'Time to make the doughnuts'

Michael Vale, the actor best known for his portrayal of a sleepy-eyed Dunkin' Donuts baker who said "Time to make the doughnuts," has died. He was 83.

He was a pop culture icon and Dunkin' Donut commercials were never the same after his retirement in 1997. You'll be missed Fred the Doughnut man.

Shout out to Princess B

Just wanted to give a shout out to the other Princess on the block. Today she is older and wiser. Happy Birthday!

Home for the Holidays

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays
'cause no matter how far away you roam
When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze
For the holidays, you can't beat home, sweet home

So the Doc and I are back in NH. There is snow on the ground and even though the temperatures are supposed to reach high 40's - it will still be a white Christmas! Hope everyone in blogger land has a wonderful Holiday and all the best in the upcoming New Year!

Frankie Says Relax:

Today the Doc and I spent a fabulous day of doing NOTHING! It was fantastic. I got up at 7am as I usually do on the weekends (don't ask me why), cleaned my kitchen and watched some TV. At 10am I woke up the Doc, he has worked without a day off for two straight weeks including three call nights, and he desperately needed to sleep in.

After getting up we got dressed and went out to Roosevelt Blvd for some x-mas shopping and to enjoy a nice lunch at the Olive Garden. Don’t worry we were home in plenty of time for the Patriots game to start! Nothing like Saturday football! It was pure joy to watch the defending super bowl champions in full form crushing the TB Bucs! I see good things for the playoffs. I would guarantee another trip to the super bowl but without Rodney Harrison – well let’s just say I won’t bet the house on it!

After the game was over we drove down the street to the supermarket to pick up some things for a nice dinner of Chicken in a Sherry Mushroom Sauce. It was yummy if I do say so myself. I can get used to this cooking thing again – although the Mandarin House will be very, very disappointed (wink).

Next on our agenda of doing NOTHING we watched the second disc of 24 season 4 which arrived from Netflix today. The show just gets better and better. Although becoming a little more predictable the plot is still just as good! As our day of NOTHING quickly comes to an end (the Doc is on call tomorrow and he’ll be going to bed early) there are only two things left I have to say: Tiki Barber and Larry Johnson you both can kiss my bootie.

I hope that all of you in blogger land had as nice a day as the Doc and me. Only seven more shopping days until Christmas! Now all I have to do is finish my x-mas cards – I got most in the mail but I still have some left…next year I will be more prepared and not run out of cards!

Uh, That's Dr. & Mrs. to You:

Ok, so I am 26 years old and when I get x-mas cards in the mail from my 26 year old friends and it's addressed to Mr. and Mrs. well, let's just say it makes me feel really old. I'm still a kid you know. Gosh, that's my mother-in-law (and she would say that it's her mother-in-law). No offense to my married friends but I am sure that I won't ever address them as Mr. and Mrs. Blah Blah even when I am 46 years old. What is wrong with saying John and Mary Smith? Besides if we're to get technical about it the Doc and I should be addressed as Dr. and Mrs. - after all we did shell out $160,000 for the title. So just remember if you're gonna make us feel like gomers do it the right way!! (wink) Just something interesting I noticed today...

U.N. Representative: So, Mr. Evil...
Dr. Evil: It's Dr. Evil, I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much.
*quote from Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

Movin' On Up

Well, we're movin' on up (movin' on up)
To the east side (movin' on up)
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin' on up (movin' on up)
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.

And that's all I have to say about that...

We’ll Do What’s Necessary ‘Cause Even a Miracle Needs a Hand

The Doc is on call tonight and I am watching A Charlie Brown Christmas. It is one of my favorites however, Twas the Night Before Christmas has to be my absolute favorite Christmas movie of all time. It is about believing in something even if you can’t see it. When all the towns’ people’s letters from Santa are returned to sender we find out that a little boy mouse Albert wrote an editorial about Santa not being real, signed Anonymous. Joshua Trundle a simple clock maker tries to save Christmas by building a clock so big when it strikes midnight it will play a song that will bring Santa to their small town. I love the songs like Even a Miracle Needs a Hand or Christmas time is Calling Santa, Santa...etc. I can watch it over and over. Of course there is the other classic A Christmas Story which you can watch for 24 hours on TNT on Christmas Eve..."your gonna shoot your eye out!!"

Charlie Brown: (shouting in desperation) Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you. Lights, please. (A spotlight shines on Linus.) "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie brown.

Happy Holiday's!

A Birthday Shout Out:

Today is my mother-in-law's birthday! Happy Birthday from the Doc and the Princess.

Santapalooza 2005

Yesterday marked the Sixth annual Santapalooza Extravaganza. It was a blast! Santapalooza was started back in 2000 when a bunch of college kids decided to have a “grown up” dinner party. We do a gift swap, eat great food and mostly just catch up on each others lives. The tradition continues and sometimes we even get some new faces we haven’t seen in a while! And as for the old faces, we really missed you!! For those who made the trek, we had a blast!!!!

Our menu (courtesy of Princess B & me) consisted of homemade meatballs and sauce; scallops wrapped in bacon, stuffed mushrooms, bread, salad and Lindt chocolate truffles for dessert. Oh and of course we can’t forget the wine! There is nothing like reminiscing about the days of old with a glass of really good wine! Here is wishing everyone a fantastic start to the Holiday Season. Until next year!

The Doc's New Toys

As you know the Doc and I have been having fun with home remodeling. Part of the living room project was to install a chair rail. In order to do that ourselves we needed two things:
(1) A nail gun & (2) A miter saw


We are now the proud owners of both. Since we don't have a space for a workable workshop in our small row house - the Doc has turned our kitchen into a makeshift workshop. It's cute - he measures, runs into the kitchen cuts the piece and then nails it to the wall. The room is really coming together. The new window treatment is installed, a vertical blind with two ivory sheer panels and a mocha sheer scarf to hang across the top (pictures to come). We should be finished within the next couple of days. On another exciting note we also get our new couch and love seat this week.

Iron Chef Showdown:

When he was a young boy living in the small village of Plaistow, he was never really good at sports; in fact, most would say he threw like a girl. He decided to take up cooking. He perfected his skills cooking GOLABKI (gaw-WUMP-kee), PIEROGI (pyeh-RAW-ghee) and other fine polish dishes like JAJECZNICA (yah-yech-NEE-tsah) learning along side his mentor and guide Maria Stackimoto. As he grew older under the tutelage of Maria Stackimoto, he would watch and learn, perfecting his techniques while never leaving her side. In 1997 Chef Stackimoto felt he was ready to branch out on his own. He packed his bags saying goodbye to the small village he had called home. He headed to the city, the very intimidating Bostonushima. There he felt he couldn’t think clear, during the weeks he couldn’t come up with new dishes. He decided he would have to go back to his mentor on the weekends; it was the only way he would get inspiration.

After four years in Bostonushima where his cooking skills were sadly influenced by double fried food and globs of ketchup he realized he wouldn’t be able to become the master chef he always dreamed unless he moved back to the tiny village from which he came. Chef Stackimoto now resides exactly 1.34 miles from his mentor along with his wife and baby boy Bradysan. His current influences, along with Maria Stackimoto, are the effeminate chef Alton Brown and blood curdling Rachael Ray.

