Cats on strike
The cats were threatening to go on strike (or leave hairballs on our pillows) since Claire always gets the brag-photo action around here, so to add to the shame of kitty porn and exploitation on the 'net, here are a couple of photos of Selina and Madeline under the tree (which comes down tomorrow) tonight. Happy New Year's Eve everyone!
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Pink!
We went out to Best Buy to cash in a few Christmas gift certificates, and then out to dinner. While out, I got my first stare-point-scream "Oh my God! Her hair is pink!" Tee hee. It's worth it now just for THAT!
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Happy New Year's Eve
Top Ten Signs You're At A Bad New Year's Eve Party
(taken from Letterman Top 10 Lists over the years)

10. At 11:58 the host announces, "I gotta get up early. Everybody out."
9. The guy playing Baby New Year in a diaper actually wears one year-round
8. It's at Puff Daddy's place and no one gets shot!
7. The best-looking woman at the party is Katherine Harris
6. To give it a Times Square feel, everyone is groped, fondled and pick-pocketed
5. "Party hats" look suspiciously like stolen traffic cones
4. The "champagne" is really apple juice mixed with Alka Seltzer
3. You notice a "Happy 1999" tag on the package of shrimp you've been eating all night
2. At the stroke of midnight, everyone starts doing their taxes

- And The Number One Sign You're At A Bad New Year's Eve Party -

1. When the ball drops, so do Grandpa's pants!
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Where do they grow neon blue grass anyway?
So Todd is making me sit here and suffer through the Humanitarian Bowl today, all in the name of the season almost being over. And as I look at the freaky blue field (yes, blue!) -- I have to stop and wonder. "Do they select the teams for this bowl based on whether or not their uniforms will clash with the turf?"
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So very true!
Tara just found this quote on growing up in Oklahoma from former OK resident, and now ECU football coach, Steve Logan. How true it'is!

"In Oklahoma, you're born, they turn you upside down and slap your fanny and if there is a stem in between your legs you go to full pads immediatly. That's all there is to do there." - Steve Logan
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End o' year time for reflection
The new January InStyle had a great "look inward" section in it, with a lot of questions you should ask about your life and yourself. Here are a few of them, with my answers in the "more" link...

Can you recall a meaningful "family moment" in the last week?
Have you stopped asking "what will I be when I grow up?"
When did you last help someone less fortunate without using your checkbook?
What was the last spontaneous, even silly, thing you did?
When you hear the word "home", what comes to mind? Chaos or comfort?
Are you happy to walk into your home?
Do you wake up in the morning feeling truly rested?
Are you comfortable walking barefoot at home?
Are there enough quality ingredients in your kitchen that you could throw an impromptu pasta dinner for four?
Do you have a comfy private space -- to read, talk on the phone, or watch TV -- that's not your bed?
Do you have a couple of bottles of good wine and the makings of one classic cocktail on hand?
What album "speaks" to your life clearly?
Where would you live if you could live anywhere else?
What play or movie has had a big impact on your life and why?
What person in your life has influenced you the most and why?

And now my answers...

