Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad

TWIT would like to wish a very happy 52nd anniversary to the 'Rents. Yep, 52 years ago this afternoon, my 'Rents said "I do" to each other. In a time where the divorce rate is at about fifty percent, a marriage this long is rare.

One of the biggest and most important lessons they've taught me during their marriage and during their time as my parents is the power and importance of unconditional love. They taught this valuable lesson not only in words but in their actions.

I love you, Mom and Dad, and as biased as this might sound, I think I've got the best parents in the world.

Quote Of The Week

Disclaimer: TWIT does not publicly endorse any political party, nor any right- or left- or middle-wing group. A faithful reader sent me this quote and asked if I would please post it in TWIT. I was very happy to oblige.

"They say a 'conservative' is a 'liberal'' who's been mugged."

File Under: WTF?

I watched the Daytime Emmy Awards last night, and we cheering on all of the actors and actresses from my beloved "All My Children" that were nominated. Unfortunately, they were robbed and none of them won. But I digress. All of the actresses that were presenters and who appeared on stage to accept their award were simply stunning - their dresses and evening gowns were beautiful. And their male counterparts were handsome in their suits and tuxedos. But one thing bothered me about some of the actors that appeared on the show: in the hour and a half that I watched the show, I counted 4 actors that wore tennis shoes with their tuxedos and suits.

At first, I thought "Maybe that actor had foot surgery and had to wear tennis shoes instead of dress shoes." But then I saw other actors appear on stage all dressed up and wearing tennis shoes. I thought WTF? They're all dressed up and appearing on nationwide TV wearing tennis shoes with their tuxedos. I sure hope this is not a trend that will continue.

Link Of The Week

Most of us use Microsoft Word or Excel at least a few times at work, if not daily. And if you go to school or work from home, then you probably have the Office software on your computer. But on most of the computers that you buy today, they don't automatically come with the Office software on it; you're on your own in either buying or borrowing a copy with the key.

If you have a computer that doesn't have Office on it and you've never gotten around to putting Office on it, never fear. A friend told me about a program that she uses on her home laptop that will open all Office suite documents. It's simply called OpenOffice. I tried it and it works great. Check it out at http://www.openoffice.org.

The TWIT Classified Ads

Used laptop for sale or trade.
Recently tweaked at the computer repair shop and had all viruses removed.
Works great unless you want to connect to the internet.
Mint condition except for the dents that may be added later when it is thrown across the room.
No reasonable offer turned down.

Flashback Friday

When I was a kid, my second home was two houses up the street at the Jones' - Ed and Alice. They were my second set of grandparents. At the time of my childhood, they didn't have a grandchild, so I was their surrogate. During the summer, I would spend Thursday and Friday with them. On Thursday morning, Alice and I would head out to Thelmal Lanes and I'd sit at the table and eat pretzel sticks and drink fountain Cokes while I watched her bowl. Then we'd go out to lunch on our home. On Friday's, we'd leave at about 10:00 and then go up to the beauty parlor where Alice woudl get her hair done. While she was getting all beautified, I would visit the drugstore next door to the beauty parlor and then come back and wait till she was finished, and then we'd go to McDonald's or the Red Barn for lunch. But those weren't the only times I spent with the Jones'. I was there about half of my waking hours, especially during the summer.

The Jones' always had my favorite snacks -- boxes of fortune cookies, jars of maraschino cherries and green olives, and an ample supply of the small bottles of Coke. Yep, I was spoiled. And in the summer, Alice always made sure the freezer in their basement was stocked with Pop Ice. Oh how I loved those. Of course, I would make a mess of them and always spill the juice on my t-shirt after they thawed out but I never heard Mom and Grandma complain, so I'm assuming the stains always came out in the wash.

I don't hear too much today about Pop-Ice. I don't even know if the kids today still eat them. Maybe the corner Hawaiian Shaved Ice stands have replaced them. But back in the day they were the best summer treat that you could have, next to homemade ice cream.

