Today I saw two car crashes just a scant few feet from each other. they were far enough away that one likely didn't cause the other. the first one happened as I was sitting at the light and all I saw was an SUV spin around--I'm guessing someone was turning and hit a car going sraight (or vice versa).

Here's a diagram illustrating the proximity of the crashes and the order in which I came across them:

**|**
**|-2
**|**
-----
__1__

It was all very frightening!

So, it's bout preparation time here at the Dog Pound (although, given my derby name "tipi" might be more accurate--and more offensive). Friday I start with the feast of a thousand carbohydrates and the great water intake. Of course, I had an annoying practice tonight that had me wanting to yell back. Seriously--I was totally fed up.

Speaking of carbohydrates, I was in my parents' car yesterday on the way to the Ice Cream Crankin. I saw an ad in a magazine for a famous diet plan that promised up to 15 lbs lost in two weeks (as always, there was the note that results aren't typical). Listen, if you are losing 15 lbs in two weeks and you're not under a doctor's supervision in doing so then YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG. Well, I hesitate to say that because if weight loss is the goal then losing is losing, but that's just too fast. You're harming your body and setting yourself up to gain that weight back just as fast as you lost it along with a few extra. Also, whatever means you use to lose should be something you are comfortable doing for the rest of your life. Weight loss comes from permanent life changes, not temporary fads. And any diet that severly restricts or prohibits fruits and vegetables just isn't worth it. Any diet that doesn't allow you to splurge once in a while is setting you up for failure.

Labels: drama, food, roller derby

Starts with a lackluster brunch that featured delicious $3 mimosas. It's a new enterprise in a new development. Everyone else at the table enjoyed it, I thought my omelette was lacking and the offerings were nothing to get excited about.

My DVR is set to pick up "Beavis and Butthead" when it airs. This morning I woke up with three hours worth! It's still funny, although the humor is slightly lessened by the fact that I've seen every episode dozens of times. It also reminded me how crappy music was back in the mid-nineties. Seriously.

Did I mention that yesterday i finished my final project for sculpture class? Well, for the most part. I've got some trimming to do Wednesday and THEN it's done. I'm happy with it. Thanks to all who helped (a more tangible thanks will be on the way later on. Unfortunately while finishing the project I missed a call from Angi and family (it's ok--I talked with them tonight).

Ice Cream Crankin was just as good as always. This year I stuck with the fruitier flavors and they didn't disappoint (well, some did). We, being Presbyterians, embrace the alcohol rather than avoid it and two of the flavors contained alcohol. They weren't just gimmicky either--they were actually delicious. Most interesting flavor was probably Veggietales, which is probably what you're thinking it is. My favorite was a tart, delicious lemon I tasted early on.

Can't remember my dream from last night, though I do vaguely remember having one.

Labels: dreams, food, school

So, let's say you're trying to consume more dairy. because of this you're eating a yogurt every day. Now, you can choose between organic yogurt sweetened with sugar or regular store bought with artificial sweeteners. High fructose corn syrup is NOT in this picture. Which do you choose? Calorie count is essentially the same.

I like to stay away from the artificial sweeteners. I figure I get enough preservatives in other foods. But sugar is sugar. even if it is organic. I'm not foolish enough to believe that organic=healthy.

At any rate, it's something I wonder about. Cost is also a factor--the store brand with no sugar added is much less expensive than the organic with regular sugar.

I'm also not anti-sugar because sugar is in many healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. I do try to avoid high fructose corn syrup which is not easy because it's in so many products. You can't even feel safe with different products in the same brand.

Labels: food

It's one of my favorite times of year: Girl Scout Cookie Time! I capitalize the first letter of each word because it deserves it. All caps would be overkill.

Over the years I've heard that the cookie bakeries are very much regional and I decided to look this up. After all, what wonders could another part of the country hold? Thin Mints seem to transcend geography, but what about the rest? Could my now-defunct Lemon Coolers live on in the Pacific Northwest? The answer to that last one, in case you wondered, is NO, they don't exist anywhere. Dommage!

I do remember hearing some years ago that in California Samoas and Tagalongs were renamed (it was speculated that this was due to cultural sensitivity type stuff). Given that cookie bakeries are regional I can imagine that this would cause some confusion to someone on a cross-country move. I've always lived in Little Brownie country so I don't know better. I would be excited to try a Thin Mint from ABC!

