Wednesday, September 30, 2009

I’ve got the FEVER!!!

Festival Fever! Cooking Fever!! I’m afflicted with BOTH….someone help!!

First of all, the cooking. OMG…the cooking. I want to cook everything I see and hear about. Especially if it’s SOUP. I’ve always enjoyed making soups and stews. In the last couple of years, the desire for huge pots of soup seemed to dwindle, but IT’S BAAAACCCKKKKK!!!! I made hearty beef vegetable over the weekend, and sort of went overboard. Which I always do with soups.

When I set out to make a pot of soup, rarely do I follow a recipe. I just make it. One of the talents I seem to possess is cooking. I’m not offput by ingredient lists, or prepping (cleaning? Now that’s a different story). I have the ability to put ingredients into a pot and have it turn into a meal. WHO KNEW? I sure didn’t when I was younger---well, maybe a little bit………..I cooked once a week (when I didn’t forget and have to throw together some pasta and sauce) as a teen.

I actually learned some of my cooking skill from my dad. My parents divorced when I was a younger teen. I lived with my dad. Not because my mom isn’t awesome, but during their decision making, they thought it would be better for us to choose who we wanted to live with. I chose my dad because I was afraid he’d be lonely. As it turned out, my brother followed because he was torn, and didn’t know what to do, so that left mom by herself. Not an ideal situation when both parents are great people. My opinion on having to choose is not a good one. I think it’s far easier on the kid for the parents to just say ‘this is how it is’…….but it is what it is, and I harbor no resentment towards them. They were my age now ( or a tad older) when they divorced, and they did what they thought was best at the time. Just like we all do as parents. I adore both of my parents and am quite fortunate that they still have a relationship that enables us to get together at family functions with no animosity. Like son #1’s graduation. All of my maternal family came from Iowa, and we all mingled at Perfectly’s dad’s farm for the day. Now to me, that’s security. Knowing that your family is always family----even if marriages and life events don’t always go the way we envision.

So, there’s the back story as to how I came to live with my father and learned to cook (sort of) from him.

I began with soups right after college, when I had my first job. I’d throw stuff into a pot and MAN….it turned out GOOD!! My cooking skills improved, and now…I’m a pretty decent home cook! My latest obsession is with clam chowder. I watched FOODTV one day, and saw one of the hosts making clam chowder, and it wasn’t complicated AT ALL!! The only problem was our being landlocked and all….oh, and a small community..I was SURE I wouldn’t be able to purchase fresh or frozen shucked clams. I was right. None to be found but frozen packages of breaded ones for frying. I hesitantly went with canned clams. And as far as my unsophisticated palate goes? It was really GOOD! My son loved it, my husband loved it……it’s a hit at my house. I also make Parmesan/garlic soup crackers to pile onto the chowder. It’s great.

Also, I am so not a baker. But I found this recipe for lemon filled chocolates that I’m just going to have to try. I’m already varying the recipe in my head. ORANGE…..MINT……RASPBERRY…….the possibilities are ENDLESS.

Now the festivals. I am in full festival mode. I want to go to all the festivals in Missouri! Obviously, in the fall, that’s not a reality. They are EVERYWHERE. The dilemma is do I go to the old standbys? The ones we’ve gone to for YEARS? Or do I branch out and do something new, and different? What if new and different is a disappointment? And I miss the familiar standby? CAN YOU SEE MY PROBLEMS HERE, PEOPLE? This weekend is a choice between the Olde Tyme Apple Festival in Versailles, MO., or the Chalk Art Festival in Farmington, Mo? It has Wine, chocolate and chalk artists featured. They say there are craft vendors too. WINE? CHOCOLATE? Sounds tempting! But the Apple Festival is 4 square blocks (I think) of vendors galore. Besides, there’s the animal swap meet where we got Dex last year that takes place at the same time as the apple festival. I really can’t have another pet, so maybe I ought to skip that…….

See how my crazy works? My brain just goes non-stop in circles like that. I could continue the crazy debate in my brain if you’d like. I’m sure you’d just love it.

Look at the links and let me know what you think. I need ADVICE…!!
Toodles for now.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Who wants a Turkey Squirt?

