Our DAMN Tweets!
@jodycakes thanks for the TAG tip. i'm in denver in a few weeks and can't wait to check out those dumplings!4 minutes ago
@alisoncook Try Colt & Gray, great brunch. Wynkoop Brewery is my old standby in LoDo - try Chili Beer, & defo TAG. All 3 w/in a few miles13 minutes ago
LOVE LOVE LOVE TAG. Had French Onion Soup Dumplings last time. Great cocktail program too. “@alisoncook: @ruthiejsf tell me about Tag.”16 minutes ago
my sweet ol Denver!!! Will be sunny and 65 tomorrow. “@alisoncook: It's snowing big fat flakes in Denver. Yesterday it was like spring.”18 minutes ago
What happens in Vegas … can be pretty cool *wink*
Published July 30, 2009 | Last week, Ron, Zac, Aunt Sherry and I headed to Las Vegas for a week of basketball. For those of you who are just joining us, Zac has been playing within a college prep basketball program and the “Center Court” basketball tourney was the last tourney of this year’s program. It was at least three days of basketball and four or five if you made it to the semi-finals and championships.
So Tuesday we headed out to get our Vegas on. We stayed at the Trump Towers this time because the basketball organization negotiated a GREAT deal. The rooms were originally built as condos, but when they didn’t sell, they turned it into more of a hotel atmosphere. This meant that we had a kitchenette, big bathroom, etc. LOVED that part.
Wednesday we showed up at one of the local high schools and played a freshman team from Washington. They were pretty big boys and we thought … well at least we played them first. The next day we showed up for our game and we played some more BIG boys from Wisconsin. Now … not to sound crazy … but I was expecting some farmers kids … maybe skinny cow milkers – haha. Boy was I WRONG. They had one guy who was easily 6’10″ and weighed about 225 lbs. Even our biggest guy couldn’t get around him. Ok so we lost two … but then … we had two games with kids our own size … from AZ and NV … we beat those teams and we were 2/2 after our first game in the semi-finals. One game stood between us and the championship game … but … our boys seemed flat … and tired … and we lost. So we didn’t get to the actual championship game this time, but we DID get to the semi-finals and for our first time at a National Basketball Tournament … that’s not half bad.
There were some GREAT times during the week. Like the night that Ron and I escaped and celebrated our anniversary by having dinner at NOBU and then seeing KA. We also watched a ton of basketball. There were seven teams in our basketball program that were competing at different levels. We looked at the schedules and took in whatever games we could. We were impressed by the number of NCAA Recruiters out at each of our older kids games. At one of the 17U teams, there was standing room only in the Coach/Recruiter area. Out of the seven teams we had … two made it to the championship games and won them. That and the number of recruiters attending our games says something about the program if you ask me.
We left Vegas on Saturday and stopped for dinner on the way back. Over dinner, we asked Zac what he was feeling after the week there and he said that it made him want to push himself even harder. He wants to make it onto a better team next season. He said he has six months to prep and get stronger, faster and bigger before the next try out. Oh … and he has to keep his grades up because this program is BIG on academics AND sports.
I love it when you take your kids (or someone you love) to something and they walk away inspired. It’s AWESOME to see the fire in their eyes again and to see them reminded of just how much they love it.
What have you done lately to inspire someone? Or what has inspired you and brought that fire back to your heart lately?
Who’s in da DAMN House Wednesday? – Lori Culwell (Funny Strange)
Published July 28, 2009 | 
Introduction by our very own Kristy Nuttall:
This week’s guest blogger hardly needs an intro since she’s written for us before about cooking, novels and Cheerios. Funny (or is it funny / strange) thing is, when she wrote that post, it was only a day or two later that the big Cheerios controversy broke. I think she must have some REALLY important news people reading her blog. Lori Culwell always has the best stuff to share. I love her wit, charm and … well … sense of absurdity. If you don’t already read her blog, Funny Strange or you haven’t read one of her books … you are certainly missing out.
So without further adieu … I give you :: drum roll please :: Lori Culwell …
People Say Weird Things to Me
by Lori Culwell
Last weekend I was getting my air conditioner repaired by a retirement-age Russian A/C guy who kept warning me to watch out, because when he cleaned the drain, it was “going to make black explosion in hallway.”
