Question 59

Q:  When was the last time you were sick?

A:  February 2nd, I had a fever for three days.

Question 58

Q:  Are you the original or the remix?  Why?

A:  Original.  It wouldn't be copied if it were bad to start.

Question 57

Q:  Name one item you can't throw out.

A:  Books.

Question 56

Q:  What's the last dream you remember?

A:  I was running, definitely running....

Question 55

Q:  Today you have too much ________________?

A:  Hmmm, not too stressed today (not that the current stresses have gone away they just aren't screaming in my face), not too happy (just about the right happy level for me (if I weren't stressed), not too hungry (leftover ribs for lunch) and not too bored (lesson to be worked on).  How about not a thing.

Questions 53 & 54

Q:  What was prevailing emotion of the day?

A:  Calm tension.

Q:  What's the most embarrassing purchase on your recent credit card statement?

A:  Nothing embarrassing - we are sooo boring.  But I did a head smack to Jim for putting a $5 sandwich on it instead of the debit card.

Question 52

Q:  What is the current buzzword?

A:  What is a buzzword?  I have never really grasp the idea that a 'word' can and should cause a buzz.

Change

If you don't like something, change it.  If you can't change it, change your attitude.
                                                                                                                  ~Maya Angelou

Words to live by lately. 

We thought things had been improving for a few weeks.  Not big but at least steps forward.  Last Thursday I even told someone that things were looking up.  Friday came and the depth and breadth of his anger came back.  He hasn't said more than 5 civil sentences in 5 days.  He isn't being snotty, he just isn't speaking to us.  Period.  He won't eat anything I cook and I have made some of his favorites - baked maple bars, Osso Bucco, Salsbury Steak, sourdough rolls, etc..  The other two like most of this as well so it got eaten, just not by him.  He won't ask for anything which is fine - we have plenty of Top Ramen.  I am trying to kill him with kindness but he isn't taking it.  It isn't hurting my feelings since I just share whatever it is with someone else.

I am wondering how to change my attitude about this situation.  How do I approach it in a different way and not get the same results?  I have prayed but I think I need to do some more studying it out in my mind - I feel like I am asking for an answer to be handed me which is wrong. 

Thoughts?

Question 51

Q:  What word did you overuse today?

A:  I never overuse words.  I use exactly the number I need.  (So, really, it was, "seriously?".)

Question 50

Q:  Who is the craziest person in your life?

A:  Suzanne Deller because she is going to a "A Few of My Favorite Things" party... and got my joke (maybe there was more than one...tee-hee).

Question 49

Q:  What's the most expensive thing you are wearing right now?

A:  My jewel yellow sweater at $48.

Question 48

Q:  If you could change something about today, what would it be?

A:  That all the egg shells get swept out of my house. (Figurative.)

Question 47

Q:  What was the last performance or concert you went to?

A:  Crikey! I can't remember the last one I went to! Years ago we had season tickets for plays and we went to concerts - James Taylor, Harry Connick Jr, Jazz festivals, and fun stuff.  Now? Nothing.

I love this one:  http://youtu.be/78O6--THTF0

Question 46

Q:  Write down the cure for a broken heart.

A:  A shot gun.  Not really (maybe).  Dessert, new shoes and a chick flick.

The Ultimate Girl Movie

Two women fighting over a pair of shoes.

Question 45

Q:  Did you kiss anyone today?

A:  Yes.... but I won't kiss and tell....

Questions 43 & 44

Q:  What is your biggest obstacle right now?

A:  Myself.

Q:  What's your favorite question to ask people?

A:  Where are you from?

Question 42

Q:  How did you get to work today?

A:  On my pony.  Oh, wait, that's not right.  Maybe in these, rushing down the stairs - nearly tripping -  to answer the phone as I am really making beds upstairs.

Question 41

Q: If this day was an animal, which animal would it be?

A:  I am horrible at these types of questions.  I just don't think about things like this.  Based on current family happenings: a cranky badger.  Based on the weather: a lazy lion lying in the sun.

Questions 39 & 40

Q:  Are you in love?

A:  Oh, yes.

Q:  How late did you sleep today?

A:  5:18 a.m.

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Caramel Cheesecake

I was watching The Chew today and they had this fabulous recipe!  I already made it:

Crust

2 cups pretzels crushed fine
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup butter melted

Mix together thoroughly and place in the bottom of springform pan.

Chocolate layer

2 cups dark chocolate chips

Melt over double boiler or in the microwave (heat 30 seconds, stir and repeat until smooth).  Pour over crust.  Chill for 15 minutes.

Cheesecake - Preheat oven to 350'

3 package cream cheese room temp
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 pinch salt

Stir cream cheese until smooth.  Add eggs and stir until combined.  Add sour cream, vanilla and salt and stir until combined.  Don't over stir as you don't want air bubbles to form.  (It will make your cheesecake crack.)  Pour over chocolate covered crust.

Place in water bath.  (I use my roasting pan filled with about 1 1/2" of water.)  Place carefully in oven for 50 minutes.  Remove from oven and let it rest IN THE WATER for 20 minutes before removing.  Let cool for another 30 minutes.

Pour 1 cup Kraft caramel topping (or you can make your own) and cool thoroughly.

So, good!!!

Questions 36, 37 & 38

Q:  What are you obsessively listening to?

A:  One Trick Pony - Paul Simon

Q:  Are you seeking contenment or excitement?

A:  Contentment.

Q:  What are three things you have to buy?

A:  Syrup, pork short ribs and Oxiclean.  (Look out Costco!)

Question 34

Q:  On a scale of 1 to 10, how sad are you?  Why?

A:  About a four.  Lauren is leaving for science camp for a week (happy/sad) and I am concerned about work and finances (tax season does this to me until they are done).

Questions 32 & 33

Q:  What is your resolution for tomorrow?

A:  Uhhhh, get up?  Breath in and out?  Eat something?  I got nothin' for tomorrow.

Q:  Who do you live with?

A:  Jim, husband (49), Connor (16), Tylor (14), Lauren (12), Ringo (cat 4), Max (cat 4), Lucy (cat 1), Roger (rabbit 9-ish)