It's My Birthday!

Oh yes, oh yes! That's lil' ol' me! I don't look very happy do I?

This is a bit of a re-post from 2010.

"Lucky to be alive".

It's just a commentary on how times have changed and how someone of the ripe old age of 51 (did I type that?) is lucky to be around considering all the shenanigans we got into as kids and considering all the new fangled safety devices that are around to protect our children today.

As a child:
We never wore seat belts. Not required. Most cars didn't have them. And us kids fought over the front seat. The most unsafe spot in the car for a child!
We never wore bicycle helmets. What helmet?.
We never had any anti-bacterial soaps or cleaners.
We never had hand sanitizer.
We drank tap water without a second thought.
We drank from the garden hose all summer long. Every summer!
We ran wild through the neighborhood, or the next few over and our parents were none the wiser as long as we were home on time for lunch and dinner.
We trick-or-treated by ourselves and ate most of our candy before we got home.
We used insect repellent products containing 100% Deet or some more deadly carcinogen.
Rambunctious toddlers ran loose and our parents didn't have a care in the world. There were no toddler leashes or GPS Nanny Devices. Speaking of nannies, we didn't have nannies or governesses unless we were British royalty or our names were von Trapp.
We didn't have to worry about "R" rated movies. There were either movies everyone could watch, or XXX movies. And us kids didn't know about those, unless we had some pretty cool teenage friends.
We raced on our bicycles chasing the ice cream truck like starving orphans, without any regard to other vehicular traffic. And it came every single summer day.
Mr. Rogers was our neighbor and he came into our living rooms every day and no one thought that was the slightest bit odd, this kind of man-child who played with puppets and trolleys in the neighborhood of make-believe.
If our parents were smokers, they smoked literally everywhere. At fast food restaurants, bars, grocery stores, airplanes. Just about anywhere but church. There was no consideration for secondhand smoke. It was smoke em if ya got em.
There was no stranger danger.
Our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paint and the space between the rails was dangerously large enough for us to get our heads or even or bodies stuck in.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets.
Toys were painted with lead paint and had dangerously sharp edges. Recalls were unheard of.
We spent hours at construction sites, watching the big equipment from close-up.
If we got hurt at a friend's house or at school, there were no lawsuits. They were accidents and no one was at fault!
We drank Fresca and Tab with saccharine and cyclamates.
We didn't have computers and a television in our rooms. We had Commodore 64 (if we were really lucky) and the lone television in the family room. (Color, if we were lucky.)
We did not have PSP's, Nintendo DS's, Game Boys, Playstations, Nintendo 64, X-Boxes, Wii's, video games at all, 99 channels on cable, Blueray movies, DVD movies, video tape movies, surround sound, personal cell phones, Iphones, Droids, Personal Computers, Internet chat rooms, Facebook ... we had... friends.
Our actions were our own. Consequences were guaranteed! If we broke a law, our parents were on the side of law enforcement!

Think of it.

How is it we survived? And how did so many of us survive?

I'm so glad you did, so you can join me in celebrating my birthday!

Thank you for stopping by.

Today being a weekday I worked, but not before a mandatory trip to the DMV.  Yes, I know, you feel for me, don't you?  It was actually a quick and pleasant trip.  Every DMV worker wished me Happy Birthday (so if you're ever having a bum birthday, just go to the DMV to renew your license).  I got my Renewal Notice ages ago, but things have been so crazed here that I literally did not have time to peruse the rule book until Sunday night, planning on going the next day.  Ah...no.  Closed on Mondays.  I arrived shortly after opening.  No line, got my number and didn't even have a chance to take a seat before it was up on the number board.  Vision test, pay the cashier, then (dun dun dun...) the test.  I was really kind of sweating it because even though I have 2 teens, I really didn't know the new rules for teens.  So?  Did I pass?  Yup!  Got 100% of the signs correct, 3 wrong on the multiple guess.  And yes...my new driver's license photo sux!  I liked my last one.  Can't I have that one?

I came home to a wonderful homemade dinner of bbq'd pork chops and potatoes.  And...carrot cake and Gluten Free Chocolate Cake for my son.  Yes, we all tried it too.  It was very good. I also got a wonderful heartfelt handwritten card from my daughter.  All in all, not bad for a weekday birthday. 

