EGHSisterhood
News Letter 1 of 2010
Christmas in July Edition
Merry Christmas, in July, that is. This is my special edition Christmas present to you!
Hello, Ladies of the EGHSisterhood. Long time, no hear. We have all been busy, playing on facebook, working, raising kids, etc. That’s all good, but we need to get back in touch! And here I am to get that started. I forgot how much I enjoyed doing this, when I was going through saved emails on my 1st yahoo account. Speaking of, how many email accounts do you each have? I have…3. Soon to be 4. Count ‘em up and give them all to me. You never know when we’ll need a secret way to contact each other! Back to the point: I came across all these old emails and it reminded me of the fun we used to have together. I also found a couple of old quiz things. I’m going to post some of these below. I’m also going to do the “What’s up With Who”, talk about Facebook, and go over the theme of this NL……Christmas in July! Anyways, I hope you ladies will enjoy an old way of keeping in touch----instead of Facebook.
Oldies but Goodies…
A. This one is a quiz by the name of “Getting to Know You.” Apparently, it was around Halloween. Its Jenna’s response. Enjoy!
1. What is your occupation? Library technical assistant I
2. What colors are your socks right now? no socks - tan high heels
3. Listening to right now? silence
4. What was the last thing that you ate? zucchini bread
5. Can you drive a stick shift? no
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? some random library patron
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? of course
8. How old are you today? 28
9. Favorite drink? hot tea
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Mountaineer football!
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? yes a few times
12. Pets? just one pitiful baby turtle
13. What was the last movie you watched? no time for movies! my kids just recently watched Muppet Classic Theater though (that's the last one I noticed was on anyway).
14. Favorite day of the year? March 17th
15. How do you vent anger? yell and/or cry
16. What was your favorite toy as a child?Barbie dolls!
17. What was your favorite summer?the one I spent at the farm with Grandma and Grandpa Anderson
18. Hugs or kisses? kisses
19. Cherries or Blueberries? blueberries, fresh
20. Do you want your friends to email you back? yes
21. Who is most likely to respond? my mom
22. Who is least likely to respond? all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins!
23. Living arrangements? in a messy and cluttered townhouse with a bunch of messy and noisy boys
24. When was the last time you cried? can't remember
25. What is on the floor of your closet? boxes full of stuff and a pile of my shoes
26. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? Cassie
27. What did you do last night? worked
28. Favorite smells? white musk or cinnamon toast(or anything similarly sweet and spicy)
29. What inspires you? solitude and quiet
30. What are you afraid of?spiders and heights and grasshoppers and being sick and ... wow, I am afraid of everything!
31. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers?stupid plain
32. Favorite dog breed?dogs stink
33. Number of keys on your key ring? my work one has 8; my personal one has 5; and I have another one that I lost that had my house key on it - I think it's in Florida, so Donna, mail it to me if you find it, OK?
34. How many years at your current job? 1 year and one month on the 16th
35. Favorite day of the week? Saturday b/c it is my only full day at home with everyone
36. How many states have you lived in? 2
37. Favorite holiday? Christmas
38. What are you going to be for Halloween?maybe a cowgirl - haven't decided yet
B. The next one is called Let’s Get Quizzical and was answered by both me and Angie (my mom) Okay, the colors get confusing, so, I’m black, mom is green, and quiz is orange. And btw, mom, what does xork mean? P.S. let’s get quizzical and lets get physical reference, mom!
Ok ladies, its my turn to make up some questions!!!!! Oh, and did you guys like my little reference to a song by Olivia-Newton John? Who told that bleeeeep she could sing anyway?
ok did i miss something????? what reference are you talking about????? what song???