I tried not to laugh at just how funny this sounded, because I got the jist of what he was saying — I just thought his choice of words was odd. Later, when the job was done, we were standing outside my building discussing a totally different matter (namely, the recent costly elevator renovation and how he thought the board should have gone about this, including different vendors and an early visit from an inspector). When he was done with this I said that if we got another elevator remodel we also would need an additional income source for the building, and could he recommend a nice Coke machine vendor? I was joking of course, but with total seriousness, he took his glasses off and said “I recommend energy drinks. Much more popular for this market. You can get them at Costco and mark them up by 200%.”
This is just to say: people say weird things to me. Not pervy weird, but–interesting, like “why did that aging Russian A/C guy know all of that, and why did I happen to be talking to him about vending machines?” weird. You know what I mean. My husband says that I have a knack for bringing out the absurdity in people, and maybe that is right, because no one loves a good non-sequitor more than I. Perhaps that is why I started a blog called Funny Strange. Because now, when people see absurd things, they email them to me or post them on my Facebook.
Here’s another example: my friend from high school is driving along and sees a sign that says “Free Bag of Oranges with Fillup.” So of course she immediately writes this on my Facebook wall, because who wants to know how weird that sign is, and how random it is to be giving away fruit at a gas station, or what a weird idea it is to incentivize the purchase of a necessity like gas with a complete impulse buy like tangy oranges?
Lori Culwell wants to hear about it, that’s who.
So, let me put the call out to you. If you happen to drive over tire spikes in a parking garage, and when you call roadside maintenance they ask you if the reason you drove over tire spikes is because you were being pursued by law enforcement and that was the only way to stop the high speed chase, even though if that were the case you’d be in jail and totally wouldn’t need roadside assistance (this happened to me last week), please come over to my blog or my Facebook and tell me about it.
Further, if you’re driving on the 10 freeway and you see a huge, hand-painted sign that says “PIG FOR SALE,” please double back and take a picture and send it to me.
Also, if you see a guy waiting at a bus stop and with him he happens to have a life-size R2D2 trashcan filled with what might be garbage and you stop to wonder … a) how he’s going to get that droid on the bus and b) if he’s going to have to pay bus fare for his life-size R2D2 because it’s for sure going to take up more than his fair share of space, please, for the love of God, take out your camera phone and put it to good use.
All this is to say that frankly, I love an absurd situation, maybe more than I should. I think absurdity is the universe’s way of keeping life interesting for us.
Now, go forth and photograph, or tell me a weird story!
Coming soon.. Another relationship cleanse
Published July 28, 2009 | I have finally reached my boiling point, which for those of you who know me knows that is not easy to reach. I am very even keeled and tend to let things just slide off my back and tend to give people the benefit of the doubt. I have always been the peacemaker in my family and friendships. I always want everyone to be happy and to get along. Hmmm maybe that is why when I was younger I was told to read Co-dependent no more and Beyond codependency. Over the past few years I have been searching for my new professional direction and my purpose per say. I really thought that I was onto something when ”friends”, ”acquaintances” and those ” who want to be friends” would come to me for business advice and looked to me as a sounding board. I pretty much have been my own non-profit in the last few years and actually had no issue with that as I love to support others, help where I can and if something I say helps them get to the next level… Great. Some of those who I helped have reciprocated and for that I am grateful. I realize that reciprocating is hard for others as my current “main or bill paying” profession is not glamorous or sexy and there are very few occasions where someone can actually put a project in my lap. However in my attempt to transition from one field to another I have taken a couple part time jobs and projects where there are plenty of opportunities to show some love. Sadly, I am at the end of my rope and I am feeling very taken advantage of. DAMN do I hate the way that feels. I give of myself and my time because I really do enjoy it but I too am a business and should be compensated for it. Is that too much to ask? I happily take care of those who refer business to me as the way I was schooled that is the right thing to do. What I am finding is that my support is very one sided and to me that is not OK. What happened to teamwork and working together so everyone wins. Both people don’t have to win every time but it should balance out at the end of the day…. and unfortunately it is not. As a result I am thinking that a “relationship” cleanse is in order…..
So here are my DAMN questions:
1) Has this happened to you?
2) How do you deal with it or handle it?
3) How do you avoid this happening again in the future?
