I got them from a bed and breakfast we stayed at in St. Petersberg, FL last year. That's my contribution to your situation, as I have no in-laws (or out-laws) and can't help with my opinion. Let SG lend her guidance in that.

Well, it's nice to hear from ya'll, and I'll check back in later.

Angie

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Howdy Angelina!

Would you consider posting those recipes here? They sound so very good. What did you serve at your dinner party? I would never dare to have a dinner party. My DH has limited social skills. If he is not the center of attention he gets very uncomfortable and he will wander off to another room and watch tv. Not much chance of changing him since he is 67 now. I love people and enjoy chatting. I am having my ladies group in tomorrow. I am having it in place of the person who supposed to. She got a chance to go see her grandson in a play so I have had little notice and being a bit under the weather I bought most of the food. My DD is picking up the quiches today. I have a get together today with my bestest friends. We get together each year and exchange presents and enjoy each others company. We almost lost the one lady this year so it is even more special.

I got the Moravian cookies done yesterday morning. I made 12 dozen and may have to make another batch as people keep sneaking them. My 4 yr old was grasping 3 in his hand as he left last night and this was after he had already eaten several. Even Mr. Finicky, his older brother, was seen dipping his hand in more than once. LOL I love to cook when people enjoy it.

I hope your hangover went away quickly. The last time I got drunk was at Disney World. Long and funny story. I don't drink cause I don't really like it and with all the meds I take it could be deadly anyway. (grin)

I am going to hang around here for a bit this morning. I got up and at 'em ealy this morning and have a bit of time to spare before my next chore. I have been practicing my shooting skills and think I will head over to Buzz Lightyear a bit later. Nothing more dangerous than a homemaker with good shooting skills. LOL

SG/Linda

 

[helenabear]

Hi everyone!

Angelina, I agree with SG, you ought to post the recepies here. I am sure all of us would love to try them. I am really looking forward to seeing his family but I am not sure how I will be able to handle those days alone with them (while Luis is at work). Fortunately I think only one day will be like that. I think my dad will be home that day and hopefully that should help too. Of course I probably worry too much, but I guess I do not look foward to all the cleaning I am going to have to do in the next week and a half in order to have the house decent looking. My closet is a mess and I need to get some laundry done this weekend. That and I need to put away a lot of boxes in one of the bed rooms so that his brother has a place to sleep. Just little things I have to get done, so hopefully it won't be that bad. Tomorrow we pick up a headboard for our bed that Luis' parents will sleep in and I need to probably snag a lamp from my old bedroom and place that in the bedroom as well.

I guess I am just looking forward to my upcoming time off so I can finally have a day or two to myself to do what I want (not what I need to do). I was getting upset today because I was not chosen to go to a class to learn to teach a group coming up. I love to do that and I have done it many times before under my former supervisor (teach those that is) but I am afraid that opportunities will be passing me by. I know a petty little thing but I guess I wish I knew what I could do to get my name out there for others to see... and of course in a good way.

I hope all is well with everyone. I am busy at work so I had better get back to it I will check back later to make sure all is well and that SG hasn't had too many more cookies stolen

 

[angelina]

Good Morning, everyone. I have been cleaning up a little this morning. I had to put the girls down for an early nap,and, of course, one went right to sleep and the other (mine) is still awake an hour and a half later.

Yes, I will be more than happy to share my recipes. They are both delicious, and sure to make Helenabear's MIL sit up and take notice, if she's interrested. I have a delicious recipe for an apple dip that looks especially festive if you use both red and green apple slices and alternate them around the plate with the dip in the middle.

Friday night, we had a swiss cheese and bacon dip, baked gouda in puff pastry with crackers, lots of wine, green salad with the honey-lime salad dressing from O'hana, apple-herb grilled pork tenderloin, spinach madeleine (sp?) green beans, and consomme' rice, more wine, amaretto chocolate cake and apple raisin bread pudding with Jack Daniels sauce, more wine...
And, no, the hangover did not go away quickly. Today is Tuesday, and I couldn't drink a full cup of coffee. LOL.

