Have a fantabulous day!!!
Kelly
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Dog Days Are (Almost) Over.....
Totally rocking my love for Florence + the Machine these days. And I love that song. It's just so friggin appropriate right now. I've got three days and I just keep singing that song in my head to get me through.
I had a great weekend! Friday was a nice laid back evening with my hubby and then Saturday we worked at the store (thank you Ron Baker!). I had some weird allergy crap going on, so I went home around 3pm and took a nap with my babies. My sister came over that night and I made soup and gave her a Kindle for her early birthday/Christmas present. We watched the Eclipse actor commentary and laughed and then that was our big Saturday night. I had decided not to cook at the Fair Sunday because I still felt kind of crappy. I fixed myself a nice Jack Daniels and Honey hot drink and went to bed. I woke up Sunday feeling fine and said to hell with it, I'm going to go cook! The results are below:
1. Kelly Brignon - YAY!!!!!
2. Tom Dozier
3. Gary Brignon
4. Ray Calhoun - Q'd
5. Ron Barnes
6. Ron Baker
7. TJ Friedel
8. Dusty Hudspeth
9. Mossman
10. Doris Coats
We had 33 chilis and I was sooooo friggin excited when my number was called! I have always wanted to win a blue ribbon at that cook off and this was just the best win ever! I can't wait to hang it up at the Mild Bill's store :)
Don't forget - we're having our Grand Opening celebration Sunday from 3-5 pm. The address is 113 W. Knox Street in downtown Ennis. We'll have snacks and beverages, but feel free to BYOB!
Everyone needs to pick up the latest issue of Texas Monthly. Not only is Miranda Lambert featured in the magazine, but a nice gentlemen from Bosque County wrote into the Editor to add his two cents to a response from a reader who says there is no place for chili in Texas in the summer. The rancher instructed that individual and the rest of Texas Monthly's readers to check out CASI's website so that they could see firsthand how much chili is cooked in Texas in the summer. I thought that was a nice little bit of advertising and hopefully more people (including the CASI Board) will start taking a more aggressive approach to advertising in publications such as Texas Monthly. They seem to take a rather interested and supportive stance of chili cookoffs and CASI in general - I'd like to see us take advantage of that!
My coffee is cold, but that doesn't stop me from mainlining this morning.
I had the most horrific day yesterday. In addition to arguing with the T&B Vinegar Sac most of the day, I ran over a large metal pole with a tarp attached to it and got a flat tire. I was a hysterical mess by the time I walked into Discount Tire. I don't know what set me off more....the shit in the middle of 35 that I couldn't avoid or the DeSoto cop that drove past me when I was clearly on my back halfway under my Expedition trying to extract the large metal pole from my rim and tire. At any rate, the dude at Discount Tire was nice and calm and I was out of there in 30 minutes. Thank God for road hazard certificates!!!
I picked up Paige and met Gary at Chilis. I promptly self medicated with a Xanax and a margarita. When I got home, I took a hydrocodone and went to bed early. I also came to a conclusion regarding the T&BVS - I'm done. I'm finished with being nice, being civil, being cordial, being pleasant. I'M DONE. I can only take so much and when you cross that line with me, there is no going back. I am tired of dealing with someone who has their own convenient version of the facts (when they can even remember them) and I've finally realized that you can't reason with certain people. I have too much to look forward to with Mild Bill's. I don't have to be drug down by this shithole any longer. I made a promise to myself that this chapter of my life was going to be different and it was going to be something that brought me joy. For the first time in my life, I'm doing exactly what I want to do. My rules, my dreams and no one is going to fuck that up for me anymore. I can smile through a lot of bullshit, but I've reached my douchebag limit for now.
Okay, I'll try not to rant anymore.
I also signed up for a PayPal business account that I will be adding to the payment options on the Mild Bill's website - which stays the same. And that got me to thinking about a lot of discussions I've seen on FB about CASI opening up an online store. It seems like there are a lot of members who support this idea and would be willing to help out with it. I sure hope that the Board is serious about their desire to utilize the membership to help achieve goals beneficial to CASI. I think an online store would be fabulous...IMHO.
Me: Paige, do you care if we go to the Hall?
Paige: I thought I couldn't go to bars.
Me: Paige, seriously. Do you care if we swing by the Hall.
Paige: I don't feel like it.
Me: What if I buy you ice cream.
Paige: That's okay then, we can go.
WTF is wrong with this conversation? My kid is telling me whether we can go somewhere? I'm bribing her with ice cream so that I can go to the Hall? That I'm even asking a 7 year old for permission????
This situation is just ripe for CPS involvement, I'm sure.
Gilbert Charlie Robison has turned into one fat Guinea Pig. And, he isn't afraid of Eddie. Last night, Eddie came into Paige's room after we had cleaned Gilbert's cage and Gilbert came right up to the front of the cage and just looked at Eddie. I think Gilbert's got some cajones now :)
I'm going to go now. I have a few things to finish up prior to my Exodus Thursday. I'll be back tomorrow.
Spreading kindness and joy and keeping my DB Shield up at all times.....
The Cadillac Cowgirl
I had a great weekend! Friday was a nice laid back evening with my hubby and then Saturday we worked at the store (thank you Ron Baker!). I had some weird allergy crap going on, so I went home around 3pm and took a nap with my babies. My sister came over that night and I made soup and gave her a Kindle for her early birthday/Christmas present. We watched the Eclipse actor commentary and laughed and then that was our big Saturday night. I had decided not to cook at the Fair Sunday because I still felt kind of crappy. I fixed myself a nice Jack Daniels and Honey hot drink and went to bed. I woke up Sunday feeling fine and said to hell with it, I'm going to go cook! The results are below:
1. Kelly Brignon - YAY!!!!!
2. Tom Dozier
3. Gary Brignon
4. Ray Calhoun - Q'd
5. Ron Barnes
6. Ron Baker
7. TJ Friedel
8. Dusty Hudspeth
9. Mossman
10. Doris Coats
We had 33 chilis and I was sooooo friggin excited when my number was called! I have always wanted to win a blue ribbon at that cook off and this was just the best win ever! I can't wait to hang it up at the Mild Bill's store :)
Don't forget - we're having our Grand Opening celebration Sunday from 3-5 pm. The address is 113 W. Knox Street in downtown Ennis. We'll have snacks and beverages, but feel free to BYOB!
Everyone needs to pick up the latest issue of Texas Monthly. Not only is Miranda Lambert featured in the magazine, but a nice gentlemen from Bosque County wrote into the Editor to add his two cents to a response from a reader who says there is no place for chili in Texas in the summer. The rancher instructed that individual and the rest of Texas Monthly's readers to check out CASI's website so that they could see firsthand how much chili is cooked in Texas in the summer. I thought that was a nice little bit of advertising and hopefully more people (including the CASI Board) will start taking a more aggressive approach to advertising in publications such as Texas Monthly. They seem to take a rather interested and supportive stance of chili cookoffs and CASI in general - I'd like to see us take advantage of that!
My coffee is cold, but that doesn't stop me from mainlining this morning.
I had the most horrific day yesterday. In addition to arguing with the T&B Vinegar Sac most of the day, I ran over a large metal pole with a tarp attached to it and got a flat tire. I was a hysterical mess by the time I walked into Discount Tire. I don't know what set me off more....the shit in the middle of 35 that I couldn't avoid or the DeSoto cop that drove past me when I was clearly on my back halfway under my Expedition trying to extract the large metal pole from my rim and tire. At any rate, the dude at Discount Tire was nice and calm and I was out of there in 30 minutes. Thank God for road hazard certificates!!!
I picked up Paige and met Gary at Chilis. I promptly self medicated with a Xanax and a margarita. When I got home, I took a hydrocodone and went to bed early. I also came to a conclusion regarding the T&BVS - I'm done. I'm finished with being nice, being civil, being cordial, being pleasant. I'M DONE. I can only take so much and when you cross that line with me, there is no going back. I am tired of dealing with someone who has their own convenient version of the facts (when they can even remember them) and I've finally realized that you can't reason with certain people. I have too much to look forward to with Mild Bill's. I don't have to be drug down by this shithole any longer. I made a promise to myself that this chapter of my life was going to be different and it was going to be something that brought me joy. For the first time in my life, I'm doing exactly what I want to do. My rules, my dreams and no one is going to fuck that up for me anymore. I can smile through a lot of bullshit, but I've reached my douchebag limit for now.
Okay, I'll try not to rant anymore.
I also signed up for a PayPal business account that I will be adding to the payment options on the Mild Bill's website - which stays the same. And that got me to thinking about a lot of discussions I've seen on FB about CASI opening up an online store. It seems like there are a lot of members who support this idea and would be willing to help out with it. I sure hope that the Board is serious about their desire to utilize the membership to help achieve goals beneficial to CASI. I think an online store would be fabulous...IMHO.
Me: Paige, do you care if we go to the Hall?
Paige: I thought I couldn't go to bars.
Me: Paige, seriously. Do you care if we swing by the Hall.
Paige: I don't feel like it.
Me: What if I buy you ice cream.
Paige: That's okay then, we can go.
WTF is wrong with this conversation? My kid is telling me whether we can go somewhere? I'm bribing her with ice cream so that I can go to the Hall? That I'm even asking a 7 year old for permission????
This situation is just ripe for CPS involvement, I'm sure.
Gilbert Charlie Robison has turned into one fat Guinea Pig. And, he isn't afraid of Eddie. Last night, Eddie came into Paige's room after we had cleaned Gilbert's cage and Gilbert came right up to the front of the cage and just looked at Eddie. I think Gilbert's got some cajones now :)
I'm going to go now. I have a few things to finish up prior to my Exodus Thursday. I'll be back tomorrow.
Spreading kindness and joy and keeping my DB Shield up at all times.....
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The End is the Beginning is the End or Something Like That
Isn't that a Smashing Pumpkins song?
Let me get off track here for a minute. That reminded me of a guy I waited tables with at Pappasitos. He was the BIGGEST Billy Corgan freak. We used to argue about The Smashing Pumpkins and REM and who was the better band. (REM Duh!!!) But yeah..I can remember all of us hanging out at TGI Fridays after our shifts and arguing about music. Music has always been such an important part of my life and relationships. I knew Gary was the one because he was Van Halen not Van Hagar and Bon Scott instead of Brian Johnson (Except for Back in Black which would not have been the album it is without Brian Johnson) and he also loved SRV and did not like Rush. Or so he said. He's actually a Rush fan but lied because of my extreme dislike for them. But anyways. Still, music is something he and I have always had in common. We saw Hank for the first time together; Charlie Robison and now Jamey Johnson in October. I think I've got him converted to the house of Radiohead as well...he may not admit it, but he likes them.
