Where Have I Been? Don't Ask

I haven't died and gone to Heaven yet. Nor have I left the planet Earth for any other destination--I'm still pretty happy here, and NASA said "Uh, no." Oh sure, just because I vomit in those "weightless" rooms. They're so fussy!

But I've been teetering on the edge of sanity for the last two weeks due to overwork (14- to 18-hour days including weekends--you know, the kind of hours the Japanese sometimes die from) and external pressures, and yesterday I reached the breaking point until I remembered my mother saying as I grew up, "Do the best you can, that's all anyone can ever expect of you." Ah, the wisdom of our mothers! So I'm doing the best I can, nothing more and nothing less.

In addition to the work mess last week, I had a missing relative. We couldn't find my only relative who lives within 2200 miles of me (everyone else is, obviously, far out of state). I began to call around to hospitals in several states, thinking I might find him. Nothing. I decided to call the police and they got back to me that he was in a hospital in South Jersey for the last 10 days with kidney problems. Whew! Not the greatest news, but he was still with us. I spoke to him and hope to see him soon.

Then add to the stress my spending 5 hours of research for a stranger on the Internet who announced on his web site that he and others are going to make a rather risky trip in dangerous waters near me, and I passed on what I believed to be good info to him anonymously, only to have him respond: "I'm five steps ahead of you, pal. What kind of fool do you take me for?" Hmmm. Snotty. Five hours of reseach wasted on a moron. I was actually going to TELL him what sort of fool I thought he was, but didn't have the energy or inclination to deal with him any more. Idiot.

Then another blogger lifted a meme (which I'm happy for her to take--I "borrow" memes all the time), but left a post on HER site saying that the best thing about my blog was the list of links on the right. Another snotty blogger. :) They're everywhere. Lucky us.

So add it all together:

14-18 hrs work/7 days x 2 weeks + 5 hours wasted research + 1 uncalled-for blogger slam = need for a blogging break

But I'm still doing the best I can, nothing more, nothing less. And if the idiot who didn't appreciate the research, and the ungrateful wench who lifted the meme and then insulted me don't like it, well ... here, have some killer potatoes. Clog your arteries a little.

I'm back for a while. I'm sorry I didn't keep in touch, and I hope you can forgive me.

Next Wednesday's Zedstock will involve costumes that you all must wear to be let in. I'll give you more details as we go! We'll have another great Zedstock day!

Thanksgiving Is Fast Approaching--Look! A Turkey!

So what are YOU doing for Thanksgiving?

Are you cooking or catering? Are others helping?
Are you going somewhere? Or are you staying home?
Are you traveling far or near?
I'm invited to a Thanksgiving extravaganza with friends, B&B. He does the turkey, she does side dishes, I do my famous killer potatoes (see post below), and the other 12-18 people (couples and singles) bring desserts, salads, breads, etc. After the meal, if the "turkey enzymes" haven't put us all to sleep, we play BoulderDash and other games.

One year, right after my friends B&B got a new fancy-dancy stove, the turkey wouldn't cook through. Everytime they thought it was done they'd find an area from which blood would pour.
I'm not sure if it was that the oven door was opened too often or the new oven wasn't set to a high enough temperature, but the meal was hours late and there were 21 people wandering throughout the house discussing the possibility of ordering pizza.

Eventually we all sat down to a great meal far into the evening.

There's something about sharing a huge dinner with a roomful of long-time trusted friends--it's warm and very comforting. And Lord knows I love anything that brings comfort and good feelings ... the warm fuzzies are a GOOD thing.

Killer Food

It's going to be a busy day. I've got to gather the ingredients for my super-duper heart-attack-inducing, mashed potatoes that I'm bringing with me to my friends' house. They're having 22 for dinner...

No, my blog is not becoming a recipe/food blog, but I want to share this with you so you may endanger the lives of all of your friends as well.

Here goes:

KILLER MASHED POTATOES for 10-15

Cook up 7 lbs potatoes (peeled, sliced, mashed)
THEN put 12-16 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese (the real stuff, not whipped) into the microwave to soften for about 30 sec. Add to the mashed potatoes.
MELT 1 stick butter, add to mashed potatoes. Add to the mashed potatoes.
Add 4-6 oz. sour cream.
Stir all together well. Place in baking dish and place in oven for 40 min at 350.


Guests will swoon. Some will have heart attacks. Oops. Sorry. But all will enjoy these yummy mashed potatoes.

