Friday, November 27, 2009

Black Friday Deals!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving and didn't overdo it on pie. If you're like my family, the turkey was turkey was turkey. Everyone was doing fine until the deserts came out. Then they gorged. LOL

Except for me!! I'm so proud of myself, I've got to brag for just a minute. I made the crustless pumpkin pie that Janelle posted on Monday and it was wonderful. I had one of them, with some fat free cool-whip for a whopping 2 points!! My hubby is still feeling bad from overeating. hehe

Then this morning, I made the foray out into the Black Friday Madness. I only had 1 destination in mind - Best Buy. My target - Microsoft Home and Student. It regularly retails for $169.99 (although Sam's Club normally has it for $125.99).

Best Buy was offering it this morning for $69.99. I decided that was worth fighting the traffic and crowd for. Although, I didn't go at 5:00, when Best Buy opened, I got there around 7:30. I parked, started walking toward the building and stopped in my tracks.

The line to get into Best Buy was wrapped around the building. Screw that! My time is worth more than the $60 I was going to save in getting it here over Sam's Club. Plus, I didn't have a coat. The temp is 43 and the wind is blowing like crazy.

Nope, I get in my car and head home. Then my gut says, "Just go to Sam's Club and get this over with." So I head my car to Sam' Club, find a parking space no problem. Walk in, go straight to the software section. Pick up the box and see that the price tag is marked out and there's no software, it's just an empty box.

I take it to the jewelry counter and she says, "Do you need to check out?"

Oh, this is sweet!! It got sweeter.

She rang it up and it was only $59.99, and three minutes later I was walking out the door with the last copy!! Woo-hoo!!

So did anyone else brave the Black Friday traffic and crowds? What sweet deals did you get? Was it worth getting up at 0'dark thirty?

Have a super Friday and a fantastic weekend!!!
Peace and love,
Alannah

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Hump Day Humor

My son wants one of these - the whole set-up for Christmas. LOL

Watch their reactions and facial expressions when they miss the first time. Too funny!



Happy Hump Day!!! If you're travelling for the holiday, stay alert and be safe!!

Peace and love,
Alannah

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Food For Thought...

"Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along."

Napoleon Hill
1883-1970, Author of Think and Grow Rich



I love this so much I've got it pasted over a beautiful picture of a rainbow and printed out as a picture so I can sit it on my desk. I need to remember that I can't write like a NYT bestseller because I'm not a NYT bestseller. I have to write with the knowledge that I have now, and know I'll gain more as I go.

Have a great day!
Peace and love,
Alannah

Friday, November 20, 2009

How do you pity party?

Since I'm not reading anything - other than a non-fiction for research - I thought I'd stray from the norm.

Yesterday was a shitty day. There were no major catastrophes happening in my life, I just wasn't having a good day. So I decided a good 'ole fashion pity party was called for. How do I pity party? I get a Pepsi (the non-caffeine kind since I've finally managed to break myself off of the real stuff) and a donut.

I stopped at a Sheetz convenient store and as I was walking in I thought, "Oh man, this is a terrible idea." Not the Pepsi and the donut, but my choice of stores in which to by my party supplies. I was smack dab in the middle of the university area.

Just what an overweight, middle-age woman already in the throws of a pity party needs. To see twenty something, skinny girls getting donuts and Pepsi's and burgers and fries, without fear of gaining ten more pounds on each thigh.

But you know what? Those college kids are a mess!

The guy working the register was flying solo, as the second cashier didn't show up for work today. He was having a much worse day than I was! LOL

There was a young girl, late teens or maybe early twenties, standing with her strung out boyfriend, a baby on her hip. She was wearing baggy sweats, a huge, over sized t-shirt with all kinds of stains on it and her hair was half-in, half-out of a pony tail.

Then, there was the girl who was dressed like a fashion model. I think that was the goal anyway. I couldn't get past the black rubber boots shined to a high gloss with an insanely pointed toe and a white heel. Not the whole sole, that was black like the boots. It was just the wedge heel that was white.

I left with my Pepsi and donut feeling pretty damned good about myself and thanking God that I don't have to go through THAT phase of my life again!

So how do you pity party? Next time I'm having one, I might try your ideas.

I hope it's a great weekend for everyone!!
Peace and love,
Alannah

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

It's rainy and nasty outside...again...so this recipe sounded wonderful.

7 Cups fat-free, less sodium chicken broth
2 Cups chopped, cooked chicken breast
2 Cups uncooked wide egg noodles
1 Cup sliced celery
1 Cup matchstick-cut carrots
1 Cup slided green onions
1/4 cup coarsley chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Have a wonderful day!!
Peace and love,
Alannah

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Hump Day Giggle

A little known fact....

The first testicular guard "Cup" was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974.

It took 100 years for men to realize the brain is also important.

Hope it's a fantastic Wednesday for everyone!!

Peace and love,
Alannah

Friday, November 13, 2009

Once again I've managed to skip one of the stories in the series (something I didn't realize until I started posting this blog). I shall be off to B&N in the next few days to fix that!! LOL

Jacket Blurb:

Suspense doesn't burn any brighter and desire doesn't run any deeper than when Suzanne Brockmann takes the helm, opens the throttle, and takes readers along for a breathless ride as she breaks the thrill barrier -- again and again. With Into the Fire, Brockmann lights the fuse on her most explosive story yet.

