First there was the low carb diet, then the dairy diet, now there is the Jesus Diet. Yes that's right the Jesus Diet. I heard about the Jesus Diet on the WB11 news this morning. It was developed by Florida physicianDr. Don Colbert and is based on the diet of the peoples of the Mediterranean. It is high in grains and fruit. The article states that Dr. Colbert realized that some of the heaviest Americans are also devout Christians (ok no snickering) and if they do not listen to their doctor's orders to improve their health maybe they will listen to their lord and savior. All I will say is WHAT A MARKETING GENIUS!

Jesus diet 


The hubby got an article published! I am very proud of him!

Saturday Niel and I went to a fish hatchery and aquarium in Cold Spring Harbor New York. We fed Trout with some stinky fish food and watched them fight each other for it and then walked over to their aquarium. The hatchery and aquarium is under an acre of property but it was a fun and inexpensive way to spend part of the day. We then walked over to the town's lake and took some pictures of the duck, geese and seagulls and the church that stood only a few feet from the hatchery. The church had pretty stained glass windows. The town also has a Whaling Museum so we drove over there to explore the museum. We also saw a movie about whaling. Whale blubber was the country's main use for oil before the civil war when petroleum was discovered. I felt bad for the whales. The movie made me a little queasy. We then explored the town. It was a lovely little town that had their Christmas decorations up. I saw a cute white house with a nice porch and lots of property. I would love a house like that where we could put Niel's met colored hammock up(a gift from his mom's trip to P.R.) and a out door dining set and a barbecue set. I could have a flower garden, and a veggie/herb garden. Niel can have a little putting area to hit golf balls. I could picture kids pitching tents there. A person can dream. Anyway here are some pics of our little adventure.
I like that part of Long Island. We have been to a few other interesting places in the area. The Vanderbilt Museum, Walt Whitman Museum and Sagamore Hill (Teddy Roosevelt's estate). I like that the town has a good deal property with the houses and the homes aren't stuck next to each other. It seems like the town has activities year round like decorating for Christmas, Halloween etc and parades. Our current town also does these things but is a bit crowded. What I do like best about our town is that Christmas music is blared through speakers during the holidays. I am also happy that one of the local radion stations is playing Christmas music 24/7 for the holidays.

I just finished reading A Girl From Yamhill by Beverly Cleary. It is the first part of two autobiographies by Ms. Cleary. She is famous for the Ramona books. The book is a sad account of a youngerster who felt unloved by her mother while growing up in Portland. I hope the second book My Own Two Feet has their relationship improving. I would recommended it for anyone who enjoyed Ms. Cleary's books. Before I read the My Own Two Feet I want to finish Smart Women by Judy Blume. It is her third novel for adults. She is another favorite author of mine but for her children's books. I wasn't too crazy about Summer Sisters and am hoping that Smart Women is better. I'm only on chapter one.

I am glad that chestnuts are back in season. I was boiling then roasting some this past weekend. I forgot about it and I heard a popping noise. I ran into the kitchen and saw chestnuts flying all over the place. I turned off the stove and I don't know what possessed me but I looked into the pan and a chestnut came flying at my left eye. I yelped and went to clean out my eye and ate whatever chestnuts I could salvage. Hee Hee.

Niel and I also saw Walking Tall on pay perview. It was really good. I am a huge fan of The Rock. I also liked that the film was based on true life events about one man who fought to gain his town back. He joins the army and when he comes back home his town is infested with drugs supplied by a local casino who also ran the mill out of business. I like how he followed his own path and didn't take the easy way out and didn't get influenced by terrible people. Walking Tall really made up for the two crappy movies I saw while Niel went to hang with his buddies. I saw Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen and Garfield. They were so awful. I thought I would get at least a laugh out of them but nope. I forgot to mention I saw Mean Girls last weekend also and didn't think it was well done either. So disappointing.

We also got to sample Pepsi Spice. I have seen commercials and read about it online. It's good if you are eating something salty and am glad to try it but don't think we will be making an annual tradition out of it.

I found two good recipes to make with the leftover turkey: Curry Turkey (I used a tablespoon of Curry. It was tasty. I am sure brown rice or Jasmin rice can also be used) and Turkey Enchiladas is tonight's meal.