Look for his appearance on Iron Chef in the coming weeks where he will battle the plucky Chef Wicksanaka.

P. Sophie's Review: The Goblet of Fire:

Don't worry NO SPOILERS HERE! Went to see the new Harry Potter Flick last night w/ the Princess Bride and Man in Black. Here is my review and experience in a nutshell.

This movie is by far darker than the previous three with creepy with images of skulls and dark graveyards. I would say not suited for young children. I enjoyed it for what it was worth. The movie obviously takes liberties in the plot due to the fact that 734 pages are expected to be squeezed into a 2-1/2 hour movie. If you're expecting the book then you will be greatly disappointed. The movie focuses strictly on the tournament and the rise of Lord Voldemort. Scenes left out that were not disappointing, the Dursley's and the house elves. Something about a house elf showing up would take away from the dark and creepiness of the movie, although it's not nearly as bad as Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars: Episode I.

It was interesting watching in a packed theater (which I try not to do very often). Thankfully the Man in Black is resourceful and with quick goat thinking he was able to get us four seats in a row. Had we shown up any later we would’ve had to split up for sure. The kid sitting behind me kicked the back of my seat a lot because he just HAD to make out with his girlfriend. I don’t know about you but there is something about Harry Potter that just get’s me in the mood, if you know what I mean. It didn’t ruin my movie going experience for the most part because they were relatively quite and had it not been for the kicking I probably wouldn’t have even noticed the steamy love scene going on behind me.

To sum things up – I liked it. If you’re a fan as I am and have read all the books and rushed out to see all the movies I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, although I thought for sure I.A. would like Napoleon Dynamite. Yes, I feel confident enough to recommend it (just remember it’s not the book).

The BIG 30

A happy belated birthday shout out to Dr. Benny! He turned the BIG 30 yesterday! I am such a dumbass - I can't believe I forgot...this is the big one too!!! YOU'RE OLD! (wink) If you see this man on the street make sure to ask him if he needs any assistance - things are just a little bit tougher when you're old like he is. Happy Birthday from the Doc and the Princess!

Step 4: Stain

Last night we began staining our woodwork. We are using American Walnut made by Minwax it's a water-based stain, which means: (a) no getting high from the smell, (b) very fast drying so when the cats jump up on the window with out you knowing they don't leave stain covered paw prints on the floor when they jump down and (c) for the klutz who spills stuff everywhere - easy clean up! Well so far so good - we should be finished by the end of the day today. This has definitely been a learn as you go kinda experience by the time we get to the bedroom we'll be pros!

Hey It's like they say, right?

To follow in I.A.'s posting footsteps I too am going to write about a commercial. Today I am going to feature the Las Vegas commercials. The commercial opens up with a women who looks as if she is upacking from a trip she took.

Enter husband/boyfriend (it isn't made clear but I put my money on husband) who says "Hey honey did you girls have a good time in Vegas?"

The women, with a look of guilt, says "Oh....yeah....Oh look Versace", picking up some pants, "and Tiffany", pointing to her earrings, flustered and with the look of I hope he's buying this lousy story.

Then the guy says something like "oh you girls and your shopping" and walks out of the room. The last scene shows the women looking extremely guilty and almost relieved - he won't find out I cheated because he thinks I was shopping.

Cue the text: "Our fabulous shopping can be your alibi"

Great so the moral of the story is: It's ok to cheat on your significant other while in Las Vegas because hey - "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas".

Mellow Yellow:

Here is the next phase in our "project". We finished with the top section of the wall in Quiet Veranda. The Doc is a painting stud. I helped too but if you asked the Doc I think he would say different - something like "help? Yeah right - more like knocking things over, dripping paint on the floor and getting in my way is more like it"...oh the joys of marriage! (wink) Our next phase will be to stain the floor board and get ready to install the chair rail. All kinds of good fun!

Weather: Philly Style

It's November. Normal November weather for a New Englander such as myself is cold - not in Philly, no here it was 75 all weekend, sun shining and now a thunder storm. Weird.

Round One:

So last night we finished the first coat of the red. It looks great - we are really happy so far. We have one more coat of red to paint before we take the tape down and begin the Quiet Veranda on the top. Until the next phase...

No turning back now:

We have begun the process of redecorating our house. We are starting with our living room. The entire place was painted white so last night we bought the paint and started taping the walls. Tonight we started with the tinted primer which was recommended by the nice guy at Home Depot because we are using Regal Red (red is the most difficult color to paint apparently) which can show through on a white surface. The top will be Quiet Veranda all colors made by Behr Paints.
So we have the before picture: That is the wall to our half bath. next picture is the taping process. That's the Doc working hard separating the wall with tape (eventually a chair rail will be installed). The next process was to begin using the primer (which is scary because it makes the walls look magenta). Painting is hard work. Too bad Evan Farmer and Andrew Dan-Jumbo aren't here to make it more interesting. So it is now 10:00 pm and we finished with the primer and I think it's going to look great. Hey if Adam Carolla from the Man Show can get his own home improvement show on TLC - I think the doc and I should too! Look even Trot our cat wanted to get in on the action! Until the next phase in our redecorating project...

Effin' Septa*

My mode of transportation to work everyday is on strike. Apparently they don't want to pay for their health insurance. WTF?? I work for the effin' insurance company and we all pay. The Doc is an effin' doc and he has to pay...what makes the bus driver so special. The last strike was 7 years ago and lasted 40 days. Lucky for me right now the Doc is doing an outpatient rotation so we can carpool for the time being - although it means he has to get up with me (he is more than thrilled). This should be interesting.


*Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

I'm Blind, I'm Def, I Wanna Be a Ref:

Nothing Too Exciting to Report:

But I figured I should write something. So how are you? Feel free to leave your comments in the comment section.

It's Over!

I have my husband back! The Doc survived his month long rotation on the MICU. Now since he is bashful he won't tell you that his Sr. Resident complimented him on the fact that he was more like an equal than an intern and he could discuss treatments instead of telling him the treatments. He also won't tell you that the MICU attending said he was far above the normal first year intern and he will be able to do whatever he wants and go wherever he wants (which includes Boston!!). And he lastly he won't tell you that he is a medical God. But I will! Congrats my medical stud!

Dear Abby:

When I worked at MJ - I would read Dear Abby at lunch everyday - I loved it - reading peoples problems and let me tell you that people wrote the dumbest stuff too like:

Dear Abby,
My daughter didn't invite children to her wedding but cousin "Debbie" said on the response card that she was bringing her children - what do we do?

sincerely,
Want to do the right thing in Idaho

and then Abby would say something like well Emily Post would say blah blah blah....

or

Dear Abby,
My husband went to a bachelor party and there were strippers, he promised me he wouldn't go but he did anyway. I just don't think I will ever be able to make love to him again without feeling dirty. Please help me.

Betrayed in Topeka, KS

and then Abby would say something like well you two should seek counseling blah blah blah....

