Day 39 - Sis

It's February, the city was ready, so what happened this year to the "it never snow here, snow?!

Day 39 - Lisa

I can't seem to turn my mind off at night.  I keep complaining about not being able to sleep. My friend found this app, so I downloaded it to track my sleeping pattern.  Whew boy!  Very telling. I always wake up and think "but I was just sleeping so good." And sure enough this little app says it's so.  Thankfully, there's been improvement over the last couple nights. Now if I can just kick my night owl tendencies and actually go to bed at a decent hour.

Night 1:

Night 2:

Night 3:

Day 38 - Sis

Ready, set, you've got to be kidding. Is there a battery zapper hidden in this apartment?! I get my mind made up to get started on some exercise and the only thing I work on is finding some new batteries, sigh. Oh yeah and working on not throwing the Wii remote.

Day 38 - Lisa

Sometimes you just gotta get down and dirty!

Day 37 - Lisa

I caved!

Day 37 - Sis

Trip to Spain. Planned once again, after two or three revisions of the schedule that started four or five years ago. I'm just hoping another cancellation doesn't happen because it will be another round of questions of what I want to do. At this point I'd just like to get it over before I become a historic relic!

Day 36 - Sis

SuperBowl pools and the anticipation of possible winnings are one of my favorite things to play but I have to remember, that just like the game, there are winners and losers. I didn't say I had to like it, just have to remember it. Come on March Madness!

Day 36 - Lisa

I was looking at places to stay in Ronda, Spain and came across this picture.  Um no, my mom can barely stand being in Curry Village in Yosemite let alone I pull up to this gem in September.  LOL

Day 35 - Lisa

Blueberries muffins always remind me of a couple things;  1) late night snacks on Mandarin Ave, 2) my sister and her infamous BLUEberry muffins as she would never drain the berries.  We'd all have blue lips, blue teeth and blue tongues.  She was the official baker of blueberry muffins.  Some habits and tastes are hard to break, we still like the Jiffy product mix ones.  The old two boxes for $1.00.  Hey it made our faces blue but not our tummies!

Day 35 - Sis

The long and the short of it is the story of my dog, I can relate.

Day 34 - Sis

Going with what Lisa blogged, I'd like to add to the sophistication of drinking martinis we also must be aware of our fashionista statements. For me, during the Winter season (football), my haute couture is simple and tasteful with three designs; the short sleeve top for those stuffy apartment evenings, the long sleeve, in the understated grey, for cooler evenings while walking the dog and those times of the eye-popping red, for that bit of wild streak in me. These articles of wear also go so well with a martini or beer! Oh I'm feeling so girlie.

Day 34 - Lisa

I have no idea what kind of life my Tia Chickie thinks my mama and I are leading out here in Atlanta but martinis?  LOL  She gave this to us at Christmas.  Pre-mixed different types of martinis because we like to dress up in our pj's, turn on some jazz, sit at our counter and relax when I get home at night after a long day at work and have a few cocktails to wind down.  Next thing you know she'll stop shipping salami's and start sending "Virginia Slims."

Day 33 - Lisa

No, this is not another picture of our dog.  It's a picture of the bizarre white line going down the middle of the picture.  How did that happen?  I have no idea.  I guess I should learn more about photography to understand these weird results just by clicking the button.

Day 33 - Sis

Looks like my daughter is going to have to make a choice soon; buy a trash compactor or stop receiving purchases made and even some she hasn't made!

Day 32 - Lisa

Such sad and shocking news today regarding Don Cornelius.  A flood of memories rushed through my head.  Growing up, it was not a Saturday morning if we did not tune into Soul Train.  We could not wait to find out which guest star(s) would be performing.  What the regular dancers would be wearing.  Seeing the newest moves, trying to guess the Scramble Board, watching the train at the commercial breaks.  It was hip, it was now and it was US!  Us as in represented my cousins, my friends, my neighborhood.  I could relate to the music, the music I love - this was the ONLY place I was going to see it back then.  George Clinton & the P Funk was not on American Bandstand.  We liked Bandstand ok, I liked Dick Clark but what was spinning or going to be spinning on my turntable was on Soul Train.  What 45 I saved up for came from watching Soul Train or listening to KSOL in the Bay Area.  RIP Mr. Cornelius.  I hope for whatever reasons you felt compelled to take your life is now eased.  For everyone else?  I wish you nothing but LOVE, PEACE and SOUL!

Day 32 - Sis

What's that line on my phone screen? Uh oh!

Day 31 - Sis

I have an obstacle course to maneuver through everyday when walking the dog. Along the way we must steer clear of little pine straw mounds that conceal cat poop of which my dog has a real taste for, that's one way to put it. The other and stronger palatable favorite, is chicken bones. Since the South seems to be the chicken eating capital, I am always on the look out for osteo-delights that are scattered at least every ten feet. Doesn't matter if there are trash cans in the area or right inside their front door, people dump them everywhere. So am I missing out or not informed of a particular cult or tradition here?!

