A Life's Pursuit: November 2007

Friday, November 30, 2007

Fractured Frigid Friday; Frompy Friday Fixin's!




frozen face




Its another chilly Friday. The week seems like a blur. I am trying to sit quietly and listen to my self thing; but of course, its better if I just start typing. Its a heavy deadline month complicated by meetings that are what they are — meetings to schedule more meetings.

Its a great day to be alive and its only made better by being surrounded by great people. I was reflecting to an earlier time of nothingness in the before time when I knew few friends and even fewer people. Such were the days before now. I sometimes revisit the philosophies of those times and try to understand more than why; but also the ripple effect of dogmaticly carrying out my policies. Yada Yada Yada....bring on the dancin' girls.

So here's something lighter; but heavier for entertainment. GAMES

Download Fun Games for the Holidays

Get in the holiday spirit with fun and challenging games like Family Feud Holidays and Powerpuff Girls: Fast and Flurrious.

...and alas....let's eat!!!


Friday Fixins!

Easy Ham Roll-Ups

From Diana Rattray, Your Guide to Southern Food.
Easy ham roll-ups, a lunch or snack recipe with
crescent roll dough, ham, cheese, and mustard.



INGREDIENTS:

* 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
* prepared honey mustard
* 4 to 8 thin slices ham, depending on size
* 4 rectangular Mozzarella cheese slices, or use shredded Mozzarella cheese
* sesame seeds

PREPARATION:
Divide crescent rolls into 4 rectangles and press perforated seams together. Spread with the honey mustard. Top each rectangle with 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of cheese, or sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Roll lengthwise, then roll in sesame seeds. Cut each roll into 6 slices and bake at 350° following crescent roll directions, or until browned.
Makes 24.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Frigid Amnesia; Cross Exchange

Christmas NONE





Its a gorgeous day outside in the sunny city I call home. But don't let the sun fool you, everything that shines, aint warm.

Its that perfect football weather...warm enuf to enjoy, cool enuf to layer up. This year seems like a mad blur now. The turkey is still running in the afterlife and soon it will be Jesus' birthday again.


I dont know what any of that had to do with shopping then; but it seems to be the only reason for the season now. Hmmm....but wait; we shouldn't call it CHRISTmas; lets call it RETAILmas or DOLLAmas. BA HumBUG!


No! Let's not. It is what it was and gifts are given out of love; not to gain love or because you will "feel" terrible if you dont. I am sick of seeing Christmas commercials and displays in September. How soon will it be before there is no Thanksgiving. You're right; we should combine them into THANKSmas so nobody can be offended and everyone can spend even more! Besides, its not so bad if we only offend God, our national heritage and self dignity if we break sales records. Besides, God will turn the other cheek......{right???}





Will we forever be lulled to sleep by the sound of cash registers while the fox raids the hen house? Is money such a sweet lullaby that it trumps everything else? The possum never sees the car coming for the persimmon tree across the street has his nose between his ears.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Delicious Friday Fixins'

I had a great holiday/Thanksgiving with wifey, family, friends and food. Sure, a day of relaxation is very nice; but there was none of that. From fists of fury during Wii games to fists of speed at the dinner table; a good time was had by all. The food was incredible....there were no leftovers!!!! Can you believe that. By the end, my kitchen and refridgerator was as clean as they started. Ahhhh...paradise! I sincerely hope you had a great time as well. I am returning from the gym as I sit and scribe these brief thoughts to you and myself.

I will end this week with my favorite and easiest recipe that my baby sister Shayla loves and requests the most.




cream cheese danish



Delicious Simple Cream Cheese Danish

Ingredients

Amount Ingredient Preparation
2 pkgs crescent rolls
16 ounces cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 each egg yolk save white, or chocolate glaze, or fruit and whipped cream.

Directions

Line bottom of 9 x 13 inch pan by pressing together one package of crescent rolls.
Mix together, cream cheese, sugar, yolks, and vanilla.
Spread over dough.

Top with remaining package of crescent rolls.
Whisk egg whites and brush over the tops.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.



Optional: when cool, top with sifted powdered sugar, powdered
sugar glaze, or chocolate glaze, or fruit and whipped cream.

Well thats all for now. Be thankful every day for not only what you do see; but what you cant, at least not yet.



Tuesday, November 20, 2007

YES, not....



Click on the image for a visit to a great site.
Totally Chocolate: Custom Chocolate, Personalized Chocolate Bars and Chocolate Corporate Gifts


Chocolate Sugar....blue pink...hungh????

