Okie Sister

Favorites - February 2009

Remember a week ago when I was complaining about being so far behind in reading all my favorite blogs? Well, it was a good week and I managed to get caught up yesterday, just in time for my monthly roundup. As you will recall, my inspiration is my hero “for not letting life pass you by,” Mr. Ferris Bueller.
“Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Stories:
Why I Have a Uterus from The Country Doctor’s Wife
Jill’s and Ashes’ Crazy Adventure and Morning’s Conversation from Jill Shalvis
My Factory Memoir and Where the Neon Lights Are Pretty from JenX67
ER Nurse’s Description of a Heart Attack from Heart At Home
One Day... from If Mom Says OK

Inspiration:
Kurtis the Stockboy & Brenda the Check-out Girl from Mile 283
He’s Ever Interceding and Remembering Laura from A Gathering of Thoughts
“Hot As A Pistol”, Grace, and Time Me from Momo’s Fali’s
Meema and Brothers from Rocks In My Dryer
Loss Never Gets Easier from Burnettiquette

Funnies:
George and Alan’s Favorite Superbowl Commericial from The 7MSN Ranch
Oh My Holy Freakin Freak Balls from The Country Doctor’s Wife
Nocturnal Admissions from Nanny Goats in Panties
Barbie Theater: Double Indemnity from I Am Bossy
The Lost Boobie from Today In Idabel
I’m Dancin‘! from April Showers
Soul Mates from Momo’s Fali’s

Recipes:
In Pursuit of the Perfect Pepperoni Roll from Chickens in the Road
Yummy Hamburger Sandwich and Almond Joy Cake from My New 30
Best Cook In The Whole Wide World from Hillbilly Woman
Aunt Bette’s 5-Hour Oven Stew from Mrs 4444 Cooks
Cake Balls from Chocolate and Whine
Friday Cocktail from Alamo North

Other:
A Cat Costume Contest from Beside the Stream
Fun With Sun & Son and Ruby Tuesday! from This DVM’s Wife’s Life
Yoda to De-stress Returning Soldiers from The Official Star Wars Blog
Let’s Go Through This One More Time from Neil Crone
Escape From Gettysburg from Fire Horse

Why didn’t someone tell me before about this blog from Lost actor Jorge Garcia?
Have a favorite post or blog you would like to share? Leave me a comment.

Blissful

Fellow Okie blogger Staci at The Bliss Of It All was kind enough to send me the following award.

 

"This award acknowledges the values that every Blogger displays in their effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values with each message they write. Awards like this have been created with the intention of promoting community among Bloggers. It’s a great way to show appreciation and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web."

Thank you. I'm so honored. I just love this blog community that uplifts and supports one another.
Staci has some wonderful stories on her blog about her family and growing up in Oklahoma. My favorite this month is The Lookout Clubhouse. Also don't miss Grandma's Dump Cake recipe.

I would like to pass this award on to my number one fan Brenda at A View From The Pines. Brenda was the first person to start leaving me comments on a regular basis. I appreciate that so much. It actually encouraged me to keep writing.
Now everyone...go make someone's day by leaving them a comment on their blog.

Two Weeks

Two weeks after surgery, here is where I stand. (Pun intended.)
I’m walking all over the house with my walker. I’m not allowed to put my full weight on my leg for another couple of weeks. I’m starting to get bruises on my hands from the walker.
When I get into bed, I still have to lift my leg up with my hands. More exercise needed to regain that particular movement. I have to sleep on my back. This is driving me crazy. I have pain in my heels from this.
I can’t cross my legs... ever; for the rest of my life. I’m still not allowed to lean forward; have to keep shoulders behind my hips. I have a fancy plastic and rope contraption that I use to put on my socks. I have to wear these TED (anti-embolism) hose for several more weeks. They are hot, but they did cover up my hairy legs; that is until Hubby shaved them for me last night. (What a trooper.) The hose have an opening on the ball of the foot, but mine get twisted around all the time and my little toes fall out and I Monk out. I try to fix this with my reach-y grabber tool, but it doesn’t work very well for this. However, the grabber tool is great for retrieving the lotion bottle on the other side of my nightstand or for getting yogurt or soda from the fridge. Pockets also come in handy for moving snacks from kitchen to other areas of the house.
I’m not supposed to twist either. You remember that DVD the doctor sent home with me before surgery. It explained how to move around your house, how to climb stairs, how to get in and out of the car, etc. Absent from the video was instructions on how you are supposed to wipe your butt when you can’t reach behind you or bend forwards. I’m just saying, that might have been helpful information to add. Since this post has now gone to pot...did you know that pain meds make you constipated? In an effort to counteract this, I’ve never ate so much fruit in all my life.
Getting off of the blood thinner immediately made me feel better. I’ve cut way back on the pain pills too. I no longer require the house to be 60 degrees. I actually got chilled this afternoon. This was before I realized that the air conditioner had come on because it's in the upper 70’s here in OK today.
Hubby and I traveled to OKC for a follow up with my doctor and to get my staples out. Had an x-ray made and was told everything looks good. Walked my butt off on this trip and ended up having a painful and sleepless night afterward. (Not that I’ve slept through the night since surgery.) I had wanted to go to work for a little while the next day, but stayed home and rested instead. Today I went to the office for about three hours. I’ll continue this as long as I feel up to it, if Hubby doesn’t mind driving me back and forth during the day.