Day 31 - Lisa

I was driving home yesterday and noticed this crowd near the railroad tracks by my job.  I was intrigued as to what was happening.  A glance up the road a bit further I saw five fire trucks.  It became obvious these people had all been evacuated out of a warehouse.  Turns out it was a minor fire.  However the crowd reminded me of when I was a kid with my cousins all living in the same neighborhood.  My mom and Tia Madeline told us about the Spanky & Our Gang kids doing all kinds of crazy things that we could do too.  Like all of us gathering at the corner of a street and just staring up into the sky.  Find out how many people you can get to do this too.  Don't say a word while doing it, just look and point into the sky.  Suckers that we were and always up for an adventure there'd we go.  Hours of standing on various corners to get all kinds of reactions; good, bad, funny, outrage, almost accidents with skaters, bicyclists and cars.  Little did we know at the time this was just their way to get us outside, lock the screen doors and do whatever they did in the house.  They claimed it was so they could clean house but the stereo was always cranked up.  Lunch would come and out of the barely opened door would appear "the arm";  sandwiches on a tray and a jug of kool-aid!  With orders to leave the tray and jug by the door and be back home for dinner.  With all the concern my mom could muster would come the following statement,  "I'm only going to call you once."  LOL!   In my best Edith Bunker voice, "Those were the days."

Day 30 - Lisa

I hope tomorrow when I have breakfast at my desk, I do not startle anyone when I have a sudden urge to yell OPA!

Day 30 - Sis

I found this a few days ago while walking the dog. This little box cutter, unknowingly to me at the time, was an omen of what was to come today. Another surprise and unexpected box of goodies from my sister, Judy (Chickie)! Lovely favorite flavors and even an article about a bird that is important to regalia in our tribe. Dang, not even my birthday, what a great way to start the week, thanks Chick. Big (( )).

Day 29 - Sis

I buy a Sunday issue of the paper and the fact that Sunday brings more in depth news of the world and local issues, it also has a slew of coupons. No, I do not use all of these, some go to others who can benefit from them. I have found though as in yesterday, that carrying them to the store or having your daughter hold them in her pocket until paying, if you don't hand them to the clerk at the checkout stand, you can't save, say $5.45 off your grocery total! :-(

Day 29 - Lisa

Starting to plan our first whole week long vacation in New Orleans in August.  Yes August, I know it's crazy hot and humid at that time but it's the only time my sister can get vacation. I live for planning trips; looking up hotels, tours, activities, restaurants and scoring a good airfare.  I'm so excited that the four of us (Steve, Yolanda, my mom and I) are getting to do this together.  I can't wait for them to experience "Nawlin's."  Just looking at the pictures below makes me feel happy.  I can close my eyes and feel myself in the Quarter hearing the music and smelling the good food.  CANNOT WAIT!  When we go it will be during the Satchmo SummerFest (the tribute festival to Louis Armstrong) and the Coolinary Days. That's when all the best restuarants serve their 3 to 5 course meals for $20 lunches and $35 dinners.  Heaven!

Day 28 - Sis

Finally received the calendars I ordered, one for the kitchen, one for my bedroom. I always enjoy a Norman Rockwell drawing and am still in awe of his talent. Elvis was my heartthrob when I was 12 yrs old and the early days of his career will be a reminder of that time period for a full year. I'm fond of the big day squares to write appointments, birthdays, visits, upcoming tv shows, date of plays or vacation notes. I know there are ways like digital, desktop and organizers to record these events but I like my own personal way of doing it. January's almost gone and I'm looking forward to that new view in February!

Day 28 - Lisa

I got all excited this week.  I was driving home from work and seen a van with a logo that read, "Skip's Chicago Dogs" on the side.  In small writing it said including "Chicago Italian Beefs."  OMG!  I have to try this place.  If there is one thing I miss about Chi-Town it is the taste of those delightfully smoldering hot Italian Beefs.  I loved them so much (yes this is an unhealthy obsession with food) I have worked to master my version of an Italian Beef, even special ordering the peppers online.  I email my mom - LOOK!  I decide that this weekend I "MUST" go to Skip's and give these a try.  I mean it states on the website he is originally from Chicago.  

So tonight my mom, oneeya and I set out to go to Skip's in Avondale Estates.  It's about 20 to 25 minutes from where we live.  Well, Nancy my GPS voice, was a tad cranky I think and sent us on a 45 minute journey into the Hood.  So we were now thinking these better be REALLY good.  Luckily, Skips is a drive-thru as oneeya was now really antsy.  We got our beefs and headed home.  Home only took us 20 minutes.  Grr!  We munched on greasy fries all the way home to keep the doggie happy.