Anyways....back to my original reason for blogging. The end is near for my time at T&B Demolition - at least my daily involvement. My office was boxed up today. Did I shed a tear; have a "moment"? F*CK NO!!!! HELL NO!!!! I can't get out of that badmotorfinger fast enough. It's like I can see myself having a heart attack at my desk if I don't get the hell out of that lifesucking office. I cannot wait until the store is ready, the inventory is moved and I'm officially Mild Bill's!!! This has been such a journey. I never wanted to own a business. Although I have an unusually high need for autonomy, I do fine as an employee. Let someone else be the idiot making all the decisions and on the hook for everything. I'm happy to work my hours and go home and leave work at work. The first few years at T&B, Gary was the batshit crazy one. He worked 24/7 and was a terror to live with. Looking back on that time, had he not been so obsessed with T&B, it wouldn't be successful. Still, it was hard on our marriage. I think we're lucky to have survived because it is not easy to own a business with your spouse and if anyone tells you otherwise, they're lying. Over the last three years, I'm the one who has become consumed with work as I'm the one responsible for the finances (regardless of other's stupid decisions), making sure bills are paid (or not), payroll is met, etc. It's been tough. I can't stress how tough it has been to run and stay in business in this recent economy. It's been one of the most intensely stressful times in my life. I know more than anyone that you can't have the good without the bad, but it still doesn't make it easier - especially when things are BAD! We are extremely fortunate - our business has survived. But it hasn't been without huge sacrifices and a lot of knock down drag out fights...or in the case of our business partner, complete lack of support or concern, but whatever. For the most part, it's been Gary and I who have run T&B, with the help of others who do see T&B as their own, and it's been hard. And it's worn me out. Hell - it's worn all of us out. So, if you are my parents, or my trusty person charged with protecting me from the stupid people, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for getting in the foxhole with me and Gary and sticking with us, even when it sucked. Thank you to my husband for always, always making sure I have everything I need and for as politically incorrect as it sounds, buying me a business because he believed in what I could do with it long before I did. I'm not ashamed to admit that I do need my husband and that marrying him makes me a feel like a more complete person than if I had just continued to float around this world on my own. Just don't ask me to confirm any of this information in the mornings when I'm dead tired because his loud ass snoring broke through my earplugs and he wouldn't go get on the couch and what I'd really like to do is put a pillow over his head. I digress...again.... :)
So Gary is on his way home with the stove and some of the kitchen equipment. The store is finished and we are soooo close!!! I have to get over to WR's and take him what I want painted on the two front windows. I can't believe this is finally happening. I don't know whether to laugh or cry or have a nervous breakdown. I can't believe that I'm a week away from owning something that I know is going to be a joy to have a hell of a lot more than it is a beatdown. I cannot wait to start selling spices out of the store and talking to customers about spices...and sharing samples and recipes using Mild Bill's products. I finally, finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. And it is soooo friggin bright I can hardly stand it.
This is the beginning of my beginning - and it can't start soon enough!
Spreading joy, kindness and sometimes deep, bizarre thoughts that manage to involve music and other odd things....
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Let me get off track here for a minute. That reminded me of a guy I waited tables with at Pappasitos. He was the BIGGEST Billy Corgan freak. We used to argue about The Smashing Pumpkins and REM and who was the better band. (REM Duh!!!) But yeah..I can remember all of us hanging out at TGI Fridays after our shifts and arguing about music. Music has always been such an important part of my life and relationships. I knew Gary was the one because he was Van Halen not Van Hagar and Bon Scott instead of Brian Johnson (Except for Back in Black which would not have been the album it is without Brian Johnson) and he also loved SRV and did not like Rush. Or so he said. He's actually a Rush fan but lied because of my extreme dislike for them. But anyways. Still, music is something he and I have always had in common. We saw Hank for the first time together; Charlie Robison and now Jamey Johnson in October. I think I've got him converted to the house of Radiohead as well...he may not admit it, but he likes them.
Anyways....back to my original reason for blogging. The end is near for my time at T&B Demolition - at least my daily involvement. My office was boxed up today. Did I shed a tear; have a "moment"? F*CK NO!!!! HELL NO!!!! I can't get out of that badmotorfinger fast enough. It's like I can see myself having a heart attack at my desk if I don't get the hell out of that lifesucking office. I cannot wait until the store is ready, the inventory is moved and I'm officially Mild Bill's!!! This has been such a journey. I never wanted to own a business. Although I have an unusually high need for autonomy, I do fine as an employee. Let someone else be the idiot making all the decisions and on the hook for everything. I'm happy to work my hours and go home and leave work at work. The first few years at T&B, Gary was the batshit crazy one. He worked 24/7 and was a terror to live with. Looking back on that time, had he not been so obsessed with T&B, it wouldn't be successful. Still, it was hard on our marriage. I think we're lucky to have survived because it is not easy to own a business with your spouse and if anyone tells you otherwise, they're lying. Over the last three years, I'm the one who has become consumed with work as I'm the one responsible for the finances (regardless of other's stupid decisions), making sure bills are paid (or not), payroll is met, etc. It's been tough. I can't stress how tough it has been to run and stay in business in this recent economy. It's been one of the most intensely stressful times in my life. I know more than anyone that you can't have the good without the bad, but it still doesn't make it easier - especially when things are BAD! We are extremely fortunate - our business has survived. But it hasn't been without huge sacrifices and a lot of knock down drag out fights...or in the case of our business partner, complete lack of support or concern, but whatever. For the most part, it's been Gary and I who have run T&B, with the help of others who do see T&B as their own, and it's been hard. And it's worn me out. Hell - it's worn all of us out. So, if you are my parents, or my trusty person charged with protecting me from the stupid people, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for getting in the foxhole with me and Gary and sticking with us, even when it sucked. Thank you to my husband for always, always making sure I have everything I need and for as politically incorrect as it sounds, buying me a business because he believed in what I could do with it long before I did. I'm not ashamed to admit that I do need my husband and that marrying him makes me a feel like a more complete person than if I had just continued to float around this world on my own. Just don't ask me to confirm any of this information in the mornings when I'm dead tired because his loud ass snoring broke through my earplugs and he wouldn't go get on the couch and what I'd really like to do is put a pillow over his head. I digress...again.... :)
So Gary is on his way home with the stove and some of the kitchen equipment. The store is finished and we are soooo close!!! I have to get over to WR's and take him what I want painted on the two front windows. I can't believe this is finally happening. I don't know whether to laugh or cry or have a nervous breakdown. I can't believe that I'm a week away from owning something that I know is going to be a joy to have a hell of a lot more than it is a beatdown. I cannot wait to start selling spices out of the store and talking to customers about spices...and sharing samples and recipes using Mild Bill's products. I finally, finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. And it is soooo friggin bright I can hardly stand it.
This is the beginning of my beginning - and it can't start soon enough!
Spreading joy, kindness and sometimes deep, bizarre thoughts that manage to involve music and other odd things....
The Cadillac Cowgirl
And Just What Have I Ever Done to You Thursday???
It took me two hours to get to work this morning.
I am literally counting the minutes until I leave this small corner in hell and begin my new life at 113 W. Knox Street in Ennis.
Please hurry.....I'm running out of places to hide bodies :)
I am literally counting the minutes until I leave this small corner in hell and begin my new life at 113 W. Knox Street in Ennis.
Please hurry.....I'm running out of places to hide bodies :)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Cadillac Cowgirl Arroz con Pollo
Happy Humpalicious Hump Day!!!
My dogs have been busy this morning:
Gary sent those pictures to me. This was after he located his glasses under our bed. Waylon is a night prowler...he also invaded Paige's room last night. Crazy muffin.
Last night, Courtney came over for our Bridesmaid's watch party. Melissa McCarthy, the girl that plays Meghan, was freakin hilarious. She stole that movie - it was sooo funny!! I'm glad I finally saw it.
I had everything on hand for Arroz con Pollo so I decided to make that for dinner last night. I made it differently than in the past and it came out fantastic. Below is the recipe:
Cadillac Cowgirl Arroz con Pollo
For the rice:
1 Cup Long Grain Rice
1 Small Onion, Chopped
1 8 oz Can Tomato Sauce
1 Tomato and Chicken Bullion Cube
1 Chicken Bullion Cube
3 1/2 Cups Water
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
For the chicken:
1 lb Chicken Tenders
Olive Oil for Browning
1 Tbsp Pacific Beauty Paprika
1 Tbsp Cumin
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Pepper
(Spices available from Mild Bills - of course!!)
Begin your rice first by heating the olive oil in a large covered skillet. Once hot, add the rice and stir to coat. Saute the rice over medium high heat until it starts to brown; don't let it burn. Add the chopped onion and turn the heat down to medium low; saute for a few minutes. In the meantime, using the microwave or a saucepan, bring the 3 1/2 cups of water and bullion cubes to a boil. Once boiling, add the water and cubes to the rice and onion mixture along with the tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring back to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.
In a separate skillet, heat the oil for the chicken. While the oil is heating up, sprinkle half of the cumin, paprika, salt and pepper evenly over the chicken tenders. Add the chicken (seasoned side down) to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cumin, paprika, salt and pepper over the unseasoned side of the chicken tenders. Brown over medium heat on each side, about 4 minutes per side. Allow the chicken tenders to drain on a paper towel, then add them to the rice. Re-cover the rice after adding the chicken and continue to cook the rice until the chicken and the rice are done.
The rice takes about 50 minutes and since you are browning the chicken tenders, it's only going to take about 20-25 minutes to finish cooking them, so I always add them halfway through. You know that your rice is done when the moisture has evaporated and you are left with moist, but fluffy rice. You don't want it to be gummy, so don't stir it around. The best way to check it and see if you need a little more water while cooking is to take a spoon and just move it away from the edge of the skillet. If it's getting a little brown on bottom and sticking, but the rice isn't tender yet, add a little water and put the cover back on.
I like to serve this with queso over the top and flour tortillas. Gary always likes to add salsa to his. It's a great weeknight meal and it also freezes well. Enjoy!!!
I better get to work...ugh.....
Spreading kindness and joy in all that I do....
Kelly
My dogs have been busy this morning:
Gary sent those pictures to me. This was after he located his glasses under our bed. Waylon is a night prowler...he also invaded Paige's room last night. Crazy muffin.
Last night, Courtney came over for our Bridesmaid's watch party. Melissa McCarthy, the girl that plays Meghan, was freakin hilarious. She stole that movie - it was sooo funny!! I'm glad I finally saw it.
I had everything on hand for Arroz con Pollo so I decided to make that for dinner last night. I made it differently than in the past and it came out fantastic. Below is the recipe:
Cadillac Cowgirl Arroz con Pollo
For the rice:
1 Cup Long Grain Rice
1 Small Onion, Chopped
1 8 oz Can Tomato Sauce
1 Tomato and Chicken Bullion Cube
1 Chicken Bullion Cube
3 1/2 Cups Water
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
For the chicken:
1 lb Chicken Tenders
Olive Oil for Browning
1 Tbsp Pacific Beauty Paprika
1 Tbsp Cumin
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Pepper
(Spices available from Mild Bills - of course!!)
