Chandler Pow Wow CCO

From Blu Daniels :)




Have a fantabulous day!!!

Kelly

The Dog Days Are (Almost) Over.....

Totally rocking my love for Florence + the Machine these days. And I love that song. It's just so friggin appropriate right now. I've got three days and I just keep singing that song in my head to get me through.

I had a great weekend! Friday was a nice laid back evening with my hubby and then Saturday we worked at the store (thank you Ron Baker!). I had some weird allergy crap going on, so I went home around 3pm and took a nap with my babies. My sister came over that night and I made soup and gave her a Kindle for her early birthday/Christmas present. We watched the Eclipse actor commentary and laughed and then that was our big Saturday night. I had decided not to cook at the Fair Sunday because I still felt kind of crappy. I fixed myself a nice Jack Daniels and Honey hot drink and went to bed. I woke up Sunday feeling fine and said to hell with it, I'm going to go cook! The results are below:

1. Kelly Brignon - YAY!!!!!
2. Tom Dozier
3. Gary Brignon
4. Ray Calhoun - Q'd
5. Ron Barnes
6. Ron Baker
7. TJ Friedel
8. Dusty Hudspeth
9. Mossman
10. Doris Coats

We had 33 chilis and I was sooooo friggin excited when my number was called! I have always wanted to win a blue ribbon at that cook off and this was just the best win ever! I can't wait to hang it up at the Mild Bill's store :)

Don't forget - we're having our Grand Opening celebration Sunday from 3-5 pm. The address is 113 W. Knox Street in downtown Ennis. We'll have snacks and beverages, but feel free to BYOB!

Everyone needs to pick up the latest issue of Texas Monthly. Not only is Miranda Lambert featured in the magazine, but a nice gentlemen from Bosque County wrote into the Editor to add his two cents to a response from a reader who says there is no place for chili in Texas in the summer. The rancher instructed that individual and the rest of Texas Monthly's readers to check out CASI's website so that they could see firsthand how much chili is cooked in Texas in the summer. I thought that was a nice little bit of advertising and hopefully more people (including the CASI Board) will start taking a more aggressive approach to advertising in publications such as Texas Monthly. They seem to take a rather interested and supportive stance of chili cookoffs and CASI in general - I'd like to see us take advantage of that!

My coffee is cold, but that doesn't stop me from mainlining this morning.

I had the most horrific day yesterday. In addition to arguing with the T&B Vinegar Sac most of the day, I ran over a large metal pole with a tarp attached to it and got a flat tire. I was a hysterical mess by the time I walked into Discount Tire. I don't know what set me off more....the shit in the middle of 35 that I couldn't avoid or the DeSoto cop that drove past me when I was clearly on my back halfway under my Expedition trying to extract the large metal pole from my rim and tire. At any rate, the dude at Discount Tire was nice and calm and I was out of there in 30 minutes. Thank God for road hazard certificates!!!

I picked up Paige and met Gary at Chilis. I promptly self medicated with a Xanax and a margarita. When I got home, I took a hydrocodone and went to bed early. I also came to a conclusion regarding the T&BVS - I'm done. I'm finished with being nice, being civil, being cordial, being pleasant. I'M DONE. I can only take so much and when you cross that line with me, there is no going back. I am tired of dealing with someone who has their own convenient version of the facts (when they can even remember them) and I've finally realized that you can't reason with certain people. I have too much to look forward to with Mild Bill's. I don't have to be drug down by this shithole any longer. I made a promise to myself that this chapter of my life was going to be different and it was going to be something that brought me joy. For the first time in my life, I'm doing exactly what I want to do. My rules, my dreams and no one is going to fuck that up for me anymore. I can smile through a lot of bullshit, but I've reached my douchebag limit for now.

Okay, I'll try not to rant anymore.

I also signed up for a PayPal business account that I will be adding to the payment options on the Mild Bill's website - which stays the same. And that got me to thinking about a lot of discussions I've seen on FB about CASI opening up an online store. It seems like there are a lot of members who support this idea and would be willing to help out with it. I sure hope that the Board is serious about their desire to utilize the membership to help achieve goals beneficial to CASI. I think an online store would be fabulous...IMHO.

Me: Paige, do you care if we go to the Hall?
Paige: I thought I couldn't go to bars.
Me: Paige, seriously. Do you care if we swing by the Hall.
Paige: I don't feel like it.
Me: What if I buy you ice cream.
Paige: That's okay then, we can go.

WTF is wrong with this conversation? My kid is telling me whether we can go somewhere? I'm bribing her with ice cream so that I can go to the Hall? That I'm even asking a 7 year old for permission????

This situation is just ripe for CPS involvement, I'm sure.

Gilbert Charlie Robison has turned into one fat Guinea Pig. And, he isn't afraid of Eddie. Last night, Eddie came into Paige's room after we had cleaned Gilbert's cage and Gilbert came right up to the front of the cage and just looked at Eddie. I think Gilbert's got some cajones now :)

I'm going to go now. I have a few things to finish up prior to my Exodus Thursday. I'll be back tomorrow.

