Summer Party Pictures

Some pictures from Saturday's festivities.

 Part of the spread - yum!

 The birthday boy (on the left) getting a birthday kiss.

 The crab table!

 He completed a Rebel Race earlier in the day. He was pretty hot and tired!

 Slippin' and slidin'.

Everybody wave to the camera!

Naptown BarBAYq Festival

Yes, I realize that's an awful picture. I forgot my camera and had to resort to my cell phone. Boooo.

Buppy, the kids and I headed down to Naptown (Annapolis) yesterday afternoon for their annual barBAYq festival. Any festival known for it's food seems like a good idea to this gal! So . . . it was alright. It's a huge festival and is only $5 per adult at the entrance. Kids 10 and under are free, and they have tons of bouncy things the kids can play on for free - winner!

The food was alright. I mean the BBQ, like that pictured above, was pretty good stuff. But I had 2 issues with things in general:

1.) Of all the food vendors in attendance, only 5 or so were actually selling BBQ to the public. It was a competition, and there were quite a few competitors cooking. Sadly, the majority were there to simply compete, not sell to the public. A BBQ festival where one can only sample from such a small number of vendors was disappointing.

2.) Sampling. I really wish they'd offered 2 bite samples for $2, or something along those lines. I wanted to nibble on all sorts of BBQ, not be full after a sandwich because I couldn't purchase anything smaller. C'est va lie.

We spent several hours there and got some nice sun; it was a beautiful day to spend outside. When the kids weren't bouncing around, I sat on a hill, watched them run around and listened to several of the 32 bands that played throughout the day.

Overall, it was good time. I just needed more BBQ to sample and smaller, bite sized portions of it. Hopefully everyone else had a great weekend, too!

Something To Be Thankful For

Photo courtesy of this website
Not having insurance hasn't really been an issue for me as an adult. Sure - I've had it at past jobs and not had it at others. I realized just how much it affects me last Friday though when I had a doctor's appointment. I paid out of pocket for the visit itself what wasn't too expensive. I found this doctor through a friend, and she's the only one I could find who'd see me without insurance. She was completely awesome and reasonable - double winner! However, they then sent me off to a diagnostic lab for tests . . . can you say sticker shock?! I can't tell you what exactly these tests were for; all I know is she ordered 5 for my thyroid. At the first diagnostic lab I visited, here's the breakdown of cost:

$145.35
$115
$59.59
$215 (for one test!?!?!)
$138.48
$18.14 (the 'we stick you with a needle fee')

If my handy-dandy calculator is correct, that's a total of $691.56. Eeeekk! But . . . the nurse who priced this out for me sat back, looked left, looked right and leaned in. She then whispered, "If you go across the street to the lab in the hospital, they charge about half of what we do. But . . . you didn't hear it from me." My jaw almost dropped. There are still good people in this world!! She kindly gave me directions, so I took my sticky note with the prices along with my test request paperwork and headed across the street. Their jaws dropped when I told them that the 4th test alone (something to do with vitamin D, I think) was $215 at the diagnostic lab I'd come from. Here's the breakdown at the hospital, in the same order:

$45.50
$34.10
$17.70
$30.30
$60.70
$8 - $9 (their 'we stick you with a needle fee' was estimated to be this)

You don't need a calculator for this folks. A quick glance shows that I paid a little less than $200 as opposed to almost $700. Whew. I feel like I need to get the nurse who directed me across the street some type of thank you as I hadn't even thought about going to the hospital. I'm very thankful for people like her, and for my friend who hooked me up with a doctor. Thank you!

Six Flags for Free

Photo courtesy of Amtrak California

Today, after Buppy gets home from Tiny Tot #1's first lacrosse game, we'll be heading south for a visit to our local Six Flags . . . for free! One of Buppy's previous coworkers (now retired) still works security for the park, so generally when we go, our visit is free. Today happens to be one of those days. Apparently it's vendor appreciation day, so we wound up with tickets. We have 10 or so, and Buppy's coworker who wanted 5 never got back to him about when/where he'd pick them up. It's just Buppy and I going today - what a waste of free tickets! Oh well. Today also marks the first day the park is open for Spring Break, but I'm hoping it won't be overly crowded. After the park, we plan to stop by Red Robin for dinner. I still have a free burger waiting for me since my birthday was this month. Hate to waste that! And Buppy can then have his favorite buffalo chicken tenders (which I admit are pretty tasty!). All in all, today should be a pretty great day. Now . . . off to shower. Have a great weekend everyone!