Begin your rice first by heating the olive oil in a large covered skillet. Once hot, add the rice and stir to coat. Saute the rice over medium high heat until it starts to brown; don't let it burn. Add the chopped onion and turn the heat down to medium low; saute for a few minutes. In the meantime, using the microwave or a saucepan, bring the 3 1/2 cups of water and bullion cubes to a boil. Once boiling, add the water and cubes to the rice and onion mixture along with the tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring back to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.
In a separate skillet, heat the oil for the chicken. While the oil is heating up, sprinkle half of the cumin, paprika, salt and pepper evenly over the chicken tenders. Add the chicken (seasoned side down) to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cumin, paprika, salt and pepper over the unseasoned side of the chicken tenders. Brown over medium heat on each side, about 4 minutes per side. Allow the chicken tenders to drain on a paper towel, then add them to the rice. Re-cover the rice after adding the chicken and continue to cook the rice until the chicken and the rice are done.
The rice takes about 50 minutes and since you are browning the chicken tenders, it's only going to take about 20-25 minutes to finish cooking them, so I always add them halfway through. You know that your rice is done when the moisture has evaporated and you are left with moist, but fluffy rice. You don't want it to be gummy, so don't stir it around. The best way to check it and see if you need a little more water while cooking is to take a spoon and just move it away from the edge of the skillet. If it's getting a little brown on bottom and sticking, but the rice isn't tender yet, add a little water and put the cover back on.
I like to serve this with queso over the top and flour tortillas. Gary always likes to add salsa to his. It's a great weeknight meal and it also freezes well. Enjoy!!!
I better get to work...ugh.....
Spreading kindness and joy in all that I do....
Kelly
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
From Bob Coats.......
Top of Texas Pod and Irving Elks Lodge of Irving, Texas
Supporting CASI
A first for CASI
At present, the TOT Pod is the only CASI Pod to have the honor of having two Past Exulted Rulers as members and active cooks. Mike and Jennifer Moore are both PER’s of the Irving Elks and active members of the TOT Pod. Mike recently won his first cook-off and is hooked on cooking CASI. Jennifer and Mike are in their first year of cooking and are doing well in competing with the best.
Irving Elks Lodge #2334 is a friend of CASI sponsor and host the TOT Pod event. TOT also holds their monthly meeting at the Irving Lodge. In addition to the TOT Cookoff the Lodge also holds a cook-off for Elks charities. The support of the Irving Elks of TOT and CASI is a key element in the success of chili in North Texas.
CASI is very fortunate to have the support of the Elks around the country.
Bob Coats
Supporting CASI
A first for CASI
At present, the TOT Pod is the only CASI Pod to have the honor of having two Past Exulted Rulers as members and active cooks. Mike and Jennifer Moore are both PER’s of the Irving Elks and active members of the TOT Pod. Mike recently won his first cook-off and is hooked on cooking CASI. Jennifer and Mike are in their first year of cooking and are doing well in competing with the best.
Irving Elks Lodge #2334 is a friend of CASI sponsor and host the TOT Pod event. TOT also holds their monthly meeting at the Irving Lodge. In addition to the TOT Cookoff the Lodge also holds a cook-off for Elks charities. The support of the Irving Elks of TOT and CASI is a key element in the success of chili in North Texas.
CASI is very fortunate to have the support of the Elks around the country.
Bob Coats
Conversations With Paige
Paige: Mommy, does Ennis have a jail?
Me: Yes.
Paige: Where is it?
Me: Over there - at the end of the street.
Paige: Oh - have you been in it?
Me: No.
Paige: Do you know what it looks like?
Me: No.
Paige: Does Daddy know what it looks like?
Me: (knowing where this is headed) No!!
Paige: Has Daddy been in that jail?
Me: No, your daddy has not been to that jail.
Paige: You've got to be kidding me!
Even Paige knows her Daddy has a fondness for jails.....LOL!!!!
Paige: Mommy, can I go in that room?
Me: No, it's a bar. (We were at Marsala's waiting on our pizza and they have a separate bar.)
Paige: What's a bar?
Me: It's like the KJT.
Paige: You let me go to the KJT, so why can't I go in there?
Me: Because it's a different kind of bar and you aren't supposed to go in there if you're under 21.
Paige: But I'm only seven and you take me to bars. Isn't that illegal.
Me: Depends on where and not at the KJT.
Paige: But if you take me and the cops see me, they could take me to jail.
Me: No, Paige, they won't take you to jail.
Paige: Okay good, because I don't want to go to kiddie prison.
Gotta love her.....
This morning we were on our way to school and I could see that she was leaning against the window, but she wasn't sleeping. We stopped at a stop sign and I turned around to see what she was doing and to ask for her assignment book. She told me she was "a little obsessed with that and she didn't hear me ask for her book." I had no idea what she was talking about, so I turned around again and she was breathing heavy on the window and drawing smiley faces. WTF??? That's what she was obsessed with.
I'm off to do billings....fun times.
K
Me: Yes.
Paige: Where is it?
Me: Over there - at the end of the street.
Paige: Oh - have you been in it?
Me: No.
Paige: Do you know what it looks like?
Me: No.
Paige: Does Daddy know what it looks like?
Me: (knowing where this is headed) No!!
Paige: Has Daddy been in that jail?
Me: No, your daddy has not been to that jail.
Paige: You've got to be kidding me!
Even Paige knows her Daddy has a fondness for jails.....LOL!!!!
Paige: Mommy, can I go in that room?
Me: No, it's a bar. (We were at Marsala's waiting on our pizza and they have a separate bar.)
Paige: What's a bar?
Me: It's like the KJT.
Paige: You let me go to the KJT, so why can't I go in there?
Me: Because it's a different kind of bar and you aren't supposed to go in there if you're under 21.
Paige: But I'm only seven and you take me to bars. Isn't that illegal.
Me: Depends on where and not at the KJT.
Paige: But if you take me and the cops see me, they could take me to jail.
Me: No, Paige, they won't take you to jail.
Paige: Okay good, because I don't want to go to kiddie prison.
Gotta love her.....
This morning we were on our way to school and I could see that she was leaning against the window, but she wasn't sleeping. We stopped at a stop sign and I turned around to see what she was doing and to ask for her assignment book. She told me she was "a little obsessed with that and she didn't hear me ask for her book." I had no idea what she was talking about, so I turned around again and she was breathing heavy on the window and drawing smiley faces. WTF??? That's what she was obsessed with.
I'm off to do billings....fun times.
K
Monday, September 19, 2011
Catching Up......
Wow...what a crazy busy weekend! Friday, I spent the day at the Waxahachie Civic Center helping get set up for St. Joseph Catholic School Oktoberfest. I made the oh so cool sign for the 2nd Grade Plinko game (hahahaha!!) and I contributed a Mild Bill's basket:
Keep us in mind for the holidays!!! Mild Bill's gift baskets are perfect gifts and can be tailored to your needs. They can be as big or as small as you need them to be. I'll have several premade baskets as well as custom orders. And remember...we ship :)
Oktoberfest, from what I can tell, was extremely successful. It was moved from the Ellis Co. Expo Center to the Civic Center because of a scheduling conflict and I think that it was a blessing in disguise. The Civic Center was PACKED! There were so many more people and vendors this year and I think the school made more than they have before. I really hope they did well this year and that we continue to have Oktoberfest at the Civic Center. It's air conditioned - so I think that's a big draw as well. This is Texas after all :)
After my shift in the drink line, it was time to take home six of Paige's girlfriends for her sleepover. OMG - the squealing, the screaming...it was CRAZY!!! They had a Conga line going at one point. They played Twister, played Wii....performed a rain dance that actually worked. I thought I had them down for the night then they caught a case of the giggles and stayed up till midnight - and also had a pillow fight. They had such a good time. There was some typical little girl drama, but all of her friends are so sweet and well behaved. She has a good bunch of classmates.
Paige and I were pretty tired and we overslept this morning. The following conversation ensued as we sat at the train in Garrett:
Me: Paige, I need you to prepare yourself, you are probably going to be late.
Paige: (eyes wide with fear) Oh, no...really?
Me: Yes, I'm sorry....we were so tired and we slept late, and now the train is holding us up. I really wish that we could just go back home and go to bed.
Paige: Well, why can't you just call Mrs. Patsy and tell her that's what we're going to do?
Me: (laughing) Well...that's not really a reason. I had to tell her you were sick last week when you skipped school and you really weren't.
Paige: Oh, I didn't know you had to give her a reason. I just figured you told her because you said so, like what you tell me when you don't have a real reason for me.
Me: Oh Paige.......
Those girls didn't kill me Saturday night....but they wore my ass out!! I was soooo tired yesterday. Paige asked me what was wrong and I told her I was tired and wanted to take a nap. A few hours later she asked me why I wasn't laying down and I told her it was because I had things to do. She told me I should just tell Daddy to do them so that I could take a nap.
Right........
I really wanted to make fried chicken last night, but Gary was in the mood for nachos. (Really??) So I made nachos last night...they were easy and good. I also made some hot wings and bought some of the Tyson Tequila Lime Wings....I love those. Don't have much on the menu for this week as we are getting ready for the BIG MOVE!!!! HELL YEAH!!! I've also got to start planning for Paige's Halloween Party. Her invitations came in on Friday and I've got her Devil costume. I also went batshit crazy at Target Friday. They had TONS of cute Halloween stuff at the Dollar Spot and I picked up some really cute items for decorating and treat bags. I love Halloween :)
I hope everyone has a wonderful day. It's Monday and I'm arming myself with caffeine, booze and pills....not necessarily in that order, either.
Keep it real, folks.....
Kelly
Keep us in mind for the holidays!!! Mild Bill's gift baskets are perfect gifts and can be tailored to your needs. They can be as big or as small as you need them to be. I'll have several premade baskets as well as custom orders. And remember...we ship :)
Oktoberfest, from what I can tell, was extremely successful. It was moved from the Ellis Co. Expo Center to the Civic Center because of a scheduling conflict and I think that it was a blessing in disguise. The Civic Center was PACKED! There were so many more people and vendors this year and I think the school made more than they have before. I really hope they did well this year and that we continue to have Oktoberfest at the Civic Center. It's air conditioned - so I think that's a big draw as well. This is Texas after all :)
After my shift in the drink line, it was time to take home six of Paige's girlfriends for her sleepover. OMG - the squealing, the screaming...it was CRAZY!!! They had a Conga line going at one point. They played Twister, played Wii....performed a rain dance that actually worked. I thought I had them down for the night then they caught a case of the giggles and stayed up till midnight - and also had a pillow fight. They had such a good time. There was some typical little girl drama, but all of her friends are so sweet and well behaved. She has a good bunch of classmates.