Check back later on for some pics of us putting up Christmas decorations.

Thanksgiving Day was very nice. We hosted it again this year. Niel enjoys cooking the turkey. Our guests were my parents, brother Jakop, Niel's mom and her two sisters. Niel's brother Mike dropped off his mom and aunts and baked us a custard and pecan pie. He had dinner with Erin and her family. Everything went off without a hitch. Everyone enjoyed themselves and conversed with one another. I made some of the dishes and cleaned the night before. So on Thanksgiving Day I wouldn't be too frazzled and Niel only went out on one errand this year. That is what Niel was thankful for. We made a Cajun marinated Turducken with (Southern) cornbread and sausage stuffing(ok the people and Cajun Grocers made it), mashed sweet potatoes(Niel's recipe), cornbread(Northeren), zucchini casserole, salad, Spinach and spinach and feta in phyllo cups,(a take off of my mom's Spinach Pie) hummus, eggplant dip and red pepper and feta dip, (I served them in peppers instead of dip bowls), antipasti platter, a pumpkin trifle, and miniature fruit. My mom brought a mushroom casserole with onions and mozzarella and blenchik (an Armenian savory crepe with ground beef, hard boil eggs, onions and seasonings) and my mother in law brought her famous dressing and two bottles of sparkling grape juice (red and white). The turkey was moist and falling off the bone. Niel did a great job cutting it. Niel picked up some Australian wine for my dad to try, but he liked Niel's Magic 8 Phat Angel beer. He said it was not bitter like some beers are. The TV was switched back and forth from the parade to an Armenian telethon and football. It was nice and relaxing and we ate till we could not eat anymore. Niel also got to hang out with Dave a bit who swung by after dinner with his family. I would say it was a successful holiday. Here are some pics. Today like two crazy people we got up really early for our first Black Friday holiday Shopping. I got most of our holiday shopping done but we wanted to experience Black Friday. Let me tell you NEVER AGAIN. Niel understandably had a mini melt down in Circuit City. The customer service was terrible and they only had two registers open. But as Niel said the store is not set up like the larger stores, so of course it would be madness in there. He felt better after he got some decaf in him and came home to take a nap. This weekend we will probably put out the Christmas decorations, watch movies, finish our holiday shopping and see some friends. I love the holidays.

Turducken 

I want to wish my parents a very happy 32nd anniversary. I wish them love, health and security. I am begginning to understand more and more what a struggle it was for them to come to America, young, penniless and from a totally different background. And how I appreciate everything I have now because of them and their struggles. Thank you!

Happy Thanks Giving To All!!

What I am thankful for:

1) Niel-he is wonderful and I appreciate all the wacky adventures he goes on with me and that he loves me for me

2) Our health and of our families and friends

3) A stable job with benefits and being good at it

4) A nice place to live

5) Food in our stomachs

6) Clothes on our backs

7) Not having any attacks and I hope it stays that way

8) The soldiers that protect us

9) My blog

10) Getting back to writing

11) All items from my childhood coming back

12) Good shows on TV: Scrubs, Sopranos, The Gilmore Girls, Arrested Development and Dead Like Me

13) Being able to travel to new places

14) Finding good books to read

15) New people I have met cause of blogger

16) Getting better at cooking

17) Life itself

18) Being able to laugh everyday

You Are the Stuffing

You're complicated and complex, yet all your pieces fit together. People miss you if you're gone - but they're not sure why.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

I finished reading two amazing books a while ago but there have been other things I wanted to post about that I did not get the chance till now. The books are Persepolis and Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi. They are both autobiographical graphic novels and I went through them in a matter of days. Of course that partly had to do with they were just short but mostly because they were awesome. Persepolis is about young Marjane and her parents who lived in Iran and how their lives were modern and carefree. Then slowly a fundamentalist way of life began to take over and many changes occurred. Marjane's parents thought it was best to send her to Europe for her own growth and safety. Marjane is a bit of a straight shooter. Persepolis 2 is an account of Marjane's teenage years in Europe and after Europe. I very much urge everyone to go out and pick these two books up!

