Blog Awards and Blog Journal Day 21

Wow guys, y'all are too sweet! :) I got two blog awards this past week. Deanna at Musings and Bri over at Just a Day in the Life of Brittany and Murray both gave me the following award:

I'm supposed to pass this along to 5 newly discovered blogs, but there are so many I like, I can't pick just 5! :) Check out my favorite blogs on the sidebar (yes, I have a lot). Discover a new blog- make a new friend! :)

So, as my longtime followers know, I was a huge fan of the show LOST. For all of you going through LOST withdrawals, I think there is a new show out there for us: The Event on NBC. I honestly think it's like LOST meets 24. It stars Jason Ritter (son of the late John Ritter). I watched the premiere last night and I really hope it catches on. Now, if you aren't a fan of shows that leave cliffhangers at the end of each episode, this might not be for you. But, I think you should give it a chance! If you want to check it out, NBC has uploaded the premiere episode here.

I can't go into a great review of the episode without ruining anything. If you watched it and want to talk about it (or wanna know more about it), email me here! :)

Day 21: A recipe

Now, if you know me (or have read my blog at all), you know I'm not the world's best cook. If it can't go in the microwave, I pretty much avoid it. If there are more than three steps after "boil a pot of water", I just don't try it! ;) I'm getting better though. I think I am now up to 7 meals I can make (not using the microwave). So anyways, I had to steal this recipe from my mom. If you know me, you know my mother is a "mad woman" when it comes to baking. She loves to bake. And she just can't make one or two dozen cookies. Oh no. I went home one weekend and she said she had made cookies for me to share with my friends at work (it's like elementary school all over again. "Wanna be my friend? Here's a cookie?" It's amazing how many people you meet when you have free cookies at your desk). Anyways, a "normal" person would think, oh, she made a dozen, maybe two dozen cookies. Oh no. She made EIGHT dozen cookies. Yes, EIGHT. And she doesn't just make the cookies. She individually wraps them in Saran Wrap (they stay fresher that way). Here is picture proof!

She usually makes chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies. After a suggestion from my BFF Brandy, she now also makes peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips mixed in them. Anyways, my favorite of the cookies are the peanut butter ones (I have no clue where I would be without peanut butter!) So, here it is. Georgeanne's Secret Recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies (actually, I think she took it off a Crisco wrapper so it's not so secret!!) ;)

FYI, the temperature is set for an electric oven. If you have a gas oven, you'll have to adjust the setting (and no, I don't know how to do that!) ;)

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (my mom prefers Jif but you can use whatever brand you like)

1/2 cup (or 1/2 stock) butter flavored Crisco shortening

1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

3 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 egg

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

Heat oven to 350 F. Place sheets of foil on countertop for cooling cookies. Combine peanut butter, Crisco, light brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Add egg. Beat just until blended. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture at low speed.. Mix until just blended.  Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto sprayed cookie sheet. Flatten slightly in crisscross pattern with tines of fork. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes, or until set and just beginning to brown. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet.

If you so choose, after they are completely cooled, you can wrap them in Saran Wrap, but that is not required! :)

Happy baking my friends!

:)

Clay Walker Concert and Blog Journal Day 20

On Saturday night my friend Becky and I went to see Clay Walker at Billy Bob's Texas. The bouncer at the door was funny. He kept claiming that my ID was fake because there was no way I was 32. He was like, "I'll let you in, just let me see your real ID". I was like, "it is my real ID". When he finally let me in, he was like, "I still don't believe you, but I'm letting you in anyways." I possibly told him that I loved him. I thought it was very sweet of him to say that! :)

For all my non country music followers, I thought I would post a few of Clay's songs (even if you don't like country, try listening anyways, you might like it!) :)

Me and Becky waiting on the concert to start

 

Clay Walker takes the stage

 

I absolutely love his smile!

 

I think I liked him in the baseball cap better than the cowboy hat!