The Summer For Oil Spills

We had a momentary scare in my work 'hood today. At about 10:00 I ran outside to put the windows up on my Blazer because it looked like it would start pouring any minute. While I was inside the Blazer rolling up said windows I noticed something bizarre: there was no traffic on the road in front of our company. I looked down the street to my right and about a half mile away I saw a police cruiser blocking both lanes of the road. I looked up to the left, and as far as I could see there was no traffic coming down the road. It took a few hours to get all of the correct information, and what happened was just up the street from our company at the intersection, a semi-tanker hauling vegetable oil overturned and the oil was all over the intersection. Apparently, vegetable oil is way harder to clean up than your regular petroleum (but you couldn't prove that from BP, now, could you?) so the road was blocked off until after 4:00. But it was thanfully clear for our commute hom after work.

Thank You, Little Voice

I was looking at Facebook earlier and I read a status update from a dear friend, and as soon as I read his status update, that little voice inside told me "I need to call him tonight." I got up from the computer desk and was walking into the kitchen to pick up my cell phone so I could call him, and just as I was about to reach into my purse for the phone, it started ringing, and from the sound of the familiar ringtone I knew it was my friend that I was getting ready to call.

He and I don't keep in touch every day, and in fact sometimes a week might go by without actually speaking to one another, but even after all of these years, it's still awesome to know that even if you don't talk to each other, you're know that you're thinking of each other. And it's awesome that you still pick up where you left off, even after almost 30 years. That's the beauty of a real friendship.

Way To Go, Matt

Pizza diet?! Man says he's lost 24 pounds eating pizza!

(WHAS11) - Most diets aren't a lot of fun but one man in North Carolina says he lost a lot of weight eating pizza!

Matt McClellan says of all the fast food choices pizza is the healthiest. The pizza diet is simple; one slice every three hours combined with an hour of exercise each day.

On the diet Matt lost 24 pounds and 5 inches off his waistline and his cholesterol dropped 86 points.

Matt is currently on a 30-day bike tour that runs from Florida to New York. He calls it the “Pizza Tour."

Matt, you look awesome. TWIT wishes you a very safe journey on your Pizza Tour. Keep up the good work.

The Heat Is On, Cont.

The heat is on, faithful readers. When I went to bed at 10:30 last night, it was 86 degrees. Now, if you ask me, the only place it should be 86 degrees at 10:30 at night is in Las Vegas. And I was about 2000 miles east of there. And when I got up this morning at 6:30 it was already 80 degrees. I think it got to 93 today, but they're expecting the temps to get to 99 tomorrow and Wednesday. Fortunately the garden here at The Compound is holding its own, and the 'Rents won't need to get out there and do anything for a few days. Dad did say that they might have to pick green beans again on Wednesday but if that came to fruition they would get up when I do and pick them just after sun-up before things got heated up.

During the big heatwaves the news channels are constantly warning people to stay inside and to check on the elderly during the heatwaves. That's one thing I don't have to worry about - I know the 'Rents will be holed up in the house in the a/c and not outside getting heatstroke.

Happy Father's Day

TWIT would like to wish a very happy Father's Day to all fathers, and I would like to wish an extra happy Father's Day to my Dad. I'm so thankful that he (and Mom) are still with me and are still an integral part of my life. If you look up the definition for "integral" you'll find that it means essential, or necessary for completeness. Yep, they're both an integral part of my life.
But turning the attention today back to fathers, I'd to quote again something my Dad told me a few weeks ago when I was in a jam and he helped me out: "No matter what, your daddy will always have your back." And for that I am thankful.

The Heat Is On

I'm sad to report that for the past week and a half, we've been in the midst of our first big heatwave of the season. And the sad thing is that it's not even officially summer yet. Now, it's no secret that I love my cool, cool a/c, so one might think my comments about the heatwave are biased. Let me just say when my sweet Mother - the one who is cold natured and wears her Snuggy in the evenings at home even in the summertime - says it's hot, then you know it's hot. I should have had the video camera on my phone turned on last Tuesday evening to capture the moment when she was walking through the house and said "I know the air is working, but it sure is hot." I almost had to find a paper bag to breathe into because I thought I was going to hyperventilate.

