HOWDY!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:46:00 +0000

1 cup chopped green pepper (1 large)
1 cup chopped onion (1 large)
1 tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon diced garlic
4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
2 jalapeno peppers finely chopped
2 14-oz cans chicken broth
1 cup water
2 14-oz cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 10-oz can diced Rotel, undrained

In a 4-quart Dutch oven cook pepper and onion in oil over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Add chicken and jalapeno peppers to Dutch oven. Cook and stir for 3 minutes. Add chicken broth, water, undrained tomatoes, and undrained Rotel. Bring to a boil, reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.

Top with cheese and tortilla chips.

Enjoy!

Editors Note: you can make this a veggie version by replacing the chicken with white beans, and corn.

Editors Warning: This is a spicy soup. If that's not something you enjoy feel free to cut out the jalapenos.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (No Bake)

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:43:00 +0000

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (No Bake)

2 cups sugar
1 stick margarine
3 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 cup milk

Boil these ingredients for 2 minutes. Remove from heat then add:

3 cups quick oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix completely and drop by the spoonful on wax paper. The cookies will harden as they cool.

Yield: 20-25 cookies

Enjoy!

Chocolate-chip Cheesecake Bars

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:35:00 +0000

3/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups miniature chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Filling:
2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, salt and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture until blended. Add in the chocolate chips and pecans.
Set aside a third of the dough for topping. Press remaining dough into a greased 13 x 9 baking pan. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Spoon over crust.
Drop teaspoonfuls of reserved dough over filling. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cover and store in the refrigerator.

Yield: 3 dozen.

Enjoy!

Howdy Stranger

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:11:00 +0000

Howdy!

So friends it's been a while since we've last chatted. I have missed you. Let's see if we can catch up.

I turned 25 and freaked out a little bit inside.
We bought my diamond Phi Mu ring which I really want to arrive.
I made fantastic chocolate-chip-cheesecake bars.
Football season has returned.
I'm mildly obsessed with the tv show Mad Men.

I think that's enough for now.

Enjoy!

And so it begins...

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:58:00 +0000

Attention friends and family...

I would like to announce that there are 30 days until my 25th birthday!

Let the countdown begin...

Zucchini Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:30:00 +0000

3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
3 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour (self-rising)
4 tsp cinnamon
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup chopped pecans

Mix eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla at medium speed. Mix flour and cinnamon, add slowly to egg mixture. Fold in nuts and zucchini. Using paper liners fill about half way. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes. Yields 36 muffins.

Variation: Zucchini Bread – pour into two loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour.

The Power of Chocolate

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:27:00 +0000

I'm having a long week. It's only Wednesday. I've just finished eating lunch at my desk while answering emails. I opened a Dove chocolate and read the message inside. "You know what? You look good in red." I sat up a little straighter in my chair and thought I do look good in red. Then I enjoyed the most fantastic combination of chocolate and caramel on earth. So you see friends that little piece of chocolate has power. The power to make my world a little brighter.

Enjoy!

P.S: This is my 100th post. It figures that it would be about chocolate.

Announcements

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:26:00 +0000

1. Marshall’s is an underutilized shoe resource. I’ve been to this store twice in the past two days buying quality shoes at great prices! I love it!

2. L’Oreal Sublime Glow in Fair is a wonderful sunless tanning lotion. It’s designed like many sunless tanning lotions, the color builds slowly over time. The sunless smell is very mild, it dries quickly enough to use in the mornings after your shower. The color is very nice, there is no orange tint, and it’s just enough to break the winter white pallor of my skin. I would recommend this product to a friend.

3. It’s opening weekend for the farmer’s market downtown. I’m very excited!

4. I’m going to be perfecting a Lemon Ice-Box Pie recipe this weekend. Look for the recipe soon.

That is all.