Anyway, let's start with a link to the 2008 Girl Scout Cookie Lineup.

This is the picture on the Girl Scout Cookie web site. For the record, unless they've changed on me this year these are NOT the Thin Mints that Little Brownie (my regional cookie supplier) offers. Is there someone in another part of the country who could send me a box of ABC Thin Mints? I will reimburse all costs. The bakery is labeled clearly on the box--on mine the label is on the bottom.

That's another thing--apparently the council sets the cost. Ours are 3.50 a box. No bargain to be sure, but as a former Girl Scout I think it's a worthy cause. What are the costs in your area? I'm really looking for people outside the Southeast. It's scientific!

What the hell is this wimpy cookie? That's hypothetical--I'm well aware that it's supposed to be a Samoa. Again, unless Little Brownie has changed their ways (and they shouldn't--things have worked just fine for years). This is one of the renamed cookies--I call them Samoas, but some folks call them "Caramel DeLites" which is the worst name ever. Sure, they've got caramel, but in my opinion the coconut is the real draw here. I don't even like coconut that much but the Samoas make it OH SO wonderful.

These beauts are called Lemonades. They are made by ABC and therefore are NOT available in my area. Would someone PLEASE get me a box of these???? NOT THE LEMON CHALET CREMES--I already have a box of them in my possesion. Speaking of Lemon Chalet Cremes, the web site says that they're new for 2007 but I recall that they were offered ages ago, but they may or may not have been lemon. I do remember the creme poking through to give the impression of snow-capped mountains. By the way, I never made it to the Girl Scout Swiss Chalet. Does anyone except the super alpha type A girl scouts?

I loved the Double Dutch and the Lemon Coolers, neither of which are offered (I think the Lemon Coolers were only available for one year).

Also, do other areas get the Girl Scout Cookie Ice Cream? Here it's made by Edy's but I think that's known as Dreyer's in other parts of the country. They make Thin Mint, Samoa, and something else (Tagalong?), all of which are available shortly before cookies come in and as long as cookie season lasts. MMMM.

To end, here's a link to the Little Brownie Bakers web site. I'm going to have to make those brownies...

Labels: food

The East side is home to tons of amazing restaurants, but on Sundays I like to spend my evenings dining at Mimi and Cricket's. They make amazing meals for a large group of folks, I consider it an honor just to be invited. They are also very smart ladies, as the picture suggests--this hangs on their fridge. You probably can't read it, but a google search led me to this site, where you can read the text.

Labels: food, pictures

Right now in my fridge I'm chilling a blender full of chocolate peanut butter ice cream. In about a half hour I'll put it in the ice cream maker. No matter how good it is it is so not worth it. I may have burnt out the motor on my blender. It simply won't mix. YEs, I susupected it wouldn't, but I kind of thought the instructions wouldn't encourage using a blender to create the mix. The bastards.

In addition, the family and I went to see Night at the Museum. Did you know that two "THe STate" alumni were involved? Well, yes, and you can just look at imdb your own self to see who it was. I liked it just fine.

I had a second sewing lesson today. It actually involved sewing! Not a garment, just a scrap. Still, good times, right? Yesterday's lesson just involved reading a pattern, pinning, and cutting.

Labels: crafts, food, movies

I didn't do the recap or the top fives this year as this year has been great but not nearly as tumultuous (praise Jesus) as 2005. Plus I didn't blog as much last year, this year you can simply look through the archives. Also, I'm lazy.

So I'm learning to sew. Yesterday mom and I went to the fabric store where I got a few patterns and some fabric. Today we cut out the panels. Tomorrow we sew. Good times, right?

AS for nye, I started by driving far, far into the country for Jesi the Girl's celebration. It involved a most delicious dinner of brisket, mac n cheese, greens, black eyed peas, white beans, and cornbread. If you know me well you'll know a few of those items did not make their way to my plate. Everything was fantastic and it was good to see Jesi again after a little over a year. She's a great cook I must say.

So I go from north west of Nashville to south east of Nashville. Quite a haul but worth it to spend time with the NASCAR crew (it's easier to day than to name them all individually). This means poker, mad libs, and filth. Oh, and more delicious food. I did manage to stay until the new year even though I was fading fairly early. So there was a little champagne, a kickline, and hugs and then I made my way home. I saw a few fireworks displays as I drove home.

