Saturday, December 23, 2006

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...



Merry Christmas Everyone!


I've got dozens of cookies to bake, lots of packages to wrap, and dozens of miles to go ...
so I'll be gone from the blog until Tuesday.
I wish you all a most wonderful weekend.

(The picture above is NOT an image of my fake fig tree decked out in a single strand
of multicolored lights. No. This is an image of a Christmas tree that my fake fig tree aspires to.)


Blessings to all! Hugs and kisses! Zed~

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Ralph Blane/Hugh Martin, 1943

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us,
gather near to us once more.

Through the years, we all will be together,
if the fates allow.
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.


Friday, December 22, 2006

Bad Christmas Attitude

Only two shopping days left, and I still have five presents to buy. And Saturday I'm baking one of the Food Network's butter cookie recipes for about 10,000 people. Okay, not 10,000, but, say, 9,000. Oh, okay ... for about 35. Still, a lot of people! And that really leaves me with only one day left to shop. Oh ... no!

Every year when Christmas is over, I sigh a big sigh of relief. It's over! Yea! I can move on with my life again! I have such a bad attitude today, and I hope it goes away by Christmas.

Bah. Humbug. And several heart-felt pffts. (I promise to work on attitude adjustment tomorrow. Really I do. I'll get better, you'll see.)


Thursday, December 21, 2006

Chris' Get-together

Chris of Some Guy's Blog (http://andsomeguysblog.blogspot.com/) is meeting up with other bloggers in Chicago on December 29 at 6:00 p.m. Here's additional info you'll need. You'll meet at (in Chris' own words):
Club Lago, on the corner of Superior & Orleans in the lovely River North gallery district. If we decide to bar-hop, we'll leave word with the staff where we went, in case you get there late. This is an open invitation to any blogger, lurker, or anyone else that may want to come out and meet people they only know through the internet.
Of course when Chris spoke of meeting everyone in Chi-town I thought he meant NYC's or SF's Chinatown. But what do I know? I get lost west of Pennsylvania.

Just passing the word. Sounds like a fun!

Lost and Found

I went to another birthday dinner with old friends last night, and on the way there realized my left ear had a full earring attached to it and my right ear had only ... my ear. I had lost one of my gold, diamond, and amethyst earrings. Drat!

Having eaten way too much at dinner, and having shopped my brains out all afternoon, I was exhausted and decided to take a short nap when I got home from dinner. On rising, I went to the bathroom. Okay extremely delicate souls should depart now... Oh, that's right, I don't KNOW any extremely delicate souls. I sat down on the john and stared blankly forward. Then my cat Johnny came in and wanted to be petted. Then Frankie came in too and sat and stared at me. What fun! A good time was had by all.

Placed about 6 inches off to the left and in front of me was one of the cats' litterboxes. Johnny kept butting his head against it, and Frankie scratched madly at the outside surface of it. They were making such a big deal over the litterbox that I actually focused long enough to look at it. IT WAS THEN THAT I SAW IT! (What drama!) Sitting in the furthest back corner of the somewhat "littered" litterbox was some small, small object slightly rearing its head by about 1/16th of an inch. Nah, couldn't be...

Johnny and Frankie kept steering my attention to the litterbox. I looked again, more closely, and it was then that I saw the slightest glitter of a small diamond surrounded by burnished gold peaking its head out of the blue and white CatStep litter. It was my lost earring!!

That litter was about to be dumped tonight and replaced with new litter. And my beautiful earring was about to be thrown in the garbage with it. But my genius should-be-award-winning cats made such a big stink over their litterbox, they may as well have been tap-dancing or doing acrobatic tumbling and pointing to get my attention. Are they not the smartest cats in the entire world? YES, THEY ARE!

I fished the earring out of the litter and washed it with every disinfectant known to humankind. It's back in my ear, where it belongs. And it hardly smells like cat poop at all. :)

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Silent Night, Holy Night, All Is Calm, All Is Overlit ...

