Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Is it Just Me, or Does Today Feel Like the Longest Day of the Year?

Hey Y'all!

Well, I hope you are enjoying our extra long day today. If you didn't already know, some government thingie somewhere decided that we needed to add an extra second to 2008 to catch up with the Earths axis and it's spin. Whatever. So if today seems like a really LOOONNNG day, now you know why!


I know that some of you out there are getting ready for a New Year's shingdig. New Year's is really not my thing. I don't like to be on the roads with the crazy drunken people or at a large party. I usually hang out at home, cook a yummy dinner, and watch Kathy Griffin try not to out Anderson Cooper on CNN. A good time is usually had by all!


For those of you who are going to a dinner party tonight or making a yummy fest tomorrow.. I bring you one of my favorite recipes to end the year with!

Julia Goolia's Yummy in the Tummy, Anyone Can Make This Oreo Fudge


You will need the following...


1 bag of Oreos, 1 can of condensed milk and 1 bag of white chocolate chip morsels. (Hello, ONLY 3 ingredients for this recipe!)


Pour out two thirds of the condensed milk into a sauce pan. Make sure the heat is on "medium to low." We don't want to burn the fudge! Add white morsels and begin to stir. You can add the morsels first and then the condensed milk. It's fine either way.




Then stir until melted into yummy goodness.






Then, take the yummy, melted goodness off of the burner. In a Ziploc bag, add about two thirds of the Oreos in the package. Crush them. Then mix them in to your white morsel and condensed milk melted goodness. Mix well and place in an 11 in by 8 in pan.





Then, put in the fridge to cool for 2-3 hours. Then cut into bite sized pieces, place on a pretty serving dish and you are the life of the PARTY!!!


(The contents of my fridge. Health conscious these days, I am not!)

I hope y'all have a Happy New Year!

:) JKP

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

We're Gettin' Fancy Around Here!

Hey Y'all!

Well, you as you can still tell, I have LOTS of time on my hands! I thought I would tinker around with the ol' blog a bit and see if I couldn't make it a little snazzier and sassier. I use a basic blogger template, but I wanted a little bit more of me on here, so I made my own banner. I may do a few more things, but for now I am happy! Of course, all of this was done with major complaining from Zorro. In fact, he is under my desk right now making all kinds of complaining noises. He also just passed a large amount of gas and I may have to evacuate this room in just a minute. Nope. My man does not play around when he wants your attention! I think I should write a children's book and call it "Zorro, the Dog Who Can Fart at Will." I think my third graders would love it! I'll be right back, I need to run and get some fresh air.

Can y'all believe that tomorrow is New Year's Eve? I was thinking about this past year in the shower this morning and all that has changed. It has been a wild year, one that I am glad to say goodbye to! I have had some good things happen this year (Technology in Teaching Award, Teacher of the Year, starting this new blog and saying goodbye to my old one) and not so good things (my tummy, BUT it's better!). I have a feeling there are lots of folks out there who are ready for this year to end. With all that is happening in the economy and Middle East right now, I think we should just all take a moment and see peaceful thoughts out into the world. We do have some exciting changes to look forward to.. a new president and hopefully a more stable economy. So overall, I am hopeful about the new year.

Well, let me run. Zorro is taking aim again... I'll try and post later...
:) JKP

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Happy Hulu to You!

Hey Y'all....

Well, I may have too much time on my hands these days. Don't get me wrong, I love being on Winter Break... but I may have too much unstructured time on my hands. I mean, I almost bought a ShamWow from an infomercial today!

I have also been perusing the internets and have found the coolest things! For example, do you like to read, but don't have time to get to the library? tired of returning books late and then having to pay a fine? Then check out Booksfree.. it is an online book rental service. It's like Netflix, but for books! They also audiobooks too!

My other favorite thing that I have found over the holiday is a nifty little site called HULU. You may have heard of it, but it is this neat site that lets you catch up on all kinds of TV shows online. For example, I have fallen behind on a few shows like Lipstick Jungle and The Starter Wife. Well, whoop dee doo.. I can find all of my missed episodes on Hulu. It is fantastic and wait for it.. it is free!! So get those laptops ready for some show watching! Also, I plan on adding a Hulu widget to my blog so you can see my shows in queue!!