I really am struggling with how this makes me feel as I don’t like feeling this way. I do not want to harden up and become insensitive. I also do not want to sound selfish or self serving. I am just looking for professional partnerships (friendships) that are equal where everyone wins.
See ya on the other side
Published July 27, 2009 | Hey all…
Yes, it’s been awhile for the girls at WMDA…we’ve all been super busy.
But I promise you that we’ll be back in full force soooooooooooon.
Right Lindaloohoo, Cathy & Kristy???
Anyhow…I’m off to the U.K. for my mother in law’s funeral. Eve was a wonderful lady and I’m sorry to say that she has lost her brave, 10 month battle to brain cancer. The funeral will be on Friday, July 31st – so please keep Mr. G and his family in your thoughts – as you all have done thus far. Much love and light.
On a side note, things have been going well on the home front…making loads of progress in yoga!!! I’m on day 55 (just shy of my 60) but will make it up when I get back!!! I’ve DEFINITELY noticed a huge change in my body…as has Mr. G. He actually said something about my “ass” looking good and my face and middle looking thinner. My wedding ring keeps sliding off too…which is a good thing, but a little nervewracking!!!
I do have my photo set from Alinea on flickr done, but I really wanted to post the menu…but for now, here is some food porn from our dinner!!!
Please be sure to look at the details page, where it takes you – underneath each photo is a brief description of the dish!!! More to come.
See you guys on the other side…
xxx
Jody
Who’s in DA Damn House Wednesday – My Year To Get Skinny
Published July 22, 2009 |
Intro from our very own jodycakes: I have known Michelle for 20 years, she has been on of my best friends from the day we met and I am thrilled that we get a chance to stay in each other’s lives through technology. She has a beautiful family that lives in the “Couv (Vancouver, WA) but when we were growing up and getting to know one another in Denver, we spent a lot of time creeping around, getting into loads of trouble – and yes, she does swear like a sailor – I can confirm this with every fiber of my being. So would it surprise me that her daughter might pick up this habit…not in the least. Let’s welcome Michelle from My Year To Get Skinny. ::claps::
Out of the mouths of babes.
Here is a some background about me: I swear. I like to swear. I swear like a sailor…well, I could probably make a few sailors blush with my language. The “F” word is my second favorite word in the English language. As a matter of fact, a few weeks ago someone on my Facebook page informed me I was vulgar. VULGAR! I was thrilled!! I had never been called vulgar before; how fun! I have never worried about my language except if I was out in pubic, around my family (never, ever, ever say the “F” word around my mom. Jody did that once. Just once!), or around children. You know, I was raised with manners so I really do watch my mouth when it was necessary.
However, when I had my own daughter 4 years ago it never occurred to me I would have to watch my language around her. I mean she was this little, adorable baby who didn’t understand what I was saying nor could she repeat it. Sean (my husband) kept telling me “You better watch yourself. One of these days she is going to be old enough to repeat you!” This was always said in good fun and I would always answer with “Yeah, yeah, yeah, what the F*** ever.” See, I told you I’m a lady. 
Well, my swearing days have finally come and bitten me in the a**…I’m sorry I meant to say bottom.
One evening this past April as the three of us were playing she looked at us and said “This is my bullsh*t. It’s cool!” Wait…WHAT?!?!?! She repeated herself “This is my bullsh*t!” Then it hit us! She was trying to say was BULLDOZER!!! We were laughing so hard I thought we were going to cry. Of course, I grabbed the video camera and made her say it a few more times. It’s funny, adorable, and so very wrong but it is also so awesomely innocent. There she was trying to say bulldozer but because her mommy has a potty mouth she got it wrong. Here is Miss Agnes in all her bulldozing glory - (Click on the link below to see her YouTube Video)
Ms. Agnes in all her bulldozing glory
Anyhoo, A few months have gone by and she hasn’t had a bulldozer moment so I thought we were safe. Sadly, I was wrong. A couple weeks ago I said my version of “bulldozer” and she scolded me. There she stood with her hands on her hips saying “Mommy, we don’t say bullsh*t. Bullsh*t is a bad word. Don’t say bullsh*it at school!**”. It took everything in me not to just bust out laughing. All I could do was tell her she was right, turn, and walk into the bathroom to hide my laughing. It only gets better…early this Spring, Agnes and I planted over 1,000 wildflower seeds in our front yard. Every morning we walk down to the flower patch to see what new blooms we have. I think we have an AMAZING flower patch. Evidently Agnes thinks so too because as we stood there, holding hands, looking at the 100′s of flowers we had grown she yells “HOLY SH*T!” My reaction “Um, what did you just say?” “HOLY SH*T!” I told her we couldn’t say that word because it was a bad word so she should say something like “Holy Cow!”. With that suggested I have created a “Holy Cow” monster.