Paige and I were pretty tired and we overslept this morning. The following conversation ensued as we sat at the train in Garrett:
Me: Paige, I need you to prepare yourself, you are probably going to be late.
Paige: (eyes wide with fear) Oh, no...really?
Me: Yes, I'm sorry....we were so tired and we slept late, and now the train is holding us up. I really wish that we could just go back home and go to bed.
Paige: Well, why can't you just call Mrs. Patsy and tell her that's what we're going to do?
Me: (laughing) Well...that's not really a reason. I had to tell her you were sick last week when you skipped school and you really weren't.
Paige: Oh, I didn't know you had to give her a reason. I just figured you told her because you said so, like what you tell me when you don't have a real reason for me.
Me: Oh Paige.......
Those girls didn't kill me Saturday night....but they wore my ass out!! I was soooo tired yesterday. Paige asked me what was wrong and I told her I was tired and wanted to take a nap. A few hours later she asked me why I wasn't laying down and I told her it was because I had things to do. She told me I should just tell Daddy to do them so that I could take a nap.
Right........
I really wanted to make fried chicken last night, but Gary was in the mood for nachos. (Really??) So I made nachos last night...they were easy and good. I also made some hot wings and bought some of the Tyson Tequila Lime Wings....I love those. Don't have much on the menu for this week as we are getting ready for the BIG MOVE!!!! HELL YEAH!!! I've also got to start planning for Paige's Halloween Party. Her invitations came in on Friday and I've got her Devil costume. I also went batshit crazy at Target Friday. They had TONS of cute Halloween stuff at the Dollar Spot and I picked up some really cute items for decorating and treat bags. I love Halloween :)
I hope everyone has a wonderful day. It's Monday and I'm arming myself with caffeine, booze and pills....not necessarily in that order, either.
Keep it real, folks.....
Kelly
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Let's Hump!!!!
Today is Wednesday....the day we all start to feel a little better, have a brighter outlook and focus on the fact that if we just make it through a few more days...it will be the weekend. Praise God!
Paige's Oktoberfest is this Saturday at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Afterwards, five of her BFF's will be coming home with us for a sleepover.
Oh, that reminds me - I need to go to the liquor store. I'm low on booze....
Kidding, kidding!!!!
Seriously, she's sooooo freakin excited and I'm excited for her! She's been looking forward to her friends coming over for a few weeks, so she can hardly contain herself. How bad can six little girls be? I mean, really.....what could they possibly get into?!?!?!?
Paige was up early wanting to get on the "trimmeal". That's treadmill to all of you who aren't fluent in Paige. She stalks me while I'm on it. I was up at 4:30 this morning letting the Muffin out for his early morning potty break and decided to stay up. I'll regret that around 2:00 this afternoon!! I'm loving the treadmill, though. Waylon and Eddie, not so much. They both bark at it, and Waylon attacks it. He's trying to save me from it. No shit!!!
I'm sure a lot of people are anticipating my take on the GPM that took place last weekend. Since I wasn't there, I'm not sure I need to really say anything. Most of my info came from Gary, and his perception is sometimes different from mine. I was pleased that the Board announced the location of the future GPM's (Doubletree Hotel in Irving) and I think it's great that the local Pods will each take on the Hospitality Room each year. I'm glad that Jim Ezell is back on the Board along with Jenny. I hope Glenda and Lee can make a difference. But...a lot of it is same ol, same ol...good, bad or indifferent...that's up to each of us to decide.
One topic I will broach is the epidemic sweeping the North Texas Area - cook offs on top of cook offs. On top of ESTABLISHED cook offs. I know just as well as anyone that sometimes, these things are completely unavoidable. But after a while, even that reason becomes a little suspect when it's the same ones doing it. I think it would be beneficial in Texas to have a 25 cook minimum in an effort to eliminate all of these cook offs being scheduled at the same time. That's just my opinion. I just don't see the advantage to anyone by having a cook off that attracts 15 cooks. I want people to have plenty of opportunities to cook, but I also want the charities to have a positive experience by having a good turnout and in turn, a good financial showing. Oh well....just my opinion. I'll stop there before I offend the masses.
Speaking of offending....MY PANCREAS!!! OMG - I don't know what I did to piss it off, but it has been quite disgusted with me the past several days. I may have to call the one and only Dr. Sami Arslanlar and make an appointment. I had a day last week (Friday) where I binged on bad food, but that's not usually a reason for my pancreas to freak out. I didn't drink a lot of wine, either. One never knows when the pancreas will strike. Just be prepared in case it does, I guess. I ate Jenny Craig food all day Monday and I was still miserable. I had sushi and soup yesterday and felt a little better. I've had coffee and Jenny Craig this morning...so we'll see if I'm through it. Keeping my fingers crossed!! LOL
I'm on day 5 of my OPI Shellac manicure and so far, there have been no chips! They have Linkin Park After Dark, so I got that on my nails and toes...they have to match, you know :) I'm just a tad OCD about that. This is so much better than having fake nails, which I wore for 18 years, and you aren't spending as much money on fills, new sets, etc.
I've been pretty productive the past few days. I ordered invitations for Paige's Halloween party, booked her birthday party at the Planetarium, ordered her Halloween costume and ordered phone service for Mild Bills. The most difficult task of the past day - obtaining a P O Box at the Ennis Post Office. And the Postal Service wonders why it's losing money left and right. The logic (or lack thereof) at that place never ceases to amaze me.
I'm going to run for now. I need to mainline this caffeine and get my ass in gear. I'm still waiting for the endorphins from my 5 am run to kick in. If I don't start getting a kick start from the early morning runs, I'm going to have to 86 this shit!!!!!
Keep it real :)
K
Paige's Oktoberfest is this Saturday at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Afterwards, five of her BFF's will be coming home with us for a sleepover.
Oh, that reminds me - I need to go to the liquor store. I'm low on booze....
Kidding, kidding!!!!
Seriously, she's sooooo freakin excited and I'm excited for her! She's been looking forward to her friends coming over for a few weeks, so she can hardly contain herself. How bad can six little girls be? I mean, really.....what could they possibly get into?!?!?!?
Paige was up early wanting to get on the "trimmeal". That's treadmill to all of you who aren't fluent in Paige. She stalks me while I'm on it. I was up at 4:30 this morning letting the Muffin out for his early morning potty break and decided to stay up. I'll regret that around 2:00 this afternoon!! I'm loving the treadmill, though. Waylon and Eddie, not so much. They both bark at it, and Waylon attacks it. He's trying to save me from it. No shit!!!
I'm sure a lot of people are anticipating my take on the GPM that took place last weekend. Since I wasn't there, I'm not sure I need to really say anything. Most of my info came from Gary, and his perception is sometimes different from mine. I was pleased that the Board announced the location of the future GPM's (Doubletree Hotel in Irving) and I think it's great that the local Pods will each take on the Hospitality Room each year. I'm glad that Jim Ezell is back on the Board along with Jenny. I hope Glenda and Lee can make a difference. But...a lot of it is same ol, same ol...good, bad or indifferent...that's up to each of us to decide.
One topic I will broach is the epidemic sweeping the North Texas Area - cook offs on top of cook offs. On top of ESTABLISHED cook offs. I know just as well as anyone that sometimes, these things are completely unavoidable. But after a while, even that reason becomes a little suspect when it's the same ones doing it. I think it would be beneficial in Texas to have a 25 cook minimum in an effort to eliminate all of these cook offs being scheduled at the same time. That's just my opinion. I just don't see the advantage to anyone by having a cook off that attracts 15 cooks. I want people to have plenty of opportunities to cook, but I also want the charities to have a positive experience by having a good turnout and in turn, a good financial showing. Oh well....just my opinion. I'll stop there before I offend the masses.
Speaking of offending....MY PANCREAS!!! OMG - I don't know what I did to piss it off, but it has been quite disgusted with me the past several days. I may have to call the one and only Dr. Sami Arslanlar and make an appointment. I had a day last week (Friday) where I binged on bad food, but that's not usually a reason for my pancreas to freak out. I didn't drink a lot of wine, either. One never knows when the pancreas will strike. Just be prepared in case it does, I guess. I ate Jenny Craig food all day Monday and I was still miserable. I had sushi and soup yesterday and felt a little better. I've had coffee and Jenny Craig this morning...so we'll see if I'm through it. Keeping my fingers crossed!! LOL
I'm on day 5 of my OPI Shellac manicure and so far, there have been no chips! They have Linkin Park After Dark, so I got that on my nails and toes...they have to match, you know :) I'm just a tad OCD about that. This is so much better than having fake nails, which I wore for 18 years, and you aren't spending as much money on fills, new sets, etc.
I've been pretty productive the past few days. I ordered invitations for Paige's Halloween party, booked her birthday party at the Planetarium, ordered her Halloween costume and ordered phone service for Mild Bills. The most difficult task of the past day - obtaining a P O Box at the Ennis Post Office. And the Postal Service wonders why it's losing money left and right. The logic (or lack thereof) at that place never ceases to amaze me.
I'm going to run for now. I need to mainline this caffeine and get my ass in gear. I'm still waiting for the endorphins from my 5 am run to kick in. If I don't start getting a kick start from the early morning runs, I'm going to have to 86 this shit!!!!!
Keep it real :)
K
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Red Beans and Rice...Oh So Nice!
Yum!!!! I finally got around to Cajun Day at the Brignon Compound. Below are recipes for Red Beans and Rice and Shrimp Etouffee. I am really proud of both of these dishes!!
Cadillac Cowgirl Red Beans and Rice
1 lb Dried Kidney Beans
1 Bone In Ham Steak
3 Links Klobase, Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage, sliced
1 Medium Onion, Chopped
3 Garlic Cloves, Chopped
2 Celery Stalks, Chopped
1 Box Swanson Chicken Stock (not broth), plus equal amounts water
1 Tsp Dried Thyme
1 Bay Leaf
1 Tsp Creole Seasoning (I used Tony Chachere's)
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Pepper
Chopped Green Onions or Parsley for garnishing
Hot cooked rice
In a large dutch oven, cover kidney beans with hot water and bring to a boil. Cover, turn down to medium heat and simmer for 30 minutes to parboil them. Drain and rinse. Set aside. Meanwhile, add the ham steak and sausage and saute over medium heat to release all of the juices. Add the onions and celery and continue to saute over medium heat for 10 minutes. When the onion and celery start to become tender, add the garlic. Saute for just a few minutes and add the chicken stock, kidney beans and equal parts water. Stir to combine and add the thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper and Creale seasoning. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 3o minutes. Check water level and add about a cup of warm water; continue to simmer until the beans are tender and check your water level from time to time. Add water if needed. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasonings and serve with cooked white rice and French bread. Delicious!!!!
