Happy Mother's Day

Of course, I will call my mother, and I am sure, sorta, that my boys will call me, but I still figure it doesn't hurt to put it out there.

On Thursday, I realized it was my brother's birthday. I meanty to put that out here when I got home from work, but that the Goddess of Chinese Food distracted me and I am just now remembering.

Happy Birthday to my brother David. He just turned 53 and that means he is really old. The last time I spoke to him was in 1980 during the winter olympics. He and his girlfriend (or wife?) came up to the mountains for about a day and they dropped off their daughter Barbara who was a baby then. David said "Hey kid."

Did he not remember my name? Who knows.

There isn't any animosity or drama, at least none I am aware of, we just weren't raiased together. My mom was married before she married my dad, and when she and her first hubbo divorced the kids went with him. I know that was an odd occurence 45 or so years ago, but don't ask don't tell seems to be the method in my family, so I really know nothing of the circumstances.

So Happy Day all around. I want some Italian Toast.

But is it a good thing?

It's a given that the proper ratio of cream cheese to crab, whether real crab or faux, can only be obtained when I make the crab puffs myself at home. PF Chang's comes damn close, but afterall, it's PF Chang's and one would expect this as well as expecting a hefty bill at the end of the divine meal.

One of my coworkers was recently mentioning how they always have a good meal from North China. I was skeptical because I already have a favorite place for Chinese food, and that would be Ambassador. It has been a fixture in Houston more than 25 years and Wendy the owner always recognizes us, and the grrls who work there always know our order before we even sit down. But, it isn't close to home. It isn't terribly far, but it certainly isn't close enough for take-out.

Dear Sweet Elizabeth has been working overtime this week in the driveway to get the car done enough for the Art Car Parade tomorrow. The car is looking spectacular given how brilliant she is, so yesterday, in support of her needing to paint more, I offered to stop by North China on the way home from work. It is actually on the way and I work just a mile from home, so it seemed the least I could do. I ordered shrimp friend rice, sesame chicken, egg rolls, and crab puffs. A good time was had by all. Tres. Yumm.

Of course I forgot about the leftovers when I came home for lunch and E had some when she got home from work, saving some for me. I knew that I wanted more of those cheesy crab puffs and mentioned that I would likely go get some once I detoxed off work a bit.

Good Chinese take out. Close to home. Maybe I just need to eat my next ten meals from there and get it out of my system.

o...mi...god...

lesbians unite. It appears the universe is cooperating and there will be a convergence of lesbians. In NYC. At the W Tuscany.
Woo. Are *you* going to dare miss this event?

and then Steven Segal said...

"Crack smoking mother lover....

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA...


When flipping channels because there is absolutely nothing on, how can you pass up watching the scifi channel long enough to see what movie this is? I don't think I have ever seen SS with a cajun accent. At least I think it was cajun.

PS...his lips weren't saying lover...

Now onto the real reason for posting...Kimi Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did anyone ever doubt this? Really? I got a book from her in the mail today. Not for any reason. She was browsing at B and N and thought it was cute. Does Kimi knit? Ummm, no. Does she love me? Absofuckinglutely.

As a result of this blog, comes this book

Long live bestest friends!!

bead store galore

While in DC yesterday we went to the Phillps collectionto see some great works, then we went on to Mimi'sFor dinner where the fried calamari was just right.

We finished up to this point ahead of schedule, so we had some time to kill before seeeing "On the Verge" at Arena Stage which was funny, but a little long for my liking.

To kill time we walked back through DuPont Circle and checked out a few shops. E saw an art opening which she and her bro and sis-in-law checked out but the niece and I went straight to Beadazzled.

More later.

It's vacation, she could blog if she wants to, blog if she wants to, blog if she wants to...

What a long day it was yesterday. Up at 5 am to make a 730 flight (I stepped onto the plane at 720!) then off to Philly for lunch, a cheesesteak, of course. We went to the Reading Terminal Market and after eating we walked around the place a bit. Back in the corner is a little snacky gifty place and I discovered insane genius.

Marshmallow peeps dipped in milk chocolate. It was really stupid of me not to but all of them. I should have known they would be just about perfect. They had a nice thick coating of creamy milk chocolate leaving just their little peep heads exposed. They have to be able to breathe, you know. And yes, I typed it right, had. I got 2 packs of 2 as they were post Easter buy 1, get 1 free. The possibilities of how good they were going to be distracted me from the inherant reality of knowing I should buy them all.

There was an ice cream plave and I got a mocha mudslide which was good in a cloyingly sweet kinda way. We drank about half of that on the way back to the car. We also bought some other small stuff, some high fiber low salt Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels for my dad, some choc dipped pretzels for our hosts, and some treats for the doggy doggs who own their house.

We would have bought some jewelry if the woman in the shop had acknowledged our presence, but she was intent on the man who was just looking and ended up walking away with nothing. All she needed to do was say she would be with us shortly and I woulda bought some new dykish earrings. Too bad for her.

Then we were off in the car and headed to VA. Nice drive, even if the car has previously been rented to a cigar smoker. There is a barely there remnant smell that most people would not even notice, I was actually glad for my sinuses acclimating to the new allergens assaulting my nose.

We got here at about 530 and sat on the deck drinking a few beers. There were lovingly prepared ribs for dinner, and we had a solo performance on guitar as we retired to the parlor. Talktalktalk til nearly midnight and time to hit the hay. I think all in all it was a lovely day of detoxing from work chaos.

As I left work on Wednesday, one of my coworkers asked when I would be back. I told them very seriously I wouldn't be coming back, I'd be hitting a lottery while away. Never looked back. Never cracked a smile.

Bought the winning ticket yesterday.

second pair

second pair
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

Oh, she needs a mate... I just finished the first sock of the second pair.

Gawjuss!

Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn in "Earth" on US2.

Size 2 needles are really small. They might as well be toothpicks. Really. I am concerned that when I attempt size 1 or even 0, that I might snap them while knitting.

I am *that* strong.

first pair

first pair
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

I am finally getting around to posting the first pair of socks I did for Dear Sweet Elizabeth. She has yet to wear them, it *is* a little hot in Houston for wool at the moment, but they were finished more than a month ago.

Not too shabby. Online sock yarn on a US3 needle.

cute grrl purse

cgp close-up
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

The latest in cute grrl fashion. just big enough for a small wallet and a cell phone.

Woo!

samf

My wasband is such a sorry ass mother fucker. For the past month or so, every day, I have been trying to call him to ask him about our son. Does he ever pick up? does he ever call back? Fuck, no.

So I am talking to my dear youngest and he is chatting away like normal...then it comes. I hear his dad in the background saying you need to tell your mother. Apparently he got in trouble yesterday. Big trouble. His father had to pick him up from being detained by the police. He had seeds in his pocket...those kind of seeds...so cut the dancing around it conversation we had short and then dad gets on the phone.

I hate him. I really have a hard time saying I hate this man who I was at one time happily married to, but having an affair changed him and I fucking hate the man he has become since. Can he call me back ever? No. Not until our son is in trouble and he will need help paying for a lawyer. I think I set the record for hang ups today as I hung up on him 13 times. Each time hating him more. I know I could have not answered my phone, but then I would have to listen to his voice on my voice mail and that always makes me hate him more than trying to finish the conversation in the first place.

Each time he would raise his voice or cuss or start telling me what I had to do, click. Then he told me if I hung up again, he would end up having to sue me for help paying the lawyer and for child support too. Click. He really infuriates me. Naturally, I got in the part about how he is not supervising our son enough, and reminded him he never paid child support when connor was living here, and how he demanded his son live with him and I graciously allowed it.

Did I mention that I fucking hate him?

After about the 12th hang up, I told him before hanging up on him that I wasn't in a position to handle the stress he was causing, and that would he please calm the fuck down and call me back when he was behaving more rationally and when he could speak to his son's mother with the courtesy and respect that she deserves. Click.

You know that the phone rang again right away. And I answered. I fucking hate him. And I really hate that he made me cry today and that means in some way he won some small victory. But then I got him. He was babbling on and on about how it isn't his problem that I don't have any savings( which I do) or that there isn't any money because we have been remodeling...he was reaching psycho mode in his rant, the clue being that he was mis-stating the facts I had recited to him, jumbling them all up sort of, and some of them were outright lies if not subtle fabrications. I hate him, afterall, so I was somewhere beyond giving a shit.

I asked him if he would take a breath. While he did that, I told him he missed the comment I made about the cost of my medication. Then I said the stress was bad for my disease. He asked for clarification but was pretty instantly deflated. And I was able to stop short of reminding himhow the soft sounds of my phone voice make his dick hard.

I still fucking hate him. but at least he will be calm when he calls me back after consulting with a lawyer.

The first time I kissed you I lost my legs...

That title is my new favorite inspired and profound lyric of the moment. Just so you know.

Another favorite, I just heard on the way home and I almost text messaged it to my wasband...If I ever sit to write the story I'll say something nice about you when you're dead...one more beer at the continental club and I just might have done it.

It is always interesting to go to the continental club. On Friday nights they have a house band of sorts, Molly and the Ringwalds, an 80s cover band. If you haven't guessed, it is a bit of an older crowd. mostly 30 and 40 somethings. always good for a few beers. I actually knew every song they played tonight. the interest comes in when one of the songs they play take sme to a persp, place, or time I haven't thought about in a long while. Tonight there were two episodes.