Yeah, so I met up with a few of my classmates from the class of 1984 at Woody's Pub and Grub in Ashland, Mo. HOW FUN WAS THAT? It was totally fun! It is so much nicer gathering as adults.......we don't judge, we don't care about who's popular, or who's a star athlete, or musician........it was a relaxed, fun, gathering of people. I TOTALLY LOVED IT.

Here are a couple of pictures....courtesy of Mr. Perfectly......he came out for a while after our son's football game, and took pics on all of our camera's......aren't we a FUN looking group? I am not going to identify anyone yet....because honestly, some people don't want to be all over the internet, and although their PHOTO is all over the internet, I won't tell you their names, unless they give me PERMISSION TO DO SO....so mini reunion folks? COMMENT and let me know if you care if I talk about you by name, or if you want me to come up with nicknames for you like I do some of my other friends and family.





I drank some sort of cooler thing which tasted good, but meh....not alot of punch to it....made by Parrot Bay, and since I love their coconut rum, I'd hoped it would be too awesome for words. It wasn't. Tasty, yes.......not what I wanted. I tried a margarita, which was pretty good. I still Love El Jimador Margaritas for their sheer strength and being very tasty, but for a margarita elsewhere, it was pretty good. Then someone ordered a bubblegum vodka shot with Red Bull. Can you all believe I've never tasted a Red Bull IN MY LIFE?? The bar had these little plastic cups (you can tell I don't get out much) that had a shot well in the middle of it, and you could put the chaser part around that well, so when you sipped, you could get some of both...how cool is THAT? I thought the bubblegum vodka was sort of interesting......but according to the guy that met up with us 5 fabulous girls, it's better with Sprite.......so I'll have to try that.

One of the girls there was telling us about a drink that SHE likes.....made with Wild Turkey (whiskey, I think) and Squirt soda! They call it a Turkey Squirt. How funny is THAT? I don't do whiskey, but I may have to just to say the name of the drink.....it's too funny!!

Yesterday, we didn't make it to the Oktoberfest. I know, I know......but something alot more fun came up. Then Perfectly's dad took my family and friends to dinner last night for our anniversary.. 22 YEARS, folks. It was a lovely dinner.

Heather, my niece came, and it's always fun with her around. She's lost 40+ lbs, and I couldn't be more proud of her. She's stunningly beautiful regardless of her weight, but this is something she's been wanting to do for a while, and she looks great.

Today, I am making a hearty beef, vegetable and barley soup/stew. I ran out to my dad's house to pick up a good chuck roast to use in the stew and I was totally traumatized. THERE WAS A SNAKE IN HIS DRIVEWAY. Just sitting there. Sunning himself. Son #2 says he (the snake) lives by the house....in a patch of ivy...I think he was of the garden variety, but I really don't care. I don't do snakes. Perfectly's dad has also suffered from a massive flea issue in his garage. He has a cat that lives in there part time, and apparently brought a family of fleas to multiply rapidly in his garage. He's bug bombed it, cleaned it with bleach and had an exterminator come out...and last I heard they were still a problem. I had to GO THRU THE GARAGE to get to the freezer to get my roast. So I've been DOUBLE traumatized........I don't know if any fleas are still in the garage, but I certainly didn't want to find out. Fleas and snakes. Two of the things in life that totally freak me out.

So, this has been an awesome weekend, and tomorrow is more football. Son #2 plays again, this time for JV....he dressed out on Friday for Varsity, but didn't play. Hopefully he'll play tomorrow. We're traveling to Kansas City....ugh.

Toodles for now.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Woody’s

So, tonight I am going to a pub type place in rural central Missouri. It apparently has pool tables and dart boards. I am SO EXCITED!! Some people from high school are gathering at Woody’s Pub and Grub for an informal get together.

Y’all KNOW how much I love to go do stuff with people…so last night I went and got my hair all ‘DID’, and colored it with a box color---It’s supposed to be light chocolate brown, but it’s got some red going on……..so now my head is a faintly reddish brown mess o’ curls with bangs. Bangs that won’t cooperate---because I have THIN HAIR on top, so I’m very scalpy where bangs need to be. So this afternoon, after I get off work, it will be a mad dash for home so I can try to make the hair cute……and retouch the makeup……..accentuate the eyes with dark shadow----and GO TO WOODY’S. Oh…and Ph.D.?? I’m hurt. Hurt that you wouldn’t want to accompany me on this endeavor. My first rural pub experience? With people from HIGH SCHOOL? I partied with you in the illegal eve of our lives………I want to party with you in the waning middle of our lives too! It’s legal….and who knew it was MORE FUN when it was legal? So, therefore, I’m hurt. And Pissed. And I might cry. (UM…..…I’ll call you either during or after with updates……so ANSWER YOUR DAMN PHONE!).

