Wow, What a Month - December

I know, I know it's been way, way to long since I've written. Not even sure if I still have any readers.

The month of December was one busy, busy month as always. The first weekend Jason and I were still sick with colds but managed to head out to Irish Channel in Crofton for Karaoke on Saturday night. We, of course, did not sing and I can't say much for some of the people who decided to sing. The place might be, ok, definitely is a bit more upscale than Jim's Hide-away in Odenton, but the talent is a little lower on the scale. Ok, ok, and I actually do believe this, I have to give props to the people who did get up because I definitely would not be doing it myself and it does provide me with lots of entertainment - so, props to the people who sang even if poorly. On Sunday I went to a Tastefully Simple party and stocked up on a bunch of goodness - I am in love with the bacon, bacon and the cheese ball it can make - not to mention the chocolate ugly cake mix - yummy goodness.

Then a week of work....

The second weekend had us boarding up the pups and heading into DC for Jason's office holiday party. They held their party at the City Club located in the Columbia Square building. It was very, very nice. They had a buffet set up with carving stations for prime rib, salmon and turkey and numerous additions for them. The dance floor was hopping to the beat of the DJ they had spinning. Oh, yes and the most important thing - Open Bar!!! This was the first time I had met Jason's co-workers and I truly enjoyed it. He seems to have found a great place to work and with a great bunch of people - Way to Go!

We headed out of that party after about 3 1/2 hours and caught a cab over to Jen's house for her Christmas party in Rosslyn. Where we continued to party and drink (wonderful hostessing job!!) into the wee hours of the morning topping off the night with a game of Cranium - don't exactly remember who won - I'm thinking my team, but I could be wrong - feeling pretty good by that time :) [Must remember to post a link to pictures - or they are on my facebook page] And then a cab ride back to our hotel in DC - The Jury's - to pass out.

and another week of work.... Oh and what a week this was - I had my review on Thursday and let me tell you - it wasn't the nicest review I've ever gotten. Let's just put it this way - I have known that I was targeted by the new manager almost from when she started as not being someone whom she would want in her department - or that she would want the responsibility for. (background: I had been promoted the beginning of the year to a position which would entail mentoring and teaching by the manager in order to get me up to speed in the position fully. The manager at that time then switched departments and we hired a new manager "NM"). NM was not - in my opinion - willing or didn't make an effort to mentor/teach me. I began to seriously dislike my work and I'm sure that I did not accomplish some things as fast as I should or actually could have because of this reason. Mid-year I was seriously thinking about returning to being a legal secretary and after the review at the end of the year, it was decided more for me, but also by me to do so. (I do admit I am much happier than I have been with work in the past 11 months). I love working at my place of employemnt and am happy to continue to be a part of making it run smoothly and efficiently :-) - enough about that - blah, blah, blah

The third weekend had us once again boarding up the pups and heading into the city for my work holiday party. This year's extravaganza was held at the Corcoran Gallery. Once again another very, very nice party. Jason and I arrived at the party I would say a little after it started and meet up with our friends. Debbie and her date were there first and had gotten us a table to hang out at - low and behold, who would have the nerve to sit down at the table with her knowing she was one of my good friends and I would be more than likely sitting with her, but the NM who just stabbed me (dramatic, huh). Another couple then came along and took two other seats at the table - actually sitting in the chair where Debbie's date had his jacket - they had both gone up to the bar to get drinks and bring us back to that table... When we noticed this we decided not to sit there any more and to gather their stuff in order to find a table which would hopefully accommodate our group. I did say "Happy Holidays" to the NM, but I cannot say what my facial expression was - I've been told it was a little chilly - I've actually heard that I can look quite like an absolute *itch even - opps - ha.

Ok, enough - I swear I'm over it!! Anyways, we had a wonderful array of food to choose from and drinks to drink (loved the peppermint martini which was the drink of the night!). We danced to some great music and all and all had a really wonderful time before heading out to our next party of the evening.