Fortunately we had some thunderstorms roll through here earlier this morning and as of now, they're only expecting today's high to be 93, with high humidity. That's a lot better than the 99 degree high they were expecting.

Flashback Friday

It's hard to believe that twenty years ago this week, Mariah Carey released her first album. The album was titled "Mariah Carey" and as of today, twenty years later, the album has sold over 18 million copies. Needless to say it was the album that put Mariah Carey and her trademark little black dress on the map. The album produced four #1 singles, the first of which will be her signature song, "Vision Of Love."

Here's a little Puddin trivia that you probably don't know. For a few years after this album was released, "Vision Of Love" was my official shower and bathtub song. I don't quite have the five-octave vocal range that Mariah does, but after all those years of singing it, I did a pretty darned good job.

1. Vision Of Love

2. There's Got To Be A Way

3. I Don't Wanna Cry

4. Someday

5. Vanishing

6. All In Your Mind

7. Alone In Love

8. You Need Me

9. Sent From Up Above

10. Prisoner

11. Love Takes Time

Flashback Thursday

It's hard to believe that thirty years ago this week, movie lovers everywhere were introduced to one of the funniest movies of all time, "The Blues Brothers." It doesn't seem like that long of a time ago, but then again maybe I just don't want to admit that it was thirty years ago when I first saw the movie as a young, young 17 year old teenager. But I digress. Like I said, I believe "The Blues Brothers" is one of the funniest movies ever filmed. And how could a movie go wrong when they feature a song by The First Lady Of Country Music, Miss Tammy Wynette?

"The Blues Brothers" movie was the topic of conversation this morning in our cubicle. Unfortunately, the two younger coworkers were just vaguely familiar with the movie, while me and an "older" coworker in his mid-30's remembered the movie vividly. We both agreed our favorite scenes were when Aretha Franklin sang "Think" in the diner; when Cab Calloway sang "Minnie The Moocher"; and when the Blues Brothers and their band performed "Stand By Your Man" behind chicken wire at the bar. They just don't make movies like that anymore.

Wednesday Greetings

TWIT would like to wish a very happy birthday to my neighbor and dear friend BL, and a very happy anniversary next week to her and her hubby (also our dear friend) PS. We had an awesome birthday dinner out tonight to celebrate her birthday/their anniversary/Father's Day at the official Italian restaurant of TWIT, Tuscany. A great time was had by all.

We wish BL many, many more birthdays. You're a person with one of the biggest hearts that we know, and we're honored to have you as part of our friend-family. We love your hugs and phone calls and visits and are glad you're a part of our friend-family.

New Product Review Update

A couple of months ago TWIT reviewed KFC's Double Down, the sandwich sensation that is (and I quote) "So meaty, there's no room for a bun." I read an interesting article today that compared the Double Down to chicken Cordon Bleu. When you break it all down, they're more similar than you think. Both have melted cheese and some variation of pork (one has bacon, the other has ham) surrounded by chicken that is breaded before frying or baking.

I did some research and even found a recipe where you can make Cordon Bleu out of a Double Down. Before we go any farther, for those that are health conscious let me state that TWIT does not encourage you to eat this fried fast food, but if you want to make one here's the recipe.

Let the Double Down cool down and remove the cheese and bacon from the chicken filets. Slice the breading off of one side of both fried chicken filets. Carve a groove into the center of each chicken filet on the now non-breaded side, being careful not to cut all the way through to the breaded side. Make sure the two grooves match when you stack the filets on top of each other. Carefully stuff the cheese and bacon into the grooves and then stack the filets. Microwave them for about 20 seconds - long enough for the cheese to melt. Slice the filets into bite-sized pieces and there you have the Double Down version of Chicken Cordon Bleu.