My Eggnog Obsession

I am eggnog-obsessed. But finding a really good eggnog recipe is not always an easy endeavor.

When the Christmas holidays roll around, I love to go on a search for the best eggnog around to serve to guests and to myself. Yum. Double and triple yum.

Can you help me find the best eggnog by answering the following questions?

a. Do you love or hate eggnog? Or somewhere inbetween?
b. Do you make your own eggnog? Yes or no.
c. My favorite brand of eggnog available at the supermarket is __________________.
d. Do you have an eggnog recipe? Yes or no. And if you DO, please tell me what it is. Or else.

Please put your answers in the comments section, and be sure to include eggnog recipes. Because eggnog drinking is a very very very important thing. It is. No, really, it is.

It's the 1980s Day Party--We're in Full Swing!

WELCOME to the 1980s Day Party!

The 1980s had its ups and downs. It was the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, the Tylenol Murders (tainted bottles of Tylenol killed 7 in the Chicago area), a stock market crash ... On the other hand, we played Trivial Pursuit, computers began to revolutionize the word, and Prince entertained us along with Boy George.

What a strange decade!! Can you name these people (below) from the 1980s (a-e horizontally)??























They were just a few of the unique characters from the time. Here are a few more questions:

f. Who played the role of J.R. Ewing on Dallas?
g. What was the name of the actor who played the father on Family Ties?
h. What was the name of the four actresses in The Golden Girls?

List your answers to these questions in the comments section.

I'm bringing:
my Cabbage Patch doll
my Rubik's Cube (yes, the same one I brought to the 70s party because I was confused)
my Trivial Pursuit game
and lots of food goodies to share (definitely the new Clamato Juice flavors!!)

Let the 80s Day Party begin! What will YOU bring to add to the fun? You may bring food, drinks, music, people dead or alive from the 1980s, animals, insects--you name it!
Come join the party! That means YOU!

Hair Spray in the Eye

I was in a huge rush yesterday in trying to get to the bank and post office before they closed.

As I reached into the cabinet WITHOUT LOOKING to take out make-up setting spray (which for my male readers really is just a mist of water to make fresh make-up stay on longer), I accidentally grabbed my hairspray. Again, not looking, but watching my cat Johnny play-fight with his sister Frankie, I took off the lid and sprayed my entire face with HAIR SPRAY. My eyes were open at the time--and the hairspray was the "strong hold" version.

DOES NOT EQUAL

Needless to say, I didn't make it to the bank and post office.

What dumb thing have you done in using the wrong product? And what were the results? Don't be shy. We KNOW you're dumb.

80s Party Day on Wednesday, November 15

Wednesday is the 80s Day Party in The World According to Zed. Surely you remember the 80s?? Those were fun years!

Remember GI Joe figures?
Or Boy George (Lord, help us all!)?
Or The Breakfast Club?Or Saved by the Bell?

Or the Cabbage Patch doll?
Ah, the 80s! You remember those days--tell us what you remember and bring them to the 80s Day Party on Wednesday, November 15, here on Zed's blog. Please remember to bring memorabilia as well as food, drink, 80s persons dead or alive, music--anything 80s related.

Be there!

20 Million Bread Varieties

I just got back from the supermarket, where I found myself staring at an entire row of bread in every possible shape and variety. It took 5 minutes to find what I wanted amid the zillion other selections. Americans like variety--but this is ridiculous. I'm so pathetic, I only wanted white bread.

So I'm going to ask you to name a type of bread or two. For example: White bread; rye bread. I know we will leave some out because there are THAT MANY!! Try not to repeat the person in who went before you. No matter how many posters name bread types, we will never run out--as soon as we name them, they'll invent a new variety, trust me.

Okay, go for it in the comments.

For Mel

Mel of Mel's Meaningless Rambling has been whining about my non-bloggingness, so I dedicate this post to her to stop the whining. :)

Here's my boycat, Johnny, posing quite handsomely this morning (this picture was by friend Sharon L., who stopped by to show me her nifty new Canon digital camera). Is Johnny not the most beautiful boycat in the entire world? He may have demon eyes in this picture, but his spirit is sweet, gentle, giving, and mushy. If he weren't a cat, I'd marry him.

Back to work for me!

I'm Swamped!

I'll be missing for a few days due to work obligations. I'm swamped, and possibly drowning in the swamp...

Be back Monday!