Persepolis 


Persepolis 2 

My friend Jennifer sent me this and besides forwarding it to everyone on my mailing list I thought I would post it as well. Please read this, copy it and email it to everyone you know. And if you are the tenth person to get the email please forward the entire e-mail to president@whitehouse.gov. It is important!! Thank you.

President Bush has announced his plan to select Dr. W.
David Hager to head up the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) Reproductive Health Drugs
Advisory Committee. The committee has not met for more
than two years, during which time its charter lapsed.
As a result, the Bush Administration is tasked with
filling all eleven positions with new members. This
position does not require Congressional approval.

The FDA's Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory Committee
makes crucial decisions on matters relating to drugs
used in the practice of obstetrics, gynecology and
related specialties, including hormone therapy,
contraception, treatment for infertility, and medical
alternatives to surgical procedures for sterilization
and Pregnancy termination. Dr. Hager is the author of
"As Jesus Cared for Women: Restoring Women Then and
Now." The book blends biblical accounts of Christ
healing Women with case studies from Hager's practice.
His views of reproductive health care are far outside
the mainstream for reproductive technology.
Dr. Hager is a practicing OB/GYN who describes himself
as "pro-life" and refuses to prescribe contraceptives
to unmarried women. In the book Dr. Hager
wrote with his wife, entitled "Stress and the Woman's
Body," he suggests that women who suffer from
premenstrual syndrome should seek help from reading
the bible and praying. As an editor and contributing
author of "The Reproduction Revolution: A Christian
Appraisal of Sexuality Reproductive Technologies and
the Family," Dr. Hager appears to have endorsed the
medically inaccurate assertion that the common birth
control pill is an abortifacient. We are concerned
that Dr. Hager's strong religious beliefs may color
his assessment of technologies that are necessary to
protect women's lives or to preserve and promote
women's health. Hager's track record of using
religious beliefs to guide his medical decision-making
makes him a dangerous and inappropriate candidate to
serve as chair of this committee.

Critical drug public policy and research must not be
held hostage by antiabortion politics. Members of this
important panel should be appointed on the basis
of science and medicine, rather than politics and
religion. American women deserve no less. There is
something you can do.

Below is a statement to be sent to the White House,
opposing the placement of Hager.

(1) Please copy and paste (DON'T forward) the entire
email into a fresh email; then sign your name below.
After you sign, SEND THIS TO EVERY PERSON YOU KNOW WHO
IS CONCERNED ABOUT WOMEN'S RIGHTS

(2) Every 10th person who signs the list (i.e., #10,
#20, #30, etc.) - please forward the entire e-mail to
president@whitehouse.gov. We oppose the appointment of
Dr. W. David Hager to the FDA Reproductive Health
Drugs Advisory Committee. Mixing religion and medicine
is unacceptable in a policy-making position. Using the
FDA to promote a political agenda is inappropriate and
seriously threatens women's health. Members of this
important panel should be appointed on the basis
of science and medicine, rather than politics and
religion. American women deserve no less.

On a lighter note the People's Choice Awards will be airing on Saturday, Jan. 9th on CBS. Go vote for your favorite film, TV show and celebrity. It was difficult for me to choose who I liked best in some categories.

I am sad the weekend is over. It was relaxing even though I cleaned like a mad woman. I did get to see a few movies though. Having a clean apartment and catching up on movies are two things that relax me. I will have to say I will be happy when we get a place with a bit more closets or at least larger ones. No matter how much we try to sell on eBay or give to a homeless shelter it still does not help. Plus I think we will need something for later on so I keep it. We only have four small closets and to pack two people's clothing plus other belongings is pushing it. I am going to have to go through my magazines/books and only keep the articles and recipes that I need. That is my next project. Seeing some films and cleaning made missing Niel a bit easier since I concentrated on other things. He did manage to get back early Sunday morning so that was a nice surprise. We watched the political shows and went to play some tennis. There were these boys in the park who thought they were smoking marijuana but really were smoking Oregano. LOL. After tennis we did our grocery shopping for the week and thanksgiving since we are hosting it again. We happily found and brought a Turducken!!! I like trying new things for the most part.