And...after all...I couldn't have a wet tee shirt contest 2 years in a row...could I? 

Damn!  I could have!
 
Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

Review - Glory Foods

 I was approached by a representative of Glory Foods via email to do a review of their products.  They sent me a wonderful Deluxe Gift Basket full of their products.  I've been familiar with their products for years and love them.  I usually only make  collard greens from scratch for New Year's to serve with my Hoppin' John.  When I get a taste for them any other time of the year I buy Glory Foods products.  Nothing is easier than opening a can and warming it in a dish in the microwave.

The gift basket contained the following items:
Glory Foods Golden Sweet Corn Muffin Mix
Glory Foods Moist Rich Cornbread Mix
Glory Foods Seasoned Chicken Cooking Base
Glory Foods Spicy Vidalia Hot Sauce (I love hot sauce on my eggs.  And I love Vidalia Onions.  This was delicious on my spinach omelet Sunday morning.)
Glory Foods Seasoned Southern Style Cream Style Skillet Corn
Glory Foods Seasoned Southern Style Great Northern Beans
Glory Foods Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans and Rice (Again, I love to make my own, but when I don't have the time, this is just as delicious and so much faster.)
Glory Foods Sensibly Seasoned Lower Sodium String Beans
Glory Foods Seasoned Southern Style Country Cabbage
Glory Foods Seasoned Southern Style Turnip Greens
Glory Foods Fried Apples

Weekends have been pretty hectic around the diner, so I haven't had a chance to try the Glory Foods Seasoned Chicken Cooking Base.  Lately I'm lucky if I can do 2 home cooked meals.  I can't wait to try the Chicken White Bean Chili recipe in the Recipe section of their website.  Look for an update to this review in the future.

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given a Gift Basket to sample their products. 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 ©2008-2012

Sunday Stealing - Imaginary Meme - Last Part

 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 Hui Lin from the blog Conversations with an Imaginary Audience. It's 200 questions, so we will do it in parts. Lots of parts. She does not state where she got it from. But this is someone who could not come up a separate screen name and a blog name. 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!

181. What's the BEST rock band that you have seen live?  I think I'd have to say AC/DC when they played Alpine Valley back in the day.  We had 2nd row.

182. Could you image being in a situation where you would run from the police?  I've dreamed that I was running from the police, but I don't think a situation would ever happen in real life.  I'm too much "follow the rules" to have a reason for the police to chase me.  Not only that...I'm pretty sure I don't want to get shot.

183. Have you ever been asked for an autograph?  No.  Can't think of a reason why someone would ask.  Unless because I'm soooo famous from my blog.

184. What would you change about your living room?  Need new carpeting, also need to finish painting.  I have one wall that is almost completely covered by an Entertainment Center unit for my big screen tv.  We didn't get to that wall to paint when we painted the living.  The carpeting is horrid!  There is a big burn hole clearly visible when you walk in the door.  Putting a throw rug over it just makes people trip on the throw rug.  How did that burn get there?  Umm...NOBODY did it.  Yeah, that's the answer I got when I asked how it happened.

185. Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home?  I prefer glass.  But lately I've been using travel mugs, even for cold beverages so the ice keeps my beverage cold longer.

186. Last hug?  My daughter...after I hugged my son when we headed out to Walmart.

187. Have you ever had to make up your mind?  Huh?  Wtf kind of question is that?  Didn't I just make up my mind to answer this meme???

188. What is on top of your refrigerator?  Ziplock bags, aluminum foil, wax paper, and cling wrap.

189. Did it work out for you in terms of kids? (Meaning how did it work out & are you happy. In other words, from “Have none, wanted none” to “8 kids & 3 grandkids)  Yes, it worked out.  I have 1 of each.  However I wish and pray their mental health would improve.

190. Are you afraid of the dark?  Depends where I am when it's dark.  Someplace familiar, or unfamiliar?  Is it storming?