It's Jen's Birthday Party!!!

Welcome to Jen's (90th) Birthday Party!!

Cake #1 --Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Filling

Cake #2 --Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Filling

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Je--ennnnnn!!
Happy birthday to you

Jen in her younger days

On Sunday, Jen of Casual Slack is celebrating her 90th birthday in the little tiny, teeny-weeny, little miniscule state of Rhode Island (I'm providing a map so you can find it--it's not easy to find when a state is THAT small!), and you're all invited to join us in wishing Jen the very best on her special day (which is really Sunday, and today's Wednesday, but I'm pathetic, so that explains it!)

We're bringing the finest of presents to her. Mine include:

1. a map of Rhode Island (which has MAYBE two points of interest on it)
2. a magnificent "mansion" on the ocean

3. Her very own Tim Horton's

4. A copy of her friend Angela's new book,
Blog Haiku for the Masses!

I'm providing refreshments, including juices, Coca-cola, Clamato products, and Tim Horton's coffee--and we're having cake later! Bring whatever you see fit: food, beverages, people dead or alive, animals, insects, you name it! And don't forget to give Jen her birthday present when you see her--she LOVES presents!

The party starts NOW for late nighters!! For everyone else, it starts in the morning. Happy Birthday Jen!

A Meme Again--They Never End

1. Where do you live? None of your business. (East Coast, NY-NJ-CT, pick one.)

2. What's the most recognizable geographic or architectural feature visible from where you're sitting? If I told you, I'd have to kill you. And I just don't have the kind of time required for all a long jail term. Let's just say it's big, silver, and cars cross it.

3. Favorite and worst features of the area in which you live. Favorite: The leaves turn beautiful colors in fall. Worst: TOO MUCH CONGESTION.

4. Best local restaurant you've discovered recently. The best Italian restaurant EVER, about 10 miles away. The cook/chef is Brazilian, so that might make the difference. :)

5. Do you follow local politics? No. I hate the nonsense of politics.

6. How’s the weather? The nice thing is, we experience all 4 seasons, so sometimes it's hot, sometimes cool, sometimes it's snowing and freezing, and other times the flowers begin to grow. I don't like Florida because the weather is always the same--hot.

7. And the traffic? Let's not discuss traffic. One Thanksgiving I was 1/4 mile from my apartment and it took 1 and 1/2 hours to get there due to traffic.

8. Best local sports team? Tell me you're kidding.

9. If finances weren’t an issue, would you stay in the same town? No. I'd move to a huge home right on the ocean and beach.

10. During a non-rush hour period, how long would it take you to drive from the northernmost edge to the southern edge of your city/town? East to west? 10-15 minutes?

Jen's Birthday Party on Wednesday

Just a quick reminder that Wednesday is Jen's (Casual Slack) Birthday Party!

You have two days to figure out what you'll buy her as a virtual present and what you'll contribute to the party. Since we're talking only VIRTUAL PRESENT here, the sky's the limit! $1,000,000 present? Fine! Go for it!

Also bring something for the party. I'm bringing/buying:

a map of Rhode Island, Jen's home state
a year's worth of supplies and toys for Jen's cats
a multi-million-dollar mansion along the Atlantic Coast
the position of GOVERNOR of Rhode Island--bought and paid for!
the renaming of Rhode Island to Slackville
a new manufacturing plant for Pfft Brands

Even if you don't know Jen, come on along for a fun Wednesday Zedstock party!

One of My All-Time Favorite Movies...Rudy

Well, this was a mistake... I watched one of my all-time favorite movies, RUDY, this afternoon and my eyes are still red from all my sobbing.

Now I have to stay in for a couple of hours so I don't scare anyone on the street. Drat!

I Aspire to Be a House Cleaner

Well, I cleaned up for the cleaning crew and I'm just sitting here waiting for them to arrive. Today I'm serving them tea and special cookies from Poland during the 60-70 minutes they are here to clean (total work time: 3 people X 1 hour each = 3 hours work).

I think if it ever comes down to it I might become a housecleaner. They make nice money, they get presents throughout the year and at Christmas, one of them talks on the cell phone the moment she walks in my apartment until she leaves, they get tea and cookies every week (sometimes the cookies are homemade), I clean before they arrive, and I supply all ... supplies. Nice job if I can get it.

I Borrowed This from Teena... I Don't Steal

Fine. The truth is, I stole this meme from Teena because:
a. I'm exhausted from wholehearted shopping today.
b. Teena's so easy to steal from.