The movies I saw were Bridget Jones Diary: The Edge of Reason. I enjoyed the first one better. I did find the film funny, but I didn't feel it was as developed as its predecessor. I also saw Amelie on cable. I LOVED it. It's a sweet and quirky movie. I would very much recommend it.

Yesterday was a nice day. We went ice skating at Rockefeller Center. Ok Niel did some ice skating and I held on for dear life to the sides. It was not as difficult as I though to walk with skates on outside of the rink but man I would not let go for dear life on the actual ice. It was my first time trying. So many firsts with Niel. I am a very lucky girl. It's silly but I think anytime I am going to try something new I am going to be able to accomplish it at first try. Ha!!! And I do not really have that much confidence. We also saw Mike Farrell from Mash fame there. Afterwards we had Sushi at our favorite Sushi place which also happens to be in our neighborhood. They have a phenomenal sweet potato tempura roll. My God its delicious. Then we took a leisurely stroll home and hung out for a while before we went for our tennis lesson and had some coffee at Starbucks and browsed the Barnes and Nobles next door. Our tennis class was not as big as last nights and I am getting better at it. Niel is great! I am happy to say that I experience my first soreness from class and had to rub some Icey-Hot to relieve the muscle pain. Below are my gifts from Niel. He is thoughtful. He got all nostalgia gifts. The black Hello Kitty (named Chocolate) mirror is because it reminded him and me of my family cat Elmo. Poor old kitty. Niel pronounces Chocolate with a French accent. Not sure if its accurate but still very cute. And the Care Bear stuff because I loved the Care Bears growing up and still do. And the reindeer key chain because I loved the holiday cartoons.

Thank you to everyone who sent us Happy ANIversary wishes! Niel will be camping this weekend. I will miss him but am happy he will be having fun roasting a turkey on an open fire. Some people don't get what its like being away from your other half but I think most people do.

3rd year ANIversary gifts. 


Below is my GIFTY bounty from the talented Shelagh! I got some cool Canadian crayons. I like how they have the maple leaf on the paper and body glitter and candy and a cool celestial tin, and a tea card and foot cream and a key chain that lights up and a cat shaped pez(she must have read about my family cat) dispenser, and stickers and red gloves:) This GIFTY was thought of by the COOL Leslie over at Rubbersol!

Gifty 


My GIFTY 1 bounty! 

To my dearest Niel sometime between 2:30 and 3:30 today we will be married for three years now. Wow three years. I cannot believe how quickly time passes by. I don’t know if you know how much happiness you bring into my life. I try to show and tell you this everyday. I feel so blessed to be able to share life with you. I cannot believe how good you are. Selfless over and over again. Always going the extra step. You are my inspiration. When I have a difficult day I go on for you. We have gone through life’s ups and downs. Knowing I wake up next to you and that we can laugh about anything makes me complete. Happy Anniversary my lobster. I love you.

Our Wedding Day 

Two New York City news events to report. I heard yesterday morning on the news that New York Waterways might go out of business. Apparently after 9/11 business has decreased and although they have had fare hike it has not been enough to sustain them. Here is an article in Newsday about it.

NY WATERWAYS 


Also after 2.5 years in Queens the Museum Of Modern Art is finally going back to its renovated and much roomier home in Manhattan. They are having a grand reopening this Saturday. Read more here.

MOMA 

I love watching Nigella Lawson's cooking show Nigella Bites. I also occasionally read her column in The New York Times. Her style seems so effortless and calming. She seems to really enjoy what she does. I was very happy to view this past weekend Nigella Bites Christmas special on The Sytle Network. A lot of her recipes stem from Italian and Asian influences. I am sad to say I don't own any of her cook books. Santa are you listening?