Can you recall a meaningful "family moment" in the last week? Yes, I most definitely can. And no, I'm not going to share with the group. So there! *g*
Have you stopped asking "what will I be when I grow up?" Never! And I hope I never do stop asking that either...
When did you last help someone less fortunate without using your checkbook? They're not necessarily "less fortunate", but I always try to step up and help those in need whenever they ask...and even when they don't... Being house-bound most days makes the human-to-human (with no monitor involved) aspect of this question kind of difficult most days.
What was the last spontaneous, even silly, thing you did? Well, if you've seen my hair this week, 'nuff said!
When you hear the word "home", what comes to mind? Chaos or comfort? Well that would depend on which home you're talking about... Our home is very peaceful and tranquil. But when we go home to Oklahoma, well that's another story. It's a constant mental tug-o'-war of..."spend time with meeeeee!"..."No! Spend time with ME!"...with most of our time being spent in the car driving from one place to another around the state privately counting the seconds together until we're back "home" in Florida again. We like it when people just come out to see us separately instead.
Are you happy to walk into your home? Most definitely! It took us five years to be able to buy our first home, and we're enjoying each and every second here now.
Do you wake up in the morning feeling truly rested? Morning? What's that?
Are you comfortable walking barefoot at home? With that brand-spankin' new carpet, you betcha!
Are there enough quality ingredients in your kitchen that you could throw an impromptu pasta dinner for four? Sure! That is if "quality ingredients" includes Prego, and they wouldn't mind plain ol' sgh'etti!
Do you have a comfy private space -- to read, talk on the phone, or watch TV -- that's not your bed? Well we're both quite happy with our "OU Crimson" painted computer room/office. But I wish we had one more bright, cheery "sun room" or such with a nice chaise lounge. Some day...
Do you have a couple of bottles of good wine and the makings of one classic cocktail on hand? Actually, thanks to Todd's vendor for the holidays, now we do.
What album "speaks" to your life clearly? The soundtrack to "Threesome" is the first one that comes to mind. I think "Dancing Barefoot" is one of the best U2 songs ever. "Is Your Love Strong Enough?" by Bryan Ferry was something I always came back to listen to during the hard days of our relationship. What child of the 80s didn't lock themselves in their room and blast "Bizarre Love Triangle" by New Order? Now c'mon, 'fess up! ("Whenever I get this way, I just don't know what to say... Why can't we be ourselves like we were yesterday?") Duran Duran's "(Come Up and See Me) Make Me Smile" is a great "find yourself" tune -- and I really did make a major life change after hearing "That Was the Day" by The The for the first time. The whole CD is basically a reminder of where I am, where I've been, and where I still hope to go with my life. And not just because there's a really good cover of "Like a Virgin" by Teenage Fanclub on there either. LOL!
Where would you live if you could live anywhere else? I would give just about anything to be able to live in Philadelphia again. I didn't want to leave, and it just felt like "home" from the day I moved there 'til the day I left. The only drawback was that Todd was in Oklahoma, so I was miserable without him.
What play or movie has had a big impact on your life and why? Breakfast at Tiffany's. What woman doesn't want to be Audrey and Holly-like after seeing this movie?
What person in your life has influenced you the most and why? As mentioned in a recent survey, hands-down that distinction goes to my Gma. ("She was an orphan, yet became one of the best mothers and grandmothers in history. She didn't complete the 8th grade, yet became one of the most successful business women in my hometown. And she managed to find the love of her life not once, but twice, after my Popeye passed away. I wouldn't be the woman I am without her guidance, wisdom and love.")

posted at 01:13 AM | link-

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Purty
Todd captured a stylin' new image off his Gladiator DVD and I updated his blog with it today. Go and give it a look-see!
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We're in!
Miami just beat Atlanta, so Tampa Bay makes it in the play-offs! YES!
posted at 04:17 PM | link-

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It's just so wrong on so many levels
Ok, the local sports news just said that if Miami beats Atlanta at home tomorrow, our play-off hopes are clinched. I have to cheer on the Fish? I'll feel so...so...dirty! Ick.
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Sah-weeeeet!
Hot diggity d@mn! Looks like my Bucs technically just made the play-offs on Monday, errrrr, Saturday Night Football against the defending world champ Baltimore Ravens 22-10. My #47 jersey is sacred again!
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Call Jenny Craig for help NOW!
Ok, just when you think your search requests can't get any more "out there", you get one for "gingerbread cookies nude". Uhhhh, hello?
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And that's the way it was...
I am loving this "top 10 blog entries of the year" idea! Since I started blogging in August, it really allows me to play "catch up" on my favorite reads. Spotted so far today are Erika's and Jennifer's. Please let me know if you make a list, too!
posted at 08:54 PM | link-

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The 2001 Wrap-up
Idea stolen from Mena (as mentioned below) -- my top 10 blog entries for 2001 -- in no particular order!