And if you'd like even more calories, mix some mayo and mustard for an awesome sauce to dip the pieces into.

Vuvu What?

If you've been following any of the World Cup soccer games the past few days, chances are you are familiar with the vuvuzela. If not, then let me educate you. The vuvuzela is simply a long plastic horn that, when blown, makes the most annoying sound you've heard - it sounds like a bee buzzing. Just about everyone in the soccer stadium has one and they blow them constantly. If you were there, it would sound like 60,000 bees buzzing very loudly.

There was a report on Entertainment Tonight earlier this evening about the vuvuzelas, and how they've invaded the United States (no pun intended). It's just a matter of time before everybody at football games, baseball games and probably most sporting events here will be buzzing on a vuvuzela. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they don't make it to Slugger Field. Those loud inflatable cheer sticks are annoying enough.

Link Of The Week

I have some friends that are quite adventurous - one of them frequently skydives, one mountain climbs, and a few have hiked the Appalachian Trail. I admire them and applaud their efforts. This week I found a site about a 13 year old boy named Jordan Romero who was the first 13 year old to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. I don't even need to tell you that for most boys his age, their biggest efforts are to beat their friends scores on video games. But I digress. Visit this kid's website at http://www.jordanromero.com and check him out. You'll be as impressed as I was with this kid.

Stormy Saturday

Storms, storms go away. Don't storm again on my outdoor concert tonight. Nuff said.

Flashback Friday

I apologize for not posting my usual caliber of journal entries, but it's been a bizarre and rough day and week, and I wish I could go back to a June Friday evening when I was 10 years old, and the only thing I had to worry about about was what cartoons I was going to watch on Saturday morning.

Before you start to worry and fret, let me reassure you - it's not all that bad; it's just the fact that no matter how much I planned and had things all laid out this week, they just didn't come together. Maybe they'll make it together next week. I sure hope so.

The Twilight Zone

For the past few weeks, I've been experiencing something very bizarre and unexplainable.

Background: on regular work days, I have my alarm set for 6:50. On the one week of the month when I have to come in early, I have the alarm set for 6:30.

That having been said, for the past few weeks, I'd say at 3 or 4 days out of the work week, I've been waking up at precisely 6:46. Not 6:45 or 6:47, but 6:46. I don't know what to make of it. The only thing I can figure out is that somehow I've crossed over into The Twilight Zone. I just wonder what would happen if I change my alarm to go off at 6:46.

Game On, Homes

It seems that the battle lines have been drawn here at The Compound between The 'Rents and the groundhogs. Just the other day, Mom discovered a huge groundhog that was standing his ground by the back porch door. I don't even need to tell you that it's game on, Homes. The shotgun is on standby and ready to be activated at a moment's notice.

For the past fifteen years, we've been plagued by groundhogs at The Compound. It's as if they appeared overnight. But thanks to the diligence and marksmanship of Dad, he's been able to keep them thinned out, if you know what I mean. But I will not stand for a groundhog attempting to get into my house. He's done crossed the line, and now he will have to pay the price.

Just Say No Update

Things worked out for the best - well, at least for me they did - and I didn't have to inconvenience myelf and give up my Tuesday evening to do something I did not want to do. I did, however, have a discussion with the friend that called me last night, and we both made a pact that from now on we would try to do better about saying no.

Just Say No

While driving home from an awesome evening out with an old friend, I got a phone call from another friend who was frantic. To make the very, very long story short, the phone call was a solicitation for me to help out a friend of a friend who is in a very big bind right now. All it would take would be about 3 hours of my time tomorrow evening. The circumstances are very extenuating, and like I said, it would only take my Tuesday evening, but I wished I had the balls to have told them no. Instead I said "I can't be a hardass and say I won't help" when deep down inside I wish I had been a hardass and said no I don't want to help. I'll find out later this evening if I have to give up my Tuesday evening to help out. I sure as hell hope not. As always, I'll keep you posted, and in the meantime, I'm going to start learning to say no.