191. What if you had three wishes – what would you wish for?  1. I would wish for both of my kids to regain good mental health. 2.  I would wish for enough money to pay my bills every month and have money left over, instead of not being able to pay all my bills and juggling them every month so nothing gets shut off.  3.  I would wish for a getaway vacation for just my girlfriend and I and that my kids would be safe and well taken care of while we were gone.

192. Do you feel sad often?  Lately all the time.

193. Have you ever been in lust for an extended period of time?  Yup!

194. Do you shower daily?  Yup!

195. Have you ever prank called someone?  I probably have, at a sleepover, before there was caller id.

196. If you have a garage, is it cluttered?  Oh yeah!  I'm waiting for this damn heatwave to clear and get some cooler weather so both the yard and garage can be worked on.

197. You are about to die. What do you do with your worldly possessions?  If I'm about to die, why would I care about my worldly possessions?  I would want to try to see everyone I've cared about in my life and see them, hug them and tell them I look forward to seeing to seeing them on the other side.
  
198. Tell us about the first time that you bought a car.  I wasn't involved all that much in buying my 1st and 2nd car.  My 1st car was a surprise.  A $400 jalopy.  The 2nd was a 4 cylinder lemon.  My 3rd car however, I completely picked out on my own.  I got my Dad's GM discount and ordered my car exactly the way I wanted it  from the factory.  I literally did ledger sheets comparing the costs of various options and packages and picked and chose what I wanted, that met my budget.

199. What is your favorite type of music?  I enjoy all kinds of music, country not so much.  I usually listen to top 40 in the car.  For road trips, it's classic rock from the 70's and 80's.

200. What’s your family like? I'd rather not talk about that right now.  We're in a very difficult period.

(Editor's note: We did a surprise Stealing on the 4th of July. Feel free to add it this week or anytime. It's 40 questions and would have been parts 8 & 9)


Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing! Please leave a comment or link when you have posted. Stop back and visit other player’s posts. That is really what this is all about, making new friends! Have a great week. See you next Sunday! (209)

Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

Sunday Stealing..The Imaginary Meme, Part 6

 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 Hui Lin from the blog Conversations with an Imaginary Audience. It's 200 questions, so we will do it in parts. Lots of parts. She does not state where she got it from. But this is someone who could not come up a separate screen name and a blog name. 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!


 

Sunday Stealing: The Imaginary Meme, Part Six

 

 

101. Name 4 things you always have with you.  Cell phone, wallet, keys...that's all I need.

 

102. How many SERIOUS exes do you have? Too many.

 

103. What causes you to you admire people? Good character.

104. Do you like sports? I like to watch sports...baseball, football.

105. Would you have sex after marriage? Why or why not? Duh.

106. What is your favorite male name? Really?

107. Do animals go to Heaven?  I'll leave that up to God to answer.

108. Last time you had a great time with your dad?  My Dad passed away 23 years ago.  I don't think I could pinpoint the last time.  The final months of his life my sister and I were his caregivers, so I find it hard to get past that point.

109. What is your favorite hair style? For myself?  Shorty and spiky.

110. Do you like your name? It will do.

111. When was the last time that you quit your job?  It's been a long time.  The boss was a screamer and I had already landed another job.  I worked there a few weeks and got tired of the manual accounting system and the screamer's insistence to not computerize anything...suspicious?

112. When you wake up, what is the first thing you think? What time is it?  Did I wake up on time?

113. Have you ever pulled an all-niter?  Yes.  Most recently pulled an all nighter waiting in the er and then the ambulance ride and paperwork.  I was literally waiting for a cab at 7am, never having slept a wink since 6am the previous morning..
 

 114. What is the perfect day for you? The day after setting up camp.  Starting that first campfire of the day and brewing a pot of coffee.  Enjoying that coffee watching nature, waiting for the rest of my happy campers to awaken, then firing up the grill for pancakes.  The rest of the day spent chillin'.

115. Last time you cleaned the bathroom?  It's not been my job for awhile.
 

116. Have you ever failed a grade? Why?  Nope.

117. Have you met anyone online? All the time.

118. Have you ever smoked? Yup.

119. Do you like celebrities? Don't know any.

120. Do you like traveling? I love to travel...just wish I had the funds to do it more.

 

Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing! Please leave a comment or link when you have posted. Stop back and visit other player’s posts. That is really what this is all about, making new friends! Have a great week. See you next Sunday!
Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

Sandusky...Histrionic Personality Disorder...Really?