They played I want you to want me and i was thinking of my crappy first apartment in Norfolk and this neighbor I had there named Kurt. He was a geeky white boy with a bit of the brother vibe going on, but he really had a thing for Cheap Trick. I haven't thought about him since I moved from that apartment and that was in 1988.

Then they played Crazy Train and i though about my first real boyfriend, Michael. We were an item from about summer 1980 t0 82 I guess, though Michael was from Montreal so it was more a summer thing. I always remember him fondly and he is one of the people from my past I wish I was still friendly with.

Anyway, she who is dear *and* sweet has as of now been gone too long. Three nights apart is the general rule and while I wish her to have a good time with Aunt Pat, she better not be getting kicked out of any pubs without me.

Tomorrow night I am going on the tattoo parlor prowl. I heard we have a new chick in town at one of the studios and it might just be time.

and her jaw became unhinged

When will my coworkers learn that if they ask me something they are going to get an answer whether it is what they want to hear or not?

On Friday, one of them asked me, "Well what are you gals doing for easter?"

I thought about just saying nothing. Or answering that we were doing nothing. My response was actually pretty gentle, for me, but there is every possibility that she will not be enjoying her easter ham because her jaw is still hanging unhingerd.

I told her "Well, since you asked, we aren't christian, so we wont be doing anything 'for easter', but on Sunday, we are taking a ride up to Chappell Hill to see the wild flowers and have a picnic somewhere along the way."

After she realized her jaw was unhinged and walked away, another coworker asked, "Doesn't she get it? Rothman? Jewish name?"

I really have some dim bulbs iin the box.

So we went to Eatzi's last nightand got some things for our picnic today. There is curry chicken pasta salas, sesame chicken tenders, pesto parmesan couscous, cilantro shrimp pasta salad, hummus, sundried tomato bread with cheese, and a couple of cookies for dessert, chocolate chip with pecan (not as good as mine) for me, and peanut butter for e.

I left my meditation cushion at the retreat center last weekend, so we are going out that way to pick it up, The wildflowers are in bloom, so that will be a pleasant diversion. Almost as pleasant as the company.

the weekend

The retreat I attended was interesting. An odd amalgam of yoga and writing. With Charles, yoga is never just yoga. I have had a trying disease flair since the beginning of March or maybe even the end of February, so I participated in some of the yoga, but not all, half being a conservative estimate. Charles practices a gentle enough style of yoga to suit me well, but the bending and stretching is not conducive to an intestinal disorder.

The writing was by AWA process and guidelines which were not completely spelled out for those of us unfamiliar with that. The short list includes giving a prompt, writing for a set length of time, usually 10-30 minutes, reading to the group, and then receiving positive feedback. "What worked for you in this piece? What stays with you?"

On Friday morning we did the 1,2 numbering off to separate into groups for the reading and feedback. I saw it happening as we went around the table. 15 of us, 10 women and 5 men, and I was to be in a group that included all 5 men. I was comfortable enough with the group to let it play out, but I really should have spoken up and asked to be in the other group. The all women group.

We did our timed writing and the groups met. Me, two other women, and the men. Have I mentioned there were 5 of them??? They were not crazy macho, thank the little baby jesus (trademark DSE)but 5 men. It was to be my challenge. The Universe was challenging me. There was a reason and I just need be patient enough to let it unfold before me.

I hated it.

The writing I did was good. The feedback I received was both encouraging and helpful. The men were interesting and well written.

I still hated it. Being in a room with 5 men and being forced to pay attention and respond was so far beyond my daily (or weekly, monthly or yearly) experience. I had no frame of reference. The last time this was in play it was because I was dating them. (not these 5 mind you) and I commanded their attention in a much different fashion. It was terrible and I had to pay attention. I had to interact with them. And there was another group across the way that was only women and I was missing something!

This really set the tone for the entire weekend for me. After dinner on Friday I opted out of the yoga/writing session and went to bed early. "Aren't you afraid you might miss something?" One of the women really wanted a serious answer. I told her that I already had missed it that morning by not being in the group of women, so there was nothing really left to miss.

Our groups changed with each exercise so I wasn't stuck with the men in the same configuration all weekend, but after Friday morning, each exercise was a decision to stay or go home. I missed Elizabeth. I missed the yappy ones. I just wanted to go home.

Regardless of all that homesick BS, I still had a good time and managed some interesting writing. One piece in particular I am going to clean up a little and post soon. I was cracking myself up. I am intrigued by Merrill, the main character. She might be going somewhere further. She might become part of Alex. Who knows.

I am certainly glad to be home.I left the retreat before lunch on Sunday missing the last exercise and closing circle. I guess it was around 12 rather than 3 or 4. I got an email from one of the other Houston women that I had left my cushion and yoga mat and she had them. We are going to meet for lunch at Eatzi.s on Monday. There will be a CD of pics available soon from one woman who was camera happy all weekend. Yi. pee.

Less than eight hours to go

I will soon be on retreat. Does retreat begin and end when on the premises or do we include travel time? I am going to include travel time as part of the retreat for now, and if I am suffering through hellacious traffic, I might ammend this decision later. Afterall, it makes such an impact on the rest of my life. Not.

Chef Michel will be in attendance preparing vegetarian meals for the entire weekend. He really is good, and his meals will be a treat. I did a retreat at this place a few years ago with my friend Hitaji and Michel was wonderful. I could sit and listen to his stories of Picasso and France for the entire weekend. E's experience with him chefing was not as great, but I think the retreat host's budget might have affected that.

The yoga part of the retreat is under the guidance of Charles MacInerney. I have had one prior workshop with him and really enjoyed him and is teaching style. The writing portion of the retreat is with Patricia someone and I am too lazy to go look up her name. She and Charles have been working together for 8 or more years so I think it will be good.

No internet. Back after Sunday.

It's all good.

You can still call me Grace

As I exited Starbucks this morning, ventieightpumphalfsoyhalfwholechaitealette in hand, I stepped on a table leveling screw that was on the sidewalk in my path. Of course I didn't see it until I was sprawled out having spilled my drink. I went inside for a drink replacement and saw my scrapes, no open bleeding or torn clothing. I am going to email them tonight requesting a gift card as compensation because the staff did not offer to do an incident report or even ask if I was ok. A small gc is adequate. I am not sure what is appropriate, but there should have been some show of concern as I go there nearly daily. Grace. Less.

bowls...

I measured my bowls before they went into the washer and then a swishing they went. Two trips through the washing machine later, they are shaped and drying on the counter.

I had E help me wind up the Cherry Tree Hill supersock yarn. I bought a skein of it after the dentist a few weeks back. I bought the "Earth" colorway which is browns and reds and oranges. I also got a set of size 2 DPNs and I am currently swatching it to get gauge for my second pair of socks for she who is dear *and* sweet.

The first pair of socks is made from Online sock yarn in blues with some olive and cream and black. It was self patterning and I will photograph them as soon as I wash them, which might be tonight. The first one I did is slightly larger than the second, but that might just be because it was tried on. Washing should bring it back and I will sw if they are closer after that.

Ramble. And ramble some more.

I am going to Margaret Austin Center on Thursday for a yoga and writing retreat with Charles MacInerney. I will be there through Sunday at 3 and I am going directly from work on Thursday at 4. Ideally, it will kick start renewed activity on both fronts.

One of my last good nerves...

I have two or three stylists who are my challenges. One today, after repeatedly being told by the manager to not talk to others' clients and to not discuss certain topics was overheard saying...

Stylist to other persons client: Well, my daddy would have never let me wear shorts like that.
Client to stylist who is 50something and being a busybody: Well, my daddy beat me and my mother shot him when I was 9 in defense of me. And I am 26 years old and grown wnough to decide for myself what I can or cannot wear. I am sorry you weren't so fortunate.


o.
mi.
god.

It's all good...

Elsewhere in felting land...

bowls 1
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

I made some bowls. This is the after pic of the first three. I forgot to take the brfore pic and measure before felting. It's all good.

I have some more that I did take a before pic of which I will post soon.

laptop lady e finished

laptop lady e finished
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

Now that she is finished, it appears the laptop might be too heavy for the strap...this leaves three options.

Design a new strap...

Use as is as a hoboish purse...

Repurpose her as E's traveling skettchbook companion...

Which do you *really* think will win out?

Secret Pal 8

I think I am going to do it.

after

after
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

progress is being made with the laptop Lady E. I think one more trip through the washer is on the agenda.

Now I've done it...

I am so in trouble and really, it isn't my fault. A woman from PA, Loryi, had listed some yarns on the knitter's forum I frequent. All new, and name brands, smoke free pet free home, and at decent prices, below retail. I emailed her an offer for the lot of them and under what she was asking, and she agreed. They arrived today, woohoo, and all are ones I have not previously used. Woohoo.

I get to work today and one of my coworkers brought me a bag of yarn. I am just in trouble...

I am not going to think about it and just enjoy the yarn party. And eat my leftover CA Pixzza Kitchen pear and gorgonzola add bacon pizza for lunch while watching General Hospital before having to return to the chaos that is the salon today.

Later chicas.

some progress

laptop lady e 4
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

The laptop lady e inspired bag is nearly ready for felting. I am making some i-cord for handles and need to decide if I should attach them before or after felting.

Resisted no more...

I had to go back to the dentist this morning for him to seat my permanent crown. As reward when I survive a round at the dentist, since I am on the right side of town for it, I stop at Nancy Knits, a yarn store which is not my favorite, but has a different selection entirely than Yarns 2 Ewe. I was on a mission today to get some Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn to make my darling another pair of socks. The first pair came out looking like socks, but there is room for improvement. Nancy suggested to me that I use size 1 or 2 rather than size 3 needles, so I got a set of size 2 DPNs also.