Cadillac Cowgirl Shrimp Etouffee
1 lb Peeled and Deveined Shrimp, tails off (I bought a pound of the medium size shrimp)
1 Stick Butter
1 Medium Onion, chopped
1 Bell Pepper, chopped
1 Celery Stalk, chopped
1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
3 Cloves Garlic, chopped
1 Tbsp Mild Bill's Pacific Beauty Paprika
2 Tbsp Creole Seasoning
2 Cups Water
Chopped Green Onions or Chives for garnishing
Hot cooked rice
In a large dutch oven, melt the butter. While the butter is melting, coat the shrimp with the creole seasoning. When the butter is melted, add the shrimp and saute it for 3-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a bowl and add the paprika, onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic to the pot. Continue to saute over low heat until the veggies become tender. Add the shrimp back to the veggie mixture and add the Worcestershire sauce and two cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 30-45 minutes until the liquid has reduced some. If the etouffee is not thick enough, use cornstarch and water to thicken it to your tastes. Adjust seasonings with creole seasoning and salt and pepper if needed. Serve over hot rice and garnish with green onions or chives.
Both of these dishes were AMAZING!!!! They both make plenty - so you'll be able to feed a crowd and/or have leftovers. I really liked using sausage and ham in the Red Beans and Rice - it makes it very hearty.
Gary survived the GPM - so did Ron Baker. Jenny and Jim both received 3 year terms and Glenda and Lee each received 2 year terms. I doubt I really comment on the goings on of the GPM since I wasn't there and my information is coming secondhand :)
Paige kicked Karate ass on Saturday!! She placed in Cada and got 2nd in Sparring. Way to go my Juicy of Love and Deliciousness!!!! We are so proud of her!
Have a wonderful day everyone!!
Spreading my own special brand of joy and kindness......
Kelly
Cadillac Cowgirl Red Beans and Rice
1 lb Dried Kidney Beans
1 Bone In Ham Steak
3 Links Klobase, Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage, sliced
1 Medium Onion, Chopped
3 Garlic Cloves, Chopped
2 Celery Stalks, Chopped
1 Box Swanson Chicken Stock (not broth), plus equal amounts water
1 Tsp Dried Thyme
1 Bay Leaf
1 Tsp Creole Seasoning (I used Tony Chachere's)
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Pepper
Chopped Green Onions or Parsley for garnishing
Hot cooked rice
In a large dutch oven, cover kidney beans with hot water and bring to a boil. Cover, turn down to medium heat and simmer for 30 minutes to parboil them. Drain and rinse. Set aside. Meanwhile, add the ham steak and sausage and saute over medium heat to release all of the juices. Add the onions and celery and continue to saute over medium heat for 10 minutes. When the onion and celery start to become tender, add the garlic. Saute for just a few minutes and add the chicken stock, kidney beans and equal parts water. Stir to combine and add the thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper and Creale seasoning. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 3o minutes. Check water level and add about a cup of warm water; continue to simmer until the beans are tender and check your water level from time to time. Add water if needed. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasonings and serve with cooked white rice and French bread. Delicious!!!!
Cadillac Cowgirl Shrimp Etouffee
1 lb Peeled and Deveined Shrimp, tails off (I bought a pound of the medium size shrimp)
1 Stick Butter
1 Medium Onion, chopped
1 Bell Pepper, chopped
1 Celery Stalk, chopped
1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
3 Cloves Garlic, chopped
1 Tbsp Mild Bill's Pacific Beauty Paprika
2 Tbsp Creole Seasoning
2 Cups Water
Chopped Green Onions or Chives for garnishing
Hot cooked rice
In a large dutch oven, melt the butter. While the butter is melting, coat the shrimp with the creole seasoning. When the butter is melted, add the shrimp and saute it for 3-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a bowl and add the paprika, onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic to the pot. Continue to saute over low heat until the veggies become tender. Add the shrimp back to the veggie mixture and add the Worcestershire sauce and two cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 30-45 minutes until the liquid has reduced some. If the etouffee is not thick enough, use cornstarch and water to thicken it to your tastes. Adjust seasonings with creole seasoning and salt and pepper if needed. Serve over hot rice and garnish with green onions or chives.
Both of these dishes were AMAZING!!!! They both make plenty - so you'll be able to feed a crowd and/or have leftovers. I really liked using sausage and ham in the Red Beans and Rice - it makes it very hearty.
Gary survived the GPM - so did Ron Baker. Jenny and Jim both received 3 year terms and Glenda and Lee each received 2 year terms. I doubt I really comment on the goings on of the GPM since I wasn't there and my information is coming secondhand :)
Paige kicked Karate ass on Saturday!! She placed in Cada and got 2nd in Sparring. Way to go my Juicy of Love and Deliciousness!!!! We are so proud of her!
Have a wonderful day everyone!!
Spreading my own special brand of joy and kindness......
Kelly
Friday, September 9, 2011
This and That.......
I'm beginning to believe that I should go ahead and come in on Mondays even if it's a holiday. The Monday after Monday that has taken over this week is almost unbearable. Thank God today is almost over with. THANK GOD!!!!
So, Gary wasn't home last night and I figured Paige and I would get in bed early, get some fabulous rest and have a peaceful night. WRONG! The Muffin was out of control. Waylon was on guard duty all night. He barked at anything and everything. At nothing. At Eddie. At me and Paige. Then, Fred, Wyatt, Tucker, Molly and Blue all started howling and singing. Then Waylon joined in. Then he wanted to go outside. It was like this all freakin night long. I'm sure he's going to sleep all day and be ready to go again tonight. Maybe I need to start giving him puppy hydrocodone at night to knock him out :) Or maybe a benadryl?? Eddie on the other hand was a little angel. He stayed under the covers keeping me and The Juicy nice and warm. He's such a suck up when Waylon is being bad. Wednesday night, Waylon lured Eddie into the dark hallway so that he could hump him. Eddie didn't seem to bent out of shape, so I guess no charges will be pressed....LOL!!!
This morning after I dropped off Paige, I took her karate uniform to the dry cleaners to have it cleaned for her tournament tomorrow. The sign on the door says, "In by 9 am out by 5 pm by request". I asked them to launder and starch it for pickup today. The girl looks at me and says, "Do you have to have it today?" I told her that I did need it back today. She then asked, "Is it a necessity for the weekend?" Uh, yeah....I tell her and then I turn around, point to the sign and point out to her that in big letters on their front door, they say you can have it back the same day if you get it there by 9 am and seeing as how it's 7:45 in the morning, why is this a problem?? She reluctantly (WTF?????) agreed and told me I could pick it up after 5 today. Seriously??
I made the mistake of taking on this problem sans caffeine. I got in my car and hauled ass to Starbucks down the street. I ordered a Venti Americano with an extra shot and when I was driving off from the drive thru, some DUMBASS woman walked out in front of me. I had to slam on my brakes. Guess what? The lady behind me rear ended me. I was SO PISSED at the dumbass woman who walked out in front of me. I rolled down my window and yelled at her and she just looked at me like a clueless moron. The back of my Expedition was fine - the woman hit me on the hitch, so it didn't do anything to my vehicle. Her vehicle was fine, too. It somehow knocked out her contact....um...okay!!! So off I go to T&B Demolition because I hadn't had enough and I like to immerse myself in angst and bullshit.
I had been summoned, along with our business partner, to meet with a general contractor who doesn't think we have the financial wherewithal to finance a job. It's a small job - $180,000 - and we really don't know what the problem is. So, off we go to have our brains sucked out. I tell said business partner, and I'm quoting, "I'm not going to speak; you do the talking. I think this is BS because our financials are in good shape and I'm going to have a hard time not being a smart ass. I will speak if spoken to, but you need to do the talking."
What happens when we get there? Aforementioned business partner is asked direct questions. He either stares back at person asking question or looks at me to answer. ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS????????? I said I wasn't going to talk. What the fuck is the problem here?!?!?!? So, here I am, talking when I don't want to and getting my feathers ruffled because I think this is the most absurd meeting ever. So I smile and do my best and explain to the GC that T&B is fine, we always pay our bills and make payroll and the size of the job is very small considering what we normally perform. Still, I have to do the remainder of the talking because the individual with me, who thinks I've done nothing but mismanage this business, can't or won't answer questions directed to him. Times like these - I want to be put in a straight jacket and locked in a padded room to protect me from myself. I just don't get anything or anyone anymore. Maybe I'm not meant to. Maybe I shouldn't even give a shit. I like that idea.
Sooo.....the Great Pepper's Meeting is underway! The future GPM's will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Irving. That's nice - no more traveling...yay!!! There's really nothing to report on, just observations from my husband that I'll withhold comment on until Sunday....LOL!!!
Don't forget that you can donate $1, $3, or $5 at HEB towards the relief effort for the Texas Wildfires!
I'm trying to move on from the insanity of this morning, specifically the meeting I attended. It's just really hard. I don't understand people. I don't understand how someone can look at you, ask you a question, and you not think you should answer it. It just boggles my mind. I think there is a reason I don't own firearms. It's not because I'd kill other people, I think it's because I would end up harming myself. I can't stop the world from being stupid. My only chance at evading it is to get the hell away from it permanently!!!!!
Now to the other end of the spectrum. I am a displaced Catholic. I had to convert to marry my ex husband. I say "had to" because he and his mom were hell bent on a Catholic Church wedding. Needless to say, I went through RCIA and converted and we ended up being married by a Baptist preacher in my parent's backyard. Go figure. Fast forward to this marriage and I'm obviously not in good standing in the Catholic Church. I didn't get the first one annulled, which would be a slam dunk as we were Catholics married outside the Church, and I remarried without one. On top of that, I married someone who had been married and divorced, too. We talked to the Deacon at St. Joseph, where Paige goes to school, and he didn't seem like he wanted to mess with it seeing as how Gary's might be a pain in the ass to annul. As disappointed as I was, I figured it was best to not worry about it. It still bothered me immensely that I couldn't receive Communion in the Catholic Church, but I figured I would get over it. I decided it was still sort of bothering me, but I walked into the Episcopal Church in Oak Lawn five years ago and loved it. Gary soon started going with me and we joined St. Anne's in DeSoto. Paige and Gary were baptised in that Church and we loved it. After we moved, we tried going to the Episcopal Church in Ennis because St. Anne was just too far away. I like it, but they only have one Mass and it's at 10 am. I know, I know, if I was truly devoted, I would make it work. And I accept that, really I do. But, I also think it should also be something that is easy to work into your life as well. I don't believe that I have to go to Church to be a good person or have a relationship with God or even go to Heaven. But I enjoy going. I'm a lover of the rituals, the Saints and everything about the Holy Eucharist. I love celebrating Christianity as a Catholic/Episcopalian. I hate feeling like I don't have a home in which to do it. I can never go back to being a Protestant (Episcopalian is Anglican...not Protestant!!) and I am discouraged by the fact that Gary's marriage seems too difficult to annul by the Catholic Church. I don't like that I can't take Communion as a Catholic and I don't like that I can't find an Episcopal Church nearby that jives with us.