Then tomorrow is The Old Munichburg Oktoberfest in our fair city……..in years past they’ve had FREE WINE SAMPLES and fried oreo’s. MMMMMMM. They also sell some sausage that is made only for this particular festival….it’s an old local recipe that is made up and sold once a year. It sells out QUICKLY, and I missed out last year, so this year my intent is to go by there early and get some sausage. Then I’ll take it home to properly refrigerate, and go back at a more appropriate time……oh….like 11 or 12? For FREE WINE!!! Maybe if I bring a couple changes of clothes, the vendors won’t notice me coming back….and back…..and back…..AND BBBAAAACCCKKKKKK!!!! Think?

Again, Ph.d…..if you came for the Woody’s, then you could also come for the FESTIVAL too! Your babies would have a blast, and so would your hubs!! They have BEER there! *sigh* the weekend would be PERFECT if you came. Pubs, Festivals, old friends and YOU!! Oh, and my anniversary! My weekend would be PERFECT!! Now it will be only semi-perfect. And that is your fault. You’ll have to live with the paralyzing guilt. (is my contrition inducing post working? Huh? Huh? I know….you are planning to SURPISE ME by showing up, right?????).

So my work day seems interminable…my hair is too plastered with hair spray, and I’m as anxious as a 4 year old waiting to go to Chuck-e-cheese! I need you all! Entertain me! Keep my mind off of pending excitement! DO SOMETHING!!

Happy Friday, All!

Toodles for now.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Holy Touchdowns, Batman!!

Oh, what a difference a day makes. I still felt SO CRUMMY yesterday. Today I feel much better. Much, MUCH better!
I’ve got so much to say, yet really not much to say, you know? Just a lot of my usual blather over nothing that interests anyone but me!!

First of all, the football game last night was potentially a miserable evening. Although, not cold, it was RAINING…….but luckily, the stadium we went to has parking right up to the bleachers, so we were able to park right behind some low bleachers, and I spent most of the game in the car watching. I spent a quarter in the rain, but the rest all dry and out of the weather…..but still got to see the ACTION!!

Speaking of action……….I was brought back to Dingo’s post about birds……..hahaha. You should have seen the BATS last night. HUNDREDS of bats……flying through the rain, catching bugs from the night lights over the football field. I was FASCINATED by the sheer number of BATS…….squeaking and diving…..it was really cool. I tried to video it on my cell phone, but being the non savvy techno person in the house, I don’t really know how to use it…..so I’m sure any video of bats sucks.

It’s FESTIVAL TIME in Mid Missouri. This weekend is the Old Munichburg Oktoberfest here in Jefferson City. Don’t ask me why it’s at the end of September, when it’s called Oktoberfest. I’ve wondered the same myself, and have NO ANSWER. Needless to say, it’s a small little festival with Dachshund races, and Dachshund costume contests…….My friend and I are trying to come up with cute costume ideas for my Mini Doxie so we can enter him into the contest and become city known WINNERS. Now, it is also my 22nd anniversary. I am worried that Mr. P may get his undies in a wad if I trounce around town with friends and dogs……well, not really worried. We’re not big anniversary celebrators……I mean we recognize the anniversary, and we reminisce, but we aren’t candles and dinner types. I am proud to be married to such a great guy---and that we’ve weathered our struggles and still are pretty happy.

And, on Friday night, there is a get together with people I went to High School with. You all know how I get all warm and fuzzy over classmate connections!! Mr. P won’t be joining me, however, because he will be using his great talents photographing the varsity football game against one of the BIG TIME teams in the state…..Kansas City Rockhurst. Son #2 will probably get to play and score a winning touchdown, while I’m drinking with my friends at “Woody’s pub and grub”. My luck.

Let’s see………I had a dream that one of my high school boyfriends (of sorts….I liked him, and he only sort of liked me…….but we are still friends, actually. He was an usher in my wedding to Mr. P…..so for the record, Mr. P approves of the continued friendship) gave me a tattoo. Yes…..it’s weird. No, I don’t need any dream analysis…..especially if my dreams are a symptom of the crazy.