Muffaletta Supper

I saw that several bloggers were celebrating Fat Tuesday today. One, Alamo North, even mentioned eating a Muffaletta while in New Orleans. This got me thinking about a favorite recipe.
I mentioned before that the first cookbooks I collected were the Southern Living Annuals starting with the 1983 edition. What I like about the Southern Living books is that they have complete meal plans made specifically for each month of the year. As a new homemaker, this helped me learn what dishes went together.
In October of the 1983 Southern Living Annual, you will find “Muffalettas Make Supper Easy.” This meal consists of Tomato Juice Cocktail, Cheese ‘N’ Beef Ball, Assorted Crackers, Muffaletta-Style Po-Boys, Ambrosia Salad, and Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake. This meal should be made ahead of time, except for the sandwiches. I don’t recall ever preparing this salad, but I can’t count all the times I made this cake. It’s very delicious. I'm so making it as soon as possible. (Sorry, no pictures today.)

Tomato Juice Cocktail

• 1 (46-ounce) can tomato juice
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Combine all ingredients; cover and chill at least 4 hours. To serve, pour mixture into a Dutch oven, and place over low heat until thoroughly heated.
Yield: 1 1 /2 quarts. From Rachel Youree, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Cheese ‘N’ Beef Ball

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (2 1/2-ounce) package dried beef, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed olives
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Combine all ingredients except pecans. Shape into a ball and coat with pecans. Chill well. Serve with crackers.
Yield: 1 cheese ball. From Mrs. Charles DeHaven, Owensboro, Kentucky

Muffaletta-Style Po-Boys

• 2 (10-ounce) packages French rolls
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salad olive juice
• 4 (1-ounce) slices fully cooked ham
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped salad olives
• 4 (1-ounce) slices salami
• 2 tablespoons chopped ripe olives
• 8 (1-ounce) slices Mozzarella cheese

Split French rolls; place cut-side up on baking sheet. Combine mayonnaise and olive juice; spread on each roll half. Place one slice ham on bottom half of each roll; top with 1 1 /2 tablespoons salad olives. Place one slice salami on top of olives; top with 1 /2 tablespoon ripe olives. Place 2 slices Mozzarella cheese on each remaining roll half.
Set all roll halves under broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly. Place cheese halves on top of meat halves, and slice to serve.
Yield: 4 to 8 servings. From Sarah M. Pulling, Pineville, Louisiana.

Ambrosia Salad

• 1 1/2 cups chopped orange sections
• 1 cup seedless grapes
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 4 bananas, sliced
• Lettuce leaves
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut
• Red Fruit Salad Dressing (optional)

Combine first 4 ingredients, tossing lightly; chill. Just before serving, stir in bananas; spoon into a lettuce-lined bowl, and sprinkle with coconut. Serve with Red Fruit Salad Dressing, if desired.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

Red Fruit Salad Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup jellied cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped

Combine mayonnaise and cranberry sauce; fold in whipped cream. Chill.
Yield: about 1 3 /4 cups. From Kay Castleman Cooper, Burke, Virginia.

Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

• 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (8-ounce) carton sour cream
• 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cream butter; then gradually add the sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Combine flour, baking powder, soda, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Spoon half of batter into a greased and floured 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan.
Combine chocolate morsels, brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle 1 1 /2 cups of chocolate morsel mixture over batter. Top with remaining batter. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate morsel mixture. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Yield: 15 to 18 servings. From Ann Elsie Schmetzer, Madisonville, Kentucky.

Works of Art

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Therefore, art is subjective. (I always say comedy is too.) We each respond to, and like, different forms of it.

Way back in the first part of December, I told you about attending a photo exhibit for some local female photographers who had traveled to Santa Fe together. Hubby bought me a piece that I admired. Well, I finally received it this week. Now, I just need a frame.

I’m a great admirer of food. I think it should be ascetically pleasing as well as delicious. I’m so fortunate that Hubby leaned how to cook from his mother. It’s come in real handy the past few weeks. Not only am I being fed, but it’s healthy food, and good looking too. This was last night’s offerings. I had to grab my camera ‘cause I thought it was so pretty. I might have been a bit on the hungry side too.