Now I'm at home and enjoying my favorite new year ritual: the Twilight Zone marathon on Sci Fi. My dog is upstirs and I'm going to turn out the night and sleep in a minute. It should be known that I'm not crazy about going out on the nye holiday, I actually came close to a pretty nasty car accident during the many stretches of driving I did tonight (it was not my fault--someone who'd obviously gotten an early start was drifting into the lane I was occupying). Of course, ringing in the new year at the corner of Bourbon and St Peter would be phenomenal. Perhaps next year. sigh.

Oh, and in my drive from far west to far east I listened to the Garrison Keillor nye broadcast from right here in Naishville. Did anyone happen to catch it? As much as I'd like to believe that the whole meeting Vince Gill and walking around lower broad thing happened live as we heard it I am pretty sure it was pre-taped. Any thoughts? Where the hell did he buy the groceries on lower broad? even if it was live it was planned and scripted within an inch of its life.

What did you do?

Labels: celebrations, food

I mentioned the thin mint ice cream, right? well, a mere mention doesn't do it justice. to do it justice I would need to give it its own blog, myspace page, and shrine. it was oh so good. I pretty much keep thin mints in the freezer all year long--that line about how well they freeze is absolutely true.

So I can't remember if I blogged about the ice cream maker. If I did, then I'll do it again. At an estate sale some weeks ago they had one for sale. It was originally priced at $20. I was there on half price day and it was marked down to $10. I looked at it, determined it was missing a piece so I offered $5 figuring how expensive could the piece be? Well, it could be $30, and it was $30. It was a very integral part, in fact, it was the very part that made the ice cream freeze.

So anyway, I followed the recipe for plain ole chocolate. it didn't specify how long it needed to churn so I decided to let it go 30 minutes. At the appropriate time I added in the crushed, frozen thin mint cookies.

It was the lightest, fluffiest, most delicious flavor. Yes, I'm quite aware that Edy's makes a thin mint flavor during cookie season but that's just during cookie season.

So now it's gone. NExt up I'm going to try the same chocolate and mix in andes mint pieces. Heck yeah.

Labels: estate sales, food

and with it ends the christmas season.
So I went on a mini-spree at Target spending some of the Christmas money. I finally, FINALLY own a sewing machine. I also have elbow knee and wrist pads, a mouthguard, and knee socks so all I need to start roller derby practice is a helmet. hurray for roller derby! I also have some holiday wrapping paper which is GREAT since I used the last on Dr Gay's gift. It lasted a long time.

Right now I've got ice cream a crankin. If it works out it'll be chocolate thin mint ice cream.

Labels: denny, food, pictures

After a quick gift exchange, a visit with the family, and a little old school sesame street we were off like a prom dress.

First we headed to Kate's for the annual Solstice Party. Honestly, I could've eaten the entire plate of chess bars. Really, they were excellent. Also there was a round of scattergories where Dr G and I shared first place with John's mom. Some highlights:

person who wears a uniform: dominatrix (Dr Gay)
something made of metal: Dokken (me)

good times! But we were supposed to meet old pal Zach so we headed out to Play, a bar we'd never visited before. Wow. just wow.

First, I should point out that there was this one girl who repeatedly went to the stage to tip the performers. She was absolutely gorgeous--amazing knockout figure, beautiful face, flawless skin. We later found out it was Calpernia Addams, she was apparently performing the next night (that would be tonight if you were wondering). This was a bit interesting as we'd been talking about the film Soldier's Girl on the way there. I thought I saw Joshua of Nemesis, but it really couldn't have been him. could it? I'm still not sure. Signs point to no, but if the twins had doppelgangers this guy could've easily been it.

So we watched the drag performers. It was fun. And while our only listener Samantha couldn't join us we were very glad she sent the lovely Deception in her stead.

After the first show ended we decided to leave. We ended the evening at the Hermitage Cafe, the best place to end an evening.