Oh, and remember a while back when I’d left a rambling message for my friend from 4th Grade? Yeah, well I didn’t’ hear back from her and got up the nerve to text her over the weekend…AND SHE TEXTED ME BACK! It’s so fun to catch up with old friends……like I said, I get all warm and fuzzy about friend connections. I can’t wait to get to know her some more-----again. I may show up here with pictures……of 4th grade!!!

Toodles for now!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Hey, Y’All

I’ve been sick. I do not know with what….one would assume the flu since Son #1 had it and recuperated at our house. But, since I never ran a fever, or never KNEW I was running one, you could also argue that maybe I didn’t have the flu.

Anyway, I’m swamped at work, so I’ll leave you with this heartwarming GEM! Make sure to watch the video after you read the article. It is SO worth it.

We are off to a JV football game in Columbia tonight. I am not sure I’ll survive going back to work AND a game….after 4 days of being locked up at home sick. So wish me well………..remember, liquor is NOT ALLOWED on school grounds. Sheesh.

Toodles for now.

Monday, September 14, 2009

OINK OINK

One must think, according to the media blitz of information, that the H1N1 virus is upon the Perfectly household.

I am kind of a germaphobe. I microwave sponges, and change them FREQUENTLY. I obsessively wash anything that has touched chicken or other raw meats. But chicken especially. If people are vomiting, I clean all common areas with bleach.

Therefore, I am surprised at my relative lack of concern over the swine flu…….I mean not LACK of concern, but lack of my normal paranoia. I have tried to educate myself regarding this flu, and so far, it seems quite widespread (in our area), but relatively mild (miserable, but mild).

Son #1 called yesterday and announced that he was coming home for a few hours….that he wanted to spend some time with his girlfriend, that he wanted to go to dinner with her……could he have some money???? Oh, by the way……”my throat hurts, and I ache”. He is coughing, feverish, and achy. According to the tee-vee, that can mean only ONE THING……………H1N1.

Upon his arrival at home, he appeared to be in decent health…to me he felt warm, but assured me that his temp was low. 97 degrees. I had no reason to question this as we’ve always thought his ‘normal’ body temp is lower than average. He went to his girlfriend’s house. I never did determine if they went out to eat, but 4 and a half hours later he was back, burning up with fever (101.7……which if his body temp is lower than average, means his fever is higher on him than average). Yeah!! I tried to get him to just stay, but he wants his computer, and maybe some books and needed to take his roommate back to school, so he left, saying he’d return home today. We go to the Dr. this afternoon, and as any over protective mother should, I shall insist on a flu test…they are publicly announcing (and have been for some time) that nearly all type A flu positive tests are H1N1…that’s all they’ve seen. So, if he has a positive type A test, then we’ll notify his school that he’s got the swine flu. According to them, they’ve not had any reports of any flu at all on their tiny campus. OF COURSE, my kid is the one to bring it on.

I called their student services department and asked (anonymously, of course) if they’d had any known flu on campus. The answer was “NO”. I bet that will change this afternoon, once we get the Dr. Diagnosis.

I feel bad for the kid. Son #1 is my tough guy. The one who never says he’s unwell……EVER. If he says he’s sick, then he’s usually TERRIBLY sick. The last time he said he was sick was Christmas of 2006. My Grandma was terminally ill, and we knew this would be our last Christmas with her. She was in an assisted living wing at a nursing home. We spent the time with her. Son #1 kept telling me he didn’t feel well, and kept wanting me to feel his back……that he was feverish. I just kept giving him Ibuprofen and telling him to stay away from Grandma. 2 days later we got home and he had a temp of 104 and we took him to the ER……and he had Pneumonia. FABULOUS parenting, wouldn’t you say? I was so tied up in my Grandma’s well being that I sort of ignored my kid’s health. I mean, I didn’t COMPLETELY ignore it, I just didn’t think he was as sick as he was. Poor guy. I felt terrible.

Anyway, we now are having the same type of illness, but since flu season is in full swing here…..and he’s had the vaccination against pneumonia…..we’ll assume it’s the Piggy Flu.

