New Year's Eve

I am so happy to be moving on to 2011. This year has been a rough one. First it was the break-up with Anastasia, then jumping through all the hoops with Social Security, including a hearing and then being denied, then independent evaluations for the insurance company I got my disability benefits from, then just recently losing those benefits, my son tearing a ligament in his ankle requiring crutches and a cast, then my car accident (The damage total is now $7,759.29 and they estimate my car won't be repaired and back to me until after the middle of January. That estimate will go up because they failed to include estimates for damage to my front seats during the accident.), and no job, even though I have been doing everything I can possibly think of to find a job. And my refrigerator completely dying yesterday. My kitchen smells like spoiled meat. It's disgusting and what's sad is that I lost everything from the holiday boxes of food that a local charity delivered.

The relationship failure was a hard one and many lessons learned. There were dating failures. Some of those were learning experiences as well. Along the way I have met many great friends and I've become the most social I've ever been in my life. I can't imagine going through the things I've gone through this year without having these friends. Several have become close and are very supportive and always willing to lend an ear and offer advice. You ladies ROCK! I camped for the first time, and numerous times this year. Who would have thought I was the type to love camping? My daughter was only hospitalized once this year, with everything that has gone on this year, that's a blessing in itself.

No one to smooch at midnight this year. The first time in...wowser, probably my whole lesbian life. I've planned to attend a house party with the group I belong to so I don't have to be home alone. It's a bring your sleeping bag so you don't have to drive home with all the amateur drinkers, otherwise I wouldn't be going out. I could stay sober tonight, but what about all the other drivers on the road?

I have a phone interview on Monday so wish me luck and say some prayers for me.

Here's an early toast for New Year's Eve for all my readers and blog pallies:

May the new year bring you much health, happiness, positive new experiences and many opportunities for growth...both personally and financially.
Happy New Year!

This is a re-post from 2008. Why? Because I lead a really dull life and this is proof positive that wasn't always the case.

I think the most memorable New Year’s Eve was back in the ‘80’s. I was 19 or 20 years old. (The legal drinking age back then was 18.) I had arranged to bar hop with friends by bus. Each of us took a bus to our first stop, which was Wendt’s Bar in Milwaukee. Even though the idea was to bar hop, we stayed there most of the night.

Lei’s, party hats, streamers and horns were aplenty. So much so, that my friends and I wore multiple hats and Lei’s. After ringing in the New Year at Wendt’s, we walked about 2 blocks to another bar. At some point my friend Cindy's mother picked us up and was going to give me a ride home, but there was some arguing going on between Cindy and her Mother. I ended up asking to be dropped off at an intersection about 3 miles from my parent’s house. (Yes, I still lived with my parents.) Taking the bus at that point wasn’t an option because the end of the bus line was less than a mile ahead.

I began walking and stopped at the next bar just to warm up, or so I thought. Apparently wearing 2 Tieras (one forwards, one backwards) a Fez type Happy New Years hat in between them, about 8 lei’s, and more streamers and confetti than I’ve ever seen since, makes you the life of the party. Having never been the life of the party before, I rather enjoyed the attention. Every single patron (and there were still a heck of a lot of people out at the bar at that hour) had to buy me a drink and wish me a Happy New Year. After a very short while I had to switch to plain soda because I could not possibly drink any more alcohol. Around 5:30am I decided I was close to being sober enough to walk the 2 miles home.

So picture this (and I am so glad that I didn’t know anyone at that bar and that no one had a camera.) Picture this, I am walking home (more like stumbling), it’s nearly 6am, the sun has already come up, and I am still wearing the 3 party hats and I still have about 4 Lei’s and streamers and confetti all over me.

I am a freakin'

walking

New Year’s Eve party!

Somehow I managed to walk down 3 streets in our subdivision without being seen by anyone. I also managed to get in the house and into my room, without my parents seeing me come in. The issue here isn’t underage drinking, I was of drinking age. The issue is not having my parents see me looking like a New Year’s Eve Party threw up all over me. My friends thought it was cool, after all, they had just as many party hats, leis, streamers and confetti as I did. Somehow I don’t think my parents would have been impressed.
As you contemplate your New Year's Eve celebration, please:

Use public transportation (some cities over very reduced rates certain hours on NYE/Day or
Designate a driver or
Have a house party and let your guests sleep over.
Be safe!