Now here is what I would like to see more of in Dear Abby (taken from a forward I got from a friend):

Dear Abby,
My husband is not happy with my mood swings. The other day, he bought me a mood ring so he would be able to monitor my moods. When I'm in a good mood it turns green. When I'm in a bad mood it leaves a big fucking red mark on his forehead. Maybe next time the asshole will buy me a diamond.

Sincerely, Bitchy in NEW YORK

340 Million Gone:

So I didn't win the 340 million jackpot in the powerball last night. I played some numbers and I also purchased some quick picks. Lo and Behold I lost. And so didn't the millions of people who played the 'cursed' numbers from the hit ABC show LOST. Maybe it's just me and my superstitiousness but if the numbers are 'cursed' maybe you don't want to play them - and since the numbers are so famous maybe you don't want to play them because everyone and their brother will be playing them - just a thought. Here's to the next 300 million dollar jack pot. May I be a little luckier next time! (wink)

Scottie too Hottie:

This cutie pie is my nephew Scott. He was my date Saturday night and I must say that I had the hottest date of the crowd. He lives all the way in Laconia, NH in his very own place with his mom and best bud Jessie. Congrats Robyn on your first apartment!

A Wedding and a Baby:

This is a good week. First the Stack's 'package' arrives a week earlier than expected and today a wedding spectacular starring DJ and B.G. - break a leg out their today! I am so excited...YEAH!! I guess this truly means we have hit adulthood - it's just still too weird to me. I can still picture Brian screaming "Bonk - Hey....Bonk" at the top of his lungs and this is the guy who is about to raise a son...scary (wink)!! And DJ don't forget anything you can do I can do better - I can do anything better than you (wink)!! I can't wait to see you all today!!

New Kid on the Block:

Yesterday marks a great day - it was my Papa's birthday and now it's the birthday of the first baby in the group. Congrats to mom and dad (wow that sounds so weird to me)!! Man will I have stories for you baby stack - until your old enough to understand. If you only knew how "special" your dad is.

And for those of us who live far far far away - we demand pictures!!!

I'm Amazed:

In reference to I.A.'s post Pen Clicks, I started to think about how our friendship has survived through the years.

(1) I click my pens all the time - in fact a girl in my Capstone Class senior year of college yelled at me. I didn't even know I was doing it.

(2) I tap my fingernails on my desk. I have nervous energy what can I say.

(3) I hum. Constantly. Non-stop. I really don't know I'm doing it - my old co-workers would join in and I still wouldn't notice. I absolutely HATE silence.

(4) I do the knee bounce. I can't sit still - had I been a young child in elementary school today I am positive I would be on ritlin.

(5) I'm notorious for getting that song you hate stuck in your head. For the Doc it's

My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,
And they're like it's better than yours,
Damn right, it's better than your's,
I could teach you, but I have to charge

Oh you know you're gonna be singing that all day tomorrow! Here's to you I.A. - thanks for putting up with me for so long!

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP:

That is the sound I came home to. A 'chirp' as they call it in the manual - more like nails to a chalkboard. My Kidde Carbon Monoxide detector back up battery is apparently dying if not already dead. And this information is all thanks to the help from Brian, the guy from Kidde customer service and JRC from my old work.

So why don't you change it P. Sophie? That is a fantastic question - and I would except that the guy who remodeled this house was an electrician and he wired it into the smoke detectors and circuit breaker box. Fun!

That means I can't get at the battery because it's blocked by the wires. More Fun! So every fifteen seconds it beeps. Lucky for me it's in the basement and I probably won't hear it upstairs. I hope anyway. Until tomorrow when the good folks at my old job can help me!!

Argghhhh!

So you wanna be a Doc too?

YES! It's what I always wanted! So this is weird - This was on my welcome page on Amazon.com - kids don't try this at home.

Pictured is a Philips HeartStart Home Automated External Defibrillator (AED) uh yeah - a do it yourself heart shocker. Just the kinda thing I would want lying around the house. And if you notice it's 35% off! YES!

For $1,350.00 (and this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping) you too could be the proud owner of a home automated external defribillator:

Features:

Philips is the worldwide leader in portable defibrillators on airplanes, and in airports, workplaces, communities, and homes

The first and only defibrillator available over-the-counter that can be used by virtually anyone with the materials included

Easy to use with guided interactive voice instructions

Safely delivers a shock only if needed

Reliably runs daily self-tests for readiness

Label Information:

Amazon.com Product Description
The Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator. It's the latest in essential safety equipment. Fire extinguishers. Seat belts. Airbags. Home security systems. All essential safety equipment to protect yourself and your loved ones. You know they are there, silently standing by, just in case. They give you peace of mind so that you can focus on life's good things

HeartStart was designed with you in mind.

Q: Who should have a HeartStart? - A: Anyone who wants a safer home.

Uh...yeah the "guided interactive voice instruction" is key! Is it me or is this a little strange?

Thy Name Shall Be:

So looks like the Stacks are getting closer than we think to the big day - and looks like they are in dying need of a name...

I thought it would be fun to have a contest: Post your idea and just maybe they'll use it (see erica's comment from previous post)*

Boy and Girl name since they don't know the sex!

Boy: Alton (after Brian's hero)

Girl: Kendra (I kinda like the name but wouldn't use it for myself)


*Erica Stack words of wisdom...
I don't think we'll go with either of those names, but I'm becoming desprate so watch what you put up here because it may become a name. alas the great name debate is still brewing

I'm No SuperMan:

But apparently Nick Cage's kid is - click on this link: Nicolas Cage's Super Baby. Nick Cage and his wife welcomed a son into the world and are calling the poor thing Kal-el. For those of you who aren't a comic book geek (sorry, Iyaz), that is the name superman is known as on planet Krypton.

So what's the deal with the celebrity baby naming? OK, I understand that there are a lot of Jessica's and Johns' in the world, but COME ON PEOPLE - naming your child after a fruit, musical instrument (yes it's true some actress from Six Feet Under named her son Banjo) or comic book superhero is a bit ridiculous.

Yo Stacks follow suit - if it's a boy name him Wolverine and if it's a girl name her Powder-Puff.

Sixteen Candles (+10):

Today is October 5th - not only is it one month and a day since MY birthday but it's also the birthday of I.A. - Welcome to 26 - the gray hair just keeps on coming (or in some cases - falling out). On his way to becoming the crotchety old man he always wanted to be - Happy Birthday!

P. Sophie and the Infinite Sadness:

Long day at work today – someone please tell me a funny joke. I am in desperate need of a good laugh...

Hell has Frozen Over:

It's true...my house is CLEAN, I know what your thinking, but I swear it's true. No dishes in the sink, laundry put away and misc. crap put in it's place. I still have a little work left - but you would have thought you walked into a different house had you seen it before. Hooray for me!

A Shoe Made Just for Me:

P. Sophie's Weekly Wrap-Up

Another week has come to an end as well as the greatest month in the year (yes because of my birthday). Here's my weekly wrap up:

(1) Bought I.A. a birthday present - his birthday is 10/5 in for those who don't already know - it will pretty much be the best gift he will get for his birthday in my opinion.

(2) Started going to the gym on my lunch hour - that way I don't have to get up as early and I can go straight home after work

(3) Found out that Michael Brown (the FEMA Guy) apparently thinks Louisiana is dysfunctional and he isn't Superman - well no duh, everyone knows Clark Kent is Superman.