Wow, I sound like a whiny brat!!!
But I don't mean to....I'm not whining...I'm thinking out loud. Do we go through the whole process of trying to get our first marriages annulled so that we can have our marriage recognized by the Catholic Church? Do I just resign myself to 10 am Mass in Ennis...even though I like the Church and have friends there, I just don't really ever feel right in there? Do I start driving back to DeSoto to attend the 7:45 am Mass? Drive to Dallas for the 8 am Mass at St. Matthew? What in the hell do I do? And how can I do this and still be a part of Paige's Catholic experience at St. Joseph the way I want to be? I go to Mass with her from time to time, but it's not the same because it seems incomplete to me. If you can't tell, this REALLY bothers me....LOL!!! Just ask Gary. I told him he was going to hell because he didn't have his marriage annulled before he married me and isn't Catholic. Disclaimer: I was EXTREMELY drunk and yes, I know that makes no sense considering my marriage wasn't annulled, either!!
That's my deep thought/bitch session for today. I'm looking forward to Juicy's Karate tournament tomorrow. I learned how to keep score last night for the sparring matches, so that's going to be fun! Tomorrow night is Hank and I'm ALL OVER THAT!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoys the beautiful weather.
Spreading my own special brand of joy and kindness.....
Kelly
So, Gary wasn't home last night and I figured Paige and I would get in bed early, get some fabulous rest and have a peaceful night. WRONG! The Muffin was out of control. Waylon was on guard duty all night. He barked at anything and everything. At nothing. At Eddie. At me and Paige. Then, Fred, Wyatt, Tucker, Molly and Blue all started howling and singing. Then Waylon joined in. Then he wanted to go outside. It was like this all freakin night long. I'm sure he's going to sleep all day and be ready to go again tonight. Maybe I need to start giving him puppy hydrocodone at night to knock him out :) Or maybe a benadryl?? Eddie on the other hand was a little angel. He stayed under the covers keeping me and The Juicy nice and warm. He's such a suck up when Waylon is being bad. Wednesday night, Waylon lured Eddie into the dark hallway so that he could hump him. Eddie didn't seem to bent out of shape, so I guess no charges will be pressed....LOL!!!
This morning after I dropped off Paige, I took her karate uniform to the dry cleaners to have it cleaned for her tournament tomorrow. The sign on the door says, "In by 9 am out by 5 pm by request". I asked them to launder and starch it for pickup today. The girl looks at me and says, "Do you have to have it today?" I told her that I did need it back today. She then asked, "Is it a necessity for the weekend?" Uh, yeah....I tell her and then I turn around, point to the sign and point out to her that in big letters on their front door, they say you can have it back the same day if you get it there by 9 am and seeing as how it's 7:45 in the morning, why is this a problem?? She reluctantly (WTF?????) agreed and told me I could pick it up after 5 today. Seriously??
I made the mistake of taking on this problem sans caffeine. I got in my car and hauled ass to Starbucks down the street. I ordered a Venti Americano with an extra shot and when I was driving off from the drive thru, some DUMBASS woman walked out in front of me. I had to slam on my brakes. Guess what? The lady behind me rear ended me. I was SO PISSED at the dumbass woman who walked out in front of me. I rolled down my window and yelled at her and she just looked at me like a clueless moron. The back of my Expedition was fine - the woman hit me on the hitch, so it didn't do anything to my vehicle. Her vehicle was fine, too. It somehow knocked out her contact....um...okay!!! So off I go to T&B Demolition because I hadn't had enough and I like to immerse myself in angst and bullshit.
I had been summoned, along with our business partner, to meet with a general contractor who doesn't think we have the financial wherewithal to finance a job. It's a small job - $180,000 - and we really don't know what the problem is. So, off we go to have our brains sucked out. I tell said business partner, and I'm quoting, "I'm not going to speak; you do the talking. I think this is BS because our financials are in good shape and I'm going to have a hard time not being a smart ass. I will speak if spoken to, but you need to do the talking."
What happens when we get there? Aforementioned business partner is asked direct questions. He either stares back at person asking question or looks at me to answer. ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS????????? I said I wasn't going to talk. What the fuck is the problem here?!?!?!? So, here I am, talking when I don't want to and getting my feathers ruffled because I think this is the most absurd meeting ever. So I smile and do my best and explain to the GC that T&B is fine, we always pay our bills and make payroll and the size of the job is very small considering what we normally perform. Still, I have to do the remainder of the talking because the individual with me, who thinks I've done nothing but mismanage this business, can't or won't answer questions directed to him. Times like these - I want to be put in a straight jacket and locked in a padded room to protect me from myself. I just don't get anything or anyone anymore. Maybe I'm not meant to. Maybe I shouldn't even give a shit. I like that idea.
Sooo.....the Great Pepper's Meeting is underway! The future GPM's will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Irving. That's nice - no more traveling...yay!!! There's really nothing to report on, just observations from my husband that I'll withhold comment on until Sunday....LOL!!!
Don't forget that you can donate $1, $3, or $5 at HEB towards the relief effort for the Texas Wildfires!
I'm trying to move on from the insanity of this morning, specifically the meeting I attended. It's just really hard. I don't understand people. I don't understand how someone can look at you, ask you a question, and you not think you should answer it. It just boggles my mind. I think there is a reason I don't own firearms. It's not because I'd kill other people, I think it's because I would end up harming myself. I can't stop the world from being stupid. My only chance at evading it is to get the hell away from it permanently!!!!!
Now to the other end of the spectrum. I am a displaced Catholic. I had to convert to marry my ex husband. I say "had to" because he and his mom were hell bent on a Catholic Church wedding. Needless to say, I went through RCIA and converted and we ended up being married by a Baptist preacher in my parent's backyard. Go figure. Fast forward to this marriage and I'm obviously not in good standing in the Catholic Church. I didn't get the first one annulled, which would be a slam dunk as we were Catholics married outside the Church, and I remarried without one. On top of that, I married someone who had been married and divorced, too. We talked to the Deacon at St. Joseph, where Paige goes to school, and he didn't seem like he wanted to mess with it seeing as how Gary's might be a pain in the ass to annul. As disappointed as I was, I figured it was best to not worry about it. It still bothered me immensely that I couldn't receive Communion in the Catholic Church, but I figured I would get over it. I decided it was still sort of bothering me, but I walked into the Episcopal Church in Oak Lawn five years ago and loved it. Gary soon started going with me and we joined St. Anne's in DeSoto. Paige and Gary were baptised in that Church and we loved it. After we moved, we tried going to the Episcopal Church in Ennis because St. Anne was just too far away. I like it, but they only have one Mass and it's at 10 am. I know, I know, if I was truly devoted, I would make it work. And I accept that, really I do. But, I also think it should also be something that is easy to work into your life as well. I don't believe that I have to go to Church to be a good person or have a relationship with God or even go to Heaven. But I enjoy going. I'm a lover of the rituals, the Saints and everything about the Holy Eucharist. I love celebrating Christianity as a Catholic/Episcopalian. I hate feeling like I don't have a home in which to do it. I can never go back to being a Protestant (Episcopalian is Anglican...not Protestant!!) and I am discouraged by the fact that Gary's marriage seems too difficult to annul by the Catholic Church. I don't like that I can't take Communion as a Catholic and I don't like that I can't find an Episcopal Church nearby that jives with us.
Wow, I sound like a whiny brat!!!
But I don't mean to....I'm not whining...I'm thinking out loud. Do we go through the whole process of trying to get our first marriages annulled so that we can have our marriage recognized by the Catholic Church? Do I just resign myself to 10 am Mass in Ennis...even though I like the Church and have friends there, I just don't really ever feel right in there? Do I start driving back to DeSoto to attend the 7:45 am Mass? Drive to Dallas for the 8 am Mass at St. Matthew? What in the hell do I do? And how can I do this and still be a part of Paige's Catholic experience at St. Joseph the way I want to be? I go to Mass with her from time to time, but it's not the same because it seems incomplete to me. If you can't tell, this REALLY bothers me....LOL!!! Just ask Gary. I told him he was going to hell because he didn't have his marriage annulled before he married me and isn't Catholic. Disclaimer: I was EXTREMELY drunk and yes, I know that makes no sense considering my marriage wasn't annulled, either!!
That's my deep thought/bitch session for today. I'm looking forward to Juicy's Karate tournament tomorrow. I learned how to keep score last night for the sparring matches, so that's going to be fun! Tomorrow night is Hank and I'm ALL OVER THAT!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoys the beautiful weather.
Spreading my own special brand of joy and kindness.....
Kelly
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Happier Times and Posts.....
HEB in Waxahachie will let you donate $1, $3, or $5 to the American Red Cross. 100% of the donations go to areas affected by the Texas wildfires. This is great for all of us far away from friends and families in harms way who still want to help :)
No...that isn't necessarily a "happy" post considering millions of acres have burnt along with people's homes. But, it is a positive step to help out the people, pets and areas affected.
We returned triumphant from our trip to Gruene. Floating - check. Delicious food - check. Charlie Robison sighting and physical contact - Check, check!!!! He told me he "loves my ink."
HE TOLD ME HE LOVES MY INK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't remember what I said to him, but whatever it was, it didn't scare him or make him feel like the two sheriff's nearby needed to intervene in our meet and greet :) Zoe also racked up some goodies with CR....he gave her a pick, let her play his guitar and when she met him, he told her, "I love redheads." And not in the creepy Wooderson from Dazed and Confused way, either. He wrote, "Gingers rule" on the card he autographed for her. He was really nice and gracious and the show was just outstanding. Love, love, love that man!!!
The wind was blowing like a sonofabitch Sunday, so we swam in the pool instead of floating. We floated the Comal Saturday and it was packed and sort of a beatdown. I really wanted to get on the Guadalupe, but with the wind and the low water level, it would have been a disaster. My mom and I went shopping at the San Marcos Outlet Mall and I raided the Lauren Merkin clutches at Neiman Marcus Last Call. They also had a Juicy Couture shirt for who else - The Juicy! They had two, so I bought both of them...one of them says, "kisses from the juicy" and the other one says "no one loves you as much as juicy"!! Too cute!!