Labels: celebrations, dr gay, food, nashville

• I'm losing my faith in humanity. I mean, y'all are cool, but I'm not sure about the rest of them. Yesterday I had to take some boxes of fruit down to my mom. I loaded them on a cart and met her downstairs. After that as is the nature of these things I had to take the empty cart back upstairs. So I'm struggling with the front doors of my building and this gigantic cart and when I turn around to pull it in the building I see a dude standing there smoking, watching, and softly snickering. Jackass. I understand that these are different times and men aren't expected to hold doors for ladies or assist them with heavy items but damn, you could at least not watch and snicker.


• I'd like to have a night without crazy vivid dreams. I won't share details, but when you get to the point where your dreams are not only film-like but also have alternate endings, well it's just weird.


• A couple of years ago I was told that the movie Gigantic was excellent and if I watched it I would go dig out my old They Might Be Giants tapes. He was right, but I'm wondering if anyone actually bought a TMBG tape in the late 80s/early 90s. I had dubbed copies of Lincoln and Flood, everyone I know who had this tape also had dubbed copies. I'm not sure who had cassette zero but it would be fun to trace the lineage. It's stealing music which is ILLEGAL, children, but I like to think that TMBG would be good natured about the whole issue.


• Today at work no one's going to get anything done because it's the last day before a four day holiday. What do you have planned? Tomorrow I go buy skates! hooray! Let's hope I'm successful. Also planned is a trip to the maternal side of the family on the East side of the state, church, cholesterol laden breakfast casserole, bowling. Oh, and running around town with Dr Gay!

Labels: celebrations, family, food

I can't get away from work. I had a dream that my boss gave me the assignment to figure out how to more efficiently use human capital and office space. I told her to change the clinic hours (which would also allow us to serve the night shift every day instead of just once a month) and allow folks to work three twelves. And then we went to krispy kreme.

Did you know that in my dream state's krispy kreme they still have devil's food donuts? and the hot light is always on.

Labels: dreams, food

I blogged previously about a cool book about Welles and Hearst that I received. The mystery has been solved, and I would like to say that it wasn't exactly a mystery, as only one person knows me well enough to know of my love of Welles vs Hearst, that's Angi. Thank you Angi! This book has been moved to the top of my queue (PS check out RKO 281).

Speaking of birthdays Friday night I finally got the cake. It's a delicious Red Velvet from the Sweet 16th. Did you hear the angels singing? Yes, they are exalting the beauty of the cake.

Denny to the left of me, flashy to the right,here I am stuch in the middle with YOU.

Anyway, getting back to birthdays. Last night Mandy took me out for my birthday dinner at Battered and Fried, which, contrary to what the name may imply had some absolutely amazing sushi. We then enjoyed red velvet cake and a Discovery channel special about removing a parasitic twin which nearly caused the red velvet to make an unwelcome return.

I then came home and promptly fell asleep on the couch waiting for Saturday Night Live to come on. I had kind of wanted to make the trip to The End for some fine music but it was not going to happen.

Labels: books, food

I've never hidden my love of Ghostfinger. I love them. I don't think I've seen them in several months and I'm glad to have them back. Last night they performed at the Basement. They started with Rock. Now, you may ask how they can start with Rock? Where can they go from there? Well, all over the place, my friends.

There was something wrong with the sound, though. Or maybe it's just that I forgot my earplugs. My ears are ringing, I'm getting old I suppose.

So then I came home and enjoyed some of my missed thanksgiving desserts. Holy crap, the best apple pie I believe I've ever eaten. Seriously. Did he use granny smith apples? It didn't even need ice cream, that's how good it was. Criminy.

Labels: food, music, nashville

I finally decided on what to eat for dinner (listen to podcast #31, coming soon) so I call my mom to ask if a recent management change means a menu change. No, but then their menu is very limited--see, they've closed. CLOSED. Now this sucks, I will list the reasons below.

• They had some of the best pizza in the world. BEST.


• When there were Titans home games they ran a shuttle service. This involved a plus motorcoach, a keg on the coach, and a meal once we got to the game. This meal was often their amazing pizza.


• NTN, the TV bar trivia.


• Pool and darts.


• Amazing pasta.


• Food food food. Great food.


• This has nothing to do with my food but my ex-bf used to come out to the Acres on friday nights. We'd start with a dinner and trivia at the sports bar and then home for a movie and VAlley of the Dolls night and other stuff I won't mention here. Those were good times.

Labels: drama, food