Spreading kindness and joy and keeping my DB Shield up at all times.....

The Cadillac Cowgirl

The End is the Beginning is the End or Something Like That

Isn't that a Smashing Pumpkins song?

Let me get off track here for a minute. That reminded me of a guy I waited tables with at Pappasitos. He was the BIGGEST Billy Corgan freak. We used to argue about The Smashing Pumpkins and REM and who was the better band. (REM Duh!!!) But yeah..I can remember all of us hanging out at TGI Fridays after our shifts and arguing about music. Music has always been such an important part of my life and relationships. I knew Gary was the one because he was Van Halen not Van Hagar and Bon Scott instead of Brian Johnson (Except for Back in Black which would not have been the album it is without Brian Johnson) and he also loved SRV and did not like Rush. Or so he said. He's actually a Rush fan but lied because of my extreme dislike for them. But anyways. Still, music is something he and I have always had in common. We saw Hank for the first time together; Charlie Robison and now Jamey Johnson in October. I think I've got him converted to the house of Radiohead as well...he may not admit it, but he likes them.

Anyways....back to my original reason for blogging. The end is near for my time at T&B Demolition - at least my daily involvement. My office was boxed up today. Did I shed a tear; have a "moment"? F*CK NO!!!! HELL NO!!!! I can't get out of that badmotorfinger fast enough. It's like I can see myself having a heart attack at my desk if I don't get the hell out of that lifesucking office. I cannot wait until the store is ready, the inventory is moved and I'm officially Mild Bill's!!! This has been such a journey. I never wanted to own a business. Although I have an unusually high need for autonomy, I do fine as an employee. Let someone else be the idiot making all the decisions and on the hook for everything. I'm happy to work my hours and go home and leave work at work. The first few years at T&B, Gary was the batshit crazy one. He worked 24/7 and was a terror to live with. Looking back on that time, had he not been so obsessed with T&B, it wouldn't be successful. Still, it was hard on our marriage. I think we're lucky to have survived because it is not easy to own a business with your spouse and if anyone tells you otherwise, they're lying. Over the last three years, I'm the one who has become consumed with work as I'm the one responsible for the finances (regardless of other's stupid decisions), making sure bills are paid (or not), payroll is met, etc. It's been tough. I can't stress how tough it has been to run and stay in business in this recent economy. It's been one of the most intensely stressful times in my life. I know more than anyone that you can't have the good without the bad, but it still doesn't make it easier - especially when things are BAD! We are extremely fortunate - our business has survived. But it hasn't been without huge sacrifices and a lot of knock down drag out fights...or in the case of our business partner, complete lack of support or concern, but whatever. For the most part, it's been Gary and I who have run T&B, with the help of others who do see T&B as their own, and it's been hard. And it's worn me out. Hell - it's worn all of us out. So, if you are my parents, or my trusty person charged with protecting me from the stupid people, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for getting in the foxhole with me and Gary and sticking with us, even when it sucked. Thank you to my husband for always, always making sure I have everything I need and for as politically incorrect as it sounds, buying me a business because he believed in what I could do with it long before I did. I'm not ashamed to admit that I do need my husband and that marrying him makes me a feel like a more complete person than if I had just continued to float around this world on my own. Just don't ask me to confirm any of this information in the mornings when I'm dead tired because his loud ass snoring broke through my earplugs and he wouldn't go get on the couch and what I'd really like to do is put a pillow over his head. I digress...again.... :)

So Gary is on his way home with the stove and some of the kitchen equipment. The store is finished and we are soooo close!!! I have to get over to WR's and take him what I want painted on the two front windows. I can't believe this is finally happening. I don't know whether to laugh or cry or have a nervous breakdown. I can't believe that I'm a week away from owning something that I know is going to be a joy to have a hell of a lot more than it is a beatdown. I cannot wait to start selling spices out of the store and talking to customers about spices...and sharing samples and recipes using Mild Bill's products. I finally, finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. And it is soooo friggin bright I can hardly stand it.

This is the beginning of my beginning - and it can't start soon enough!

Spreading joy, kindness and sometimes deep, bizarre thoughts that manage to involve music and other odd things....

The Cadillac Cowgirl

And Just What Have I Ever Done to You Thursday???

It took me two hours to get to work this morning.

I am literally counting the minutes until I leave this small corner in hell and begin my new life at 113 W. Knox Street in Ennis.

Please hurry.....I'm running out of places to hide bodies :)

Cadillac Cowgirl Arroz con Pollo

Happy Humpalicious Hump Day!!!

My dogs have been busy this morning:



Gary sent those pictures to me. This was after he located his glasses under our bed. Waylon is a night prowler...he also invaded Paige's room last night. Crazy muffin.

Last night, Courtney came over for our Bridesmaid's watch party. Melissa McCarthy, the girl that plays Meghan, was freakin hilarious. She stole that movie - it was sooo funny!! I'm glad I finally saw it.