 

Little Cricket has not left my side since I arrived home from the hospital. What a faithful companion she is. Hey, we didn’t nickname her “Dr. Cricket T. Wicket” for nothing. She has always attended to the injured of our pack. My mother (not a big animal lover) always said that Cricket had the sweetest little face. That was a big compliment coming from her.

 

 

This last one you might not think of as art. Here’s where the subjective part comes in. Considering the fact that I’ve had to live with an ugly Frankenstein scar on my leg since I was a baby and first had hip surgery, I can appreciate the skill in which I was closed up this time. Once the bruising subsides and the staples are removed, I think this will be a scar that I can live with. 

The surgeon’s materials are flesh and blood, sinew and bone; as opposed to the painter’s canvas and oils, or the sculpture’s kiln and clay. A masterful artist in the eye of this beholder.

Update 4

Recuperation Notes:

This is a story boys and girls about Oxycodone and the Seven Dwarfs: Sleepy, Dopey, Queasy, Dizzy, Weepy, Happy, and Swoon.

First let me say that I feel everyone has to heal and recover at their own rate after surgery. As long as I’m moving forward and getting better each day, then I’m progressing well. At least that is what Hubby told Weepy this week. I’ve felt like I was taking two steps forward and one step back. I didn’t like the back.

I expected to be up and moving around more by now. But I, like several other members of my family, suffer from side effects from medications. So, while I would like to be sitting up in a chair, Queasy and Dizzy have other plans for me. I even tried to cut back on the pain meds so I wouldn’t feel so bad, but then I was too sore to actually move around. So I’m in a catch-22 here. I’m going to continue the meds for now, because on them, I can move my muscles more, get up and down unassisted, do all my leg exercises, and haul ass with my walker.

I envisioned my recuperation period as a great time to finally get caught up on my reading material. I have a four foot stack of magazines and books waiting here for me. I thought I would also be enjoying reading all my favorite blogs. My reader sits with 600 unread posts. Sleepy has not allowed me to keep up. I can’t even remember how many time I’ve fallen asleep now with my hand on the mouse. It’s so sad. The other night I fell asleep watching a tv show, so I was rewinding back to the last commercial break and fell asleep in the middle of rewinding and ended up at the beginning of the show. I’ve been able to stay awake long enough each day to log into work and take care of business and that’s about it.

The doctor also has me on a blood thinner. I don’t know how much that effects my system as well. I think it had a big part to play in what I now refer to as “the incident.” I was warned in the hospital not to run hot water while trying to bath. So Wednesday night while sitting on my bench hosing myself down, I specifically turned the water a lower temperature than usual. All was going well until Hubby was helping me towel off. That is when Swoon came to visit. I warned Hubby and he did the best he could trying to hang on to naked,wet, unconscious chick; not an easy task. Well, think about it, when you are about to pass out, you are supposed to lean forward and put your head between your legs, right? Well, I couldn’t do that. I’m not allowed to lean forward. I must keep my shoulders behinds my hips at all times. I awoke just as Hubby was calling 911, but before he pushed enter on his cell phone. I assured him I was okay. However Queasy had other plans. Hubby loving blogged about the “Return To The Exorcist.” Needless to say, I’ve been forbidden from bathing anytime soon. This was my step backwards for the week.

Dopey has an interesting effect on me. You know that running dialog that goes on inside your head? Well, Dopey makes me say all those thoughts out loud, continuously rambling on about the most minute details. Hubby thinks this is really fun from a control freak like myself. I’m a big goofball anyway, and this medication makes me even sillier. Happy has me giggling at times, not unlike that crazy Tatiana girl from American Idol. So, I’ve had some laughs along the way to recovery. Some of this has been so ridiculous that you just have to laugh; it keeps Weepy at bay.

Update 3

Surgical Notes:

On the way to the hospital, Hubby reminded me how he forgot the events of the whole day when he had shoulder surgery. (He actually forgot several day’s events, but whatever.) His point being that I wouldn’t even remember the current conversation. Obviously that didn’t happen. Hubby only vaguely remembers the coyote that ran out of the dense fog and took off the front bumper under panel of his truck as he ran over it on the HE Bailey Turnpike that morning.

Before I went to the hospital, I was tempted to take a marker and write a big “No” on my good hip. Just in case. Imagine how amused I was when the pre-op nurse got out her marker and marked “yes” and “no” on the appropriate hips. This was a “permanent” marker, because a week later I can still see it. That and tape residue.

My operating gown was made of paper, but had many layers and made me quite warm. I was told it had a ventilation system for heat and air. Made me think of a NASCAR racing suit.

After a discussion with the anesthesiologist about what a puker I am, she decided a patch would work best for the nausea. Some medication that’s helpful for motion sickness as well. I’m glad I remembered this conversation or I might have been concerned when two days later I found a silver circular sticker behind my left ear. If you are familiar with “the marked” from The 4400, then you get my concern.