When you were a kid what names did you have picked out for your kids? Did you name your any of your kids those names? If not, why? I wanted to name my daughter Brittany, Bridgett, Candice, Christina Shea, or Tina Renae. Well, “Br-” names became a catastrophe in the circle of people I know: Bridgett, Brittany, Brenda, Debra, Brandy, Brittany, Breanna, Bree, and Brooke. And only three of those are not in the same family! An ex-boyfriend of mine became an uncle to a Christina Shea while we were going out. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx named her daughter Shay---after the same person I got the name from, Shea Xxxxxx. And, last, but most important, Shea sounds too much like Xxxxx. I just grew out of Tina Renae, although it’s very pretty. Plus, my Grandma’s dog was named Tina.
I wanted to name my son Tyler Shane, Christopher Sean, Denver Paul, Xavier, Donovan, Braxton, and many I can’t remember. I haven’t had a boy yet, but Tyler Shane is absolutely out. Christopher Sean is out because Xxxxx Xxxxxx’s name is Xxxxx Christopher. Plus those names are too popular. I’m actually debating on Henry, Enrique, Jonas, or Anthony.
ok my daughter is probably gonna cringe as she reads this one but here goes.. i actually did not think of baby names til i was pregnant as far as i know or can remember but names i liked were--Rhiannon Mariah,Stevie Nicks, Chaka Khan, Jessica Amethyst, and Kiki Dee
What is your comfort food? You can have more than one. What would be your “I’m-not-feeling-perky-I-need-loving-I-feel-crappy” meal? I would have to say a grilled cheese sandwich with sour pickle slices on the side, vegetable soup, and a never-ending cup of hot chocolate with forever whip cream. Then for desert, I would have freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that are a teensy bit crisp for milk dunking. I would eat all of this beside a heat vent with a big, comfy blanket and a cold fluffy pillow and the newest Harry potter book and a few of my favorite movies. Wow, I’m feeling “crappy” just thinking about it.
my comfort food would be baked ziti or beef fajitas,mint chocolate chip ice cream, chocolate cake, warm chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk and of course a pepsi.
What was something that scared you when you were a little kid? Does it still scare you in a way? It really scared me when balloons got loose and floated off into the big sky! I even had a nightmare about balloons one time. A couple of weeks ago Evie had a balloon and it escaped. I watched it float away. Was I scared? Just a little. So I looked away and told Evie better luck next time.
the movie "night of the living dead" and evewn tho i watch all kinds of horror movies --that is still one movie i won't watch
Do you guys--excuse me, I mean ladies--remember when I did that Something To Think About on what you would do with one million dollars if you had to spend it on experiences? Then how could you bring those expensive ass experiences into your everyday life? Did any of you do that? I did one time. I went to a wine and beer tasting at Earth Fare. I had fun. I haven’t found any chocolate tasting events. I can’t think of my other experiences. I need someone to send me copies of the old News Letters. Hint, hint. i believe i said traveling to small towns to see the people instead of going to popular tourist places that everyone else goes to. sorry lil one but i lost everything on this computer (along with pics of the lil ones) a while back so i doubt if i have ant old nls
What is one thing you would like to do career-wise that you don’t really tell people about? I want to be a Wedding Planner. I think it sounds silly. it's still opening up a coffer bar/craft shop-- i don't tell too many people cause i don't want to jinx myself xork
C. Or do you ladies remember when some exchange student had a “hot for librarian” thing for Jenna. I do…… Following is the actual email she sent me!
Dear God help me this exchange student (or whatever he is) is trying to flirt with me - I am a librarian for chrissakes! you don't flirt with a librarian! he says he'll be back to talk to me later and I wasn't paying attention and I say "oh, nice!" and then I realize what he has just said - why me? thank goodness it is almost midnight!
Okay, enough nastalgia for one letter! Now isn’t this fun!?! Next up is the good ol’ What’s up with Who!
