It Is What It Is

The Truth is....

I never drove across country in a VW Beetle to meet a lifelong pen pal....Never even had a pen pal.  (Insert sad face here.)

 I could however, make a whopper in 4.3 seconds....Really, I know that's something you would want to include on any resume.  I will say, while proficient at all sandwich making, (it was called "working the boards")  I preferred being the Drive-Thru Attendant.  More interesting.  I worked at Burger King all during my high school years and even came back and worked a Christmas Break or two....I firmly believe all teenagers should have to work at a fast food restaurant.  It makes you humble and hungry (to further your education-not necessarily to consume more of the fast food.)

Finally, while in college, I spent one quarter interning at an ABC Affiliate station in Cleveland, Ohio.  They produced both a morning and afternoon news/information/talk show program.  I have many fond memories of interning with lots more stories to share.  This particular time, we had a hypnotist on the morning program.  They needed "victims" so the "Intern" - ME was pulled in along with the station receptionist and a camera operator. 

I didn't really think I could be hypnotized.  Sure enough, I could and was doing all sorts of interesting things.  I don't remember anything about what went on while under, but I do remember the before and the after.  Funny enough, all of my elderly realtives were calling my mother all throughout that day and asking-"Was that Debbie on TV?  What was she doing?  Did you know she was going to be hypnotized?  Have you talked to her since the show?  Is she alright?"  Too cute...

 So,that was fun.  It's not too late to share your stories. 

Two Truths and a Lie

Have you ever had to play this icebreaker game at a meeting?  The idea is that you match up with a perfect stranger and then you tell that stranger- 2 truths about yourself and 1 lie.  They have to guess which is the lie.  Usually, you then go around the room sharing the interesting truths or lies. 

Let's play, shall we?

I'll start.  You can play along and then I'll reveal my lie later.  This is the perfect opportunity to reveal a deep dark secret that you've been dying to unload from your conscience.  It's also a fun way to share your creative side.  How wild of a lie that is close enough to the truth to be believable.  Come on now, you can post anonymously....

1.  I worked for Burger King and won the title of "Fastest Whopper Maker" in the store I worked.

 

2.  I once drove across the  country in a VW Beetle to meet up with a life long Pen Pal I had made while in grade school.

 

3.  I was hypnotized on live television and asked to do silly things while under.

 

Can you guess the truth?  Playing along is simple- post a comment below. 

 

Wrapping it Up...Part 2

**In true procrastinating style-I bring you the rest of my year in review, three days into the new year. 

Once school started, things moved along pretty fast.  Middle One was extremely busy with high school football.  (He's #78 at the bottom of the shot.)

Beloved was the Coach of Youngest's volleyball team.  This was a new sport for the entire family. 

I took on the task of coaching the 5th Grade Cheerleading Squad-Yep- there were 19 cheerleaders under my command.  Truth be told- I had a blast!  I was as proud as a Mama Peacock of how these girls performed and they looked cute too!

One more- I can't resist their "vintage" looking sweater ensembles!

We played Trivia to help raise money for a worthy cause....

Mixologists hard at work...

More mixing...

Beloved played the role of Trivia Master...and did a fine job- no too much controversy...
 

The "Last" ever Halloween parade that I will attend.  Youngest will be in 6th grade and they don't participate- they become  part of the crowd watching the fun...

That's not to say we won't be participating in Halloween- so keep your cap on Miss Muffet!

(Side-note- please disregard chipped paint left behind from Roofing job- mentioned in previous posts- it has now been scraped and painted....but don't you think it adds to the spooky factor?) 

We learned about Native Americans.

Graduated from the D.A.R.E. program...

Finally, the Holiday season was in full swing...

Time spent with family near and far...

Isn't it sweet how the big boys are showing the little boy how to play with his new game?

Sisters- together again.

Time spent relaxing, talking, watching the games...

Happy to have Grandma and Grandpa so close.

Taking full advantage of "close family time."  (Primarily to stay warm!  Have I mentioned how cold my house is?  Oh, my it's cold.  It's so cold, that the butter I set out to soften overnight was still refrigerator stiff in the morning...please Dad, turn up the thermostat!)

From our family to yours- Wishing you a Brilliant New Year!

 
 

Graces- 16 of 52

Grocery Store Prepared Entrees. 

We lead a busy life like most people I know.  Sometimes I struggle to get a homemade dinner on the table every -single - night.  I try not to do the drive thru stuff or even the "to go curbside" that a lot of restaurants are now doing.  It's a real challenge to prepare a delicious and nutritious dinner on the fly...ready in 5 minutes or less....because "Mom, I'm starving!  What's for dinner?"   I know- that's why God invented crock pots?  Well, my crock pot died a year ago and I haven't replaced it.  The other problem, you still have to gather the ingredients and plan on prep time.  So- back to my original dilemma.  GOOD FOOD- FAST.

  

Exhibit A-The Rotisserie Chicken available at most grocery stores.  There's your protein add a side and a salad and you've got yourself a nutritionally balanced meal.  I love rotisserie chickens.  If I'm making a recipe that requires cooked chicken- you can bet I'm using a rotisserie chicken.  It's convenient and delicious. 

It's amazing what you can buy at your local grocers these days by way of prepared foods.  I'm not talking frozen dinners, I'm talking prepared entrees ready to be plated.  I love my local grocery store, Churchills.  There selection is outstanding.  I also am a big fan of Costco.  Our family favs are too numerous to mention, but when in doubt for dinner, a quick stop at my neighborhood Costco will net me a fantastic meal that I only have to warm up. 

I don't feel to guilty when I serve one of these dinners.  It's like I really cooked it- right?  I did turn the oven on to reheat or zap it in the microwave.  That should count for something- and it is being served on real plates....