Posts

Boo. Hiss.

What a terrible season for LG. Although I'm quite happy that Cleveland has managed to win a few games - I have not won any $$ at all the season. I think I may have a bet with someone at Sutton Creek about a Detroit vs. Cleveland better win record, but I can't remember who it is, but for possibly $100. I think I may have been intoximakated.

Anyways, thanks again to Mr. Picklez for allowing me to steal his format every week, and putting in my place (at the bottom). Rats. Rats. Rats!

IND @ BUF - Indy makes me mad! I hate when they pull their first string! The score was something like 15-10 last week when they pulled Pey Pey, and ended up losing. (Now imagine an LG - Lucy from Charlie Brown impression) Don't they remember 2007? Don't they know what happens with momentum? Is anybody listening to me?

JAC @ CLE - Mr. Picklez says: I'm happy for the Browns when they win, but do they have to keep screwing me?  You should have taken the BROWNS, then they wouldn't keep screwing you... Hm... dilemma dilemma. I'm going with Cleveland! I believe! Yes We Can! Do it to it! GO BROWNS!

DET @ CHI - I can't believe that DET is only getting 3 points in this game. Bah. I'll take CHI.

SF @ STL - Bah - SF

MIA @ PIT - Picklez says: Alot of people are picking PIT to win.  I don't know why, they stopped playing 6 games ago.  Picklez Pick:  MIA*

*- this pick is NOT an endorsement of the Pheaderation

Oh, that's funny! I shall miss your football related witty witticisms Mr. Picklez! I'll take MIA, and I really really hope they win for William's sake!

NYG @ MIN - This might be a good game. I'll take MIN.

ATL @ TB - ATL

NO @ CAR - This is a game that could potentially piss me off if NO doesn't use it's starters. Hm. Hate these games! I'll take NO.

NE @ HOU - Hm... tough one. I'll come back to it. I'm back - still no idea... Bah - I'll take NE. What the hell.

PHI @ DAL - Ugh, another tough one. DAL always screws me! I think it's personal between me and Romo mo. I'll come back to this one too. I'm back... hmm. I hate PHI, but I don't mind McNabbbbbbb. Hm, I'll take DAL.  

KC @ DEN - Bah - DEN. Hm... I still hate Denver.

BAL @ OAK - Bah - I'll take Baltimore... I still hate them, but not as much as I used to. I must be maturing.

GB @ ARI - Hm... ARI has its moments, and so does GB, but on the road? Hm... I'll take GB.

WAS @ SD - I'll take SD, but they better not screw me by not playing their starters. ARG!

TEN @ SEA - TN.

CIN @ NYJ - CIN.

I'm sad that the regular season is over. I'm sad that Cleveland didn't do better. I'm happy that I was able to see Cleveland twice this year. I'm glad that they are finishing better than they started. I still have a lot of anger towards certain teams. I guess in the Superbowl I would like to see Min and SD or Indy. Hm. Well, there is always next year.  

#47, 48, 49 and 50!

I just finished my 50th book of the year with no time to spare.

Here are the final four:

#47 Dinner with Anna Karenina by Gloria Goldreich. I was warned that this wasn't the best book in the world and that was an understatement. This is the WORST book I read in 2009. It was so repetitive, a boring plot, 2D characters, etc. etc. etc. Wow - it was bad. It was so bad that I had to read it completely to fully appreciate it's true crapiness. I try to avoid reading reviews and even the back covers of books, but this book was so unbelievably terrible that about halfway through, I took a good look at the cover in case I was missing something... imagine my surprise to see 'award winning author above Gloria Goldreich's name'! How? Not this book! The book is so bad that the synopsis on the back had 4 out of the 6 characters WRONGLY NAMED. I think the editor and the reviewer didn't even read this book. Wow. It was BAD! Painful! Brutal!

#48 The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffrey Deaver. This book was a welcome page turner after the crap I read before it. This is a quick, compelling mystery in true Deaver style with twists and turns until the very end. I read it until 1 am, then finished it the next morning by 9am - it was that good.