From the home office in Norman, OK - My Top 10 Blog Entries for 2001:

My very first blog entry (from Blogger): quite amusing that I wasn't even sure if I could do it, and now I'm near 800 entries less than six months later!
Trying to process 9-11: like everyone, I was still struggling for words and trying to come to terms with what had actually happened that day
In my own handwriting: I think this entry is unique because it was hand-written and not just the everyday "typed-text" format
Why don't you just tell us how you really feel: my annual bitch-slap against the longhorns and their fans after OU defeated texas at the Cotton Bowl
Maybe some birds shouldn't fly: dealing with (irrational?) thoughts and fears following the American Airlines crash in Queens on November 12th
Things that defeat me: one of the rare times I will actually open up about my health and how it effects my daily life
Things I'm thankful for: because in the end, the good always overshadows the bad
Vanilla Sky review: words cannot express how much we thought this movie sucked, but I gave it my best!
Beauty school drop-out: the reason my blog is now pink (I still can't believe I did it)
And the earth stood still: a summary of the day I met the rest of my life

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Cotton Bowl
We aren't going to be able to make this one, but heads up the Tampa Bay Sooner Club members...Steve has picked the Cotton Bowl Watch Party location...
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Another one bites the dust
Yippee -- Christi has a blog now! Christi has a blog now!
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WOW!
And here's my winner for best redesign of the week! And she didn't even have to dye her hair!

posted at 10:36 PM | link-

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Useless trivia for $200, Alex
Todd and I were listening to the Gorillaz CD the other day and we were both trying to figure out who the rapper was. His voice sounded really familiar. Could it be because he's Ice Cube's cousin, Del Tha Funky Homosapien? A completely useless tidbit o' knowledge, but it had been driving us crazy!
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Pretty as a picture
Kathy has been one of my best friends since we were 15. She was born on the same day and year as Todd, just a few hours later. Her mom used to shop at my Gma's children's clothing store when we were little. And she got together with John the same month and year that I got together with Todd. They both got the death-flu for Christmas that we had last month, so this photo is a bit belated, but it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside just looking at it!
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The very best of...but wait, there's more!
Here's a really good idea from Mena if you're stuck on what to blog about today. Your top 10 blog entries of 2001. Hmmmm...I'll have to think on that one over the weekend! So what are yours? If you make a list, please let me know where it's at in my comments!
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Pink Ladies Rule!
This is too cool -- Erika has a rockin new design as well! And the Pink Ladies Pledge (quoted below) is part of the theme. Looooove it dah-ling!
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flypaper for freaks
Candi has an awesome new design today -- check it out!
posted at 11:28 PM | link-

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Poi-fect!
In honor of pink hair day, I will link the best head of pink hair I've ever seen -- Tarina Tarantino. Todd was secretly hoping I'd be brave enough to go for her color, but I'm not quite "there" yet. LOL! Her wedding photos are amazing though!
posted at 10:02 PM | link-

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Paint the mutha pink!
Well, I'm sorry to disappoint those of you looking for a more "exciting" design change and announcement with all the hype. There are just some things in life you don't confirm or deny 'til you're ready. A girl's gotta have some mystery about her, right? But with that out of the way...Meryl wins the (*ding, ding, ding*) door prize for guessing correctly!

The Pink Ladies Pledge is
to act cool
to look cool
and to be cool
'til death do us part
think pink!

This design was originally intended to be the post-Christmas switcharoo. But I made the mistake of showing it to a few friends, which basically resulted in "double dog dare" peer-pressure from Ashley and my husband to look the part. *g* Since I almost-always take dares (and won't play Truth or Dare because of it), I figured "what the hey", and booked a hair appointment for today. This is the last year of my life that I'll have a "2" as the first digit in my age, and you only live once. Besides, Gwen is actually 3 years and one month older than I am. If she can do it... So there you have it -- and here's the proof.

I realize some people actually go into convulsions and projectile vomit at the color pink, so if you're one of those people -- or just reeeeally liked Shirley -- you can view my blog here instead. It's the same blog time, slightly different blog channel.