Nigella Lawson 

This weekend was all about firsts. Niel and I decided we wanted to purchase a Turducken for this Thanksgiving since we have been hosting the holiday at our home. This is our first time at trying another type of meat besides our traditional turkey which was very tasty. But we wanted to try something different. We thought we had found something at Stew Leonard's but unfortunately they did not have Turduckens. But they had Capos. Anyone know what a Capo is? We just have to keep trying. However we did see the first snow of the season when we were in Westchester and its only Nov. 13. What the heck! Stew Leonard's is a pretty neat market. Luckily some firemen were there doing their grocery shopping to help out an old man who passed out. It reminds me a lot of Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. All natural is their motto. But Stew Leonard's is a bit wacky if not wackier than Trader Joe's. They have people walking around in chicken costumes. Singing statues. There was also a Costco and Home Depot next door to this location. Niel remarked how no one would ever need to shop anyplace else. I reminded him that people would probably need to purchase clothes so maybe an Old Navy would be nice also and maybe a Barnes and Nobles. And now to think of it a craft store would probably be a good thing too. We then went off to search for a wire or a wireless hookup for Niel so he can play Halo 2 with his buddies live. It's a nice thing for Niel because most of his friends have moved away and for him its almost like old times. Below is the picture of Niel in his Halo 2 stooper.

HALO2 PLAYING NIEL 


For lunch we had pizza at the California Pizza Kitchen. Man they make good pizza. We have passed by it a million times and never gone in for lunch. I thought that Saturday would be the day and it was oh so worth it. Niel had the Sicilian Pizza (its a meat lovers pizza) and I had the White Pizza with spinach. We also tried their Spinach and Artichoke Dip. It's my thing now to try all the artichoke dips I can. I prefer the Spinach and Artichoke Dip at Bubba Gump's because their flavors meld better together.
I also got to try a Gingerbread loaf for the first time and Pop rocks. I have had gingerbread cookies before but not gingerbread. It was a bit too gingery. The pop rocks were fun. It was like a party in my mouth until I hit the sour spot of the bag. Wow the taste of the sour apple was like a punch to the head.
We then went home so Niel could set up for the scouts pancake breakfast the next morning. It's a biannual event the scouts have to raise money. I baked some cupcakes for the sweets table. I need another weekend to recuperate from this one.

Bake Sale 

Because of Not Martha's blog I found neat new information about a new food magazine Chow that is out on stands and a food website The Splendid Table.

I have been a foodie for the longest time. I remember helping my mom cook as early as ten and I really couldn't wait to be able to cook on my own when I got older. The Food Network is my resource for food information and recipes and Martha Stewart's food magazine is my bible. I don't care that she is in jail and unpopular. I enjoy her recipes and crafts.

So I was real happy to find that there is yet another magazine and website out there about food. Yay!

The Food Network even has food games one can play on their site.

The weather in NYC has once again turned chilly. Perfect for soups and stews. Or as Rachael Ray calls them "Stoup." I have been making a lot of hearty tummy warming dishes lately. First it was chili, then it was Armenian Dumpling Soup(Manti), then it was Asian Dumpling Soup, and most recently it was Meatball Soup or also known as Wedding Soup. Niel and I first ate Meatball Soup at our friend Maria's house. She used the Rachael Ray recipe but made a few revisions. Maria used greek cheese and Italian seasonings instead of Parmesan and breadcrumbs. My mom makes something similar to Meatball Soup but with a tomatoe base and just rice in the meatballs. I think next in line is going to be Chicken pot pie and Pasta e Fagoli.

Meatball Soup 

Happy 30th Birthday to Hello Kitty. These are my Hello Kitties. I admittedly got a late start on collecting these cute dolls.

Terrycloth Hello Kitty 


Hello Kitty Toaster 


Ballerina Hello Kitty 

Pomegranate Clip Art 


I love Pomegranates. I love their vibrant color and its pretty seeds that remind me of ruby's. I love that they are tart and sweet at the same time. I remember when I was growing up my family always purchased Pomegranates, as one of our winter fruits. I can recall waiting for my dad to cut into a very large one and splitting it between my brother and I. Now I can eat a whole one by myself. Niel occasionally surprises me with one.

Pomegranates are also called Chinese apples and in Spain they are known as Granada. They are a native of Iran to the Himalayas in northern India. It has been cultivated and naturalized over the whole Mediterranean throughout India and the drier parts of southeast Asia, Malaya, the East Indies and tropical Africa. In America it is grown in the drier states such as Arizona and California.

The variety of Pomegranates are:

Balegal
Originated in San Diego, Calif. Selected by Paul H. Thomson. Large, roundish fruit, 3 inches in diameter. Somewhat larger than Fleshman. Skin pale pink, lighter then Fleshman. Flesh slightly darker than Fleshman, very sweet.