Last night, I drove through several areas with incredibly lush Christmas lighting. I'm talkin' over-the-TOP Christmas lighting.

Take a look at the photos below, but keep in mind that these homes can't BEGIN to compare with what I witnessed at one particular house in the tri-state last evening:

http://www.uglychristmaslights.com/2006_collection/hidden_house.html

http://www.uglychristmaslights.com/2006_collection/green_thing.html


http://www.tackylighttour.com/interactive/displaypicture.aspx?pictureId=677


Nice, eh? Well lit? uh-huh. But the stuff you see here is lame compared to what I witnessed yesterday.

What I saw last night was a home whose exterior--every inch!--was covered in lighting. This was a home that can surely be spotted by space shuttles, satellites, and possibly by aliens. Those governmental officials in Area 51 in Nevada might want to copy the lighting pattern on this home if they are at all concerned about alien invasion. I can imagine people on Mars just looking down at it and shaking their heads at the excess of it all.

Sorry I didn't have my camera with me. But just take a gander at the photos and links above and raise that level of lighting to the nth degree. The ones you see here are bad enough (but beautiful nonetheless). The one I saw yesterday will be etched in my memory ... forever.

I personally have one string of lights on my terrace and on a fake fig tree in my living room (pathetic, yes, I know, but need I remind you that I am president of the Pathetic Club?).

How well-lit are you ... or your home?

Christmas Questions for You--Help Please!


The Great 2006 Work Rush Is
Finally ...
OVER...

I survived! I can breathe again. I can enjoy life again. I can blog if I want to. I can continue to celebrate my birthday all week (it's going great... got taken to dinner again last night and am going to a birthday lunch today and another birthday dinner tomorrow). And most importantly, I can begin Christmas shopping...it's about time!

Questions:
1. Have you finished Christmas shopping?
2. Did you buy mostly presents or mostly gift cards?
3. Did you put up a Christmas tree? Real or not real?

Thanks for the input!

Friday, December 15, 2006

The 5 Things You Don't Know About Me Meme

5 things you don't know about me..
Er, thanks Teri...sort of. :)


1. I took a ride in the Goodyear Blimp about 10 years ago, and the pilot let me steer. It was way too cool! We were out over the ocean, and the pilot then cut the engines and we soared and floated through the sky over Boca Raton. It was heaven! I had my arms out the window and could practically touch the passing seagulls. It was so wonderful, I really wish I could do it again.

2. I spent time in both West and East Berlin when the wall was still up. The two cities were in such sharp contrast. West Berlin was bright and alive, with wonderful shopping and sights and the smell of wonderful food from fine restaurants. There were parks and fountains--it was a great place to be. You then crossed the wall to East Berlin and everything changed. It was literally as if a grey wall fell. Everything was dark and dank and grey, the people looked solemn and unhappy, and there were bullet holes in the walls of many buildings still remaining since World War II. I had never seen such a contrast between two places separated only by a wall.

3. I once took a train from NYC to Fort Lauderdale, intending to use the sleeper car to get rest overnight. Just as my sister and I got into our respective beds (the train was in Maryland by that time I believe), the train came to a screeching halt, and we were all told to grab our possessions and get off the train as quickly as possible because the sleeper car we were in was on fire. We got out okay, and they put the fire out, but Amtrak didn't have a replacement sleeper car, so we had to sleep in a commuter car with plastic seats for the next 20 hours. It was awful!

4. I won a writing contest at 17 y/o for a local newspaper, and the prize was an editor's job at the paper. When the editor-in-chief called to tell me I was the winner of the contests, he said, "So you can start work then at midnight tomorrow, and you'll work until 7 am each morning." What????? It was a morning paper--one did not work normal hours on a morning paper. I was a child, what did I know? But at least I know in my heart of hearts that I won. :)

5. Once, at a Girl Scout sleep-away camp, I left a lollipop (accidentally) under my sheets (I was 11-12). I was out all day, came back to the tent after dark. Everyone else was alseep, so I got changed and got into bed. Hmmm. Something bit me. Hmmm. Other things bit me. I felt things crawling on me. I jumped out of bed, lit a lantern, and pulled back the covers. The sheets were no longer white--they were COVERED IN ALL SORTS OF INSECTS! Big ones, little ones! Thousands upon thousands of insects!! Everyone in the tent woke up from the screams, then they all started screaming. It was a total nightmare... Yucka, yucka.