We also did some shopping in downtown Gruene and I got Zoe a really cute cowgirl shirt with rhinestones all on the front. Saturday, I had the most kick ass hour and a half massage at Gruene Day Spa. It was INCREDIBLE!!!!!! My neck has felt so much better since then. We had ribs at the Gristmill Sunday night and I love their cold baked potato salad. I think I've posted my version of it in the past. We also love their Wurst Sausage appetizer. Get a piece of Wurst with a pickle slice and some spicy mustard...hell yeah!!!
So, all in all...I had a wonderful birthday! My parents bought me a really cool cookbook holder that I can't wait to use. I bought myself a new pair of boots and then gave them to my mom as an early birthday present.
I then succumbed to the charms of a turquoise bracelet and ring. I couldn't help myself. They're beautiful.
Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard in Pittsburg, Texas makes some killer wines. I got Gary to try their Meritage and he loved it. My in laws love the Pinky Tuscadero and the Rosie the Riveter Rose wines they produce. I love them too; especially in the summer. They are visiting the winery this weekend. Go in laws!!!!
Last night was the season premiere of Sons of Anarchy. HELL YEAH!!!! Gary and I love that show. Lord Brignon requested fish and salad for dinner. Yesterday at HEB, they had Sea Bass and Rainbow Trout. Torn, I bought both :) Last night I fixed the Sea Bass and it was EPIC! Below is the recipe for deliciousness:
Cadillac Cowgirl Roasted Sea Bass - The Sequel (to the sequel...how many times have I made some version of this????!!!)
1 lb Sea Bass Filet
Olive Oil
6 Garlic Cloves, peeled and left whole
Handful of Italian Parsley, chopped
Obie Q Lemon Pepper
Salt and Telicherry Pepper
Preheat the oven to 425. In a shallow baking dish (I use a 1 1/2 qt Le Crueset Gratin dish - it's the perfect size) drizzle about 1/4 cup of olive oil in the bottom. Using tongs, coat the fish with the olive oil on both sides. Lay the fish in the dish (that rhymes!!) and coat with the lemon pepper, salt and pepper. "Coat" is a pretty vague term....but I use about 1 tsp of salt and pepper each and 2 tsp of lemon pepper seasoning. Sprinkle the parsley over the fish and in the olive oil in the dish; add the garlic cloves to the dish and coat them with the olive oil as well. Roast for 30 minutes at 425 degrees, turning the dish and stirring the garlic around at least once. Reduce the temperature to 400 degrees and finish roasting the Sea Bass for 10-15 more minutes, dependent upon the desired degree of doneness you prefer. I'm not big on medium rare or medium cooked fish - so I cook mine until it's well done. The beauty of Sea Bass, and I've said this before, is that it is a super oily fish. Add the olive oil to the equation and it is virtually impossible to overcook it. If you want it to have more of a crispy top, turn the broiler on high for a few minutes to get a nice char.
If you do happen to overcook it, let me know how you did it so that I can make sure I never do the same!!!!
I served this with a healthy Cobb Salad last night. Turkey bacon, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocados, red onions, goat cheese, hard boiled eggs (whites only) and light dressing. Sea Bass and salad is a super filling and healthy meal. The fat from the olive oil and avocado is the good kind of fat that you need and it helps fill you up. Trout is on the menu tonight. Maybe mustard roasted with some pecans??? Yum!!!!!
I've got my Hank tickets......YES!!!!! Charlie last weekend, III this weekend. Oh my....I may not be able to contain myself!!! I'm also so excited about Paige's karate tournament Saturday. I know she's going to kick complete ass, too!!!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day. This weather is pure bliss. I don't like to pray for natural disasters, but if God could send a hurricane or very strong tropical storm our way, I think we would ALL be grateful. My prayers go out to everyone affected by the wildfires and I pray for a swift end to them and no more lives, land and homes lost. Even when I'm busy being caustic to asshole vendors, I keep my prayers going up to God in hopes that he'll hear them :). He has to - right? If we lose our faith in God's ear, then what are we left with?
Keep it real folks,
The Cadillac Cowgirl
No...that isn't necessarily a "happy" post considering millions of acres have burnt along with people's homes. But, it is a positive step to help out the people, pets and areas affected.
We returned triumphant from our trip to Gruene. Floating - check. Delicious food - check. Charlie Robison sighting and physical contact - Check, check!!!! He told me he "loves my ink."
HE TOLD ME HE LOVES MY INK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't remember what I said to him, but whatever it was, it didn't scare him or make him feel like the two sheriff's nearby needed to intervene in our meet and greet :) Zoe also racked up some goodies with CR....he gave her a pick, let her play his guitar and when she met him, he told her, "I love redheads." And not in the creepy Wooderson from Dazed and Confused way, either. He wrote, "Gingers rule" on the card he autographed for her. He was really nice and gracious and the show was just outstanding. Love, love, love that man!!!
The wind was blowing like a sonofabitch Sunday, so we swam in the pool instead of floating. We floated the Comal Saturday and it was packed and sort of a beatdown. I really wanted to get on the Guadalupe, but with the wind and the low water level, it would have been a disaster. My mom and I went shopping at the San Marcos Outlet Mall and I raided the Lauren Merkin clutches at Neiman Marcus Last Call. They also had a Juicy Couture shirt for who else - The Juicy! They had two, so I bought both of them...one of them says, "kisses from the juicy" and the other one says "no one loves you as much as juicy"!! Too cute!!
We also did some shopping in downtown Gruene and I got Zoe a really cute cowgirl shirt with rhinestones all on the front. Saturday, I had the most kick ass hour and a half massage at Gruene Day Spa. It was INCREDIBLE!!!!!! My neck has felt so much better since then. We had ribs at the Gristmill Sunday night and I love their cold baked potato salad. I think I've posted my version of it in the past. We also love their Wurst Sausage appetizer. Get a piece of Wurst with a pickle slice and some spicy mustard...hell yeah!!!
So, all in all...I had a wonderful birthday! My parents bought me a really cool cookbook holder that I can't wait to use. I bought myself a new pair of boots and then gave them to my mom as an early birthday present.
I then succumbed to the charms of a turquoise bracelet and ring. I couldn't help myself. They're beautiful.
Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard in Pittsburg, Texas makes some killer wines. I got Gary to try their Meritage and he loved it. My in laws love the Pinky Tuscadero and the Rosie the Riveter Rose wines they produce. I love them too; especially in the summer. They are visiting the winery this weekend. Go in laws!!!!
Last night was the season premiere of Sons of Anarchy. HELL YEAH!!!! Gary and I love that show. Lord Brignon requested fish and salad for dinner. Yesterday at HEB, they had Sea Bass and Rainbow Trout. Torn, I bought both :) Last night I fixed the Sea Bass and it was EPIC! Below is the recipe for deliciousness:
Cadillac Cowgirl Roasted Sea Bass - The Sequel (to the sequel...how many times have I made some version of this????!!!)
1 lb Sea Bass Filet
Olive Oil
6 Garlic Cloves, peeled and left whole
Handful of Italian Parsley, chopped
Obie Q Lemon Pepper
Salt and Telicherry Pepper
Preheat the oven to 425. In a shallow baking dish (I use a 1 1/2 qt Le Crueset Gratin dish - it's the perfect size) drizzle about 1/4 cup of olive oil in the bottom. Using tongs, coat the fish with the olive oil on both sides. Lay the fish in the dish (that rhymes!!) and coat with the lemon pepper, salt and pepper. "Coat" is a pretty vague term....but I use about 1 tsp of salt and pepper each and 2 tsp of lemon pepper seasoning. Sprinkle the parsley over the fish and in the olive oil in the dish; add the garlic cloves to the dish and coat them with the olive oil as well. Roast for 30 minutes at 425 degrees, turning the dish and stirring the garlic around at least once. Reduce the temperature to 400 degrees and finish roasting the Sea Bass for 10-15 more minutes, dependent upon the desired degree of doneness you prefer. I'm not big on medium rare or medium cooked fish - so I cook mine until it's well done. The beauty of Sea Bass, and I've said this before, is that it is a super oily fish. Add the olive oil to the equation and it is virtually impossible to overcook it. If you want it to have more of a crispy top, turn the broiler on high for a few minutes to get a nice char.
If you do happen to overcook it, let me know how you did it so that I can make sure I never do the same!!!!
I served this with a healthy Cobb Salad last night. Turkey bacon, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocados, red onions, goat cheese, hard boiled eggs (whites only) and light dressing. Sea Bass and salad is a super filling and healthy meal. The fat from the olive oil and avocado is the good kind of fat that you need and it helps fill you up. Trout is on the menu tonight. Maybe mustard roasted with some pecans??? Yum!!!!!
I've got my Hank tickets......YES!!!!! Charlie last weekend, III this weekend. Oh my....I may not be able to contain myself!!! I'm also so excited about Paige's karate tournament Saturday. I know she's going to kick complete ass, too!!!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day. This weather is pure bliss. I don't like to pray for natural disasters, but if God could send a hurricane or very strong tropical storm our way, I think we would ALL be grateful. My prayers go out to everyone affected by the wildfires and I pray for a swift end to them and no more lives, land and homes lost. Even when I'm busy being caustic to asshole vendors, I keep my prayers going up to God in hopes that he'll hear them :). He has to - right? If we lose our faith in God's ear, then what are we left with?
Keep it real folks,
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Why I'm Going to Jump Off of a Bridge...........
This has been my morning:
Christian,
This is not our first disastrous project with Tegrity and they are not the only game in town. We have had nothing but problems from them on the three jobs we’ve performed. They can’t even pay us on time or for the amount owed. They are basically paying out all of the subs a little at a time. I really don’t care if I’ve offended them or not. I’ve been in this business for twenty years, Christian. It doesn’t always pay to be nice. I’m polite until it doesn’t work anymore; in this case – Jeannie and I have both been patient and polite. I’m finished with that mode of communication. Jeannie has been copying you on emails about this subject since August 30th. You’ve had ample opportunity to speak up about a lien that was filed on 8/25 – the same day your company signed a waiver for the portion of the balance and after YOU personally picked up a check for a portion of the claim you instructed your educated lawyers to file.
We are just as eager to file charges against our superintendent and employee as well as anyone else involved in this scheme. I seriously doubt any of Employsense’s laborers were “enlisted” by our employees. I’m sure this was a joint effort by all of the parties involved.
You can continue to email me and lecture me about my behavior or you can straighten out this situation that is Employsense’s problem to correct. Only one of those choices is going to get you paid and preaching to me about humility isn’t one of them.
Have a blessed day.
Kelly
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 11:07 AM
From: Idiot Temp Labor Guy
To: Kelly Brignon
Subject: Re:
We have a lien company that handles all of our liens and I can assure you that they know what they are doing as they are lawyers.
You're ownership stake does not entitle you to talk to people the way you do. In fact, the issue with integrity was resolved yesterday by me and we are on good terms with them. You, however, with your caustic behavior have offended them and I doubt they will do business with you ever again.