Aunt Beck's Apple Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:09:00 +0000

1 unbaked deep dish pie shell
3 tart apples
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 cup flour
2 tsp. cinnamon

Peel apples, and slice in small pieces. In a bowl mix apples with 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Put in pie shell, cut 1/2 stick of butter into small pieces. Place on top of apple mixture. Mix flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Spread over apple mixture, cut 1/2 stick of butter into slices. Place over flour mixture, this will form the crust for the pie. Cook for 45 minutes to an hour at 350 degrees. Allow pie to sit for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Editor's Notes
1. I used Granny Smith apples
2. Necessary to use a deep dish pie plate
3. Place a cookie sheet under pie while baking to catch liquid.

Enjoy!

Fon-tastic Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:16:00 +0000

So I spent this past weekend having my soul scrubbed in Norman with my best friend and my newest favorite friends. I’m going to be honest here. It was a fun filled weekend; full of laughter, chatter, chocolate, and liquor. On Friday night we had a ‘Weekly Wednesday’ where the new favorites gathered at Erin’s apartment to enjoy a tasty chicken salad followed by decadent chocolate fondue. Picture it – 5 women sitting around a pot of warm chocolate, laughing hysterically, holding our favorite mixed drinks. Soul scrubbing I tell you. Wouldn’t it be perfect if women lactated chocolate? According to Oprah if you write down a list of the things you want in a mate they will be magically conjured up at your doorstep - top of Erin’s list was ass-less chaps. Oh, the howling that followed. Saturday we got to a slow start. The Food Network just hooks you in that way. We finally got ready and my OCD was showing so Erin and I had to drive my truck through a carwash then we stopped by Erin’s office to use the printer and drop off her new plant. I brought her a shamrock for her office. Sidebar: You can’t really kill these things. I’ve had the same plant on my desk for over 2 years. Okay, so we picked up Elisa to go to Pita Pit. I love Pita Pit – fantastic wraps. I really wish we had one in Memphis. After lunch we drive around Norman where I’m in complete and total shock over how much this town has changed since I was here in September. Seriously people, this town is like a jungle. Stay with me through the leap – the town is constantly changing and growing up around itself. Nothing ever stays the same. Back on track now, we drove around Norman looking at potential home investments for Erin. A few were promising, a few were frightening, and a few were obviously meth labs. After a couple of hours driving, laughing, and considering we headed back to Elisa’s house. More chatting on her very comfortable sofa, then we left Elisa for Barnes and Noble. Erin and I walk around BN for over an hour comparing books we’ve read recently and authors we enjoyed. One really pushy salesperson later we’ve got our books heading back to Erin’s apartment. We pickup a movie from McDonalds, Erin will have to walk you through that, and we pick up Hideaway pizza. Yum-o. Elisa came over and the three of us watched Eastern Promises. It was a really stressful movie, but good in a compromising public bath scene kind of way. After pizza we busted out the fondue again, let me tell you that fondue is a trend that I firmly feel should really last this time. Seriously, it is definitely a fon-do! Strawberries, bananas, and ruffles make excellent dipping partners. Trust me. After Eastern Promises we decided to try to break Elisa, so we watched The Best Little Whore House in Texas. She had never had the pleasure of watching a musical about a whore house in Texas before. Erin and I happen to love this movie, we are singing and quoting and I think Elisa may be dyeing a little inside. However, because she has far better manners than either Erin or I she told us that she enjoyed it. We chat a little more then all part ways for the evening. Sunday morning we watch The Goonies while Erin peels about 1500 green apples. She really needs this counter-top apple peeler thing. Then we load up the cars, Erin to OKC and I to Marion. The weekend was exactly what I had needed, it was relaxing, a lot of fun and estrogen, full of old memories, and I made a lot of new ones. So thank you to my old friend and my new favorite friends for a FON-TASTIC weekend!

Chocolate Cake with Fudgy Frosting

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:47:00 +0000

Chocolate Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
8 oz. sour cream
1 cup milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Set aside.
In a small bowl combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl beat shortening and sugar on medium speed until combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in melted chocolate and sour cream. Alternately add flour mixture and milk; beat on low after each addition just until combined.
Spread batter in prepared pans.
Bake 25 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool.