I expected much more pain in my hip. Feels more like an achy soreness.

Morphine drip is a good thing.

You would think that an orthopedic hospital would have more comfortable toilet seats.

Nurses rock. Only had two exceptions in the two dozen or so I saw during my stay. The first one was a very large man named Jessie who didn’t support my leg correctly as I was getting back into bed, thus pulling a muscle in my inner thigh. This was the most pain I felt the whole time I was in the hospital. The second nurse, Sheri, well, I’m not sure what her problem was. I had a very bad experience Friday night from the pain meds. The room was spinning like a merry-go-round until I hurled. Sheri was insisting I take that medicine again the next morning and seemed to take it personally when I refused. Luckily my doctor showed up just as this was happening. All the other nurses, techs, and personnel took great care of me. I wish I could remember all of their names. Sherika was there the first night and Montana the last. Montana giggled all night. She had a great attitude and personality. My angel Trina took care of me the night I was the sickest. I squeezed her hand and thanked her profusely for being there for me.

Update 2

Hi all,
Thanks for your well wishes.
I'm at home, resting, working on my leg exercises. I'm on pain meds and a blood thinner. They make me queasy and have a headache, so I'm not able to be at the computer very much.
This too shall pass. Hopefully, I'll be back soon.

My Funny Valentine

To My Valentine, who means the world to me….




Lucky
By Jason Mraz with Colbie Caillat

Do you hear me,
I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair
Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

Update

I'm alive. Surgery went well. I've mooned the entire north wing while taking baby steps down the hall with my walker. They're probably kicking me out of here this weekend. More later.

Sprinting to the Finish Line

I’m writing this on Sunday afternoon with the Daytona 500 Qualifying on the TV keeping me company. One of my favorite drivers Mark Martin is currently leading the pack.
Last night I enjoyed the Budweiser Shootout. It was a good race with several wrecks and hard racing. It was only 70 laps long, but I still managed to doze off at one point. Thankfully I was awake for the sprint to the checkered flag, otherwise known as maneuvering through the bigass wreck. I wouldn’t mind if all races were under 100 laps. The best part of races are usually the last few laps anyway.
Forgettabout those ocean wave or soothing sounds noise machines, sign me up for the sounds of racecars driving around a track. Puts me to sleep every time.
Dang Martin Truex just took the pole.

I’m stressing about my upcoming surgery. Wednesday is when I will be put to sleep, have my skin sliced into, flesh pried open, leg bone sawed in half, hip socket built up, and a new titanium ball inserted in the bone. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

 

I’m most concerned about the anesthesia. I wonder if this fear is in my subconscious from childhood. I don’t remember my first hip surgery, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t frightened by what was happening to me. I’ve always been afraid of being put to sleep. (I sympathized when I read this blog about The Mask)

I have a lesser fear of waking up and not being able to remember all my passwords. You know we can't do anything on our computers without our passwords. I’ve written some of them down just in case. I know that defeats the purpose. Also will I remember where I put the list?
If you don’t hear from me for a few days, this is why.

My dog Trixie will be affected most by my absence. She has a tendency to throw up if I’m late coming home from work. I’m guessing she will sit by the front door until I return. That’s pretty sad, isn’t it?

I’ve always felt that hospitals where the best place to go to pick up germs. Yes, I’m a germ-o-phob. Hey, they aren’t filled with healthy people, now are they?
Speaking of which, I almost had to reschedule my operation. I’ve spent the last few days fighting off a cold/sinus/earache. Bed rest, Nyquil and fresh oranges were part of the cure. This photo sums it up.

 

Hey, I plan on hiking through the mountains again with my new hip soon. You just wait and see.

Okay, I just saw this Tony Stewart commercial. I didn’t find it amusing because some of us people have phobias, okay? What do you think about it, funny or not?

But What Are You?

Some of you mistakenly took my Loser post seriously the other day. Surely I jest. Hubby’s even having t-shirts commissioned for us to mark the occasion.

 

After I commented that the "M" in "I’m" shouldn’t be capitalized, he sent me another possible set of shirts.

 

I quickly altered this second pair to more accurately reflect our relationship.

 

 

 

Soapy Kids

Seriously, are there no talented young actors any more? This latest cast of young characters on the daily soaps are dreadful.

First there was Eden Gerick (Erin Sanders) on The Young & The Restless. She was so bad that they quickly replaced her with Eden 2 (Vanessa Marano). That must have been an interesting casting call. Wanted: actress with same whiny voice as the girl we are replacing. Eden 2 is no better than Eden 1, but I’m not a fan of the whole Baldwin-Fisher-Bardwell clan in general.

Of course, I’m still mad that Y&R killed off Cassie Newman (Camryn Grimes) in 2005. What a waste.