What’s up with Who? or whom, to be grammatically correct
Well, let’s start off with Elise: Does this lady ever relax? She works 50 hours a week, 5 days a week and all for some hard ass New York Jew. And according to my grandfather, Jews are sticklers for money, so Mr. NYJ wants all his employees to work extra hard for his money…especially Elise, since she is his right hand man, um I mean woman. Disclaimer: The ideas, opinions and statements in this news letter do not in anyway reflect the ideas, opinions, and support of the EGHSisterhood. Also no Jews were hurt during the writing of this news letter. Also, no representative of the EGHSisterhood holds any prejudice views against Jewish persons. She now lives in Seagrove, the pottery capital of NC (and possibly the UsofA). In case one doesn’t know, Seagrove is in the middle of nowhere—so she literally lives in bumfuck. So, why would anyone, in their right mind, make this place the capital of anything? For just a look around one can visit these sites: http://heartofnorthcarolina.com/, or http://www.discoverseagrove.com/, or http://www.ncpotterycenter.com/. She has three children, Craig, Violet, and Donovan. They are all growing really fast. The youngest one doesn’t like me! Is there anything Elise would like to add?
Second up is Jenna: Moving on up in the library tech world (due to a coworker scandal...jealous bitch...) she is now doing more interesting things. For example she has to build websites for the library. Jenna, why don’t you send us some of the addresses of your work! She has been working on a new reputation for herself: Bitch Persona. Since the scandal, Jenna has had to get in touch with her bitchy side and stand up for herself. Good job, Jenna, I think people are beginning to take notice! News just in: Jenna and Aidan have separated. This IS what Jenna wanted, but now she is feeling stuck, helpless and alone. Unlike Elise and Cassie, who have a support system, she has no one. She is now considering going back to school….except she thinks she can’t do it. We all need to let her know she can accomplish it. She did it before, poor and poor & on her own, she can do it again! My condolences and congratulations. You are better off.
Angie is next up: Still living in the great state of Texas, she is debating on returning to school. Job hunting has not been serving her well. So let’s give a bit of encouragement to mom! She can do it! Not too long ago, her and her husband decided to cut back on meat consumption. The purpose of this is to lose weight and be healthier. I totally agree with this idea. They recently bought new bikes to go cycling together (awwww how cute). And since they have a pool in their apartment complex, it’s easy to do some laps in Texas’ warm weather. Angie still has a sewing hobby. She likes to sew clothes (for people and dolls) and even draperies. She is still an avid Doll Collector. Feel free to add something, Mom.
Last, but not least is Cassie: Well, let’s see, where to begin…. Alright, in August of last year I had a miscarriage. They say God works in mysterious ways and I believe it. Not only can I not imagine having a 5 month old right now, but I doubt I would have applied for school. Which brings me to my next tid-bit: Cassie is officially a UNCG student! I’m sure you all know because I posted it on Facebook. I have been a pesco-vegetarian (for the most part) for ...geez how long…..since before Thanksgiving. Now, I have been wanting to enjoy the fleshy delicacy of decayed meat (I know, mmmmm), but every time I eat it my stomach begins to hurt! How aggravating! When all I want is a friggin’ sandwich! C’est la vie.
Facebook Madness!
Speaking of, I just spent about 15 minutes diddling on there, instead of writing this! WTF! I went on there just to send Melissa a special message and it sucked me in to its blackhole. Facebook, folks, is a waste of time, I tell ya. A waste of time! I can never spend less than an hour on there (except just now). I am addicted to Café World. Is there a help line or support group? The CFWA? Seriously?
I admit it’s great to keep in touch with your friends. But, it eats your time. It turns your brain to mush. All I can do is watch my café earn coins. I freak if I can’t get to my meals and turn them over. Right now I have rotten dishes on my stoves! My Lighting stove is ready to go! It’s all decorated in pink….do you see what I mean!
Another problem is people who don’t know boundaries. For example, this guy named Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx (can anyone identify him for me, please, he went to our school!) IM'd me JUST TO TELL ME how pretty I am now and how he always thought I was so beautiful in school. Yes, I am and was. Thank you. I should accept compliments (love-giving in metaphysical world), but it seems weird. Secondly, some girls being overly friendly with my man. One in particular just didn’t take the hint. This explains my presence on his FB. Just a bit of advice: do not allow your phone number to be seen.