(4) The Doc and I decided what color couch to buy and what color to paint our living room.

(5) The ICU rotation that The Doc is currently on right now is going to kick him in the ass - he already overslept this morning. Luckily I am weird and somehow sensed that he overslept and woke him up in time for him to brush his teeth, get dressed and run out the door. What a good little wifey I am!

(6) I am still a slob and - barely cleaned up my house like I thought I would last weekend - just enough to get the trash ready for pick up today - This weekend for sure!!

(7) It's official - I lost in Fantasy Baseball - there is no way I can catch up to win in the next three days - Looks like it will be Rob the Master.

(8) The Red Sox cause ulcers and stress me out - it's true - only the Red Sox would be so far ahead only to blow it and let the effin' Yankees come back so that it comes down to the very end - thus causing severe stomach cramping, nausea, tension headaches and acid reflux.

(9) My I-Pod is pissing me off - it won't stay charged - I'm about ready to through it out the window.

and finally

(10) It was a brisk 68 degrees in Philadelphia today - no clouds - sun shining - cool breeze - FALL IS HERE! I am just about the happiest person in the world right now!

So that's my week in a nutshell - hope you enjoyed my recap - here's to a fantastic weekend for everyone in blogger land! Go Pats! Who says you need Rodney Harrison to stop LT??!!

Monday Night Sports Talk:

The Doc frequently reads Page 2 on ESPN mostly because he likes Bill Simmons. He was reading some of the funnier stuff from it tonight and there was one that made me laugh out loud - it is taken from the AUDIBLES FROM OUR SCREEN WRITERS section:

Question: [FILL IN BLANK] throws harder than Chad Pennington right now
Answer: Tim Wakefield

Question: Top-secret location of the Packers' missing home-field advantage
Answer: In Brett Favre's gray stubble

Anyway not all of them are funny but some of them are check it out by clicking on the link above. Also Pittsburgh needs to stop bitching about the 50 seconds that was accidentally added to the game around 14:00 minutes or so. The only reason they scored that last TD was for a bull shit pass interference call anyway...so STFU!! Have I mentioned to you how much I love having NFL Sunday Ticket to you yet??!! EVERY game - MOST in HD!! It's pure bliss!

My Birthday Cake

I know what you're thinking - you're thinking but P. Sophie your birthday was four weeks ago - why are you talking about your birthday cake now...

That is a very good question bloggers - and so now I shall answer you. My birthday was Sunday September 4th at 6:04pm and on that day we were on the road heading back from The Princess Bride's Wedding Spectacular and I was without voice and in dire need of the night-time sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy-head, fever so I can rest medicine. Needless to say upon arriving home in Philly - I crashed on the couch.

We celebrated my birthday at our new favorite Mexican restaurant that Wednesday. I was still feeling yucky but my voice was coming back. Still no birthday cake. The Doc asked me if he should make me one but I said no (I mean, in my opinion, I shouldn't have to ask for my own birthday cake - if he wanted to make me one I would have been delighted - but I wasn't going to grovel).

About two weeks ago - the Doc was post call and while I was at the grocery store I saw a cake box made by Duncan Hines called Red Velvet - it looked yummy on the box. So I made it that afternoon while the Doc slept. After dinner I cut each of us a piece (no candles to blow out - and no singing - I mean after all I did have to make my own birthday cake). One bite - pwehwey (that is the sound of me spitting out said cake). It was pretty much the most disgusting cake ever. So still no birthday cake for me.

That brings us to the present day Saturday September 24th, almost four weeks since my birthday. The Doc is again post call and I decided I would bake. I wanted cake and I didn't care that my birthday was forever ago. I found a recipe for made from scratch German Chocolate Cake. I purchased all the ingredients and got to work. Needless to say that even though it didn't look right, the topping wasn't as thick as it was supposed to be and I added the egg whites when it was supposed to be the yolks and vice versa, it still tasted really good. I even got a small chorus of happy birthday from the Doc, although he (and this will come to no surprise to those who know him) did the you look like a monkey version.

So yes I had to make my own birthday cake and yes it was four weeks after the fact - but it was a perfect day, fall is in the air and life is too short to worry about cake.

The Smell of Fall

I woke up early this am and took a look outside. The Doc is on call so I am by myself and I decided to get up. I had just finished a movie from netflix and wanted to put it in the mail. So I put on some jeans and my flip flops and walked outside.

As soon as I stepped out the door a cool breeze hit me - I took a deep breath and knew that today was going to be a fantastic day. I could smell fall in the air. Growing up in NH - autumn was my favorite time of year. I love the way the air smells, the color of the leaves and the cool crisp air. It was perfect. Here in Philadelphia it won't be the same but I will enjoy days like these when they come.

Here's to a beautiful day for everyone - I hope it's as perfect for you.

The White House:

We were DC over the weekend and spent some time at the National Archives, Smithsonian and the WWII memorial. Part of our tour also took us to the White House. I thought to myself how fun it would be if I had some TP or eggs with me, as I joked about it Ben pointed out the 5 million cameras around the perimeter of the fence. Apparently they don't really like that.

More of the Legend:

So I just got home from work and realized that I am a slob. God bless the Doc who married me in spite of this personality flaw, but now it is starting to annoy me. My sink full of dishes, laundry EVERYWHERE, bills, junk-mail, soda cans all over the place.

So the first step is admitting I have a problem - done. Now this is the weekend that will all change (I hope). I wish I was a neat person - I am sadly not and as the Doc is well aware - I am not Holly Homemaker. What is the secret to being a neat freak? Please help me.

P. Sophie Goes to Washington:

Off to our nations capital this weekend. Going to visit with Benny and Robyn. They used to live in the next building over form us when the Doc and I were in Lebanon making getting together for dinner a 60 second walk across the parking lot. Now not so much, now they live about 2-1/2 hours away in Fairfax, VA and since Benny & Charlie are both interns and Robyn is a nurse in the NICU it makes finding free time to get together more difficult. So we have this weekend. I know the plan is to visit some museums in DC but mostly it will be a chance for the Boys to swap stories of life as an intern and just catch up on each other's lives. I have been looking forward to this trip for a long time! Hooray DC.

The Blogger Formerly Known As:

There has been a lot of confusion over my name recently and since I don't want to confuse my fans (all five of you) I have decided to go with a new shorter, more hip, cool name. You can now refer to me as P. Sophie.

I'm Afraid it's Not All Good:

As some of you know - I am still recovering from a bout laryngitis and have had a tickle in the back of my throat all night long. Three times I asked the Doc if he would be so kind as to get me a glass of water. Three times. Now what do you suppose the outcome of this was - let's just say it went a little something likes this:

P. Sophie: "Hun, can you please be so kind and get me a glass of water"

The Doc: ... {silence}

P. Sophie: getting up myself to get a glass of water - "You know how hard would it have been to get me a glass of water. I cook you a nice dinner and this is the thanks I get..."

The Doc: "I let you live in MY house"

P. Sophie: blank stare for about a minute "Oh, it's like that is it."

The Doc: "Yeah it is."

Revenge is will be mine - sleep lightly tonight.