Who ever heard of such a thing? I dont know...it just came to me. It seems that todays advertising is filled with incorrect messages that take what we know and twist it just a bit. Take the Swiffer mop for instance....by the time you add a nozzel that squirts and magnetic sucking power; isnt it a vacuum cleaner? How about Tropicana's cutline: "...Tropicana Twister® - Flavors Mother Nature Never Intended! Tropicana Twister® is the delicious juice drink...." Could it be that our dabbling with Nature may be what is altering ours? I can hardly make it through a news cast without some debunk of an old thought being recanted in the opposite direction: younger women diagnosed with tumors/heart issues. Obese children heart attacks. Migrane headaches on the rise. Mercer and other new/old diseases on the rise. New pill for this or that. Sooner or later; Nature wont take any more slaps in the face. What it didnt intend it will end and/or demolish. Let's not even get on the "fossil fuels" bandwagon. Meanwhile, you can get more jail/prison time for mistreating animals than people.... go figure. Thats my todays rant. Im done.


It seems hip to be what you arent; to look like somebody you aren't. But what happens when the line in the sand is indistinguishable from the beach? Will we all go down to the parking lot to relax and tan?

Monday, November 19, 2007

Eat My Turkey!








What I like about Thanksgiving holiday!
Food Well, for sure lets assume the food! No question, hands down there. There is something nice about coming home to a house full of delicious aroma. The good news and the bad news is that my wifey has become an excellent cook. She practically cooks more than I do now. I must become more aggressive in workout techniques and habits. The waists of formerly loose clothes are now straining.



Family: After you get over the fact that nobodies perfect and certainly not families; you're going to be off to a better start. It's good to see everyone together just being themselves. It's just the right amount of time to enjoy holiday company and reconnect. (old saying...company is like fish; after three days, it stinks :D) I dont know who said that; but hmmmm....I am sure there is some truth in that at times. Having everyone together can be a joyous trip down memory lane and even some new and better lanes developed. I see most of my family at least once a month already or have a phone conversation.

Out of Work Yes, who could forget the designated time off work. I cant imagine working a job that didnt at least recongnize some holidays. Its just a great way to clear the ole pallot. It lends time to evalutation and self-foucs; as well as, time to do something for unsuspecting others.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Friday Fixins' HOT APPLE PIE DRINK





HOT APPLE PIE DRINK



Ingredients
1 gal. apple cider
2 c. apple Schnapps
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Several cinnamon sticks

Add all ingredients in a large pan. Bring to a boil and then simmer. Serve hot with whip cream.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The Five Important Lessons





....but of course, I am a dog person....



I got this email and it was too good to keep to myself; so I am sharing it with you along with Karl's Blog a great daily read.

Today's Random Act of Kindness is simple!

Read through the five important lessons below, sent to me by Chris Seaton. Appreciate the lessons within. Then forward it to your friends.
Remember to visit http://www.karlblog.com for more inspiration!

Happy Humpday Wednesday!

* * *

Five (5) lessons to make you think about the way we treat people.

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:
'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?'
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the
cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question
blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if
the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers,
you will meet many people. All are significant. They
deserve your attention and care, even if all you do
is smile and say 'hello.'
I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her
name was Dorothy.




2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:30 p.m., an elderly African-American
woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway
trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had
broken down and she desperately needed a ride.
Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally
unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s.. The man
took her to safety, helped her get assistance and
put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his
address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a
knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a
giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A
special note was attached...

It read:
'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway
the other night. The rain drenched not only my
clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.
Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying
husband's bedside just before he passed away... God
bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving
others.'

Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.




3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less,
a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.
'How much is an ice cream sundae?' he asked.
'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and
studied the coins in it.
'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired.
By now more people were waiting for a table and the
waitress was growing impatient.
'Thirty-five cents,' she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins.
'I'll have the plain ice cream,' he said.
The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on
the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice
cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress
came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the
table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish,
were two nickels and five pennies..
You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had
to have enough left to leave her a tip.




4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a
roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if
anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the
king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by
and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the
King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did
anything about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of
vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the
peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the
stone to the side of the road. After much pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed
a purse lying in the road where the boulder had
been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
from the King indicating that the gold was for the
person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The
peasant learned what many of us never understand!
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.




