Oh...the posturing and pontificating going on today. Ya'll think I get on a soapbox....LOLOLOLOLOL?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Not saying another word; I'm sure most of you can figure it out. Besides, I'll get a "talking to" from Lord Brignon if I don't keep my mouf shut!
That's my Queen of Passiva Aggressiva Proclamation for today :)
Have a great day and a great weekend. I'm looking forward to Telephone this weekend. The Juicy Swimmer is going with us and we're taking the kiddie pool so she can swim her little heart out.
Spreading something....
Kelly
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Greetings Earthlings!
I am soooooo ready for this long weekend coming up! I've got to get the toyhauler straightened up, mix spices, make a few potluck items and do grocery shopping in the next two days. Whew!
I think I'm going to leave the whole Brewster Co. Burn Ban alone for now. It's turning into a dumpster fire (pun intended) on it's own and I don't think I need to add to it. At least not via my blog. I guess it'll work out the way it's meant to...
My child has been home maybe three days in the last few weeks. She loves this whole Gammy summer schedule. I take that back - she's been home more than that because she's gone to karate. She finishes her first set of swimming lessons tomorrow and I'll sign her up for another two week stint. She has a break from karate next week, so she can concentrate on even more Gammy time :) The Y has quite a few summer/day camps that would work with her swim schedule and I think I'm going to look into them for her. She can only handle so much of our boring office and I can't say that I blame her. She's in love with her swim coach, Luke and flirts and giggles the entire time. Jesus.
I weighed in yesterday and lost another 2 lbs!!!! That brings the total to 13 lbs over the past 6 weeks. I ran and walked last night; Gary stalked via the golf cart while drinking a beer. WTH is wrong with this picture? I like the shoes I bought at Cabela's, especially for what I have to run/walk on. Our road, or lack thereof, is a craptastic combination of asphalt, gravel, fault lines and potholes. In short: it sucks ass. I bought shoes made for running on uneven surfaces (bingo) and hiking trails and they've been pretty kind to my feet. The only thing is, I have shit feet and I want to explore my options and at the very least, have a back up pair. I have always had good luck with Adidas, but I want to say that when I attempted to buy a pair not so long ago, they had changed the toe area to a much slimmer style and I have to have something wide for my freaky feet. I can't wear Nike because they are geared towards people with narrow feet; not completely sold on New Balance and I like Asics. I basically just like shopping for shoes....can't you tell?
Actually, I've got a serious boot problem and I'm well aware of it. I spent an hour on the Old Gringo website Sunday night and racked up $2000 in my head, of course, in a matter of ten minutes. Those are some of the most intricate and beautiful boots and I love them. I love my Corral boots, too. Both brands are extremely comfy and make my feet very happy! I bought Paige a pair of boots last month that are magenta and have Sugar Skulls on the leg. She loved them :) Like mother, like daughter!!
Employees crack me up. Sample conversation from yesterday:
Crackhead Employee: I need to file Workers Comp.
Me: (stifling a laugh) Why is that?
CE: I hurt my spine.
Me: Oh. And how....and where....and when...and who did you tell.
CE: I don't remember how I did it and I can't remember where I was. I did it a few weeks ago and I was by myself.
Me: Well, that's not how it works. You didn't report it, you've never said a word about it and you can't even tell me where and when you did it. Besides, you aren't too hurt, you were picking up your baby and throwing him up in the air and catching him when I got here this morning.
CE: So that means I don't get unemployment?
Me: You QUIT. You do not draw unemployment when you quit your job and there will be no Workers Comp.
CE: So what am I supposed to do.
Me: I don't know what you're supposed to do. Besides, you weren't in that much pain because you went to work for another company last week and worked in Houston for them. I'm seriously doubting this whole injury claim. I have to go now. Goodbye.
I sound like a bitch, don't I? If you have a legit injury, I'm the first one to shoo your ass to the doctor. This guy is a complete moron and that was just a sample of what we've dealt with from him.
Had another employee last week who thought "demo" meant a "record demo". Like recording music.
Swear to God.
If ANYONE ever tells you to get into the demo business, run like hell. It's not for just anyone and I don't know how Gary and I became those "just anyone" types that are right for demo. What does that say about us? I know I'm getting the hell out....so maybe it's just Gary that's whack.
Well, my break is over. I've been seriously productive today and I better get back to it.
Keep it real, folks
K
I think I'm going to leave the whole Brewster Co. Burn Ban alone for now. It's turning into a dumpster fire (pun intended) on it's own and I don't think I need to add to it. At least not via my blog. I guess it'll work out the way it's meant to...
My child has been home maybe three days in the last few weeks. She loves this whole Gammy summer schedule. I take that back - she's been home more than that because she's gone to karate. She finishes her first set of swimming lessons tomorrow and I'll sign her up for another two week stint. She has a break from karate next week, so she can concentrate on even more Gammy time :) The Y has quite a few summer/day camps that would work with her swim schedule and I think I'm going to look into them for her. She can only handle so much of our boring office and I can't say that I blame her. She's in love with her swim coach, Luke and flirts and giggles the entire time. Jesus.
I weighed in yesterday and lost another 2 lbs!!!! That brings the total to 13 lbs over the past 6 weeks. I ran and walked last night; Gary stalked via the golf cart while drinking a beer. WTH is wrong with this picture? I like the shoes I bought at Cabela's, especially for what I have to run/walk on. Our road, or lack thereof, is a craptastic combination of asphalt, gravel, fault lines and potholes. In short: it sucks ass. I bought shoes made for running on uneven surfaces (bingo) and hiking trails and they've been pretty kind to my feet. The only thing is, I have shit feet and I want to explore my options and at the very least, have a back up pair. I have always had good luck with Adidas, but I want to say that when I attempted to buy a pair not so long ago, they had changed the toe area to a much slimmer style and I have to have something wide for my freaky feet. I can't wear Nike because they are geared towards people with narrow feet; not completely sold on New Balance and I like Asics. I basically just like shopping for shoes....can't you tell?
Actually, I've got a serious boot problem and I'm well aware of it. I spent an hour on the Old Gringo website Sunday night and racked up $2000 in my head, of course, in a matter of ten minutes. Those are some of the most intricate and beautiful boots and I love them. I love my Corral boots, too. Both brands are extremely comfy and make my feet very happy! I bought Paige a pair of boots last month that are magenta and have Sugar Skulls on the leg. She loved them :) Like mother, like daughter!!
Employees crack me up. Sample conversation from yesterday:
Crackhead Employee: I need to file Workers Comp.
Me: (stifling a laugh) Why is that?
CE: I hurt my spine.
Me: Oh. And how....and where....and when...and who did you tell.
CE: I don't remember how I did it and I can't remember where I was. I did it a few weeks ago and I was by myself.
Me: Well, that's not how it works. You didn't report it, you've never said a word about it and you can't even tell me where and when you did it. Besides, you aren't too hurt, you were picking up your baby and throwing him up in the air and catching him when I got here this morning.
CE: So that means I don't get unemployment?
Me: You QUIT. You do not draw unemployment when you quit your job and there will be no Workers Comp.
CE: So what am I supposed to do.
Me: I don't know what you're supposed to do. Besides, you weren't in that much pain because you went to work for another company last week and worked in Houston for them. I'm seriously doubting this whole injury claim. I have to go now. Goodbye.
I sound like a bitch, don't I? If you have a legit injury, I'm the first one to shoo your ass to the doctor. This guy is a complete moron and that was just a sample of what we've dealt with from him.
Had another employee last week who thought "demo" meant a "record demo". Like recording music.
Swear to God.
If ANYONE ever tells you to get into the demo business, run like hell. It's not for just anyone and I don't know how Gary and I became those "just anyone" types that are right for demo. What does that say about us? I know I'm getting the hell out....so maybe it's just Gary that's whack.
Well, my break is over. I've been seriously productive today and I better get back to it.
Keep it real, folks
K
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Hhhmmm.......
Below is a blurb from Renee Moore; I took the liberty of copying it from the ED's Blog. Take a minute. Read it. Re-read it. Digest it......
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
From Renee Moore:
Bad News with a Solution
The CASI Board was advised at this weekend’s Board Meeting that a burn ban is in effect for Brewster County. This ban prohibits the use of ‘any’ outdoor fire sources, including propane stoves, grills, BBQ pits, fireworks, camp fires, etc. In other words, no chili or BBQ cooking. The County has been asked if they would approve our event if cooking were done in the pavilion & stage areas; they advised that would not be authorized either.
Even though we are over 4 months from TICC, we would be remiss in not addressing this problem. It is our fondest hope and prayer that rain will fall in the Terlingua area, as well as in the many areas that are currently experiencing drought conditions and wildfires, but we must be prepared if it doesn’t.
As many of you are aware, CASI is required to obtain a Mass Gathering Permit prior to TICC. In the event this permit is not approved by Brewster County, we would be unable to hold the event. To ensure the approval of the permit, we must take action at the Great Peppers Meeting in September to allay any fears officials might have regarding TICC.
The Board is prepared to request that the Great Peppers pass an emergency rule change that would allow cooking of chili in an enclosed structure, such as an RV or travel trailer, during TICC, if necessary. This rule change would not extend to tent structures.
If this emergency rule is passed, it would also necessitate those chili cooks who have RVs and trailers to allow those cooks without such to open their “homes” to them so everyone is given an opportunity to participate. Knowing the generosity of the chili family, I’m sure this would not be a problem. We would compile a list of those needing to be accommodated on the day of the cookoff and match them with chili cooks.
TICC will NOT be cancelled. This is our 45th Anniversary and chili cooks are some of the most resourceful individuals in the world. We will keep you apprised of the situation. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the Board if you have any questions.
Please pray for rain in all those areas currently experiencing drought conditions!
Renee
First of all, I have to give the BOD kudos for not going all ostrich on the situation. I'm thrilled that they took action so far ahead of time and came up with a Plan B.
However, maybe they could come up with a Plan B1, or Plan C, even and find an ALTERNATE LOCATION ENTIRELY for the 45th TICC. Maybe just limit it to BBQ cooks and qualified chili cooks. Maybe not invite the public. Or, implement an emergency plan with the County to show that we too have a responsibility to Brewster County to be safe and mindful citizens. Offer a safety/fire protection plan. Maybe that would ease their fears. Maybe not. Still...I don't know how I feel about people with propane stoves cooking in motorhomes. I'm obviously going to be in there cooking on the stove that's attached to the RV and then add a few people with their propane stoves to the mix...how safe is that? And with the way chili cooks act anyways....the worries about unfair advantages, how people cook their chili, the secret stuff that people do. I know we're a family and very resourceful....but something like that happening at TICC? I don't know how that would go over. I know I sound negative and I don't mean to be....I'm just trying to be somewhat realistic. I don't want TICC cancelled; none of us do. That would be terrible. I'd just like to see a few other well thought out plans to act as a solution to the potential problem rather than a knee jerk reaction. Maybe the GP's should get with the Board now to start working on something a little more feasible and even scout different locations that would be able to accommodate us. I mean, we are an "international" organization. I'm sure that there are other parts of the country that could host us if we needed to...as well as different areas of Texas.
What do ya'll think? What are your feelings about this? First and foremost, I hope South Texas gets an assload of rain and this is just something we laugh about while we're sitting around our campfires in Terlingua in November. In the event that the area does not have torrential floods before then, I hope everyone starts looking for a different place to hold the event so as not to take away from the spirit of the cook off. We can still have National Scholarship Day and give the proceeds to the charities in Brewster County that benefit from our cook off.
I think now is the time for EVERYONE to put their heads together and really brainstorm!! Let's find a way to make this work so that TICC can go on as planned and with as little headache as possible! And remember: This is just my OPINION and not an attack on any board member or their solution to the problem. Like I said - I'm so glad that they are actually on the ball and discussing the what ifs of the situation!
Spread some joy and kindness....and some good ideas today! Let's pray for our leadership as well as rain :)
Kelly
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
From Renee Moore:
Bad News with a Solution
The CASI Board was advised at this weekend’s Board Meeting that a burn ban is in effect for Brewster County. This ban prohibits the use of ‘any’ outdoor fire sources, including propane stoves, grills, BBQ pits, fireworks, camp fires, etc. In other words, no chili or BBQ cooking. The County has been asked if they would approve our event if cooking were done in the pavilion & stage areas; they advised that would not be authorized either.
Even though we are over 4 months from TICC, we would be remiss in not addressing this problem. It is our fondest hope and prayer that rain will fall in the Terlingua area, as well as in the many areas that are currently experiencing drought conditions and wildfires, but we must be prepared if it doesn’t.
As many of you are aware, CASI is required to obtain a Mass Gathering Permit prior to TICC. In the event this permit is not approved by Brewster County, we would be unable to hold the event. To ensure the approval of the permit, we must take action at the Great Peppers Meeting in September to allay any fears officials might have regarding TICC.
The Board is prepared to request that the Great Peppers pass an emergency rule change that would allow cooking of chili in an enclosed structure, such as an RV or travel trailer, during TICC, if necessary. This rule change would not extend to tent structures.
If this emergency rule is passed, it would also necessitate those chili cooks who have RVs and trailers to allow those cooks without such to open their “homes” to them so everyone is given an opportunity to participate. Knowing the generosity of the chili family, I’m sure this would not be a problem. We would compile a list of those needing to be accommodated on the day of the cookoff and match them with chili cooks.