Viva la pink! Now I just have to figure out how to not make my Gma cry over it...
posted at 08:46 PM | link-

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Man hands!
Ok, what genius in the Brawny ad department thought that putting a muscled-up, hairy man's arm on a woman cleaning her kitchen would actually make me want to rush out and buy their product. Gives me hairy male pits? Uh, no. Makes me clean even harder and faster? Double-uh, no.
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The number you have reached...
I swear, this must be national dial the wrong number day! In the last hour I've had two messages on voice mail -- one for John that his welding was ready, and one for Rita about her doctor's appointment. I should have picked up just to screw with 'em!
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Thank you kindly!
Well David kicked my cable and DSL-spoiled arse tonight and reminded me not everyone lives their internet life in the fast lane. I know the top graphic is load-heavy now, but it was designed to be an alternate and lost a lot of resolution by trying to compress the size, so I just left it alone. And since I put this temp-thing up on Christmas night, I took short-cuts. He suggested a few tweaks to help with load-time, so hopefully if you're cursed with dial-up, this will make your modem quit sputterin' 'til you have another option tomorrow night. Thanks David!
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Cheap-o shoppin'
God bless the after-Christmas sales! We went to the new snooty mall today and walked out with two sacks full o' bargains. First stop was The Body Shop, where I got two bottles of Snow bubble bath and a cranberry soap for less than one bottle of the bubble bath was just two days ago. Then we hit Crane & Co. and I got a box of Christmas cards, a box of Christmas thank you notes, and two boxes of note cards for less than the Christmas cards were originally. It's the only way I can afford to shop there. Shhhhh...don't tell anyone...

Then we locked down the checkbook again and ducked out before anything else could suck away the balance! But it sure was fun playing for a few...
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Shirley be thy name
Since Christine asked... Shirley Manson (lead singer of Garbage) is currently gracing the top of my blog. For more info on the Garbage quotes sprinkled throughout, see my reply in this post. And to see a lot of really kick-ass Shirley photos, go here!
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I am God...no...really
Ok, I rarely take online surveys or polls -- but when I found the "Which Kevin Smith Female Are You?" Quiz at Stacy's blog, I couldn't resist. And when I found out I'm God, well I just had to share. I mean, I've always suspected it...but now I have proof!

"You know all and see all, but that doesn't prevent you from having a child-like innocence and a playful sense of humor. You obviously think very highly of yourself, but that's okay, everyone does. Told ya God was a woman!!"

Take The "Which Kevin Smith Female Are You?" Quiz!
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Did somebody say presents?!
Here are a couple of Christmas morning photos: Todd with his new James Brown Celebriduck (for the James Brown Celebrity Hot Tub) -and- Robyn with the Pier 1 candlesticks she's been lusting over for-evah!
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Please stay tuned
Sad but true, it's time to kiss the holiday girls goodbye... You might notice this "version" is 6.05 (since it borrowed from the previous template). It's also because 6.1 gets unveiled on the 27th. But you'll just have to stay tuned (bwah hah hah hah) to see why! It will be as close to skinning as this site's seen yet...
posted at 08:46 PM | link-

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Where is my mind? I know I left it around here somewhere...
I had to giggle reading over Nikki's second-annual holiday roll experience -- because I have to confess that I, too, knocked over the maple extract bottle while making it this Christmas. Too funny!
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Merry, Merry!

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Could she be any cuter?
And now...your moment of (holiday) zen...photo 1, photo 2, photo 3, photo 4, photo 5...
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Just settled down for a long winter's nap
I blew up a photo from a local neighborhood light display to try and give you a small sampling of what we saw tonight. We were literally blown away. The streets were filled with cars and the sidewalks were filled with walkers -- just going through and taking it all in. There was even a news crew there. I fear their power bills! Click here for more photos from our Christmas Eve light tour...
posted at 03:14 AM | link-

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CONGRATS!
I no longer have to hold this in 'til I burst -- CONGRATS ANGELA, BARON, and baby-to-be! The best Christmas present ever!
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'Twas the night before Christmas
We're home for a bit in between dinner out and midnight mass, so we thought we'd pose for all the folks back home. We miss and love you! (all snuggled up pose -and- kissy kissy pose) Merry Christmas!
posted at 10:39 PM | link-

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Sleigh tracker
If you need to track Santa's sleigh tonight, the fine folks at NORAD are here to help!
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Sooner (Christmas) Spirit
Have a very merry Christmas!

posted at 12:36 PM | link-

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And the painter is...
For those who have inquired who originally painted the pin-up currently at the top of my blog, after digging around, I found it was Bill Medcalf. You can find a larger version of the image above here.
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It's hard to be humble when he's perfect in every way
Check out my stylin' husband! He just made "Suite101's top five journals" with five stars, and he's in good company sittin' right on top of Jish. Congrats Todd -- I'm proud of ya'!
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If all else fails, swig the bourbon!
Here's an amusing story of my very first holiday roll attempt, for anyone that's ever had the fate of a family recipe-tradition resting in their hands.