5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a
hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who
was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only
chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had
miraculously survived the same disease and had
developed the antibodies needed to combat the
illness. The doctor explained the situation to her
little brother, and asked the little boy if he would
be willing to give his blood to his sister.
I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a
deep breath and saying, 'Yes I'll do it if it will
save her.' As the transfusion progressed, he lay in
bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did,
seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his
face grew pale and his smile faded.
He looked up at the doctor and asked with a
trembling voice, 'Will I start to die right away'.
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the
doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his
sister all of his blood in order to save her.





Now you have 2 choices.
1. Delete this email, or
2. Forward it to people you care about including me.

I hope that you will choose No. 2

'Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching.'


Meanwhile you may also enjoy this:





Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Little Missed Moments




Why Didnt I Stop



It was a gorgeous sunrise this morning. It was more than tempting to pull over and snap a picture; but I didnt. WHY??? Wasnt it worth the effort to create or the humility to admire? Wasnt it unique or special enough to deserve a few extra moments? Absolutely! But we are consumed with time and obeying its web. We are consumed with convenience and luxury. I was already warm and comfortable in my speeding vehicle debating with myself if I turn this curve and its a better view, I should stop and take a picture. Well they were all better views but I kept driving, staring into the rearview to admire what I would be forced to only remember.


Life is full of little moments that we should stop and enjoy; we should take notice of; we should not only appreciate but celebrate! Alas, often we are only to preoccupied with the great american way to give a hoot or interrupt our schedule. I wish I had stopped; then you would be enjoying a fantastic image of a truely glorious sunrise.




Tom and Cass at Las Palmas celebrating turning 40! Tom also loves Star Wars, as does the Pensive.



I called my friend Tom at least to make him aware of what he might miss. He understood exactly what made the sunrise so spectacular. Sometimes sharing is our only evidence of what we have experienced. In the end we all disappear and our tracks tend to get erased by time and progress. We can only hope the same cannot be said for our beautiful earth in spite of knowing that our fossil fuels and the convenience they bring are apparently far more important than the plight of future generations without air and water.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Peanut Butter, Justice and the Universe




Stop the Aliens



Its been a good slow and easy weekend and some time since I last blogged. Time is important, that is to take a break and look back, to retrace the steps before and see the imprints left. It helps to readjust the flightplan or at least to be aware if it needs it. I saw several things of interest including a History Channel special on methane gas rising from below the sea causing global warming, DATELINE: Raw, a behind the scenes of To Catch a Predator series, NEXT, a Nicholas Cage movie about knowing the future, a CNBC special on a criminal in Nashville who is taking drugs to be found 'sane' so he can be executed and of course; accepting Thanksgiving at my house again. What do all these things have in common?

TIME! With enough of it, we ALWAYS reveal our true natures and intentions. Its not the time that does it but we who pass throught it. Its interesting to note; we as humans rarely change of our own volition. It takes some catastrophic event to break the gravitational pull of whatever we are immersed within. Ever notice how sitting in water constantly getting warmer or colder is far better than just jumping in all of a sudden. That blatent shock that makes us pucker north and south. They say, you can boil a frog alive by putting it in a pan of water and turning the temperature up slowly. I dont think such a thing is limited to frogs. I dont believe most people are born diviant; instead, it is turned up a little at a time until the reflection is only a monster to those looking at the fully cooked frog in the pan. The frog typically doesnt know or realize that its cooked.... (hmmm.... :D) [slight pause for a brief smile]

Anyway, in the pursuit of life, we encounter may things and many people; all the while learning more about ourselves and they of us. That's the generosity of TIME.... Things are proven more true or more false. Sometimes that comes as a polar bear dip to the one who tries to stand ignorantly by the side of the pool; feigning innocence to gain bliss to protect the guilty. [...hmmm....lawyers; now there's a blog waiting to happen....]

Peanut butter is a marvelous thing. Notice how it clings and adheres. Notice how tracks can be swirled through it smoothly with not so much effort. It is sweet to the taste and its aroma eagerly greets the passerby. Peanut butter is in no hurry. Too much of it still stays put. It doesnt matter how big or strong you are; the roof of your mouth is still before your throat. I have almost choked on too much peanut butter. I love my JIFF. Its the smoothest creamiest and best tasting to me...but the lack of oxygen is very motivating to put in just the right amount. Life is a lot like peanut butter. It spreads real easy if you dont opt for the chunky kind. Keep it in the jar and on the bread and its pretty easy to manage. Dont take anymore than yours and you can enjoy it without consequences.