I’ve had the seasonal flu before, and it’s the sickest I’ve ever been as an adult. I was pregnant with Son #2, and remember laying in bed..I felt him kick for the first time, and was too sick to even be excited about it. I was too sick to care for son #1, whom I caught the flu from, and Mr. P, who’d just started a new, fancy job had to take off work, while on probation to take care of both of us. Luckily he didn’t get it……

So, this should be quite the eventful week…….son #1 back home….sick, and exposing all of us…….but I’d rather he be here under my care (um…no, I’m not a control freak….why do you ask??). I worry about him.

Oh, in other pink news….I GOT MY PENIS….and it certainly is vanilla scented! It came in the mail on Friday, and son #2 didn’t understand why I received a penis in the mail. The greatest parenting moment EVER was when I put the balls up to the young athlete’s nostrils so he could smell it. All vanilla-ey and all. MMMMMM. I even got a grin from him. WOOT WOOT for MAMA!!

Toodles for now, y’all.

p.s. Don’t stop reading my blog. Despite what the media is saying, the flu is NOT contagious via computer. Really. It isn’t. Don’t worry.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Hey everyone!

I know, it’s been a week. My tens of readers must be DISAPPOINTED!!!

So, I went out for Sushi last night! It was totally fun and TOTALLY good! I guess I have to confess that I didn’t eat any raw fish---yet…….but I ate some sort of roll filled with crab meat, scallops, and cucumber. It was really good.

I’ve mentioned before that raw or rare meat sort of skeeves me……..but I’m determined to try a spicy tuna roll at some point at this place. When you enter the restaurant (which is an old KFC---that looks like a run down KFC on the outside, but Japanese on the inside!), the sushi dudes behind the bar greet you with a resounding yell of some sort of Japanese greeting…….and a bow. It’s so CUTE!!! The menu has a lot of choices, and there are things that Mid Missourians have never SEEN before….like octopus…just waiting to be eaten!

The guys behind the sushi bar were very sweet and tolerant and let us sit there and watch while they prepared our sushi rolls. They said business had been good, but not on that day. The ‘Tour of Missouri’ was in town, and maybe that’s why the lack of early evening business…..all the people were watching the bike race!!

As much as this place is refreshingly different, I am truly afraid in our little, conservative, meat and potatoes city, that it will fail. People love Applebee’s and Bandana’s…..but throw a little Sushi at them, and everyone freaks out and gets squeamish. Or don’t provide them a buffet of westernized ‘Chinese’ dishes that they can gorge themselves on, and it’s ‘weird’ and ‘too expensive’. My sushi roll was $11.95. Compared to McDonalds or Taco Bell, yes, it’s pricey, but you get more than just a sushi roll. You get an experience that maybe you haven’t had before! You get flavors that maybe you’ve never experienced! You support a local business that is just starting up!! And in the meantime, you may find a new favorite food! And what people don’t realize is that in our fair city, in the Midwest and $11.95 sushi roll is probably a bargain compared to the East or West coast!!

I get frustrated at the non-progressiveness of this city. It’s a lovely place to raise kids, and rural farmland abounds! Fresh air! Open spaces!! People who think that Chili’s is FINE DINING!!! We need a mix of good social places to gather and eat, drink and be merry all the while keeping the more rural quality hometown feeling! Surely that’s possible isn’t it? We need theatre, and art! We need culture!! The closest thing to culture we’ve seen is the Tibetan Monks that performed for us on the Capital Lawn several years ago. Sponsored by the local library. Now, that may be an eensy exaggeration, but not much of one. There’s just NOTHING happening around here! The craft festival is tomorrow at the Fairgrounds………..it’s kind of fun, but it’s really a bunch of sweaty women trying to be first in line for flower arrangements , doll accessories, and cheap jewelery.

I know….I am lucky to live in a lower cost of living area. Lucky to have wide open spaces for my kids, good schools and modest housing prices. It would just be so cool to have really great food, and really cool activities to do on a more regular basis. And not have to travel to larger cities to see things!

I for one will frequent the Japenese sushi place in town. It’s GOOD!!! It’s my kind of food and flavors, and I’m excited to go back!