 

Also annoying is the character of Ana Hamilton (Jamia Simone Nash) who I guess they brought onto the show to sing a few songs. The girl should stick with singing and pass on trying to make a living by acting.

Then there is the latest Newman heir, Abby Carlton (Hayley Erin). This Paris Hilton wannabe couldn’t act her way out of a paper bag as evidenced by the fake crying over her adopted dad Brad’s death (Brad-cicle Don Diamont was fired) this past week. She’s just annoying. And to think they replaced that adorable little Darcy Rose Byrnes, who held this role for so many years, with this grown up model. What a shame.

 

Is that a pet peeve of anyone else? When some cute child actor goes away to boarding school and comes back as a teenager played by a different actor. Heck, Noah Newman went to summer camp and came back a grown man. Well, played now by a twenty year old actor anyway.

It doesn’t have to be that way either. Think Robin on General Hospital. That role has been portrayed by the same actress, Kimberly McCullough, all these years. She wasn’t always on the show, but they let the character age naturally and brought Kimberly back to reprise the role.

   

And speaking of GH, who’s this Ethan Lovett (Nathan Parsons) shooting pool with Luke Spencer? He’s cute and has an Aussie accent, but I’m not a fan. He doesn’t open his teeth when he speaks. It remind me of a ventriloquist act. Very distracting.

Next up on Y&R, the return of McKenzie Browning. Played by another new actress of course. I liked Ashley Bashioum’s portrayal of this character and did not enjoy the last two gals at all. The last one being Rachel Kimsey.

 

 

I purposely only showed pictures of the actresses I like.

Update: I didn't realize at first that Eden #2 Vanessa Marano was also the same actress who played the annoying April (Luke's daughter) on the Gilmore Girls.

With the words from a poet...

Look who came back this morning.
I thought they were wintering in Texas.

Two doves meeting in the sky
Two loves hand in hand, eye to eye
Two parts of a loving whole
Two hearts and a single soul
Two stars shining big and bright
Two fires bringing warmth and light
Two songs played in perfect tune
Two flowers growing into bloom
Two doves gliding in the air
Two loves free without a care
Two parts of a loving whole
Two hearts and a single soul

Jennifer Hudson Pulled Me Through

I’m not a fan of awards shows, but I was interested enough in the Grammy Awards to record last night’s broadcast. As I was fast forwarding, I’m so glad I stopped and heard Jennifer Hudson’s performance. To me, it was a once in a lifetime event. What this young woman has been through this past year would devastate even the strongest of souls. Our Dreamgirl Jennifer brought down the house singing “You Pulled Me Through.” At the end of the song, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was truly inspirational. Next time I feel life getting me down, I’m playing this video.

 

 

You Pulled Me Through
by Jennifer Hudson

I was in the darkness
I was out in the cold
Seemed nothing could heal this
This hole in my soul
You reached out your arms to me
Held out your heart to me
Pulled me back from the edge
Thought I reached the end.

 

Chorus:
When I was drowning
When I was so confused
You, you, you pulled me through
I was in the shadows
Lost, nothing left to lose.
You, you, you pulled me through.

 

You gave my faith back
Faith was so hard to find
You gave me my life back
You were my lifeline
The love that you gave me
Is love that has saved me
Your strength is what made me strong
You held me and I held on

 

[Chorus]

 

Out of the dark
Into your arms
Into the light
Your love saved my life

 

[Chorus]

 

 

 

 

 

 

On another note, The Singing Cowboy, Gene Autry was awarded a lifetime achievement award. Gene Autry is way out on a branch of my family tree. (on great grandma Pierce’s side). Did you know there is a Gene Autry, Oklahoma?

Eggs-actly What I Wanted

January 31
Hubby asked if he could make me breakfast and what would I like. We discussed what we had available to cook and then he said something like, “We won’t be having omelets.”
You see, he is the master omelet maker in the family. He produces his fluffy variations in a fold over omelet pan. Well he did, until it wore out. I showed him how to make an omelet in an a regular frying pan, but he was not impressed. I have to omit that mine tastes great but they are not the same as his. That fold over pan somehow steams the eggs and fluffs them up about an inch thick. They are really good.
So, simply solution, go to the store and buy a new fold over omelet pan right? Not in this town. We have not been able to find one anywhere in Lawton. So this morning after our breakfast exchange, Hubby says dejectedly, “I’ll never have a good omelet pan again.”
Inside I’m dying and almost blurted out the fact that I had ordered him one online the day before.

February 4
I was watching “Dear Genevieve” on HGTV. Genevieve was doing a kitchen makeover for a couple. She took them to a ginormous kitchen supply store to buy some new cookware. Hubby, who was sitting next to me, says, “I bet they have an omelet pan there.”
I smiled on the inside.