I open the brown heavy paper wrapping, OMGosh it looks so good.  Smells just like Chicago. I take a bite and my ankles instantly swell.  I'm pretty sure that sandwich contained all the salt content my mom and I will need for the rest of the week.  I ate 3/4's and surrendered. What a disappointment.  ;< I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and order from Al's online or maybe Portillo's. Or maybe we need to fly to Chicago.  Well, when it's Spring time, not the dead of winter.

Day 27 - Lisa

I feel like Lucy as in "I Love Lucy" a lot.  Usually Ethel is played by my sister but this time my "Ethel" is a good friend who resides in St. Thomas of the Virgin Islands.  Today I came home to a package on my bed.  I loathe shopping, as in going to the Mall, but shopping online is SO fun.  So I know it was not a shock to my mom to open the door to the FedEx guy handing her a package, I mean it was just yesterday she received the tamale pot.  I did not remember ordering anything from Amazon so before I settled in for the night (put on PJ's and ate dinner) I opened the box.  An Apple TV?  Huh?  Sure, I've wanted one of these but I do not remember ordering.  I exam the receipt over and over.  It states it's a gift.  A gift?  Who?  My sister, nah.  She's not techie enough to think to get me this.  Maybe my boss?  My mom?  Nothing makes sense.  So I go online and pull up my order history on Amazon, maybe with these crazy hours I've been working I completely forgot.  Nothing there.  My mom says, "call their Customer Service."  I do - yes it was supposed to go to me, it's a gift, they will not tell me who the purchaser is.  Alrighty!  After all that I decide to "hook the sucker up."  After about 45min I'm listening to music from my TV, deciding what movies to watch and smiling at the thought of being able to watch 162 SF Giants games from MLB all due to my new Apple TV.  Woohoo!  I gleefully post onto FaceBook about my surprise gift and go to bed happy.

Next morning while still discussing it on FaceBook, my friend Tammy private messages me.  "Um Lisa, that's my Apple TV."  Ding!  Ding!  Ding!  "Oh caca."  I had forgotten that Tammy was having something shipped to me.  LOL!  We do this every so often because a lot of companies will not ship to the VI's.  So she orders, has it shipped to me and then I ship to her.  We are laughing, I'm laughing so hard I'm crying.  She keeps stating, "I never ordered it as a gift."  I, we, assume Amazon had to have made a mistake.  Tammy graciously tells me I can just pack it up USED and ship it to her.  

What?  I'm hooked now.  It's all set-up.  I'm using it.  I love it.  So, I go to Amazon.com and I order her a new Apple TV.  This has to be a new marketing ploy.  Something Amazon and Apple cooked up - Amazon probably gets a kick back for every Apple TV they ship to some random customer "as a gift."  

Oh well, I'm happy and Tammy will be happy at the end of this week.  All I know is thankfully she did not order a CAR!

Day 27 - Sis

Snack or meal for lunch, salsa is always a favorite of mine, also doesn't involve any cooking. Bonus, minimal cleaning up of utensils used in preparing!

Day 26 - Lisa

Tamales in the ATL!  Yeah baby!  I found another pot online and it fits on our apartment stove.  Now I just need a 4 day weekend to get the production line going.

Day 26 - Sis

OMG, woke up feeling like a teenager! I have a zit, remember when this would ruin your day?

Day 25 - Sis

At my age these type shows are not good for my health. Experiencing any aches, pain, flutters, etc., is making me spend too much time thinking of all the diseases or other medical conditions I may have; possibly could be making me a hypochondriac. At least I don't have to worry about two medical issues - pregnancy or prostrate problems. By the way I make sure any shows about mental health are not included on my viewing list!

 

Day 25 - Lisa

LOL!  I do not think this is on the WW plan I keep delaying getting back on.  Um, thanks Mom!

Day 24 - Lisa

"Pooch pouting" cause no one would play with her.  LOL  Poor mama!  It was just a mere 6 months ago she didn't even know how to play.  ;>

Day 24 - Sis

Changing the Billie Holiday lyrics in, "What A Little Moonlight Will Do", to singing, " Ooo, Ooo, what a little sunlight can doo, ooo, ooo!"

Day 23 - Lisa

I'm actually pretty tired of being adaptable.  I've been "adapting" for 4 years now.  Steady, I like the word steady more.  And yes, I continue to feel a bit sideways!

Day 23- Sis

Love eclairs and the blend of flavors, chocolate, pastry and whipped cream, ummmm. Oh wait, went from joyous anticipation to a second day of disappointment. You're joking? Custard filling?! Probably only way for me to cut calories, sigh.

Day 22 - Lisa

No amount of praying to the Mojo beads helped.  Our 49ers lost to the NY Giants.  So now it's an exclusive East Coast Super Bowl with Madonna as the half time show.  Blech!

Day 22 - Sis

And there goes the NFC Championship and many broken hearts. Hope my Super Bowl pool scores hold up better than the game numbers did. Waaaaaa.