TICC will NOT be cancelled. This is our 45th Anniversary and chili cooks are some of the most resourceful individuals in the world. We will keep you apprised of the situation. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the Board if you have any questions.
Please pray for rain in all those areas currently experiencing drought conditions!
Renee
First of all, I have to give the BOD kudos for not going all ostrich on the situation. I'm thrilled that they took action so far ahead of time and came up with a Plan B.
However, maybe they could come up with a Plan B1, or Plan C, even and find an ALTERNATE LOCATION ENTIRELY for the 45th TICC. Maybe just limit it to BBQ cooks and qualified chili cooks. Maybe not invite the public. Or, implement an emergency plan with the County to show that we too have a responsibility to Brewster County to be safe and mindful citizens. Offer a safety/fire protection plan. Maybe that would ease their fears. Maybe not. Still...I don't know how I feel about people with propane stoves cooking in motorhomes. I'm obviously going to be in there cooking on the stove that's attached to the RV and then add a few people with their propane stoves to the mix...how safe is that? And with the way chili cooks act anyways....the worries about unfair advantages, how people cook their chili, the secret stuff that people do. I know we're a family and very resourceful....but something like that happening at TICC? I don't know how that would go over. I know I sound negative and I don't mean to be....I'm just trying to be somewhat realistic. I don't want TICC cancelled; none of us do. That would be terrible. I'd just like to see a few other well thought out plans to act as a solution to the potential problem rather than a knee jerk reaction. Maybe the GP's should get with the Board now to start working on something a little more feasible and even scout different locations that would be able to accommodate us. I mean, we are an "international" organization. I'm sure that there are other parts of the country that could host us if we needed to...as well as different areas of Texas.
What do ya'll think? What are your feelings about this? First and foremost, I hope South Texas gets an assload of rain and this is just something we laugh about while we're sitting around our campfires in Terlingua in November. In the event that the area does not have torrential floods before then, I hope everyone starts looking for a different place to hold the event so as not to take away from the spirit of the cook off. We can still have National Scholarship Day and give the proceeds to the charities in Brewster County that benefit from our cook off.
I think now is the time for EVERYONE to put their heads together and really brainstorm!! Let's find a way to make this work so that TICC can go on as planned and with as little headache as possible! And remember: This is just my OPINION and not an attack on any board member or their solution to the problem. Like I said - I'm so glad that they are actually on the ball and discussing the what ifs of the situation!
Spread some joy and kindness....and some good ideas today! Let's pray for our leadership as well as rain :)
Kelly
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Weekend Adventures of Gary and Kelly
Monday is back again. I'm so happy.
I surprised Lord Brignon with dinner reservations Friday night. The surprising part was that the reservations weren't made at Pappas....or Sambuca! I ventured outside our culinary comfort zone and made reservations at Hibiscus. Gary and I have wanted to try it out for some time, so I figured what the hell and made reservations. Was it good? Yes. Will we go back? Probably not. The menu was overpriced - both food and wine. The service was very, very good; and the dessert was fantabulous. We started out with Tuna Tartare and it was really delicious. It had bits of red onion in it and was served with tortilla chips - we loved it. We each got salads; Gary got the Bibb salad with pecans and dried cranberries - he ate every bite of it. I got a field green salad with little balls of heaven - goat cheese baked in bread crumbs. (Yes, I am aware that these are not Jenny Craig items!!) For our entree, Gary got the ribeye (don't know why....he's a filet type of guy!) and I got the most scrumptious scallops. I loved mine - he wasn't the least bit impressed with his ribeye. I always remind him that his bar is set very high, but he insisted that this wasn't a "not as good as Pappas" steak; it just wasn't that great. He said the deep dish macaroni casserole was to die for; we also had fries fried in duck fat. Sounds gross...but no! They were DELICIOUS!!! We also had a damn good dessert...it was an Almond Brown Butter cake with poached apricots and Lavender Vanilla Bean ice cream. That was really the best part of the night.
So, I guess my review sounds kind of confusing...we liked it, but we won't go back. Yeah...that makes a lot of sense. It was good, like I said. It just didn't rock our world for the amount of money we spent. And we didn't order a bottle of wine, or anything like that. We ordered cocktails before our meal and they were terrible. The wine was severely overpriced - a glass of The Prisoner was $18. Yes, EIGHTEEN FRIGGIN DOLLARS!!! You can buy a bottle for $32 :) It was a nice restaurant and I loved how they had candles burning in the fireplace in lieu of a fire. Unfortunately, it just didn't make a big enough impression on us. But, don't go by my opinion alone...try it out. The service really was very good and informative. And that is always important! Hopefully my next adventure into the world of Dallas dining will turn out better!
Gary and I both got up early Saturday - he went to work and I went shopping!!! I went with a few friends to two antique malls - Sisters in Saginaw and Lone Star in North Richland Hills. Sisters is small..but had some good stuff. Lone Star is huge and I went a little batshit crazy!!! I found some amazing deals. I can't wait to start decorating my trailer. I have picked up some really unique things to put in there and I'm so excited. My mom and I solved my cushion issue. I've emailed pics to Budda since I can't manage to take my trailer to him and I just need to order a few items from the RV place in Palmer. Over the next few weeks I'm going to powerwash it, scrape all of the caulk and then re-caulk and paint. I cannot wait!!!!!!
We had Sushi Saturday night - Oh My God!! The Las Vegas Roll was unf*ckingbelievable. God it was good! I ate part of that and the Ahi Tower...kind of my favorite thing right now...LOL! And to think, you can get all of the delicious sushi you want in the big town of Bristol, Texas :) I walked yesterday morning, Gary went to the store and we cleaned around the house. I decoupaged...oh yeah - I made Zoe's train case Saturday night - and napped and just had a really low key day.
Loved True Blood last night. Unfortunately, no Alcide...but the little bit of Eric was just fine with me. HELLO!!!!! I read "Something Blue", the sequel to "Something Borrowed" and loved it. Very, very good book. I woke up this morning with a headache and didn't get into the office until almost 11 am. Now, it's after 1 pm....yeah...typical Monday around here!
Oh - you must make this:
Cadillac Cowgirl Sassy Carnitas
1 Carnitas Roast (Mexican Pork Roast...don't get one bigger than 4 lbs)
2 Tbsp Mild Bills Sassy Syrup
1 Can Beer (I used Lone Star, but any will work)
1/2 Bottle Texas Redneck or Head Country BBQ Sauce
1 Onion, sliced
Mild Bills BBQ Rub, salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large dutch oven, lay the carnitas in it and add the beer, Sassy Syrup, BBQ sauce and onion. Add salt and pepper (don't go crazy, you can adjust later) and cover it with the BBQ rub. Cover and braise for three hours or until tender. Check periodically to make sure there is still plenty of liquid (you don't want it to burn and stick) and adjust the seasonings along the way if needed. Serve as a sandwich or tacos. Enjoy!
I know it's similar to the last time I made carnitas, but I think this is better. Gary loved it....and that's always important :)
I'm still soldiering on via Jenny Craig and my Couchto5k App on my iPhone. I love it and I'm using it to help me lose weight AND get ready to run the Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving. I have committed to running the 5k portion of the Turkey Trot and I'm determined to do it - even if I have to walk a portion of it. I'm down two pounds this week and I weigh in tomorrow. If I stay at this weight, I'll have lost almost 13 pounds in 7 weeks. I'm really proud that I've been able to do this, but I'm nowhere near my goal weight. I'm not going to stop till I get there!
We spent lots of private time with the babies this weekend. Muffin managed to scoot on his back across the rug in the living room to get close enough to Gary so that he could rub his muffin. The boys would nap, then play; nap, then play. Eddie will go get in our bed in the afternoon when he's ready to take a nap. And, if we aren't in bed by 9pm - he goes in there by himself. He is such a queen and Gary totally spoils him rotten!!! He and Waylon couldn't be more different - looks or personality. Waylon is the biggest dork...and he's SUCH a spoiled brat. He's so afraid he's missing out on attention. If one of us is loving on Eddie, he'll just barrel over him to get in our faces, roll on his back and show us his muffin. He's a strange little dog. Come to think of it, all of my dogs are strange. This was the scene this morning:
Waylon wanted to keep playing; Eddie was done. So, Muff stalked Eddie from the couch. Eddie laid on the cozy cave and gave Waylon his typical, "I am so superior to your freakish ass" look. Waylon never budged...neither did Eddie. Waylon stared, Eddie ignored him. If I hadn't picked them up and put them in their crates, Waylon would have eventually launched himself onto the Eddie and the cave via his signature WWE body slam move. It's times like those that I really don't blame Eddie for being totally over the Waylon experiment. Too bad for Eddie...cause the Muff ain't going nowhere!!!! LOL
Fred is doing better. His hair is growing back and he's lost some of that excess weight. He's still a food freak. He got a loaf of bread off of the counter last week and ate it. What else is new? Fred was forever changed by those months in the motorhome. If he sees any kind of carb sitting out - bread, kolaches, tortillas - he steals it and eats ALL of it...including the bag or box that it's in. He's got issues. He needs some prozac.
CASI Board meeting this weekend. Anyone announce that they were running for the open positions? Did any of the membership show up? I didn't, so I guess I can't get on my soapbox. Wait a minute - yes I can!!! Hey, at least I've been to a few...but I really did want to go shopping with my girlfriends instead. I can't wait to see the minutes :)
Gary's back is feeling 100% better; so is his leg. I just hope this lasts for awhile. I know he doesn't want to have back surgery. Busy week ahead....got to get the toyhauler ready for Harvey West's cook off this weekend, need to make my potluck dishes, laundry (ugh...I hate laundry), swimming class and karate! Whew - I'm already ready for Friday just thinking about it!!!
Have a great day....keep it real :)
The Cadillac Cowgirl
I surprised Lord Brignon with dinner reservations Friday night. The surprising part was that the reservations weren't made at Pappas....or Sambuca! I ventured outside our culinary comfort zone and made reservations at Hibiscus. Gary and I have wanted to try it out for some time, so I figured what the hell and made reservations. Was it good? Yes. Will we go back? Probably not. The menu was overpriced - both food and wine. The service was very, very good; and the dessert was fantabulous. We started out with Tuna Tartare and it was really delicious. It had bits of red onion in it and was served with tortilla chips - we loved it. We each got salads; Gary got the Bibb salad with pecans and dried cranberries - he ate every bite of it. I got a field green salad with little balls of heaven - goat cheese baked in bread crumbs. (Yes, I am aware that these are not Jenny Craig items!!) For our entree, Gary got the ribeye (don't know why....he's a filet type of guy!) and I got the most scrumptious scallops. I loved mine - he wasn't the least bit impressed with his ribeye. I always remind him that his bar is set very high, but he insisted that this wasn't a "not as good as Pappas" steak; it just wasn't that great. He said the deep dish macaroni casserole was to die for; we also had fries fried in duck fat. Sounds gross...but no! They were DELICIOUS!!! We also had a damn good dessert...it was an Almond Brown Butter cake with poached apricots and Lavender Vanilla Bean ice cream. That was really the best part of the night.
So, I guess my review sounds kind of confusing...we liked it, but we won't go back. Yeah...that makes a lot of sense. It was good, like I said. It just didn't rock our world for the amount of money we spent. And we didn't order a bottle of wine, or anything like that. We ordered cocktails before our meal and they were terrible. The wine was severely overpriced - a glass of The Prisoner was $18. Yes, EIGHTEEN FRIGGIN DOLLARS!!! You can buy a bottle for $32 :) It was a nice restaurant and I loved how they had candles burning in the fireplace in lieu of a fire. Unfortunately, it just didn't make a big enough impression on us. But, don't go by my opinion alone...try it out. The service really was very good and informative. And that is always important! Hopefully my next adventure into the world of Dallas dining will turn out better!
Gary and I both got up early Saturday - he went to work and I went shopping!!! I went with a few friends to two antique malls - Sisters in Saginaw and Lone Star in North Richland Hills. Sisters is small..but had some good stuff. Lone Star is huge and I went a little batshit crazy!!! I found some amazing deals. I can't wait to start decorating my trailer. I have picked up some really unique things to put in there and I'm so excited. My mom and I solved my cushion issue. I've emailed pics to Budda since I can't manage to take my trailer to him and I just need to order a few items from the RV place in Palmer. Over the next few weeks I'm going to powerwash it, scrape all of the caulk and then re-caulk and paint. I cannot wait!!!!!!
We had Sushi Saturday night - Oh My God!! The Las Vegas Roll was unf*ckingbelievable. God it was good! I ate part of that and the Ahi Tower...kind of my favorite thing right now...LOL! And to think, you can get all of the delicious sushi you want in the big town of Bristol, Texas :) I walked yesterday morning, Gary went to the store and we cleaned around the house. I decoupaged...oh yeah - I made Zoe's train case Saturday night - and napped and just had a really low key day.
Loved True Blood last night. Unfortunately, no Alcide...but the little bit of Eric was just fine with me. HELLO!!!!! I read "Something Blue", the sequel to "Something Borrowed" and loved it. Very, very good book. I woke up this morning with a headache and didn't get into the office until almost 11 am. Now, it's after 1 pm....yeah...typical Monday around here!