Seriously, all in all I love FB, but it does get out of hand. I really enjoy the banter and updates on close friends. Just some people go overboard. I so wish I had saved all the comments on one of my posts. Do you care to elaborate, Jenna? ;)
Christmas in July
You know something, I never understood this phrase. Why Christmas in July? Apparently, there is a movie under the same beloved title. And I will assume that this is where the celebration (that I have been thus far oblivious of) gets its origin. To get technical, I have done some research. According to Wikipedia, there are July sales and nightclub parties in honor of this event. AND WTH!!!! There is actually a CIJ celebration RIGHT HERE IN NC! How have I missed this one? Oh, next year I am sooooooo going to that! News just in: Eric says he seen something about that not too long ago. Again, how have I missed this? You’re never going to believe this…..I found CIJ in SEAGROVE! That’s 2 events in NC. A reason to make a quick (and announced*) trip to NC, Jenna* and Mom! Of course, if you’re an electronic lover, July (and August) is the right time.
This lady is hitting on the theme I’m interested in…no not knitting. My theme is to start the Christmas shopping, thinking, planning, etc early. Yes 6 months early. I know, we’re in the 3rd week of July now, but it’s not too late. Have we ever needed an excuse to go shopping? If, so we’ve got one now! Why CIJ, Cassie? Well, I started early last year (not this early) because I wanted to spread out the expense. Also, because I read stuff online about enjoying the spirit of Christmas and avoiding the rush of it. I found that it not only helped my wallet, but it also eased my stress level. Speaking of easier on wallet, tax free season is a good reason to shop early!
It’s mostly about enjoying the spirit of the holiday. If you can get all that last minute shopping out of the way, then you have the chance to watch Rudolph on cable that night. Or it could just be another Scam by the Man. Either way, it never hurt to be prepared. There is a page I found that has a good sum-up of “before Christmas” shopping. Savings of both time and money should be enough to get you interested. So check out my “check list” to get you started on the 2nd biggest fad next to Facebook. Reminder: 147 shopping days left ‘til Christmas, as of July 31st!
1. Window Shopping with a full wallet…or not: The point here is if you see a good sale pick it up. My grandfather used to say (according to Nannie) “if you see something you like, buy it, because it’ll probably be gone when you come back.” I didn’t know this “Papa” quote until recently, but I’ve seen it in action many times. Just keep track of what you buy or you’ll overdo it like I did last year! “Oh, geez, I forgot I even bought that!”
2. Layaway: I know Kmart still does it. Check your local stores to see if they do it. This is an easy way to get big purchases out of the way. Plus, it keeps them out of sight longer. Here are a few sites with good info on layaway options. http://frugalliving.about.com/od/christmas/qt/Stores_Offering_Layaway.htm
Check out the Vacation Layaway service!
3. Email Christmas Lists out to family members and friends who exchange gifts with you each year: What better way to get the ball rolling for everyone else. And it allows time for bigger purchases by grandparents. Plus, you can request their wish lists and get all of your shopping done early.
4. Party Planning: Decide on the outfit, time, and place. If you host the party make or buy invitations and mail out in November. Pre-plan the menu. Or find out who’s hosting, and mark your calendars. This way you can avoid double obligations in December. Ask if they want you to bring a dish and start planning it.
5. Christmas Cards: Who sends these out anymore? Old people? No! People with class or who take the time to show they care! That’s who. And I want to be one of those. Get ahead this month by making a mailing list. Start gathering addresses---not email. This process could actually take a while. I know. Christmas cards can be pricey. So start purchasing early. Want to save? Plan on writing personal letters to each person on your list. Start the card or letter writing process in November and mail off after Thanksgiving.
6. Christmas Tree: Start the floor plan now. Decide if you’re going to use old faithful or buy a real one this year. Mark your calendar for after Halloween to start digging through decorations and checking lights. Knowing if you need new stuff saves precious time. Remember, Mom, when you and Clay visited one Christmas and we had to go buy Nannie new decorations?
