Big Weekend

The first weekend in December has been an exciting on for me. It started early on Saturday morning with a little redness of the eye. Having experienced these symptoms before I knew right away it was a bad sign. Normally I feel pink is a good color for me but not in the eye and not how I really want to start the weekend. My first call of the day was to the eye doctor, luckily open on Saturday and made the appointment. After an hour, the Pink Eye diagnosis and a $100 I was back home to begin the 4 drops a day in each eye for 7 days! Thats right 7 days of wearing old, not flattering glasses. No good!

The rest of the weekend was spent sleeping and watching football. It is a big Fantasy Football week as it is the last of the regular season and I am on the cusp of playoffs. Keep positive thoughts out there as Schnitz of Steel could go all the way!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Again I find myself slacking in the blog department. This time I blame the preholiday mindset. Starting early last week the count down to the holiday marathon started in my head and everyday the excitement and lack of motivation has slowly taken over my day. Rather then focus on the task at hand my thoughts wander to the yummy food, gifts that need to be given, days off and good times with family. Some people claim you fall victim to the post Thanksgiving Turkey coma but I think the anticipation is what is really gets you. So in an effort to focus I decided to embrace the meaning of this time and list some of the things I'm thankful for.

1. My family.... I am truly blessed with a loving family. A great husband, the best parents (including the world's greatest mother and funniest father, a sister who is my best friend, the cutest niece and nephew and a very tall stepson who is going to experience his first Shearer Thanksgiving. Good Luck Austin!

2. My pooches...The Schnitz, Bogie, Putter and Flaps. I still love them even though they ate a dozen tortillas and 1/2 a loaf of bread while they were home alone this afternoon.

3. Good friends...I have made some of the best friends who are super fantastic and had to listen to me a lot this year during the challenging move.

4. The cookie, cake, brownies, pie, ice cream, donuts, pop tarts and anything made with a lot of sugar. Need I say more?

5. My job...so lucky this year that I found a job even though I only bring home "bacon bits".

6. My friend Evangeline, doing well after her cancer and clearance to eat salt again. See you at the Cotton Bowl!

7. and so many other things that make my life so great!

Happy Turkey day or maybe a Tofurky day?

An Average Day in Vegas

One of the interesting things about living in Vegas is that you never know what may happen. The other day I was driving back to work from a casual lunch at Tropical Smoothie with coworkers when we pulled behind a shady white trailer. Not thinking anything of it we chatted away, full from the fruity delight when what popped up in the back of the trailer? A tiger! A full fledged, eat Schnitz like a snack cracker tiger. After the shock of the unexpected jungle beast (x2 because why wouldn't there be 2) wore off the curiosity took over. Thats right, curiosity the same thing that killed the cat lured us into a not so high speed chase past our original destination (work) onto the famous Las Vegas Boulevard. We were intrigued by the question where were the tigers going? Not to the Mirage as those tigers would surly be in a Bentley not the boarded up vehicle in front of us. The MGM has lions so not there. Were they stolen tigers on their way to a not so happy future? So many options in this little town. After several miles, pictures and funny stares we pulled into the back alley of the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. Apparently the tigers and other animals stuffed into the questionable vehicle are part of the magic show at the old Trop. Not usually a fan of the Strip magic show I think I may have to buy a few tickets to visit my new friends and maybe any profits they make from my ticket will go toward a safer mode of transport for the passengers. As an added bonus I can stay and catch Mr. Vegas himself, Wayne Newton.

Working in Reality

It is a very sad day when I have to say work has interfered with the good times and blogging frequency. Most of you who know me know I'm not a big fan of working and try to avoid it like the plague. Well it seems it has caught up to me and I have to work more the usual and actually arrive and time and leave late. I have been enjoying the new gig until this week when a wonderful client magically appeared at the hotel door yesterday morning and abruptly turned a sunny Monday into a gray cloudy day. Again, those of you who know me know my love of the client is about as strong as it is for the DMV. The super good news is they will be here for two weeks! Yeah for me! I cling to the dream that much like the caterpillar they will cocoon themselves in the boardroom and emerge in two weeks as a beautiful butterfly ready to take fly and go home.