Oh - you must make this:
Cadillac Cowgirl Sassy Carnitas
1 Carnitas Roast (Mexican Pork Roast...don't get one bigger than 4 lbs)
2 Tbsp Mild Bills Sassy Syrup
1 Can Beer (I used Lone Star, but any will work)
1/2 Bottle Texas Redneck or Head Country BBQ Sauce
1 Onion, sliced
Mild Bills BBQ Rub, salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large dutch oven, lay the carnitas in it and add the beer, Sassy Syrup, BBQ sauce and onion. Add salt and pepper (don't go crazy, you can adjust later) and cover it with the BBQ rub. Cover and braise for three hours or until tender. Check periodically to make sure there is still plenty of liquid (you don't want it to burn and stick) and adjust the seasonings along the way if needed. Serve as a sandwich or tacos. Enjoy!
I know it's similar to the last time I made carnitas, but I think this is better. Gary loved it....and that's always important :)
I'm still soldiering on via Jenny Craig and my Couchto5k App on my iPhone. I love it and I'm using it to help me lose weight AND get ready to run the Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving. I have committed to running the 5k portion of the Turkey Trot and I'm determined to do it - even if I have to walk a portion of it. I'm down two pounds this week and I weigh in tomorrow. If I stay at this weight, I'll have lost almost 13 pounds in 7 weeks. I'm really proud that I've been able to do this, but I'm nowhere near my goal weight. I'm not going to stop till I get there!
We spent lots of private time with the babies this weekend. Muffin managed to scoot on his back across the rug in the living room to get close enough to Gary so that he could rub his muffin. The boys would nap, then play; nap, then play. Eddie will go get in our bed in the afternoon when he's ready to take a nap. And, if we aren't in bed by 9pm - he goes in there by himself. He is such a queen and Gary totally spoils him rotten!!! He and Waylon couldn't be more different - looks or personality. Waylon is the biggest dork...and he's SUCH a spoiled brat. He's so afraid he's missing out on attention. If one of us is loving on Eddie, he'll just barrel over him to get in our faces, roll on his back and show us his muffin. He's a strange little dog. Come to think of it, all of my dogs are strange. This was the scene this morning:
Waylon wanted to keep playing; Eddie was done. So, Muff stalked Eddie from the couch. Eddie laid on the cozy cave and gave Waylon his typical, "I am so superior to your freakish ass" look. Waylon never budged...neither did Eddie. Waylon stared, Eddie ignored him. If I hadn't picked them up and put them in their crates, Waylon would have eventually launched himself onto the Eddie and the cave via his signature WWE body slam move. It's times like those that I really don't blame Eddie for being totally over the Waylon experiment. Too bad for Eddie...cause the Muff ain't going nowhere!!!! LOL
Fred is doing better. His hair is growing back and he's lost some of that excess weight. He's still a food freak. He got a loaf of bread off of the counter last week and ate it. What else is new? Fred was forever changed by those months in the motorhome. If he sees any kind of carb sitting out - bread, kolaches, tortillas - he steals it and eats ALL of it...including the bag or box that it's in. He's got issues. He needs some prozac.
CASI Board meeting this weekend. Anyone announce that they were running for the open positions? Did any of the membership show up? I didn't, so I guess I can't get on my soapbox. Wait a minute - yes I can!!! Hey, at least I've been to a few...but I really did want to go shopping with my girlfriends instead. I can't wait to see the minutes :)
Gary's back is feeling 100% better; so is his leg. I just hope this lasts for awhile. I know he doesn't want to have back surgery. Busy week ahead....got to get the toyhauler ready for Harvey West's cook off this weekend, need to make my potluck dishes, laundry (ugh...I hate laundry), swimming class and karate! Whew - I'm already ready for Friday just thinking about it!!!
Have a great day....keep it real :)
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thank God it's Friday!!!
I am soooooooo ready for the weekend. I'm going to go home tonight, piddle around my house, clean it and relish in the quietness of NO KIDS!!!!! The boys are going back to their homes, Paige is going to Gammy's and it'll just be me, Gary and the babies! I'm doing a little shopping tomorrow, Gary's got some stuff to do and then we'll be able to chill out at home. Maybe a little sushi, a little wine....hey - maybe he'll put the pool together, too!
I need some new patio furniture. We have a table and chairs, but I need something for our patio out in the middle of our backyard that is STILL without a cover! We have a fire pit out there, but I need some furniture so that when we do get the cover built, it will be the ideal spot to hang out. I'm also saving for an outdoor fireplace to put out there. I really, really want one!
I'm totally digging my Couch to 5k workouts. Tonight is one of my nights to walk/run. I almost went last night, but decided to stay inside and read some food porn. The latest issue of Food Network Magazine has some damn good recipes. There's one in there for Grilled Pierogis with Klobase that I'm dying to try. I also found a couple of new breakfast casserole recipes. I'm going to make a few when we go to Telephone next weekend. I've also got to bring side dishes for the potluck - I'm thinking chile cornbread salad one night and pasta salad the next. Both are easy and I can make both ahead of time. We've never been to Harvey and Carol West's cook off and I'm looking forward to it. We'll come back Saturday afternoon and go to my parents. Shit - I'll have to have a side dish for their house too....we'll be eating over there that night. Damnit.
I've got a brisket that I need to thaw out and smoke. I'm wondering how Mild Bill's Sassy Syrup would be over it? Maybe I should use it as a glaze over a chicken instead. Hell yeah - that sounds delicious! I'm putting that on the menu for Sunday. I may just do my brisket in the oven. I've never had a bad experience when I've cooked it in the oven; it always comes out tender and falling apart and tastes amazing every time. Gary's dad has a smoker that he doesn't use anymore. Gary's been meaning to go over there and get it. I guess right now is out of the question considering the shape his back is in. That wouldn't be too smart.
Speaking of Lord Brignon's back, he feels MUCH better. His leg still hurts, but he thinks that's more of the muscles aching rather than the sciatic nerve. I can tell he feels better, plus he's moving around better and not like a decrepit old man :)
My trailer is coming along nicely - at least the buying of the items that will go inside of it :) I need to get it over to Budda's (yes, still...I know, I know...I've been saying this for weeks.) and start scraping the exterior paint and caulk. Once I recaulk it, I'll powerwash it, repaint it and be good to go. The interior just needs a few things, but nothing major. I do need to buy a new faucet for the kitchen sink. I'm still on the fence about whether or not to keep the refrigerator and I need to order a few new window knobs and a cover for the roof air. The one that was on it blew off in transit..LOL!
It is also time for me to make reservations at Rio Raft for my Labor Day Birthday Bash!!! Charlie Robison will be playing at Gruene Hall again and tickets go on sale August 4th. I think we are going to get a cabin this year and not jack with taking the toyhauler. It's my birthday....least we can do is let me sleep in a real bed! Hopefully the river will be up by then and if not, we can float the Comal. Just won't be going down the tube shoot...that's for DAMN SURE! Tyler also wants to go to the River for his birthday, so I better get on the ball. School will be starting again before we know it. Paige is ready for new uniform shirts and jumper. Her pants fit just fine, but her skirts and shirts are a little short. They're just so damn expensive. Oh well...she's getting a wonderful education at a fantastic school and that's what matters most to me and her daddy!
The CASI Board Meeting is this weekend at the Irving Elks Lodge. I wonder if any of the candidates running for the Board will be there? Glenda Vrba is running; I believe for the tallymaster position. I have heard of one other name, but it's doubtful he'll come all the way to Irving; he's an out of state candidate from what I know. So, what will CASI do if enough people don't run to fill the positions? What will the membership do if there really isn't a choice in who is elected to the Board? But then again, if no one will step up, there's not much to do or say, or complain about!! I get the feeling that there's something going on to make sure more people run and that the things start to get on the right track. Again, this is just my personal Spidey-Sense, but I'm usually pretty good at this stuff. I guess we'll see.
Oh God...I picked up checks yesterday and I was in full tattoo glory!! I wasn't anticipating going to GC's offices, so I wore a tube top that shows all of them. Off I go to Rogers O'Brien - I scared that poor girl. Next: WB Kibler - they were fascinated. Lastly, McCarthy - that girl had one and has a son covered in them - so we had a lot in common!!! I was just really worried about Kibler, but they seemed unfazed and were all about looking at them. The one place I CANNOT go with my ink showing is to Julian P. Barry's office. First off, Mr. Barry looks just like my dad. And, if you've seen my dad, you know he looks just like Rudy Giuliani. So anyways, Mr. Barry is a conservative type and I don't think my tats would go over very well with him. I went over there a few months ago for a "good old fashioned donkey BBQ". Translation: An ass chewing!!! And it was an ass chewing...I barely had one left when I left their office. But, when I went over there, I took out my nose ring and covered the tattoos. Now, seriously - how many times have any of you seen me do that? It's all good...I didn't mind doing it. They're a huge customer of ours and they give us all of their work, so if I have to go over there periodically for a donkey bbq, then that's what I'll do!
I'm going to get the hell off the blog and get back to work. Have a wonderful weekend and stay cool. I think I'm going to have a few cocktails this weekend. I've earned it!!
Spreading my own special brand of joy and kindness......
Kelly
I need some new patio furniture. We have a table and chairs, but I need something for our patio out in the middle of our backyard that is STILL without a cover! We have a fire pit out there, but I need some furniture so that when we do get the cover built, it will be the ideal spot to hang out. I'm also saving for an outdoor fireplace to put out there. I really, really want one!
I'm totally digging my Couch to 5k workouts. Tonight is one of my nights to walk/run. I almost went last night, but decided to stay inside and read some food porn. The latest issue of Food Network Magazine has some damn good recipes. There's one in there for Grilled Pierogis with Klobase that I'm dying to try. I also found a couple of new breakfast casserole recipes. I'm going to make a few when we go to Telephone next weekend. I've also got to bring side dishes for the potluck - I'm thinking chile cornbread salad one night and pasta salad the next. Both are easy and I can make both ahead of time. We've never been to Harvey and Carol West's cook off and I'm looking forward to it. We'll come back Saturday afternoon and go to my parents. Shit - I'll have to have a side dish for their house too....we'll be eating over there that night. Damnit.
I've got a brisket that I need to thaw out and smoke. I'm wondering how Mild Bill's Sassy Syrup would be over it? Maybe I should use it as a glaze over a chicken instead. Hell yeah - that sounds delicious! I'm putting that on the menu for Sunday. I may just do my brisket in the oven. I've never had a bad experience when I've cooked it in the oven; it always comes out tender and falling apart and tastes amazing every time. Gary's dad has a smoker that he doesn't use anymore. Gary's been meaning to go over there and get it. I guess right now is out of the question considering the shape his back is in. That wouldn't be too smart.
Speaking of Lord Brignon's back, he feels MUCH better. His leg still hurts, but he thinks that's more of the muscles aching rather than the sciatic nerve. I can tell he feels better, plus he's moving around better and not like a decrepit old man :)
My trailer is coming along nicely - at least the buying of the items that will go inside of it :) I need to get it over to Budda's (yes, still...I know, I know...I've been saying this for weeks.) and start scraping the exterior paint and caulk. Once I recaulk it, I'll powerwash it, repaint it and be good to go. The interior just needs a few things, but nothing major. I do need to buy a new faucet for the kitchen sink. I'm still on the fence about whether or not to keep the refrigerator and I need to order a few new window knobs and a cover for the roof air. The one that was on it blew off in transit..LOL!
It is also time for me to make reservations at Rio Raft for my Labor Day Birthday Bash!!! Charlie Robison will be playing at Gruene Hall again and tickets go on sale August 4th. I think we are going to get a cabin this year and not jack with taking the toyhauler. It's my birthday....least we can do is let me sleep in a real bed! Hopefully the river will be up by then and if not, we can float the Comal. Just won't be going down the tube shoot...that's for DAMN SURE! Tyler also wants to go to the River for his birthday, so I better get on the ball. School will be starting again before we know it. Paige is ready for new uniform shirts and jumper. Her pants fit just fine, but her skirts and shirts are a little short. They're just so damn expensive. Oh well...she's getting a wonderful education at a fantastic school and that's what matters most to me and her daddy!
The CASI Board Meeting is this weekend at the Irving Elks Lodge. I wonder if any of the candidates running for the Board will be there? Glenda Vrba is running; I believe for the tallymaster position. I have heard of one other name, but it's doubtful he'll come all the way to Irving; he's an out of state candidate from what I know. So, what will CASI do if enough people don't run to fill the positions? What will the membership do if there really isn't a choice in who is elected to the Board? But then again, if no one will step up, there's not much to do or say, or complain about!! I get the feeling that there's something going on to make sure more people run and that the things start to get on the right track. Again, this is just my personal Spidey-Sense, but I'm usually pretty good at this stuff. I guess we'll see.
Oh God...I picked up checks yesterday and I was in full tattoo glory!! I wasn't anticipating going to GC's offices, so I wore a tube top that shows all of them. Off I go to Rogers O'Brien - I scared that poor girl. Next: WB Kibler - they were fascinated. Lastly, McCarthy - that girl had one and has a son covered in them - so we had a lot in common!!! I was just really worried about Kibler, but they seemed unfazed and were all about looking at them. The one place I CANNOT go with my ink showing is to Julian P. Barry's office. First off, Mr. Barry looks just like my dad. And, if you've seen my dad, you know he looks just like Rudy Giuliani. So anyways, Mr. Barry is a conservative type and I don't think my tats would go over very well with him. I went over there a few months ago for a "good old fashioned donkey BBQ". Translation: An ass chewing!!! And it was an ass chewing...I barely had one left when I left their office. But, when I went over there, I took out my nose ring and covered the tattoos. Now, seriously - how many times have any of you seen me do that? It's all good...I didn't mind doing it. They're a huge customer of ours and they give us all of their work, so if I have to go over there periodically for a donkey bbq, then that's what I'll do!