Good Times, Not-So-Good Times

Today, I have admitted defeat. Apparently, it's not my week. I suppose we all have those "days", but Monday, Tuesday and today were all like that. I won't go into great detail here and throw myself a pity party, but lets just say today I accidentally deleted our office printer from the server. Had to call for outside support, and he took over an hour to get to us. Yes, it was fixed by the end of the day, but I felt awful. Hopefully though (knock on wood!), the last 2 days of this week can only go up. I really hope that's the case.

My sister and a friend of hers are coming into town Friday night, staying all weekend, and driving home on Monday. I'm excited to see her; we usually coordinate vacations so we see each other 2 weeks out of the year. It's not enough family time, but what can ya do? I have a rotisserie prime rib roast planned for Friday night, along with some oven roasted veggies and probably mashed cauliflower. Haven't planned the rest of the menu yet, but I'm getting there. Her birthday is Sunday, so some type of fun dessert will make an appearance. Be sure of that.

I need to get back to posting about great deals and recipes. I miss both; not that both aren't still happening around here, it's just that I'm slacking in the writing department. If only this blog were a money maker. I'd be golden.

Below are a few pictures from our Random Nice Day BBQ Buppy and I hosted last Friday night. It was completely impromtu, planned on Wednesday afternoon. Turned out fantastic though. I love simple things like this.

A fellow firefighter of Buppy's and his gal. Her face is priceless, no?!

Gluttons for punishment that we are, we decided picklebacks sounded like a good idea. Personally - I drank my scotch straight, no chaser. Tasty!

Buppy refused the scotch and instead chose Tuaca. Yummy, too!

Singing in the kitchen. Apparently it was a good song, but neither of them can remember what it was.

No clue why one looks so hardcore - it's just his style. Good times were had by all!

Excited for Philly-Filled Weekend

There aren't many nights this week to menu plan for. Buppy and I are both sick today, so the kids will likely get mac 'n cheese for dinner. Buppy works 2 overnights this week instead of his customary one, and we're going out of town Friday after work through Sunday evening. That leaves me with Wednesday, and I already have 2 pieces of meat we need to use up. Easy peasy.

So . . . very excited for this weekend. My birthday is next Monday, and while we usually throw a nice shindig at our house, we decided on something different this year. Living where we do (central Maryland), we have quite a few options close by to explore for a weekend. We're taking this weekend and heading to Philadelphia. There have been numerous restaurants from Philly featured on Food Network and/or the Travel channel, and I plan to test out a few. I know a classic Philly cheese steak will make an appearance at some meal, however I'm a bit more excited to try a roast pork Italian sandwich (roast pork, broccoli rabe and cheese) from Tony Luke's. From the  moment I first saw this sandwich on a FN show, I've craved it. And now it's almost here!

We have no plans set in stone and plan to play the weekend by ear. There are definitely sites that we'd like to see while there, like the Liberty Bell, but we can figure out more of an exact schedule when we get there. Plus, since we plan on walking a lot, the weather will come into play, too.

The following weekend I'm planning a trip to either the King of Prussia (shopping!) or NYC to meet up with an old roommate from Wisconsin. Following that will be NYC for the St. Patrick's Day parade. Thank goodness for my hotel discounts or I'd never be able to afford this kind of travel! 

There. A quick blog post. I'm trying not to be so MIA here, but between work, the gym, cooking and traveling, it's hard to find the time. So is the struggle of every adult I suppose - not enough time!

Happy 2012!

In Wisconsin until Tuesday, but I wanted to wish everyone a happy new year! May 2012 be our best year yet. Stay safe in your celebrations!

Any resolutions up for discussion? My list isn't incredibly long, but there are few things I'm planning to adjust and goals I'd like to meet this year. That post, my friends, will come shortly. Until then, enjoy the first day of 2012! I finally got my snow here in Wisco, so I'm quite content. 

Christmas

Buppy and I don't really exchange gifts at Christmas (or birthdays for that matter), but it's fun to get something small for each other. I guess we say we won't get each other anything, but we always find something fun to show each other we care. This year, I was lucky enough to receive a new cut glove for my mandolin (Buppy accidentally cut mine last month, but at least it saved his hand!!), a pecan snipper (which I've wanted since last Christmas when I got an ice cream bucket of pecans from my parent's orchard and I have no way to crack them) and a restaurant gift card for a place we frequent. Yay! For Buppy, well, I was torn between an iPod (since he's becoming a regular at the gym and doesn't have one) and a panini press, which he's been desperately wanting. Since I couldn't decide, he received a charcuterie gift basket. We enjoyed some for lunch on Christmas Day, and he'll take some to work tomorrow for lunch. I think we'll still have cheese left over, too. Good thing, because the 5 year aged gouda is AMAZING.