Reading my comments made us both giggle. Holiday roll almost was the death of me the very first Thanksgiving I tried to make it! I can hold my own in the kitchen -- and have always done particularly well with pastries, cakes, and cookies. When my MIL handed down the family recipe, I was SO nervous (because it's such an annual tradition for Todd), but didn't think too much about it. I followed the directions to the letter -- and nothing happened. The dough didn't rise, and it was just this huge ol' 3-layer mess. I was almost in tears...

So I steeled myself up and sent Todd back out again for more supplies, determined not to be defeated, and tried it again. I made Todd watch and double-check me every step of the way. Same thing the second time. So I sent Todd back out for another trip to the store (keep in mind buying that many pecans was not cheap), and when he got back, I called his mom and had her on the phone practically every step of the way. Third time was not the charm.

I took so much ribbing for it, too. Everyone had heard tales of what a good cook I was, and something his mom could make 4-5 at a time was the death of me. We could NOT figure it out. So.....I decided funk dat.....and bought a different type of yeast than what came in the box the fourth time around. Yes, I was a glutton for punishment. But it was more of a mission at that point. (Reading over my shoulder as I type this, Todd says there was a fire in my eyes that was literally jumping out and burning people.) And it turned out picture-perfect that time!

Fast-forward a few weeks later to us flying home for the holidays. I was STILL taking ribbing and teasing for my first three flops as Todd's mom set out to make four one afternoon. We went to meet my sister in Tulsa that day, to promises of fresh holiday roll when we got home. I still can't believe his mom didn't try to hide the evidence -- but when we got back, we opened the door to four completely flat holiday rolls. The SAME THING had happened to her! The only thing we could figure out was that the yeast packets that came with the dough mix were faulty that year. It hasn't happened before or since. But forget baptism by fire. My baptism was covered in sticky cinnamon and sugar that year! And my heart stops each and every time to this day until I see that dough rising, too...

posted at 09:06 PM | link-

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It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas
Giving those Pillsbury bake-off wussies a run for their money, I spent yet another afternoon in the kitchen today working on the soon-to-be world famous holiday roll family recipe. I made one for Ryan and Chel, too, as their Christmas prezzie from us. See what you could have if you moved to Tampa Bay (baking holiday cheer, all wrapped up to go, and one for my homies)! If you want the recipe, just go here.
posted at 08:14 PM | link-

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Couldn't have said it better myself!
Awesome sign seen in the crowd: "Merry Buc'ing Christmas!"
posted at 02:12 PM | link-

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Buc ball
With 7:05 left to go in the first half, the Bucs have already piled up 191 yards of offense on the Saints and we're up 20-0! WHY can't we play like this all the time?! Alstott is literally ROLLING over their defense while getting an extra 10-15 yards per carry, when he should have been tackled and down in the back field long ago. This is why we keep coming back every week. It's that whole abusive relationship "baby I'll never do it again" thing, and this week is the week we're showered with presents and "I love you's". I don't care though. Just WIN!
posted at 02:03 PM | link-

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Oh sweet mother of pastry products
You may or may not have seen my quest in the past for Hostess honey buns. Well last night when we were doing our holiday shopping, a light shone down from the heavens right about aisle 12. Perched on top of the new Krispy Kreme display sat a new box of...drumroll please...Krispy Kreme honey buns (individually wrapped). And it was good. So sayeth the wasteline, so sayeth the elastic-waist boxer-pants.
posted at 01:29 PM | link-

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Holidaze
Last year I gathered up photos of every Christmas we've spent together, and I just got the ones from last night added for 2001. It's amusing to see how I can't commit to any hair color or style. And if you only knew what I have in store come December 27th... *evil grin* I can't believe how young we looked that very first Christmas!
posted at 01:24 PM | link-