I'm going to get the hell off the blog and get back to work. Have a wonderful weekend and stay cool. I think I'm going to have a few cocktails this weekend. I've earned it!!
Spreading my own special brand of joy and kindness......
Kelly
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Good Morning!
Greetings from the 7th floor of Baylor Hospital Dallas. Gary's back doctor offices here and he is having a small procedure this morning in hopes of delaying another back surgery. His sciatic nerve is being pinched by a slipped disc and we are hoping this will work and give him some relief. I'm taking him home after this so that he can take it easy the rest of the day. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. He's in a lot of pain.
Paige was talking in her sleep last night. She told me that the dogs were racing cars! WTH?? She also told me last night while in the shower that she was "swinging her hair like the girls that dance". Oh sweet Jesus!!! Her swimming instructor is a teenage boy and she's the only one in his class. Lord help us. She is beside herself!! The flirting is out of control!
I'm two days into my Couch to 5k training program. I've got my sights set on the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving in downtown Dallas. I rubbed a blister on the back of my heel; I've got to buy socks. I'm weird about socks. So is Paige. We can't handle toe claustrophobia. It's a Bowden thing ;)
I'll be back later. I'm going to drink my coffee and read while Lord Brignon gets shot up.
Keep in real.........
Kelly
Paige was talking in her sleep last night. She told me that the dogs were racing cars! WTH?? She also told me last night while in the shower that she was "swinging her hair like the girls that dance". Oh sweet Jesus!!! Her swimming instructor is a teenage boy and she's the only one in his class. Lord help us. She is beside herself!! The flirting is out of control!
I'm two days into my Couch to 5k training program. I've got my sights set on the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving in downtown Dallas. I rubbed a blister on the back of my heel; I've got to buy socks. I'm weird about socks. So is Paige. We can't handle toe claustrophobia. It's a Bowden thing ;)
I'll be back later. I'm going to drink my coffee and read while Lord Brignon gets shot up.
Keep in real.........
Kelly
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
New Day...New Reason to Bitch...Kidding, Kidding!!!
How about that RAIN!!!!! My parent's house in Irving got close to four inches this morning. How awesome is that? Ellis Co. got a good soaking as well....I hope there is more on the way per the forecast for the rest of the week. I'm glad the wind finally died down. Jeez!!!
Results from Cabelas Cowtown CCO:
93 Chilis
1. Babs Johnson
2. Charles Breeden
3. Tina Barnes
4. Scott Spencer
5. Bob Coats
6. Chuck Sellers
7. Dusty Hudspeth
8. Mike Burke
9. Ginny Williams
10. Dru Stewart
Juniors:
18 Chilis
1. Zoe Brignon (Back to Back to Back to Back Champ!!!)
2. Jared Casey
3. Kaitlyn Johnson
4. Haley Pierce
5. Kaylee Richardson
6. Britney Stevens
7. Dakota Hargis
8. Alyssa Delgado
9. Dillon Palmer
10. Madison Smith
Congrats to all of the winners and the Mild Bills customers who placed. It was hot. It was windy. But it was a great cook off and looks like we'll be back again next year...driving Miss Zoe :)
We went to Joe T. Garcia's afterwards to celebrate. Food was great, waiter sucked. He even went so far as to write on our ticket WHAT WE SHOULD TIP!!!! Can you believe that shizz? I was PISSED!!! I actually complained....I've been going there since I was in utero and in 37 years, that was my first complaint. Oh well. Not like that will keep me from going back. We'll just avoid Bobby G.!
Sunday we made our familial pilgrimage to Pappas. OMG...that place NEVER disappoints. The best part of the evening was my dad asking my mom if she always gets the strip steak and John, our server that takes care of us, nonchalantly walks by and says, "No, she gets the petite filet." Priceless!!!! We had a seafood tower, a dozen oysters, bacon wrapped scallops, lobster bisque...all of our favorite starters. I had a Wedge Salad, Broiled Salmon with Shrimp, Crabmeat, Capers and Tomatoes and Wild Roasted Mushrooms. For desert I had Seasonal Berries (NO CREAM!!) and a glass of Fonseca Port. Gary and I also had a bottle of Martinelli's Lolita Ranch Zinfandel. It is just as good as the Giuseppe and Louisa Zinfandel from Martinelli. They make amazing wines. I've got a chocolate bread pudding waiting for me at home this evening. I weigh in today, so I'm waiting until tonight before I take a few bites of it :)
I am taking a break from cooking this week. Tonight I'm making spaghetti and meatballs, but I bought the frozen meatballs and a jar of sauce, so there will be no real contribution from me. I've got some things I could throw in the crockpot, but I'm not feeling that either. I didn't get home until almost 8 pm last night. WTF??? Paige started swim lessons yesterday and she had karate last night. I went to the store while she was Kung Fu Fighting and then we went home. I was exhausted, but I walked for 30 minutes using the Couch to 5k App courtesy of my iPhone! You walk every other day...so I'm off tonight.
lksjfas;lkjas;flkjf;lkasjf;asklfja;slkfjas;lkfjasd;lkfasdjf;lkjf;laskdjas;lkfja;slkfjas;lkfjas;dlfkjas;lfkjas;flkjasfoiaewrujeior uewofiadsfj;lkjf;laskncasdklanw;ielu we;fjsd;lfkjas;fioaej;aiosjf;aslknjasd;klfjaewior jaew;fjasd;lfkadsjf;lkdj;lkjfds;licj ooewifjwe;lfjasd;lfkjads;lfkjds;flkadsjf;laskjf aewioajs;d lfkjs;lfkjasfioaewjf;lasdkjfas;ldkcjas;dlfkjaw;iojawe;lkfjasd;klsdjf;iowaeua;sidfj;askdljsa;lkfjsad;lkfjsa;dlf
That's my chili/CASI rant for today. I've made my latest opinions known via private email....tends to keep me out of trouble!
I really do hope we get some more rain...say lots of prayers, do a bunch of rain dances and keep your fingers crossed. We sure do need it!
Have a great day - spread something...let people know you're here!
Kelly
Results from Cabelas Cowtown CCO:
93 Chilis
1. Babs Johnson
2. Charles Breeden
3. Tina Barnes
4. Scott Spencer
5. Bob Coats
6. Chuck Sellers
7. Dusty Hudspeth
8. Mike Burke
9. Ginny Williams
10. Dru Stewart
Juniors:
18 Chilis
1. Zoe Brignon (Back to Back to Back to Back Champ!!!)
2. Jared Casey
3. Kaitlyn Johnson
4. Haley Pierce
5. Kaylee Richardson
6. Britney Stevens
7. Dakota Hargis
8. Alyssa Delgado
9. Dillon Palmer
10. Madison Smith
Congrats to all of the winners and the Mild Bills customers who placed. It was hot. It was windy. But it was a great cook off and looks like we'll be back again next year...driving Miss Zoe :)
We went to Joe T. Garcia's afterwards to celebrate. Food was great, waiter sucked. He even went so far as to write on our ticket WHAT WE SHOULD TIP!!!! Can you believe that shizz? I was PISSED!!! I actually complained....I've been going there since I was in utero and in 37 years, that was my first complaint. Oh well. Not like that will keep me from going back. We'll just avoid Bobby G.!
Sunday we made our familial pilgrimage to Pappas. OMG...that place NEVER disappoints. The best part of the evening was my dad asking my mom if she always gets the strip steak and John, our server that takes care of us, nonchalantly walks by and says, "No, she gets the petite filet." Priceless!!!! We had a seafood tower, a dozen oysters, bacon wrapped scallops, lobster bisque...all of our favorite starters. I had a Wedge Salad, Broiled Salmon with Shrimp, Crabmeat, Capers and Tomatoes and Wild Roasted Mushrooms. For desert I had Seasonal Berries (NO CREAM!!) and a glass of Fonseca Port. Gary and I also had a bottle of Martinelli's Lolita Ranch Zinfandel. It is just as good as the Giuseppe and Louisa Zinfandel from Martinelli. They make amazing wines. I've got a chocolate bread pudding waiting for me at home this evening. I weigh in today, so I'm waiting until tonight before I take a few bites of it :)
I am taking a break from cooking this week. Tonight I'm making spaghetti and meatballs, but I bought the frozen meatballs and a jar of sauce, so there will be no real contribution from me. I've got some things I could throw in the crockpot, but I'm not feeling that either. I didn't get home until almost 8 pm last night. WTF??? Paige started swim lessons yesterday and she had karate last night. I went to the store while she was Kung Fu Fighting and then we went home. I was exhausted, but I walked for 30 minutes using the Couch to 5k App courtesy of my iPhone! You walk every other day...so I'm off tonight.
lksjfas;lkjas;flkjf;lkasjf;asklfja;slkfjas;lkfjasd;lkfasdjf;lkjf;laskdjas;lkfja;slkfjas;lkfjas;dlfkjas;lfkjas;flkjasfoiaewrujeior uewofiadsfj;lkjf;laskncasdklanw;ielu we;fjsd;lfkjas;fioaej;aiosjf;aslknjasd;klfjaewior jaew;fjasd;lfkadsjf;lkdj;lkjfds;licj ooewifjwe;lfjasd;lfkjads;lfkjds;flkadsjf;laskjf aewioajs;d lfkjs;lfkjasfioaewjf;lasdkjfas;ldkcjas;dlfkjaw;iojawe;lkfjasd;klsdjf;iowaeua;sidfj;askdljsa;lkfjsad;lkfjsa;dlf
That's my chili/CASI rant for today. I've made my latest opinions known via private email....tends to keep me out of trouble!
I really do hope we get some more rain...say lots of prayers, do a bunch of rain dances and keep your fingers crossed. We sure do need it!
Have a great day - spread something...let people know you're here!
Kelly
Monday, June 20, 2011
Today is Monday
That's really as far as I can get today. It sucks; it's nowhere near being over and I really don't know if I'll make it through the day without someone going to jail (me) and someone going to the hospital (too many to list.)
I'm going to come back tomorrow as if today never happened and recap my windy and wonderful weekend.
Spreading joy and kindness since it's too expensive for me to spread violence.
Kelly
I'm going to come back tomorrow as if today never happened and recap my windy and wonderful weekend.
Spreading joy and kindness since it's too expensive for me to spread violence.
Kelly
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Greetings Earthlings!!
Happy Thursday - this week is ALMOST over! PTL - I'm so over this week! For the past two days, I've come into the office only to be bombarded with dumpster fires from the get go! We've got a GC with a first time project manager on a DISD project and to say that he needs his own personal supply of Xanax would be the understatement of the year. I have been back and forth with him, the bonding company, writing letters, documenting work, etc. I've been busy - but I haven't gotten a damn thing done! Furthermore, our tax return is still not completed and it's become a nightmare. On a happy note - I signed Paige up for swim lessons this morning and she's pumped up.
I took a video of my dogs last night. I'm not sure if I should share it because you can hear me in the background telling Waylon to show his muff and it sounds sort of disturbing and creepy. Now that I've told ya'll that, I wonder what the harm would be....LOL!!! Waylon definitely knows when he's being recorded, he totally hams it up for the camera. He's such a goofball. And Eddie, he just looks at us like we're morons....but who cares?? I love my muffins!!!!
Well...I've been playing with my new toy. I've got to admit, I'm kinda lovin it. I'm learning and there are a few things I miss about my CrackBerry, but overall, I"m not feeling any remorse for switching. I've downloaded a few apps and I'm trying to figure out how to get new ringtones, but other than that, it's pretty easy to navigate. I'm even doing okay with the touchscreen keyboard. That part is a huge improvement over the one on the Torch.
We are going to Pappas for Fathers Day!!! We decided that it's been too long, we deserve it and by God, we're going! There will be twelve of us! I'm looking forward to a seafood tower - mainly the oysters on the half shell. I'm going to be good and get the salmon...and steamed broccoli....and no skillet or Au gratin potatoes. But I will have a bite or two of crab mac and cheese....mmmmmm...heaven! I think I'm going to take a break from cooking for the boys this evening. They're at the house today doing yardwork. Hey - if I can get out of paying the landscape company we use a buttload of money, and pay the boys to do it instead, then that's what I'm going to do!
Poor Gray is having back problems again. He went to the doctor yesterday and had an MRI this morning. I hope he doesn't need back surgery again, but I'm afraid that's where this is heading.
This weekend is the big (read: hotter than hell) Cowtown CCO. There will be beans and salsa Friday night and Chili Saturday and Sunday. Zoe will be cooking in the Junior division, looking for her 4th consecutive 1st place finish. Because of Gary's back situation, we won't be bringing Ray. Gary talked to him earlier in the week so that Ray would know and could potentially find someone else to take him. It's going to be so hot - I don't think he needs to be out there anyways. But, if there is anything I've learned, you cannot tell Ray Calhoun what he can or cannot do!