I was able to sneak down by the stage at the end of the concert. :)

Day 20: A hobby of yours
Can reading be considered a hobby? :) I've recently gotten into scrapbooking.We'll see how long that lasts (it is an expensive hobby!) I also cross stitch sometimes. One of these days I'll post some of my cross stitching creations on here.

Blog Journal Day 19 and an Invitation to Tony Romo and Miles Austin

First of all, I would like to invite Tony Romo, Miles Austin and the other players on the Cowboys football team (and I'm using the term "football team" very lightly here) to attend whatever Super Bowl party I go to this year. Because they sure as heck are not going to be playing in it. That was absolutely disgusting. I'm not even going to waste any more blog space talking about that game. Thankfully I still have Rangers baseball to watch and hockey season starts soon!

Anyways, another short, quick post for my blog journal (I'm so proud of myself for keeping up with it!) :)

 

Day 19: A talent of yours

I don't consider myself all that talented. My family likes to joke that I have a talent of getting free steak dinners (I prefer to call that my "spiritual gift". Hey, if a friend is wanting to buy me steak, I don't want to be rude and say no! :) They also say the same thing about getting free tickets to various sporting events.) But in all seriousness, I've been told that I have a talent of writing. I even got paid to write for a few years (I worked for a newspaper). I do miss writing. I sometimes write short stories (I don't think anyone will ever see those though-I don't think they are all that good). I'm hoping to maybe one day get back into writing professionally, we'll have to see. For now, I'll stick to writing my blogs. Maybe one day I'll even write something interesting on here that has nothing to do with my love of sports (or Zachary Levi). :)

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm going to try and post tomorrow on my adventures at the Clay Walker concert last night (it was fabulous!)

:)

Blog Journal Day 18

Happy weekend friends! Just a quick post to continue my 30 day blog journal! Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

Day 18: My wedding/future wedding/past wedding

I guess when I was little, I had my wedding all planned out. The older I get, the more I'm just up for eloping and getting it over with (although I think my mother would kill me). I suppose I have an idea or two, but I think I'll keep them to myself until the time is right. First I have to find a guy who decides that spending the rest of his life with me isn't the worst idea he's ever heard! ;) If anyone knows Zachary Levi from the show Chuck, tell him that he might be my soul mate. I love him!! He's so a-dork-able! :)

Giddy Friday and Blog Journal Day 17

Okay, I have to share this with y'all. So, there is a very good possibility that the Rangers will be playing beyond the regular season (I refuse to say it's a done deal because I don't want to jinx them). But, tickets for the American League Division Series (aka the ALDS-the first round of post season play) are going on sale tomorrow to the general public. I get a Rangers newsletter emailed to me daily (are you really surprised by this?) so we were able to participate in a pre-sale yesterday (it later got extended to today). I knew my brother (aka my "Bubba") wanted to go so I was trying to get tickets for him and my nephew to go with me. Pretty much all day the website was having technical difficulties and by the time I finally got through, it said only single tickets were available (meaning that if I got tickets, we wouldn't be sitting by each other). But, I broke down and did that (just to get us into the game). Unfortunately I could only get two tickets, but they were only a row apart.

About 5 minutes after my order went through, I got a phone call from the Texas Rangers box office. They said they saw I had been having problems getting tickets and wanted to help me get tickets that I wanted. I was floored. I couldn't believe it. The guy (his name is Michael) was not only able to get me tickets together, he was able to get me three (which means my nephew could come with us!) I told the guy a friend of mine had been having trouble getting tickets as well, and he took down her phone number and said he would call her (which he later did). She got tickets a few sections over, but we aren't far from each other.