Oh…tonight, the varsity Football Jays (son #2 is JV right now….so he’s not going) will be travelling to Fayetteville. Arkansas. The game is being TELEVISED on CBSCS………so if you’ve got a dish, or a sports pack on your cable, or whatever is required to get these types of games, WATCH THE JAYS!!! Jefferson City, MO vs Fayetteville Ar. The boys being televised is a BIG DEAL! They’ve been on the local TV live, but this is NATIONAL coverage. And if the cheerleaders are there, you’ll see Son #2’s former girlfriend! She’s the cute blonde!!!!

Go Jays!!!! Vote for JCSports as the best SportsBlog!!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Human Rights

I don’t delve into politics much. I’m a VERY casual observer. I know what I believe and what I would like, but I am not hardcore for anything. I think it’s every American’s right to believe what they want. Period.

HOWEVER, I have encountered an ugly situation. Where do personal rights of one overshadow the personal rights of another? We are taking common sense out of the equation…..like what is better for MOST instead of FEW, etc. I’m talking about black and white. Yes and No.

In a group setting, when the group as a whole is trying to keep a common group area clean with antibacterial wipes and cleaners to try to stop the spread of serious illness to the best of our limited abilty, what does one do when a group member claims a ‘chemical sensitivity’ and doesn’t want anything with an odor used near her…..or anywhere she frequents?

Do her rights as a sensitive individual get trounced on, or does the majority of us lose our battle to try to not spread illness? This endeavor is to try to do our human best to keep flu germs at bay, and to try to protect us as a whole. This is a limited setting. We are all going to frequent other places where germs may be rampant. But in this one limited situation, we were given a directive from an administrative individual to try to do our very best in keeping common areas clean. Wiped…sprayed….disinfected. I think this is smart. It’s proactive, and even if it fails in the long run, the empowered feeling that a group can get from trying to be in control is important too. Besides, cleaning stuff isn’t such a bad thing.

Yet, one person is crying foul that her individual rights are being violated and it’s not right.
This goes against my general liberal feeling that people SHOULD be allowed their own preferences. However, in a small setting, this isn’t always possible. Do we go with the majority, and OUR rights and preferences? Or do we go against one’s preferences and rights?

The general feeling is that this is for the good of everyone. There is no malice towards anyone. However, the person in question feels maligned and outcast.

I hate this. What is right? What is proper? How does one confront the fact that no matter what some or one will have their ‘rights’ violated???

Tell me, what do YOU think?

Toodles for now.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Frustration, still

I just talked to the woman who owns the car that Son #1 was hit by. She pretended not to know anything. Even though I have a letter from her insurance company that there was NO COVERAGE at the time of the accident. Even though, the adjuster from HER insurance company told me on the phone that he'd spoken to the vehicle owner and gave her the SAME INFORMATION that I was given. Even though I have a police report that says her daughter's 'fiancee' displayed innattention.

I am sure she doesn't have $2200 any more than I do....but my son had insurance to PROTECT OTHER PEOPLE in the event of an accident that he caused. They did not. It is a requirement in the State of Missouri to maintain minimum coverage on your vehicle.

I tried to remain pleasant, and not engage in any sort of argumentative behavior, or ugly tactics. I did try to get her to understand that I ALREADY HAVE the denial letter, and have had conversations with her adjuster, as had she. I tried to tell her I needed a means to pay for the repairs to my son's car. She was pleasant as well, but evasive.

It's just frustrating. She says she's not seen the police report, that she needs to talk to the boy driving, that she needs to talk to her insurance company........blah blah blah.

I need to stop kvetching over it.....what happens will happen....I can't FORCE anything.....but it makes me so DAMN ANGRY to have so many uninsured drivers.....and she's an ADULT....she OWNS the car...why would she let some unsuspecting young man drive an UNINSURED CAR??? Why would he drive it with an expired insurance card in it? Why not make her provide a CURRENT card at least?

Sigh. Enough already, right?

It's Ghost Hunters Wednesday!!!! Mr. P is grilling chicken and burgers. Son #2 has a raging cold, and he's really cranky-----blech.

Toodles for now.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

12 steps to nowhere

Hello!

I'm at it again. Taking a FoodTV recipe and trying it out. Yes, I am obsessed with FoodTV....kind of. Like I am obsessed with A&E's 'Hoarders' and 'Intervention', and Syfy's 'Ghost Hunters', and CBS's 'Big Brother', and 'Survivor'.