Fudgy Frosting:
12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
8 oz sour cream
4 ½ cups (1 lb) powdered sugar

Directions
In large pan over low heat melt semisweet chocolate chips and butter. Cool 10 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Stir in sifted powdered sugar; stir until smooth. Makes 4 cups.

Place one layer flat side down on plate. Spread top with 1 cup frosting. Stack second layer flat side down. Spread with remaining frosting. Makes 16 servings.

Enjoy!

Mexican Pinto Beans

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:57:00 +0000

1 pound dried pinto beans
5 cups water
1/4 pound bacon, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, chopped
1 tbsp cilantro

Combine beans and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 3 hours. Add more water if necessary while beans are cooking.

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until it is beginning to brown. Stir in onion, and continue cooking until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, and jalapenos, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in cilantro.

Stir bacon and onion mixture into the beans, and continue cooking for 1 hour or until beans are soft.

Editor's Note: You can add chopped bell pepper with onion of you like, and you can also use fresh cilantro for a lighter fare. This is good as a side dish or as the main dish with cornbread.

Enjoy!

An Ode to Endless.com

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:36:00 +0000

I ordered a pair of shoes on Wednesday from my favorite shoe site in the entire world - Endless.com. I received the shoes on Thursday, and for anyone living a cave that was also Valentine's Day. Inside my package from Endless.com along with my new shoes was a small box of Godiva chocolates, with a note asking me to be their Valentine. My answer is yes Endless.com, yes, I will be your Valentine. Thank you for the chocolates!

Petite Pecan Pies

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:14:00 +0000

Crust:
8 tablespoons butter, softened
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour

Blend butter and cream cheese, add flour. Chill dough for 1 hour. Shape into 24 balls. Place in greased mini muffin tin. Press down to form crust.

Filling:
1 egg
¾ cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dash of salt
2/3 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix together egg, sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Divide half the nuts among the pastry cups. Add egg mixture. Top with remaining nuts. Bake for 25 minutes or until filling hardens. Cool on wire rack.

Yield = 24 petite pies

Enjoy!

Monday thru Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:26:00 +0000

Monday:
Erin and I were twins in a past life.

Tuesday:
We had disastrous winds roar through town. I spent an hour sitting in my truck in the middle of the bridge rocking back and forth because traffic was parked. Apparently a drunk driver clipped a Jeep in a construction zone causing said Jeep to flip. All parties survived - I hope the drunk gets beat up badly in jail. Did I mention that I was in the middle of the bridge and that there was high wind? I was wind sick. At home we had no power for about 5 hours, so we all sat around the fire place. It was very Little House On The Prairie except for the fact that I was playing poker on my iPod. I got in bed around 10:30 and the power came back on, ironic right?

Wednesday:
We woke up to find the lovely patio pergola had become the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The majority of the day was spent in meetings. I recently purchased an XM/iPod connector item for my truck. I received this item on Tuesday, obviously I could not install it in the dark. To install this item you have to un-bolt the bottom dash for which I lacked the proper tools. So I enlisted my dad's help with the search for tools. I pulled down three HUGE tool cases from the highest shelf in our storage room before he realized that the tool I needed was actually on the bottom shelf. He is really more comfortable in a supervisory role. So, equipped with the right tools I un-bolt the dash only to be shocked by the amount of cables. The instructions on this item are complicated to say the least, so I did not read them. I reached deep from my childhood to match shapes with holes. I was always very good at matching. I could not find the correct hole for the two cables I was looking at. After about 45 minutes I'm convinced that the company must have shipped an incorrect cable, as I could not have possible missed something important. So, I re- bolt the dash, pack up my tools, store them to where I can find them again and go inside. I sent the incorrect cables with my mom to work so she could show her IT man (who originally introduced me to this product) the stupidity of the supplier. I went to bed grumpy.