Charlie Weis

I went to a small private college so I never got into the college football scene and well the Doc went to BU and they decided to can the football team because the money would be better spent on women's lacrosse. So suffice to say - neither one of us watched that much college football - that is until Charlie Weis became head coach of Notre Dame. Yesterday we watched Charlie Weis and his Notre Dame Football team beat #3 Michigan in their house, the week before they beat (or more appropriately crushed) #23 Pittsburgh 42-21.

It came down to the last 5 minutes but they held on strong with two calls reversed in their favor everything fell right into place. I am ready to jump on that bandwagon and see Charlie Weis pull a Pete Carroll - just remember you don't HAVE to throw the ball on 3rd and 6.

Bills, Bills & More Bills

When you buy your first home you're thinking this is going to be awesome. I can paint and decoratet as I choose, instead of paying Joe Landlord each month my money goes towards and investment and lastly it's all ours!

The Doc and I have been homeowners for three months now and I can tell you that the honeymoon is over. Here are some things that are different now that we are no longer renters:

(1) Water: as a homeowner now we have to pay for our water – as a renter the water is free (or included in your rent) – so you take long showers, run the dishwasher even though it isn’t full, and that leaky faucet – no big deal. Now because we have to pay for our water usage each month the running toilet is a big deal and we jam pack our washing machine to cut down on the amount of loads.

(2) The Electric Bill Triples: in our small two bedroom apartment, while running our tiny 8,000-BTU window air conditioner, had all lights on, ran two computers, a television, x-box and surround sound system all using the electricity and our electric bill would only be about $32.00 per month. You just can’t beat that. Now – much different story. Bigger space means more rooms to use electricity, and now we have central air that we ran 24/7 (it was a brutal summer) so I won’t even tell you what my electric bill was last month.

(3) Heat/Gas: before heat included in our rent – now, not so much. Since it is summer it is hard to say what this burden will be, but we do use hot water and without a circulator pump – you have to run the water at least a minute before it is hot (refer to the water section above)

(4) Repairs/Maintenance: as a renter when the shower handle broke, the window is busted or your rugs are old and need replacing – call the landlord – they take care of it and at no charge to you. Now if the heating unit is not working or an outlet stops working – call the HVAC tech or an electrician and we foot the bill. Thankfully that hasn’t happened yet (knock on wood) but it’s only a matter of time. Even if you’re a ‘do-it-yourselfer’ as my friend Brian is – you still have to purchase the supplies and put in the time to fix the problem.

Now don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t go back to being a renter - I love owning my own home, I am just saying there are some things that were nice about being a renter. So good luck to all future homeowners – believe me – the excitement will wear off fast!

Football Baby!

I can't believe it is finally here and with the NFL Sunday Ticket any game I desire is a click of the remote away - most in HD! Dun Dun Dun Dah (that is supposed to be the MNF music). I am always a Pats fan first - but fantasy speaking if Kerry Collins wants to throw a TD to Randy Moss - I wouldn't mind too much!

Go Pats - here's to being the first team ever to win three straight! Adam Vinatieri in HD - It's like I can reach out and touch him. He's so pretty!

Ya-Noush!

The Stack's have 44 days to come to an agreement over the name of the baby. As we have witnessed over the weekend that isn't likely to happen any time soon. If the baby is a boy one wants the name Brian, Jr. the other does not. Who will win? Well it is obvious to everyone except the one who wants Brian, Jr. - so since we know it won't be Brian, Jr. the Doc and I came up with the name Ya-Noush. Now the correct spelling is beyond me - I am using the phonetic spelling so that people can actually read what the name is supposed to sound like. It is Polish for John. Stack is polish so it fits perfectly. As I have told them before - imagine all of us at the Agganis Arena for a Terrier Hockey Game shouting Ya-Noush - Sieve, Ya-Noush Sieve, Ya-Noooooush, Siiieeeve. You get the idea. The battle continues - it is funny to see "Brian, Sr." put up a fight. I think it is cute that he actually thinks he is going to 'win'. We shall see. 44 days and counting.

Princess Bride to Tie the Knot!

It is finally here - the big wedding extravaganza! I have known the groom since elementary school. We grew up in the same town - played little league together (although different teams) - enjoyed the fourth grade teachings of a certain 'favorite' teacher, and let's not forget the days of high school. I met the Princess Bride on a nice spring day; a long weekend day trip to Meredith, NH. The groom informed me that he was bringing a girl he had just started seeing. We all know his reputation with the ladies so we didn't quite know what to expect. All we knew was that they had met during work study and that she was the most gorgeous girl he had ever saw. I knew it was meant to be when I saw how serious he was when he told us. Normally (in our circle of friends) that would result in some hardcore bantering - but it is hard to tease a guy who knew he just met the love of his life! We love you guys and congrats to you guys on your very special day!

Hollywood Hardship:

Huricane Katrina basically demolished several cities in the New Orleans region - leaving thousands upon thousands of people without electricity, clean water and in some cases homeless. But that isn't what is important here as I saw this article on my Yahoo Entertaiment News - Katrina's Wrath Hits Hollywood.

Hurricane Katrina's assault on the Big Easy is having repercussions in Hollywood.

In the aftermath of the devastating storm that authorities fear left hundreds dead, flooded more than 80 percent of downtown New Orleans, and ravaged the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama basins has caused several productions in the region to shut down.

Two Disney films were forced to evacuate New Orleans before the hurricane made landfall: Deja Vu, starring Denzel Washington, and The Guardian, with Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. The Los Angeles Times reports that the studio hired a charter jet Saturday and flew 70 crew members out of the city and back to Los Angeles before the monster storm slammed into the Gulf coast.

So next time a natural disaster hits your area - make sure you think about the hollywood movies that were forced to be shut down and postponed because of total devistation. Screw the Red Cross, we need to be sending our tax dollars and money to the poor actors who have to go back to their multi-million dollar estates in Los Angelos, CA.

FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT DAY!

All right boys - prepare for total domination...

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun*:

That is me all dressed up for Saturday night's Bachelorette's Last Night Out Party. It was a blast - we partied until the sun came up.

We started off slow with a drink at a club called Our House. Then it was off to Joey and Maria's Comedy Italian Wedding. Good food, good show and some interesting happenings. The Bachelorette (aka The Princess Bride) was accessorized with a bachelorette tiara, white feather boa and wearing the shortest skirt known to man - and there were several men trying to get to "know" it better. After the show we moved onto the Limelight for some karaoke. Nice place but the bar was really lame - it was basically only beer and wine. I was underwhelmed - but the singing was fun and we rocked the house.

Next we decided to see about getting into the Liquor Store - apparently they have a mechanical bull - when we got there the lines were way too long and since Boston closes so early we couldn't wait around. We took to the streets to work on the Bachelorette's scavenger hunt. At this point she still needed a picture on a sports car among some other things. Once most of the list was finished we stopped by a pub to get some more to alcohol. NO LONG ISLAND ICED TEA!! I couldn't believe it. Ah well a kamikaze shot it is and the weakest Malibu Bay Breeze ever. As we sat drinking Miss Bachelorette realized there was one more thing on the list we just had to get and that was a stamp from a strip club.