If anyone else passing through here would like to try this, please feel free to go for it. Except for the wench who passed through my site, stole a meme, and then slammed me. Her? She'll have to go somewhere else to steal a meme. Pfft....

They Thought I Had Gone to Editor Heaven

I might have taken things a bit too far.

I've been working so much for so long now (6-8 weeks, 12-18 hours for 7 days per week) that lots of stuff sort of fell by the wayside. Like the mail, like paying my bills, like my laundry (good thing I have enough clothing and underwear to last me about 3-4 months), like food shopping. I've stayed in touch with family and friends who do not live in my building. At least I made an effort to do that.

But I was holding it together until yesterday. It was then that my mailman freaked out and went to the management office to say he was concerned that something bad had happened to me because my mail had piled up for almost 3 weeks (and I had 8 Fed-Ex packages). Me bad.

Then my friend R., the super (I think he has a more formal name than that, like manager of building maintenance, but I'm not sure what it is), called around only to find out that no one had seen me--not doormen, not security guards, not maintenance people ... no one. Now alarmed, R. came to my door Tuesday morning, knocking/banging to get my attention in case I was injured, sick, hurt inside (the building does not have keys to my apartment). But I had left for a meeting Tuesday morning. Of course. I never go out with my crazy workload at this time of year, but I did on Tuesday morning.

Many people became involved in trying to figure out whereI was and what had happened to me (you can go to the garage without ever seeing anyone coming or going, BTW). When I came home I found voice mail saying I needed to call the management office immediately because they were worried about me. I called, everyone was happy that I was okay, and I finally realized it's not nice to make people worry. Especially people who care for you.

Everyone hugged. It was all good. The mailman is relieved (he even threw out all my junk mail, so after almost 3 weeks I had only about 12 pieces of "real" mail).

I'm really very blessed to have such wonderful friends in the people who work in, or FOR, this building. It's a fortress, but a really warm one at times.

Work's slowing down, and I've gotten out a bit yesterday and today. I can be human again, and I think I need to figure out if work, or people, are more important. Truth is, both are important, since I need to support myself, but I'd like to come up with a nice balance of the two.

This weekend is my birthday extravaganza. I'm still receiving invitations for get-togethers, which started today (I was taken to lunch) until next Wednesday. EVERY day I'm being honored. I'm a fortunate woman. And feeling rather blessed.

Hugs!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

It's YOUR Turn!

The CREATE-YOUR-OWN-PARTY Party!

This week, I'm asking you to be creative! Here is what I'm providing. What type of party will YOU throw?

1. A spectacular view (oh, there are better views, but I just LOVE mine) of the Hudson River, separating New York and New Jersey. You'll see lit-up barges and yachts going up and down river.2. A terrace/balcony to make noise and annoy all the neighbors on my side of the building. :)

3. A large collection of rock music from the 70s through the 90s and on into the new century. No heavy metal, but a lot of everything else. Some classical music, some opera, mostly contemporary stuff. The walls are really thick, so feel free to turn up the volume.

4. Hugh Jackman will be visiting as well as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (they're visiting NYC this week), NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former NY Mayor Rudi Guiliani, members of the NY Jets football team, member of the NY Rangers, the prime ministers of Canada and Australia, Joel Madden, Nicole Richie (if she's not in jail), and many other newsmakers and politicians.