Link Of The Week

I went to the Bats game last night, and in spite 90 degree temps, high humidity, and a long, long 14 inning game, the Bats lost. But I didn't really mind too much - I was there to see one of the best show acts I have ever seen in my life, Quick Change. They performed during 2 or 3 breaks between innings and then performed their full show after the long, long game. It was worth sitting through 14 innings to see. If you're not familiar with Quick Change, then you need to be. Quick Change is David and Dania, and they change costumes in the blink of an eye. It is truly one of the most amazing acts I've seen. You can check out tons of videos from their appearances on "America's Got Talent", "Ellen", "Martha Stewart" and other shows. And you can also watch videos and learn more about them at their site, http://www.costumechange.com. If you're not impressed at this act, well, then, I don't what to tell you.

Kitchen Remodeling At The Compound

By special request, Mom wanted me to post a picture of her new floor in the dining room and kitchen, so I was more than happy to oblige. I think it's gorgeous and it makes it look like we have a totally new kitchen and dining room. Well, I guess in a way, we do. Anyhoo, we all love our new floor, especially Mom. And when Mom is happy, everybody's happy.

End Of The Week Update

I apologize for not bringing a regularly scheduled Flashback Friday to you today, but it's been a long, rough week with me being sick and with all of the computer issues I've had. But as I write this I have some good news to report. Last night, I visited our local drugstore, and the pharmacist suggested taking Chlortrimeton to get rid of the incessant head congestion that I've had for over a week. I'm happy to report that after 3 doses of the meds, my congestion is clearing up. Normally, at about noon today my garbage can at work would have been full of kleenax where I had to blow my nose. When I checked after lunch, there were only three kleenax in there. I'm just sorry I didn't try the Chlortrimetron sooner.

And I stopped on the way home from work and picked up the Craptop. They said it was just some viruses that had gotten imbeded "deep" that my normal anti-virus software wouldn't detect. They cleaned it up, reinstalled a few programs and said it was good as new.

So after getting some good news for a change, I'm going to sign off of this thing and go lay down on the couch and start enjoying my weekend.

Internet Update

I'm proud to report that the network at The Compound is back up and running. And is a bit faster, too, it seems. Everything installed and was set up without a hitch. After watching our friend do it, I felt a bit stupid because I could have done it myself. Anyhoo, I'm back in business. Well, almost back in business. If I can get the Craptop back up and running without having to pay the computer repair shop too much $$$, I'll be fully back in business. As always, I'll keep you posted.

Insight Update

As I type this, the Insight repairman is loading up his truck out in the driveway, after being here for over two and a half hours trying to get me an internet connection. After all of that time, he finally came to the conclusion that the problem was with the modem and wireless router. They "gave" me a new modem, meaning they didn't charge me for it, and said I was on my own getting a new wireless router and getting the router installed.

As soon as the guy pulled out of the driveway, I was right behind him, heading out to purchase a new wireless router. As soon as I bought one, I called our computer/HVAC/electric/plumbing guru, Bos, and asked for his help. No problem, he said. He told me he'd be down tomorrow after work and would get it set up for me.

Believe me when I tell you the last few days have been frustrating. It sucks knowing that you're paying for service that you aren't getting. Anyhoo, hopefully tomorrow evening my wireless network will be up and running again.

Tuesday Updates

Happy Tuesday, faithful readers. As I post this, I am coming to you live from my kindhearted neighbor's computer. I just got word earlier that my craptop was beyond layman's help, so I dropped it off at the computer shop on the way home from work. Please keep your fingers crossed for a relatively cheap fix. And as of now, Insight will be here tomorrow between 2 and 5 to hopefully fix my internet and/or modem problem. All of this is happening at the beginning of my next online class. Thank goodness I was able to take care of business during breaks and lunch today at work.

I don't need to tell you how frustrating it is not to be able to get online. It's as if I'm on Gilligan's Island or Lost. I just pray for an easy fix from Insight tomorrow. As always, I'll keep you posted somehow.