The next party was the annual Lisa and Ken (J's cousins) Christmas Party. It is always a great time. Wonderful to see all the cousins and other friends. Playing some cards, drinking Indian Blanket Juice (deadly) and shooting Jell-O shots (made by yours truly - so potent). Must say don't remember a lot towards the end of the evening - very sad - the last thing I remember is we were playing A**hole and I was President, I think for the third time in a row and that was all she wrote - I was done - Jason says he doesn't think it was a graceful exit for me either - Sorry to all who had to witness it - we caught a cab to the Sheraton National where we were staying (another nice room) and that's where I remember a little regurgitation going on and passing out in the bed until the morning. Children - do not do this - it is not a good thing!!

Then more work - making transition to new position - moving desk - setting up shop and meeting attorneys I would be floating for - very, very nice people. Going out with the "gang" to Eddies for $1 beer night and Karaoke - fun, fun, fun!!!

The weekend of Christmas was upon us - this entailed another night out with local friends on Friday to celebrate the holidays and then a bunch of mad dash shopping for gifts and food as we were hosting my family over for Christmas Day. Christmas Day went well and I believe that a good time was had by all - what more could be wanted than presents - ham, turkey, pasta and sauce, sausage bread, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, brown and serve rolls, asparagus, corn, pie and cake!!!

more work - well very slow days at the office - relaxing and catching up on things - nice!!

Last weekend - aiming for New Year's Eve. Bruce came up to hang out and after a few games on the PS3 we all headed out to Jim's for a little Karaoking. Bruce and Jason sang their soul man duet, sillie girls spilt a little bit of beer on Jason while they were dancing - had to give them a little bit of a talking to about the merits of apologizing - daggers being sent to them afterwards - rearing for a fight - HAHA and then back home sleep for me and more PS3 for the guys.

New Year's Eve was a quite occasion, but nice for Jason, Lucie, Kira and I. We rented movies and toasted the new year together in anticipation of our next year together as a family!

Happy New Year to all and hope it's a great 2008! WOW, could you imagine if I did one of those letters in the Christmas card - yikes.

As we move into December

Gosh, it's been like forever since I've written - sorry. Not actually really going to write all that much now, just wanted to post this picture as a reminder as we move into the holiday season! Be good!

Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner Dinner

The first annual pre-Thanksgiving dinner dinner was held on November 10. Jason and I were honored to host this at our house. Everyone participated in the meal by preparing and bringing dishes to accompany the Turkey.

I made the turkey, mashed potatoes (I had to run to Williams Sanoma earlier that day to buy a potato ricer - I was so excited), brown and serve rolls and yams with marshmallows on top.

Jen made green bean/bacon bundles, a sausage, cherry tomato and hash brown casserole and a salad which I believe contained pomegranates and had a delicious dressing.

Dana made homemade stuffing.

Shirli provided us with cornbread and pies (I know that one pie said Strawberry on it even though it looked exactly like apple - I'm sticking to that!!)

Now, my apologies to Meghan and Leise, because I can't specify who brought what, but I know that when they arrived so did the pinot nior, a nice white and a peach beer? or something like that - all very delicious and enjoyed by all.

Bruce dazzled us with his appetizer - caprice salad and Matt provided the digestif - Rumplemintz (wonderful shot :-)) Jason had his kegerrator up and running serving cold brews for all to enjoy.

After all the wonderfully delicious food was eaten, we relaxed by playing Cranium and Celebrities. All in all I believe that everyone had an enjoyable time and we look forward to doing this next year so that we may give thanks to all our good friends for their being their for us and sharing with us theirs and our good times and, yes, even bad times.