 

February 6
Box arrives for Hubby. Nothing says love as we approach Valentine’s Day like an egg omelet pan and an egg spatula... if that's what your heart desires. Aren’t they the cutest things ever?

 

We actually have a rule in our house about buying household items for special occasions. The rule, (as stated by me) “Don’t buy a vacuum cleaner for my birthday or I will kill you”, or something to that effect. To circumvent said rule, Hubby once gave me a shiny new four slice toaster with a dozen red roses sticking out of it. I found that creative and practical. I have too many vases anyway.

Results

The results are in for the 2008 Okie Blog Awards.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants.

As for me, I’m gathering up my marbles and going home.

Wait, I’ve lost my marbles...

Soulmate

I’m glad to see that the Natasha Bedingfield single Soulmate has finally been released. I fell in love with this song about two years ago. I even ordered the inport cd N.B. just so I would have a copy of it. I never have understood why this great song was shelved while Love Like This, Pocketful of Sunshine, and Angel were released. To me, Soulmate is the far superior song.

 

Soulmate
by Natasha Bedingfield

Incompatible, it don't matter though
'cos someone's bound to hear my cry
Speak out if you do
You're not easy to find

Is it possible Mr. Loveable
Is already in my life?
Right in front of me
Or maybe you're in disguise

[Chorus]
Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone

Here we are again, circles never end
How do I find the perfect fit
There's enough for everyone
But I'm still waiting in line

Chorus

Most relationships seem so transitory
They're all good but not the permanent one

Chorus

Turning Into My Mother

A couple of years ago, Hubby called me out on a bad habit of mine. I used to leave waded up paper towels all over the kitchen and evidently he was getting tired of throwing them away. In my defense, I left them there because I have a serious hand washing monkey on my back and I was being frugal and reusing said paper towels. Also as I cooked, I would often use one of these towels to wipe up spills or to wipe my hands on. And I wasn’t leaving them for him to pick up, I just hadn’t thrown them out myself yet.

One day we were at my mother’s house and I hear him cracking up. Why? Because he looked around my mom’s kitchen and saw waded up paper towels. “Well at least you come by it naturally,” he said. Oh great, I’m turning into my mother, I thought. Well, that was just the motivation I needed to break this habit.

What I didn’t realize is that this particular habit is contagious. For sometime, I thought I was going crazy because I was sure that I wasn’t doing this anymore, but I kept finding paper towels around the kitchen on the counters. I finally realized it wasn’t me, but Hubby that is doing this. So Honey, guess what, you are turning into my mother. How does that feel?

Hubby also has sock issues (as evidenced by this "sock ball" I pulled out of the laundry basket), but we already knew that. Read Wet Socks on his blog.

Sister Sightings (14)

Soap News: Big catastrophe on General Hospital this week. Big enough that the show will be unveiling a new hospital set in April, complete with a new nurse’s station. I still miss seeing nurse Jessie Brewer (Emily McLaughlin) behind the round 7th floor nurse’s station desk on GH?
I guess you could say GH is getting a facelift. Not unlike characters Bobbie Spencer (Jackie Zeman) and Monica Quartermaine (Leslie Charleson). Or is that botox? (Who besides me remembers that actress Jackie Zeman once posed in a men’s magazine?) On the show, the wealthy Quartermaine family pay for the Extreme Hospital Makeover.

 

Reality TV: Watch for Okie Christie Volkmer and her sister Jodi Wincheski on the next Amazing Race when it premieres Feb. 15. These ladies are Southwest Airlines flight attendants. I wonder if that will give them an advantage. Jodi is from Houston, Texas and Christie is from Choctaw, Oklahoma.
Also on the show will be the first ever deaf contestant, Luke Adams. He will be accompanied by his mom, Margie. Gay rights activist Mel White will be racing with his son Mike, screenwriter of the most excellent movie, “School of Rock.” One leg of the race has the contestants traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railroad through a snowstorm in sub-zero temperatures.

America’s Next Top Model starts again on Feb. 25. One of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s ex-girlfriends, Kortnie Coles, is a contestant. She is listed as a 24 year old non-profit organizer from Houston, TX. Answer This... hosts a shot of her wearing the famous “Not Everything Is Flat In Kansas” t-shirt. She should be a lot of fun.

Speaking of NASCAR women... I wonder what ever happened to TLC’s reality show NASCAR Wives. It was supposed to premiere after the Miss America pageant last month.

In The News: Speaking of Pageants... It’s that time of year again here in Lawton, Oklahoma for Cameron University to crown a new queen. Each year the headline in the newspaper catches my eye.

 

Every year I think the same thing when I read it too, When is the Miss White CU Pageant?

Several earthquakes have occurred in Oklahoma recently. Centrahoma reported a 3.2 on Feb. 3, a 2.4 was recorded between Carney and Chandler on Jan. 29, and a 3.4 the day before that near Amber.
Amber, Oklahoma...home of some Steak(?) restaurant Hubby wants to take me to. Have any of you been there? Let me know if it’s good, okay?