'Hi....I'm Perfectly.....and I'm addicted to television' (come on...say it....you KNOW you want to.....'hi Perfectly'.....)

Okay, now that I've gotten THAT off of my chest (and in no way want to diss the recovering individuals out there.....please don't hate), I'd like to talk about cooking.

I'm not a huge fan of Ina Garten...I mean she's okay and all, but somehow, I just don't fit into the 'Hampton's' set, you know? I'm not rich, I eat canned chicken broth in my dishes, and sometimes....gasp...I eat pre made stuff...like boxed pizza, and chinese!!!

So, although I find her pleasant, I hear a teensy weensy little undertone of snobbery from Ms. Garten (although her goofy professor husband Geoffery...or is is plain ole' Jeffery?? is adorable).

However, I did watch her make a tuna roll recipe over the weekend that made my mouth water. I'm a big chicken and undercooked meat of ANY sort sends me into the 'what disease can I catch' mindset, however, I know, from watching FoodTV and from experience that some meats need to be eaten less well done. Like steak. I don't like it bloody rare, but pink and juicy in the middle is the way to go. Tuna is the same way!! I know this logically, but mentally, I am blocked. Perfectly's dad had a seared tuna appetizer one evening at the LAKE OF THE OZARKS for dinner one evening, and I forced down a seared on the outside, raw on the inside slice of tuna on a cracker thingy. It was good. GOOD. A scary undertaking for me, but GOOD!!!

So, when I saw Ina (I can call you Ina, can't I.......that may make me think less snobbery of you.) make this tuna roll, I knew I HAD to try it. Except my family doesn't like fish. Or avacados......*sigh*

So, I went and bought the ingredients. I decided to try to surprise Perfectly's dad and offer to share the bounty with him!! He's taking it, but not after lecturing me about how I shouldn't make something to eat that I'm not making for my family. Except I want it. And my family doesn't....so THERE Daddie-o.....take THAT!!

I followed the recipe pretty carefully.....except I used shallot instead of red onion, because mine needed to be used, and maybe an eensy bit more soy---and maybe a little less tuna (it's EXPENSIVE, people!!). And so far, I'm totally impressed. TOTALLY. I even overcooked the Tuna, which Ina said NOT TO DO, and it's still good. Maybe it's mental and I see pink inside and not blood red, and feel better...I don't know, but it's still good. I seared it too hot on one side, so it's a little black over there, but actually, it gave it a charred taste....and it's GOOD!!!!! Not burned at all....and I'm NOT being sarcastic...for once.

I even bought the expensive arugula that I've never tried before. By itself, I'm still on the fence. It's bitter, and tasty all at the same time, but in the middle of chewing, the bitterness gets a little rough...then it's all good and earthy again...so I'm waiting to try it with the tuna......on a roll.....for my dinner.

I was also SHOCKED to see that cranberry flavored Sierra Mist is back....that's a holiday drink, Kids!!! FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!!! I decided to try it with coconut rum....because nearly EVERYTHING fruity is great with coconut rum. And it's due to be a tension filled Big Brother night.......it's not bad. Not perfect, but not bad.

OH...OH....OH...in other news...I won Crissy's picture caption contest!! Go look!! Well, maybe I didn't win COMPLETELY, but I won SOMETHING!!!!!!!! Tell me who's captions were funnier would ya? Because I know for SURE she was just trying to be nice and not send me 6 pink, vanilla scented penis soaps. She wanted to share the wealth.

And.....son #2's football season is off to a good start! The Junior Varsity team travelled to Florissant (a suburb of St. Louis), and they won!! By ONE POINT...it was a nail biter right down to the last few seconds!!

Mr. P's blog is up for the best Sports Blog contest this year. Go vote. He needs a win. He got in trouble with the coaches last week. I can't tell you why, because he said not to in case Coach reads this, but it was kind of legit, but mostly NOT legit.......especially since it's Mr. P that got his SIDELINE PRIVILEGES taken away because he was trying to be funny. So, if you want the whole story, you'll have to ask Mr. P. He reads my comments. Just in case any one is curious. But anyway, go vote for him. ALOT. I guarantee he won't pose nude if he wins, though. You'll just have to know that you made a really nice guy happy for winning something.

Whew...we covered lots of topics today........I'm off to eat my TUNNA ROLL dinner!

Toodles for now!!