Here are some of the pictures from the evening which I downloaded from Jen's facebook site. I have to get some pictures from Bruce who was also taking pictures and will post that when I accomplish that.

http://picasaweb.google.com/drearosson/PreThanksgivingDinnerDinner

Finally - My Photos from Bruce's B-day

If you use the following URL, I'm hoping you will be able to access the pictures I took way back when of Bruce's Birthday Scavenger Hunt beginning at the Washington Monument and ending at Atomic Billiards - not that many but some.

http://picasaweb.google.com/drearosson/BruceSBDay

Halloween - Fins - 10-27-07

Halloween Pictures - Fins 10-27-07

Trivia Wednesday - Fins - Answers

Ok, I'm finally getting on to post the answers to the Halloween trivia questions. I know, I know, late in getting the questions posted, late in getting the answers posted - bad, bad, bad.

Ok, here they are:

1. What is the top candy sold for Halloween? A. Snickers B. M&M's C. Tootsie Rolls D. Candy Corn
A. Snickers

2. List the following from Most to Least in number of sequels A. Halloween B. Nightmare on Elm Street C. Alien D. Friday the 13th
D. Friday 13; A. Halloween; B. Nightmare on Elm Street; C. Alien (I have to admit this one I'm trying to remember from memory - Jason was supposed to confirm, but haven't heard from him yet :-))

3. Name the four immediate family members of the Adams family. Bonus: Name the other main characters
Morticia, Gomez, Wenesday and Pugsley - Bonus: Cousin It, Grandmama, Uncle Fester, Lurch, Thing

4. Threeser - What do these three things have in common? My Blue Heaven Little Shop of Horrors Parenthood
Rick Moranes and Steve Martin

5. If you look into a mirror at midnight what will you see? A. Bloody Mary B. Future Spouse C. Your Death D. Dead Ancestor
B. Future Spouse

6. What was the first wrapped penny candy in the U.S.?
Tootsie Roll

7. What was the very first Jack o'lantern made out of? A. Watermelon B. Pumpkin C. Coconut D. Turnip
D. Turnip

8. In the movie Halloween by John Carpenter - although it is set in IL what license plate could be seen on all the vehicles?
California

9. True or False. Halloween is the second most commercially successful holiday after Christmas?
True

10. What was the most popular costume of 2004? A. Witch B. Spiderman C. Vampire D. George W. Bush
B. Spiderman

11. Threeser. What do these three things have in common? Michael J. Fox Michael Jackson Jack Nicholson
They all played werewolves

12. Name the Munsters.
Lili, Herman, Eddie and Marilyn

13. How much did the world's biggest pumpkin weigh in 2003? A. 245 lbs b. 785 lbs c. 1385 lbs d. 1875 lbs
C. 1385

14. In the nursery rhyme in the movie Nightmare on Elm Street, what follows 5, 6?
1-2 Freddies coming for you
3-4 Better lock your door
5-6 Grab your crucifix

15. Anagram: Rearrange the letters below to find the name of an actress. review agony sure
Sigourney Weaver

Well, I hope that you did well and that you had fun playing along.

Book Club - My House - Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Wow, I am so far behind on some of the things I want to post/said I'd post. Where does time go? What it is is that I don't really like to get on to the computer in the evening when I'm home because I spend so much time on it at work during the day. It's so much easier to post at lunch or during my breaks. Anyways...

The book club evening went well. I believe that everyone had a good time, love the house and enjoyed the food. Whew!

The overall consensus was that the book "The Faraday Girls" was enjoyed by all - a good pick - yay! We convened at 7:00 had a few appetizers - veggies and dip (Knorr's veggie spinach dip) and tortilla chips and dip (chili cheese dip). Around 8:00 we sat down and had some dinner. I made Sloppy Joes, potatoes au gratin and green beans. Dessert was Rainbow Sherbert.

I have to say that the dip I served with the tortilla chips was a big hit.

Chili-Cheese dip to accompany Tortilla Chips
1 can of Hormel chili - no beans
8 oz of cream cheese
Heat in saucepan over low to medium heat until cheese melts and is mixed in(sure it can be done in a microwave, just didn't do that)
Serve warm with chips

The recipe for the potatoes au gratin is below. I will have to bring in the Sloppy Joe recipe and post that as well. Both were well complimented - I'm so pleased.