Speaking of wacky... weather, that is. Have you seen the 5-ton ice sculpture of a “shivering” Al Gore. It was revealed by Craig Compeau in Fairbanks, Alaska. Compeau, a self described moderate skeptic of the whole global warming theory, is using the sculpture to raise money for Presbyterian Hospitality House. Participants guess whether this winter will be warmer or colder than it was the winter of 1947-48. Gore was born March 1948. More info at www.frozengore.com.

Chocolate Pudding Cake

I was reading a recipe on the Pioneer Woman’s blog this morning for Delicious Baked Fudge. It reminded me a lot of the famous Molten Lava Cake recipe. Below is the diabetic substitute for that chocolaty goodness. It’s from the cookbook Diabetic Cooking printed in 2003 by Publications International. (Another good recipe in this book is the Lasagna that’s pictured on the cover.) Eat this cake as soon as it comes out of the oven, while it’s all gooey and hot.

Chocolate Pudding Cake

Cake

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 10 packets sugar substitute or equivalent of 20 teaspoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm fat-free (skim) milk
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Sauce

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 10 packets sugar substitute or equivalent of 20 teaspoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 3/4 cup boiling water

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all cake ingredients in large bowl; mix well. Pour into ungreased 9-inch square baking pan.
2. To prepare sauce, sprinkle dry ingredients over batter in pan. Pour boiling water over top. Do not stir.
3. Bake 40 minutes or until cake portion has risen to top of pan and sauce is bubbling underneath. Serve immediately. Makes 9 servings.

Per serving: Calories 150, Fat 3g, Saturated Fat <1g, Cholesterol <1mg, Sodium 246mg, Carbohydrate 26g, Fiber <1g, Protein 4g. Dietary exchanges: 1 ½ Starch, 1 /2 Fat

 

While we are on the subject of cake, look what the sweet gals from Today in Idabel made for me in horor honor of my Blog Birthday yesterday. Thank you again ladies. You Rock!

Crumbtastic

I’ve blogged about some of my little OCD quirks (monkisms), but I’ve not narced on Hubby for his. His may be actually more severe than mine. When we first started dating, he had all his shoes lined up neatly in his closet floor and his shirts were hung in ascending sleeve length and also according to collar detail (or something like that).

I’m always amazed when I open the peanut butter jar and it is smooth and flat on the surface. Not sure how he even does that. So imagine my shock this morning when I open the tub o’ margarine and see this.

 

Okay, first of all...crumbs, yuck. More importantly, how the heck did this get all lopsided. I don’t understand... but instead of buttery toast, I‘m opting for cereal (if the date of the milk is not expired). Somebody’s got some ‘splaining to do.

The First 365 Days

One year ago today I started this little blog.
I was inspired by family members who were writing interesting tales about their lives and making funny observations about the world around them.

I’ve never been one to express myself, so I felt I had a lot to say. Forty plus years of bottled up feelings and thoughts waited to be expelled from my mind. But wait, I’m not a writer. My sentences are filled with really, just, kinda, and like. As Yoda would say, “Mmm, grammar you seek.”

I wondered too if I would be interesting or entertaining. I do find that my tongue-in-cheek, sarcastic humor does not always reflect in my words. People actually take me seriously about issues I’m only being flippant about. So, I’m working on it. Despite that, I forged ahead.

“The funny bone works better when exercised.”
I don’t know about you, but I crack myself up all the time. I’ve found that you can “develop” a better sense of humor by working on it. Let yourself go, use your imagination, throw stuff out there and see what sticks. If I can cause one smile, brighten someone else’s day, I feel I’ve made a difference in this difficult world.

What about the serious stuff?
This year I’ve read some heartfelt posts on other people’s blogs and cried several time in my morning coffee. Some folks can open up and share their hearts with the world. Thank you for that. I enjoy a good cry as well as a good laugh. But writing about the sad stuff, well that’s just not 'my thang' at this time. Maybe later, when I’m older and more retrospective about life, or more evolved.

I try to write about the happy, positive aspects of life; or about things that piss me off. All this babbling should give you a picture of who I am.