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Warm fuzzies
Jana just put together a holiday photo page of friends' photos she's received this year. We finally got to see a photo of Shane and Melinda's baby -- it's so adorible -- and Christine's baby, too! Melinda and I have the same birthday, even -- it's amazing to see the two of them "looking" like parents now. More, more, more Jana! (Updated to say: Yay! We just got Shane and Melinda's card, too. Isn't their baby site adorible, Jana? And are they the Old Navy poster-children or what? *g* They look like the perfect little all-American family!)
posted at 12:18 PM | link-

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B-ball
BOOMER SOONER BABY! The OU basketball team just knocked off #2 Maryland 72-56, to win 8 in a row and go 8-0 at home. It's the first time OU has beaten a top 5 team at home since we LIVED in Norman back in '96 -- what a huge win! And thankfully we got back home just in time to catch the last five minutes of the game... Congrats Sooners!
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We've got spirit, yes we do!
We're trying to figure out the self-timer thing on our camera, so please forgive the amateur photography here (we don't even own a tripod)...but a couple shots before we head out for the night (photo 1, photo 2)...
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Made with love...and a little booty shakin', too
If my neighbors peeked through the blinds a few minutes ago, they got a heckuva dance show! I had WinAmp running while I was makin' and bakin' for tonight's party, and Weezer's "The Good Life" came in the rotation. "... Shakin' booty making sweet love all the night ... It's time I got back to the good life ... It's time I got back ... It's time I got back ... And I don't even know how I got off the track ..."(I seriously think Pinkerton is one of the least-appreciated CDs ever!)

And for those of you who like to bake -- if you don't have a Silpat mat, run, don't walk, and go get one! Between that, and our new oven, I've never had cookies and pastries come out so perfectly before. There's a reason Martha always lectures about having Silpat. They are pretty pricey -- but completely reusable, easy to clean, and they save the bottoms of your baking and cookie sheets. It's one of the best gifts I ever asked for and received!
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Santa baby...
Well I had to add this joke list once I got to number 1!

The Top 15 Things on Santa's To-Do List

15. Virgin or not, time to move little Miss Britney to the "Naughty" list.
14. Have the elves increase production on those cheesy Xbox knock-offs.
13. Cancel wrapping paper order -- use those Enron stock certificates instead.
12. Decide how to respond to Ashcroft's subpoena demanding information on what foreigners are naughty or nice.
11. Administer nine little Breathalyzer tests.
10. File a flight plan with the FAA -- wouldn't want an F-16 wasting the sleigh.
9. Irradiate all those letters from children -- you can't be too careful!
8. Remove candy canes from pants pockets during mall photo sessions. Getting tired of explaining things to the D.A.'s office.
7. Write letter to self asking for threesome with Mrs. Claus and Heidi Klum.
6. Finally shave the beard now that the Taliban has fallen.
5. Attend weekly meeting at Nogaholics Anonymous.
4. Touch up the urine-proof lamination job on the the thighs before heading to the mall.
3. Visit reindeer stalls to load up on stocking stuffers for a certain Mr. bin Laden.
2. Prepare a lump of coal with Winona Ryder's name on it.

and the Number 1 Thing on Santa's To-Do List...

1. Write back to Susie Winfield of Peoria; ask her how on God's green earth she thinks a whole pony is going to fit down a friggin' chimney.

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Yummy for your tummy
Whoever said it was better to give than receive obviously never had a box of Godiva truffles dropped at their door!

Thank you so much Jana! It was my pleasure!
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Bring me back as
Ok...if reincarnation really exists...I wanna come back as the Lenny Kravitz drummer chick. Or a pony.
posted at 12:29 AM | link-

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The raw power of the 6-volt battery...and a child's heart...
Ok, I'm not going to go and get all Whitney on you, but this story on the evening news turned on the water-works. It's the pure selflessness from children like this that gives me so much hope for what seems at times such an uncertain future...
posted at 11:28 PM | link-

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Blog map
I found this thanks to GEEKAFIED.COM -- a blog map of the U.S. (and foreign countries), listing blogs by geography. Check it out and submit your site! (Update: Many links don't work or go to the right place...maybe not?)
posted at 10:53 PM | link-