On a positive note, as I am trying to be more positive everyone else here this week is very nice and soon it will be the weekend that will primary consist of sleeping in and hanging out with Brian. In between I have a friend visiting from Dallas and a Hospitality group event which should be very interesting.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Once again I find myself writing about being a blogger slacker. It is true that I have let the blogging slip again. I guess I will say I have been really busy. Busy doing what you may ask? Well, I could say I have been out enjoying the beautiful fall weather but we all know that wouldn't be. Plus I live in the desert where October in known for the glamours wind that kicks up the sand for a pleasant present for one's senses. I could claim I have been busy in the kitchen preparing many yummy fall treats. Pumpkin cookie anyone? But again we all know that wouldn't be true.

What I have been doing is hanging out around the house and a few random events. Last weekend was the annual Double D Halloween/Birthday party. Good times to see everyone dressed up and to feel the success of your own costume. I felt my "Bright and Shiny" impersonation was spot on. Unfortunately, I feel too many people do not know the joy of Bubble Boy. Please spread the word that Bubble Boy is an awesome movie!

The I had the Lose a Pound with Your Hound Dog Walk. That was a good day and I was actually outside for that one. The event had a great turnout and raised a lot of money for Heaven Can Wait. Money for the pooches is always to quote my friend Martha "a good thing."

I did have an indirect kitchen experience when I can home to discover my always thoughtful dogs had tried to make pancakes for me. They got as far as getting the box of mix out of the cabinet, opening the box and getting it all over the carpet and sofa. FYI if you ever need glue and only have pancake mix all you need is some dog slobber and it is as good as Elmer's.

And finally Brian was home for a brief visit. Always a bright spot in an otherwise dull time. It was his birthday so that was fun. We had a wonderful night amongst the Hooter girls, a few trys at the penny slots and then a movie. Needless to say we did not hit MegaBucks but wings Daytona Style are good. Sadly the visit was a short one. I'm hoping November will allow him to slow down a little and spend more time with me and the boys!

Sitting Around

So I've had a very mellow week and not much to report. I'm sitting in what was formally know as Brian's chair with Schnitz and Flaps watching one of my most favorite movies...Hairspray. I think I may love the musical much because I am in awe of people who can sing and dance at the same time. I have a hard time walking as I am a klutz so dancing and singing is little out of my league.

While I am watching my favorite movie I am getting ready for a big weekend. I have a Halloween party on Saturday night. Feeling a lot of pressure as I have no costume. I was thinking it would be fun to be an armadillo racer and Schnitz could be an armadillo but he will be staying home this year. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

I will also be attending the Lose a Pound with your Hound Walk on Sunday. It should be a good time with lots of pooches and animal lovers. Everyone in LV should check it out!

My Love Affair with the Department of Motor Vehicles

For those of you that know me or have read past posts I have had lot of luck with the DMV. The joy that was trying to get my drivers license from Texas and Nevada was an experience in happiness that I'm OK never reliving. My latest run in with them was last week when it was discovered that slackers like me who had not registered their cars yet would face a $1,000 fine in addition to registration fees. I know it was wrong of me not to register the car immediately upon my arrival back to the lovely state if my birth but $77.00 registration in Texas vs. $400 in Nevada is a lot of reasons for procrastination. However; with the calendar at October 3rd (the new penalty went into affect Oct. 1) off to the DMV I went to spend a sunny Saturday in the pleasant and customer service oriented state agency. After showing all of my paperwork and winning the race against the clock to get my vin inspection...FYI you need to have a vin inspection in addition to previous registration, out of state plates, proof of Nevada insurance, drivers licence and a little bit of blood to complete the mission. I was successful in my quest and $430 lighter in the bank account. So when you see me sporting my new Spay & Neuter Nevada License plates please honk and wave hello as I appreciate a friendly wave to the usual road rage experienced while driving the desert streets of LV.

Sweet, Sweet Victory!

I can finally write with the pride the "Schnitz of Steel" fantasy football team has won!! It was a ruff start to a long season with two losses, especially when I would have beat everyone else in the league except for the one team I was playing.

I must thank all of my fans, my coach and of course my very supportive husband who has also had a difficult start to the football season. I now have set my sights on "The Stitchers" who won by a land slide this week. I feel there is something fishy happening there?

In other happy news the Vikings have been going strong. I will now take back anything negative I may have said about Brett Farve. He apparently has some gas left in him and so far that is working out for me. Of course, this could change once they lose but I will stick to my rule of no stink'n think'n!