First year Okie Sister highlights:

• My Twisted Addiction
• Kerosene & Gunpowder & Lead, Oh My!
• Monkisms?
• Imagine Brotherhood
• No Weddings, Only Funerals
• Elmer Thomas, Senator
• Elmer Thomas Park
• Protect Me
• A Hair Raising Encounter
• Violets Are Blue
• Dinner Alarm and Emergency Preparedness (first post linked to on another blog)
• NASCAR 2008 (an original poem)
• The One That Got Away
• Sunday Morning Ruckus
• She Got The Look
• Armed Forces Day Parade & Other Events
• Cow Whisperer
• 4th of July, Army Style
• No Longer Navy
• Does This Blog Make Me Look Fat?
• That's "My Story" and I'm Sticking To It
• Okie Sister Get A Pat On The Noggin (listed in Oklahoma Magazine)
• This Is My Town
• Pardon Me...For A Short History Lesson
• Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Gonna Walk Aroun'
• Local Church Goes Up In Flames
• Funny Money Found
• The Hills Are Alive, But There's No Music
• Sixteen Carnations
• 'Twas The Night After Christmas
• Things I've Learned in 2008
• Start Cooking
• Who Me? (nominated for 2008 Okie Blog Award)
• Passing The Test

I Got a New Attitude

Donna at Gather sent me the Lemonade Award for attitude and/or gratitude. I have been told before that I have attitude, but I don’t think that’s how she meant it. I definitely am grateful to have connected to so many wonderful fellow bloggers this year.

Donna is a talented artist living right here in Oklahoma. Visit her blog for recipes, photos of wildlife and collectibles, and to see her remarkably creative art pieces. My favorite is titled “Good Dog.” She’s a new blogger, so show her some love.

I’m passing this award on to fellow bloggers: CraftyLilDevil's Blog, Cari-Okie, Extreme Gardner, Decisionally Challenged, Aunt Jo’s Corner, Blithe Revival, The Bliss of It All, and It's Just What I Do.

Instructions: 1. Put the logo on your blog or post. 2. Nominate at least 8 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude. 3. Link to your nominees within your post. 4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. 5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Okie Oracle (1)

In an effort to enlighten, as well as entertain, Okie Sister has traveled to a high mountain top in a remote area of the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge to consult with the elusive Okie Oracle. Perched high above the lakes and wildlife, the Okie Oracle basks in the serenity and quiet of the unspoiled nature below. The perfect spot to contemplate the chaos and confusion of the everyday world.
Folklore has it that on moonlit nights the Okie Oracle transforms into the great black bison and stand in the middle of Highway 49, daring vehicles to pass without flinching.
The Okie Oracle is knowledgeable in all earthly and otherworld matters and is willing to depart some of this ancient wisdom and advice on us, the lowly masses. If you have an inquiry for the Okie Oracle, email okieoracle@gmail.com and I will again ascend the mountain to obtain answers for you, my readers.

 

Dear Okie Oracle,
Since you are able to explain things in a simplified way that even I can understand, maybe you can help me out here. I've been so busy enjoying my high definition television programs recorded on my DVR, brought to me through The Dish Network, that I've not been keeping up with the major switch about to occur from analog to digital programming. I keep hearing about it, and converter boxes, and government vouchers. What does it all mean? Why is the government involved in TV viewing? Are my tax dollars being used to help people afford what I consider to be a luxury, not a necessity in life?
Sincerely,
Satellite Viewer

Dear Satellite Viewer,
The switch from analog to digital TV only exists to justify having a “crawl”, announcing the transition, annoy me while I’m watching King of the Hill and The Simpsons. I can prove that is the reason because why else would they have the crawl on the high definition channels? These video feeds can only be seen on digital-compliant equipment and they are completely separate from the digital and analog feeds. Exactly how many households have both high-def TVs on satellite or cable *and* analog TVs with “rabbit ears” needing a converter?
The government is involved because, while you consider your money to be YOUR money, they’re pretty sure that your money is THEIR money. They are killing two birds with one stone; if they ignore the Bill of Rights and illegally take your property (cash) BUT give it to someone else (converter box) somehow it all balances out so you can’t really call them sleazy thieves.
Clever, huh?
Okie Oracle

 

"For The World Is Hollow, And I Have Touched The Sky" ST:TOS

No New Messages...

Day six without email at my home. The internet provider says they are building a new mail server. Me thinks they ordered parts from China. Delivered by slow boat. I’ve got about 5 old computers sitting around my house if you guys need some spare parts. Call me.

My vote for the 2008 Okie Blog Awards has been sitting in my Outbox the whole six days. I may have to send it from work. Deadline is the 7th.

My hip surgery has been delayed a week. Now I have to re-prepare myself mentally for next week, instead of this week. Too bad I lent out my car. I didn’t think I would have much use for it.

"Remember, texting or talking while driving can be dangerous to your health."

Hey, why does anyone hold a phone up to their ear anymore? A wireless headset costs as little as $20-$30.

Spent Super Bowl Sunday on the couch in front of the television. Not at all a football fan, but even I appreciated what an exciting game this one was.

My grandson, (pictured in the previous post) hung out with me. He’s such a good baby; perfectly content and entertained by me making silly faces and funny noises for him.

Hope to have an exciting new feature out for you very soon. Stay tuned.

MVP

 

MVP - Most Valuable Playdate