I had everything on hand for Arroz con Pollo so I decided to make that for dinner last night. I made it differently than in the past and it came out fantastic. Below is the recipe:

Cadillac Cowgirl Arroz con Pollo

For the rice:
1 Cup Long Grain Rice
1 Small Onion, Chopped
1 8 oz Can Tomato Sauce
1 Tomato and Chicken Bullion Cube
1 Chicken Bullion Cube
3 1/2 Cups Water
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
2 Tbsp Olive Oil

For the chicken:
1 lb Chicken Tenders
Olive Oil for Browning
1 Tbsp Pacific Beauty Paprika
1 Tbsp Cumin
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Pepper
(Spices available from Mild Bills - of course!!)

Begin your rice first by heating the olive oil in a large covered skillet. Once hot, add the rice and stir to coat. Saute the rice over medium high heat until it starts to brown; don't let it burn. Add the chopped onion and turn the heat down to medium low; saute for a few minutes. In the meantime, using the microwave or a saucepan, bring the 3 1/2 cups of water and bullion cubes to a boil. Once boiling, add the water and cubes to the rice and onion mixture along with the tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring back to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.

In a separate skillet, heat the oil for the chicken. While the oil is heating up, sprinkle half of the cumin, paprika, salt and pepper evenly over the chicken tenders. Add the chicken (seasoned side down) to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cumin, paprika, salt and pepper over the unseasoned side of the chicken tenders. Brown over medium heat on each side, about 4 minutes per side. Allow the chicken tenders to drain on a paper towel, then add them to the rice. Re-cover the rice after adding the chicken and continue to cook the rice until the chicken and the rice are done.

The rice takes about 50 minutes and since you are browning the chicken tenders, it's only going to take about 20-25 minutes to finish cooking them, so I always add them halfway through. You know that your rice is done when the moisture has evaporated and you are left with moist, but fluffy rice. You don't want it to be gummy, so don't stir it around. The best way to check it and see if you need a little more water while cooking is to take a spoon and just move it away from the edge of the skillet. If it's getting a little brown on bottom and sticking, but the rice isn't tender yet, add a little water and put the cover back on.

I like to serve this with queso over the top and flour tortillas. Gary always likes to add salsa to his. It's a great weeknight meal and it also freezes well. Enjoy!!!

I better get to work...ugh.....

Spreading kindness and joy in all that I do....

Kelly

From Bob Coats.......

Top of Texas Pod and Irving Elks Lodge of Irving, Texas
Supporting CASI

A first for CASI

At present, the TOT Pod is the only CASI Pod to have the honor of having two Past Exulted Rulers as members and active cooks. Mike and Jennifer Moore are both PER’s of the Irving Elks and active members of the TOT Pod. Mike recently won his first cook-off and is hooked on cooking CASI. Jennifer and Mike are in their first year of cooking and are doing well in competing with the best.

Irving Elks Lodge #2334 is a friend of CASI sponsor and host the TOT Pod event. TOT also holds their monthly meeting at the Irving Lodge. In addition to the TOT Cookoff the Lodge also holds a cook-off for Elks charities. The support of the Irving Elks of TOT and CASI is a key element in the success of chili in North Texas.

CASI is very fortunate to have the support of the Elks around the country.

Bob Coats

Conversations With Paige

Paige: Mommy, does Ennis have a jail?
Me: Yes.
Paige: Where is it?
Me: Over there - at the end of the street.
Paige: Oh - have you been in it?
Me: No.
Paige: Do you know what it looks like?
Me: No.
Paige: Does Daddy know what it looks like?
Me: (knowing where this is headed) No!!
Paige: Has Daddy been in that jail?
Me: No, your daddy has not been to that jail.
Paige: You've got to be kidding me!

Even Paige knows her Daddy has a fondness for jails.....LOL!!!!

Paige: Mommy, can I go in that room?
Me: No, it's a bar. (We were at Marsala's waiting on our pizza and they have a separate bar.)
Paige: What's a bar?
Me: It's like the KJT.
Paige: You let me go to the KJT, so why can't I go in there?
Me: Because it's a different kind of bar and you aren't supposed to go in there if you're under 21.
Paige: But I'm only seven and you take me to bars. Isn't that illegal.
Me: Depends on where and not at the KJT.
Paige: But if you take me and the cops see me, they could take me to jail.
Me: No, Paige, they won't take you to jail.
Paige: Okay good, because I don't want to go to kiddie prison.

Gotta love her.....

This morning we were on our way to school and I could see that she was leaning against the window, but she wasn't sleeping. We stopped at a stop sign and I turned around to see what she was doing and to ask for her assignment book. She told me she was "a little obsessed with that and she didn't hear me ask for her book." I had no idea what she was talking about, so I turned around again and she was breathing heavy on the window and drawing smiley faces. WTF??? That's what she was obsessed with.

I'm off to do billings....fun times.

K