The GPM is fast approaching us and I've usually gotten my credentials paperwork email by now. I guess I'll need to go on the website and print everything out, fill it out and get it sent in. The NOW Pod met Tuesday night, elected officers and had a typical Ellis Co. meeting - a little business followed by a lot of cocktails. Hell Yeah!!! Ron Baker is our new Pepper Popper and he and Gary will be attending the GPM. I'm looking forward to staying home this year and out of the CASI politics. Although, this is a rules change year...so maybe I could go and observe the "action"...so to speak!!! I do know that I'm not the only one who is in complete disagreement with how the different regions are being handled and assigned by the Board instead of the Pods in that area. When Pods are involved with who their RR's are and have more of a say in when/where cook offs are held, there seems to be less problems. Although I know this will NEVER happen, I believe that the minimum number of cooks should be raised from fifteen to twenty, at least. That would put a stop to so many of these 15 cook cook offs that barely make and really don't serve the charity as best it could if there were more cooks. By requiring more cooks, people might hesitate before putting cook offs on top of one another. IMHO, of course. Oh well....same ol, same ol...year after year. :)
I hope everyone has a great weekend and if you're cooking chili, steal some points!
Kelly
I took a video of my dogs last night. I'm not sure if I should share it because you can hear me in the background telling Waylon to show his muff and it sounds sort of disturbing and creepy. Now that I've told ya'll that, I wonder what the harm would be....LOL!!! Waylon definitely knows when he's being recorded, he totally hams it up for the camera. He's such a goofball. And Eddie, he just looks at us like we're morons....but who cares?? I love my muffins!!!!
Well...I've been playing with my new toy. I've got to admit, I'm kinda lovin it. I'm learning and there are a few things I miss about my CrackBerry, but overall, I"m not feeling any remorse for switching. I've downloaded a few apps and I'm trying to figure out how to get new ringtones, but other than that, it's pretty easy to navigate. I'm even doing okay with the touchscreen keyboard. That part is a huge improvement over the one on the Torch.
We are going to Pappas for Fathers Day!!! We decided that it's been too long, we deserve it and by God, we're going! There will be twelve of us! I'm looking forward to a seafood tower - mainly the oysters on the half shell. I'm going to be good and get the salmon...and steamed broccoli....and no skillet or Au gratin potatoes. But I will have a bite or two of crab mac and cheese....mmmmmm...heaven! I think I'm going to take a break from cooking for the boys this evening. They're at the house today doing yardwork. Hey - if I can get out of paying the landscape company we use a buttload of money, and pay the boys to do it instead, then that's what I'm going to do!
Poor Gray is having back problems again. He went to the doctor yesterday and had an MRI this morning. I hope he doesn't need back surgery again, but I'm afraid that's where this is heading.
This weekend is the big (read: hotter than hell) Cowtown CCO. There will be beans and salsa Friday night and Chili Saturday and Sunday. Zoe will be cooking in the Junior division, looking for her 4th consecutive 1st place finish. Because of Gary's back situation, we won't be bringing Ray. Gary talked to him earlier in the week so that Ray would know and could potentially find someone else to take him. It's going to be so hot - I don't think he needs to be out there anyways. But, if there is anything I've learned, you cannot tell Ray Calhoun what he can or cannot do!
The GPM is fast approaching us and I've usually gotten my credentials paperwork email by now. I guess I'll need to go on the website and print everything out, fill it out and get it sent in. The NOW Pod met Tuesday night, elected officers and had a typical Ellis Co. meeting - a little business followed by a lot of cocktails. Hell Yeah!!! Ron Baker is our new Pepper Popper and he and Gary will be attending the GPM. I'm looking forward to staying home this year and out of the CASI politics. Although, this is a rules change year...so maybe I could go and observe the "action"...so to speak!!! I do know that I'm not the only one who is in complete disagreement with how the different regions are being handled and assigned by the Board instead of the Pods in that area. When Pods are involved with who their RR's are and have more of a say in when/where cook offs are held, there seems to be less problems. Although I know this will NEVER happen, I believe that the minimum number of cooks should be raised from fifteen to twenty, at least. That would put a stop to so many of these 15 cook cook offs that barely make and really don't serve the charity as best it could if there were more cooks. By requiring more cooks, people might hesitate before putting cook offs on top of one another. IMHO, of course. Oh well....same ol, same ol...year after year. :)
I hope everyone has a great weekend and if you're cooking chili, steal some points!
Kelly
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Dear CrackBerry,
It started out so innocently. I needed a new iPod and liked the iTouch. The next thing I know, I started exploring its bells and whistles and wondered what it would be like to have an iPhone. I looked online and was not eligible for an upgrade. The cheapskate in me that only allows me to spend money on purses and tattoos would not let me shell out $499 for an iPhone. I buried my iPhone dream and stayed with you, BlackBerry Torch. I kept you at my bedside every night. In my hand during the day. I tried to focus on our relationship. Still...every time I listened to my iPod, I was reminded again of my flirtation with the iPhone and how I wish I could just cheat and no one know about it. I mean, what would be the harm? I'd play with an iPhone, get over my "crush" and go back to my BlackBerry. Plain and Simple. But it wasn't. Yesterday, I succumbed to my temptation. I cast my one time love affair aside and left it for a trophy phone. I gave in to my wanton desires and I bought an iPhone. See, there was this man at AT&T and he showed me how I could in fact upgrade to the iPhone and only pay $49. It was destiny. It was bound to happen. I couldn't fight it anymore.
Please, CrackBerry, don't be angry with me. We simply grew apart. I think you are a fabulous starter relationship and I'm keeping you in a safe place for Juicy. Soon, she will need a phone and I'll hand her over to your capable hands to mold and shape until the time comes that she too wants a taste of new and innovative technology that someone else can offer. Until then, I bid you adieu.
With fondest memories and feelings,
Kelly
Please, CrackBerry, don't be angry with me. We simply grew apart. I think you are a fabulous starter relationship and I'm keeping you in a safe place for Juicy. Soon, she will need a phone and I'll hand her over to your capable hands to mold and shape until the time comes that she too wants a taste of new and innovative technology that someone else can offer. Until then, I bid you adieu.
With fondest memories and feelings,
Kelly
Monday, June 13, 2011
Another Monday Goes Down In History
We survived...barely :) No, seriously, the day got much better. I went to Jenny Craig and weighed in. I lost 3 pounds last week for a total of 10 pounds and 4 inches over the past month. Hell Yeah!!!! Paige was also feeling better...she took a long baby nap, got to see her Gammy, got a mani/pedi and is on the road to recovery. I love my child; but that was craziness this morning. She was screaming when there wasn't anything going on. She was squirming and freaking out when her dentist was just looking in her mouth. I'm just glad we've gotten this part out of the way. I am so not looking forward to braces :(
I'd like to share a few recipes. I perfected my chili gravy for enchiladas last night. It was delicious and came out perfectly. I also put a pork loin in the slow cooker for dinner tomorrow. Easy to assemble and tastes pretty damn good, too!
Cadillac Cowgirl Enchilada Gravy
1/2 lb Ground Chuck
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 Large Onion, minced
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour
2 Cups Beef Broth
2 1/2 Cups Water, divided
2 Tbsp San Antonio Red Chili Powder
1 Tbsp San Antonio Original Chili Powder
1/8 tsp Terlingua Dust
1 1/2 tsp Cumin
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Telicherry Pepper
In a saucepan or stockpot, combine the ground chuck, minced garlic and onion and 1/2 cup of water. Bring mixture to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes or until meat is tender. Once meat mixture is cooked through, add the 1/2 cup vegetable oil to a hot skillet; when heated through, add the flour, lower the heat and whisk together until it is a golden color and smooth. Add this mixture to the beef and onion/garlic pot along with the beef broth, 2 remaining cups of water and all of the spices. Whisk together until combined and cook over medium low heat until the mixture has thickened to the consistency of gravy. Taste and adjust seasonings to taste. Serve over enchiladas, burritos or even eggs as a breakfast dish!
Cadillac Cowgirl Pork Loin
1 Boneless Pork Loin
1 Family Size Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Regular Size Can Golden Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Package Sliced Mushrooms
1 Large Onion, Sliced
Salt and Pepper to taste
You got it - combine all in a slow cooker, turn on low for 8-9 hours or high 4-5 and let that baby do the work for you. Come home, add a few sides and dinner is served. Hey - it's not anything groundbreaking, and I'm not going to win any James Beard awards, but it's quick, easy, cooks while I'm not home and it will feed plenty. Sounds like a winner to me! Try it!!
I had a WONDERFUL time in West this past weekend. Never mind that I forgot my extension cords, or that I grabbed the wrong A/C unit and it fell out of my window; or, that the aforementioned A/C unit drained on my bed. None of that bullshit matters. What matters is that after I sweated my ass off (along with the help of 4 other sisters) rigging my A/C unit with bungee cords, I relaxed, I laughed, I read, I slept (in the peace and quiet of my trailer, sans earplugs), I learned how to decorate a traincase, I floated in the pool, and I ate yummy food! I also saw some AWESOME trailers and met some new Sisters. The weekend was a success!! Thank you Sue, Sherree, Cathy and Joyce for being fabulous hostesses. I love my SOTF weekends - I get to chill out and sleep in and just be a bum. It's very nice. I'm already looking forward to doing it again!
Maybe I should have titled this post, "Mirror, Mirror On THe Wall, I Am My Mother After All"...........
As I mentioned in the above paragraph, I made a traincase while in West. I decorated it, deco-whatevered-it, Modge-Podged it (got more on me than the case) and created the gaudiest, girliest thing I ever saw. I have long suppressed my "Viki Bowden" creativity. Nothing against my mom, it just scares me. I grew up in a themed, decorated, Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman reproduced by the sextuplets at Christmas time kind of house. My mom is very artsy - I'm really not. I have no imagination. But, apparently with the right tools and a cocktail, I can create just about anything. Funny thing, I don't remember my mom tossing them back when she was painting our Christmas ornaments. Oh well, maybe Paige will look back on that fondly when she's older. She'll see a Christmas ornament and remember the time I drug out the box of ornaments and told her and Zoe to decorate the tree while I had a glass of wine and watched. My kids are lucky we even have a tree. (See the above confession about the Santa/Frosty overkill). It's not that I hate Christmas - I love it. In December, when it occurs. But I can do without the decorations. There's just something seared into my subconscious that makes me reject a house full of decorations. I just sounded like Annie Savoy in Bull Durham, "Despite my rejection of most Judeo-Christian ethics, I am, within the framework of the baseball season, monogamous." Sorry, sorry...I'm digressing...really, really bad. I'll try and get back on track...just don't quite know where that is at this point.
End result: Paige has an awesome girly-girl traincase, I learned how to decorate one and I might just start doing more of them! She stuffed her owls in it and took them to the dentist with her today. She took one of them in with her, but he didn't seem to make things better. Poor owl. Poor Juicy.
We've got Cowtown coming up this weekend. There are beans and salsa cook offs Friday night and CASI and Junior chili Saturday. I have no idea what time turn in is for any of these categories. I do know that it's going to be hotter than hell and I'm going to be sweating like a French whore in Church. That I can guarantee.
Speaking of CASI....any candidates for the Board? Anyone, anyone? Buehler, Buehler? Does anyone care at this point? Is my rambling about what I think CASI should explore in order to improve just a waste of typing? I wish it wasn't, but I think that's a reasonable expectation. I think a lot of people think that way. Oh well.......what do you do? I hate shutting up and giving up, but I really don't see the point anymore. Does anyone else? I could go on and on...we all could...but what's it going to do?
My son turned off the DVR and the Bachelorette is not being recorded. I may just run out into traffic in the thriving metropolis of Crisp, Texas. I'd probably get hit by a tractor before a vehicle.....
I gotta go. I can feel myself going off and rambling and babbling and that's no fun. I'm going to check on The Juicy, give her some Motrin and hunker down for the evening. I hope everyone has had a nice day. I'm getting my hair done tomorrow...I'm very excited!
Spreading my own special brand of whatever......
Kelly
I'd like to share a few recipes. I perfected my chili gravy for enchiladas last night. It was delicious and came out perfectly. I also put a pork loin in the slow cooker for dinner tomorrow. Easy to assemble and tastes pretty damn good, too!
Cadillac Cowgirl Enchilada Gravy
1/2 lb Ground Chuck
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 Large Onion, minced
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour
2 Cups Beef Broth
2 1/2 Cups Water, divided
2 Tbsp San Antonio Red Chili Powder
1 Tbsp San Antonio Original Chili Powder
1/8 tsp Terlingua Dust
1 1/2 tsp Cumin
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Telicherry Pepper
In a saucepan or stockpot, combine the ground chuck, minced garlic and onion and 1/2 cup of water. Bring mixture to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes or until meat is tender. Once meat mixture is cooked through, add the 1/2 cup vegetable oil to a hot skillet; when heated through, add the flour, lower the heat and whisk together until it is a golden color and smooth. Add this mixture to the beef and onion/garlic pot along with the beef broth, 2 remaining cups of water and all of the spices. Whisk together until combined and cook over medium low heat until the mixture has thickened to the consistency of gravy. Taste and adjust seasonings to taste. Serve over enchiladas, burritos or even eggs as a breakfast dish!