Boston only has Chippendale's on Friday nights so we would have to settle for a regular strip club. Centerfold's was a couple blocks away but it was already 1:45am and they close at 2am. She hailed a cab and we rushed as fast as we could, but we were too late. Last call was at 1:45am. We sat outside the club waiting for the rest of the girls to meet us and begged the bouncer to let us in. All we wanted was a stamp or ticket so she can check it off her list.

Bartenders and bouncers in Boston are nothing but a bunch of cheap ass effers. No free drinks or entrances to clubs. As we waited we saw large groups of men leaving the strip club and that is when we met our new friends - a group of guys out on the town for a Bachelor party. We asked them how the show was and they said it was great. We told them they wouldn't let us in and if they could help us out with some stripping. They obliged and that was all it took for us to crash their Bachelor party. Off to Beacon Street for a friendly game of Beirut - otherwise known as Beer Pong.

Nothing like Pabst Blue Ribbon to end a fantastic evening! I have to say since it was my first time playing, I was pretty good - I can't wait to play again! 4:45am and time to go home - it is Monday night and I am still recovering.

*For the unedited version of this story - please log in and enter credit card number.

Wild On

Girls night out tonight!! So last night out for the Princess Bride. As you can see there are only 7 days before the wedding extravaganza. Boston isn't going to know what hit them as ten twenty something's parade the bride to be all around town. If you happen to see a group of girls and one is all dressed up with bridal decorations - buy her a drink. It's her last night of freedom!

Upcoming Events:

Two more work days until my vacation. It is going to be a fun filled week as we head back to NH. Let's see there is a Bachelorette Party on Saturday, Sunday will be for recovery from Bachelorette Party, Monday we will visit with family as we stay at the in-laws (what can I say it's free), Tuesday we head to Lebanon, NH where we will meet up with my old boss and visit with some old co-workers, Wednesday is PFL FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT NIGHT. Pictured is our league trophy "The Drew Box" currently in my possession as the current champion. Then Thursday is a free day of relaxation before we head to Springfield, MA for the main event - The Princess Bride's Wedding Spectacular!! That is on Saturday - then Sunday is THE GREATEST DAY OF THE YEAR - it's my birthday!! That's right those in blogger land - mark your calendars - September 4th - I will be 26 (on a side note - one month and a day after that is I.A.'s birthday - he wants a voltron...for me, cold hard cash in small unmarked bills).

Too Hot to Handle

MPAA Axes "Saw II" Poster - I guess the world isn't ready for severed fingers to be roman numerals. It has been deemed "unacceptable". Can someone please tell me what's the BFD?

Eatin' at the Cart

As most of you know Boston is by far the greatest city ever and that will NEVER change. However, having lived in Philadelphia for almost three months now, I have come to realize that Philadelphia has the BEST food EVER!! Even the carts that you find on every major street corner have great food. I start off most mornings with an egg and cheese sandwich on wheat toast from "Greeks" (the cart that is right outside my building) and for this steaming hot egg sandwich (which sorry to say puts Dunks to shame) I pay a whole $1.50 - I know it's really breaking the bank.

My dilemma: well because the food is so amazing and I love food - I have to get my ass out of bed at 5:30am to catch the 5:57am bus so I can get to the gym and work off all this fantastic food that I am eating (yeah I know I can go after work - but I am so exhausted I just want to go home)

Hey, Philly isn't the third fattest city in the country for nothing you know.

Blogger Spam:

Is this happening to you? I wake up this am and check my blog realized I made a typo because instead of choosing ignore on the spell check I must have clicked replace - that was annoying - then I see that I have 9 comments - I was like yeah right - like that many people read this blog...I saw 6 anonymous comments all telling me to go pray and consolidate my debt. The other day I had a comment that was like about the environment. WTF??!!

I did not know:

So I am bored tonight - the Doc is on call I am currently watching a re-run of Law and Order: SVU and googling all the people I know...here is some interesting findings. I mean you think you know someone:

Brian - apparently wrote for the Conan O'Brien show.

How come you never told us?! Hey Barbara...I have something to say to you...you suck!

Just Diddy:

Sean "Puffy" Combs, "Puff Daddy", "P-Diddy" no more - just call him "Diddy" was a blurb in the Philadelphia Metro this am. I figured OK it is after all the free news that can be found on almost every street corner and subway station, emphasis on the free. It wasn't until I watched the Daily Show this evening when it became clear to me just how 'big' this news was. The beginning clip of the show was "Diddy" on a Today Show interview with Katie Couric and Matt Lauer giving an explanation for the new name.

"I felt like the 'P' was getting between me and my fans and now we're closer," Diddy said.

"During concerts, half the crowd is saying 'P. Diddy'--half the crowd is chanting 'Diddy'--now everybody can just chant 'Diddy.' "

He confessed that his unwieldy name was even starting to befuddle him.

"I even started to get confused myself--and when I'd called someone on the telephone it took me a long time to explain who I was. Too long," Diddy told the New York Post.

"One word. Five letters. Period," he added.

Well I don't know about you but I am glad we have cleared that up.

The Douchebag of Liberty:

Robert Novak - suspended for cussing.

In a heated argument on the CNN show Inside Edition Robert Novak said bull shit and walked off the set mid show. Not taking cues from the competition (MSNBC) CNN thought it would be best if he took some time off. Robert Novak is famous for outing a covert CIA agent after decrying those leaking government secrets. He is also another Crossfire reject - coincidence?

It's Like Thunder...Lightning:

That is what the lightning looked like for a good 1/3 of my drive home from NH today...

20mph because you couldn't see two feet in front of you - lighting bolts striking all the way down to the ground off to the sides and in front of me. It was interesting drive to say the least but I had my new I-Pod car adapter so I was able to listen to all my tunes! I am home safe and sound so until my next venture to NH.

I "LOVE" this Guy:

Yeah like that could ever happen...

Tucker Carlson, who is most famous for his bow ties and his showdown with Jon Stewart on the now canceled CNN show Crossfire, is at it again. His new target - Greenpeace.

After the demise of the 'debate' show Crossfire, using the term debate show loosely, MSNBC offered Tucker the opportunity to be the host of his own show The Situation with Tucker Carlson. I cannot say much about the show because I have never watched it nor will I ever watch it, but I can say that he is up to his old tricks again:

On the June 22 edition of The Situation, Carlson, during a discussion about nuclear power, praised France's energy policies, and called himself "objectively pro-France."

"You know, France blew up the Rainbow Warrior, that Greenpeace ship in Auckland Harbor in the '80s. And I've always respected them...," Carlson said, per MSNBC transcripts of the show.

Interjected guest and Air America talk host Rachel Maddow, "That made you like them?"

Said Carlson: "Yes. Yes. It won me over."

As if being called a dick on national television wasn't enough for this guy. Greenpeace is calling for MSNBC to fire him and cancel his show arguing that his comments can be linked to promoting terrorism. MSNBC had this to say:

In a statement Friday, MSNBC spokesman Jeremy Gaines said, "In no way did Tucker Carlson condone terrorism. Tucker's show is an opinion program and the opinions expressed are his and not those of MSNBC."