7. Start Hunting NOW: Go to Good Will, BigLots (or OddLots), or other local thrifts to see if you can find deals on decorations. Check out the mark down isles in stores. And remember if you have something on layaway and it goes on sale, most stores will adjust the price!
8. Mark Those Calendars: Set mini goals for your self to keep momentum. Get CIJ buddies to keep you motivated.
Save My Ass
This section is not about my ass, sorry ladies, I know how much you would’ve enjoyed that one! My new section is about anything that will save you time, money, inconvenience, etc. Well, what are we waiting for?
1. Eating Healthier Problem 1: How to get the brats to eat veggies and yourself less fattening meat (like hamburger)
The answer is Quorn products ladies. Trust me, thou who shall try many different fake meats and puketh. This brand puts Morning Star to shame! I get several bags at a time. The “fried chicken” is great. And the “chicken cordon bleu….girls please! What does this save? Arguments with kids about eating healthy, inner arguments with yourself about eating healthier. And it’s easy to use in a Crockpot (see below). To find some near you I looked on the Quorn site. Elise sorry, none sold near you that I could find. Anyways, it can be used in chilies, stews, spaghetti sauce, tacos, make meat loaf or meat balls, just endless possibilities. And those little brats will never know! Oh, and Jenna, this is absolutely soy-free! Plus it’s cholesterol free too.
Texas: Mom, I found 4 different stores in Austin that sell it. One is HEB.
West Virginia: Jenna, they sell it at Giant Eagle in Morgantown.
2. Eating Healthier Problem 2: Homemade Pizza
This also saves money. Plus, everyone will be so much happier since they can create their own. There are many types of pizza crusts available, from mini to Pillsbury-need-to-bake. You can get jarred sauce or make your own. It’s your choice. The problem solver is mashing some canned veggies, spread them on crust, top with sauce, cheese, etc, and feed to the brats. Friday night supper that makes both mom and kids happy. Mom 1, kids 0!
Just to elaborate on homemade pizza
3. Crockpot (or Slow Cooker): The one-dish Wonder
If you don’t have one---go get one now! Drive over to the nearest Wally World and buy it! You just pop your meal in and leave it. There is a little saying: set it and forget it. Time saver, electric saver, no-heat-up-the house-like-an-oven saver …and need I say more? And, no, you do not a need a matching recipe book to go with your new (or old) kitchen gadget. I have found some lovely sites for you to bookmark, ladies. Oh and take a look at this little number!
Moms Who Think: This is a site for more than recipes.
An Inspiration: This person made a commitment to not only cook with a slow cooker for 1 year, but also to do it vegetarian style!
A Similar Commitment, but with Meat: This site dedicates itself to only cooking with the Crockpot everyday in 2008. I had no idea this was a fad…
The name of this site says it all: Slow and Simple.
Ok, I’m sure you girls are big enough to find your own recipes. I just wanted to give you a little shove in the right direction. Have Fun!
4. Canned Fruit: Quick and Easy.
I know, it doesn’t beat real fruit by a long shot, but it’s a healthy snack, spares you rotten produce, and comes in handy in a jiffy. But I’ve taken this to another level, ladies. Oh yeah! I bought the fruit in those fancy, plastic jars. You know the ones, around 2-something each! I also bought some cans. I used the jars first and saved them. Now, I put any left over canned fruit in the jars in the fridge. 2 problems solved for Cassie! Cheaper fruit with its own container.
Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed this NL. I’m a bit rusty so….get over it. I also have a bit of a game for ya: Finding the quote for a Starbucks Gift Card (or not for Mom). There is a site that I refer you to where a lady is complaining about CIJ diplays/sales rack, etc. She is from Texas and she is upset at their puny commitment to CIJ sales. With a “Bigger In Texas” attitude she says this about their efforts: “Either don't do it or do it bigger, for heaven's sake.” Tell me which site it came from and you’ll get the gift card. I want to see who is reading!
Forever Yours,
Cassie
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