As for your claims about our workers. I personally called the police and have this matter being investigated for prosecution, that is to include your foreman who enlisted our workers in this scheme to defraud both of our companies.
Yes, other companies do what we do, but they don't wait for you to get paid so you can pay them. I have been accommodating because I understand the situation. Any other labor company would have stop servicing you long ago, but my company has stayed the course because of Jeannie being forthright about everything and making me comfortable about you owing us as much as you did. I suggest you, kelly, learn a little humility before you offend everyone you do business with because you are not the only demo company in town. It pays to treat people the way you want to be treated in life because you reap what you sow.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Kelly Brignon"
Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 10:37:19 -0500
To: Idiot Temp Labor Guy
Subject: RE:
You are not the only company that funds owner and GC’s projects – it’s the nature of the business. What isn’t the nature of the business is filing liens that haven’t been perfected according to the statutes and for erroneous amounts. You can get bent out of shape all you want – you are in the wrong here. If your feelings are hurt because you’ve made a mess of this situation and I’ve continually pointed it out, then that is your problem, not mine. Employsense brought this mess on itself. Feel free to file liens all you want. All I ask is that they be for the correct amount and follow the proper procedure. You personally picked up a check that paid invoices your company claimed you had not been paid for. That is the fraud here – not my intention to stop payment on a check until this is resolved.
Yes, I’m an owner of T&B and your threat really doesn’t scare me. And when you are prosecuting me for fraud, I’ll do the same with your company and your temporary employees that engaged in turning in forged and fraudulent timesheets on projects Employsense provided laborers.
I can make this as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. Fix this mess with Tegrity so that all of the vendors on this project can receive funding. As long as Jeannie and I have to deal with this mess, we can’t move on to other projects that we have been funded on; thus delaying more of your money even longer. I’m happy to joint check you with every GC we still have outstanding invoices with. I can tell you that they will take the same rude and abrasive tone with you as I have if they have to deal with a fraction of this type of bookkeeping from Employsense.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Idiot Temp Labor Guy
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 10:24 AM
To: Kelly Brignon
Subject: Re:
Kelly,
I have enjoyed a good working relationship with Jeannie, and genuinely like her. You on the other hand, have continued to be rude and abrasive without cause. I hope you have an ownership stake in that company because I am going to make it my mission to see you on the unemployment line. My company has fronted T and B 100K in labor and taken a passive position while invoices have gone unpaid for Ninety days. We do not provide ninety day terms or sixty but because of Jeannie I have worked with her on everything to date. I will be perfecting liens on all our outstanding invoices with you and will prosecute you for fraud if those checks don't clear.
Idiot Temp Labor Guy
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Kelly Brignon"
Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 10:07:19 -0500
To: Idiot Temp Labor Guy
Subject: RE:
Joey,
Employsense also did not file a 3rd month notice, which would affect the so called validity of this lien. The lien claim was not perfected according to Texas statutes.
This has done nothing more than cause headaches and waste mine and Jeannie’s time.
Christian – from this point on, you will be paid when we are paid; regardless of how old your invoices are, or whether or not you’re making money off of them anymore.
Do not contact us again until this has been straightened out by your company and you can provide proof of same. We will not issue any checks to Employsense on any project until this is rectified. I should stop payment on the checks you received yesterday because of this stunt. I don’t tolerate this kind of crap. You ask us to pay old invoices instead of what’s due on this project and then you file a lien even though we attempted to pay the invoices you claim on your affidavit? And they had been paid! You picked up the check. Seriously?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Jeannie Crowell [mailto:jcrowell-tbdemo@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 9:57 AM
To: Idiot Temp Labor Guy; 'Kelly Brignon'
Subject: FW:
Joey:
Here ya go.
I don’t really have time to waste on this right now. I do see, however, that the lien was filed same day as the 2nd notice was sent, which is a little premature. It’s well within Employsense’s rights to file whenever they choose, but it’s not really a good way to cement a business relationship. I would also add that this would be same day that I acquiesced to Christian’s request that we pay you for the first two June invoices prior to being funded ourselves. We did so, and then a lien was filed. What really upsets me is that the May invoice was included, and Christian had picked up that check personally 10 days prior to the lien being filed.
We will not endorse a joint check overpaying for this site, and then hope that Employsense applies this overpayment elsewhere & doesn’t file another incorrect lien. Having seen this, I somewhat understand Tegrity’s position, although had they paid in a timely manner none of this would have occurred in the first place.
Please let me know how you intend to resolve this.
Thank you,
Jeannie
I am taking donations for Jack Daniels and Xanax today. Call me for a drop off locale.
Spreading caustic behavior and reaping what I sow......
Kelly
Christian,
This is not our first disastrous project with Tegrity and they are not the only game in town. We have had nothing but problems from them on the three jobs we’ve performed. They can’t even pay us on time or for the amount owed. They are basically paying out all of the subs a little at a time. I really don’t care if I’ve offended them or not. I’ve been in this business for twenty years, Christian. It doesn’t always pay to be nice. I’m polite until it doesn’t work anymore; in this case – Jeannie and I have both been patient and polite. I’m finished with that mode of communication. Jeannie has been copying you on emails about this subject since August 30th. You’ve had ample opportunity to speak up about a lien that was filed on 8/25 – the same day your company signed a waiver for the portion of the balance and after YOU personally picked up a check for a portion of the claim you instructed your educated lawyers to file.
We are just as eager to file charges against our superintendent and employee as well as anyone else involved in this scheme. I seriously doubt any of Employsense’s laborers were “enlisted” by our employees. I’m sure this was a joint effort by all of the parties involved.
You can continue to email me and lecture me about my behavior or you can straighten out this situation that is Employsense’s problem to correct. Only one of those choices is going to get you paid and preaching to me about humility isn’t one of them.
Have a blessed day.
Kelly
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Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 11:07 AM
From: Idiot Temp Labor Guy
To: Kelly Brignon
Subject: Re:
We have a lien company that handles all of our liens and I can assure you that they know what they are doing as they are lawyers.
You're ownership stake does not entitle you to talk to people the way you do. In fact, the issue with integrity was resolved yesterday by me and we are on good terms with them. You, however, with your caustic behavior have offended them and I doubt they will do business with you ever again.
As for your claims about our workers. I personally called the police and have this matter being investigated for prosecution, that is to include your foreman who enlisted our workers in this scheme to defraud both of our companies.
Yes, other companies do what we do, but they don't wait for you to get paid so you can pay them. I have been accommodating because I understand the situation. Any other labor company would have stop servicing you long ago, but my company has stayed the course because of Jeannie being forthright about everything and making me comfortable about you owing us as much as you did. I suggest you, kelly, learn a little humility before you offend everyone you do business with because you are not the only demo company in town. It pays to treat people the way you want to be treated in life because you reap what you sow.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
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From: "Kelly Brignon"
Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 10:37:19 -0500
To: Idiot Temp Labor Guy
Subject: RE:
You are not the only company that funds owner and GC’s projects – it’s the nature of the business. What isn’t the nature of the business is filing liens that haven’t been perfected according to the statutes and for erroneous amounts. You can get bent out of shape all you want – you are in the wrong here. If your feelings are hurt because you’ve made a mess of this situation and I’ve continually pointed it out, then that is your problem, not mine. Employsense brought this mess on itself. Feel free to file liens all you want. All I ask is that they be for the correct amount and follow the proper procedure. You personally picked up a check that paid invoices your company claimed you had not been paid for. That is the fraud here – not my intention to stop payment on a check until this is resolved.
Yes, I’m an owner of T&B and your threat really doesn’t scare me. And when you are prosecuting me for fraud, I’ll do the same with your company and your temporary employees that engaged in turning in forged and fraudulent timesheets on projects Employsense provided laborers.
I can make this as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. Fix this mess with Tegrity so that all of the vendors on this project can receive funding. As long as Jeannie and I have to deal with this mess, we can’t move on to other projects that we have been funded on; thus delaying more of your money even longer. I’m happy to joint check you with every GC we still have outstanding invoices with. I can tell you that they will take the same rude and abrasive tone with you as I have if they have to deal with a fraction of this type of bookkeeping from Employsense.
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From: Idiot Temp Labor Guy
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 10:24 AM
To: Kelly Brignon
Subject: Re:
Kelly,
I have enjoyed a good working relationship with Jeannie, and genuinely like her. You on the other hand, have continued to be rude and abrasive without cause. I hope you have an ownership stake in that company because I am going to make it my mission to see you on the unemployment line. My company has fronted T and B 100K in labor and taken a passive position while invoices have gone unpaid for Ninety days. We do not provide ninety day terms or sixty but because of Jeannie I have worked with her on everything to date. I will be perfecting liens on all our outstanding invoices with you and will prosecute you for fraud if those checks don't clear.
Idiot Temp Labor Guy
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
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From: "Kelly Brignon"
Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 10:07:19 -0500
To: Idiot Temp Labor Guy
Subject: RE:
Joey,
Employsense also did not file a 3rd month notice, which would affect the so called validity of this lien. The lien claim was not perfected according to Texas statutes.
This has done nothing more than cause headaches and waste mine and Jeannie’s time.
Christian – from this point on, you will be paid when we are paid; regardless of how old your invoices are, or whether or not you’re making money off of them anymore.
Do not contact us again until this has been straightened out by your company and you can provide proof of same. We will not issue any checks to Employsense on any project until this is rectified. I should stop payment on the checks you received yesterday because of this stunt. I don’t tolerate this kind of crap. You ask us to pay old invoices instead of what’s due on this project and then you file a lien even though we attempted to pay the invoices you claim on your affidavit? And they had been paid! You picked up the check. Seriously?
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From: Jeannie Crowell [mailto:jcrowell-tbdemo@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 9:57 AM
To: Idiot Temp Labor Guy; 'Kelly Brignon'
Subject: FW:
Joey:
Here ya go.
I don’t really have time to waste on this right now. I do see, however, that the lien was filed same day as the 2nd notice was sent, which is a little premature. It’s well within Employsense’s rights to file whenever they choose, but it’s not really a good way to cement a business relationship. I would also add that this would be same day that I acquiesced to Christian’s request that we pay you for the first two June invoices prior to being funded ourselves. We did so, and then a lien was filed. What really upsets me is that the May invoice was included, and Christian had picked up that check personally 10 days prior to the lien being filed.
We will not endorse a joint check overpaying for this site, and then hope that Employsense applies this overpayment elsewhere & doesn’t file another incorrect lien. Having seen this, I somewhat understand Tegrity’s position, although had they paid in a timely manner none of this would have occurred in the first place.
Please let me know how you intend to resolve this.
Thank you,
Jeannie
I am taking donations for Jack Daniels and Xanax today. Call me for a drop off locale.
Spreading caustic behavior and reaping what I sow......
Kelly
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