Cloud
From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. Medium-sized fruit with a green-red color. Juice sweet and white.

Crab
From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. Large fruit have red juice that is tart but with a rich flavor. A heavy bearing tree.

Early Wonderful
Large, deep-red, thin-skinned, delicious fruit. Ripens about 2 weeks ahead of Wonderful. Medium-sized bush with large, orange-red fertile flowers. Blooms late, very productive.

Fleshman
Originated in Fallbrook, Calif. Selected by Paul H. Thomson. Large, roundish fruit, about 3 inches in diameter, pink outside and in. Very sweet flavor, seeds relatively soft, quality very good.

Francis
Originated in Jamaica via Florida. Large, sweet, split-resistant fruit. Prolific producer.

Granada
Originated in Lindsay, Calif. Introduced in 1966. Bud mutation of Wonderful. Fruit resembles Wonderful, but displays a red crown while in the green state, darker red in color and less tart. Ripens one month earlier than Wonderful. Flowers also deeper red. Tree identical to Wonderful.

Green Globe
Originated in Camarillo, Calif. Selected by John Chater. Large, sweet, aromatic, green-skinned fruit. Excellent quality.

Home
From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. The fruit is variable yellow-red in color, with light pink juice that is sweet and of rich flavor. Some bitterness.

King
From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. Medium to large fruit, somewhat smaller than Balegal and Fleshman. Skin darker pink to red. Flavor very sweet. Has a tendency to split. Bush somewhat of a shy bearer.

Phoenicia (Fenecia)
Originated in Camarillo, Calif. Selected by John Chater. Large fruit, 4-5 inches in diameter, mottled red-green skin. Flavor sweet, seeds relatively hard.

Sweet
Fruit is lighter in color than Wonderful, remains slightly greenish with a red blush when ripe. Pink juice, flavor much sweeter than other cultivars. Excellent in fruit punch. Trees highly ornamental, bears at an early age, productive.

Utah Sweet
Very sweet, good quality fruit. Pink skin and pulp. Seeds notably softer than those of Wonderful and other standard cultivars. Attractive pinkish-orange flowers.

Wonderful
Originated in Florida. First propagated in California in 1896. Large, deep purple-red fruit. Rind medium thick, tough. Flesh deep crimson in color, juicy and of a delicious vinous flavor. Seeds not very hard. Better for juicing than for eating out of hand. Plant is vigorous and productive. Leading commercial variety in California.

Information provided by California Rare Fruit Growers.

Here is a picture of a Pomegranate by Armenian Artist Laura Avetisyan.

Niel and I got to see The Incredibles this past weekend. I thought I would like it a lot more. I did think it was enjoyable but it just did not wow me as much as I hoped it would. I came in with a different expectation I guess. I wouldn't not recommend people not see it. It also didn't stop me from buying the Mr. Incredible figure at McDonald's.


We also got to play tennis some more. I am getting better at it, which I am happy about. I can volley (hit back and forth) with Niel. A funny thing happened while we were playing. An Irish lady was walking her dog. I believe it was a yellow lab. I couldn't understand from her accent if the dog's name was Mack, Zack or Max. Anyway the dog stole one of our tennis balls. Niel hit the ball out of the handball court and the dog runs after the ball and picks it up and runs the other way. We see the owner run after him yelling for him to drop the ball. He probably thought it was a big game. We lauged and told her the dog could keep the ball and luckily she caught him before he got the chance to run into the
street.

We also ate at a new place in our neighborhood. We had brunch at a diner. Niel ordered the Grand Slam(eggs with hashbrowns, sausage, bacon and ham) and I had the Irish Breakfast(2 eggs sunny side up, blood sausage, irish ham, beans, toast, and hash browns). The food was tasty.

I have a favorite Middle Eastern supermarket I go to occasionally. It is a few towns away from my home. I go in there when I want to find some yummy foods from when I was growing up or if I want a walk down memory lane. No I do not know anyone in there. I get my memories from the smells and sights of the various products this small store offers. One of my favorite items is an Armenian pizza they sell. It is made from very thin dough and is packed with flavor. It doesn't have any cheese on it but rather ground seasoned meat. I love it. I am very proud of my heritage and especially all the tasty foods it has to offer. I am happy that Niel also enjoys some of the foods I have grown up with and I his.