Schnitz of Steel 1-2

He's Back

My good friend the lizard has made a comeback. The happy news is he made his way outside where he should be. Although you might question how I know it is the same lizard...I just know. I think the glimmer in his eye gave it away. I'm also happy to report he seems to have a friend. They enjoy hanging out under the porch light watching the goings on in the courtyard. It appears I have a colony of lizards living around my house. Normally I would be not so happy about this but since we have had so many previous experience together I think I'm ok with it. I also cling to the fact that they eat bugs and there are lots of bugs in this wonderful, dry, scorpion infested and rocket fuel contaminated land we call Vegas.

Football is Back!

Today was a very important day in many homes across the country, the first Sunday of the football season! It has been a long spring and summer but now the fall is here and so is the thrill of the game. There will be lots of ups and downs over the next few months. A roller coaster of emotions as we watch the ball make its way up and down the field. I was on that roller coaster today with tears, joy and the devastation of defeat. My day started off well with the victory of my team..the Vikings which if they lost would have been an embarrassment. The sadness as the Bucs succumbed to the Cowboys. Poor Brian. Then the humiliation as I fell further and further behind in my first ever fantasy football. I thought I had surrounded myself with a strong coach and great advisers but it appears I was wrong. I now have the tough job of deciding who stays and who goes. An even tougher job as I am related to them and I don't really know what I'm doing. Any suggestions or substitutions would be greatly appreciated. There is no loyalty in football when victory is on the line!

Fantasy Football Week One:

Schnitz of Steel - 1 loss
Silver something or other - 1 win

Oh, how I missed football so!

Whats that in your purse?

Happy to be back in the Lonestar state and apparently lucky I made it. I had a little snafu in security due to a Swiss Army knife in the purse. The security process is always interesting especially when you are the one in the spot light What happened to me is something I feel happens to many while waiting for luggage on the other side of the mental detector. Excited because you have made it through and onto the gate you go the plan goes array as you wait for important components of your dress. As the belt comes to a stop, the screen watcher is suddenly very intrigued and fellow travelers stir restlessly looking at each other wondering whos bag is holding up the line. Then the moment hits when you realize its your bag! What ever could they be looking at? Oh, they called over the supervisor upping the ante. What is in there? Then whoops its your knife that you forgot to take out. Pissed off now thinking it is lost for ever (who cares if it was really your fault) the lovely and super friendly TSA people tell you that you can lose it or go mail it to yourself. To continue the joy of the experience you are escorted back through security and set off to find the wonderful Post Office. Once the post office is located of course it is closed so off to the gift shop you go as they will also mail it. $3 later knifeless and not too sure if you and the knife will ever be reunited back through security onto the tram and to the gate to wait for the tube with little to no leg room aka "the plane" that will transport you to super fun vacation!

Yeah for Saturday!

Today is the first Saturday after a long week of work. Training for a new job is a long difficult process as you basically follow people around, watch what the do and pretend that when it is your turn to do it you will remember how to do it. Another challenge is the amazing amount of passwords I have to mesmerised. I believe I have at least four and I'm not done yet.

Another issue with the job is that I have to get and try to be somewhere on time. This really screws up the schedule I worked so hard to develop over the last few months. The casual schedule is so over I woke up at 7:30 this morning, ate breakfast, did yoga, Romba'ed the house, watched Senator Kennedy's funeral (so sad), cleaned the bathroom, bathed (2) dogs and now blogging before noon. I'm so tired I now need to nap!

Too Tired

My unemployment has come to an end and I am exhausted! My first full day of work has wiped me out. I also had to do laundry and go to the grocery store after my long day. These are a lot more difficult when you don't have an infinite amount of time to do them. Now must eat some ice cream to reward my hard work.

Day 139 of Unemployment

Now that I have been out of work for 139 days there are so many things that have started to define my days. I roll out of bed about 9ish just in time for Oprah, although I have seen several of them since the new season hasn't started yet. Then I move into Price Is Right which I was never that big a fan of but find myself cheering when someone spins and gets $1.00 winning the $1000 bonus and then onto the Showcase Showdown. Good Times! Also, please note the quote below. 11:00am is Rachel Ray and 12:00pm Bonnie Hunt. Bonnie ( I feel she is my friend now) is so funny and I identify with her stories of throwing things in the closet for a quick house clean up when a unexpected guest pops by. To be honest I do that even with an invited guest is coming over. 1:00pm there really isn't anything good on the boob tube so I make a little time for lunch or to read. To really mix things up I may actually leave the house and go to target or to the parents house. Then back to the Doctors at 2:00pm, People's Court at 3, two hours of news starting at four and then prime time. I try to add a little of the Food Channel since there are so many reruns and one day I may make something if I ever find the time.