Vinh Murphy -- ex-Marine and onetime operative for the elite security firm Troubleshooters Incorporated -- has been MIA ever since his wife, Angelina, was caught in a crossfire and killed during what should have been a routine bodyguard assignment. Overcome with grief, Murphy blames the neo-Nazi group known as the Freedom Network for her death. Now, years later, Freedom Network leader Tim Ebersole has been murdered -- and the FBI suspects Murphy may have pulled the trigger. To prevent further bloodshed, Murphy's friends at Troubleshooters scramble to find him and convince him to surrender peacefully.

Murphy himself can't be sure what he did or didn't do during the years he spent mourning and lost in an alcohol-induced fog. He does know he occasionally sought solace from Hannah Whitfield, a former police officer and the very friend who'd introduced him to his beloved late wife.

But Hannah, still grappling with the deafness that resulted from an injury sustained while on duty, was fighting her own battles. For years Hannah had feelings for Murphy, and one painful night their suffering brought them together in a way neither expected -- and both regretted.

But finally, Murphy is ready to rejoin the living. As always, he finds himself knocking on Hannah's door, and as always, his longtime friend welcomes him back into her home. Yet even as Murphy slowly rebuilds his splintered life, he continues to fight his growing feelings for Hannah. Then he learned of Ebersole's murder and comes to believe that the Freedom Network has targeted him -- and Hannah -- to avenge their leader's death.

Now Murphy must face the terrifying prospect of losing to violence another woman he loves.

As the Troubleshooters desperately search for him, Murphy races toward a deadly confrontation with the Freedom Network and the ultimate choice: surrender his life in the hopes that Hannah will be spared, or risk everything to salvage whatever future they may have together.

The rain has finally ended. We got a total of 10" in our rain gauge (the official amount from the weather people is 8"). Whichever, it's still a bunch of rain and I'm grateful that it's over. And, that we now have a pond full of water, rather an ugly dry hole.

I hope it's a fantastic weekend for everyone!!
Peace and love,
Alannah

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Breakfast Burrito

Weight Watcher's breakfast burrito

POINTS® Value: 7
Servings: 2
Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 10 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy


Bacon and scrambled eggs are rolled up in tortillas, baked and then topped with sour cream and avocado. A nice change from a bowl of oatmeal.

Ingredients

2 serving(s) butter-flavor cooking spray
3 large egg white(s)
2 large egg(s)
2 slice(s) Canadian-style bacon, finely chopped
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
3 Tbsp salsa, drained of excess liquid before measuring
2 large burrito-size wheat flour tortilla(s)
4 Tbsp reduced-fat sour cream
1/8 medium avocado, ripe, cut into 2 wedges

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat a small baking sheet with cooking spray. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-low heat.

In a large bowl, beat egg whites and eggs. Add bacon, oregano, salt, pepper and salsa; stir well.

Pour egg mixture into prepared skillet; increase heat to medium. Let eggs partially set and then scramble using a spatula. When eggs are set but still slightly glossy, remove from heat.

Spoon half of egg mixture into center of each tortilla. Roll tortilla to conceal filling, making sure to fold in ends. Place burritos, seam-side down, on prepared baking sheet. Bake until burritos are very hot, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and serve each burrito with 1 tablespoon sour cream and 1 slice avocado.

Notes
For a breakfast on the go, fill a toasted whole-wheat pita half with the scrambled egg mixture, sour cream and avocado.

I love breakfast burritos, but the ones I fix are definitely not this healthy. LOL Extra helpings of bacon (not the Canadian kind) and a pile of cheese definitely add the points. I was glad to find this recipe and can't wait to try it out.

Have a great day!!
Peace and love,
Alannah

PS...I've found some work for Bubba to do around the house that doesn't even require typing. He starts tomorrow!!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Food For Thought...

"One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone: and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering."

Ida Scott Taylor
1820-1915, Author

Peace and love,
Alannah

Friday, November 6, 2009

I'm still on the Troubleshooter series but I'm closing in on the end. Only 4 more to go (there are 5 more after this, but I started this whole thing with one of them. lol).

This is my least favorite of all of them so far, which is good because I can put it down and focus on what I need to be doing, and then read in the evenings when I'm winding down.

Here's the cover and the blurb from her website:


Jacket Blurb: Bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann blends high adventure, harrowing drama, and heart-racing passion into thrilling novels of suspense. Whether tackling danger or wrestling with desire, her elite heroes and heroines never fail to give their all, in stories that soar above and beyond expectations. Now, in her electrifying new novel, Brockmann takes us

INTO THE STORM

In a remote, frozen corner of New Hampshire, a Navy SEAL team and the elite security experts of Troubleshooters, Incorporated are going head-to-head as fierce but friendly rivals in a raid-and-rescue training exercise. Despite the frigid winter temperatures, tension smolders between veteran SEAL Petty Officer Mark “Jenk” Jenkins and former cop turned Troubleshooter Lindsey Fontaine after an impulsive night goes awry. And then, suddenly, Tracy Shapiro, the Troubleshooters’ new receptionist, vanishes while playing the role of hostage during a mock rescue operation.