LAHMAHJOON  

Nesting Dolls 


I have been collecting nesting dolls for three years now. I have been finding/getting one a year. It just worked out that way. The first one is the Russian nesting doll. She reminds me of the one my family had when I was growing up. The second one is the Care Bear nesting doll. Niel brought it for me two Christmas's ago because I like the Care Bears. The last one is the Canadian Mounty nesting doll. He is the smallest and we purchased him in Victoria, British Columbia. He reminds me of our trip to Canada. Here is a website that gives information about nesting dolls.

A few posts ago I mentioned that a crown fell out of my mouth and I have been having dental work ever since. I found the crown this morning in a jacket I hadn't worn since then. For some reason I thought I put the crown in my bag. This is the funny conversation that ensued with Niel who was there when I found the crown:

Me: "Oh here is my missing crown"(showing Niel)

Niel: Ulll that's gross what else do you have in your jacket pocket Jimmy Hoffa.

I then started to laugh hysterically.

I noticed that by my office there were these apple statues. I wonder if they are a follow up to the cow statues New York had a few years ago, and the panda ones in D.C. last Summer. I can't seem to find information on them.

Apple 1 


Apple 2 


Apple 3(Met Apple) 


And thank you to the 18-25 year olds who only 17% went out to vote. For all the complaining and all the marching you did, if you don't vote CHANGE CANNOT HAPPEN. You are now the new Florida from 4 years ago. You have no one else to blame when there will be a draft and your civil liberties will be taken away. A big fat thank you for nothing and a big fat Bonjour, Ja mapelle Ani to Canada.

People are so depressed about this in my office. Some people are even making nooses to hang themselves at their desks. I really was hoping today wouldn't be as depressing as Nov. 3 four years ago was. Two elections that I have been able to vote in have been so disheartening.

Vote 2004! 


As the cute Google symbol displays finally Election Day has come. So please go out and vote. Let your voice be heard.

Over $100 of groceries and party supplies
5 bags of garbage
Sitting through the gore fest that is 28 Day Later
A sink filled with dishes
A picture of Niel as a pirate for our Halloween party....priceless

Pirate Niel 


Niel and I had a Halloween party this year. Each year we like to do something. Last year we went to Ted & Maria's and the year before we went to the village Halloween parade.
Niel and I were thinking of a Viking theme for both of our costumes but had a tough time finding stuff for it besides a hat. So Niel ended up as a pirate and I went as Martha in jail. My costume was easy to get together. I already had a free Martha apron, Niel found hand cuffs in the toy section of Kmart and I purchased a really inexpensive blond wig. Niel was given most of his pirate stuff from work except for the bandana which he brought from Kmart. I ended up giving the wig to Holly. She was having too much fun with it.
We invited some friends, cooked up a storm, and decorated. We served chili, pigs in a blanket, mini pizzas, meatballs, Hummus dip, Eggplant Dip, Veggie Dip, Red pepper/feta dip, guacamole, blue corn chips, pita chips, whole wheat crackers, candied apples, caramel apples(recipe from Progoddess), Artichoke Dip(recipe from Rainy Daily), cheese platter, corn bread, veggie platter, soda, beer, water, sepcialty drinks, brownie graveyard cake and brain jello(well we served it to Dave and Holly. I forgot to bring it out earlier in the evening). Maria brought Sushi Candy. It was all so good!
We watched 28 Days Later and then Ted & Maria went home so Ted could study, Mike & Erin did the same so Erin could study. Then the six of us played some Entertainment Taboo until Isabel got sick from a bit of overdrinking. Her and Craig then went home. The four of us were left and we goofed around with the Martha wig. Here are some pics to peruse.

Sunday we played/practiced some tennis and got some errands done. There was a cute Halloween parade in our town. I love when that kind of stuff happens in my neighborhood. It feels so small towney. Unfortunetly the kids just go trick or treating at the stores and not homes. I guess for safety.