Well, it could be worse. At least she hasn’t started in with “F” word…yet.
**For the record, I did not say “bulldozer” at a school. We were in our home with all the windows closed so the neighbors don’t hear all the vulgar language.
TACO FIESTA CHICKEN LASAGNA – Ridiculously Good
Published July 21, 2009 | Taco Fiesta Chicken Lasagna – Ridiculously good!!
This was absolutely amazing. Within about the first 2 seconds of putting a big fork full in my mouth I knew I was in love. OMG I was so surprised at how kick ass this turned out. What was even better was that hubby asked me before he was even done when I could make this again!!
I found the original recipe http://www.bunnysovencom.blogspot.com here and of course knowing myself I used this as a great foundation but changed a few items as I went along. Thanks for the inspiration to help me build an amazing dish!!
1/2 c. Thick ‘n Chunky salsa (I used 1 (16 oz.) jar of Pace Mild Chunky Salsa
1 - small can Green chili’s
3 c. cooked chicken (I found this to be about 3 – 4 whole boneless chicken breasts-of course depends on how big they are
1 (16 oz.) can re fried beans (black beans)
1/2 c. sour cream (you can use light or fat free if you choose-I always use the full of fat)
1 box uncooked lasagna noodles
3 c. shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese (12 oz.) (I get the light Mexican blend shredded cheese in the dairy case-takes about a package and a half of the 8 oz. packages)
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro, optional (rather than sprinkling this on after it’s cooked, I sprinkled a little between the layers-I didn’t measure, just chopped some and sprinkled away!)
Spray a 15×12-inch sheet of foil and a 13×9-inch (3 quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix green chili’s, salsa and chicken. In a medium bowl, mix the re-fried beans and sour cream. Spread about 1 1/4 c. chicken mixture in bottom of baking dish. Top with cooked noodles. Spread with half of bean mixture and 1 1/2 c. chicken mixture. Sprinkle with 1 c. of cheese. Repeat noodle, bean, chicken and cheese layers once. Top with remaining 4 noodles. chicken and cheese (be sure top noodles are covered-you can add a little more salsa if you’re running short on tomato mixture on this layer). Pre-heat oven to 350. Bake un-covered lasagna 50 minutes or until bubbling. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with cilantro. If desired, garnish each serving with sour cream, chopped tomato or black olives.
Calling all Golfers!! Check this out
Published July 20, 2009 | 
World's longest golf course
Attention die-hard golfers! The world’s longest golf course, spanning 848 miles, will open this fall in Australia. How fun is that.. Well to us golfers this is very cool! Found this weird travel tip on AOL. Located in Australia, Nullarbor Links is an 18-hole, 72-par golf course, stretches through several towns situated along the desolate Eyre Highway. Golfers will play a hole in one town, then drive to the next tee which could be as far as 62 miles away. To give golfers the “quintessential Australian experience,” the course features a “somewhat rugged, outback-style, natural terrain fairway,” and could take as long as 4 days to complete. This takes golf to a whole new level and I can easily see how with the distance between holes the the famous “19″th hole would be every other hole!! Would be different to play a hole in one town check out the surrounding’s have a drink and move on. Playing a round this way would sure keep it from being boring or redundant!! This is my kind of course!! http://www.nullarborlinks.com/
Posted in Check This Out | 
aol, Australia, Golf, http://www.nullarborlinks.com/, travel | 
6 CommentsSilkwood 2004 Syrah.. Oh My, This was incredible
Published July 16, 2009 |
Silkwood Wines ~ 2004 Syrah
Cracked a bottle of this baby the other night and it was smooth as silk. Dinner that night was a wonderful New York Steak with a gorgonzola cream sauce and it seemed appropriate that a big bad red wine went with dinner. This one did not dissapoint, WOW. From the moment it was uncorked you could smell all the richness in the bottle. This is one big wine with one smooth finish… This gold medal winning wine will continue to get better and better. Aged for 26 months in a French barrel this one easily has aging potential of 9 or so years. It was so good now that I am not sure it is possible for this to get better!! Silkwood Wines in located in California and makes some wonderful wines. Check out www.silkwoodwines.com for more information.