Its not all fun and games. I have made a little time for charity. Please go to the Heaven Can Wait website for info on the "Lose A Pound With Your Hound Memorial Walk" www.hcws.org. Lots of time to catch up with friends via lunch and tons of family time. Niece and Nephew are soooo cute! I have also made time to read 16 books since June and I just started my 17th.

Well on that note I must sign off as I am missing the Showcase Showdown. I must yell at the chick who bid $6,750 for a first class trip to China (including a personal guide and $1000 spending cash), an indoor basketball court and his and hers athletic wear. Really?

A night out with the Humane Society of the United States

Last night the parents and I went to see Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the Human Society of the United States. Although difficult to hear some of the stories it was a intresting evening with lots of inspring stories but also the challenging issues that still need to be tackled. I know animal issues have taken a step back due to the economy and the many problems that are facing people right now. However, so many tiny steps can be made to better the lives of animals. Buy cage free eggs at the grocrey store, seek out items that aren't tested on animals, talk to people about adopting from a shetter rather then a pet store and of course to qoute our good friend Bob Barker "have your pet spayed or nutered". Every year 6-8 million pets end up in shelters and about 4 million of them are euthinized due to lack of homes and funding. A heart breaking statistic but one that can be reduced with more responisble pet ownership and education.
Animals are feeling, smart and unique individuals who deserve respect and humane treatment. Below is the link to the Humane Society of the United States' website. Please check it out and see how you can help!

www.hsus.org

Just Another Exciting Night for Me

I haven't been the best blogger this week and I think I now know why. Its not because I haven't really left the house this week. I believe it was because my friend, the lizard wanted me to wait for his return. Yes, he is back right in time for bed. The problem is he seems to be getting closer to the bedroom. The trusty Beagle is oblivious to his return but that could be because Flaps is already sleeping comfortably. Poor little lizard. I think he should be outside but I'm not sure how to catch the little speed demon. Any ideas?



The prey.....





The hunter....

A desert creature

It is always a bad sign when your dog (especially a Beagle) is sleeping soundly at the end of the couch and suddenly jumps up in fright. Not only does that put you on edge the fact that he is fixated on the couch and what is now underneath it makes it so much worse! As much as you don't want to do it you now have to investigate to find out what is under there. With much trepidation you move the couch to see if you can catch a glimpse of the horror that may lunge out at you at any moment. Of course, you don't see anything and try to talk yourself into believing that there is nothing and the pooch just lost it for a moment. Just as your guard is down what is that sudden movement on the wall? Oh that's right a lizard! A small, fast moving blessing from nature making its way up the wall. The dilemma now turns into what to do. Your options become limited as it dashes behind the sofa, up the wall, down the wall and again behind the sofa and out of sight. You try to develop a plan but your stomach sinks as you realize it is a lost cause. What also makes it worse is that it is late at night and time to go to bed and that there is no hope that you will ever catch it. A tiny glimmer of hope surfaces that the Beagle who is still standing watch at the end of the couch will catch it. But then you will feel bad because you don't want it to die. Your only option is to tell yourself it will magically find its way out just as it found its way in. Then lock yourself in your bedroom and pretend it can't get through a locked door.

Nature 1
Sharon 0
Flaps 0

Have I mentioned to anyone how much I love living in this desert oasis?

Back From Magical California

After my quick trip to California I have a few observations about a road trip.

1. You will never leave on time. My experience has been at least an hour late.
2. People traveling with you on the road do not embrace cruise control as much as you and slow down and speed up way too much.
3. Although you think you are making progress and moving up the line of cars something will happen and the car you passed 15 cars ago will suddenly make a move and get 15 cars in front of you.
4. The slow truck lane never lasts long enough and when it does end the truck gets over in front of you.
5. The moment you pass the last exit and rest stop for several miles you have an incredible need to use the restroom.
6. After passing that exit and the need to use the restroom becomes urgent traffic will suddenly come to a dead stop for a long period of time.
7. After finally speeding back up when you think you are home free everything will come to a stop again.
8. When you finally get home you are too tired to take the bags out of the car which is interesting since you have been sitting in the car all day.
9. When you do get the bags out of the car you realize you forgot something.
10. Its always good to be home!

