Quote of the Day (Whoops really late! forgot to actually hit post last night! :P)

"A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch." - James Beard

My mom and I just spent the last 5 hours cooking for Thanksgiving, which is now today. I am very tired but at least almost all of it was done tonight. Very little needs to be done tomorrow! :) This will make a much more relaxed day. When you are eating really good food, there is no reason to think of the calories, just enjoy it. How often do you eat really good food normally?

Music: "Kings and Queens" - 30 Seconds to Mars

Escapades of an Evil Genius

Today I drove Pete to Buffalo so that he could spend Thanksgiving with his sister.  This is a three hour drive each way.  When on long car rides, Pete usually brings his headphones and listens to Mama Mia on repeat.  This would not be problem except that he sings along.  Loudly.  And off-key.  Needless to say I was a little apprehensive about a three hour ride with him.  But, mwahahahahaha!  I am an evil genius.  *Envision rubbing my hands together.*  I got Pete to sleep the whole way to Buffalo!!!!  This was done with some prior knowledge of Pete.  He pretty much always sleeps in the car if it is a longer ride than 15 min, unless he is listening to music where he knows the words.  So, I suggested that we listen to one of his CDs on the car stereo, the Irish music.  ;)  There are no words to sing and within 10 min he was nodding off.  He slept until we exited in Buffalo! It made for a very peaceful drive.  On the way home I listened to a playlist i made for the trip and Kris Allen's album on my ipod with the volume turned way up. :)  Very enjoyable.

And to make today even better, Emmy had a great day in the kitchen at school!   She'll be home in less than 24 hours!!! :D <3 <3

Music: "The Truth" - Kris Allen ft Pat Monahan

Quote of the Day

"When I count my blessings, I count you twice!" - Irish Blessing

Whenever I see this I always think of Emmy.  For several reasons, the first being that she is my favorite person in the world.  Also, my parents didn't know they were having twins, so it was twice the blessing fro one pregnancy. ;)  There are so many people in my life that are blessings, but she would be the first one that comes to mind.


Music: "Storm" - Lifehouse

Ventures in Hanging Out, Shopping and Comforting

This evening I am hanging out at Galster with Jens, Emily, Emily, Mary and Jeff.  Well, before Jeff took a nap.  :)  We mostly just sat around and talked, but later played the game contact.  I enjoy this game immensely.  Now I am watching Jens and Emily play Wii Tennis.  I went shopping earlier this afternoon.  I bought hot chocolate at Williams-Sonoma, spent waaay too much time at Sephora (which included spending more money than I intended!), and bought pins at Hot Topic.  In case you are curious here is what I bought: hot chocolate eye brightener perfume! dino pin nerd pin

 Emily is coming home in two days!!!!  I am super excited! :D :D <3  Talking to her on the phone is not the same as being with her in person.  Emmy had a bad day today and all I wanted to do was drive to Hyde Park and spend time with her until Thurs when I could drive her home.  But I have to work tomorrow which is MAJOR Fail. D:  I just want to give her a hug.  :( 

Music: "Mercy" - Duffy

Quote of the Day

"Peace begins with a smile." - Mother Theresa

A smile can be so many things.  I love you.  I am listening.  Hello. Thank you. You are funny.  I think you are cute.  Exasperation.  Patience.  Sympathy.  Empathy.  Understanding.  Confusion.  Politeness.  Hidden anger.  A hug.  Kindness.
I hope that smiles are given with love in your heart, especially when it is most difficult.  This is an attitude that I strive for every day.  A smile can make someone's day better.  I know it does for me.

Music: "Simple Gifts" - Yo Yo Ma and Alison Krauss

Thanksgiving Plans and Being Green

Today is the first day where it feels real that Thanksgiving is upon us.  I am left wondering where the majority of November went.  I am excited about Emily coming home for a few days and the gathering of friends and family that is Thanksgiving Day.  The amount of food we are making always seems to be overwhelming and not doable, and yet somehow magically it happens and everything pulls together!  All the core-members at Cleveland at spending Thanksgiving with their families.  This is especially nice as it means no one has to work that day.  I am driving Pete to Buffalo on Wednesday and this will be a long day of driving! 

I plan to spend a few hours cleaning and organizing my room this evening and tomorrow.  It has frown messy again while I was sick.  I am actually looking forward to spending time on this activity.  I value neatness and being clean, but do not generally enjoy the act of cleaning itself.  At least until recently. 

This evening, I attended a meeting of the Green Committee at the Highland home.  I am a quiet environmentalist.  I am not a fan of huge gestures, but realistic goals that one can actually achieve.  I often find it frustrating when people try to force their beliefs and actions on you.  I may not be radical, but it does not mean that I am not passionate about an issue.  The meeting was lovely.  It was discussion oriented, with people sharing thoughts and ideas.  I think that I am really going to enjoy this committee.

Music: "Ordinary Miracle" - Sarah McLachlan