5. Cabinets are filled with: pasta (uncooked), frozen tomato sauce made by my Mom (old italian recipe), salad fixings, chicken cutlets, roast beef (gravy in the freezer), crepes, 6 different juices (orange, apple, cranberry, cranapple, vegetable, and grape), milk, butter, butter cookies I made two days ago (delish!), cheeses (hand-made mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, colby),
bread (made from an Italian bakery) and Pepperidge Farm, rootbeer, Coca-Cola. Use whatever you find. I have a regular oven, stove-top, and 2 microwaves.

6. Turn on the Christmas tree lights and the lights on the terrace as night falls.

What type of party will you throw, who will you invite, what will you bring, and how will you dress?? Each person can form their own type of party. Are you getting this???? haha! You can do it!

HAVE A GREAT TIME!

Monday, December 11, 2006

Another Lunatic Cat

This cat looks exactly like Frankie and is just as nuts as she is.

Click HERE or on the image below to see a lunatic cat in action. There's a big "ouch" at the end--hang in there for it.


Saturday, December 09, 2006

It's Country, Y'all

15 Country Song Titles

15. If I Can't Be Number One In Your Life, Then Number Two On You
14. If The Phone Don't Ring,You'll Know It's Me
13. How Can I Miss You If You Won't Go Away?
12. I Liked You Better Before I Got To Know You So Well
11. I Still Miss You Baby, But My Aim's Getting Better
10. I Wouldn't Take Her To A Dogfight 'Cause I'm Afraid She'd Win
9. I'll Marry You Tomorrow, But Let's Honeymoon Tonight
8. I'm So Miserable Without You It's Like You're Still Here
7. If I Had Shot You When I First Wanted To, I'd Be Out Of Prison Now
6. My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend, and I Sure Do Miss Him
5. She Got The Ring and I Got the Finger
4. You're The Reason Our Kids Are So Ugly
3. Her Teeth Was Stained But Her Heart Were Pure
2. She's Looking Better After Every Beer

And the Number One Country Song ---

1. I Ain't Never Gone To Bed With an Ugly Woman, But I've Sure Woke Up With A Few

Friday, December 08, 2006

Three More Christmas No-No's

Another thing I definitely don't want for Christmas ... one of this woman's albums, tickets to her Vegas show, a copy of her memoirs, or a tape of any kind containing her funny-face making:

Celine Dion

I also DO NOT want anything related to these people:

It would be cruel and unusual punishment to remind me of Abba's existence. I wish them well, really I do. But I must say fare thee well Frida, Benny, Agnetha, and Bjorn. There was a time and place for you, but it is over. Go away please. Take up cross-country skiing perhaps? Swedish cooking?

And the final present I will mention today that I DO NOT WANT this Christmas is this silver-plated belly-button brush. Only a solid-gold belly-button brush will do. Because I'm worth it.

The real questions for today are:

1. WHAT DO YOU NOT WANT FOR CHRISTMAS 2006?
2. Do you think Sean Carter will show up again on my blog to spam me?

Thursday, December 07, 2006

2006 Christmas Gifts I DON'T WANT

As Christmas is fast approaching, I feel it necessary to make it clear what Christmas presents I DON'T want this year. They include the following:

I DO NOT want this "color-changing inflatable table lamp." The ad says it "glows in 7 colors." That's nice... You might think it's attractive. I don't. Buy it for yourself, but not for me. Thankyouverymuch. Your grandmother might like it; or someone with no taste whatsoever.



The next item is called the Shockolate Vault. It is "a jar with a difference! Electric shock storage jar for chocoholics--will remove temptation for up to 24 hours!"
DON'T BUY THIS FOR ME. I WANT a chocolate addiction. I LONG for a chocolate addiction. I don't have one yet, but I'm working on getting one. If you masochistically enjoy electric shocks, buy this, buy some chocolate, and have fun!


The next item is a mistletoe headband. What a fun Christmas gift! It is described as " a white furry headband with the words 'Kiss Me' in red and mistletoe design above... One size fits most. Cheeky christmas headgear--fun stocking filler!"
It is ugly, and I don't want a green twig ascending from the top of my head. This is a big NO for me. If YOU want a green twig ascending from the top of YOUR head, go for it. I can give you the mailing address to order it. (Weirdo!)


