end of innocence...

Peeps..I absolutely LOVE them. Always have, in fact. Even when I was a kid, on Easter morning when my brother and I would come downstairs to discover that the Bunny had left us a huge basket of goodness, I immediately went for the bright yellow chickens. After sitting open in a basket all night, they would acquire the crispy staleness that enhanced their flavor. I remember once, in kindergarden, my mom put some peeps in my lunch. For some reason, I, and the two or three other people who sat at my table (Alania Bartley and Fasil Toor were two of them) went and got our lunches and began eating during class. I don't remember much about it, but I do know that I was eating my peeps, and had just finished licking all the sugar off when the teacher came over and made us put our lunches back. She wouldn't even let me finish eating the peeps I had just prepared for consumption.

In high school, I discovered a forbidden love--the frozen peep. After Easter, I would buy them on sale at kmart for ridiculously low prices, and then freeze them to carry me well into the summer. I would ration them out, one peep a day, in order to extend their pleasure. This, of course, was before the world became inundated with peep-culture. Back in the day, you could only get peeps (either chicks or rabbits, and only in pink or yellow) at Easter.

Yesterday, I was in Target with a friend from work, and she was buying baskets for her kids. I, of course, picked up some peeps (on sale, 5 packs for 4 dollars-yellow chicks and pink bunnies only). Everything was peeps! There were large stuffed baskets, ink pens, key chains, beanie toys. They were in pink and yellow, but also in blue, white, purple, and a special "target red" edition. It was peeps overkill--and I have to say that I think a little part of me died yesterday. Peeps were the last innocent vestige of childhood that I think I had been able to cling to for all these years, and now, they, like most everything, have sold out. I don't know if I'll be able to enjoy them in the same capacity again.

Notes of a weather kind...

To JoDee--I killed MY first spider of spring last Thursday night. It was HUGE and about 2 inches across. It jumped as I attempted to crush it, but I, like always, emerged the victor. (and the spiders crawling over Homer's face last night freaked me out!)

The weather in Richmond is, for lack of better words, at the moment, absolutely BEAUTIFUL! It's been breezy, sunny, and warm (ie-highs in the mid-60's)since Friday. I know you're all jealous! Even though I am a die-hard winter girl, I believe that I can learn to love the balmy breezes of spring--though I will forever detest the humid, hazy, and hot days of summer!

On another note, I am preparing to take my first plane trip in April. With gas prices as high as they are, it's actually cheaper to fly to Michigan than to drive. I'm excited, and now I want to buy new luggage so that I can look the part of the seasoned traveler. Alas, though, I will settle for my road weary rolling green American Tourister duffle that I bought about 8 years ago when I first came to OU. It's been a faithful friend, and didn't protest when I sewed the gash in the side with bright green, mint flavored dental floss. I can't help but dream, however, of the beautiful red Samsonite wheeled softside suitcase with the stowing handle and the multitude of compartments for storing all kinds of nifty items. I shall, survive, however.

Ok, I'm off to finish up some work related items, especially since I'm here and being paid to do what they want. More later.....maybe tomorrow....

Happy St. Paddy's day!

Hmmm, I wonder why I stated that with such enthusiasm? I don't really FEEL that disposed to celebrate the day of the leprechaun, and in fact, I didn't even wear green today, nor did I consume the gaseous concoction of corned beef and cabbage, and I have never had green beer.

I did, however, have a pretty successful first visit to my new Richmond dentist. Although my new dentist doesn't provide the eye-candy that my previous dentist in Michigan did, I think that he'll be okay. For one, he greatly admired the dental work my former dentist did. Secondly, he noted on my chart that I detest the mouth numbing gel stuff used to dull the pain of the needle when dental work is required (just give me the stupid needle and get it over with). Although I didn't have anything done today more than a standard cleaning and xrays, I liked that he took note of my preferences. Thirdly, he told me that I have beautiful teeth, and although I know that all dentists have to tell even the most snaggle-toothed and slackjawed of their patients that, I, personally, believe that it is true for myself.

The best part of the day was taking the morning off from work. I slept until EIGHT am, and then chilled out and watched sitcoms until 9:50 when I finally left the house for the doctor's office. It was soooo relaxing! I should schedule mid-morning doctor appointments more often! And guess what? The office didn't fall apart without my presence.

Revelation

I have come to the startling revelation that you should, by no means, ever order chicken at a place that specializes in something else, say, pancakes. I made this discovery today during lunch when I bypassed my lovely packed and healthy salad in order to join my co-workers.

Here in Richmond, there's a chain called "Aunt Sarah's Pancake House" which specializes in, get this, PANCAKES! I know, it shocked me too. Anyways, not having been to this establishment before, not being in the mood to stuff myself with carbs after this weekend, I opted to order their other specialty, something labeled "cousin John's chicken". At the time, it seemed like a really good idea--in retrospect, not so much. (just FYI, they also have something called the "chicken and pancake" platter, which combines both fried chicken AND pancakes in one easy meal option!).

I suppose the same rule could apply to other restaurant selection criteria--ie: ordering the Italian food at a steakhouse, or as Craig so eloquently put it, having fish from Whitecastle. I myself, made the comparison of the chicken rings at Whitecastle, though it didn't really pertain to the conversation (nor have I ever eaten at a Whitecastle, and I do not plan to do so anytime in the near future).

So take this to heart, my fine readers (all two of you): shy away from anything that falls outside of the genre that the restaurant is portraying--you'll thank me for it in the end!

ciao!

Sometimes, Mondays suck...

So, it's Monday. I guess everyone figured that out already. It's 10am, and I've already concluded that today will be bad. Perhaps I'm a bit of a pessimist, or maybe I'm speaking from experience--either way, this particular Monday sucks.

However, in retrospect, the weekend was pretty good. I went to the Highland Maple Festival with my parents on Saturday. Bascially, the Maple Fest is a huge pigfest of food. You spend the entire day eating junk that you can't have for another year. The day dawned snowy, with approximately 4 inches on the ground at 7am Saturday morning. We headed towards Williamsville for the traditional Buckwheat cakes and sausage breakfast with maple syrup. Then we drove out to Puffenbargers Sugar Camp, where we purchased 2 dozen maple fried donuts, 2 things of maple donut holes (we took them home-didn't eat them right away), and each of us had a hotdog with chili. Afterwards, we drove into downtown Monterey to walk the streets and see the crafts vendors. My mom and I didn't buy any crafts, but we picked up about 10 used books for less than 3 dollars. My dad, however, ended up purchasing fresh cooked porkskins and a bag of kettle corn. On the way out of town, we stopped at the gas station for cokes and bathroom breaks (because i absolutely REFUSE to set foot into a porta-potty), and my dad walked across the street and bought hot country ham sandwiches for the drive home.

Anyways, it was ALOT of fun, and even though my tummy didn't thank me for it later, I had a great time. My dad also decided that he didn't want the donuts and holes that he got, so I brought the remainder into the office today for the masses to consume. Carpe Diem! :)

Anyways, I hope that YOUR Monday is infinitely better than mine is shaping up to be!

Wow, I'm back online!

It's been quite a while since I've had an up and running weblog to document my so called life. Alot has changed since that time, and I'm not quite sure if I can do justice to my previous posts. However, I shall endeavor to enlighten and entertain the masses that may stumble onto my page.

Thank you for reading my first posting in approximately 8 months or so. I appreciate your business, and look forward to serving you again! :)