The universe guarantees that justice is much the same. It regulates and redistributes at its will. Perhaps one could reason that Justice is the the crunchy form of peanut butter. Sooner or later; some nut will get in the way. You cant spread what isnt smooth...at least not as cosmeticly pleasing as we try to make everything. Plastic surgery is some interesting peanut butter too. [ok...thats another blog too....for not now...] Isnt peanut butter great; but what would it be without jelly? Grape, strawberry, or apple......ahhhhhh.... a PBJ hasnt changed for decades; but if it did, it wouldnt be a PBJ. Thats the justice of the universe.






Tuesday, November 06, 2007

You can't hide clean!


clean washed weasel



Some things stick with you after childhood. Momma didnt raise no slob. There's just no sense in doing something if you arent going to do it well. Clean is something that cant be mistaken for anything else. It has a brilliance and gleem. It has an orderliness and percision. It outshines its surroundings because of itself. You can spot a clean person a mile away. True cleanliness finds a way to boil over into every aspect of a life. It cannot be cornered to just one little corner...it wont be satisfied. This blog comes after someone at the office asked me why I was mopping the floor. "This isnt your home" was the statement; my response, "so long as it has my name on the the job, it is. The floor was dirty." Why would I wait for someone else to do what was necessary to be done now. Why wouldnt we treat our surroundings as our own and take care of them. What does it take for someone not to have to be told to do what is obviously needed. My daddy once said, "you aint grown just because you're big. You're grown when you do what needs to be done without being told, when you think for and beyond yourself, then you'll be grown..." He's a genius when it comes to commonsense things!

hand washing diagram


The older I get the more fanatic I seem to be about washing my hands. I watched the Aviator and grew slightly concerned. I shake a lot of hands; but I absolutely MUST wash my hands before eating no matter how much of a disruption if might cause. That goes without saying any of the other important times to wash your hands. I am also not persuaded by merely a clean smell. Smell can be faked when it comes to clean. My cleaning lady does a great job; but I can help but think I would prefer to do it all myself. Then I KNOW. I confess it feels great coming home to a clean house but I love cleaning and seeing the dirt go away and where it accumulates and how much there is....strange I know. Yes, its hard work and I am grateful for not having to do it myself; but I have no quams about working hard and claiming my responsibilities.


In spite of that last statement; we can all think of times or aquaintances who are really good in a particular area; but everything else just goes to pot. Some of us are really good a our professional disciplines but have none when it comes to our personal or daily lives or families. Its funny how a drop in the ocean doesnt change the whole ocean despite the theories of ripple effects. One thing is for sure...we can make our drop as potient as possible by making it as pure as possible.


Sure everything that looks gold aint; but gold doesnt shine like aluminum [ok...I have no idea where that came from but there wasnt any return address]. Little things count and little things matter a lot. For instance: a blind grandparent still showing up at your gymnastic competition — he may not be able to see you; but the impact of his presence will shine for generations to come.


I am convinced that you cant save the world. The world doesnt want to be saved. BUT; there are those everyday that just need a nudge or smile to go on breathing, hoping and maybe even just for an excuse to endure one more day on this lucky mud in space that they encounter someone else who is equally broken but not in the same way to lend a hand.


You cant hide clean. You cant bottle love. Who can capture the wind? In our purest forms, we are magnificently great and horribly terrifying...but its our choice. Think about all the things we go to great lengths to hide; then think of the things that we never even considered hiding. What cloaks do we use to conceal if not smiles, happiness, love, posessions, money, etc.?



Clean must be pretty important! Its referred to many times and done by some of the greatest people in history.

Friday, November 02, 2007

Friday Fixins!





Well its another Friday and I am headed to Vegas! Thats right; Elvis' current residence. No, I don plan to do any gambling; just spending some quality time with my family. I miss California; but this time of the year should be good. The only question is will I make the plane. Only time and my next blog will tell. Its been an eventless day thus far. Hmmmm....let's eat!

Friday Fixins....

Butter Nut Balls

Makes 3-1/2 dozen balls


From the kitchen of Charlotte Chambliss


1 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups mashed pecans
powdered sugar


Cream butter thoroughly. Add balance of ingredients except powdered sugar. Roll into balls about walnut size. Place on ungreased cookie sheet for 35 minutes in 300 degree oven. Roll in powdered sugar immediately and cool on waxed paper. (Cookies may be made in advance and frozen.)