Backing up for a minute. While I was trying to get tickets, I emailed Chuck Greenberg  (owner of the Rangers) on Facebook (yes, it's really him. He has said in many interviews he likes to be connected to the fans. He also said that he personally replies to each message- he doesn't have an assistant do it). I told him I appreciated him extending the presale but I was upset I was still having difficulties getting tickets. I'll just let you read the email chain between me and Chuck. ;)

 

Oh yes, Chuck Greenberg personally helped me get tickets! :) So let it be known, the Texas Rangers have the greatest owner and do everything they can to help their fans!! Makes you wanna move to Texas and watch baseball, doesn't it?? ;)

1. What is the first nightmare you remember?

I remember when I was about 7 years old I had a dream that I was dying. I woke up crying. I can't remember ever little detail, but I remember that much. I think I had watched a show about a little kid dying and that triggered it. It was the first time I remembered waking up from a dream crying.

2. Even if you are not a sports fan, what's your favorite sport to watch/play?

HA HA HA. Obviously this question wasn't aimed at me. I think even if this is your first time reading my blog, you can take a wild guess what my favorite sport is!! I blame my Bubba. He loves baseball, and ever since I was little, I've loved it too! FYI, if I'm never heard from again, it's because my Bubba killed me for posting the following picture!! ;)

Me and my Bubba, circa 1982ish. LOVE the socks Bubba! :)

3. If you could pull off one piece of trendy fashion, what would you want it to be (jeggings, hats, thigh high boots, etc)?

I think I'm going to go with hats. It might surprise you, but I wear baseball caps a lot. :) I see a lot of women wearing stylish looking hats, but I think they always look goofy on me. I would love to look stylish in one! :)

4. Did you make good grades in school?
I did okay. I had a minor learning disability so schoolwork was harder for me (not to mention my slight case of A.D.D.) When it comes to class rankings, I always say I was in the half that made the top half possible! :)

5. What magazines do you subscribe to?

I used to subscribe to ESPN the magazine, Sports Illustrated and Baseball Weekly (I know, you are shocked!) But in order to save money, I canceled my subscriptions about two/three years ago. Also, all of those magazines are available online so I really didn't need to the paid subscriptions.

 

Day 17: An art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)

It's so hard to pick just one, but one of my personal favorites is Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh. In 2007 I went to New York City and got to see Starry Night live in person at the MOMA.

Me (with my short hair) next to Van Gogh's Starry Night.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Thursday Thirteen, Thirsty Thursday and Blog Journal Day 16

I asked some friends for some Thursday Thirteen ideas and my friend Monica said I should list 13 places I would like to visit. I decided to make it a three part series. This week I will do 13 places in Texas I'd like to visit (hey, Texas is a big state- there is a lot to see!) Next week I will list 13 places in the U.S. I'd like to visit and then the following week 13 places outside of the U.S I'd like to visit. 

I've lived in Texas my whole life and have never been to the following places (some of these I can't believe I haven't been to yet!) Some of these are close enough for a day road trip. I need to start marking these off!! As I've mentioned before, I'm a history nerd, I love going to historical sites!! :)

1. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas

The Eiffel Tower was built by the Boiler Makers Union Local #902 in 1995 replicating the famed Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. It's 65 feet tall and was once the second largest Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately, both Eiffel Towers (in Paris, Texas and Paris, France) have now been surpassed in 1999 by a 540-foot replica built in Las Vegas. Not to be outdone, Texas' Eiffel Tower sports a 10 foot wide, 4 ½ foot tall red steel Stetson cowboy hat. 

2. Stonehenge II in Hunt, Texas

Stonehenge II is a smaller sized replica of the original Stonehenge monument found in Salisbury, England. The idea was conceived by the late Al Shepperd and built with the help of his friend and neighbor, Doug Hill. It is located on FM 1340 west of Hunt, Texas about 60 miles west of San Antonio, Texas. Most of the stones are man-made out of plaster applied to a wire frame. Some of the stones are real and quite heavy. At the same location they have two imitation Moai, or Easter Island statues.

3. Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

The Cadillac Ranch, built in 1974 ( relocated in 1997) by Stanley Marsh 3, is located along Interstate 40 west of Amarillo, Texas. Marsh is the helium millionaire who owns the wheat field where Cadillac Ranch stands. Marsh and The Ant Farm, a San Francisco art collective, assembled ten used 1949-1963 Cadillacs burying them nose-down and facing west. They are covered with graffiti and positioned "at the same angle as the Cheops' pyramids." Visitors are encouraged 24/7 and encouraged to add to the graffiti. Just don't try to steal anything. Mr. Marsh brandishes his own form of law enforcement. He has been accused of " threatening an 18-year old with a hammer and penning him inside a chicken coop." In 2005, the Cadillacs were painted pink as a tribute to breast cancer victims. 

  
4. The Marfa Lights in Marfa, Texas

I can't believe I haven't gone here yet! The Marfa ghost lights are unexplained lights (known as "ghost lights") usually seen near U.S. Route 67 on Mitchell Flat east of Marfa, Texas. The first published account of the lights was written in 1957, and this article is the sole source for anecdotal claims that the lights date back to the 1800s. Reports often describe brightly glowing basketball sized spheres floating above the ground, or sometimes high in the air. Colors are usually described as white, yellow, orange or red, but green and blue are sometimes reported. The balls are said to hover at about shoulder height, or to move laterally at low speeds, or sometimes to shoot around rapidly in any direction. They often appear in pairs or groups, according to reports, to divide into pairs or merge together, to disappear and reappear, and sometimes to move in seemingly regular patterns. Their sizes are typically said to resemble soccer balls or basketballs.

5. Big Bend National Park, West Texas
For more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km), the Rio Grande/Río Bravo forms the international boundary between Mexico and the United States, and Big Bend National Park administers approximately 244 miles (393 km) along that boundary. Archeologists have discovered artifacts estimated to be 9,000 years old, and historic buildings and landscapes offer graphic illustration of life along the international border in the 1800s.

 

 


6. The Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham, Texas

This is embarrassing. I'm one of Blue Bell's biggest fans and I've never been to the place where they make it. It gets worse. I have a sister that LIVES in Brenham. Okay, next time I go visit, I'm going to take the tour. I hear you get a free scoop of ice cream after the tour is finished. Yummy!

7. Point Isabel Lighthouse in Port Isabel, Texas
The "beacon" of the southern Texas coast in more ways than one, the Point Isabel Lighthouse is located in the tiny coastal community of Port Isabel, just across the Laguna Madre Bay from South Padre Island. During its active period, the Lighthouse guided mariners across the waters of the Laguna Madre and nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Today, it guides thousands of tourists, interested in getting a glimpse of Texas maritime history, to Port Isabel.

8. San Jacinto Monument and Memorial in La Porte, Texas

There is a spectacular monument where Texas won independence from Mexico and Santa Anna in 1836. The monument is a 567.31-foot high column located on the Houston Ship Channel in the city of La Porte. The monument is topped with a 220-ton star that commemorates the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. The monument, constructed between 1936 and 1939 and dedicated on April 21, 1939, is the world's tallest monumental column and is part of the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. By comparison, the Washington Monument is 555.4 feet tall. The column is an octagonal shaft faced with Texas Cordova shellstone, topped with a 34-foot Lone Star—the symbol of Texas. Visitors can take an elevator to the monument's observation deck for a view of Houston and the USS Texas. The San Jacinto Museum of History is located inside the base of the monument, and focuses on the history of the Battle of San Jacinto and Texas culture and heritage.

9. Texas Rangers Museum in Waco, Texas

No, not MY Texas Rangers baseball team. The original Texas Rangers (think Walker, Texas Ranger- except the real Rangers don't round-house kick people, at least I don't think so). :) It is the state-designated official historical center of the famed Texas Rangers law enforcement agency. It consists of the Homer Garrison, Jr. museum gallery, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, the Texas Ranger Research Center and the Headquarters of Texas Rangers Company "F". The City of Waco serves as the appointed trustee on behalf of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Legislature.