Thursday:
We woke up to find our brick mail box scattered across the lawn with nary a note behind. I was pulled out of an important meeting where I was part of a presentation by the HR lady to solve an accounting crisis. I do not work in the accounting department. I solved the crisis but I missed the entire meeting. I had company tickets to go see Brad Paisley but I gave them up after the morning crisis and being told to make myself available for the French auditors. In the afternoon I'm informed by my mom that the incorrect cables are actually in fact correct. Damn. So I give it a go one more time. I quickly find the tools from the night before and un-bolt the dash. Armed with new knowledge of the product I quickly install it. Success! I organize the cords, re-bolt the dash, and put away the tools. I spend the next 30 minutes learning how to use it. This product is FANTASTIC.

Friday:
I joined a gym last week. I spent 22 minutes on an elliptical trainer this morning. That is 7 minutes more than my goal of 15. I'm quite proud of myself. My commute to work was spent playing with the XM/iPod nonsense. I still feel like it's a fantastic product.

I am full well aware that I lead a truly blessed life, however this is an accurate account of my week with very little dramatization.

Pecan Sandies

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:06:00 +0000

1 cup butter (softened)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. black walnut flavoring
2 cups flour (self rising)
1 cup chopped pecans

Mix all ingredients, roll into small balls. Place on cookie sheet, and bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes - the bottoms will be light brown. While still warm, roll in powdered sugar; let cool on wire rack. Once cool roll again in powdered sugar.

Editors Note: this recipe is also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies

Enjoy!

Political Joke

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:12:00 +0000

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance. "Welcome to heaven," says Saint Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in," says the man. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity." "Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator. "I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have goneby and St. Peter returns. "Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell." So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning......Today you voted."

- Author unknown

Movies on the mind

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:56:00 +0000

Due to the holidays, there has been a wave of new DVD's in my house. This prompted me to let everyone know how I spent my holiday down time.

I watched movies and I read books. It was GREAT!

Recently seen movies:
Bourne Ultimatum. I loved it!
Ocean's 13. I loved it too, a lot better than Ocean's 12.
Alvin and the Chipmunks. I thought it was great, I laughed a lot!
The Condemned. Good action movie, the premise made me sad.
Captivity. Better than expected, the ending is a little empowering.
300. This movie was horrible.
Ratatouille. This movie was very cute, I enjoyed it immensely.

I'm going to watch Mr. Brooks tonight. I'll keep all three of you posted. :-)

Movies I want to see:
National Treasure 2
27 Dresses
PS I love you (but only when it comes out to rent, no bawling in the theatre)
3:10 to Yuma
Untraceable

What other movies are out to see (either theatre or to rent)?

PS - who else LOVED the new show Cashmere Mafia last night?

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 20:37:00 +0000

1 box yellow cake mix
1 box instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
2/3 cup oil
2/3 cup water
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients, adding the chocolate chips last. Pour into a greased bundt pan and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

I'm pretty sure this cake got me a raise, so I recommend taking this to all work functions.

Enjoy!

Holiday Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:51:00 +0000

3 cups flour (self-rising)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup shortening (Crisco)
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 - 3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 - 3/4 cup Crainsins
1/2 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 12 muffin cups. Stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. In a different bowl, cream together sugar and shortening, then add eggs and mix. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Add pecans and Crainsins and mix. Fill prepared muffin cups 2/3 full, then spoon a little melted butter into each cup. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Brush the top of the golden muffins with a little melted butter. Makes 24 muffins.

Enjoy!

Cinnamon Rolls

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:25:00 +0000

5 to 6 cups all purpose flour
1 package yellow cake mix
2 packages quick rise yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
ground cinnamon

Frosting:
6 tablespoons butter, softened
3 cups confectioners sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 tablespoons milk

In a mixing bowl combine 4 cups flour, dry cake mix, yeast and warm water until smooth. Add more flour until it forms a soft dough. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic, usually takes about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise until doubled, usually takes about 45 minutes.