I want to see you all back to blogging bright and early New Year's Day.
(Ok, maybe after you sleep a little late and have a couple aspirin.)

What was your most memorable New Year's Eve?

Please post it in my comments section.

(If you don't have one yet, please don't try to imitate my exploits.

The hangover for the next day and a half was excruciating.)

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Randomness

I will be so glad when 2011 rings in! OMG. It's been one thing after another. My refrigerator has been making a funny noise. When I opened the freezer a bunch of defrosted food is what I found. I tried resetting it to make it colder but that didn't work.

I hopped on Freecycle. Nothing there. Hopped on Bookoo Yard Sales and found one. I went to take a look at it. The guy changed out all of his appliances for stainless steel. Now I just have to get it from there to here. I have arranged with someone, just cross your fingers it works out and I can get it on Saturday.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Best Buy Sucks!

I purchased a $50 wireless card that Anastasia insisted I purchase awhile back when we were together. I also paid the $49.99 Geek Squad installation fee. I called the Best Buy location where I bought it to inquire about at least getting the $49.99 Geek Squad installation refunded. I explained to the employee who answered the phone when the purchase was made. She assured me that even though it was out of their normal refund period they would refund the Geek Squad installation. I went there today and they refused to refund it. I talked to a manager and the Geek Squad manager. No, No and no.

I have no money coming in. I could really use that $49.99 for essentials and I have no use for the installation. So basically Best Buy is keeping my $49.99 for no reason. I feel like I've been pick pocketed.

By the way, if anyone needs a wireless card, let me know. I need to sell it for cash. It has not been used. Not even opened.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Happy Birthday To My Little Guy

Happy Birthday to my little guy!

Ok, he is over 6 feet tall, he's not a little guy anymore, but he's still my youngest. Monday he went for his annual physical. Height and weight. He lost 15 pounds since his last visit and the doctor was impressed. (Gee, isn't that nice? She's my doctor too and she didn't notice I've lost over 80 pounds this year.) His height was 6 feet 7/8ths of an inch. Yes, the tech actually said 7/8ths!

If you missed my 2008's post, check it out Happy Birthday to My Baby to read about one of his more infamous exploits.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Review AND Giveaway - Chex Mix

‘Tis the season for scrumptious snacking! Let Chex^® Party Mix help you mix up a holiday hit with delicious homemade options that can be ready in a snap!

For decades, savvy home cooks have been using crunchy Chex® cereal as the starting point for their family-favorite party mix recipes. Many Chex® Party Mix recipes can be made in the microwave in just 15 minutes and call for ingredients you already have in your pantry. From holiday gatherings to impromptu get-togethers, Chex® Party Mix provides a snack idea that will impress your guests in no time. Whether you’re looking for sweet or salty, Chex® Party Mix has something to offer every taste bud, making it the perfect go-to snack for entertaining this holiday season. Four gluten-free varieties of Chex cereal help ensure that even party guests with gluten restrictions can enjoy Chex® Party Mix recipes like the NEW Chex Lemon Buddies! Remember Multi-Bran and Wheat Chex are not gluten-free. Visit your local Walmart to find free recipe cards for Chex Lemon Buddies as well as the new Chex Apple Pie Snack Mix and Tex Chex® Party Mix recipes! The blend of flavors in the new homemade mixes will help you create irresistible new favorites and wow your crowd!

Chex^{® now has several varieties that are gluten-free and are just as delicious as the originals.}
GIVEAWAY:
To enter to win a Chex Mix Gift Pack:
1. Become a follower of Lola's Diner.
2. Comment and tell me what Chex^®Party Mix Recipe you would most like to try.
3. Include your email address in your comment so that if you are the winner I can contact you to get your mailing address.
(One entry per person.)

The winner will be announced here on Thursday, December 30th. What new

Good luck!

