Creating a Monster

I like to read book versions of stories before seeing the movies. Hence, I finally gave in and picked up Twilight this weekend. I started it Saturday afternoon and finished it yesterday. Here is what I now know:

1. I could not find New Moon fast enough upon completion.
2. Too long a span between dates + time to actually relax on the couch and read = One massive crush on a fictional teenage vampire.
3. I'm addicted.

Poor Man's Toffee

It's that time of year again. When I pay homage to my former roommate, Emily H. She introduced me to this stuff and the recipe comes from her. I've made it about 10 times since then. It never lasts the entire day it's made. It's devoured instantly wherever it's taken. If you need a quick contribution to a holiday party, give it a try.

Ingredients:

2 sleeves of ritz crackers
3/4 cup br. sugar
3/4 cup butter
chocolate chips
chopped nuts/sprinkles

Directions:

Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil, lightly spray with pan spray.
Break crackers in half, or thirds, and place on cookie sheet.
Preheat oven to 350.
Bring sugar and butter to boil for 3 minutes -- Pour mixture over crackers -- toss to evenly coat the crackers.
Bake for 5 minutes -- turn oven off.
Sprinkle chocolate chips over crackers and place back in oven to melt chocolate for 3 minutes.
Once melted, spread chocolate over crackers and top with chopped nuts or sprinkles. Best if cooled completely and then refrigerated and broken up.

Number Of Servings:Lots

Preparation Time:15 minutes?

International Sensations

What do Starbucks and I have in common? (I'll give you a second to think....)

You're right! We are both international sensations. I mean, have you checked out the map of my site visitors? The old stage-loving performer in me rethinks going private when I have such a worldwide following. What's a girl to do?

Seriously, though... who are you guys?

In the meantime, you should try a little something next time you are driving past a Starbucks. Salted Toffee Hot Chocolate. *sigh* I have not been a fan of their hot chocolate. On the rare occassions I do indulge in overpriced beverages, I get the carmel apple cider. However, I was intrigued by what a little sea salt and english toffee could do to the hot chocolate. I was not disappointed.

Catching Up (Literally and Figuratively)

A smattering (that's a word, right?) of pictures from this last week.

Coworkers in front of the Christmas tree in the Homestead foyer (last Saturday).


Coworkers again - Goofy, this time (although the picture doesn't come close to capturing the moment - for instance... Why was Randy patting Carli's head? Where was Matt's imagnation? What was I hoping to hear inside of that box?)


The Italian Store in Arlington (Thursday) - I had to drive right past it between meetings in Northern Virginia, so I stopped for dinner and grabbed a quick stocking stuffer for my little sister. There are many establishments I miss in Arlington, and this is high of the list. It's a shame I didn't have a real camera on me. This might have been a good shot with the neon and rain reflection.


The moon rising over the Shenandoah Valley area (Friday) - a very poor quality grainy camera phone shot of what was otherwise an unbelievably huge and magical moon.



Jess and Brian at the Lewis Ginter bonfire (Saturday) - Again, nearly impossiblee to see, but this is us trying to get warm in the below-freezing outdoor garden holiday festivities.

Jess and Brian Again (Saturday) - This is my favorite shot of the collection. It's a good thing Brian likes cats! I can honestly say, I've never seen Marilyn take to a stranger so quickly. Thanks for visiting guys! When are you coming back?

Time for Christmas

This photo is so symbolic of my last two Christmases.


If you look closely, you will see my reflection taking in the window. I am literally on the inside looking out. Campaign life is not condusive to the holiday season.

I spent Christmas 2007 in a hotel room in Des Moines. It was my first Christmas without my family, and it ended up, ironically, being wonderful. It's a very personal story that I have kept to myself - but I think I may share it with you in the next week or two.

This Christmas will be abbreviated, but with my family, at least. I can't help but feel twinges of jealousy every time someone mentions Christmas shopping, light looking, Nutcracker viewings, etc. Lucky folks... getting to soak in the season... experiencing it to the fullest. I bet they take it for granted.

!!!!!!!

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