From Nancy's I decided I wanted some breakfast form Empire Cafe. They serve breakfast until 11 and it was 10:20, so I gave E a call to confirm that my planned route would be the best choice. I made it in time to order Italian toast which is French toast made with a hearty rustic loaf of Italian style bread. Crusty enough that they serve it with a sharp knife. Two inch thick slices served covered in fresh mixed berries. Definitely yummy.
i had brought my laptop with me, but they did not have wireless so I did some file clean up and journaling and then dug in when my food arrived.

Upon my exit I decided it was time to hit More Than Paper... I have resisted this store, even going inside tosee what they have, for several years. Today was the day and the store is packed. With papers. And cards. And pens. And...stuff. I don't think I should be allowed in there unsupervised.

No more retail therapy!

Laptop Lady Eleanor

Laptop Lady Eleanor
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

Will it turn out right? Stay tuned...


I joined another blog, one for making bags. The March challenge is that the bag be felted and have something green attached or included somehow. I decided to felt a case for my laptop inspired by Lady Eleanor from "Scarf Style"

Go me.

17 minutes Like The Way I Do

Oh.
Mi.
God.

OHMIGOD!!!!!! There was bull riding. There was barrel racing. There was a calf scramble. There was a barbie doll stunt rider. There was trained rescue dogs. Lots of cowboys wearing pink. And let us not forget, hot dogs, cheese fries and beer. And the ferris wheel, funnel cake and fun house.

And then, there was Melissa. I luv me some Melissa Etheridge. I think tonight was the sixth time I have seen her. MMMMHMMMM. I am really sorry that Sheryl Crow has to deal with breast cancer, and I wish that was not the reason that I got to see Me some more Mellssa, but Damn. Excellent. About an hour and 20 minutes of loud rocking Melissa. I love it when the music is so loud you can sing at the top of your lungs and not hear yourself.

Divine.

Concert season has begun

So Bonnie Raitt was totally awesome. It was at a venue that seats about 5000 and it was a sold out show. I can't do justice to the experience as there was a woman sitting behind us who just gave white trash an added dimension. Setting the stage for that particular bonus really is E's domain and I imagine she will be back soon enough to elaborate. The show was excellent and I almost lost my shirt. I mean really, how does that happen? I was holding my shirt and sweater all night on my lap and then after the first encore the couple to our right leave and as we shift our seats a little I think my tshirt is gone. I had just dropped it and it was dark, but it was a senior moment or something. I immediately thought about wrapping xmas presents and you sit down with paper, scissors, tape, pen, and tags only to have to get up each time you need something you know is already right there with you.

Anyway, on to the next show. One of E's reps at work asked her if she wanted any tickets to the rodeo. Most of the artists are country and simply not our thing, but Sheryl Crow was scheduled so she asked for those tix. Dee came through right away so we were set. If you haven't heard, Sheryl Crow is facing breast cancer and undergoing surgery right away so she has cancelled which is terrible news, but of course, there is a flip side. Melissa Etheridge is filling in. Goddess Time is in effect. The Universe is pleased with me.

Souls Alike

Bonnie Raitt. Last night. Was awesome.

Work in progress

100_3158
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

I am currently working on creating a blanket for the bed. It is being done in a freeform fashion and I am winging it as I go with no pattern. I knit a little, then go block it (as seen in photo) and then decide where to take it next.

I am using Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool which is producing a lovely fabric. I actually have two more spikes done and I am not sure if I will continue with the sunburst feeling or get more geometrical with it. It might get blocked again tomorrow and a decision can then be made.

Can I help you?

100_3180
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

My lovely no-chair-behind-it desk. It's all inside.

Save as Draft needs reminders

If you have never worked for a corporate entity, you might never understand the penney way(TPW). It is the corporate way. The structured way. The challenge to figuring out the penney way is in that a lot of policies are favored at the store manager's discretion.

My challenge is in leaving behind the ways of the store managers I have worked for previously and learning what the policies are specific to the new store. Fortunately, this is somewhat facilitated by having worked with my salon manager long enough that I know how she wants various things done or handled.

As to new stylists, we have many. The new salon is 22 stations. Current stylist count is 30 I think. 7 came with us from the last store I was at, so they are all up on TPW as Sharon likes it. There are then another 5 or so stylists who worked at Town and Country with Sharon and me 5 years ago,but went elsewhere when that location closed. They sort of remember how it used to be, but they need reminding and refreshing on all the things that have since changed.

There is a group that have migrated from Regis, maybe 7 or so and they are used to corporate structure to a point, but not used to working for as big a corporation, nor one that is as diverse. They are the younger stylists for the most part though not terribly young, maybe 28 to 45 with a few older. They are generally more computer savvy and have caught on to the program we use rather easily.

My problem children are all from a private salon where they were booth renters working for themselves. The problem part comes in because as booth renters, they can come and go as they pleased. If someone cancelled they could just leave. The draw for them to switch to TPW is that they get me to book and cash out all their appointments. They also gain benefits eligibility if they work enough hours.

There are a few stragglers here and there that have come in on their own to join the fold. All in all it is not too bad, but it is a lot of estrogen floating around with just a teensy bit of gay boy testosterone in the mix.

My biggest personal adjustment is still going from 25 hours to 40 and from 2 on 1 off 2 on 2 off to 5 days on. As long as I take my hour lunch and my two 15 minute breaks, I manage. I just don't like it, but in the name of benefits, I will eventually adjust.

My two part time receptionists are catching on, so it is getting better. I started this post at least a week ago and just now saw that it never got finished. As much as I hate it when my daily reads have not posted daily, I have lately been increasingly guilty of the same. I will try to get consistent again. Knitting updates soon!!

general update

JCP opened on Sunday, the soft opening. Soft meaning unadvertised. Except, of course, for the several thousands of in home mailers sent to the general area. SO not only am I dealing with stylists who don't know 'the JCP way', but also customers too. A lot of them. Add a receptionist who needs total training.

When the receptionist trainee answered the phone, I knew she was talking because I saw her lips move, but I heard nothing. I might have to call when she next works to see if I can hear her.

The JCP 'new salon vision' calls for a reception area with no stool for the receptionist. Someone is on crack. My new schedule has me working 5 days straight. One day with no chair on hard floors is brutal. By day 5 I might want to be on crack.

It's all good.

Baby's first haircut

100_3210
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

She is just so cute and she smells so good. Lilli
Munster, movie star.

My yarn stash...

is *so* in control compared to Drew.

I went to the yarn store and got something luscious today as a reward for enduring my trip to the dentist for cleaning. In a few weeks when I go back to turn an oooooooooooooooooold filling in a molar into a crown a will deserve a much bigger treat. Pics on the other blog as soon as I get to it with the new stuff. Actually sooner, maybe tonight because I am making some progress on my first sock.

Yippee

My ISE pal received her package. I finally added her blog as a link. I didn't add her sooner because I did not want to give away the secret part of the exchange. I am sure me not emailing her has been excruciating, but from her response, it was worth the wait. Mog's Blog has pics of the finished product.


Work has been pretty uninteresting of late. I have been two weeks with no clients or stylists to deal with and even though the work has been more physical than I care for, it has been a pleasant calm. Transfer stylists started yesterday and Sunday marks the soft opening. The Grand Opening of Memorial City JC Penney is Friday 2/10. Doot do doooooo...

The down side to the move is that knitting will not be allowed on a regular basis. The desk is just configured in a prohibitive way. I have never been one to take my alloted breaks, but I might begin to and just sit in the back and knit for the time allowed. It really does go a long way toward keeping me calm when I can knnit freely. I might test it to see if two 15 minute knit breaks make any difference.


Speaking of work...

Tagged

Tagged!

I got tagged by Kadiddly for this MEME! It's her fault! =)

Four jobs you have had in your life
1. Hair Artist
2. Administrative Manager
3. Ski Instructor
4. Biscuit Maker at McD's

Four movies you could watch over and over
1. Star Wars original trilogy
2. High Art
3. Witches of Eastwick
4. Shipping News

Four places you have lived
1. Houston, TX
2. Norfolk, VA
3. Lake Placid, NY
4. Matawan, NJ

Four TV shows you love to watch
1. Alias
2. La Femme Nikita
3. The Pretender
4. Nash Bridges

Four places you have been on vacation
1. Mendocino, CA
2. Zurich, Switzerland with an overnight to Paris, France
3. Las Vegas, NV
4. New York City, NY

Four websites you visit daily
1. Knitters Review Forums
2. Annie Modesitt
3. Rodney Yee
4. my blog so I can get to the links for everyone else's that I read

Four places you'd rather be right now
1. Atlanta with DSE
2. Skiing
3. Yarns 2 Ewe
4. Vacation

Four bloggers you are tagging
trying to find blogs I check regularly and who haven't been tagged already!
1. Elizabeth
2. Crystal
3. Chapin
4. Weese

irritated

Not my mood, but my eye. I am not sure if it is just allergy and eye strain or if I am getting a sty. Stye? Stigh? Hahahahahahahaha...however it is spelled, do they go away on their own? I haven't had one in so long I just don't remember.

T-I-R-E-D

Maybe I am just too old for this opening a new store bullshit. Maybe I have had the princess treatment at work for too long. I haven't worked this hard at work in about 8 or 9 years. I guess it has been relatively easy going, regardless the job, since I moved to TX.

Tired.