10. Caverns of Sonora in Sonora, Texas

The Caverns is a unique cave located 8 miles west of the town of Sonora, Texas. It is a world-class cave due to its stunning array of calcite crystal formations, especially helictites. These helictites are found in extreme abundance, often with a rare purity and complexity. One formation is so densely packed with them it has been dubbed the "Snake pit". The founder of the National Speleological Society, Bill Stephenson, said of the cave after his first visit: "This is the most indescribably beautiful cave in the world, its beauty cannot be exaggerated, not even by a Texan."

11. Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site in Denison, Texas

It is located at 208 East Day Street in Denison, Texas, is the birthplace of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was born in the house on October 14, 1890, the first United States President to be born in Texas. The house has been restored to an 1890 appearance by the Eisenhower Birthplace Foundation, and is currently operated as a Texas State Historic Site.

12. Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg, Texas

It is an enormous pink granite pluton rock formation located in the Llano Uplift. Enchanted Rock covers approximately 640 acres and rises approximately 425 feet above the surrounding terrain to elevation of 1,825 feet above sea level. It is the largest such pink granite monadnock in the United States. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a part of the Texas state park system, includes 1,644 acres.

13. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, West Texas

It is located in the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and contains Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet in elevation. It also contains El Capitan, long used as a landmark by people traveling along the old route later followed by the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line. Visitors can see the ruins of an old stagecoach station near the Pine Springs Visitor Center.

It's Thirsty Thursday time! If you would like to participate, click on the icon above. Leave Vic a message letting her know you found her through my blog. She will take good care of you! :)

I am being simple today and enjoying a nice bottle of cold water (I should really drink more water!)

 

I'm halfway through my 30 day blog journal. Once again, here is the list.

Day 1- Your Favorite Song

Day 2 - Your Favorite Movie
Day 3 - Your Favorite Television Program
Day 4 - Your Favorite Book
Day 5 - Your Favorite Quote
Day 6 - 20 of my favorite things
Day 7 - A photo that makes you happy
Day 8 - A photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 9 - A photo you took
Day 10 - A photo taken over 10 years ago of you
Day 11 - A photo of you recently
Day 12 - Something you are OCD about
Day 13 - A fictional book
Day 14 - A non-fictional book
Day 15 - your dream house
Day 16 - A song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 - An art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)
Day 18 - My wedding/future wedding/past wedding
Day 19 - A talent of yours
Day 20 - A hobby of yours
Day 21 - A recipe
Day 22 - A website
Day 23 - A YouTube video
Day 24 - Where I live
Day 25 - Your day, in great detail
Day 26 - Your week, in great detail
Day 27 - My worst habit
Day 28 - Whats in my handbag/purse
Day 29 - Hopes,Dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 - A dream for the future

Day 16: A song that makes you cry 

Oh, there are a few I could put here. I will only pick one. The song "Cinderella" by Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman makes me cry every time I hear it. What is really sad is that a year after it came out, Steven's youngest daughter died in a terrible accident. I can't embed the video, but you can see it and hear the song by clicking here. You might want tissues, you have been warned!!

Hope you have a great Thursday!!

Wednesday Rambings and Blog Post Day 15

My post will be shorter than usual. I promise to get back to my normal rambling tomorrow.

Day 15: Your dream house

I can say as long as I am happily married, any house would be my dream house (which is true), but I figured to have a little fun (and be materialistic for a  moment). :)

I like houses with a front porch that goes around to the side. Kind of like this one.

I'm not known for my cooking, but I would like a kitchen bigger than the one I have. I saw this one online and thought it looked nice. I also love the arches! I also like how open it is.

 

I'm a bubble bath girl so I would love a big bathtub. Ah, Calgon, take me away!! I also like the separate showers. Kinda of like this.

  

I could go on but I'm pressed for time today. Have a great Wednesday everyone!