Have you heard about this?  Jerry Sandusky Defense Permitted To Put Evidence Of Histrionic Personality Disorder Before Jury.  Being somewhat familiar with various types and degrees of mental illness, when I heard about this on the radio I was dumbfounded. 

From Wikipedia:  "Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and inappropriately seductive behavior, usually beginning in early adulthood. These individuals are lively, dramatic, vivacious, enthusiastic, and flirtatious. HPD is most commonly found in the United States and affects four times as many women as men.^[1] It has a prevalence of 2–3% in the general population, and 10–15% in inpatient and outpatient mental health institutions."

Ok, I don't know exactly how the math would work (I'm off duty), but that would mean that there would be 1 person afflicted with Histrionic Personality Disorder in the hospital I just came from.  Or, if my math is wrong, still...in all of my visits at psychiatric units I must have run into 1 of them...right? 

Seriously!

What are the chances that Sandusky is part of the 2-3% of the general population?

Really?

Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

Sunday afternoon I'm going through the channel guide and I see on HBO "Abraham Lincoln's Vampire Hunter"  trailer coming on before another movie.  Seriously?  So I watch the trailer, and I read a bit on Wikipedia about the novel.  Lincoln learns that vampires are real from his father?  He learns that his mother didn't die from milk sickness, but from a "fool's dose of vampire blood?  He meets an old friend in Washington, who also knows that vampires are real...Edgar Allen Poe and if something isn't done about it, vampires will "enslave all humans in America".  So what does Lincoln do?  He gets into politics by day and hunts vampires by night wielding an axe to kill them.  Oh...and a friend of his turns him into a vampire believing that "some men are just too interesting to die" and Lincoln attends Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's "I have a dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial. 

Seriously?  Are vampires necessary in a novel or movie to make it commercially successful?  Is it necessary to Mc f' up history to make it commercially viable? 

This is definitely NOT on my must see movie list.  It's absurd.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

Sunday Stealing - The Imaginary Meme Part 5

 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 Hui Lin from the blog Conversations with an Imaginary Audience. It's 200 questions, so we will do it in parts. Lots of parts. She does not state where she got it from. But this is someone who could not come up a separate screen name and a blog name. 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!


 

Sunday Stealing: The Imaginary Meme, Part Five

81. What’s your favorite action movie?  "Terminator 2"

82. Have (or are) you ever been involved someone much older than you? I have in the past and I've dated older in the past and I find it just doesn't work for me.

83. Do you believe in lust at first sight? Yes.

84. Favorite type of venomous snake? WTF?  Who has a favorite snake?

85. Do you drink alcohol?  On occasion.

86. If you wanted to talk to someone who'd lift your spirits, who'd you call?  My gf.

87. What do you wear to feel sexy?  That's between me and my gf.

88. Do you like to learn?  Yes.

89. Have you ever been hit on by someone who really overestimated their attractiveness? Not that I recall.

90. Where did you last go on vacation? If a 1 day getaway counts...Galena.

91. Dallas (as in J.R. & Bobby) returns this week. What film or TV series would you loved to be resurrected? I can't think of one.

92. Explain your karma beliefs. What goes around comes around.

93. When do you think that you have a hard life? Lately...all the time.

94. Favorite comic strip? I don't read the comics anymore.

95. Have you ever broken a heart? I'm sure I've broken a few.

96. Should pot be legalized? Yes.  Discovery Channel's Weed Wars, check it out.  Of course people will abuse it, like anything else, but I think it does have a place to help people with certain conditions, unlike alcohol which is truly just recreational.

97. Have you ever gone skinny dipping with someone that you shouldn't have?  Never gone skinny dipping.

98. What do you do when you're down? Try to pick myself up...duh!

99. Last time you were really angry?  Let's not go there.

100. What is your favorite flavor in general? Can't think of one.

 

Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing! Please leave a comment or link when you have posted. Stop back and visit other player’s posts. That is really what this is all about, making new friends! Have a great week. See you next Sunday!

Lola's Diner ©2008-2012