Alrighty, that's about it here. I've been DVD watching too. So far I have seen Eagle Eye, Traitor, Wanted, Kit Kittredge and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. Up for tonight's viewing are The Dutchess and Ghost Town. Hey, it keeps me from watching the infomercials...and that Pasta n' More looks right up my alley!!!

:) JKP

Friday, December 26, 2008

Best Present EVER!

Hey Y'all!

I hope that each and every one of you had a great and Merry Christmas! I meant to post Christmas Eve, and I had a yummy recipe, but time just got away from me! I promise I will post the recipe later on though!

This Christmas, the fam and I didn't exchange gifts. Normally we draw names, etc. But, with the shape of the economy and the uncertainty of it all, we decided to forgo the gifts this year and just have a huge meal and be thankful for every one's company. We went ahead with the annual Thomy Ornament Exchange, but even that was subdued this year. However, Zoe and Zorro still managed to do some shopping behind our backs! I knew I shouldn't have shown Zorro and Zoe how to shop online! Here's Zorro below getting in on some Christmas fun!





A few months ago, you may remember the post where I wrote about almost electrocuting myself. It turns out, my favorite bracelet was the culprit of my almost electrocution in front of my kids at school. Here is a picture of the bracelet after it's unfortunate contact with an electrical current.



Well, I was really devastated to loose this piece of jewelry. I don't own alot of jewelry, so the few pieces I have, I wear alot. This bracelet is my absolute favorite and I have worn it daily for 7 years. It was a gift to myself and it is actually like a limb on my body. Since it's unfortunate demise, I have felt very undressed with out it. Nothing I wore even came close to replacing it. I visited Handpicked, where I originally bought the bracelet for a replacement, but they no longer made the bracelet or the medallion that was melted. So I have been pretty bummed about it.

Enter the elves, Zoe and Zorro. Look what they gave me for Christmas! No, it's not a Mini Cooper, it's better!




A new medallion! I actually cried! I can not tell you how happy I am to have my bracelet back! I went into Handpicked today, where the nice ladies fixed my bracelet for me. Now it is as good as new!


That is the best present I could have asked for! Zoe and Zorro got an extra treat for that!

I have been spending my break catching up on movies and reading. Yesterday, we tried to have our annual trip out to the movies on Christmas, but like us, a lot of folks had the same idea. We wanted to see Marley and Me, but it was sold out when we got to the theatre. So, today we went to the first showing and it was a lot less crowded. The movie is great and any animal lover will just love it. It does kind of tug at the heart strings if you have an older dog like me, so take lots of tissues. Even the elderly gentleman sitting beside me in the theatre was having an UGLY cry. So be forewarned!

And last but not least... here's a pic of the doggies and me... sleeping off our Christmas fun!


I am off to watch some movies, cuddle with the Z-man and chill!

:) JKP

Monday, December 22, 2008

What Ever Happened to Global Warming?

Hey Y'all,

As I am typing, my fingers are literally frozen. I just took the Z-man for a walk, and it may be a while before I recover. IT IS COLD OUTSIDE! I mean, if it is going to be this cold outside... it could at least snow! Heavens! Never fear, it is supposed to be back in the 70's by Christmas Day. It wouldn't be Christmas in Myrtle Beach unless I could wear my Christmas flip flops.

Today I woke up and forgot that I was on Winter Break. It may have something to do with the horrible nightmare I had last night about having to go to school on Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas. I guess I was really tired last night! I finally got out of the WARM bed, with, ahem, Zorro's urging! I ate my Cheerios and watched the Today show. I ran a few errands.. to the library and to the dump and then came back to the house. Mom and Granny swung by and I went with them to Costco to prepare for The Thomy Christmas Feast. Not to be confused with The Annual Thomy Ornament Exchange. Although, they do take place on the same night! We actually hit Costco at lunchtime which was genius. They have great food giveaways during that time of day. I got to sample some tasty snacks. I also picked up some yummy bruschetta. Yum, Yum! After our trip to Costco, we hit P.F. Changs for lunch. I am still full from that! We actually had dessert, The Great Wall of Chocolate. Oh my. So yummy! I may not eat for a few days now....