Opinion or not MSNBC, he is still a host of a show on your network. In any case I am all for firing this bow tie wearing prick- where is the petition and where do I sign.

The Name Game:

I know I ask a lot from my fellow bloggers to refer to me as Princess Sophia but hey it worked for Sting. Anyway the reason is two fold:

(1) The Doc really wants to be anonymous and if we start using our real names we would have to kill you. That is why when you see pictures of us he looks like the Wal-Mart smiley face - I hope you didn't really think that was him!!

(2) I write about my personal views which not everyone in blogger land would agree with and I don't want people knocking on my door saying "HEY!!"

That is all and don't forget to vote for everyone's favorite podcast:

Dun da da da: The Iyaz and Lucy Show at Podcast Alley

Bored in Philly How about You?

So the Doc is on call tonight and I am sitting here listening to the Iyaz and Lucy Show. I am bored and all alone...I do have a busy weekend coming up though. I am heading back to NH for the weekend. The Doc is - you guessed it - on call again.

It should be a lot of fun and jam packed - I have a wedding shower for a very good friend of mine from high school (who funny enough is marrying the guy who I had a crush on in the third grade - small world sometimes) and a house warming party for Stack Master B (who funny enough bought a house up the road from my in-laws - small world sometimes). Saturday night I will meet up with another friend (the girl who lived across the street from me growing up) for dinner in Manchester and then from there we will head to New Boston where my parents camp is to visit them, my sister and my nephew, my aunt and cousins, my friends mom and I think that is it. After that I will spend the night at my in-law's where I will wake up early and chat for a bit with my mother-in-law before taking the 6 hour drive back to Phila, PA.

But for now I will just have to sit here and watch bad TV while I await my exciting weekend.

I didn't think it was possible:

The Doc and I have found a highway that is worse than driving on I-89 and I-91 in Vermont. I didn't think it was possible that there would be a highway worse but we found it. I-84 and I-476 in northern Pennsylvania up near Scranton. It's pretty much the most boring highway ever and there was no escape - there are no exits.

The Iyaz and Lucy Show:

So I have finally been able to listen to the Iyaz and Lucy Show and it's pretty funny. My only complaint would be not enough talk about Princess Sophia. I mean who wouldn't want to hear all about me...right! (wink, wink) Yes I believe an 'About Princess Sophia' segment is just what the Iyaz and Lucy Show needs...I shall be waiting. Check it out - they should have new episodes out soon!

2008 Too Far Away:

Today I declare - Joe Biden for President in '08! Who is Joe Biden you ask? He is currently the senator for Delaware. Well I have said it I think he would be a great president - although it won't take much to top the one we have now. So I know it is far away but Joe Biden - if you read this here blog - you have my vote!

Another Conservative Turns 55

Happy Birthday Dad! Even though you're conservative I still love you!

At Last:

It took two months to find it but we found it at last. What did we find? Well only the GREATEST Mexican restaurant of all time. El Azteca on 7th and Chestnut Streets. It was amazing. The best Chimichanga I have ever hand and yes Benny that includes La Lomita Dos. To top it all off the Doc and I celebrated our third anniversary with some fried ice cream. Mmmmm.

Oh Back to School, Back to School...

When your company offers 100% (unlimited up to two classes a semester) tuition reimbursement - take full advantage. First thing on the list is prepare to study and take the GMAT - I should receive my GMAT study guide book from Amazon tomorrow and start plugging away - hopefully this will get me ready so I can start applying for programs in the spring.

I am going to study accounting. Even though it isn't required that it be work related - I really like accounting and I am pretty good at it. I haven't done any work related to my degree in over four years so it will be a fun adventure and career change!

I can't say I am excited about taking a standardized test - I always thought after the SAT's I was done - but like I said when your company offers 100% (unlimited up to two classes a semester) tuition reimbursement - it would be just silly to pass it up - and since all these programs require the GMAT - I really don't have a choice!

The Princess Bride and Princess Sophia:

Take Springfield by storm. Rumor has it that two hot girls were spotted last night at the Atlas Pub. We cannot confirm or deny that these two hotties rocked the house singing Karaoke last night. It has been speculated that the Man in Black and the Doc are a bunch of sticks in the mud and therefore these girls had some pent up wicked hahd core pahtying to do.

Princess Sophia's Great Adventure:

So tonight after work I will venture north to Springfield, MA. I have only driven this route once myself but I followed the Doc in the U-Haul. There is just one tricky spot before you get to the Tapen Zee Bridge. Estimated trip time = 4-1/2 hours. Got my CD's, my handsfree cellphone earpiece and will get my Dunkin Donut's iced coffee beforehand so I am all set.

See you all Sunday night!

Ginas Rule:

So CR and Princess Sohpia (aka the "Ginas") kicked SD and the Doc's sorry asses at mini golf last saturday night! We found a random place in Glenside, PA (a hop skip and a jump through the Ghetto and your there) and for a hole in the wall mini golf course we felt like we were playing at Tiger Woods Mini Golf Camp. However yours truly sunk three hole in ones thus clinching victory! Hooray Ginas! Too bad suckahs!

Weekly Santorum Rant:

Rick Santorum was on the Daily Show last night and he is just about the biggest pantywaist ever!!!!! Here are the things I learned from Ricky Boy:

(1) Only a man and a woman can raise a child and that is what our government should be striving for.

(2) Racism is bad but Victoria Sercret ad's are worse.

(3) If you're not conservative then you're not "ideal"

And you all wonder why I can't stand this man.....

So Hot, So Humid, So Yucky:

I hate this weather. It is so sticky and muggy and icky. Central air is the greatest invention in the entire world. Willis Haviland Carrier is just about the greatest man who ever lived. Some would argue that it should be some great world leader who would be the greatest man to live, but not me. Willis Haviland Carrier you are my hero.

New and Improved:

Have you seen the Daily Show recently. It has been revamped. I like it! It is more like a news show now. I think it is important because he is the only one that seems to get the news right. I like is commentary and how he get's us young people into the news. I encourage you all to watch - since it is on way past my bedtime I watch it at 8:00pm then next evening. But if you can stay up it airs at 11:00pm.

Exclamation Point!

So anyone who reads this blog knows my love and usage of the exclamation point! Well it has since gotten me in trouble at work. Not serious trouble - but I think the wonderful people in Member Services think I am a whack job be-atch!!!!!!!!!!!

Upon sending them 'reminder' emails - which I am sure they 'love' getting from us finance people - I used exclamation points at the end of my statements. Well I got back a message from one particular member service representative and it was in ALL CAPS. Which in text and email can be taken as ANGER!!!!!! ARGHHH!!!!!

Well according to my fellow co-workers - Philadelphian's use exclamations points to show seriousness and attitude. Like 'please send a copy!' (which is what I wrote) to mean DO IT NOW!!!!!! When really I was just trying to be super friendly. I was told I was in the wrong city for that! So from now on - no more exclamation points....or according to a co-worker I can use it if put the word "rah" in front!!

It's all about priorities:

We finally got our TV. It is a Toshiba 52" HD-Ready DLP Rear-Projection TV. Watching the Patriots on TV will be a dream this season and I will be able to do that with my new Direct TV NFL Sunday Ticket. Lifesize Adam Vinatieri - that's what I'm talkin' about!