I know part of it is that I have been on my feet pretty much all day each day I have been at the new store. Currently, there is not stool or chair at the receptioist area. This is by design, so there might not ever be one. Tired, I say.

Open house

Today is the day for the salon open house. We are currently, pre-opening, staffed with 25 confirmed stylists. We have 22 stations. yet the powers that be still insist we need to host an open house.

This also means that TPTB will be in the salon today. Ugh. I can hear it already, TPTB asking exactly who placed all the retail product? Specific instruction was left that the retail not be touched until TPTB arrive today with planograms. The site manager for new store setup has veto power ovet TPTB, of course, so 4 young stock girls who know nothing of salon setup placed product. It certainly looks better than boxes strewn about.

Time to go meet and greet.

Yippee.

It's all good.

Omigod...

I left work at 12 and am home, the dogs have been out and have eaten o are eating, I am sitting eating myself and checking mail and it is only 12:15...

And now the real work begins

What a chore work was on Saturday. I worked only 8-1, but Saturday mornings are just chaotic. I actually left close to 130 as the district mgr was coming in to get her hair done and Drayson had to help set up her special room. He came a little early, I stayed a little late. Now I do not have to deal with stylists and clients again for a few weeks. This is where the real work comes in. I t might be a little more physical than what I have become used to. Oh well. It is certainly better than being stuck at the old place. Woohoo.

I go to the Memorial Citry store 9 am tomorrow morning. I will likely get there earlier and I need to get my temp schedule from Sharon tomorrow. If I remember correctly, she said she is off Wednesday and Friday this week which means I will be off those days. I really only care because I want to get to my 35 week average asap so my insurance can switch over. My current insurance is with unicare and it sucks. Still better than no insurance, I suppose, but sucky just the same.

I did an update or two over at the jknit blog, but I am not so sure about keeping up with two blogs. Maybe, maybe not. Time will tell.

I noticed recently that my reading has been cut way down by my knitting. Both are a therapy of sorts and I am not sure how to remedy this. My writing seems very connected to my reading so my writing has also suffered. I am not sure if it is just a matter of discipline or if I should monitor and schedule these activities. That is not too likely to happen, but it's a thought. If everything happens as it is supposed to, and I do support this idea, then I can go with the flow and let my current sparked interest decide what is to be done to occupy my time.

Where are those knitting needles?

Last night closing

And doesn't it just figure that the clients I need to collect from were all just bitchy, bitchy, bitchy...

There have been some re-enforcing of policies which have been in place oh, forever...This is top be expected when there is a management change. The old manager had finely honed what was enforceable and essential, she certainly picked her battles, but her years of experience were in play and that was that.

The new manager, if heBut there are broad common-knowledge-take-it-for-granted sorts of things he has no clue about. This has made some of the staff bitchy, bitchy, bitchy...

Did he tell the new people he hired anything about dress code? No jeans? Umm, no.

Did he tell any of his receptionists that one of the new girls needed off this week a couple of days? Umm, no. Did we book her ass on these days? Umm, yeah. Tomorrow might or might not be one of the days she needed off. She is booked. Am I dealing with the pissed off customers (two rescheduled from her previous no-show days). Fuck no, it's my last day. 5 more hours. And I am not dealing with bitchy, bitchy, bitchy tomorrow. "One moment, let me get you the manager..."

So I have had to mediate for the new guy with a few of his good stylists. I am also encouraging them to come to the open house at the new salon to see what they are missing. Not really dirty pool but preventive maintenance for the company so a stylist producing revenue doesn't walk because the new manager is like coarse sand paper.

So I leave work precisely on time tonight, even having to deal with the bitchy, bitchy, bitchy. I am no slouch and I started my preclose early enough. Then I am driving home and the highway notice board says Beltway 8 North closed 1/13 @8 pm. I got off work at 9. Fuckers.

The trouble with these wonderfully informative signs is that they give you something less than enough information. Is the interchange closed? Is the entire Beltway 8 North closed? Do I know that area well enough to navigate at night? Umm. No.

So my good sense told me to take Gessner. Not a problem as I live off Gessner. But waaaaaaaaay, waaaaaaaaaay, down 35 mph Gessner. My commute home was about double, but I saved the $1.25 toll. I should go splurge on something tomorrow.

Saturday morning, 8-1. 5. More. Hours.

I have a date!

Saturday the 14th will be my last day in Sugarland JCP and Monday the 16th I start at the new store. WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...

I suppose I could nowcalculate the hours I will have to work with that SAMF, but I knowit is soon enough that I will be gone. Also, I gave him a little queenmaxine yesterday so I think we have an understanding.

I have some new pics to get up on the yarn blog, and I have new yarn to work with. I might even bring some to work today.

I reserved space at a yoga/writing retreat in April which is at Margaret Austin Center. Shame on me for not posting a link, but it is too early and you can google it if you are interested. It is with Charles MacInerney, a yoga teacher fromAustin who I have had a class with and I like a lot. MAC is only about an hour from here. If I like him for the weekend, I might save for one of his 8 day retreats in Yelapa or Guatemala.

We also made reservations for the October trip to Santa Fe/Taos for the sheep and wool fest there. Unhuh...And E found out it is also the weeks of the balloon fest in Albequerque, so I know it will be a double delight. Of course it is a double delight any time we travel, so another countdown begins.

Oopsie, timeto go...

New day, new year...

I went to Costco for some groceries and I was really good to only get one impulse item. Even better, it is a s'prise for E...Woohoo...as with most s'prises for E, it is really something for us and something in the last week she has said 'I wish we had...' at least two times, maybe three. Score.

As to resolutions, for me it is coming down to resolving to eat only if I am hungry. It is a matter of retraining my hands and distracting my brain, I think. I already have a pretty good handle on emotional eating and can say with confidence I don't do it often. I am however, guilty of boredom eating.

So the over-riding goal in this new year will be to eat only when hungry. Maybe if I wait to make cookies until I am hungry, licking the bowl will not be sabotaging myself. Or not. I can't say not baking cookies because I just enjoy it too much. Last year when baking, I began immediately moving the goods to the freezer and in portions. That helped tremendously. My cookies are loaded with stuff and extremely rich. This makes them easy for me to eat just one. Having them readily available when I want one really reduces my desire to buy a box and overindulge. That takes care of crunchy sweet.

Crunchy salty is taken care of by these chips i like that come in a big bag at costco. I bought a large glass clamp jar which extends the freshness tremendously so a bag last a couple of weeks. I also got some single serve 100 calorie bags of popcorn. Kettle corn even.

And then there is fruit. I am going to try to get fruit if the boredom eating kicks in. Or yogurt. I got some yoplait thick and creamy and I amliking it.

We shall see. I think I will stay away from the scale for a couple of weeks.


And let us not forget, I need to get my ass back on the yoga mat.

I saved $52 yesterday!!

My new boss, however temporary, is a motherfucker...just don't like him. He's sexist in a cultural way. He's rude. He's arrogant. He knows nothing of the JCP way, though he is not new to JCP. I think he got the job as a way to get rid of him whether by his previous manager or by the company.

My real boss has worked so hard over the past few years to turn around a slow salon and she grew sales tremendously. It is just sad that this fucker might destroy that. A lot of good and productive stylists will leave on his watch.

Sad.

On another note, the holidays have been divine. E has always not been able to take her company's provided holiday time because as art director, she has a magazine to get out and it has a deadline. She has usually been found in the office every daay that everyone else is off, which is usually at least xmas week. This year, the bossman specified she take the days elsewhere. So she has taken a day here and there to coincide with my days off. I think she thinks I think there is such a thing as too much togetherness. Not so. Perhaps there is, but I have not experienced it.

We have been slugging some days, shopping, holidaying...nice.

Did I say shopping? On Thursday we shopped til we dropped. Then after coming home to rest and recoup, we went out to dinner and shopped some more. New dishes might get unpacked today!! I need tto go through the old dishes and check a few and then shelve a few in the laundry room. We need to keep a few 'just in case' dishes. There is also a new kitchen shelf to install which is E's department It will house all things tea I think and maybe some fine glassware. Maybe.

Yesterday, Y2E had their annual customer appreciation sale. Everything in the store was 20% off and clearance and books were 30% off. I didn't even go near the books. What a good girl I was. I did, however, get some lovely yarn. I even thought ahead to xmas next year and got stuff for a few scarves. I promise pics will be taken and posted. The sale continues today, so if that fucker I work for plucks my last nerve, perhaps some retail therapy might be in order.

Perhaps.

Happy New Year.

mani-pedi delight

Not only am I fresh back from a manicure and pedicure, but I was able to convince dear sweet elizabeth to get one too...ooooh...sexy...

And the winner is...

Me. I win. Woohoo...

When I first learned to knit, oh, about 3 months ago now, I stumbled across dishcloth patterns for each state. The woman who designed them made them into an afghan and she raffled it off for some cancer charity. I sent her $5 for a ticket in support of what she has done by making the patterns available and I just got a call from her saying I won!!

The afghan is red white and blue in the pattern of a flag and my mother is simply going to flip. I asked rhonda to send it to her directly and I am not going to even mention it. I will just wait for my mom to tell me she got this package in the mail and it was the oddest thing...

Ho.
Ho.
Ho.

A post, she asks for...

Seems to me I have been busy lately. Connor is here and we are running around doing stuff beyond work. Last night we went to the pool hall for an hour or so and Beth came to hang out for a little while. I made her a blanket for xmas for all the teasing she does about my old lady ways of crochet and knitting. It is rainbow striped and very gay, its true salvation. Yet another project left unphotographed, but I can snap a pic next time I am over at Beth's.

