Carl's Birthday

I was quite proud of myself for planning Carl's 30th Birthday Celebration Extravaganza 2008.

Thanksgiving

So here is me on Thanksgiving being oh so proud of my culinary skills. [insert virtual pat on the back here] You can see a full report here.

As I thought about what I was thankful for this Thanksgiving season I had all the typical things come to mind. I am thankful for my family and friends and my health and a warm place to sleep and a loving husband and curly hair. But...I thought of something that I am ever so thankful for right now that has never been on a Thanksgiving Thankful List of mine. I am truly grateful this year for my Navigon GPS navigation unit. I don't know how I'd get anywhere around here without it! Catherine (the GPS voice) is that sweet whisper in my ear telling me to turn left or right. She's not like that annoying "backseat driver". She really has my best interest at heart and she knows when I don't know where I'm going (because I told her so). So, thanks Catherine and Navigon.

Another Day; Another Job

I expect today's job to be better than yesterday's. I quite enjoyed yesterday's job. I got to do cool stuff with a typewriter and an envelope sealer and a postage machine.

But today....

The regular receptionist has left me a list of responsibilities which I would like to share the first part with you:

#1 rule.....keep the candy dish full. The bags of candy are in the bottom drawer on the right side in the back of the drawer.

Seriously, that will be my #1 duty today? Okay. I was also told that I would be bored out of my mind today (they obviously don't know me) so I was welcome to read a book or surf the Internet and check email all the day.

Another cool thing - it only took me 4 minutes to get here. I'm working closer to home today than Carl!

Yet another cool thing - this company works to "green" our homes by working with individuals with houses and utility companies to be more efficient and save the earth.

It's going to be a good day, my friends.

Cheap Thrills

Tonight, after work, I went to the grocery store. I had all my coupons, my shopping list in hand, and a few hours to kill. When I got to the registers there was a line. I made friends with the lady behind me by talking about various items in my cart. Then it was my turn. I was nervous and excited. Will all of my hard work pay off?

The checker is friendly and he fills up my reusable bags (which I still totally love because I love the Earth) and fills up a few store bags as well. Final total: $115. Whew. Now it's time for some fun. I hand the checker my stack of coupons. Yes, a stack. He starts scanning. I start smiling. I turn to my new friend behind me and say, "Sorry. But, you know, double/triple coupons. You can't pass that up!" She says, "Really?" and then turns to watch the screen with me as the checker continues to take my total down, down, down. With each coupon scanned her eyes and my smile get bigger. We both keep saying, "wow" to ourselves.

As you can see, the new total is $65.47. You can also see that I saved a grand total of $49.65 which is a savings of 44%. Let's go ahead and round that off to a $50 savings. I felt like I'd won the lottery. The reciept was ridiculously long and the checker joked about using it for wallpaper. I didn't mind; I'd just saved 50 freaking dollars!

Was it worth it? Yes.

I love you, coupons!

Working Woman

Good morning, thank you for calling ________ Construction.

I'm working another temp receptionist job today. It always seems confusing at first but hopefully it gets easier as the day goes on. I'm only here one day and then have a different position lined up for tomorrow. I guess I'll give an update later on.... stay tuned.

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Okay, so now it's a little after 3 PM and nothing much is new. Things are slow and quiet here which is great for me. They didn't want me to read my book, which is understandable, so I've just been playing on the Internet all day. It's like a regular day for me. :)

I do have a funny story though which I will title: KPIP. Earlier this morning I went to the restroom. Here, you go out of the office, down the hall, through another door, and into a hallway that has both mens and womens restrooms. As I'm coming out and heading back to the office I see this guy, probably in his mid 50s with bushy salt and pepper hair come through the door (to the restroom hallway) and his hand is on his belt and zipper, already prepping! I felt a little uncomfortable to be honest. I mean, he must really have to go but maybe he could wait until he at least entered the restroom! There are other people around, man!