Made It to Magical California

After 4.5 hours through the hot desert (temps peaked at 114) I made it! A huge rush to get out of the house did it in 1.5 hours and on the road with the 3 pooches. Schnitz is hanging at the parents so he should be eating some kind of amazing feast my dad has cooked up. A few days in magical California hanging out with Brian's mom. Then back through the hot desert home just in time for the pie off with some friends. Hopefully, some of the California magic will come my way as I want some apple pie victory!

Is there a better job ever? Vanna?

Last night I had a girls night out with my mom, sister and cousin Elaine. It was a great evening which started out with a yummy dinner and then to watch a taping of Wheel of Fortune. In Vegas to tape "Couples Week" I was able to get tickets to watch the contestants spin the wheel for big money. Unfortunately, I did not get to spin the wheel but did come to confirm a suspicion I like many others have...Vanna White has the best job ever! I mean really? She floats on the scene dressed all swanky stands in front of a computerized board, pretending to "turn" letter that in reality "turn" themselves, she smiles, she claps and then 40 minutes of taping and I'm outta here. While watching the show I always had this inkling that her job was so amazing but seeing it (what I could actually see from our seats) I was even more saddened by the reality. She didn't even stand between the puzzles! Oh to have such a task and get paid hundreds of thousands of dollars while people fix my hair, makeup and dress me in fantastic clothes. Not to be a hater but Pat also has a sweet, sweet gig. Maybe a little more labor intensive then Vanna but sweet none the less.

I now have a new objective on my resume "To gain a position as a game show co-host that requires little interaction with people, fake smiling, lots of clapping, world travel and pays lots of money!"

Remember to watch the show Feb. 10-11, 2010. You may be able to see half of my face for 5 seconds!

Martha Stewart Really?

In an effort to bring the blog back on target I decided it would be fun to make a cake. Conveniently, my mother-in-law had just sent me Martha Stewart's Versatile Cake Recipe. She sent it with her friends rave reviews and the suggestion that Brian may want to make it. Oh, she knows me so well.

Although the mention of Martha Stewart does make me cringe. I took Martha's perfection challenge, threw caution to the wind, got the Kitchen Aid out and dusted it off. To the store I went to buy the joyful concoction known as buttermilk and the ingredients to make the homemade frosting. Oh that's right...I was going big or not at all!

I preheated the oven, separated the eggs, sifted the flour, measured the sugar, melted the butter (just a little since it was supposed to be at room temp), found the vanilla, greased the pan, poured the yummy cake batter in, set the timer for the recommended 30-35 minutes of baking time and sat down for a little read. Everything was going great! Then the 29 minute mark hit and what is that? Smoke? Was the oven dirty I wondered? No! It was the cake! The top was brown the sides where black and the oven was a little dirty.

I was defeated and didn't even get to the frosting. I think it was the smoke but there was a little tear.

Martha 1
Sharon 0

Grow A Garden in the Desert

In the spirit of the grow locally movement the boys and I have decided to grow an herb garden in our spare time. So far so good with the basil, cilantro and thyme. Not so much luck with the lavender. It has only been a few weeks so we are still in the small sprout stage. A little more time and we will be harvesting our fresh herbs. Next step, growing giant zucchini!

Psycho Missy

This weekend one of my parents dogs, Missy lost her battle with cancer. She was a white, fluffy fur ball that packed a punch. Fondly know as Psycho Missy she was quick to growl and even bite if you took the chance to pet her. She had a screech that could make your hair stand on end and got her kicked out of a few pet spas. We inherited her after dog sitting for a co-worker who decided she didn't want her back. Abandoned as a puppy, Missy didn't really know what life could be. She was alone all the time, completely untrained and unloved. Poor Missy.

Although she had a lot of issues she was a good dog who loved the family. Missy would greet visitors with a loud, excited bark (with a sock in her mouth) and run around their feet. She would follow my mom around the house all day and sit by the door when she was gone. She loved walks and did enjoy a good scratch from the brave souls who would risk bodily injury. Psycho Missy was a difficult pooch but had a lot of love to give. We will miss you Missy!

There are lots of pets out there that need a good home like Missy did. Please rescue a pet in need. Petfinder.com is a great way to find rescue organizations in your area http://www.petfinder.com/.