Punch dough down, divide in half. Roll each portion out into a large rectangle, and brush each rectangle with the melted butter (save a small amount). Mix the brown sugar and the regular sugar. Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture on the rectangle, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Cut each roll into 12 slices, place in a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of rolls with the remaining melted butter. Cover and let rise until almost doubled, usually takes about 20 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before frosting. For frosting, in a mixing bowl; cream butter, confectioners sugar, vanilla, and milk. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. Frost warm rolls. The recipe makes about 24 cinnamon rolls.

Enjoy!

Mission accomplished...

My mission...

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 21:28:00 +0000

Should I choose to accept it...

Is to merge the best parts of three cinnamon roll recipes into one earth shattering, ground breaking, deliciously sinful cinnamon roll...

I will keep you advised...

Unless I self destruct...

'Twas the Night Before the Big XII

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:09:00 +0000

'Twas the night before the Big XII and all through the land,
not a Tiger was stirring, not even the band.
Their Jockeys were hung by the locker with care,
in hopes that the Sooners soon would be there.
Truman was nestled all snug in his bed,
while visions of the BCS danced in his head.
And Pinkel in his kerchief full of Tiger pride,
and Bob and the Sooners ready to ride.
When down in San Antone there arose such a clatter,
Chase sprang from his bed to see what was the matter.
He realized the Option was gone in a flash,
and Maclin's dreams of running had just been dashed.
The Tiger tight ends trembled as they watched the show,
A Crimson and Cream luster set the horizon aglow.
When what to their wondering eyes should they find,
but a miniature Schooner, seven National Titles behind.
With a wizened old driver, skilled in leading his troops,
they knew in a moment it must be Bob Stoops.
More rapid than Temple his players they came,
and he whistled and shouted and called them by name.
"On Bradford, on Joe John, now Patrick and Murray!
On Chris Brown! On Iglesias! On Hartley and Kelly!
To the top of the conference! To the top of it all!
Now dash their hopes! Dash their dreams! Dash away all!"
And then in a twinkling, the Tigers fought back a scream,
and Chase saw the last of his Heisman trophy dream.
The defense drew in their breath and looked all around,
and realized that their "Pig" was nowhere to be found.
Bob's eyes how they twinkled, his coaches how merry!
As they carried on the legacy left them by Barry.
Gary's sad little face and a fear in his belly,
he shook on the field as his knees turned to jelly.
Pinkel spoke not a word, and the ball they couldn't carry,
Stoops filled up the scoreboard and then turned to Gary.
And laying his hand on the shoulder of his friend,
he gave Pinkel a nod and said, "Like Norman again."
Bob sprang to the Schooner, to his team gave a shout,
to the BCS they flew and left Mizzou down and out.
And we heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
"Boomer Sooner to All and to All a Good Night!"

-Author unknown

Steam Of Consciousness Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:37:00 +0000

So I accidentally ate a mini Butterfinger today. I was not happy, it was a bad experience and if I hadn't been at my desk I would have spit it out. This 'accident' is not like an 'accident' where I buy a new pair of shoes. This was a real accidental eating.

My favorite candy bar is a Baby Ruth, which is what I thought I'd grabbed out of the candy bowl. Imagine my shock and dismay.

In other news, both Erin and I have MASTERED the fine art of yeast rolls. I made 60 rolls in the course of 4 days, I believe that's masterful.

Next year, I'm taking 'Cyber Monday' off from work so I can surf the internet without dirty looks.

People, I really want you to check out the following site. This is an honest way to get cash back from your online purchases. I know people that use it regularly and get cash back checks in the mail. You can't beat that with a stick, WITH A STICK I TELL YOU.

http://www.ebates.com/index.htm

That is all.

Enjoy!

Babes In Maryland Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Abby) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 01:57:00 +0000

Erin and I in front of the National Cathedral. It was incredibly beautiful. The Cathedral could easily rival any in Europe. Just lovely.

Erin and I standing in front of the creation carving. I believe it's titled "Out of Nothing". It was really intricate, and finely detailed. Absolutely superb.

Mrs. Ann is pointing at the great state seal of Arkansas. All 50 states have a seal in the floor of The National Cathedral. Very Capital Hill, very nice.

Enjoy!