Top left kind of under the bowl and working our way over: Tuscan grilled ham, ciabatta bread, peppered salami, more bread, Breton crackers, fire roasted pork, more bread, 5 year aged gouda, more bread, a 1st place winning buttermilk blue cheese, truffle ham with herb and my homemade olive tapenade. Trust me when I say it doesn't get much better than this. And here's the picture with Buppy being the "I'll sneak into your foodie picture" ninja! I love when he jumps in.

Well, my family Christmas will be over New Year's - I'm flying home after work on Wednesday and will fly back to Maryland late next Tuesday night. I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Christmas 2011. Happy *safe* New Year's all!

Happy Holidays

My, my, my - where does the time go? I swear just yesterday we were hosting my stellar birthday party (which was in March), and here I turn around and we're less than a month from Christmas. Obviously when I was younger and people told me time flies by quicker the older one gets, they weren't lying. And I'm not even old yet!

If all goes as planned, 2 week from now I should be soaking up the warmth of a wood stove and the love of my family at our house in Wisconsin. This will be the 2nd year in a row I'll be making the trip back, which is nice considering the 1st 2 years I was out here I didn't get to go. My dad and brother are already there, and my sister and my mom will arrive around the same time I do. I'm completely stoked for the time there, although not so much for the drive. Speaking of which, I have to check plane fares tonight to see if I can book something that works with my timeline and won't break the bank. Update: flying this time of year will break the bank.

This weekend I'll begin my holiday baking. I have so many ideas for things I want to make it's ridiculous. There are certain staples my family will expect, but I always like to try out a new recipe or two just for fun. I'm happy to say they generally don't disappoint.

Tomorrow is the holiday party at the cycle shop that sponsors the Hogs and Heroes chapter Buppy belongs to, so we'll head down there in the afternoon to meet up with friends and enjoy some good food and company. I'm making chicken fajita dip, which is a recipe I tested out at our summer party. I hear it was great - it was gone before I got a bite. I thought I posted the recipe, but apparently I'm wrong. Once it's made tomorrow, I'll have to snap some pics and post about it.

Also on the agenda this weekend? Finish Christmas shopping, go grocery shopping, hit up the gym, laundry and possibly find a salon to touch up my highlights. Whew, I'm exhausted just thinking about it all. Happy Holidays!

Quick Pics from NYC

I didn't take a camera with me to the Iron Skillet Cookoff in NYC, but here are a few more photos from Buppy's phone. What a phenomenal night!

A steak pinwheel that was jam-packed with yumminess, including bacon and Asiago cheese. It didn't win, but it did in my book.

Marc Murphy's cod cake. The cake by itself wasn't as good as I'd hoped, but when eaten with the sauce and greens, it was very tasty.

Crazy taco guy and I.

Crazy taco. Please don't ask what's in there, 'cause I sure can't tell ya.

Almost Fantastic Overload

This is the Nicole Miller Square Neck Metallic Sheath I'll be wearing to the World Cares Center fundraiser Monday night. This will be by far the most chic event I've ever attended, and I wanted to bring my 'A' game. I think this dress will accomplish that while still allowing me to wear it on the NYC subway if need be (while not dragging on the ground)! Plus, I get to see (and maybe even meet!) a real Food Network star.

Not only that, but while I'm up in that area, I'll get to see the new house my long-time BFF recently purchase in Stratford, CT. Can't wait to see her, her hubs and the house. Love ya Rhi-Rhi!

Completely, 100% psyched for this weekend.

Kitty Sitting - Day 1

As I said in the previous post, Buppy and I are kitty-sitting for a week or so for my boss. I brought her home last night after we lost (then finally found) her in our sales office. Yikes! A little kitty cat lost in a 240+ room hotel with over 32,000 sq. ft. of meeting space --- not an easy job to find her!

She was very lovey-dovey and wanted constant attention at our sales office, which my boss said is her normal nature. She did not appreciate the 45 minute commute to my house in her carrier. Sorry Olivia, not my fault. And since she got here last night, she explored the house, slept in the papasan chair for while, slept in another recliner, then moved back to the papasan. As we speak, I picked her up and moved her to the couch with me, but all she wants to do is sleep. No lovey-dovey. No need for attention. Her attitude is more of an "eh, whatever" than a need for human contact. Not at all what I was told she's like. Strange.