Nothing More American the Apple Pie (few days late)

To celebrate the 4th Brian and I made our first attempt at the all American favorite, Apple Pie. A little daunting due to the power of the pie. However, Brian was determined so off to the store we went to buy the few ingredients we needed. One huge reason for not wanting to make the pie is the large amount of work to prep the apples. Peeling, coring and then cutting 20 something apples into small, even pieces can make even the most die hard pie maker cry. Half way through this process it was discovered we did not have brown sugar. Off to the store take two. Upon my return...What was that? Not enough butter? Off to the store take three. After the runs to the store, the prep work and baking we had two fantastic pies. The apples were perfect bite sized pieces of evenly cooked joy. The crust was sweet (since it was mostly brown sugar) and crumbly. The best of all was I got to use my Grandmother's apple pie dish. A huge hit with the family and a wonderful 4th of July with the family!

Giant Zucchini

Brian came home Tuesday night after a week being away and he brought me a lovely present. Jewelery you ask? Maybe even cake? No, a giant zucchini. When I say giant zucchini you may think he was just happy to see me but no. It is a real giant zucchini. So you can truly get an idea of the size I took a picture of it with Schnitz. Anyone like zucchini bread?

Another Side of Vegas

Since there isn't too much happening here I thought I would share some pictures of a recent trip my parents and I took to Red Rock Canyon. When people think Vegas I doubt they think of great hiking and a unique national forest. Red Rock Canyon is about 30 minutes from the Strip and is a great get away when one needs to get out of town and not drive very far. It is also great for hiking which those who know me know I'm not really into being outside for an extended period of time. I do however enjoy driving the 13 mile loop in an air conditioned car. It was nice to hang out with the parents and ask strangers to take our picture at every lookout we passed.

Another Exciting Day

Just watched Charm City Cakes, which you would think I would be on my regular TV viewing schedule but its not. It was an awesome episode as they made a cake for the 250th episode of "King of the Hill", one of my favorite shows. It also was the road map to many of my adventures in Texas. Good Times!

Another Monday

Hello All,

First I will apologize as I have been advised I have used bad grammar in my previous posts. I will no longer let Schnitz post for me and will read everything thoroughly.

Today was Monday and I would be feeling it if I had a job. I don't so it is just like any other day. Sorry to all of my working friends but I will advise it is nice to leave the house sometimes and interact with other people. I did have a good weekend with Brian plus the bonus of Austin visiting. They got most of the boxes out of the garage so now I can park inside. This will be wonderful when it is 117 degrees.

Other then that same old Monday as the last. Just a little less unpacking!

Did he say a secret knock?

In an effort to make my brother-in-law's father day a happy one my sister decided it was time to move into the modern era and get a HD/DVR box for their TV. This is always a good plan when you have a 2 year old running around always with something loud and amazing to say at the most important part of the show. Anyway off to the cable customer service center we went to get the new box. Much like the DMV there was a very long wait which was not made better by the screaming niece (she is so cute!). When it was the sisters turn I sat with the baby while she went to the window. At this time a man came into the waiting room talking on his cell and describing how the city was broke and they needed money. Not a conversation I was particularly surprised by as we all know the current state of the economy. He went on to describe his concern over the budget cuts in that the police where no longer waiting to arrest people with outstanding warrants during a lucky traffic stop but were going to their houses and dragging them out. As any good friend should do he advised the person on the other end of the line that a secret door knock was the way to prevent the nasty LVPD to get them. Apparently it has worked for him for several years and it was the best way to go.
I feel if I had a warrant out for my arrest getting a new cable box would be the last thing on my mind but thats just me.
On a positive note I was able to hook up the new cable box for the brother-in-law (after two calls to the cable company and one to the husband). At the end of the day I feel confident that I am a cable box genius and now know how to allude the police.

Are Those Really My Bug Eyes?

In the on going saga of the drivers license I finally received my TX license the day after my second trip to the NV DMV. Of course, that is how it would go for me. Well, today I looked at both of them for the first time (since they are all mailed now). The TX drivers license is all good. Cute picture at a normal distance. I have a good smile and my hair is good even with perfect wisps on each side. NV drivers license extreme close up, it is a miracle you can even see my chin and my eyes are so big I look like I was about to get a pie in the face! Apparently, NV is super cool and has some kind of face recognition software. Whateves..my question is why wouldn't the DMV person tell me it was horrible and ask me if I wanted to take it again? Why would one think it is OK to make me suffer with the bug eyes until 2013. Does anyone share my pain?