Tonight after work is Dave and Buster's.

Work is its own set of drama at the moment. My boss was finally transferred and we see her a few hours this week as she is trying to help the new guy. Leo. Don't like him. If I wasn't transferring next month with my boss, I would be quitting sooner, not later. He is pretty incompetent and sexist in a cultural way. Very look down my nose at the american(or really any) women. ?He walks around with this you don't need to explain anything to me as I can deal with it all as it arises attitude, yet he doesn't have a clue. Really. Sure, any of us can manage personalities to a degree, but he has no clue about ordering supplies or scheduling or handling customers in 'the Penney way". He proved this yesterday and I am just glad my transfer has been approved. I wonder was he promoted and transferred to be gotten rid of. Given just enough rope to hang himself, perhaps.

I will need to sit and update further, soon, I promise. I am off now to do some side hair before work. Woohoo.

inspiration

http://www.goknitinyourhat.blogspot.com/

spam commenting?

From: "Danial Mattie" Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
To: queenmaxine@yahoo.com
Subject: [So Many Other Dreams...] 12/17/2005 07:55:08 AM
Date: Sat, 17 Dec 2005 06:00:02 -0800 (PST)
Thanks so very much for taking your time to create this very useful and informative blog.

--

So I have been getting these type of comments, three recently, and I just can't find the post they are on which leads me to believe they are burried in an old post. Is this something for concern?

Anyone?

killing time at Neiman's

While at the Galleria the other day I saw a cute little display of Bobbi Brown cosmetics. There was a pack of lip tubes for $25 and a pack of brown eye shadows a trio if I remember, for $40. Could be time to purge the cosmetic basket and restock. Maybe they will still be around after the holiday...

Would I be a yarnaholic?

If this were on my xmas list?

Apparantly, it can get better...

Reheated leftover fries and fried crawfish from Annabelle's. Yumm.

god bless Costco

Fresh blueberries from Costco in December. And they are soft. And sweet. and simply luscious with a dab of sour cream and brown sugar. Life doesn't get much better than this.

Santa, baby...

I'm not sorry to say my wish list is not the same ideal as E's. Adds to the yin and yang, I like to think. One of the greatest gifts, JCP *finally* made the store announcement. The scheduled opening is Feb 5 qand my boss will be the salon mgr and I will be right there with her. That said, let's get on to more tangible info for Santa, baby.


Santa should know that Foley's currently has a Vera Wang fragrance gift pack. Actually they have three of them, small, medium, and large. The medium one is actually the large bottle of fragrance with lotion combo and if santa chooses this one she actually gets more bang for the buck because a VW candle comes with it as a gift with purchase.

Virginia peanuts in a tin might be available at Cost Plus. Maybe. Double chocolate dipped peanuts are certainly available at Crate & Barrel.

Various books, including but not limited to and not in any particular order:
Loop-d-Loop by Teva Durham
holiday Knits by SaraLucas and Allison Isaacs
Alterknits by Leigh Radford
Invasion of DTWOF by Alison Bechdel
The Knitting Experience Book 2 Purl
The knitting Experience Book 3 Color

While I appreciate Santa makes everything herself at her workshop (she don't need no stinking elves), Michael's and Hobby Lobby usually have a 40% off one item coupon available online and Michael's has a good selection of knitting books.

There is a divine leather jacket I have been eyeing...

La Femme
Nikita Season 3. In a previous post I know I stated I would not be buying this until I hit the new goal weight. Well, this does not prevent Sants, baby from getting it for me. Costco is the best price if they have any and Columbia House had it on sale recently.

A Kitchen Aide 6 quart whoop de do stand mixer. OK. A 5 qt would do.

More to come as it crosses my mind.

obnoxia

It isn't even 7 am and the construction workers are at it out front. Sure, I want them to be done and gone, but what the fuck is wrong with those people. Yes I need to be up for work anyway, but really.

Going to Atlanta next month. Any ideas?

Why Wah and an announcement

Well, the announcement should have been made months ago and I am over thinking I might jinx it. JCP is going into the mall that is just a mile from home and with any luck, my manager will get the salon and take me with her. I currently work at the Sugarland location which is 15 miles and one $1.25 toll away. It is a 17 minute commute most days. A two minute no toll commute will be much preferred. Can anyone say Santa bring me a scooter?

The wah was because I could not get into my site to read my dailies. I could get in to post, but not to read.

Fuckers.

wah

Yes, my fingers were flying elsewhere.

As Cris suspected, the lack of posts is somehow proportional to the scarves I was crocheting for AssistHers. They currently have 30 clients and I made scarves for each of them which will be added to the holiday baskets each client receives. The scarves are done. Whew.

I have also knit other scarves along the way and I am currently working on my International Scarf Exchange scarf for my secret pal. I would link to her blog or tell you where she is but if she is reading, which I doubt, it would be less a secret, huh?I need to takes pics all around which I might do today or tomorrow. I need to photograph stuff for an etsy site as well, so tomorrow might be the day.

I love the wool E bought me from handpaintedyarn.com. I was winding it into balls so I could play with it, but then I see dye on my fingers. The smart thing to do would be to rewind it into hanks and give it a wash before playing with it further. Which means it needs to hang dry. Which means a week or so before I get to play. I have 7 hanks from them all of various weights and I don't know if I should prewash all of them as a matter of course or not. Needs further consideration.

I need to go get my ass into the shower if I am to go to Crate & Barrel before working 3-10 tonight. Yes, tonight. 3. to 10.

Fuckers.

post slacker

December 2nd? When did it get to be December? Why does that date ring a bell?

Silly, I know the answer why. December 2nd is the night of Carol's annual xmas party. Hundreds of lesbians having a house party to mix and miingle. I have on the cutest jeans right now and a grrlygrrl top is hanging in the closet. When I get to work I'll get the ooh, Maxine must be going somewhere she's so put together. Then they'll say oooh...makeup. Well the makeup will consist only of eyeliner, but siince I can't seem to give a shit on a regular basis about what I am wearing on my self or my face, people will talk.

I love it when those bitches have something to talk about and it's me.

plans change don't they?

The ginger glazed carrots were just nixed from the menu. they are easy enough to add if I change my mind again, but there is plenty enough without them and E agrees it is time to enjoy the day.

the shels are all stuffed

Well, not exactly all of them. The pan held about 30 and there are a few more left in the strainer. And I bought three boxes because I used three boxes of manicotti noodles. So the one box I actually used would have been enough.

I tweaked the recipe a little and it is a good thing as I still used all the stuffing. The sauce part of the recipe always seems not enough, but it covers sparingly. Maybe I will make my own sauce recipe next time to have 'enough'.

I still need to make the potatoes and carrots as well as the poast pork. The brownies are fantastic and as I was putting them away in the freezer I saw the rolls, good thing, too. They are thawing nicely on the counter.

what the...

I just checked my email and it says Stuart Levis has left a comment her on the old bloggerooni. The comment was, "Excellent, that was really well explained and helpful ." and it was anonymous as far as an email address ore blog link.

Who are you stuart and what was helpful? I can't find the comment on my blog and I am not going to look further than the first archive.

Thanks?!?

Whatt time was that?

Nothing like starting Thanksgiving morning by licking the batter bowl from some scratch brownies. They are in the oven at this very moment. I really need to get better about looking at the clock when I put something into the oven.

Next up?

Spinach and pine nut stuffed shells.

448 AM

Lilli Munster was up bright and early and she just finally conked out again on the pillow next to me on the couch. I could put her back into her crate, but then I have to get up again in about thirty minutes anyway, and that back to bed for a few winks sleep does far more harm than good.

I can't believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Well, I guess I can believe it because the salon was chaos yesterday and will certainly be more chaos again today. I am gladd the boss laedy will be present. I printed 80 some odd travelers last night which means 80 some odd appointments already booked for today. usually on a Tuesday night I print 35-40. Let the games begin.

Last thanksgiving we went to California. E made a travelog I was going to link but her new blog does not have it up that I could see. It was a fabulous vacation and we had a lovely T-day dinner with the women we stayed with and some of their friends. We decided we should always be traveling for T-day if for no other reason than to avoid holiday drama.

The best laid plans and all, we are home this year. I sent out the following group email to those invited:

We are doing an open house style thanksgiving this
year. I am still not sure what is on the menu., but
you all have eaten here before so be assured, it will
be delish. If there is something you want in
particular, bring it with you. We are very fond of
casual dining so there is no definite time. The only
thing really definite is that we will be hosting a
classic Star Wars marathon on Thanksgiving day so
there will be no football.

Please feel free to arrive any time between 3 and 6 in
the afternoon.

See you Thursday!

No football might just keep the guest list short.

I might be brilliant.

The menu this far includes but is not limited to:

pork tenderloin
St. Andre mashed potatoes
ginger glazed carrots
scratch onion dip
spinach and pine nut stuffed shells (can you believe Randalls does not sell manicoti noodles?)
wine
cake reminiscent of our wedding cake from Costco (if E gets there today to get one)

Who knows what else might turn up between now and then?

Opening 7 am Saturday for the JCP Mega Sale

Don't miss it! I am working 1-9 so i get minimal chaos as I will be overlapped by two other receptionists at peak time. I think I might rather have the chaos solo.