Who’s in da DAMN House Wednesday? – Not Going Postal
Published July 15, 2009 |
Introduction by our very own Kristy Nuttall:
Our guest blogger today is one that never ceases to make me chuckle. I love her sense of humor, her wit and of course her honesty. Here name is Dawn Cole (aka Lettergirl). Dawn is a stay-home Mom, recovering television journalist and a returning college student … at the age of 41. To stay sane, she shares her own special brand of crazy with the internet on her blog Not Going Postal, as well as the online edition of the San Antonio Express-News. She lives in San Antonio, TX where tacos are a breakfast food and 95-degree days are sweater weather.
Just take a minute to check out her about page for a small glimpse of what I’m talking about. I mean … anyone who can get kicked off a food blog and live to tell … well … she’s my kind o’ people. I originally met Lettergirl through Elle’s New England Kitchen … of course … another foodie blog. Maybe she’s got a problem with food? Is there a 12 step foodie recovery program? Hmmmm
When Elle shared the link to her friend LetterGirl, I did like a good blogger friend should and checked her out and left a comment. In fact, this was the first post I read of hers called, “Dear Popular Girl on my 5th Grade soccer team“. I couldn’t help but feel for the 12 year old girl in the post who would later become Ms. Popular on the Web. Since then, I have learned that she certainly doesn’t disappoint. She’s a truly good writer and knows how to be a good blogger friend … even if she DOES get kicked off foodie blogs … she’s all good in my book.
So … without further adieu … I proudly introduce you to Dawn Cole … Letter Girl.
Kids and Cell Phones
Fifth-grade graduation was filled with tenderness and poignant memories. Our little miracle baby who needed 4 heart surgeries before kindergarten, poised and confident as she walked across the podium. Her handshake with the principal marked the end of elementary school, and I was already crying when she got back to her seat, scanned the crowd, and our eyes met.
Then, she lifted a hand to her ear like she was taking a call, and mouthed “CAN I HAVE MY NEW PHONE NOW?”
Yes, we got her a mobile phone for graduation. She does some babysitting in the neighborhood, she’ll start Middle School in the fall, it seemed like a good time. And anyway, this was not a child who talked on the phone with friends *before* she got a phone. How much would she really use it, anyway, right?
First month, she sent 781 texts to friends, all of them scintillating things like “I like toast” and “Go buy a potato.” I checked on urban dictionary, prayerfully hoping there was not some drug/sex/rock & roll reference, and was relieved to find she is just weird. She also sent 180 pictures of her Jack Russell terrier to people, and because her phone takes video, she also sent numerous friends a video of herself eating a cookie and saying “Yum” in 14 different accents.
When a problem with her SIM card meant she was without a phone for two days, it started pinging like a Las Vegas nickle slot machine when she turned it back on.
“I have 11 new messages,” she gushed. “People DO care!” (I know exactly how she feels. I feel the same DAMN way when I have new blog comments, Twitter messages or responses to my Facebook status.)
We’re monitoring her phone to make sure she stays safe and sane. Our carrier lets me set smart limits that mean she doesn’t get texts or calls after 9, and she can’t surf the internet and start chatting with 47-year-old men pretending to be Demi Lovato. And I reserve the right to read her texts and block the numbers of any boys I find unsuitable. Anyone who shaves? Can’t text my kid.
I’ve had to confiscate them from third-graders who had them at school, and also know plenty of parents who say “when you can pay the bill, you can have a phone.” Love to hear your experiences.
How about you? What’s your take on cell phones and kids?
Remember, comments show you DO care. Just ask my middle schooler.
My Therapist Lexi & Her BFF
Published July 14, 2009 | 
We tired and wet!!
Phew Shade.. Break time
I want the water... No I want the water
Caiya loves the pool!!
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