Poor Johnny Damon:

Going 0-5 last night - Red Sox center fielder Johnny Damon's hitting streak came to an end. All while the Red Sox slide into a dismal slump pushing them from frist place by 5 games to thrid place. WTF?!

You know:

A post from Brian's Blog about gas prices got me thinking...

When I was commuting to Endicott College back in 1998 - I remember when gas cost .83cents a gallon. Back then I was driving a 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight with a v8 engine it cost me under 10.00 to fill my tank per week and I did it bare foot in 5 feet of snow uphill both ways....

Oh those were the days.

You've got to know when to hold 'em:

Know when to fold 'em - know when to walk away - know when to run - you never count your money - when your sittin' at the table - there'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done.

Off to Atlatic City today with Benny and Robyn - I'm felling lucky got my quarters - then I will buy a powerball - and see all you suckah's on my new island estate in Fiji.

"Seduced" by a book?

I pre-ordered my copy of the new Harry Potter book Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and it should arrive today! I have been looking forward to this for so long! I have been seduced according to the Christian Right. Call me crazy but shouldn't we be happy that kids are excited about reading instead of telling them they will go to hell.

I know what you're thinking:

She writes too much stuff about Rick "The Pantywaist" Santorum. I know. I am sorry for this - it must be so boring to read. But I have just moved to a new city and this whack-job is all over the news...So I cannot help it.

I am going to write about work: The Doc doesn't find my work stories funny. There the kind of stories where you have to be there - you know what I mean. But to me they are hilarious. I have one co-worker who likes to imitate the other people on my team - trust me it's hysterical.

So I LOVE my new job. The team is wicked awesome. We work hard but still get to joke around. My supervisor is wicked awesome (very laid back) and despite the fact he is a republican he is a cool guy. I am slightly overwhelmed because there is a lot to learn (it's different than the accounts payable at my last job) but not so much that I am stressed out. The view is unreal! And I now know the SEPTA system!

commute: Walk about three blocks to the corners of Dauphin and Memphis - take the bus to the Spring Garden El Station - take the El all the way to 15th & Market and walk to 19th (if I am feeling lazy or it's yucky weather I can pick up a free transfer to the trolley which takes me right in front of my building).

How to Speak Philadelphian: Water=Worter (that is about all I know for right now because that really sticks out). If I pick up anything from living here it will be that.

So there is an update - I am really exhausted - I have to get up much earlier now than I did working at M.J. Hayward because I don't live a mile down the road. (Oh they don't say road here either - I got laughed at when I said I walk three block up the road) I will adjust soon (hopefully)!! That's it for now - I am sure I will have another post about Rick Santorum again soon. Oh boy!

Rick Santorum for President?!

I just read the most disturbing article (all thanks to the Doc who keeps up on all our Boston news) about Rick Santorum. It's one thing to be pantywaist in general but it's another thing to be a pantywaist talking trash about my city.

According to Mr. Santorum - Boston's liberals caused the Catholic Priest's to touch little boys. 'In those comments, Santorum said, ''It is no surprise that Boston, a seat of academic, political, and cultural liberalism in America, lies at the center of the storm" of the clergy sexual abuse scandal.'

In another part of this article in today's Boston Globe there was mention of him being a potential candidate for President in 2008 if he wins re-election for senate...OH MY GOD. United States of Canada it is.

My New Toy:

I have a new toy. The Doc finally caved and got me a green mini iPod! Mostly becuase as of Monday I will be taking public transportation to work and becuase I begged and begged and begged. It was really sad. I picked it up yesterday at the store and get to play with it today!!! It will keep me occupied today while the Doc suffers through Black Weekend...

View from the Top

Here is my view from the 40th floor at 1901 Market Street. I started yesterday - I have a couple more days of training but I am getting the hang of it. I can't believe my view. It is fantastic. Unfortunately it has been pretty hazy and humid - I hear it is unbelievable on a clear day!

Rick Santorum Does it Again:

Who does this guy think he is? Abortion is equal to slavery? Children should be home schooled? Hillary Clinton caused the destructive of the family?

His new book, due out soon, talks about these issues and how they need to become public policy. Apparently going to public school will make you socially retarded according to Rick Santorum. Well I went to public school and I don't consider my self a social retard. In fact some people tell me I have a great personality.

"Conservatism and the Common Good" - those two words should never be put together on paper. This was the story on Action News when I turned on the television this am. How does this pantywaist get elected?

Here are some fun quotes from his book:

"The African proverb says, 'It takes a village to raise a child,"' Santorum writes. "The American version is 'It takes a village to raise a child _ if the village wants that child."'

_ ON AGE SEGREGATION IN SCHOOLS: "It's amazing that so many kids turn out to be fairly normal, considering the weird socialization they get in public schools."

_ ON WELFARE REFORM: "The notion that college education is a cost-effective way to help poor, low-skill unmarried mothers with high school diplomas or GED's move up the economic ladder is just wrong."

Why is this wrong?? I just can't - I mean I just don't have any words. I am seriously in a state of disbelief that this guy (pictured above) is my new senator. How can someone be so ignorant and in public office. I wish I had some funny commentary this morning - there are just too many jokes but I have to get ready for my second day at my new job!

He's Watching You:

What is going on with Hollywood these days. First Mel Gibson goes crazy with the Stem Cell research issue and now Tom Cruise is on the rampage about psychology and antidepressants. He apparently had a run in with Brooke Shields about her depression and choice of treatment. Now maybe I am wrong but isn't it Brooke's decision how she treats her illness? I didn't realize that he was a licensed psychologist...no wait - that's right he is a Scientologist - they don't believe in psychology....

"Am I making people aware of it by discussing it openly and saying what a fraud psychiatry is?" Cruise asked on Access Hollywood in May. "You bet I am. I feel responsibility. Because I care, man. I care. I care about you. I care about your children. I care about these people here in this room, every one of you."

Isn't it so nice that he cares about us. I honestly think it is a little scary - now maybe I am wrong again but isn't a religion where you pay thousands of dollars to buy books and take classes about some weird guy's beliefs...hey now wait just a minute - I think he has the right idea....

Coming soon - Sophiatology: A New Beginning. For just $1000.00 you too can become a Sophiatolgist and we can help you with depression, anxiety, drug addictions, relationships and erectile dysfunction.

Sandra Day O'Connor Hates Me:

Sandra Day O'Connor annouced today that she would retire in October. I am in a state of disbelief right now. She was so important in many ways - Roe v. Wade for one. I just can't believe monkey boy gets to pick two supreme court justices. What is wrong with this world. I think I will move to Canada. Who's coming with me??!!

Monster In Laws...Arghhh!!

No no not the J-Lo movie...my in-laws are coming to visit us in Philadelphia this weekend. I have spent all day cleaning. Getting ready for the white glove inspection. I have included some pictures of my in-laws. Charming no?
No seriously thought - they are great!! In fact I have to say as far as in-law's go - I won the in-law lottery. They are the best! I know people who are not as fortunate - post your funny in-law story if you have one!!


Pictures from the ABC show Dinosaurs