Today was rather productive. I went first to Specs to get some pasta and tea. I did not actually go for the tea, but they do have a good price for Republic of Tea. TRepublic of Tea rep was there today as well. Two of them all whored up in their power suits. It must have been rep day at Specs because the place was full of themstanding around admiring their respective product lines. Rep one was gabbing with rep 2 while standing in the middle of the aisle right in front of the tea selection. I was pretty obviously looking to choose some tea and they noticed and didn't move. Then one finally noticed me giving them the hardline stare. "Can we help you?"

Yeah, you can get the hell out of the way so I can buy your product.

I got some ginger peach and some blackberry sage. Yumm.

Then it was off to the pasta section. I got a bag of pappar delle nests and a couple bags of pearl pasta for my latest in pantry cooking. IT is not the same as the last pearl pasta I got there, not quite as big, but E assures me it was still delish.

In a large pot lightly saute some chopped onion in Olive oil til translucent. Then add a can of diced tomatoes a can of tomato sauce, a can of chiclken stock and a tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Bring this to a boil and let it cook together for a bit. Add plenty of fresh cracked black pepper, too.

Then add thinly sliced raw (mine are usually frozen) chicken breast. I have them prepacked frozen in twos. Let it come back to a boil and cook for a while more. The acidic tomatoes will make the chicken really tender. Then right before you are ready to eat you throw in a cup or two of the pearl pasta. It really depends on how much liquid you have left. I normally add about 2 cups.

Stir.

Cover.

Stir some more.

When pasta is done remove from heat and allow it to sit covered to soak up any remaining liquid. If you still have a lot of liquid call it soup.

Always tres yumm.

After specs I went to Yarns 2 Ewe and got some yarn for my scarf exchange pal. It is gorgeous and as soon as E dumps the camera, I will be taking some pics.

From there I stopped at Costco where I officially began my xmas shopping getting a new cd, Diana Krall Christmas Songs hwich I just ripped and am listening to now. I got a gift too and some holiday cookies as well as some other stuff.

Wendy came for a haircut and the evening after that has been totally lazy, one of watching tv and knitting. Time for bed.

Anyone Can Knit

I had to open up a livejournal account to be listed as a friend for someone, so I decided to see if I can keep work in progress updates on that journal. It will be its own work in progress, I guess.

Linked to the left.

At the carwash...

Who knew that E had a thing for doing it in the carwash?

oh...mi...god...

Reason number 7,543,869 why youshould always have a can of whipped cream in the fridge.

I decided to have some oatmeal for breakfast. My regular recipe is one packet of Maple and Brown sugar instant oatmeal, a tablespoon of butter and an additional heaping tablespoon of brown sugar. Add enough water and give it a stir. Enough is a relative term to how thick you like your oatmeal. I usually add an amount that looks like it might be too much. Experiment with this.

Next step is to nuke it for 1.5 minutes. Give it another good stir. At this point I usually add some milk to make it a little creamier. The last time I made oatmeal we were out of milk and I used soy. It was ok, but not as good as I wanted it to be. I was not sure about the milk in the fridge, so I was looking at the soy and then I saw the whipped cream.

Lightbulb moment here. I have used whipping cream when it has been in the fridge with good results so I opened the can and gave my oatmeal a liberal squirt. Then I patiently stirred it in. Worth every second of the wait for the fluffy, creamy oatmeal I just enjoyed.

Make it. Eat it. Love it.

Woohooooo It's Wednesday!!!

So excited over hump day? Umm, no. Dear Sweet Elizabeth returns today, Finally.

The beach on Sunday was fun. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, sitting in the sun for about an hour or so and no burning. I definitely want to get back soon. Lilli had a fun time but she really does not like getting her face wet and when the water approaches, she just can't out run it. It was a comedy. I also found a whole sand dollar. Sweet.

I remembered last night to reschedule my jury duty. It is now in MArch rather than today;. A little less hectic all around. IOf only I could reschedule work today.

Not only do I have to work 9-6, I also have a client right after work so I won't see E until about 8 or 830. I think she needs to call in sick tomorrow and slug with me.

off like a dirty shirt

Going to Galveston this morning and Nola must be intuiting that Lilli Munster is going and she is not. She is being needy and wants to be right up my ass.

I am sure she understands something is up as it was barely light out and I was up letting them out and then not going back to bed. Any day we don't go back to bed for at least a little while, well there is something inherrantly wrong with that picture.

The plan is to pick Beth up at 930 and then hit the beach for an hour or so stopping at McD's. Since Beth is not a Starbuck's fan, I will get my fixon the way to her house. Simple eneough, all of it. No shower needed, find my hat or add more product to my hair, brush my teeth and then out the door.

I put most of the laundry away already this morning. Last night I went to watch a movie and the one I wanted is still in my car from the hurricane rita evacuation. My car is parked on the street three yards down because of road construction which means walking across 3 yards to get to it. That was not something I wanted to do at 10 oclock last night in the dark when one of the yards is particularly ungroomed. When I get home I need to remember tog rab them from the trunk. I might unload some other stuff too depending on how much I can carry.

The only other thing on the agenda is locating my jury duty summons so I can get the number to postpone it. I am going to go my 8 weeks out which takes me to the first week in January. I hope the date is after the jurors pay increase. Currently it is 6 bucks and in January it goes to 40. I am not sure if it is January 1st or not. Pushing it back that far also gets me through the holidays at work not requiring my boss to juggle schedules when we are already pretty much maxxed out on hours as it is.

Yesterday at work was the first Saturday of the holiday season. It was all I could do to knit a few rows of my sweater. My coworkers should realize that the knitting keeps me sane and stable which makes me a more pleasant coworker. They nearly collectively plucked my last nerve yesterday. Clients were rude and rushed and I even 'accidently' hung up on a few that were particularly rude. It is a well known fact how fucked our phone system is, 6 lines in, one phone, one receptionist most of the time handling the phone and ringing clients and independent sales, so them getting legitimately cut off happens. Gotta take the joy where I find it some days. And as the big day-o-jesus comes nearer, it is only going to get worse.

Woo.

I remembered yesterday to ask for switching to an early shift on Dec 3 and 31. I am scheduled late both days and the 3rd is Carol's party, the lesbian social event of the season and quite possibly the year. $25 donation gets you in and the $$ go to a local lesbian charity. It gets you heavy hos d'oeuvres and an open bar as well as 300 or so lesbians milling about Carol's house. for New Year's we have been invited to the faux chateau, Beth's lake house up outside of Austin. Ok, so it's a trailer on a lot in the woods with a creek. I still think lake house is accurate enough. I have not been yet, but it would be nice tog et away with some friendaroonies after the holiday madhouse in the salon.

I think I will sit and knit a few rows before leaving as my morning meditation.

More later perhaps.

just wondering

How much trouble would you (or would I) get into buying furniture while your (or my) dear wife was out of town? I have managed to control the impulse this far, but I still have a few more days to get through, and she did agree that the chairs, etc that I am lusting for are lovely.

Must think of Taos vacation next fall...

I guess I am not really lusting after them so much as I like them and we just need more furniture. I know in my rational mind that I need a room plan before I purchase more furniture with ot without E. But that is my rational mind. MMaybe the yarn shop on the way to work is in order.

130 more hours

Sigh...She's been gone just over three hours. Miracle of miracle's she left the house on schedule. Should my countdown for her return be days? 6 including today. Hours? Roughly 130.

Regardless of wanting her to have a good time, just...don't...like it.

I think I need to go make some cookie dough.

ut-oh...

I just sent E to Taco Bell drive thru...What was I thinking?

Make a list of your own

E had this link on her blog and I decided to play along. The ones in plain text I pretty much have no opinion about. I starred the ones I never knew. E will probably be reminding me that some of my starred songs I actually just don't remember.

One final point, the list is fucked because number 100 should certainly be number 1.

-Underline and bold your favorites
-Bold the ones you like
-Strikethru the ones you loathe (these would make terrific torture devices)
-Italicize the ones you consider to be guilty pleasures
-Leave as plain text, any you can’t remember or never knew