Redbox Guru

I was at Giant tonight getting my regular Free Movie Monday rental from Redbox. They happen to have two Redbox machines there and there was a guy next to me renting a movie. He was about to check out and I asked him if he had a free code. He didn't so I handed him my cell phone with the free code. He asked how I get them and I told him he could sign up at the website to get a code every Monday. He liked that. He thanked me about a million times and I felt great about spreading the wealth. There was a gentleman behind him that asked about the codes too. Then he asked me how much it would have cost him to keep the movie an extra night (he was returning). I then explained the process. I left there feeling like the Redbox Guru. Sweet.

I also have a confession. I really don't like Dancing With The Stars but I watched one part tonight and it was great! I actually clapped at the tv after the performance. If you watched it - it was the Grease number. Wow. **This does not mean that I will watch it ever again.

M.A.

Hello, my name is Callie and I am a Michael's aholic. I want to be crafty so when I walk in the store I just have to buy things in hopes of making something great. At least there is 40% off coupon every week.

Anyone want to be my sponsor?

Audible Stimulus

There are a lot of songs that take me back to a certain time in my life or event. It's really kind of magical how it works. Tonight the AMAs (American Music Awards I think) are on and there are tons of live performances. More performances than awards I believe. One of the last performers was Sarah McLachlan. I love her. I was obsessed with her in Jr. High with the song Ice Cream. Then again in High School with Adia, Witness, and especially Do What You Have To Do. During my college years Good Enough, World On Fire, and Train Wreckwere frequently on repeat. Wintersong has always been a favorite - especially during winter.

I guess the moral is that Sarah McLachlan will always be an artist that will make me feel a million things asI keep discovering old and new songs. She's survived many years and I expect her to survive a few more.

Here is Sarah from tonight's show performing Angel with guest artist, Pink. I could put this on repeat too.



Thanks for many wonderful years, Sarah.

Neener-Neener

I'm going to Boston today. What are you doing?

Snoopguistics

I went to the gym this morning but I couldn't run because I was too distracted by the two creative geniuses on tv. Snoop Dogg was on Martha Stewart this morning. What!? It was the greatest thing I've ever seen!

Here are a few of the "snoopguistics" I learned about:

fo shizzle: for sure
what's crack-a-lackin: what's happenin'?
chuuuch: take God with you wherever you go and everything'll be aight
all hood: all good
ball til ya fall: make as much money as you can before you die

Obviously, being the Snoop fan that I am, I already knew some of these. He also gave some parenting advice and they cooked mashed potatoes together.

This is the greatest day ever! In case you are interested, I have included the two YouTube videos covering the segment. I've already seen it twice.

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I have a few other side notes from today that I would like to add:

1. I got A LOT accomplished today and I'm so proud of myself. Most of it involved sitting on my butt making phone calls and "Interneting" but it was productive. We still have a few things that need to be transferred over/changed from Utah to Maryland.
2. It is frrreeeeeezzzziiiiinnnnngggg today! It's been raining buckets and buckets the past few days. I saw the sun out today but it was just a tease. It was actually bone-chilling cold outside. Windy too. (spray painting in the wind is not a good idea)
3. I went to Subway for dinner tonight and when I asked what the "sub of the day" was the girl just looked at me like I was nuts. She didn't understand me. So I said it really slowly and she acted like she understood but couldn't answer the question. I said, "Nevermind, I'll just have a turkey bacon footlong". She then proceeded to make a Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich and told me she'd charge me for cheese. It all got sorted out in the end but what does a girl have to do around here to get a good sandwich?! (footlong for 1/2 today and 1/2 tomorrow)
4. I love the song Kiss by Prince. The main reason is the very, very beginning. That first "UGH!" I just love to look to the side and shrug my shoulders to it and it makes me feel cool. You'd probably have to see me do it to know that it's really cool and not lame. And secondly, the one and only time I did karaoke I sang (tried to) this song. It's tricker than you'd think.
   

A Long Way Home

This morning I had a job interview. The interview was pretty dang far away - past DC. According to Mapquest it takes 55 minutes to get there without traffic. However, on the beltway around DC in the morning - getting anywhere takes much, much longer.