#49 Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman. This is a book written for teens and I must say it was really unique. It was written in a journal style (easy writing style really) and directed the reader to a secret password protected website featuring pictures and timely videos related to the plot. Very creative. The story, however, was really incomplete and not even a cliff hanger, as it wasn't really that interesting or gripping - but simply a good idea not quite taken far enough. I would read book 2, but I don't expect resolution in the story.

#50 The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell. I think I have read just about every Kay Scarpetta novel, and this might be my last. It was really repetitive, slow and the characters are in a constant state of grouchy. It wasn't a pleasant, enjoying, quick or compelling read. I skipped over paragraphs at a time and feel like I didn't miss a thing. The present tense is hard to digest as a writing style. I'm really disappointed, as I used to enjoy her books very much.

Woo Hoo! So happy to have reached my goal! Wish my luck starting over in 2010!
Happy new year everyone. All the best to you and you families.

Oh - and GO CANADA JUNIORS!

I weighed myself. I'm up 7 lbs since mid October.

ARG! Rats!

Woo hoo! Cleveland won yesterday afternoon and I was lucky enough to watch the game via a digital converter, country cable and the Toledo CBS affiliate! Yes! Awesome!

Yesterday's dinner at our house went well. My mom makes the turkey and stuffing, my aunt and uncle bring a ham (from the states, I have no idea how they get that over the border every year, but whatever), and everyone else chips in bringing a dish or two. William spent at least one continuous hour doing dishes (thank God for William), and it was a nice evening.

We did not make it to the annual Boxing (although not Boxing Day) Day party in Windsor.

Billy is at work right now, the pooch is at MomG's and it's snowing pretty good outside. It would be the perfect day to curl up on the couch and read my 'last' book of the year - reaching my goal of 50 books in 365 days - however, I feel the need to get the house back in some semblance of order (presents still under the tree, new untested coffee maker, etc.) and I also am picking up the pooch and doing some grocery shopping, dropping off dishes, plates and leftovers at my mom's, and TV tables, forks and the 'carcass' (I hate that word) to MomG's. There are a couple of things I need to return and exchange, but I'm not going into the city today.

For New Year's B&B and Kiks and Jim are coming over for dinner, drinks, hot tub and probably some Wii. I think I'm going to purchase the food today (except the steaks), and we're okay in way of booze and mix. I'm looking forward to a nice evening in.

I've gained at least 5 lbs since the end of October (I'm afraid to weigh myself) and I'm quite certain it is from the wheat beer I've been enjoying. It's not like I have it everyday either, maybe twice a week at most, but it must be the wheat beer, as my diet has been pretty much the same of late. I have to either cut out the wheat beer (rats) or make other adjustments... Hmm...

A note regarding party etiquette: If you are having people over, it's only right to either call and invite them or even send an email. If you are invited to an event, it's only polite to respond... even if you're not sure if you can make it, then at least have the courtesy to tell the hosts.

All in all, life is good of course!

It was a great Christmas... on the Eve, we didn't go visiting too much, instead just hung out at Kim and Jim's - they were great hosts and it was most fun. Christmas day was a little busy, then really relaxing. In the evening, we usually play video games - and I am once again hooked to my DS.

William was very good to me this year - when is he not? Lots of really thoughtful gifts - what a good husband.

Today 20ish people are coming over for dinner. It's planned that everyone meets at my mom's house then comes over here for dinner. It works out pretty well as we can get everything out and ready and nobody is bothered by the rush (except us and we certainly don't mind). Tonight is a party that we've attended for the last few years, but I'm not sure if we're going - it just depends how we feel when everyone leaves.

Life is good.

Okay - football. This is by far the worst year I've ever had picking teams. I was better when I picked to win based on which city I would prefer to visit. Seriously. There is no helping me now. I'm done done done.

Mr. Picklez must be a busy guy, as he hasn't posted his week 16 predictions, therefore I have no one to steal the format from - so I'll just hit a couple of highlights.

So Quinn injured his foot on the last play of the last game, and is done for the season. Well, at least it happened at the end of the season. At least they're not in the playoffs or anything. So the keys for the team are handed back to Anderson, and they had a chance to win the rest of the year... So, Oakland at Cleveland. Well, even with Quinn out, I'm so far in the hole I''m taking the BROWNS! That's right! Go Brownies!