Potatoes Au gratin - Swans Palette Cookbook - www.swanscoachhouse.com

2c heavy cream
1 5oz Boursin cheese with herbs
5 medium baking potatoes - peeled & thinly sliced
Salt & pepper
Fresh parsley to garnish

In saucepan over medium heat combine cheese and heavy cream until cheese melts. Stirring constantly

In greased 13x9 baking pan place:
Layer of half of the peeled, sliced potatoes overlapping
Salt & pepper to taste.
Layer of cheese liquid
Layer of remaining potatoes
Top with remaining cheese liquid

Cook 400 degrees for 1 hour or until golden brown. Remove.

Sprinkle with parsley to garnish

Ok, got to run. Lunch hour is over. Back to drafting bios - fun, fun, fun

Trivia Wednesday at Fins, Oct. 31 - Halloween Night

I know, I know this is really late - a week late, but better late than never... Let's just hope I remember the answers when I post them :-) The best thing is that we came in 1st by a landslide - we know our Halloween Trivia!!!

Tonight is another evening of trivia at Fins - hopefully it will be going down. Pssst... I'm even thinking about not drinking for this one - hmmmm might help with the brain waves - we'll see how it goes :-)

Team: Kevin (RINAR), Jason, Andrea, Danny N.

1. What is the top candy sold for Halloween?
A. Snickers
B. M&M's
C. Tootsie Rolls
D. Candy Corn

2. List the following from Most to Least in number of sequels
A. Halloween
B. Nightmare on Elm Street
C. Alien
D. Friday the 13th

3. Name the four immediate family members of the Adams family.

Bonus: Name the other main characters

4. Threeser - What do these three things have in common?
My Blue Heaven
Little Shop of Horrors
Parenthood

5. If you look into a mirror at midnight what will you see?
A. Bloody Mary
B. Future Spouse
C. Your Death
D. Dead Ancestor

6. What was the first wrapped penny candy in the U.S.?

7. What was the very first Jack o'lantern made out of?
A. Watermelon
B. Pumpkin
C. Coconut
D. Turnip

8. In the movie Halloween by John Carpenter - although it is set in IL what license plate could be seen on all the vehicles?

9. True or False. Halloween is the second most commercially successful holiday after Christmas?
10. What was the most popular costume of 2004?
A. Witch
B. Spiderman
C. Vampire
D. George W. Bush

11. Threeser. What do these three things have in common?
Michael J. Fox
Michael Jackson
Jack Nicholson

12. Name the Munsters.

13. How much did the world's biggest pumpkin weigh in 2003?
A. 245 lbs
b. 785 lbs
c. 1385 lbs
d. 1875 lbs

14. In the nursery rhyme in the movie Nightmare on Elm Street, what follows 5, 6?

15. Anagram: Rearrange the letters below to find the name of an actress.
review agony sure

Good Luck. Let me know how you do. Feel free to post your answers in the comment section and I'll check it before posting the answers and let you know how you did.

Hugging and Detention??

I had to drop a quick post. I just read a story on MSNBC.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21661718/) where this girl got two days detention for giving her friends hugs as she said goodbye to them for the weekend. The hug is described as just being an quick over one shoulder squeeze - so not an all out hug fest. This is completely ridiculous. They say it is because there is a school ban against public displays of affection and this falls into that category. I can understand the concept of wanting such a ban, but really people let's reword this ban or make it more specific so that it says what types of public displays of affection are ok and which are not - Massive makeout sessions - not; giving little goodbye hugs - ok.

The parents of the girl told her to go ahead and serve the detentions as the only other alternative at this point is two days suspension, but are going to go to the next school board meeting and propose that the school board reword or specify.

Can we say carried away much?