I dropped several questions because they seemed geared to myspace users...
Okay here it is, now 25 questions long instead of 29:

1. Explain what ended your last relationship? After 9 years, we realized the major personality differences just weren't going to go away. We still clash, and of course he still blames me and I still blame him.
   
2. When was the last time you shaved? I don't shave. I use dipillatory. So there.
   
3. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.? Sleeping.
   
4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago? Just getting in from a late dinner and visiting with friends.
   
5. Are you any good at math? I'm amazingly proficient at figuring the tip. Otherwise I'm far better at other things.
   
6. Your prom night? Which one? Okay, we'll go with high school. I went with the captain of the football team. It was fun, but my hair was about two-feet taller than my scalp, thanks to an overzealous hairdresser.
   
7. Do you have any famous ancestors? No.
   
8. Last thing received in the mail? Instyle magazine. It's so large it took over the entire mailbox and nothing else would fit.
   
9. How many different beverages have you had today? Water, Regular Coke, orange juice...three.
10. Do you ever leave messages on people’s answering machines? Who still has an answering machine? I leave messages on people's voice mail.
    
11. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach? No. I am not 12.
    
12. What’s the most painful dental procedure you’ve had? Wisdom teeth removed.
    
13. What is out your back door? I don't have a back door ... I live in a high-rise. But I have a door that leads to a terrace.
14. Any plans for Friday night? Yes, I'm working. I have a deadline for Saturday morning.
    
15. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair? You mean make it dry from the salt and frizzy? No.
    
16. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns? Yes... from a friend who opened it and had some before she gave it to me as one of my Christmas presents. What a pal!
    
17. Have you ever been to a planetarium? Yes, in Manhattan.
    
18. Do you re-use towels after you shower? Yes, sometimes.
19. Some things you are excited about? My messed up legs are working better every single day!
    
20. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO? Cherry. But I'm not really a Jello fan.
    
21. Describe your keychain(s)? A Toyota Scion symbol, the keys to my apartment, a special security key to the building, a key to my car, a key to the mailbox, and a key for the garage if the remote doesn't work. I have two other keys on the keychain, but I have no idea what they're for.
    
22. Where do you keep your change? In my bag. Or jacket pockets.
    
23. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people? I spoke to 350+ people at my sister's memorial service. She was very loved.
    
24. What kind of winter coat do you own? I have three ... a long black cashmere coat, a short tan car coat and a green ski jacket which makes me look like a giant green marshmallow but keeps me warm.
25. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed? Open ... so the cats can get up and roam around if they want and so I can hear what's going on in the rest of my apartment.

That's it. If you feel like stealing, I'm fine with that. I don't know if TEENA is fine with that, but I am. :)

Future Parties on November Wednesdays

Next week is Jen's Birthday party and the following week, 80's Party Day. There's no way you don't remember lava lamps...

Good times ahead!

Right now, I'm worn out from the 70s Party. For a dead guy, that Elvis sure can sing--and he just won't shut up! His search for Priscilla continues as well. Man, Elvis, get over it. You're dead!

So, I'm going to go shopping today with a friend to Pier 1 (home decor), Ulta (makeup/grooming), Anne Taylor (clothing), Aerosoles (shoes), and Chico's (more clothing). It's the least I can do for myself--I deserve it is my motto.

I'll let you know how it goes. I don't have much to spend so I might have to do vicarious shopping. That works--it's almost as good as me shopping for me!

The 70s Party Has Begun! Come Join Us!

You remember the 70s ... Well ...

Welcome to the 70s Day Party!
brought to you by The World According to Zed

What an error... er, era! Remember this?

Rubik's Cube



Or these guys? Starsky & Hutch...


Or these people?




Mork and Mindy



Ah, such innocent times! Well the party has begun, and I'm providing:

an ABBA hit (you KNOW you want to hear it) Click HERE! or on the picture below to hear S.O.S:

an image of Jane Fonda as Barbarella:
and characters from Star Wars.
Come to the party--and that means you too Dick Small! Let us know what you are bringing everyone: food, drink, people dead or alive, music, videos, etc.

We have refreshments on hand--but we can always use more!! Join in the fun!

UPDATE: And here's a photo of Mr. Fabulous in his prom outfit. My, he's looking ... er... good...


Haha!!!!! The image was created by Sans Pantaloons.