Miami, although your playoff hopes and Superbowl dreams are put on hold, please beat Houston.

It's not a very crazy week - I don't see too many upsets, unless teams are really resting their guys (I hate that they do that!), I do predict that someone in one of my pools will be perfect this week.

I think I'm ready for Christmas. I still have a few gifts to wrap, but I have bought what we need for visiting tomorrow (coffee, Bailey's) the items necessary to make the breakfast casserole on Christmas morning, and potatoes for the dinner on Sunday afternoon. I need to clean areas of the house a bit, so I'm not scrambling on the week-end and can enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

Yeah! can't wait!

I do wish I bought more for William, but he's a little hard to buy for - and of course says he doesn't want or need anything. He's the guy who gets moody when given clothes for Christmas. At his mom's I've even seen him throw a package of socks across the room in mock disgust. Yes, he's 43...

For the last few years we've attended a friend's Boxing Day party, but this year it's on Sunday - the same day we're having 20ish people over for dinner... rats. I hope that we're able to go once everyone leaves.

Here are some pics from Sloane's Christmas Village where we got our tree. It was nearly deserted and even more magical feeling due to the late-ness in the season. I hope every year to go the week before Christmas! It was 'slim pickins' tree wise, but so cool!

 

 

 The tree was surrounded by others, and William couldn't push the cart through as it kept hitting stumps, so he had to pull it through the trees - he struggled, it was like giving birth getting that tree out the the path!

 

Okay, I find this one funny... we've all seen roadside and carnival fry trailers, right?

Hot Dogs - Check

Burgers - Check

Fries - Check

Onion Rings - Check

Peameal Bacon? Huh? How exactly do they serve it? If you can get it on a burger, then that's fine, but why would they advertise it on the header of their sign? I know it's a Canadian thing (personally I don't care for it), but that's just weird!

It was a great time at Sloane's!

These next few days are a little busy in a fun way! It'll be great! It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I just realized that I have a lot of Christmas shopping still to do... at least 6 places to hit. At least I'm avoiding Windsor and able to stick to Leamington and Kingsville.

I've made a list, and am going to get into a positive frame of mind and happily shop shop shop.

I'm feeling slightly depressed regarding my picking abilities (or lack thereof) this season. ARG! I've been pathetic! The fact that I again missed the Thursday night game and completely missed Vegas Insider makes me mad and frustrated! Duh! It's not like I have a whole lot else going on!

Ah well...

IND @ JAC - I picked Indy

DAL @ NO -  I picked NO, and apparently Dallas doesn't suck as much as predicted. They totally outplayed NO last night.

NE @ BUF - NE.

ARI @ DET - Picklez says: Last time I checked, DET was still terrible.  I agree! Plus I'm fairly sure that they have to start Culpepper, and he really stunk up the place against Baltimore. It didn't sell out and will be blacked out locally.

MIA @ TEN - Tough one! I'll take MIA, but wish they were at home. This will be a good game.

CLE @ KC - I've gotta take my BROWNS! I know they can do it! Let's go Brownies, let's go! Woot Woot. GO BROWNS!

HOU @ STL - I'll take Cindy Loo Screw HOU

ATL @ NYJ - Jets. Don't bet against the Jets.

SF @ PHI - PHI

CHI @ BAL - BALT

OAK @ DEN - Yuck, I hate Denver, but I think they'll win.

CIN @ SD - Hmmm.... tough one gall dernit! All year I've bet against Cinci (look where it's got me), and I keep thinking, 'if they win this one, then they're for real!' and still not really believing it. Hmm...I'll take Cinci.

GB @ PIT - Another tricky pick... Hmm... I think they'll have to pull together to avoid complete embarrassment. I'll take PITS.

TB @ SEA - SEA

MIN @ CAR - Hmm... another tough one! Arg! I guess I'll take MIN, but I'll be watching Survivor finale tonight.

NYG @ WAS - Wow, what a tough week! Washington has won a couple of weird games, and NYG is super inconsistent. At WASH? Hm, what the hell, I'll take Washington.

Terrible. I'm not expecting to do well this week. I have no confidence! Oh well, GO BROWNS! 

I'm such a follower when it comes to beer fads.