This afternoon I tried to take a nap, but I think I have a migraine brewing. I can always tell. I get really sleepy, but can't sleep. I also get dizzy and I have a hard time seeing. So I think I have one about to hit. Uggh. Oh well. Usually I only get migraine's when I have been somewhere loud, like a concert or a bar. I guess Costco just did me in today!

I also swung by the Redbox today and picked out some movies to chill and watch. I haven't made it to the theatre alot this year, so I have a lot of catching up to do. On the menu for DVD watching are Wanted, Traitor, The Perfect Holiday, and The Women. I am getting ready to take a hot bath, put on my jammies and take a migraine pill. Hopefully that will ward it off!

:)
JKP

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Home Sweet Home...

Hey Y'all,

Well, I am back from my road trip to Cola/Lexington! It was a short, but sweet trip! I got to catch up with all of my buddies and got to eat some great food too! San Jose's, Zesto, and Rush's Sweet Tea! Although, my stomach is seriously rebelling right now, it was totally worth it! Bring on the Motilium! That drug has been a lifesaver. Without it, I don't think I would be eating all of the yummy things that I wanted to this weekend!

It was great shopping and hanging out with my friends. Last night we all piled in the car and went and looked at the Holiday Lights at Saluda Shoals in Irmo. It was absolutely beautiful. It was also a little warm, so it was hard to imagine we were in a winter wonderland! However, that is all supposed to change tonight! Our highs are going from the 70's to the 40's tomorrow. Yuck. A good day to stay home and hang out with the Z man on the sofa!

Today, I went and visited my favorite church, Our Lady of the Hills. After mass, I grabbed some lunch at Panera. I wish someone would wise up and open a Panera here in MB. It is so yummy and way better than Atlanta Bread Company. I had the yummy turkey, artichoke and spinach panini. It was great, but my stomach is having issues. I keep forgetting that spinach, is not my friend. EVER. Oh well, it was yummy while I was eating it! On my way out of town, I needed to find a Bath and Body Works to return a gift that a student gave me for Christmas. Y'all know me. I am a Philosophy smell goods girl. I lucked out and stopped at The Village at Sandhill off of Clemson Rd. in Northeast Columbia. I not only got to return my items, but instead I was able to exchange the goodies for a cashmere robe! For free! Yeah me! I am totally in love with this thing. I can't wait to put in on after my bubble bath tonight! Best. Present. To. Myself. EVER! FREE!

Tomorrow, since I am on winter break, I am heading out to pick up some movies from the Redbox to entertain myself for a few days. I also have a few last minute errands to run. However, this weekend I did find my ornament for the Annual Thomy Ornament exchange. This year's ornament is very cute. Pics will follow after the exchange! So that is one less thing I have to do. I also have to pick up the ingredients for this..... it is my responsibility for Christmas Eve dinner. That and of course, picking up Christmas Eve dinner! We are having it catered this year since Mom has the peg leg and I've just been busy!!

That's about it from here! I am a little sad about leaving Cola town, but happy to be sleeping in my own bed tonight with Mr. Z!!!
:) JKP

Friday, December 19, 2008

Blogging From Cola Town..

Hey Y'all,

Well, I took a little road trip to visit Columbia and Lexington and to catch up with some buddies. It's kind of a Christmas present to myself! I had some Hilton points that I had to use before the end of the year, or they would expire, so I decided to hit the road! We had a half day of school today, so I arrived in Lexington about 4:30 this afternoon. I ended up eating dinner with my friend Marie and then off Christmas shopping we went!

It is kind of nice being back, Lexington has changed so much in the 3 years that I have lived here. I came back and visited last January.. but alot has happened here even since then! It is nice to come back and just visit. I don't think I could live here again. I like living at the beach alot, but there is something to be said for the big city too!

Before I go to bed tonight, I must, must, must finish my Christmas cards! I had to go back and order extras because I didn't have enough in the first batch to cover "The List." Hopefully I can put them in the mail tomorrow.

Tomorrow I am having lunch with two old buddies of mine. We all actually taught at the same school together about 8 years ago! I can't wait to eat some Mexican and catch up! After that, more Christmas shopping! Yippee!!!

:) JKP

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Counting Down the Days...

Hey Y'all!