Cadillac Cowgirl Pork Loin
1 Boneless Pork Loin
1 Family Size Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Regular Size Can Golden Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Package Sliced Mushrooms
1 Large Onion, Sliced
Salt and Pepper to taste
You got it - combine all in a slow cooker, turn on low for 8-9 hours or high 4-5 and let that baby do the work for you. Come home, add a few sides and dinner is served. Hey - it's not anything groundbreaking, and I'm not going to win any James Beard awards, but it's quick, easy, cooks while I'm not home and it will feed plenty. Sounds like a winner to me! Try it!!
I had a WONDERFUL time in West this past weekend. Never mind that I forgot my extension cords, or that I grabbed the wrong A/C unit and it fell out of my window; or, that the aforementioned A/C unit drained on my bed. None of that bullshit matters. What matters is that after I sweated my ass off (along with the help of 4 other sisters) rigging my A/C unit with bungee cords, I relaxed, I laughed, I read, I slept (in the peace and quiet of my trailer, sans earplugs), I learned how to decorate a traincase, I floated in the pool, and I ate yummy food! I also saw some AWESOME trailers and met some new Sisters. The weekend was a success!! Thank you Sue, Sherree, Cathy and Joyce for being fabulous hostesses. I love my SOTF weekends - I get to chill out and sleep in and just be a bum. It's very nice. I'm already looking forward to doing it again!
Maybe I should have titled this post, "Mirror, Mirror On THe Wall, I Am My Mother After All"...........
As I mentioned in the above paragraph, I made a traincase while in West. I decorated it, deco-whatevered-it, Modge-Podged it (got more on me than the case) and created the gaudiest, girliest thing I ever saw. I have long suppressed my "Viki Bowden" creativity. Nothing against my mom, it just scares me. I grew up in a themed, decorated, Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman reproduced by the sextuplets at Christmas time kind of house. My mom is very artsy - I'm really not. I have no imagination. But, apparently with the right tools and a cocktail, I can create just about anything. Funny thing, I don't remember my mom tossing them back when she was painting our Christmas ornaments. Oh well, maybe Paige will look back on that fondly when she's older. She'll see a Christmas ornament and remember the time I drug out the box of ornaments and told her and Zoe to decorate the tree while I had a glass of wine and watched. My kids are lucky we even have a tree. (See the above confession about the Santa/Frosty overkill). It's not that I hate Christmas - I love it. In December, when it occurs. But I can do without the decorations. There's just something seared into my subconscious that makes me reject a house full of decorations. I just sounded like Annie Savoy in Bull Durham, "Despite my rejection of most Judeo-Christian ethics, I am, within the framework of the baseball season, monogamous." Sorry, sorry...I'm digressing...really, really bad. I'll try and get back on track...just don't quite know where that is at this point.
End result: Paige has an awesome girly-girl traincase, I learned how to decorate one and I might just start doing more of them! She stuffed her owls in it and took them to the dentist with her today. She took one of them in with her, but he didn't seem to make things better. Poor owl. Poor Juicy.
We've got Cowtown coming up this weekend. There are beans and salsa cook offs Friday night and CASI and Junior chili Saturday. I have no idea what time turn in is for any of these categories. I do know that it's going to be hotter than hell and I'm going to be sweating like a French whore in Church. That I can guarantee.
Speaking of CASI....any candidates for the Board? Anyone, anyone? Buehler, Buehler? Does anyone care at this point? Is my rambling about what I think CASI should explore in order to improve just a waste of typing? I wish it wasn't, but I think that's a reasonable expectation. I think a lot of people think that way. Oh well.......what do you do? I hate shutting up and giving up, but I really don't see the point anymore. Does anyone else? I could go on and on...we all could...but what's it going to do?
My son turned off the DVR and the Bachelorette is not being recorded. I may just run out into traffic in the thriving metropolis of Crisp, Texas. I'd probably get hit by a tractor before a vehicle.....
I gotta go. I can feel myself going off and rambling and babbling and that's no fun. I'm going to check on The Juicy, give her some Motrin and hunker down for the evening. I hope everyone has had a nice day. I'm getting my hair done tomorrow...I'm very excited!
Spreading my own special brand of whatever......
Kelly
Monday Drama
Just a quick post while I'm at the office for a few....I've been at the dentist with my child. Paige goes to a regular dentist for cleanings, but for her problem teeth, she sees a pediatric dentist that specializes in problem moufs. Paige has no enamel on her teeth. Because she was born so early, her body stopped making enamel in order to focus on some of the more pressing issues at the time...hole in the heart, brain bleeds, you get the picture. Her teeth come in sans enamel and with cavities; as well as being very weak. So anyways, our regular dentist doesn't do stainless steel crowns, so he sent her to another dentist. Today we went for her last crown and boy, did she bring the drama. Halfway through, I made the offhanded remark that I should have given her a Xanax before we got there. Her dentist said they could give her Xanax or Valium, but that we'd have to reschedule. Paige was like, "hell no" and I was in total agreement with her. Still, she wouldn't be still, she screamed for help - when no one was touching her, mind you - and just made it incredibly difficult for Dr. Clark (the most patient woman ever) to remove the cavity and insert the crown. After much squirming, restraining, bribing, threatening and screaming on Paige's part, the crown is in. She didn't do this the previous three times we were there and this tooth wasn't as bad as the other ones that have had crowns put on them. She was just too much. I'm glad it's over. She's glad it's over. I gave her some Motrin when we got back into the vehicle. She finally quieted down.
That's a brief snapshot of my day. I was ready to start drinking at 11:30 am. If there was booze at the office, I would be drunk by now. I had a wonderful SOTF weekend and I'll share deets tomorrow. For now, I'm going to do a few things and then I'm off to Jenny Craig to weigh.
Keep it real!
K
That's a brief snapshot of my day. I was ready to start drinking at 11:30 am. If there was booze at the office, I would be drunk by now. I had a wonderful SOTF weekend and I'll share deets tomorrow. For now, I'm going to do a few things and then I'm off to Jenny Craig to weigh.
Keep it real!
K
Friday, June 10, 2011
TGIMFF!!!!
It's here, it's here! I thought I'd never make it. Toob is aired up, trailer hooked up, petticoat packed and this girl is READY!!!! We're staying at a KOA campground and the pool is screaming my name! I may have to have a few margaritas this weekend. I'm also taking my $1.00 traincase from Canton to decoupage...I have no idea if I spelled that correctly, but it basically consists of decorating your traincase with pictures, fabric, ribbon, etc. I'm going to try my very non-creative hand at it! More than anything, I'm just looking forward to getting away and relaxing! I hope everyone has a great weekend and stays cool!
Spread some joy and kindness in my absence!!
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Spread some joy and kindness in my absence!!
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Arrangement Info for Shirley Smith
Shirley Smith lost her hard fought battle Wednesday eveining 6/8/11.
The visitation with Shirley's family will be Friday, June 10 from 6PM - 8PM at Dutton Funeral Home, 300 E. Cash, Iowa Park, TX 76367 940-592-4151
Funeral Services: Saturday June 11 in the Chapel of Dutton Funeral Home (same address as above) at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Rd., Wichita Falls, TX 76310 940-691-0982 or Elks Lodge 1105, 4205 Seymour Hwy., Wichita Falls, TX 76309 940-691-4820
I don't have everyones address, and Tammie is out of town...please pass this information on to others who will want this information...thanks, Nancy
The visitation with Shirley's family will be Friday, June 10 from 6PM - 8PM at Dutton Funeral Home, 300 E. Cash, Iowa Park, TX 76367 940-592-4151
Funeral Services: Saturday June 11 in the Chapel of Dutton Funeral Home (same address as above) at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Rd., Wichita Falls, TX 76310 940-691-0982 or Elks Lodge 1105, 4205 Seymour Hwy., Wichita Falls, TX 76309 940-691-4820
I don't have everyones address, and Tammie is out of town...please pass this information on to others who will want this information...thanks, Nancy
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Shirley Smith
Sad news - I just found out that Shirley Smith from Wichita Falls passed away. Shirley was a sweet lady. I'll never forget her laughing about Paige drinking the juice out of a Vienna Sausage can. She thought that was so funny! Rest in peace, Shirley.
I'll post more details as they become available.
I'll post more details as they become available.
Teenage Boy Chicken
I bet you're thinking WTF is she talking about???? I've got four teenage boys staying in my house during the week this summer. Tyler and his friends are working for us and I feed them each day. WHOA!!! It's one thing to feed them mac and cheese, sandwiches and ramen noodles when they're over for a weekend, but these boys are HUNGRY at night. Monday night was chicken spaghetti, last night was lasagna and I had to figure out something for tonight that would be enough for all of them. I had a family size package of chicken thighs and a package chicken breasts in the freezer. I thawed them out and came up with my little concoction. You will either need to use two slow cookers for all of it, or divide the recipe. I've got four boys and Gary to feed, so I said to hell with it and used two crock pots so that there would be plenty
Cadillac Cowgirl Slow Cooker Chicken
1 Family Pack Chicken Thighs (about 10-12)
1 Package Chicken Breasts
1 Family Size Can Chicken and Rice Soup
1 Family Size Can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Regular Size Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Package Sliced Mushrooms
6-8 New Potatoes
Handful or Two of Garlic Cloves
One Onion, Sliced
Salt, Pepper and Dried Sage to Taste
Divide the chicken up between the two slow cookers. In a large bowl, mix all of the soup together and heat in the microwave. While that is heating up, add the sliced onion, mushrooms, garlic and new potatoes to each slow cooker. Once the soup is heated through, stir to combine and then pour over the chicken and veggies in each slow cooker. Add salt, pepper and sage over the top, cover and cook on low for 7 hours or until chicken is cooked through. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes, add a salad, bread and another veggie and DINNER IS DONE!
I've got 1/2 a brisket in the freezer. I think that's coming out tonight to thaw and going in the smoker tomorrow morning. Or, we'll get pizza. I am sooooo excited about my SOTF trip this weekend. I got a new petticoat in the mail today. I can't wait to wear it with my boots, my Urban Cowboy t shirt (w/ a picture of pre-Scientologist John Travolta on the front) and my big cowgirl hat. It's navy (read: therefore not see through) and very full!
And this is me at my first White Trash Prom - TLS 2008, I believe:
That's my first trailer - the silver one on the left - Carlita's Way. Danny Strunc and Uncle Larry named her the "Hooker Wagon" or something like that. She is very hooker-ish. I put a red bulb in my outside light fixture for a "red light district" feel and it is pretty ho-rrific...hahaha...on the inside. Word to the wise...if you tell a demo guy that you want to gut the inside, be sure that's what you really want. It'll be gone in about a blink of an eye and then you'll kind of be up shit creek if you didn't really mean "gut it"!!!!!
I finished up on my trailer last night and made two makeshift hat hooks to hang up my Mona Montana originals, made my bed and straightened up the inside. It was in good shape from the last time, so I didn't have to do too much. I had also bought some stuff in Gruene for my new trailer when she was going to be Western themed as well, but since she's not, then my goodies went into the Cowgirl Cadillac. I also had a few signs in the house that you couldn't see very well, so they went to the trailer, too. I've just got to pack my clothes, put my window unit in, hook up and GO! I plan to relax in the pool for most of the weekend :)
Gary's busy making money; I'm busy billing our customers. We fit together nicely :)
Keep it real...and stay cool!
Kelly
Cadillac Cowgirl Slow Cooker Chicken
1 Family Pack Chicken Thighs (about 10-12)
1 Package Chicken Breasts
1 Family Size Can Chicken and Rice Soup
1 Family Size Can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Regular Size Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Package Sliced Mushrooms
6-8 New Potatoes
Handful or Two of Garlic Cloves
One Onion, Sliced
Salt, Pepper and Dried Sage to Taste
Divide the chicken up between the two slow cookers. In a large bowl, mix all of the soup together and heat in the microwave. While that is heating up, add the sliced onion, mushrooms, garlic and new potatoes to each slow cooker. Once the soup is heated through, stir to combine and then pour over the chicken and veggies in each slow cooker. Add salt, pepper and sage over the top, cover and cook on low for 7 hours or until chicken is cooked through. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes, add a salad, bread and another veggie and DINNER IS DONE!
I've got 1/2 a brisket in the freezer. I think that's coming out tonight to thaw and going in the smoker tomorrow morning. Or, we'll get pizza. I am sooooo excited about my SOTF trip this weekend. I got a new petticoat in the mail today. I can't wait to wear it with my boots, my Urban Cowboy t shirt (w/ a picture of pre-Scientologist John Travolta on the front) and my big cowgirl hat. It's navy (read: therefore not see through) and very full!
And this is me at my first White Trash Prom - TLS 2008, I believe:
That's my first trailer - the silver one on the left - Carlita's Way. Danny Strunc and Uncle Larry named her the "Hooker Wagon" or something like that. She is very hooker-ish. I put a red bulb in my outside light fixture for a "red light district" feel and it is pretty ho-rrific...hahaha...on the inside. Word to the wise...if you tell a demo guy that you want to gut the inside, be sure that's what you really want. It'll be gone in about a blink of an eye and then you'll kind of be up shit creek if you didn't really mean "gut it"!!!!!