I remember going to Chicago in '96, parking myself at a bar and asking for a micro-brew. It was cool then, and so was I. 

When on vacation in Ireland I drank whatever local ale they had, and indulged in Guinness a wee bit too much at the Shannon airport (4 hour delay - ugh, one can consume a lot of stout in 4 hours).

In University it was Moosehead or Rickard's Red.

A few years ago I always had limes on hand for Corona - I love citrus smell and flavor, so I copiously consumed volumes of it.

About 6 years ago I was all about cider, which isn't really a beer, but available on tap and I still love a good Strongbow once in a while.

It seems that the beer of choice golfing is Coors Light, and God knows I've drank my fair share of that, although last year in the clubhouse I'd have Rickard's Red on tap, or a can of Alexander Keith's (those who like it, like it a lot). Keith's is stupid expensive and truly a very pale ale, so I would opt occasionally (plus it wasn't always in stock) for Canadian - skipping Coors' Light for the extra percent of alcohol... 

I discovered in the states a couple of years ago the lime beers and was so happy when Bud Lime was available in Canada, (although I find Miller Chill superior) and so was everyone else. The Beer Store couldn't keep it in stock, Sutton Creek was always out, and the Liquor Store was hit or miss. It's a lazy person's Corona and easier to drink on the course, due to the lime factor.

When it comes to beer I don't discrimminate, but I really don't much care for OV which is funny as it's William's favorite (his dad drank it, I have a theory that guys drink what their fathers did).

For the last few months I've been all about wheat beer served with an orange. Whenever out it's what I always ask for first. Yesterday while grocery shopping I popped by the liquor store in Essex (it's really small comparatively) hoping to find the inferior Alexander Keith's Premium White, and I was so happy to stumble on Rickard's White. Woo hoo! I was actually considering making a run over the border and facing duty to buy a few cases of Miller Light Golden Wheat which I prefer over Keith's White, so I was happy happy happy, and although I had 3 Rickard's White last night with dinner out with the girls I can't wait to enjoy one in our own home this evening. Oh the luxury! Oh the wonderful orangey goodness.

In case you weren't keeping track here is my favorite wheat beers:

#1 - Rickard's White

#2 - Miller Light Golden Wheat

#3 - Alexander Keith's Premium White

I haven't tried Bud Light Golden Wheat, or any others so I can't put that in the lineup. I understand there a lot of Begium wheat/white beers, which I would love to try... If I come across more wheat/white beers, I will most assuredly indulge - only with an orange though! 

I have heard that consuming one glass of a wheat beer is the coloric and carbohyrate equvilant of eating an entire loaf of Wonder Bread... that doesn't sound very good for the body, but oh well! Bring on the wheat beer! Follow me!

Last night was a little get together with some of the girls. It was a really nice night out - tis the season! I have gorgeous, wonderful brilliant friends... outta my league!

______

Since reading  that book the other day about the woman who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, I am now convinced I'm losing my mind when I have a blank moment of dumbness.

Examples:

1) I was in Sears yesterday with a metric ton of presents, and I had no idea which exit to use. Seriously I stood there and had to think North or West? visualize the mall on a map of Windsor, and I almost just went out the mall because I knew I could find my car from there. Duh.

2) At the restaurant a friend and myself were talking about homemade Bailey's. Two minutes later I'm telling her about a fun shooter and I can't remember the word Bailey's! Duh.

3) I forgot to make my Thursday night football pick in all my pools. This is the first time I've missed Vegas Insider in 4 years. Duh. Damn!

4) I asked a friend what time it was, as she was heading home and I decided to go as well. When I got in the care I realized it was only 10 minutes to 10, and not 10 minutes to 11. Oh well. Duh.

So every time my brain stalls for a minute I make it worse by immediately thinking, 'I'm getting Alzheimer's!' instead of trying to think of what I need to say, or do. Duh.

_______

My shopping excursion went fairly well. I have only a few more things to pick up. There is a lot of gift certificates this year, I'd rather give a gift, but sometimes it just makes so much more sense... although it won't look like much under the tree.

_______

I think we're getting our tree sometime this week-end, and we have a party tomorrow night. Tonight is steak night, great night, date night, and it's going to be a FAB week-end!