Hee, I am at school right now. My kiddies are watching The Polar Express, so I thought I would take a minute and update the blog! It has been busy, busy around these parts! Besides trying to survive the last week of school before winter break, Zoe and Zorro have been keeping me on my toes! Zoe was evicted on Monday! She got a wild hair and ran away Sunday night. It took me forever to find her! I think because Mom visited with her on Saturday and Sunday she was homesick. Also, I made the discovery that Zoe has been eating Zorro's breakfast! We kept wondering why her tummy was getting so big and why Zorro was begging to be fed at 4:00! Well, I caught her in the act Monday morning. After those incidents, I thought it was best if I took her back to Mom's for a while! Besides, I think she really missed her house and being an "only dog!"

This weekend Zorro is going to be spending time at Mom's... I'm taking a road trip to Cola town! I can't wait to see my buddies and do a little shopping. I am really looking forward to this trip! Tomorrow we have a half day of school, we get out at 12. So after that, I am hitting the road! My buddies in Cola have a full day of school tomorrow, so I will be arriving just as they are getting out of school.

Today is jammie day at school, so we are all in our jammies. I, of course, have on penguin ones... after all, our class mascot is a penguin! We have enjoyed our day of hot cocoa, movies and this afternoon we are having a yummy pizza party for our Christmas party.

Well, let me run... The Polar Express is coming to an end! We are off to make chinese fortune tellers!
:) JKP

Saturday, December 13, 2008

2008 Christmas Card Preview

Hey Y'all!!

Well, the annual Christmas photo is complete! Here is a sneak peek... check your mailboxes this week! They will go in the mail Monday!



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Love ya,

JKP

Thursday, December 11, 2008

My Holiday Memories

Hey Y'all...

Check out these ghosts of Christmas past! To make your own visit Smilebox!



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Monday, December 8, 2008

Get In My Belly!

Hey Y'all!


Well, I kind of crashed and burned after Turkey Day. I think the classroom move just caught up with me! I also had some friends in town that I normally don't get to see, so I spent some of the Turkey Day holiday catching up with them. Also, one of my friends just had the most precious baby ever, so I had to go and visit!


Not to mention that I had a ton of things to catch up on, like grading papers, lesson plans, etc! I even took last Friday off just to chill. I really didn't get to chill... I had to have my mammogram re-done (everything is fine) and I had to take Mom out and about to do some errands. Saturday was pretty much the same (errands) and then yesterday Zoe, Zorro and I took it easy. I graded 10 sets of papers. So now, I can happily enjoy the upcoming holiday season! As you can see.. we are getting quite festive this year. I actually bought a live tree this year. I have never had a live tree in my house! This is my first! I always use an artificial tree. But, this year I really wanted a real one. Zoe and Zorro helped me decorate it Saturday night. And yes, that would be Paula Deen on TV. Yes, I decorate my Christmas Trees while the Food Network is on! I am classy like that!




In other news, I have been cooking too! I found this really easy chili recipe on Kraft Foods and I have made it several times since. The nice thing is that you can put this in the crockpot and let it cook all day. You know me and my professed love for all things crockpot related. Below are the ingredients that you need to make "Julia's Get In My Belly Chili."
You will need 1 jar of Thick n' Chunky medium salsa by Taco Bell, I can of light kidney beans and 1 can of dark red kidney beans, 1 can of tomato sauce, a couple of sprinkles of chili powder, 1 onion and a pound of ground beef.
Combine beans, salsa and tomato sauce in crockpot. *Make sure you drain and rinse the beans first. Then use your handy, dandy food chopper and slice your onion into bits.






Take your onion bits and add them to your ground beef. Brown and then drain. Add to your other ingredients in your crockpot. Let cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8. Garnish with sour cream and cheese. Bake up some cornbread and you have your self some yummy in your tummy chili!


All this cooking wore the boys and girls out.


Finally, a pic with me and one of the cutest babies around. Of course, this one is human. This is me and baby Frank... Mama is my proud friend Kerri.... I say, "Job Well Done!" I went and visited on Saturday and Frank has already gained a pound since this photo Thanksgiving weekend and really doesn't look like this anymore. He is CUTER!!!


I am off to find a Christmas movie on TV and get some Christmas knitting done.....
:) JKP