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Watching the blah's fade away
We are feeling the love! Yesterday we got the yummiest homemade cookies in the mail from Christi and Ryan. Much fighting was done over 'em! Then today, the most beautiful red, white, and blue Christmas ornament arrived from Tara and Tommy. Tara wanted us to be able to tell our children and grandchildren one day about what happened in 2001 as we decorate the tree, and I got a little misty-eyed hanging it front and center on the highest branches. I'll just let the photos speak for themselves (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3)... Don't let either one of them fool you when they claim they have no Martha-esque cooking and crafting talents -- the evidence speaks for itself. Thanks guys!
posted at 07:36 PM | link-

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Countdown
I'm waiting on Todd to get home with the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies. This is one of those nights I think I could inhale half a dozen in the blink of an eye, even though they aren't for us. I need cookies -- physically and mentally. Sigh.
posted at 06:47 PM | link-

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Christmas pampering
I've spent all afternoon grooming Claire for Christmas, so of course it's time for the "brag photos"! (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3)
posted at 05:09 PM | link-

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Something Stupid
For everyone that's coming here looking for the lyrics to "Something Stupid" (a duet with Robbie Wiliams and Nicole Kidman), look no further!

I know I stand in line
Until you think you have the time
To spend an evening with me
And if we go someplace to dance
I know that there's a chance
You won't be leaving with me

Then afterwards we drop into a quiet little place
And have a drink or two
And then I go and spoil it all
By saying something stupid
Like I love you

I can see it in your eyes
That you despise the same old lines
You heard the night before
And though it's just a line to you
For me it's true
And never seemed so right before

I practice every day
to find some clever lines to say
To make the meaning come through
But then I think I'll wait
until the evening gets late
And I'm alone with you

The time is right
Your perfume fills my head
The stars get red
And oh the night's so blue
And then I go and spoil it all
By saying something stupid
Like I love you
I love you...

--written by Carson Parks
posted at 11:36 PM | link-

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Name that quote
Todd wanted a new holiday pic for the top of his blog, so of course I was more than happy to oblige... Can you name that quote?
posted at 11:20 PM | link-

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We put the "fun" in dysfunctional
This is too funny, I just had to share! We got an adorible Christmas card from the lovely Felicia today. (THANK YOU! *waves*) But the warm-fuzzies were quickly replaced by teases and noogies as it sunk in that Todd's dream of having a harem has finally been realized, and I truly was the last to know. I give you exhibit A, the card envelope. And now I give you exhibit B, the card inside. Instead of "My Two Dads', it's "My Two Wives"...starring Todd, Robyn and Ashley. Felicia -- you don't know how many hours of silly teasing this will provide! Please please tell me now -- is there something I should know?

what's wrong with American over-commercialization. We were driving over the Bay last week, and noticed this huge American-flag type billboard floating out in the water. At first we thought it was just yet another patriotic display, until we got closer and saw the huge "SEA SIGNS" logo, and website address to place your own ad. It was a friggin' floating billboard, right there smack in the middle of Tampa Bay! It's bad enough billboards litter the roadsides as far as the eye can see, but leave my beautiful, pristine waters alone! I'm so glad the county is trying to do something about it. (Here's a mini photo of this monstrosity, found at TBO.com.)
posted at 10:57 PM | link-

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Survey says!
A couple of surveys have been floating around, so since I'm bored...

"This-or-That" from notfullyawake.com

Home fries, or crinkle fries? Braum's accordian-fries!
Paper or plastic at the grocery? Plastic.
Modern or classic art? Definitely classic.
Dine in or eat out? Not feeling well, take-out. Feeling well, cook up a storm.
Comedy or drama? I always take the opportunity to laugh over cry when possible.
Short fingernails or long? Too hard to type with long.
Do you own all matching bath towels or an assortment of different kinds? Not enough matching, but we try...
Building a snowman or making a snow angel? I love making snowmen!
Corrective lenses or none? None, but Todd says I'm blind and need them.
Rock & Roll or Country? Can't stand most country -- more "alternative" rock I guess.

And better late than never...the "Monday Mission" from PromoGuy:

Have you ever had your image of someone shattered beyond repair? Several times, but the most disappointing being by my own father. When I let him back "in" after the wedding, I really expected him to stay there that time. Obviously...not...and I'll never mak