In a second twist of the day I can home and the pooches had gotten into the garbage. Not only was garbage everywhere but the joyful little beasts felt they needed to tinkle on the garbage. An hour is cleaning the floor is how I wanted to end my day. Really?

Day 84 of Unemployment

Today is my 84th day of not working. It is a miracle I know this as it took me awhile to realize it was Friday. The days really do start to run together. I was over unpacking and did nothing all day. Actually that's not true...I read a book about a girl who inherits an Alaskan B&B from her aunt, discovers she has super human powers and falls in love with her best friends brother. It really was a page turner. Oh well I'm sure there was a lesson in there somewhere...I believe it was the charters love of the Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and needing to eat them even when power sucking pirates were out to destroy her and all of her friends. The morale is there is always time for a good cookie.

It was a good day.

Almost Over!

It has been a rough couple of weeks, months really, but I feel I am in the home stretch of some normalcy and organization. Moved back into my little house on Monday. We were able to get all of the furniture in which is amazing! I have run the dishwasher and washing machine so much this week I believe I have made Lake Mead recede a little bit more.

On a happy note...my birthday was on Saturday and I had the most decadent chocolate cake. My Aunt picked it out, which was a great idea as she loves chocolate. It was a tall cake of joy and chocolate goodness that words don't do it justice. In an effort to keep my love of cake alive I gave some of the frosting and chocolate shavings, there were chocolate shavings, again more props to the Aunt, to my nephew who was addicted the moment the richness made contact with his mouth. That is what is so fun about being a fun Aunt who LOVES CAKE!

Department of Public Safety

While I am on hold with the Dept. of Safety I thought I would write a quick post. I have been trying to get through the safety people for several hours and just got through to be on hold for who knows how long. I've been waiting over 60 days for the new drivers license and still don't have it. It is so frustrating as I have e-mailed several times asking the same question and no one answered the actual question!

More moving drama would include the movers coming 5 days late and charging me for the extra days in storage. The insurance company not being able to find my policy until calling back for the 3rd time, holding for an extended period of time and then being told they couldn't help me. Really?

Then this morning one of pooches got sick and the culprit was taken to the vet for several hundred dollars of tests. Turns out the wrong pooch went and the other one was at home still sick!

To top off the day my sister, who I'm still staying with, has pink eye and her house has been infested by scorpions. Who says the desert doesn't rock!

Still on hold...taking bets on how long it will take for them to answer my call!

Busy Week

For someone who doesn't have a job I have been very busy this last week. After the airport arrivals I had to take 2 groups of people on a tour of Las Vegas and to the red rock national park about 30 minutes out of town. It was easy as I had an interpreter on the bus to do all of the taking I just had to give her information. It was an interesting experience, as it always is, to meet people from different parts of the world and see them excited about something we take for granted everyday. I ended working a lot with the group and most of it was outside. I can say my Chapstick addiction is on a whole new level and my shoe tan is great!

So Tired

My body is in shock after 11 hours at the airport. It was an interesting day doing airport arrivals. We had about 500 people come in and everyone of them wanted to have their picture, some more then one, with the sedan, getting into the sedan, getting out of the sedan, standing next to the logo on the sedan, video walking to the car, video getting in and out of the car etc...I guess it is awesome to be so excited about something so simple. If only we were all like that. So I am exhausted and after 2 months not working I feel that is the way to go.

Tomorrow I will be a tour guide on a city tour of Las Vegas and a trip to a "wild west town." It will be very interesting as I haven't ever done a tour. Wish me luck! I will keep you posted!

Good and Bad

So far I'm not such a good blogger. Not too much happening in my world now. I did have a massage today which was great. It did make me feel so much better as I had the worst neck pain ever! There were a few moments that weren't so great as she dug her elbow into my back and the music reminded me a little of Schindler's List (this could be because I am a book club slacker and just finishing last months book) but overall it was good. Still have neck pain but I feel tomorrow will be a new day. Some say the pain is due to stress (my mother) and that I need to meditate (again my mother) but that is a post for a different day. To keep the good feelings going (and assist with the stress) I stopped at The Cupcakery (which was conveniently located in the same shopping center) and brought a dozen home for all to enjoy. So far my favorite is the chocolate mint. Who doesn't love a cupcake!!!

Hot!

