Thanksgiving Dinner and Other Disasters

Do you remember when you had just moved out of your parents house?  You might have moved out to go to college, get married or maybe just to get away.  Regardless of why, there is typically a period of time after you move out when you are pretty much exempt from contributing to family holiday meal planning.  I know there are some people who would say, "No way, we always do every holiday meal together as a family.  We love spending time together and cooking.  It is sooo much fun."

However, when I moved out, I particularly enjoyed the exempt period.  I was (am) not a good cook so it wasn't very fun for me to try to look graceful at something that as my husband says makes me look so awkward.  I got to partake in the said period for a few more years and boy did I enjoy setting the table and acting like that was such a great contribution.  Then...it was over.

The first holiday where I really remember helping was when we spent my first Thanksgiving with Mr. Domestic's family.  It was then I decided that I probably couldn't pull off watching tv with the boys and kids under 10 and decided to offer my help.  They gave me an easy job, opening chicken broth cans for the dressing I believe.  Easy peezy.  If you recall, those cans have a pop top.  Long story short, I "popped" one of the cans of broth all over the kitchen.  That was year's ago, with multiple minor incidents along the way.  Last year we had our first Thanksgiving at our new house.  Here is how it goes:  huge blizzard, Mr. Domestic left turkey to thaw outside, dogs ate leg off of the bird, when we went to get it to cook we discovered the mutilation.  All ended up well, but I am sure no one will ever let us live that one down.

So anyway, my exemption period is over now and I help the best I can.  That being said, I now understand the importance of a group effort.  I actually enjoy group projects more now that I am out of college.  Well I used to.  The thing is that not everyone has apparently gotten to the point I am at now.  There are still some people who agree to be in a group and really have the best intentions, but for some reason or another become dead weight for the group.  I know this is not some great discovery, but when you agree to lead a group and then the entire group flakes out and leaves you to do everything, it ends up not fun.  So somehow it has come to this.  It is fun to be a part of a group.  It is even fun to lead a group.  It is not fun when there is no group.

I have totally led this story to a current situation going on in my life, but the message is clear.  Don't leave the group leader (aka shower planner) to do all of the work.  Ciao!

Emerald City Here I Come

No, I am not going to the fictitious place featured in the Wizard of Oz.  It appears that Emerald City is the nickname for Seattle as well.  Yea Seattle!! 

I have never been to the Northwest and even though it is for work, I am excited to go and experience whatever they have to offer.  Hopefully I will get to chow on some delicious fresh seafood.  That is always fun.  Also, I am pretty sure that they have great coffee, so I will for sure check that out as well.  


Turns out that this conference I am going to is not exactly a "fun" one that everyone is lining up to go to.  It involves table meetings from 8-5 for 3 days straight, consisting of 15 minute conversations with vendors before moving on to another one.  While that doesn't really sound awesome to me, I am always looking for ways to open up a bit more and get out of my comfort zone.


So if you know of any places that I must hit up while there, please let me know.  Keep this in mind:  I love to eat and shop.  I also like points of interest, but really who am I trying to kid?  Where should I eat!!

Beware-cranky Ellen is about to be let loose!

It is that time of year again.  Lent.  Ash Wednesday through Easter.  After calculating that on my calendar I discovered it is 46 days.  I haven't always given up something for Lent but I think this year I totally should.  In fact, at my office we are forming a support group.  :)  


Since my weekdays can be pretty hectic at times, I tend to skip meals occasionally and at times opt for candy (typically chocolate) instead.  Shocker.  So when we were discussing what to give up, it was only natural that my biggest sacrifice would be sweets.  At first I wasn't going to include my beloved granita, which is a frozen cappuccino/espresso drink from my favorite coffee shop, because my friend said that is coffee, not dessert.  (I am pretty sure no one who spends any time with me wants me to give up my only source of caffeine-for their own sakes).  However, in the end I decided to go ahead and throw it all in.  I am a tiny bit scared.  I pretty much live on sweets and the thought of giving up a lot of what gets me through the work day frightens me.  


Most people think I won't do it because I tend to get excited about exercise plans, cutting back on sugar, etc quite often and then give it up usually 2 weeks later.  But I am totally doing it.  It is worth it.


I will not be held responsible for any irrational thoughts that might be posted in the future 7 weeks.  It is just the crazy in me coming out.  Enjoy!