The interview went well but I'm not sure I would really want the job. I am under-qualified for the job and so it would be very, very difficult. It is also far away and I would be dealing with traffic (see above). They said they'd get back to me after Thanksgiving so we'll see how it goes.

On my way home I missed a turn (okay, more than one) because the streets here are so dang crazy. Anyway, it took me through DC and I was a little frazzled. I actually made it just fine but I felt a little anxiety for a few minutes there.

I made it home in time to hit the library (to get Carl a few books) and the grocery store (to get me food and Carl treats for his flight). Carl came home and got packed for Boston. He was flying out of the Baltimore airport so we left our house about 4:30. I dropped him off at 5:30 and then headed home. I expected some traffic since I took the Southern roads back which took me to the Beltway but I didn't expect THAT much traffic. Two hours later I got home. Thank goodness for hands free in my car so I could call my mom, sister, and husband.

Moral of the story...we have a lot of traffic here.

Callie Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar

Chocolate Caramel Rolo Cookies

I made the most delicious cookies! I know that many of you have already tried these and maybe you've even made them before but I made them for the first time yesterday. Mmmmm... and pretty easy too! So, here's the recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup margarine
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 48 rolos chocolate-covered caramel candies
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, add Sugar, Brown Sugar, Margarine, Eggs and Vanilla.

2. Mix together until well blended.
   
   
3. Add Flour, Cocoa and Baking Soda and mix well.

4. Refrigerate and chill dough for 30 minutes.

5. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place 1 Rolo in the center of each dough ball.
   
   
6. Form the dough ball around the majority of the rolo. (I completely covered it)
   
   
7. Roll each dough ball in sugar.
   
   
8. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes @ 375 degrees. (I did 8 minutes and it was almost too much)
   
   
9. Let cool on pan for 1 minute then take off and place on cookie cooling rack.

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On a foodier note - I didn't plan very well for Sunday dinner so I just had to throw something together and was quite impressed with myself. This isn't the best picture and I know I had too much yellow but it was spur of the moment.

I made pork chops wrapped in bacon. YUM! Sweet corn. Cheesy au gratin potatoes. Bon apetit.

Much Love,
Chef Callie

Weekend Update

Carl and I had a lovely weekend. Friday night was obviously movie night. Saturday we slept in, had some breakfast, worked on a little project of ours, and went running in the park. I am surprised the weather is still as good as it is out here (knock on wood) so we took advantage of it. There were colorful leaves COVERING the trail. It was fun (my sprained ankle aside). After running we came back home and got ready before heading out for a day of looking at houses. We didn't buy one. We did, however, get to wear shorts/capris and t-shirts. I wore the capris. ;)

Sunday was stake conference so we got to go for only two hours and the best part of all - 10 AM! Right now we have 1:00 church and by the time you get home at 4:00, your day is gone. We quite enjoyed the whole afternoon and evening to lay around the house and get a bunch of things accomplished on our lists. I got a really great nap in.

Overall, I guess there wasn't anything too notable about the weekend but I sure did enjoy it. Now I'm back at work and feeling much more comfortable with the phones and my duties here in general. I was more prepared too...I brought other things to do besides just my book. I also had the woman in charge of me stop by my desk and say that I have gotten a lot of great reviews and someone even nominated me for "Temp to return of the year". I accept.

I hope your weekend was just as lovely.

Callie's Concessions

Friday night Carl worked late but I told him to be home by 9:15 so we could go see Eagle Eye at 9:45. I've been wanting to go to the movies for a long time. So we gathered some of our Halloween candy, a soda from the fridge as well as a Nalgene full of water, and a bag full of microwave popped popcorn. I don't always take my own concession stand to the movies but it worked out and so I did this night. Good thing because movie tickets here are TEN DOLLARS! But..it was a fun night and we enjoyed the movie and it was a great start to the weekend.

Thanks, Eagle Eye.

Call me Pam

I started my first temp job today. Working 8-5 Friday - Tuesday as a receptionist. Their phone system is a little complicated but I picked it up. It isn't very busy up here at the front desk so I can focus all of my attention on all incoming calls and my left over attention on reading, checking email, blogging, and a game or two of solitaire. Don't worry - they told me I could be on the Internet, told me to bring a book, and know there isn't much for me to do up here.