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given this product to review, along with a nifty extra large tote bag and a set of measuring cups. General Mills provided me with the information and giveaway through MyBlogSpark. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Review - Qwik Shower Gym Class Wipes

Awhile ago I received some samples of Qwik Shower Gym Class Wipes. I apologize for the delay in posting my review.
From Qwik Shower Gym Class Wipes Website:

Your Kids Stink

How do I know? Because my kids stink. They don't take showers after gym class. That's GROSS

I have 3 active sons and often end up with 6 or 7 boys jammed in my car. They haven't showered after gym class or sports practice.


QwikShower: The easy, green and affordable solution to Stinky Kids

Easy: QwikShower gym class wipes are large, thick and cloth like (10” x 12”) moist, single-use disposable towels. They even have a scent that teenagers like. (Yes, we tested them.)

Green: Unlike popular body sprays such as Axe, QwikShower wipes are non-aerosol—so there are no fluorocarbon emissions. That also means the scent won’t invade everyone else’s personal space or overwhelm a locker room.

Affordable: You can purchase QwikShower wipes everywhere and they're super cheap. Purchases from this site ship for free

When I received the samples, my original thought was to have my son try them. He is turning 16 tomorrow and let's just say that when he comes home from school after having gym class everyday, he can get pretty ripe. I actually ended up using them myself. If you're a regular reader of my blog you know that I was in a car accident on the 17th of this month. After my trip to the emergency room I was outfitted with a very stunning immobilizer on my right leg. It was strapped onto my leg over my jeans with like a billion velcro straps and it covered from the top of my thigh all the way to my ankle. In addition to injuring my knee, I aggravated my back problems, therefore I could not remove the contraption without assistance. Because I was home alone, trapped all weekend, I was literally also trapped in the jeans I was wearing Friday evening. I could not remove them to shower. The Qwik Shower Gym Class Wipes came in very handy when I realized that it would be days before my kids were home and could help me remove the immobilizer so I could shower.

The Qwik Shower Gym Class Wipes are the perfect size. Much larger than those disposable hand wipes that come in a plastic bottle. The scent is fresh and pleasant smelling and doesn't linger. These are just the thing to freshen up when you can't shower, but want to feel and smell clean. They are perfect to give your kids to use at school to freshen up at gym class or add a bunch to your gym bag when you go to the fitness center and don't want to go out into the cold weather immediately after showering at the gym.

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given this product to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010

Monday Mayhem

We have all received well-meaning and not so well-meaning gifts. Sometimes, we got them because someone thought we could really use them and then other times we get a gift because it was a great deal and someone was in a hurry.

* You have received the ugliest sweater ever made. What do you do with it? I would put it in my donate pile and eventually it would go to Goodwill, Purple Heart or Amvets.

* Your aunt Mabel gave you a $25 gift card to coffee joint that is far away from your home. Do you re-gift it? I would probably keep it for myself. Never know when I get the urge for coffee...and want to take a drive.

* Your sister in law sent you a gift card to a store that isn’t in your town or online. What do you do with it? I don't have a sister in law. Problem solved!

* What is the oddest gift you have ever received from someone? That would have to be the box of toiletries I received that was gift wrapped and had not 1 but 2 bows on it. It was an empty copier paper box and it was full of deodorant, soap, shampoo, etc. It was the only gift I had to open on Christmas day. To say I was bummed is an understatement...and...are they trying to tell me something? I shower daily!

* What did you do with it? I will put it all to good use, however, I have no doubt that I will be annoyed every time I use them.

* Did you ever wear a sweater, or something else, that was given to you just because of the person who gave it to you and not because you liked it? I really don't recall ever getting something I hated. Some things have annoyed me...things that exes gave me. I just end up donating them when they became exes. Lol!

* What was the best gift you got this holiday season? A pair of Levi's one size too small to go on my shelf as more incentive to continue loosing weight.

* What was the ‘most regiftable’ gift you received this year? Anyone need any toiletries? Grrrrr!

* Did you keep anything that you had actually purchased with the intent of giving it to someone else? I did keep one of the Itunes gift cards from a pack I bought. But that was only because I wanted my kids to have an equal amount of gift cards. Yeah...that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

* If you could give me one gift, what would it be? Peace on earth.

* What is the one gift that I can give to you? An Old Navy Gift card would definitely rock!

Thanks for playing! We will see you next year!

Join Us for Monday Mayhem

Lola's Diner ©2008-2010