1. Physical, Olivia Newton-John
2. Eye Of The Tiger, Survivor
3. I Love Rock N' Roll, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
4. Ebony And Ivory, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
5. Centerfold, J. Geils Band
6. Don't You Want Me, Human League
7. Jack And Diane, John Cougar
8. Hurts So Good, John Cougar
9. Abracadabra, Steve Miller Band
10. Hard To Say I'm Sorry, Chicago
11. Tainted Love, Soft Cell
**12. Chariots Of Fire, Vangelis
13. Harden My Heart, Quarterflash
14. Rosanna, Toto
15. I Can't Go For That, Daryl Hall and John Oates
16. 867-5309 (Jenny), Tommy Tutone
**17. Key Largo, Bertie Higgins
18. You Should Hear How She Talks About You, Melissa Manchester
19. Waiting For A Girl Like You, Foreigner (if I only knew then what I know now)
20. Don't Talk To Strangers, Rick Springfield(just because it's RS)
** 21. The Sweetest Thing, Juice Newton
22. Always On My Mind, Willie Nelson (Michael's mother luuuuved her some Willie Nelson and at the time I really hated this song though I like it well enough now)
23. Shake It Up, Cars
24. Let It Whip, Dazz Band
25. We Got The Beat, Go-Go's
** 26. The Other Woman, Ray Parker Jr.
27. Turn Your Love Around, George Benson
**28. Sweet Dreams, Air Supply
29. Only The Lonely, Motels
30. Who Can It Be Now?, Men At Work
31. Hold Me, Fleetwood Mac
32. Eye In The Sky, Alan Parsons Project
33. Let's Groove, Earth, Wind and Fire
34. Open Arms, Journey (at the time, yes, it was the prom theme, of course)
35. Leader Of The Band, Dan Fogelberg
36. Leather And Lace, Stevie Nicks and Don Henley
37. Even The Nights Are Better, Air Supply
38. I've Never Been To Me, Charlene
39. '65 Love Affair, Paul Davis
40. Heat Of The Moment, Asia
**41. Take It Easy On Me, Little River Band
**42. Pac-man Fever, Buckner and Garcia
43. That Girl, Stevie Wonder
44. Private Eyes, Daryl Hall and John Oates
**45. Trouble, Lindsey Buckingham
**46. Making Love, Roberta Flack
**47. Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me, Juice Newton
** 48. Young Turks, Rod Stewart
49. Freeze-frame, J. Geils Band
50. Keep The Fire Burnin', REO Speedwagon
51. Do You Believe In Love, Huey Lewis and The News
52. Cool Night, Paul Davis
53. Caught Up In You, 38 Special
**54. Why Do Fools Fall In Love?, Diana Ross
55. Love In The First Degree, Alabama
**56. Hooked On Classics, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
57. Wasted On The Way, Crosby, Stills and Nash
58. Think I'm In Love, Eddie Money
**59. Love Is In Control, Donna Summer
60. Personally, Karla Bonoff
61. One Hundred Ways, Quincy Jones
62. Blue Eyes, Elton John
63. Our Lips Are Sealed, Go-Go's
**64. You Could Have Been Wih Me, Sheena Easton
65. You Can Do Magic, America
66. Did It In A Minute, Daryl Hall and John Oates
67. I Ran, A Flock Of Seagulls
68. Somebody's Baby, Jackson Browne
**69. Oh No, Commodores
**70. Take It Away, Paul McCartney
**71. It's Gonna Take A Miracle, Deneice Williams
**72. Love Will Turn You Around, Kenny Rogers
73. Don't Stop Bellevin', Journey
74. Comin' In And Out Of Your Life, Barbra Streisand
75. Gloria, Laura Branigan
76. Empty Garden, Elton John
**77. Yesterday's Songs, Neil Diamond
78. Crimson And Clover, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
79. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Police
80. Here I Am, Air Supply
81. I Keep Forgettin', Michael Mcdonald
82. Get Down On It, Kool and The Gang
**83. Any Day Now, Ronnie Milsap
84. Make A Move On Me, Olivia Newton-John
**85. Take My Heart, Kool and The Gang
**86. Mirror Mirror, Diana Ross
87. Vacation, Go-Go's
88. (Oh) Pretty Woman, Van Halen
**89. Should I Do It, Pointer Sisters
90. Hot In The City, Billy Idol
**91. Kids In America, Kim Wilde (I know this song now as the 80's band we go see played it recently. If I knew it then I would have to strike through)
**92. Man On Your Mind, Little River Band
**93. What's Forever For, Michael Murphy
94. Waiting On A Friend, Rolling Stones
95. Do I Do, Stevie Wonder
96. Working For The Weekend, Loverboy
**97. Goin' Down, Greg Guidry
98. Arthur's Theme, Christopher Cross
99. Through The Years, Kenny Rogers
100. Edge Of Seventeen, Stevie Nicks (Can you say karaoke?)

note to self

k1, p1 k 2 rows

Inspiration strikes at 2AM

So Sawyer had to bark at something about an hour ago. This woke Lilli Munster up and I took her out to pee. It was immediately evident that she was not going back to sleep anytime soon, so I decided to begin a memoir entry inspired by seeing the carnival lights on the way home last night. I had not really thought about any of this in about 20 years. Maybe 25 years. Maybe.

The following is the first draft of 'Carnival".


The Carnival

As I drive home from work at night, I hit an overpass once I have gone from 59 to the Beltway that allows the night sky to become animated with uncommon color. There are flashing bulbs of every color and design matched only by fireworks. I love the lights of the carnival in the night sky. I love the carnival at night.

when I was 16 or 17, I went for a girls night out with my best friends at that time. I think there might have been 5 of us piled into Colleen's Maverick, Colleen, Tina, Eileen, Paula and myself. It was the end of summer and we were out to just have a grand old time. Someone had procured a couple of eight packs of Miller light ponies, and we were on our way to the county annual carnival by dusk.

I remember the five of us actually all fitting in the seat on the Tilt-a-Whirl together. It was a celebration of sorts because Eileen had finally relented and accepted me into the group of locals. I don't remember the five of us being exclusively social before this time. We were a pack of local girls out for the first time with none of the boy/friend regulars, also part of our group. It truly was unique to be out doing something with none of the boys figuring out where we were and just showing up.

There were mass quantities of cotton candy, funnel cakes, corn dogs and let's not forget, beer. Someone's cousin was working the beer concession so of course, there was more to drink than what we had on the way there. We stopped on the side of the road as soon as the night sky was filled with the lights of the carnival rides to drink the rest of our beer stash and dispose of the empties before unleashing ourselves for our night of fun. It was also the night of my first and only drunken tattoo.

As we took a break from the rides to stroll around and cruise for hot guys, someone suggested we play some carnival games. We went booth to booth and threw darts at balloons to win posters, played ring toss to win goldfish, and the best of all, thew softballs for records. I remember someone bringing home Steve Miller Band and someone else scoring Fleetwood Mac. After a fresh round of beers, we came across the tattoo tent.

The tattoo itself wasn't a bad choice . I got it on my left shoulder and it was about 4 inches high. There was a tiger and a sash across it where in my drunkenness, I took everyone's suggestion to heart and I put my boyfriend Michael's name boldly in black scripted letters. The tiger itself was vivid orange striped with black and behind the tiger was a red heart. Then the sash saying Michael. It really was stunning and I felt like such a rebellious bad girl. Truly one of the group for the first time. This was followed by more alcohol, more food, and more riding in the sea of colored lights. It really is one of my fondest memories of that era.

The next morning, I got up as usual and had campground chores to do. First there was the bathrooms, then the firepits and trash, then lifeguard duty for the bulk of the day. It was the lifeguarding where the drunken tattoo became a questionable choice. As my father finished cleaning the pool, He and I passed through the pool gate and I still had a hooded sweatshirt on over my bathing suit. I really was not consciously trying to cover the tattoo, I truly hadn't given it a thought since waking up that morning.

Michael and his dad returned from fishing and hit the pool at about 2 in the afternoon. I had been lazing around sunning for a bit and chatting it up with Stephan, one of our summer residents and a good friend and confidant. Stephan was a couple of years older and he and I developed a thick sibling like bond almost instantly when we first met the summer before. He asked about the new ink and for the first time that day my eyes went to my shoulder. Shit. I had been parading about all day without a clue. I touched it gently and instantly had the memory of the ink flowing off the artist's brush onto my skin. Yes, brush, not needle. Thank God it was fake.

So Michael and his dad came in for a dip. As soon as Mr. Wheeler swam the length of the pool, he got out of the water, dried off and told us kids to have fun while he went in search of a cold one. I knew he was also in search of my dad for some bullshitting. It was after fishing ritual. What didn't occur to me was that he had taken notice of my tattoo.

Not five minutes after Mr Wheeler's exit, I hear my dad on the speaker in the tree. "Inside, now" was all he said.

Out of the pool, towel around my waist, hoodie back on, I ran across the parking lot to the office.

"Let me see it." I had never really seen my dad pissed off. Certainly not at me. If steam could have blown out his ears, he would have looked like many a cartoon venting frustration. I really was puzzled as to what he was talking about. This only infuriated him more as he yanked me into the back room. "The tattoo."

I told him it was fake. He wasn't hearing that at all. He wanted to see it and he wanted to see it immediately. My hoodie was off in a flash. My dad touched my arm. At that point I thought he was ready to beat my ass, something that had never in my lifetime happened. He was reaching for the first aid kit and he rummaged through it for something. Finally he comes out with an alcohol wipe. I knew this would take the tattoo off, and Michael who was still at the pool had.t seen it yet.

I got my dad to give me the wipe and I proceeded to take off the tip of the tiger's tail to prove to him it was fake. My dad was instantly relieved and I was again his little girl. "Go" was all he said.

Mr. Wheeler was sitting at the counter drinking his coke and chuckling as I ran out the office door. I shed my hoodie and towel as I went through the gate and dove into the pool and came up in the deep end standing between Michael and Stephan. Michael and I had been a couple for about a year at that point and he had never kissed me in front of anyone. He was shy and protective. We were naive enough to think none of the adults knew and only many years later was this illusion shattered. Michael, after hearing the whole story leaned in close and hugged me. He then turned my face up to his and kissed me. I looked over his shoulder to see Stephan smiling and swimming off. Michael and I spent the rest of the afternoon sunning ourselves.

art at what risk?

I have already decided I will not be taking the risk, but the idea still begs the question. When you are driving along and you see the perfect photo to accompany a story you either will or have already written, but to take the phot would be nothing short of dangerous, do you ever take said picture?

Discuss.

Tears for what might have been

No, not for the Astros, that would not have me shedding a tear or two.

Lilli Munster shimmied her petite self under the fence.

the ug dykes have a big dog. Bigger than Sawyer anyway. Under she goes not a care in the world. Reminded me of Traveling Matt on Fraggle Rock. Off to the wilds to explore the unknown. So she was staying right out of my reach under the fence. Fucker.