Teaming up with the FBI to launch a manhunt in the treacherous wilderness, Jenk and Lindsey must put aside their feelings as a record snowstorm approaches, dramatically reducing any hope of finding Tracy alive. The trail is colder than the biting New England climate until a lucky break leads to a horrifying discovery—a brutally murdered young woman wearing the jacket Tracy wore when she disappeared. Suddenly there is a chilling certainty that Tracy has fallen prey to a serial killer—one who knows the backwoods terrain and who doesn’t play by the rules of engagement.

In a race against time, a raging blizzard, and a cunning opponent, Jenk and Lindsey are put to the ultimate test. Rising everything, they must finally come together in a desperate attempt to save Tracy—and each other.

I hope it's a great weekend for everyone!!

Sending thoughts and prayers to all of those affected by the horrific events at Fort Hood!

Alannah

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Lemon-Herb Roasted Salmon

Lemon-herb roasted salmon from Weight Watchers:


POINTS® Value: 5
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 16 min
Cooking Time: 15 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy


Give salmon fabulous flavor with fresh herbs, lemon juice and lemon zest.


Ingredients

1 spray(s) cooking spray
1 1/2 pound(s) pink salmon fillet(s), four 6-oz pieces about 1-inch-thick each (also known as humpback salmon)
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, coarsely ground, or to taste
1/4 cup(s) fresh lemon juice, divided
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped (plus extra for garnish, if desired)
1 Tbsp thyme, fresh, chopped (plus extra for garnish, if desired)
1 tsp lemon zest, finely grated (plus extra for garnish, if desired)
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp fresh oregano

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat a small, shallow baking dish with cooking spray.

Season both sides of salmon with salt and pepper; place salmon in prepared baking dish and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, sugar, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, garlic and oregano; whisk until sugar dissolves and set aside.

Roast salmon until almost done, about 13 minutes; remove from oven and top with lemon-herb mixture. Return to oven and roast until salmon is fork-tender, about 2 minutes more. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs and grated zest, if desired. Yields about 4 to 5 ounces of salmon per serving.

Notes
We used pink salmon fillets because they are less fatty than some other salmon varieties like coho and sockeye salmon. If you prefer to use a different type of salmon in this recipe make to sure to account for any extra POINTS values.


I fixed this for dinner last night and it was great!! And very, very easy to make.

Have a fantastic Thursday. Only one more "get up" of the workweek. (at my house weekends don't matter, 'cause hubby works 2 out of 3, but I'm going to try to plan it so that I don't have to "get up" on Saturday or Sunday.) hehe

Peace and love,
Alannah

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Sex On Mars

The year is 2222 and Mike and Maureen land on Mars after accumulating enough frequent flier miles.

They meet a Martian couple and are talking about all sorts of things. Mike asks if Mars has a stock market, if they have laptop computers, how they make money, etc.

Finally, Maureen brings up the subject of sex.

"Just how do you guys do it?" asks Maureen.

The Martian responds, "Pretty much the way you do."

A discussion ensues and finally the couples decide to swap partners for the night and experience one another. Maureen and the male Martian go off to a bedroom where the Martian strips. He's got only a teeny, weenie weenie about half an inch long and just a quarter-inch thick.

"I don't think this is going to work," says Maureen.

"Why?" he asks. "What's the matter?"

"Well," she replies, "it's just not long enough to reach me!"

"No problem," he says, and proceeds to slap his forehead with his palm. With each slap of his forehead, his member grows until it's quite impressively long.

"Well," she says, "that's quite impressive, but it is still narrow."

"No problem," he says, and starts pulling his ears. With each pull, his member grows wider and wider until the entire measurement is extremely exciting to the woman.

"Wow!" she exclaims, as they fell into bed and made mad passionate love.

The next day the couples rejoin their other partners and go their separate ways. As they walked along, Mike asks, "Well, was it any good?"

"I hate to say it," says Maureen, "but it was wonderful. How about you?"

"It was horrible," Mike replies. "All I got was a headache. She kept slapping my forehead and pulling my ears."

Hope it's a happy day!!
Peace and love,
Alannah

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

"Often we allow ourselves to be upset by small things we should despise and forget. We lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that, in a year's time, will be forgotten by us and by everybody. No, let us devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings, to great thoughts, real affections and enduring undertakings."

Andre Maurois
1885-1967, Writer


Sheesh...I need to remember this on Sunday's when I'm watching NASCAR. I spent hours being pissed off on Sunday evening because of the outcome of the race (my guy ended up on his roof and finished way back in the field).

It's ridiculous, I know that. But I want Mark Martin to win a championship so badly, that I actually let myself get upset over the outcome. And I can't do a damn thing about any of it. Which makes it even crazier!!

Maybe I should start recording them and only watching if it has a happy ending! LOL

Have a great day!!
Peace and love,
Alannah