Well, I have things to do, so we'll see how she progresses over the next week. Adios!

Temps Are Fallin'

I love that we went from a high in the mid-80's yesterday to it currently being 55F at 7:30pm. No, seriously, I'm lovin' it. Fall is my favorite time of year, followed closely by Spring. I get to use my oven again (without feeling guilty)! Bust out the sweaters, breakout the knee-high boots and settle into some flannel sheets. The forecast looks as though we're in for some more 70's within the next 10 days, but I see no more 80's in sight. Ahhhh.

On a separate note, work has been crazy busy this week. The county public schools just came back into session, and we're contracted to hold all the staff meetings at work. It really tickles me pink when they call the day prior and request numerous changes to set up, food and beverages and AV. I realize I can't complain though; I have a job I enjoy for the most part when many others are much less fortunate. I just constantly have to remind myself of that fact this week as I seem to be surrounded by stupidity.

This weekend we have no major plans. I'm looking forward to keeping busy in the kitchen, and we're also kitty-sitting for my boss. I haven't had a kitty in so long; I'm really looking forward to it. Buppy? Not so much as he claims he's allergic. Whatever. He has plenty of allergy meds I've scored for free, so he should be fine for the next 10 days. 

Alright . . . off to finish my movie!

Never Forget

It's hard to believe it's been 10 years. I can easily remember where I was and what I was doing, as I'm sure most of us can. I am praying for those who have and are fighting. I am praying for those who have been lost. I am praying for peace.

I will never forget.

Today is my Grandpa's birthday as well --- an amazing person who is greatly missed. I love you Grandpa.

It's Never Boring

Just when I was about to ask the question 'what else?' to Mother Nature, she threw more at us here in the land o' the merry. Did I mention it's all been within a 2 week span!?!?!

Earthquake? Survived.

Hurricane Irene? Check-check.

Now? Flooding.

I'm pretty sure I can't take my normal 'back way' to work tomorrow; I almost didn't get through today due to high water. That means hitting the beltway. In rush hour traffic. In the rain. Oh help me now; might as well call out sick tonight.

If this is any indication of some crazy winter weather we're going to experience, we're in for a doozy. Hopefully that doesn't mean us getting more snow than Wisco (again!), but only time will tell. 

Now? I need to go collect more wood.

Visiting Connecticut

Hello from the great state of Connecticut! This will be a short post as I am only waiting on Buppy to shower and shave before we head out to explore Bridgeport. Not the nicest area one could pick for a mini-vacay, but we're here. 

Super Duper Weenie, which has been featured on several Food Network shows, is just one town over, so I see a trip there in our future. Possibly tomorrow on our way down to Jersey or later this afternoon.

The trip up wasn't too shabby. We made unbelievable time until we hit NYC, then things slowed a bit. All in all though, we can't complain. We were smart enough to pick up several books on CD (thanks Buppy!) before departing, and those always make the time fly by.

At 7pm tonight, one of my bestest best friends is getting married on a beach in Fairfield. A cocktail reception will follow, which I'm sure will be amazing because I found out last night that the bride made all the food (minus the cake) herself. Plus the couple recently bought a house, both have full-time jobs, and we all survived a hurricane. That's a lot to take on!

Ah yes, dear Irene. She seems to have knocked out power at the pavilion where the reception is taking place, so hopefully the generator is enough. It's going to be a small, intimate wedding with approximately 75 guests. I'm so happy for my girl!

Pictures will follow soon, along with more posts. August was a super busy month for Buppy and I, but we did some really fun and interesting things. We still have free Six Flags tickets to use as well as discounted tickets to Hershey Park; it's great to know people who are connected!

Here's hoping everyone has a safe Labor Day weekend; get together with friends and family and enjoy! I know we're going to!

A Birthday, An Earthquake & A Hurricane - Oh My!

First of all --- a HUGE happy birthday to my wonderful mother today. Love you much, all the way up in Alaska! So glad we were able to chat, and just to let you know, you're my hero!

Now, a quick update to say that we all survived the random earthquake that shook, rattled and rolled us yesterday, Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011.

I was at work, as was Buppy, when it struck just before 2pm EST. Apparently the epicenter was Mineral, VA, and since Buppy is about an hour south of my work, he definitely felt it stronger than I did. He got much busier (working for a fire department in an emergency situation can do that to a person), while my coworkers and I simply decided to chat it up for the rest of the afternoon.

