My GPS Sux!

So I've been dealing with my 5 year old Magellan RoadMate for longer than I can take.  It's one thing that the I355 extension that goes through my burb is NOT in the maps (to upgrade the map would cost as much as a new GPS).  And another that when driving north on I355 it doesn't tell me about the I55 north ramp until AFTER I pass it.  Sunday when I was driving to Chicago to visit my daughter in the hospital, it f'd up royally and sent me on a 40 minute detour in a not very good part of town.  My GPS didn't tell me to take I290 until I got to the point where I could not get on the ramp because a median strip blocked the way.  I was livid!

So what have I been doing since Sunday?  Shopping for a new GPS.  Happy Mother's Day early to me!  I decided that lifetime map updates and lifetime traffic updates were a necessity, however, I thought the expense of voice recognition was a bit much.  Once I basically knew what I wanted, I checked out Tom Tom GPS online.  I selected the Tom Tom Via 1505tm GPS.  Prices online varied from $119 for a new open box unit (nah), to $239.   I went on my Ebates.com to try to increase my savings, and found a new unit for $129, and I got free shipping, and 3% back from Ebates.com. 

Now I can't wait to get it.  Hoping it comes before the weekend, but not likely.

Now to decide what voice I want...

Will it be Yoda, to drive my kids crazy? Or Kim Cattrall's sultry voice?  Or how about John Cleese?  (Can you imagine John Cleese telling you to "When possible...make a LEGAL u-turn.")

Stay tuned to find out!

Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

100 Foods To Eat Before You Die

If I’ve tried the food, I’ll make it purple. If I refuse to ever try it, I’ll bold it.

1. Venison - I love venison. I once made a batch of venison stew, best stew I ever had.

2. Nettle tea - I believe I tried this when I hired a personal diet guru back when I was single and had $$. I didn't care for it.

3. Huevos rancheros - Of course! Love Mexican food!

4. Steak tartare - Yes, and I liked it. Wouldn't touch raw meat now though.

5. Crocodile

6. Black pudding

7. Cheese fondue - I love fondue! Which reminds me, I still need to have a fondue party!

8. Carp

9. Borscht - Sounds disgusting.

10. Baba ghanoush

11. Calamari

12. Pho

13. PB&J sandwich

14. Aloo gobi - Mmm. Love Indian food!

15. Hot dog from a street cart- Never from a street cart.

16. Epoisses

17. Black truffle

18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes- I chocolate wine once. Kinda weird.

19. Steamed pork buns

20. Pistachio ice cream- I love pistachio ice cream!

21. Heirloom tomatoes- I’m pretty sure I’ve had these.

22. Fresh wild berries- When I was a kid we picked strawberries growing in a field. I guess that constitutes "wild".

23. Foie gras

24. Rice and beans

25. Brawn, or head cheese - Not a chance! Bonus points if you remember what movie this line comes from "My brother makes head cheese reeeeeeeal gooood."

26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper

27. Dulce de leche - Does dulce de leche flavored ice cream count?

28. Oysters- Oysters Rockefeller...yum!

29. Baklava

30. Bagna cauda

31. Wasabi peas

32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl- Not in a sourdough bowl. But I prefer Manhattan Clam Chowder. Very hard to find around here.

33. Salted lassi

34. Sauerkraut

35. Root beer float

36. Cognac with a fat cigar - Not the Cognac, but I've had cigars.

37. Clotted cream tea - Not a fan of anything in my tea. Straight up please!

38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O shot- Surprisingly, never had one.

39. Gumbo- Love it!

40. Oxtail

41. Curried goat

42. Whole insects

43. Phaal

44. Goat’s milk- I’ve had goat’s cheese, so that counts, right?

45. Single malt whiskey - Whiskey is my friend.

46. Fugu

47. Chicken tikka masala- Love it! We make this at home all the time.

48. Eel- In sushi form only.

49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut- I just don't see what's so special about them.

50. Sea urchin

51. Prickly pear

52. Umeboshi

53. Abalone - Tuna? Yes.

54. Paneer - Saag paneer! Love it!

55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal- Not a fan, but have had it.

56. Spaetzle

57. Dirty gin martini - The dirtier the better!

58. Beer above 8% ABV- Probably have had it.

59. Poutine

60. Carob chips - Yes I've had it, and no, I don't think it's a good substitute for chocolate chips.

61. S’mores

62. Sweetbreads

63. Kaolin

64. Currywurst

65. Durian

66. Frogs’ legs - Tastes like chicken. Really!

67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake

68. Haggis

69. Fried plantain

70. Chitterlings, or andouillette

71. Gazpacho- Triple love it! But it's a lot of work to make at home.

72. Caviar and blini - I've had caviar. Usually have it for New Year's Eve. Never had blini.

73. Louche absinthe

74. Gjetost, or brunost

75. Roadkill- What? No way!

76. Baijiu

77. Hostess Fruit Pie - What school lunch in WI didn't include Hostess?

78. Snail

79. Lapsang souchong

80. Bellini- One of the best summer cocktails!

81. Tom yum

82. Eggs Benedict - Yum! Usually make this for holiday breakfast.

83. Pocky

84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant - Umm, yeah, right, on my salary?