I finished up on my trailer last night and made two makeshift hat hooks to hang up my Mona Montana originals, made my bed and straightened up the inside. It was in good shape from the last time, so I didn't have to do too much. I had also bought some stuff in Gruene for my new trailer when she was going to be Western themed as well, but since she's not, then my goodies went into the Cowgirl Cadillac. I also had a few signs in the house that you couldn't see very well, so they went to the trailer, too. I've just got to pack my clothes, put my window unit in, hook up and GO! I plan to relax in the pool for most of the weekend :)
Gary's busy making money; I'm busy billing our customers. We fit together nicely :)
Keep it real...and stay cool!
Kelly
Monday, June 6, 2011
Cook Off Results
Saturday - Tip Top Riding Club CCO
15 Chilis
1. Charles Breeden,
2. Dru Stewart
3. Tom Dozier
4. Jason Clark
5. Dee Palmer
6. Bob Pulliam
7. Bruce Stewart
8. Ken Bishop
9. Steph Brockman
10. Melissa Clark
Beans
1. Charles Breeden,
2. Tom Dozier,
3. Steph Brockman
I'm thinking Charles kinda kicked ass Saturday :)
Dawg Daze of Summer Saturday
1st - Johnnie Sullivan
2nd - Ron Baker
3rd - Blu Kriska
4th - Grace Walton
5th - Mike Rogers
6th - Karen Bowden
7th - Angie Duke
8th - Bill Lester
9th - Mike McCarter
10 - Morris Moss
Beans
1st - Ken Swart
2nd - Gerald Casey
3rd - Mike McCarter
Juniors
1st - Ty Kriska
2nd - Jared Casey
3rd - Nadia Rogers
4th - Mark Knott
5th - Logan Golden
Show
1st - Hell Fire & Brimstone, Margo Smith
2nd - Skull Island, David Lake
3rd - Rebel Yell, Chuck Parrish.
Sunday Dawg Daze of Summer
1st - Grace Walton, Qualified!
2nd - Robbie Swart, Qualified
3rd - John Daniels
4th - Ron Baker
5th - Gerald Casey
6th - Lisa Rider
7th - Robin Short
8th - Kenny Short
9th - Becky Brown
10th - Ken Swart
Show
1st David Lake, Skull Island
2nd - Karen Bowden, Twisted Branch
3rd - Kenny Short, Snake Farm Chili
It's the first day of our summer work and of course everyone has gone batshit crazy. My husband is semi-unmedicated, so I'm just warning people as I see them. It's really all I can do. Eventually, someone isn't going to heed my warning and get their ass beat. Oh well...what do you do? I keep bail money put up for times like these.
I'm going to get to work now. Thanks to all of the cooks who got out in the heat and cooked this weekend to support the various charities - it was a hot sonofabitch. I'm counting the days until I hook my little trailer and go to West for the weekend! We'll cook at Cowtown, then I'm going to relax on the Guadalupe for a few days, then come back and get to work on Mild Bill's Ellis Co. home :)
Have a great Monday...spread some joy while you're at it :)
K
Dawg Daze of Summer Sunday
15 Chilis
1. Charles Breeden,
2. Dru Stewart
3. Tom Dozier
4. Jason Clark
5. Dee Palmer
6. Bob Pulliam
7. Bruce Stewart
8. Ken Bishop
9. Steph Brockman
10. Melissa Clark
Beans
1. Charles Breeden,
2. Tom Dozier,
3. Steph Brockman
I'm thinking Charles kinda kicked ass Saturday :)
Dawg Daze of Summer Saturday
1st - Johnnie Sullivan
2nd - Ron Baker
3rd - Blu Kriska
4th - Grace Walton
5th - Mike Rogers
6th - Karen Bowden
7th - Angie Duke
8th - Bill Lester
9th - Mike McCarter
10 - Morris Moss
Beans
1st - Ken Swart
2nd - Gerald Casey
3rd - Mike McCarter
Juniors
1st - Ty Kriska
2nd - Jared Casey
3rd - Nadia Rogers
4th - Mark Knott
5th - Logan Golden
Show
1st - Hell Fire & Brimstone, Margo Smith
2nd - Skull Island, David Lake
3rd - Rebel Yell, Chuck Parrish.
Sunday Dawg Daze of Summer
1st - Grace Walton, Qualified!
2nd - Robbie Swart, Qualified
3rd - John Daniels
4th - Ron Baker
5th - Gerald Casey
6th - Lisa Rider
7th - Robin Short
8th - Kenny Short
9th - Becky Brown
10th - Ken Swart
Show
1st David Lake, Skull Island
2nd - Karen Bowden, Twisted Branch
3rd - Kenny Short, Snake Farm Chili
It's the first day of our summer work and of course everyone has gone batshit crazy. My husband is semi-unmedicated, so I'm just warning people as I see them. It's really all I can do. Eventually, someone isn't going to heed my warning and get their ass beat. Oh well...what do you do? I keep bail money put up for times like these.
I'm going to get to work now. Thanks to all of the cooks who got out in the heat and cooked this weekend to support the various charities - it was a hot sonofabitch. I'm counting the days until I hook my little trailer and go to West for the weekend! We'll cook at Cowtown, then I'm going to relax on the Guadalupe for a few days, then come back and get to work on Mild Bill's Ellis Co. home :)
Have a great Monday...spread some joy while you're at it :)
K
Dawg Daze of Summer Sunday
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sunday, Sunday....
Wow - it is HOT! I stopped by the office after cooking in Denton and it's quite warm outside. How has everyone's weekend been? I've had a really great, productive one. Yesterday, Paige, Courtney, Gammy and I went to Canton. I got some awesome deals - $1.00 train case, for instance. I made a lot of headway in decor for my new trailer. After we got home, I chillaxed for a while and then met my sister and husband at the Bristol General Store for Sushi. God...it was SO GOOD!!! We had a an Ahi Tower, a Rattlesnake Roll, a Volcano Roll and one other...I can't remember. It was delicious and I'm thinking I want some more tonight!!
Today, I went and cooked at the Denton Elks Lodge. We had 16 cooks and as always, a great time! Below are the winners:
1. Kelly Brignon (Yay!!)
2. Alan Fennell
3. TJ Cannon (Just needs one more point to qualify!!!)
4. Jimmy Rogers
5. Robert Bell
6. Debbie Longabaugh
7. Bruce Stewart
8. Don Ryba (New cook - 1st CASI point!!)
9. Delora Goin
10. Keith Longabaugh
Kiss Your Sister: The Champ
I was getting seriously nervous - mine and Tom's numbers hadn't been called and I began to worry. Hell, I don't care if there were only 16 cooks - I'll take 1st place - or any points - any way I can!!
I guess I'll do some work while I'm at the office. It's going to be so busy over the next month that any thing I can do to get ahead will be in my favor. The DISD is going on vacation next week, so our billings have to be turned in early - like tomorrow. I may go ahead and get those completed so I'm not rushing around in the morning. I still have to register Paige for swimming classes and I'm trying to find a dance class in Ennis....no luck so far. I found the cutest owl bedroom stuff for her yesterday. She picked out some stuff, and then I bought a few things that she doesn't know about to surprise her with.
Yesteday, while walking around Canton for almost 4 hours, I felt sure I had walked at least 20,000 steps. Uh no - I only walked 7758 steps. WHAT THE HELL?!?!?!?!? I'm worried I won't be able to walk my 10,000 steps each day. Damnit! I hope that I have lost 2.4 lbs this last week (at least). That's all I need to reach 10 lbs lost in 3 weeks. I may need to walk to Ennis and back this evening and in the morning to make sure I work off my sushi :)
Have a good evening and Go Mavs!
Keepin it real,
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Today, I went and cooked at the Denton Elks Lodge. We had 16 cooks and as always, a great time! Below are the winners:
1. Kelly Brignon (Yay!!)
2. Alan Fennell
3. TJ Cannon (Just needs one more point to qualify!!!)
4. Jimmy Rogers
5. Robert Bell
6. Debbie Longabaugh
7. Bruce Stewart
8. Don Ryba (New cook - 1st CASI point!!)
9. Delora Goin
10. Keith Longabaugh
Kiss Your Sister: The Champ
I was getting seriously nervous - mine and Tom's numbers hadn't been called and I began to worry. Hell, I don't care if there were only 16 cooks - I'll take 1st place - or any points - any way I can!!
I guess I'll do some work while I'm at the office. It's going to be so busy over the next month that any thing I can do to get ahead will be in my favor. The DISD is going on vacation next week, so our billings have to be turned in early - like tomorrow. I may go ahead and get those completed so I'm not rushing around in the morning. I still have to register Paige for swimming classes and I'm trying to find a dance class in Ennis....no luck so far. I found the cutest owl bedroom stuff for her yesterday. She picked out some stuff, and then I bought a few things that she doesn't know about to surprise her with.
Yesteday, while walking around Canton for almost 4 hours, I felt sure I had walked at least 20,000 steps. Uh no - I only walked 7758 steps. WHAT THE HELL?!?!?!?!? I'm worried I won't be able to walk my 10,000 steps each day. Damnit! I hope that I have lost 2.4 lbs this last week (at least). That's all I need to reach 10 lbs lost in 3 weeks. I may need to walk to Ennis and back this evening and in the morning to make sure I work off my sushi :)
Have a good evening and Go Mavs!
Keepin it real,
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Lack of Motivation Today......
I'm not feeling it today. Yeah, yeah...what makes it different from any other day :) I've actually produced work today...and I need to get back on the ball here in a few. I'm just taking a break. I cannot get any sleep. I try and it just doesn't happen. Gary woke me up at 3:30 am because of his hand - that a nail found it's way into yesterday afternoon. I convinced him to go to the ER since neither of us could remember the last time he had a tetanus shot. He went to the Ennis Hospital (don't if you're dying...or want to live, really. This is the same hospital that told him he was fine when in fact he had a blood clot. But, this is also the same person who had a heart attack, checked himself out and lit up in the parking lot, so there ya go) and they x-rayed his hand (it was fine), gave him a tetanus shot, and RX for antibiotics. He's not in as much pain today as he was last night, but he's still in some serious pain. Poor guy. Eddie was SERIOUSLY jacked up when Gary left. He laid on his pillow...kept going to the door....whined. Seksi lurves his Daddy :)
I took Paige to get her hair cut yesterday and it turned out soooo cute. The girl did a wonderful job and it looks so good. I need to get her signed up for swimming lessons ASAP.
I'm planning a surprise anniversary trip for my husband. First of all, he knows because I slipped up and told him...mainly because I can't keep secrets from him and secondly, I didn't tell him exactly where or what. Lastly, he never reads my blog. He relies on some guy named Manske to call him and tell him when I've gone off about something. Or sometimes people come up to him at cook offs and then he comes in search of me to ask me, "what have put on your blog now?" But anyways, I digress. I'm super, super excited about what I've planned and I know he's going to love it. I just hope I can keep my trap shut until we leave.
I guess I could go off about my hubby's ex wife and piece o'crap cousin, but I really don't want to get drug into court over slander :) All I'm going to say is this: if you've been divorced for nine years and you're still an active pain in the ass, you need to get a friggin life. Seriously. Do something about the premature female balding, go out on a date, and MOVE ON. I have literally not spoken to the woman in two years - I refuse. I was either going to have a stroke or end up in jail and I just had to stop. You cannot reason with an idiot - it's impossible. And the thing is - I know most ex wives do not act like her. Most of them are normal, have moved on and don't find a reason to call/email/text the ex spouse daily about mundane non issues. I just don't get it. Okay, I'm done. I'm moving on to my next uncomfortable topic...
OMG!!! I don't have one! I'm going to keep my mouf shut today. Well, sort of...maybe....undecided.
Monday, all hell breaks loose. We will be starting 29 DISD schools. Our summer looks on target to be a very, very good one full of jobs with an assload of profit in them. We need to perform this work for 40% of our bid. Scary thing is...we can. Believe it or not, we know how to selectively demolish anything. Wrecking....uh no. That's not such a good idea for us. We lost our asses two years ago on a complete wreck and we're still trying to crawl out of it. I flip off Richland High School anytime I drive by it...and the Birdville ISD. But anyways, we're going to be busy and hot and cranky for about three weeks, then everything calms down. Our guys have to work in schools that have no A/C. Yep, the genius operation that is the DISD cuts off the air to their schools in the summer.
Last night, Gary requested "meat" for dinner. Gary, Paige, Bubba and I ended up at Texas Land and Cattle...the one on Lemmon Ave. Gary looks at me and asks me what I want for an appetizer. I kindly remind him that I'm not really eating this type of food right now. His response? "They have fish."
Thanks, Lord Brignon.
I ended up with a small filet (I shared it with P), salad, steamed spinach and mushrooms. I also ate my meal sans wine. Gary had a glass of Penfolds Cab-Shiraz blend. I smelled it. I think I might have drooled in his glass, too. I drank water..with lemon. Wow. Seriously, though - I don't mind my excessive water intake or my Jenny Craig meals. I had my fave today - the turkey burger. I found fat free pepper jack cheese and added that to it. I also love, love, love the grapefruit cups you can pick up in the produce section at the store. They only have 60 calories and no fat. I've been adding a hard boiled egg (80 calories) for extra protein and it's made a difference with hunger. My metabolism is surprisingly high...which means I was eating ENTIRELY too much food to begin with. I'm still staying within my 1200 daily calories by knocking out wine and my approved late night snack even with the extra calories from the egg. Paige is just like her mommy...she could live on hard boiled eggs. I could live on eggs, period. They're delicious. Egg salad, in tuna, in salads, by themselves, in giblet gravy...oh no...I feel Food Porn coming on :)
I guess I've rambled on long enough today. I hope everyone has a great weekend. My mom and I have a Canton trip planned Saturday. Paige has declined to attend. She is more interested in staying home with her dad, her brother and his friends. Gary's going to have his hands full!!! Paige loooooooves boys.....