Hot weather will be a very common topic this summer as I readjust to the extreme hotness that is all things Las Vegas. It is only the middle of May and I am on the edge. I had to leave the house (such a rare occasion these days I haven't had to get gas in 1 1/2 weeks) and the thermostat said 101 degrees. I may not make it! On a happy note I did have lunch with my good friend and enjoyed catching up. Unfortunately there was no dessert had but it was lots of fun and I am very happy to see her again! On another note of happiness the Big B (hubby) is en route for a weekend visit. It will be good times hanging out with him and introducing him to the new niece! She is so cute!

Mother's Day

Today I will take a few minutes to talk about Mother's Day and all of the respect and love I have for my mother. The respect meter has gone up a little since I have spent a week with my new 5 day old niece and 2 year old nephew. It is amazing how much energy they have and that they can coordinate the need for a diaper change at the exact same time. A challenge for anyone! I will take a quick minute to give props to my brother-in-law for bringing 24 cupcakes home for my sister in celebration of their 2 amazing babies. I am a big fan of this as I have been able to eat them since I am staying at their house.

But now I will go back to my mom. A strong women if there ever was one. My mom is the kind of mom that you could call and no matter what the situation was she would help. You may hear about it for the rest of your life but she would always help and a lot of the times fix the situation. She was the master mind behind the plan to gain friends at the Anatole via the magical cookie (even though I was 30. You always need your mom) and who flagged kids on their bikes down and asked them to be my friend when we moved to Lake Tahoe (I was only 8) when I wouldn't go outside. She was the kind of mom that pushed us to grow and change while she worried about our every move. The kind of mom who called the head of the Nevada DMV when I was devastated my drivers licence test didn't. A mom so completely devoted to her family that she could define family values. Someone who taught me to be strong, be my own person and always order out.

My mom is the best mom in the world! I think I will eat a cupcake to that!

Goodbye to Texas

It is with a very heavy heart that I wright last post about Texas (for now). Along with new great friends I also experienced so many wonderful times enjoying the many delectable meals Texas has to offer. A whole new world of deep frying, unique and super fantastic desserts I loved my time in the Lone Star State! Go Texas!

-Fried Pie - really do I need to say more.

-Chocolate Destruction, Hilton Anatole - A truly inspired creation Chocolate Destruction is a dessert aficionado dream. A perfect chocolate sphere filled with a light mouse cake accompanied with fresh blueberries sounds pretty good....then the hot Carmel is added to the mix and my eyes glazed over as I couldn't believe my luck. Poured over the chocolate the warm Carmel melts the ball into a warm chocolate/Carmel mess exposing the light flavors inside. If all of the destruction in the world was chocolate the world we be a dream come true!

-Chocolate Molten Cake with pistachio curry sauce, Nana, Hilton Anatole - This warm chocolate cake could be one of the reasons people stay at the Anatole so long. A small tower of goodness I jumped at the chance to celebrate a friend's engagement with it. The shocking combo of pistachio and curry is an extremely pleasant surprise and one that I think about daily. The wedding is over but the curry is still on my mind.

-Banana Tart, Bolsa - This little ditty was so good it inspired my blog! As a person who thinks the crust makes the pie and saves it for last this had one of the best. A chunky, crunchy crust "top" this tart and almost upstage the rest of the dessert but then you taste the banana. Not what you would expect from a banana dessert this was the consistency of key lime pie, not smushy or fluffy it was the perfect texture and sweetness to go with the crust. Topped with a fresh caramelized banana this was everyone's favorite at the dinner...this was the rehearsal dinner for the friend mentioned above. Again, the wedding is over but the yummy crust and banana are always on my mind.

-Apple Tart, Kavala - Apples meet their true purpose in this rich tart served with Cinnamon Ice Cream. Traditional apple pie eat your heart out. Sweet, fresh apples matched perfectly with a crumbly crust, carmel and ice cream made fresh daily almost made me cry. The tears did flow when we went back to have it again and they were sold out. I guess the word got out about this circle of joy.

-Bananas Fosters Hilton Southlake - Bananas Foster Cheesecake Napoleon is the best of both worlds with yummy cake (my favorite) and creamy cheesecake in the middle. The warm sauce takes this slice of heaven up a notch with the fresh bananas and sweet carmel. If you have ever been torn when deciding between cheesecake or cake this inspiration is the way to go!

-Fried Cookie Dough, Texas State Fair - So good we had it two years in a row! Ooey gooey melted chocolate with a crunchy fried "crust" make Fried Cookie Dough a highlight of the fair, aside from the 1,000 pound pig, and those who know me know I take my cookie dough very seriously!