And finally, I don't want this flashing reindeer nose. I like that they say "This is a gift, it is not a toy."
They say it is a gift as if someone will cherish it for all of their days. I am not that person. But somewhere, some person will say, "What a fine gift (not toy) that flashing reindeer nose was!! Why I remember the moment I got it." And they'll tell funny stories associated with this gift (not toy) item. And their grandchildren will fight over it long after they have left existence here on Earth. Ah, the memories... brings a tear to your eye, no? Sniff.


There are so many more gifts I DON'T want. I'll be back in few days to make it clear. :)

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

1990s ZedStock Party


Welcome to the
1990S ZEDSTOCK PARTY!

Teri as Paula Abdul.

What a great decade! In the 1990s, the Billboard Top Ten were:

10. Because I Love You (The Postman Song) Stevie B
9. The Power, Snap
8. Cradle of Love, Billy Idol
7. Pray, MC Hammer
6. Hold On, Wilson Philips
5. Unskinny Bop, Poison
4. Step by Step, New Kids on the Block
3. Pump Up the Jam, Technotronic/Jam
2. I Wish It Would Rain Down, Phil Collins
1. Love and Affection, Nelson

On TV we were watching Cheers!, Murphy Brown and Designing Women (some even watched Matlock--not me, but someone did!)

Caller ID showed up for the first time, and Snapple became a hit in 1992. Joey Buttafuco jokes came into being in 1993.

Ah, the 1990s!
Put on the costume of your favorite 1990 character and join the party!

Britney Spears with clothes on.

I'm bringing my Britney Spears costume, to be donned in the morning, my killer mashed potatoes and Kitchen-sink Salad! And the music starts playing NOW!

... First up, yes, it's true: Vanilla Ice singing "Ice Ice Baby!" Haha!




Tuesday, December 05, 2006

90's ZedStock Party on Wednesday!

IT'S THE 90's ZEDSTOCK PARTY
on Wednesday!


The party theme is HUGE!!!

You must wear a costume to this party of a well-known 90s figure from politics, music, or science--and tell us what you look like. Giving us a link to a picture of the person you are imitating is fine.

Since the 90s were less than 10 years ago, you should be able to choose a person to impersonate without a problem, no?

I'm coming as either:

1. Britney Spears (the young, cleaned-up, less-cow-like version who kept her clothes on), singing "Oops, I Did It Again."

OR

2. Hilary Clinton (gazing at Bill Clinton with anger and disgust following the Monica Lewinsky debacle).

OR someone else...I'm fickle that way. :) Plan now on who you are coming as!

Now, since I've been missing from the blog so much in the last few weeks, it's possible that I will be totally alone here at Zedstock, so I'll just dress up Frankie and Johnny as Barbara and George Bush and party with them. But I hope you can make it too!

I'm bringing my KILLER MASHED POTATOES, my famous Kitchen-Sink salad, and assorted beverages for your consumption. I've hired a DJ to play 90s music. Please bring a food of some sort when you show up. Thanks!

See you here for the 90 Party on Wednesday!

Friday, December 01, 2006

The Doors Are Slamming ... For What I Don't Know

It seems as if residents in several apartments on my floor are engaged in angry door slamming at one another. The guy across the hall from me slammed his door when he came home at 3:15 am this morning (lovely...) and other neighbors are angry over laundry room usage. Two nights ago something happened concerning the laundry room that caused lots of anger, door slams, yelling, more door slams, and then later MORE door slams. Over laundry. Okay then. Tonight, someone came home at 10:00 and slammed their door with all their might. Is this Inner Sanctum (ah, that's a very old movie!!)? Tell me the truth: It is, isn't it?

First question: Can I come live with one of you for a while, at least until my neighbors all settle down? I don't slam doors and I sit in front of my computer quietly day and night lately. I could NOT be more boring. I'm the perfect guest.

Second question: ARE YOUR NEIGHBORS WELL-BEHAVED? Spill the beans.