Come to think of it, the baked gouda is a good, do-ahead dish HB could use when the in-laws come. You take one sheet of puff pastry, cut it in half, roll it our to a roughly 9" square, sprinkle with 1/4 c. chopped pecans, top with a 7 oz. round of gouda, 1/4 more c. pecans, then bring the corners up around the cheese and twist to seal. Repeat with another cheese, pecans, etc. At this point you can cover it with plastic wrap until you're ready, then bake it at 350* 20-25 min. til browned and serve with crackers. It was delicious. Looks good, too, but it's not hard to do at all. I'll look up those other recipes and post again.--Angie

 

[IASW Rider]

Wow, Angelina - reading about your breakfast treats is making my mouth water! Especially since there was a TON of traffic on the way to work this morning, and my (usually 40 minute) commute took me 2 1/2 hours, and I never had breakfast! YUM! Those sound great! Then on top of that, SG tells us about her cookies.......YUM! I'd better get to the cafeteria and get something to eat.....SOON!

I'm sorry to hear about that incident with your MIL, Helenabear. I can understand how sad and frustrated that must have made you feel. Especially at this time of year, and especially during the holidays. But as always, I think that SG has great advice - don't worry about your house or entertaining your in-laws - just be yourself and enjoy their company and I'm sure that they will enjoy yours! And as SG said, when they see how happy you and Luis are together and the beautiful home you've made, and your great new house, I'm sure that the old "discomfort" will disappear all together. You know that you and Luis are happy together and have a good and strong marriage, and that's the most important thing. I'm sure that that happiness shines through when ever you're together, and I'm sure that it will make for a wonderful holiday for yourselves and for Luis's family!

Thanks so much for your kind words, SG and Helenabear! That is so sweet of you! I do like to meet people and make new friends and learn about other people's lives and experiences!

I wish that I had a scanner - then I would post all of my other "celebrity encounter" photos, here! (hee hee!) Almost all of the celebrities whom I've had occasion to meet have been extremely friendly and down to earth - not "intimidating" to talk to, at all!

You really might come out to NYC, SG???!!!! You'll have to let me know if you do - it would be so wonderful to meet you in person! I would definitely come into the city to meet you, if you came out! And I'd be happy to give you advice about good Broadway shows to see, too! Please let me know when your plans begin to become more specific!

We never did get our new DVD player set up, the other night - we found that we were missing a converter (necessary because my TV is over 10 years old - I can't believe how quickly things become outmoded, these days!). Frank bought it yesterday, so once we figure out how to fit the DVD player into our wall unit (it's too big! ) we will set it up and try it out! I was also hesitant to get one until they have recording ability, but we figured "why not?" Plus, we are keeping our VCR hooked up to that TV, as well, so we can still watch tapes (I also have a very large collection of video tapes, SG), and we can still record "All My Children", too! (hee hee!)

Well, I'm running behind, today, after my charming "extended commute" to work, so I'd better try to get a few things done.

Have a great day and talk to you soon!

 

[IASW Rider]

Whoa - that is pretty wild - as soon as I posted, I saw your 2 new posts, Helenabear and Angelina! Glad that you're going to post your recipes, Angelina! And the things that you served at your dinner party sound amazing, too! Boy.....I REALLY had better have lunch, soon!

I know how those "several day lingering hangovers" can be, Angelina! Just try to eat plain things and rest a bit if you can, and I'm sure that you'll be feeling completely back to normal, soon!

I also have experienced similar things at work, Helenabear. I'm sorry to hear about that - I know how that can make you feel. Is there any way to talk to your current supervisor about this? Or express your interest in training and discuss your previous experience with teaching, to him or her? Or have you done that already? Do you think that your supervisor thinks that you're too advanced to attend the class that's being offered? Maybe you could meet with him or her and discuss this, or if you feel more comfortable doing so, sending an e-mail, perhaps.

Sorry - gotta run - talk to you later!