Spreading my own special brand of kindness and joy....
Kelly
I took Paige to get her hair cut yesterday and it turned out soooo cute. The girl did a wonderful job and it looks so good. I need to get her signed up for swimming lessons ASAP.
I'm planning a surprise anniversary trip for my husband. First of all, he knows because I slipped up and told him...mainly because I can't keep secrets from him and secondly, I didn't tell him exactly where or what. Lastly, he never reads my blog. He relies on some guy named Manske to call him and tell him when I've gone off about something. Or sometimes people come up to him at cook offs and then he comes in search of me to ask me, "what have put on your blog now?" But anyways, I digress. I'm super, super excited about what I've planned and I know he's going to love it. I just hope I can keep my trap shut until we leave.
I guess I could go off about my hubby's ex wife and piece o'crap cousin, but I really don't want to get drug into court over slander :) All I'm going to say is this: if you've been divorced for nine years and you're still an active pain in the ass, you need to get a friggin life. Seriously. Do something about the premature female balding, go out on a date, and MOVE ON. I have literally not spoken to the woman in two years - I refuse. I was either going to have a stroke or end up in jail and I just had to stop. You cannot reason with an idiot - it's impossible. And the thing is - I know most ex wives do not act like her. Most of them are normal, have moved on and don't find a reason to call/email/text the ex spouse daily about mundane non issues. I just don't get it. Okay, I'm done. I'm moving on to my next uncomfortable topic...
OMG!!! I don't have one! I'm going to keep my mouf shut today. Well, sort of...maybe....undecided.
Monday, all hell breaks loose. We will be starting 29 DISD schools. Our summer looks on target to be a very, very good one full of jobs with an assload of profit in them. We need to perform this work for 40% of our bid. Scary thing is...we can. Believe it or not, we know how to selectively demolish anything. Wrecking....uh no. That's not such a good idea for us. We lost our asses two years ago on a complete wreck and we're still trying to crawl out of it. I flip off Richland High School anytime I drive by it...and the Birdville ISD. But anyways, we're going to be busy and hot and cranky for about three weeks, then everything calms down. Our guys have to work in schools that have no A/C. Yep, the genius operation that is the DISD cuts off the air to their schools in the summer.
Last night, Gary requested "meat" for dinner. Gary, Paige, Bubba and I ended up at Texas Land and Cattle...the one on Lemmon Ave. Gary looks at me and asks me what I want for an appetizer. I kindly remind him that I'm not really eating this type of food right now. His response? "They have fish."
Thanks, Lord Brignon.
I ended up with a small filet (I shared it with P), salad, steamed spinach and mushrooms. I also ate my meal sans wine. Gary had a glass of Penfolds Cab-Shiraz blend. I smelled it. I think I might have drooled in his glass, too. I drank water..with lemon. Wow. Seriously, though - I don't mind my excessive water intake or my Jenny Craig meals. I had my fave today - the turkey burger. I found fat free pepper jack cheese and added that to it. I also love, love, love the grapefruit cups you can pick up in the produce section at the store. They only have 60 calories and no fat. I've been adding a hard boiled egg (80 calories) for extra protein and it's made a difference with hunger. My metabolism is surprisingly high...which means I was eating ENTIRELY too much food to begin with. I'm still staying within my 1200 daily calories by knocking out wine and my approved late night snack even with the extra calories from the egg. Paige is just like her mommy...she could live on hard boiled eggs. I could live on eggs, period. They're delicious. Egg salad, in tuna, in salads, by themselves, in giblet gravy...oh no...I feel Food Porn coming on :)
I guess I've rambled on long enough today. I hope everyone has a great weekend. My mom and I have a Canton trip planned Saturday. Paige has declined to attend. She is more interested in staying home with her dad, her brother and his friends. Gary's going to have his hands full!!! Paige loooooooves boys.....
Spreading my own special brand of kindness and joy....
Kelly
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
It's The Little Victories That Count.......
I sprung into action yesterday. I bought coffee and coffee filters and then this morning, I brewed a pot of coffee. Not a cup with one of those expensive little K Cups that aren't worth a shit, but a REAL POT OF FOLGERS FREAKIN COFFEE.
Thank you baby Jesus lying your little ghost manger.
Thank you baby Jesus lying your little ghost manger.
Ramblings......
The below comments are from Bob Coats; he asked me to post this on my blog:
Southwest Open
Everything you have heard about the SWO is true. The event went off without problems.
The cooks came from many states. Indiana, Illinois Kansas, Louisiana, Texas and we even had one cook from far away OKLAHOMA.
It is unbelievable that were more TICC Winners cooking than were cooking from the State of Oklahoma, where the event was held.
This is the second year in a row that the SWO was the largest CASI event in the State of Oklahoma. Where are the Oklahoma cooks?? It’s not like they did not know where the event was held. The Oklahoma State Championship in September was held at the same location as this years SWO.
Support for this CASI event seems to be in short supply. Without support from surrounding states, the Oklahoma State would probably be just another 30 cook event.
The NOB Pod is to be congratulated for its outstanding leadership in the production of the Southwest Open. Great job folks, Doris and I are looking forward to being there next year.
Congratulations to Kyle Adams, the 2011 Southwest Open Champion, and all of the cooks that placed.
Bob Coats
I really have/had no idea how many Oklahoma cooks were there. I was at the far end of the RV Park with little contact from the outside world!!!
Last night I sauteed greens and baby bell peppers together. Very quick, healthy and delicious. I also lost 2.8 lbs last week! Woo Hoo!!! Very excited and proud of myself. I need to get my butt in gear, though. I'm supposed to be taking 10,000 steps a day and that is kind of hard to accomplish. Does walking around Walmart count?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Has anyone announced that they're running for the CASI Board of Directors? I keep asking this question even though I know the answer. I'm disappointed, but at the same time, I'm not really surprised. I was talking to someone earlier and one of the comments made to me was "either the membership steps up and people run, or they're going to have themselves to blame when TICC sucks and their points aren't recorded properly." Okay, this person has a point. With our current structure, the directors do have to come from the membership. Maybe that's the problem. I feel as though the membership is so over the Board that they're like, "Hell No." I also hear so many people say that blaming the membership is typical of the Board - it's never their fault. So, the next conversation centered around the assumption that the only way the membership will be happy is if the Board does everything they wan them to do. I'm sure there are a lot of cooks out there that think that; believe it or not, I'm not one of them. You can't run anything well if you're constantly doing everything that everyone wants you to do. However, I feel like some of the suggestions that do make sense have come from a majority of the membership and they are constantly ignored. I mean, why can't we pay an advertising or PR firm to get our name out there? Why can't CASI establish a yearly budget and allot for advertising and membership drives? I still maintain that the best thing for CASI is to get the membership out of the drivers seat. Get a consulting/PR firm to help run this organization and get all of the personal agendas OUT! I've said this for so long - if CASI wants to be this nationally known charitable organization, then the membership is going to have to let people from the outside come in, assess our situation, and help guide us. As long as we have chili cooks running CASI, nothing will change. I'm not saying that there shouldn't be any involvement by the cooks - not at all. But I don't believe the current structure is helping CASI at all. I don't see things growing and improving. If they were, people would want to run for the Board. At the same time, there's nothing wrong with keeping things the way that they are - but advertise yourself as such. Stop pretending and be upfront about the fact that we're a group of people that like to get together, cook chili, drink beer, have really great potlucks and give the money we do make to charity. There is a big difference between being a charitable organization and being a group of people who like to have a good time and give your proceeds to charity. I give to charity; that doesn't make me a charitable organization. Or does it? I do have three kids......
I'm not trying to be a bitch, really. I'm not even trying to be critical of the Board. You don't see me running, do you? I'm just making observations and sharing a few opinions. I think that running CASI should be a full time job and so many of the volunteers who do fill the director's positions have jobs and lives...there's only so many hours in the day. What I don't understand is the motivation behind the decision to continue running this ourselves. If we can become a bigger and more efficiently run organization, what's the harm? The membership can continue to be on the boat and guide the ship. Let's just get some captains that can tend to us full time and let it be their job instead of their hobby that they have too much of their personal lives invested in. Does that make sense? Until then, we've got to rely on ourselves to keep running CASI....so if any of you out there are considering running for the Board, we need you to step up and do it.
I guess that's enough for today. I can't really go off like I used to, so it makes for somewhat boring blog posts, I'm sure. Oh well...I know I'll be able to find something to get on my soapbox about that won't offend my target audience. I think tomorrow I'll gripe about my husband's ex wife and cousin (not the same person....LOL) Eeeww...that would be really, really disturbing on so many levels.
Keepin it real....Ellis Co. Style,
Kelly
Southwest Open
Everything you have heard about the SWO is true. The event went off without problems.
The cooks came from many states. Indiana, Illinois Kansas, Louisiana, Texas and we even had one cook from far away OKLAHOMA.
It is unbelievable that were more TICC Winners cooking than were cooking from the State of Oklahoma, where the event was held.
This is the second year in a row that the SWO was the largest CASI event in the State of Oklahoma. Where are the Oklahoma cooks?? It’s not like they did not know where the event was held. The Oklahoma State Championship in September was held at the same location as this years SWO.
Support for this CASI event seems to be in short supply. Without support from surrounding states, the Oklahoma State would probably be just another 30 cook event.
The NOB Pod is to be congratulated for its outstanding leadership in the production of the Southwest Open. Great job folks, Doris and I are looking forward to being there next year.
Congratulations to Kyle Adams, the 2011 Southwest Open Champion, and all of the cooks that placed.
Bob Coats
I really have/had no idea how many Oklahoma cooks were there. I was at the far end of the RV Park with little contact from the outside world!!!
Last night I sauteed greens and baby bell peppers together. Very quick, healthy and delicious. I also lost 2.8 lbs last week! Woo Hoo!!! Very excited and proud of myself. I need to get my butt in gear, though. I'm supposed to be taking 10,000 steps a day and that is kind of hard to accomplish. Does walking around Walmart count?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Has anyone announced that they're running for the CASI Board of Directors? I keep asking this question even though I know the answer. I'm disappointed, but at the same time, I'm not really surprised. I was talking to someone earlier and one of the comments made to me was "either the membership steps up and people run, or they're going to have themselves to blame when TICC sucks and their points aren't recorded properly." Okay, this person has a point. With our current structure, the directors do have to come from the membership. Maybe that's the problem. I feel as though the membership is so over the Board that they're like, "Hell No." I also hear so many people say that blaming the membership is typical of the Board - it's never their fault. So, the next conversation centered around the assumption that the only way the membership will be happy is if the Board does everything they wan them to do. I'm sure there are a lot of cooks out there that think that; believe it or not, I'm not one of them. You can't run anything well if you're constantly doing everything that everyone wants you to do. However, I feel like some of the suggestions that do make sense have come from a majority of the membership and they are constantly ignored. I mean, why can't we pay an advertising or PR firm to get our name out there? Why can't CASI establish a yearly budget and allot for advertising and membership drives? I still maintain that the best thing for CASI is to get the membership out of the drivers seat. Get a consulting/PR firm to help run this organization and get all of the personal agendas OUT! I've said this for so long - if CASI wants to be this nationally known charitable organization, then the membership is going to have to let people from the outside come in, assess our situation, and help guide us. As long as we have chili cooks running CASI, nothing will change. I'm not saying that there shouldn't be any involvement by the cooks - not at all. But I don't believe the current structure is helping CASI at all. I don't see things growing and improving. If they were, people would want to run for the Board. At the same time, there's nothing wrong with keeping things the way that they are - but advertise yourself as such. Stop pretending and be upfront about the fact that we're a group of people that like to get together, cook chili, drink beer, have really great potlucks and give the money we do make to charity. There is a big difference between being a charitable organization and being a group of people who like to have a good time and give your proceeds to charity. I give to charity; that doesn't make me a charitable organization. Or does it? I do have three kids......
I'm not trying to be a bitch, really. I'm not even trying to be critical of the Board. You don't see me running, do you? I'm just making observations and sharing a few opinions. I think that running CASI should be a full time job and so many of the volunteers who do fill the director's positions have jobs and lives...there's only so many hours in the day. What I don't understand is the motivation behind the decision to continue running this ourselves. If we can become a bigger and more efficiently run organization, what's the harm? The membership can continue to be on the boat and guide the ship. Let's just get some captains that can tend to us full time and let it be their job instead of their hobby that they have too much of their personal lives invested in. Does that make sense? Until then, we've got to rely on ourselves to keep running CASI....so if any of you out there are considering running for the Board, we need you to step up and do it.
I guess that's enough for today. I can't really go off like I used to, so it makes for somewhat boring blog posts, I'm sure. Oh well...I know I'll be able to find something to get on my soapbox about that won't offend my target audience. I think tomorrow I'll gripe about my husband's ex wife and cousin (not the same person....LOL) Eeeww...that would be really, really disturbing on so many levels.
Keepin it real....Ellis Co. Style,
Kelly
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