85. Kobe beef

86. Hare

87. Goulash

88. Flowers- Probably, at a restaurant.

89. Horse

90. Criollo

91. Spam - Spam and eggs!

92. Soft shell crab

93. Rose harissa

94. Catfish

95. Mole poblano- I’m not a huge fan of mole.

96. Bagel and lox- Love it! It's been too long though.

97. Lobster Thermidor - I had my first whole lobster last month. Yum!

98. Polenta - Not a fan.

99. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee

100. Snake

So now I want to know, what you have you tried? What do you want to try? What will you never try!

Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

Why are there only 2 kinds of N/A beer, but a bajillion kinds of regular beer...and other musings....

First off...where the hell have I been? Now there's a clue in there...

HELL!

Yeah, pretty much.

My daughter has had 3 hospitalizations since the beginning of 2012. Each one has been it's own different kind of roller coaster.

January was crazy busy at work and I pretty much came home to sleep. Ya gotta love payroll tax and W-2 time.

Remember the post about the microwave oven? Yeah, I think we went a month and a half without one because I was working so much and certain family members refused to make room/set it up. Oh...and they still don't know what a saucepan is!

I got tired of the arguments over laundry and how long it takes to dry, so I ordered a new dryer last month. The website failed to mention that it was special order, it's finally being delivered on Sunday. I will be doing the "I can finally wash and dry my clothes in my own house dance!"

Things I'd like to know/Things I want to say:

Can I please have some vacation days to actually take a vacation? I'm tired of using them to sleep because some cracker jack ER thinks it's awesome to keep you in their ER until 2am and then transfer you to another hospital in east Kishnev, so that you end up getting home at 4:30am, and you didn't even party or have a flippin' cocktail! I think that cocktails should be mandatory for parents waiting out a psych evaluation. It would certainly make us calmer. Hell! It would give us something to do! Some of those exam rooms don't even have televisions. What are you supposed to do? Stare at each other? Not exactly the best idea...I'm just sayin'.

It is NOT child abuse to take your wet laundry to the laundromat to use their dryers and save some $$. (Not to mention, not having to use their disgustingly dirty washing machines.)

While I'm on the subject of laundromats...would it kill the only one in my town to actually repair the dryers? There are more dryers with post-it notes on them saying "out of order", than there are working dryers. Oh, and I almost got killed this past Sunday when I went there. The dryer next to the one I was using started sparking. I mean SPARKING!

Why do they only have 2 kinds of N/A beer and a bajillion kinds of regular beer? I mean, come on! There's beers that use filtered spring water, platinum beers that are triple filtered, pilsners, Weiss, lagers, flavored beers (berry, honey, and so on.) It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if there were more variety in N/A beers they would sell more. Those of us who prefer not to drink alcohol, those who cannot drink alcohol. Come on!

Lola's Diner ©2008-2011

Sunday Stealing - The Never Ending Meme, the end

Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link to the victim's post. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") We do sometimes edit the original meme, usually to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, sometimes to select that meme's best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from either this new meme or recently asked questions from a prior featured meme. Let's go!!!

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!Cheers to all of us thieves!

36. Have you watched American Horror Story? Nope.
37. Baseball hat or toque? Baseball cap.
38. Do you shampoo or soap up first in the shower? Isn't that rather personal?
39. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste? Wet the toothbrush.
40. Pen or pencil? Depends what I'm doing.
41. Have you ever gambled at a casino? Yup.
42. Have you thrown up on a plane? Only been on a plane twice. (Back and forth) Thought I was gonna, but thankfully didn't.
43. Have you thrown up in a car? Long time ago. Party days. Long long long time ago.
44. Have you thrown up at work? Unfortunately yes. In fact recently. Damn 24 hour bug. Thankfully I made it to the ladies room.
45. Do you scream on roller coasters? Not anymore! Went on one once and that was enough for me.
46. How many shoes do you have? Well, I have 2 feet...
47. Who was your first roommate? Never did the roommate thing.
48. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time? Old Style beer.
49. What was your first job? Gas station attendant.
50. What was your first car? 1971 Pontiac Granville. Gold, white leather interior. Got 2 miles to the gallon. Lol!
51. When did you go to your first funeral? I was 17. It was someone on my Mom's side. The big lady who liked like an Italian Delta Burke. She always pinched my cheeks. Hard! I hated that as a kid.
52. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown? 27.
53. Who was your first grade teacher? I don't remember.
54. Where did you go on your first airplane ride? CA. Don't ask.
55. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with? My childhood best friend talked me into getting up at the crack of dawn and sneaking out of my house to go play tennis over her driveway gate with the new tennis rackets we got. She was going on vacation to WI Dells that day and we HAD to get in some tennis before she left. It was brilliant! Like know one would have heard us batting a tennis ball back and forth. LMAO!
56. Who was your first best friend and are you still friends with them? My first best friend passed away from a brain tumor 12 years ago.
57. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parents’ house? Chi-town.
58. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day? My gf.
59. Whose wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or a groomsmen? Actually I was the best man. The girl who was supposed to be the best man didn't show up at the courthouse. I was best man by default. (And yes, it was a straight wedding.)
60. What is the first thing you do in the morning? Get out of bed. Duh!
61. What was the first concert you attended? Rush.
62. First tattoo or piercing? Not yet. Coming soon!
63. First celebrity crush? I don't think I've crushed on a celebrity.

Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing! Have a great week. See you next Sunday!

Lola's Diner ©2008-2011

Sunday Stealing - The Never Ending Meme, Part 2

Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link to the victim's post. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") We do sometimes edit the original meme, usually to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, sometimes to select that meme's best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from either this new meme or recently asked questions from a prior featured meme. Let's go!!!

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Cheers to all of us thieves!

21. Did you go to your high school prom? Nope.
22. Perfect time to wake up? When I've had enough sleep. Sheesh! Really?
23. Perfect time to go to bed? When I'm tired.
24. Do you use your queen right away in chess? There is a wrong way?
25. Ever been in a car accident? Several. Still trying to settle on the last one from a year ago.
26. Closer to mom or dad…or neither? Mom.
27. What age is this exciting life over for you? Umm, I'm thinking God will let me know.
28. What decade during the 20th century would you have chosen to be a teenager? Now would be really cool. Computers, internet, cell phones...really cool.
29. Favorite shoes you have EVER owned? Earth shoes.
30. Do you have an article of clothing you have had since you were in high school? I still have my gym uniform shirt. It was reversible. Blue (for Knights) on one side, white tee shirt on the inside. My daughter stole it as soon as she saw it. Lol!
31. Were you in track and field? Nope.
32. Were you ever in a school talent show? Nope.
33. Have you ever written in a library book? Isn't that against the law? Librarian law? Wait a minute...is the librarian a brunette?
34. Allergic to? Grass (the kind you mow), corn pollen, dust mites, pet dander.
35. Favorite fruit? Watermelon.

Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing! Have a great week. See you next Sunday!
Lola's Diner ©2008-2011

Sunday Stealing - The Never Ending Meme, Part 1

Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link to the victim's post. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") We do sometimes edit the original meme, usually to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, sometimes to select that meme's best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from either this new meme or recently asked questions from a prior featured meme. Let's go!!!

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Song that always makes you sad? Can't really think of one.
2. Last thing you bought? Groceries.
3. Last person you argued with? Oh please! There is only one person I argue with.
4. Do you put butter before putting the peanut butter on? Bleche!
5. One of your stuffed animals’ names as a kid? Yogi. I had a Yogi Bear.
6. Did you ever at one time own a Barenaked Ladies CD? Not the entire CD. I probably have several of their songs on my Ipod.
7. Favorite day of the week? Saturday. Because it usually means I always have the next day off.
8. Favorite sundae topping? Hot fudge.
9. Did you take piano lessons? Nope.
10. Most frequent song played? Played where?
11. T.V. show you secretly enjoy? I think I just found a new one. "Vanilla Ice Project" on DIY network.
12. Would you rather play basketball or hockey? Basketball. I've never played hockey.
13. Date someone older or younger? Younger! Always younger!
14. One place you could travel right now? Right now? Downstairs. Lol! I'm broke. But I'd love to go to Key West or Vegas baby!
15. Do you use umbrellas? If I happen to have one when it's raining, yes.
16. Do you know all the words to the Canadian national anthem? Umm, this is America! Why would I know the words to the Canadian national anthem? Oh Can a da! Not!
17. Favorite cheese? Brie.
18. The Smith’s or The Cure? The Cure.
19. Do you prefer blondes or brunettes? Brunettes. Totally!
20. Best job you ever had? The one I have right now!

Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing! Have a great week. See you next Sunday!

Lola's Diner ©2008-2011

How long can you survive without a microwave oven?

It's 2012. I'm 50. I purchased my first microwave oven for my Mom in about 1980. It was huge!
That means I survived almost 20 years without one!

We have not had a working microwave oven set up for 2 weeks now. It took a week to purchase one because of my hectic schedule. It's a bit larger than the old one, so I am still contemplating where to put the new one.
My children are suffering immensely.

How can we heat up a can of Campbells?
How can I heat up a can of Chef Boy R u Lazy?
There's nothing to eat...no we can't have leftovers, there isn't any way to heat them up!

OMG! You would not believe the drama!

How did I ever survive my first 20 years of life?

When I tell them they have to heat up Campbells the old fashion way...put it in a saucepan on the stove and turn on the stove, they roll their eyes at me as if I were stark raving mad!

Lola's Diner ©2008-2011