No damage to our home or my workplace, although there was some structural damage where Buppy works. A coworker near my hotel said her house shook enough to break some dishes displayed in a hutch. Didn't feel strong enough where I was to cause that, but who knows.

I thought it was the first quake I could say I survived, but Buppy correct me, pointing out that we were hit by a small quake a year or so. At that time, I was sleeping and woke to the bed shaking, leading me to believe Buppy had fallen out of bed (how funny would that have been?!). Truth be told, he was in the bathroom and nowhere near the bed when it happened. Regardless, I can now say I've survived 2 earthquakes. In Maryland. Sweet!

This weekend, Irene is a potential threat as well. I think Mother Nature is having fun with us here on the Eastern Seaboard. The dedication of a memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. is currently scheduled to take place on Sunday, and tens of thousands are expected at the National Mall in DC. Here's to hoping for a safe weekend.

Safe Travels

I'm so glad I was able to make it home to see most of my family this summer. While my brother couldn't make it, my mom, dad, sister and I all had a great time. We went to Door County (tourist trap, but fun nonetheless), went swimming, went out for prime rib and just hung out. Oh yeah, and they grilled me brats --- yay brats!

Anyway, my mom leaves to head back to Alaska for another school year tomorrow. She flies out of Green Bay about 15 minutes after the entire Green Bay Packer team is scheduled to fly out of the same airport on their way to DC. Ugh. I hope the wait and security aren't too much of a bear for her.

Point of this story: my mom is an amazing, smart, funny, talented and giving person (who can really cook, too!), so I want to send her a huge shout out for her trip tomorrow. I think it takes about 22 hours or so for her from start to finish, and I wish her nothing but clear blue skies, no delays and no baggage lost. Love you mom --- travel safe and I can't wait to hear from you when you land safe and sound in Marshall.

Recovering From Vacation

Well, vacation is officially over (has been since Sunday evening when I landed back in Bmore) and I'm almost completely settled back into work. Good thing, too, because I've taken over duties for our social catering sales person for the entire week, plus those of our corporate catering sales person for today, tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday. Between 3 emails to monitor, 3 voicemails to check, my normal work load, incoming phone calls, non-appointment clients and an insane RFP (request for proposal) I have to complete by Tuesday, I'm almost wiped. Almost. By the time the bid (proposal) is complete, I'm pretty sure I'll be 100% spent.

It didn't take long to break back into the swing of things work-wise. It's definitely taking longer to unload my suitcase and do/fold/put away laundry. My toiletries still aren't in order, but I don't care. Honest. As long as I can find my deodorant, brush and perfume each morning, I'll survive. 

Saturday is the fundraiser for the charity organization I belong to (where Buppy works). It's unfortunately slated for a day where there are several other large events in the area, so we have no idea what type of crowd we'll draw. We're hosting a beer pong tournament, but no, it's not simply a drunkfest. We actually put water in the cups for play, not beer, per official beer pong tourney rules. Yes, there is an official beer pong tourney organization --- crazy, isn't it? Well, anyway, Buppy and I will both be working the event, along with 1 other person, and we have to take the kids too. Should be an interesting day. I'm taking the camera and will hopefully have some fun shots to post next week.

Other than settling back in, there isn't much new here. I have to menu plan for next week this weekend; my mom helped me come up with some fun ideas while I was in Wisco, so thanks Mom! I already made the sloppy Joe's, and they were a hit. It's one of the first recipes she ever taught me, and it's as delish as ever! Oh yeah, not mention super simple, so I'm all for it. 

I have a few vacation pics, a few new recipes/pics and some random posts I need to work on soon. I've been a slack-a-saurus again blog-wise. Shame on me. Off I go now to try and finish the arduous process that is unpacking. Wish me luck folks!

Missing - Mary Hilliard

UPDATE: Mary was found safe & sound on Thursday evening after the flier was released. Whew. Prayers answered.

I may not have a million readers, or a hundred, or even ten, but this girl is missing, and she and her family are very near and dear to us. She lives in the Glen Burnie, MD area and has been missing since Sunday, 7/10. It takes just one person in the right place at the right time to bring her home, so please, if you see her, call the number on the flier (or me, if you know me personally). There has been talk about the company she is keeping and if they are gang-affiliated, so we're saying prayers that we find her soon. Thank you to all for even taking the time to read this post.