One awesome thing about this position is that this receptionist's desk is covered with all kinds of candy. I have especially appreciated the bit-o-honeys. The people here have been very nice too.

It's nice to have something to do during the day and a little cash won't hurt either.

Much Love,

Working Girl

It Makes Cents

So, I've decided to try my hand at coupon-ing. We had a great lesson about it at enrichment a few weeks ago where we learned some tips and tricks for getting the most bang for your buck and how to save at least a little here and there. I signed us up to recieve the Sunday paper (which by the way is The Washignton Post...cool that that is our paper!) and I'm checking money savings blogs. I've always been into getting a good deal and with the economy the way it is and my not having a job and all... it seems to be a good idea to at least try it.

I've learned a ton as I've been scouring the Internet in search of the best deals, tricks, and freebies.

Here is my great buy from this week:

3-pack Brita water filters (regularly $14.99)

Hair Dye

Febreeze Air Freshener

2 bottles liquid dishwasher detergent

1 box Special K Fruit and Yogurt cereal

Total: $15!!

It's all about knowing how to shop, people!

Mothers

Sometimes people say that men marry women who are like their mothers. However, I wonder if maybe I married a man because his mother was like my mother. I love them both!

Both my mother and mother-in-law are fun, creative, good cooks, crafty, intelligent, dedicated mothers, hard workers....the list goes on. They both put on great parties and know how to entertain. Both mothers also share a common interest: miniatures.

My mother has done some truly amazing miniature houses and displays and made me love small things. My mother-in-law has two large miniature houses up in her home and I loved them from the moment I saw them and couldn't wait to tell my mom about them.

On our last trip to California (Mom, Sister, Me) we stopped at a few miniature shops and I purchased a couple of things for Jannicke's house.

I found this adorable hanging basket of flowers that she hung on the porch...

...and a cookie sheet with decorated ginger bread cookies that went in the kitchen!

But who could have ever imagined that she would shrink a picture of Carl and me, frame it, and put it up in her tiny, little house.

Thanks, Jannicke, for being the best mother-in-law a girl could have. I really lucked out on that one. And Mom...I will always love you more than I can ever express.

Hooray for moms!

A New World Record

I ran my little heart out this morning. If I am the world, I just broke the record. I ran 3.65 miles today in 45 minutes. Now, I know a lot of you can run further, faster, longer...but for me this was a great feat.

I would like to thank my iPod shuffle for playing great music that got me through the tough moments and for giving me song endings so I could use them as goal posts. I would also like to thank the management at our apartments for FINALLY fixing the temperature in the gym so it is no longer 80 degrees in there. Lastly, I would like to thank my dear, sweet husband who bought me these running shoes last Christmas. They got me to 3.65 today.

After I run (or workout of some variety) I like to take of my shoes and sit on my balcony and read my book. It's a great way to cool off in nice fall weather, rest, and a good excuse to read my book. I don't get to do this every time...but today I deserved it.

Yo Vote

I voted today. I got a little emotional when I got to the polls because I felt a real power in being able to cast my vote for the next President of the United States of America. I suppressed all the feelings of "my vote doesn't really count" and concentrated on being a good citizen. It felt good.

To celebrate our voting rights, Carl and I headed to Rockville for a free donut. We stopped at Arbys first (which is kind of far away but it's the closest one!!). By the time we were done at Krispie Kreme it was time to drop Carl off at choir and rush home to meet the missionaries. Had we had time - I would have also stopped in at Ben and Jerrys for a free voter ice cream.

So I went with the Sister Missionaries again tonight to visit Andrew and his neice and we had anohter wonderful discussion about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We made another appointment to go back next Monday evening. I am so grateful for these sweet sisters, for their dedication and knowledge, and their giving me a chance to participate.

Advice

If you are ever wondering if it is a good idea to take a nap at 6 pm and then drink a Wild Cherry Pepsi afterward...it's not. I wasn't sure until now as I sit here blogging about it at 1:42 am.

Learn from my mistakes, people.