Then she wanders over to the edge of the pool just out of my vision and what I can see from my peephole between the slats.
Inside, put clothes on, go knock on the ug dykes door before 9am. Not surprisingly, no answer even though both their cars are in the driveway.

So I went back inside to our back yard to see if Lilli had come to her senses and come back over from the dark side. Umm, no.

I could see her make her way from the banana palms around the pool to the other side where the big dog was. Not a peep from him and it was hysterical as he was askeered of her.All 2 pounds of her.

Back out the front door and around to the shared sideyard where the gate to the ug dykes' yard is unlocked. I lifted the latch and over trots the big dog to investigate. Still no sound from him and his tail is awagging. Lilli trots close behind. Sees me. Comes running to the crack of an opening so that the gate remains between me and the big dog. Hesitantly, Lilli comes through to be with her own clan.

Woo.

Exhausted.

New project

I know, I know... I am not even done with the retablo (barely started, really) and already there is a new project being launched.

There is an organization here in Houston called AssistHers. They provide care teams for lesbians in need. I think they are assisthers.org if you want more info. I have been crocheting up a storm and just last week on vacation, I finally took my sorry ass down to Y2E to learn how to knit. E went with me and sat and sketched a bit and all in all, it took about 45 minutes.

Anyway, the new project. I want to make throw size blankets for each client AssistHers serves. I can do this on my own and it would take forever. Or I could ask for help and people who want to participate. They have about 20 active cases at the moment. If you knit or crochet and are interested, please let me know. I think the blankets should be done in synthetic because allergies are quite often part of the illnesses dealt with.

If you don't knit or crochet but want to contribute, let me know and you can maybe send a Michael's or Hobby Lobby gift card or some yarn.

I am on a mission.

inspired *and* brilliant

Just wait until I finish my retablo. My brilliance will shine here for all toappreciate once it is done. Maybe tomorrow.

Maybe.

I have been contemplating a site at etsy.com. Anyone heard of it?

Happy Birthday Connor

He doesn't read me as far as I know, but it might be the only bday wish I get to send him today, actually on his bday. My youngest is 15 today!

I'll take immunity, thank you.

I got on the scal ethis lovely back to work Tuesday morning and it didn't budge. No drama or concern, Aunt Flo is visiting y'know, but I just don't feel like changing the template for nothing.

My retablo is stil sitting naked. I have to turn it in on Friday. I have faith in the universe.

I made a wrap from some of the ebay yarn and I have a scarf going from some of it. Then I decided to combine strands to use it to test a pattern for Donna on Crochetcille. It is for a tote bag and I am nearly finished with it. I cannot decideif I will use it or not. I will wait until I get the strap onto it to decide.

Going back to work is going to suck today. Hopefully there will have been an announcement and I can make my countdown official. I bet y'all have forgotten about the mystery countdown.

Yoga beckons.

vacation planning

E has told me it is my turn to pick for next year's major vacation. We have been talking about going to Santa Fe for some time now and I have found the perfect reason to make this my final decision. And it was even an easy sell.

Woo.
Hoo.

Im know E must be relieved to not be stuck in a beach town somewhere having to slather on enogh sunscreen to keep her ass from becoming fried. I am not sure 'enough' is even a possibility. Now she will just have to worry about some exposed areas like her face and perhaps her arms. I am so good to her.

Anyone been to this area and have any suggestions? We will be going late September/early October and likely for 2 weeks.

uh oh...

My disease has just multiplied. I have the illness times 2. We went to Yarns 2 Ewe today and I learned to cast on and knit. Then I was whipping right along and found a purl tutorial online. Then I figured out if I knit a row and then purl alternate rows, well then I have something normal sweater looking.

Woo!

Happy Birthday baby!

DSE, she is so dear and sweet.

We are getting ready to go to Yarns 2 Ewe to sit with the worker grrls and learn to knit. Woo hoooooooo.

Still processing

My creativity is still brewing. That loosely translates to my retablo is still a naked tin sitting on the workbench in the garage.

We went out this morning for a late breakfast to Cafe Artiste. We were planning a new budget in a neutral setting. It was rather productive and enlightening. Let's just say we are striving to be on a financial diet with greater success than our nutritional diet.

That doesn't mean I am dispairing or lamenting the state of my nutritional diet. It is working and on goddess time and I am losing, so no complaint. It only means that I hope for better success with the financial diet. Really it just comes to us communicating about finances in a healthy manner. Doing it together. A new breed of conceptual art.

Creative mind on overdrive.,,

It is a double edged sword for sure. I like all the creativity when it is brewing about. I don't like being less able to focus on one particular project. Specifically, the Lawndale retablo which I really need to get done this week.

I have seen it so clearly in my mind's eye but the tin is sitting out in the garage still naked and untouched.

Manana is soon enough for me...

We are just back from B & N and I was perusing a variety of books. Several were crochet books, no surprise there. I was also looking at a few on altered books and one called the collage Sourcebook. They are dizzying, really. I had a stack of five of the eight I selected to breeze through and took the easy road and selected a scarf crochet book. Of the croochet books, it was the one I would use the most. The others will be on the shelf in time.

I have a gift certificate from a paper/scrapbooking company to use, and I am thinking maybe I will start with the chalks and some letter stamps or embelishments. I can use these things in other mediums, altered books come to mind. I will decide on that after another breeze through the catalog.

We took Lilli Munster to the Bayou City Art Festival today. She is a chick magnet,

rainbow gay and grrly pink

I crafted a sling for Lilli Munster out of scraps of yarn. Really I had no idea what it was going to look like. It might be too ugly to photograph and post. But it is oh so gay and grrly. I might take Lilli out later and give it a test. One of the Yorkie books that came with her says it is important to socialize your pup early with as many people and animals as possible, so naturally we simply must take her out and about.

While sitting on the couch posting, I can look into the glass doors of the tv cabinet and see what Lilli is up too. There are a bunch of toy patterns available at Crochetville and it seems that Lilli plays most with the little scrumbles I have made for her with a scap of yarn. Cheapo homemade toys it is!

Buenos Dias

At 2 am, Nola and Sawyer decided they heard something outside. E got up and let them out, but I could hear Lilli Munster whining and wanting out too. Since I was awake anyway and I am tasked with house training her, I got up to take her outside with the others,

"yes baby, I am going out naked." I went on out and put Lilli in her spot where she promptly went pee. I took her back to the crate and she was quiet for a bit, but as I was laying in bed liistening, her whining increased. E thought it was the squeaky toy we got her, but no, it was Lilly.

I got up with her and took her outside again.

I have stayed up with her and let her crawl all over me on the couch and she just settled down onto the cushion just over my left shoulder. Nola is on the back of the cushion all the way to the left and Lilli tried to go lay with her, but Nola snapped at her. She came running back to the safety of my space.

The integration is going rather well. Sawyer only snapped at her once and that was when she thought she might get a drink from the big dogs' dish. She has gone back to it since, but he only seems to mind it when there is food in the other dish. I have kept Lilli's food and water dishes on the table so S and N don't inhale her food.She only eats about a tablespoon at a time. Yesterday I put her on the scale and the needle didn't even quiver, let alone move, so she has a delicate figure to maintain. That and the fact she is just 10 weeks.

When we were up last night, I scooped her up once she had settled and put her back into the crate and went back to bed with no trouble so I might try that again. Or I might stay up and find something to do. Vacation.

On vacation

Since I am on vacation until the 18th, I decided to respect my body's time clock and go with the flow. That means lieing in bed awake at 230 in the morning wasn't an option. Lilli is pleased to have someone to play with.

She is so sweet.

Welcome Lilli Munster!

Lilli
Originally uploaded by queenmaxine.

Certifiable. That is what e has to say. I called E and asked her if I could bring her lunch today. I suggested Jason's Deli which E agreed to and asked if I would stop at Starbucks, too. I couldnn't exactly say that might be too much to carry, so the plan was set.

I got to E's work and walked into her office with my arms full and promptly introduced e to Lilly. Love at first sight, of course.

change of plans

No knitting lessons today. Nola, please forgive me.


more later...

16 cones

My ebay package arrived today. It is 16 cones of yarn, mostly lightweight stuff, but my imagination is already spinning away the things I might be creating. Most of it is a plain light strand, but some is chenille and some boucle. There is a bit of a musty age smell, but nothing too terrible.

I am considering going to the yarn shop and beginning to learn knitting tomorrow. Maybe. T lost a tire today, so he will take E's car tomorrow and I will take her to work which gets be up nice and early on the first day of my 2 weeks off work.

"2 weeks? how much time did I approve for you?" That was what my boss had to say when I told her I would see her in 2 weeks as she was leaving for the day. Actually I am taking 5 days off which parlays into my return two weeks from today because I switched a few days around.

Woo.
Hoo.

domestic goddess

So I didn't feel like going to the store right now, but I did feel like some fresh cookies or something home baked.

I noticed right away we had about half the needed recipe for standard Toll House cc cookies. If this is the case, the cupboard is near bare, Don't dispair.

1 stick butter softened
3/8 cup sugar
3/8 cup brown sugar
capful vanilla

Cream the above ingredients together.

Mix in 1 egg.

Mix in 1 1/8 cup of flour.

spread evenly into an 8 inch square or other size cake pan you might have available.

Bake about 10 minutes at 375 degrees.

When you take it out of the oven, sprinkle whatever chocolate chips you might have over the top of the pan. Let them sit until the heat of the cookie has melted them, about 2 minutes, and then spread them over the top of the cookie like frosting.

cut into bars and consume.

yum.

yum. yum.