The Complete and Total Distraction Thread

[deadwood]

aaa said:

We've been cleaning house as my mother in law comes Thursday night for nine days. She's one of those "glass is always half empty or completely empty" people who is determined to be unhappy. Obsessing over the upcoming interview is more fun!

I feel your pain. My mother in law will be spending two days with us, and I already have an ulcer. I would be thrilled if she saw the glass as half empty because she prefers simply breaking the glass.

I keep telling my wife that Santa is go leave my MIL a muzzle in her stocking one of these years. ;D

[doctorwho]

Thanks to everybody for posting! And *special* thanks to Kimmy for posting the puzzle site. Now, all together, inhale (1, 2, 3, 4,) - hold - exhale (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), repeat.

[southerner]

aaa said:

We've been cleaning house as my mother in law comes Thursday night for nine days. She's one of those "glass is always half empty or completely empty" people who is determined to be unhappy. Obsessing over the upcoming interview is more fun!

Actually life is really great and wonderful and I have been thinking a lot about all my blessings. We started our family late in life so although I am pushing 50, our son is 4, so just being with him and marveling at 4 year logic is so much fun. Husband is also great so I truly have it made.

I've been trying to read a couple books but don't have much time for it. Codex (it would make a great movie!) by Doulgas Preston and Alexandria Link by Steve Berry. I am a big Steve Berry fan. I've also been sewing some - that's a complete distraction for me. We also did a lot of interior Christmas decorating at the house so it's comfortably festive. Just in general we've been getting ready for Christmas. Looking forward to a lot of good eating next week and then lots of dieting after the first of the year! Having a big eating fest at our house New Year's Day with all the traditional food - black eyed peas for luck, greens for money, rice to be nice and all that jazz - and then probably some inane football watching as guests snooze.

What about the rest of you - any New Year's Day traditions or food?

New Year's Day is southern traditional food--smothered cabbage (w/ ham/tasso and small potatoes) and cooked black-eyed peas (w/ bacon). Plus, watching Sugar Bowl. Have to pull for Georgia (SEC rules), though LSU fan. GEAUX TIGERS!!

[watchfulwaiting]

For me, exercise is a great stress reliever. But chocolate is high in antioxidants, so just to maintain health during the holidays, I also make chocolate covered toffee for my family, friends and neighbors. The recipe is really easy and doesn't take much time or concentration, so you can run back to the computer to check the board between steps. Enjoy!

35 Saltine crackers
2 sticks butter
1 cup brown sugar
12 oz pkg. of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 10x15 jelly roll (shallow) pan with aluminum foil. Place Saltines (7 down, 5 across) on pan. Combine brown sugar and butter in a microwave safe container, and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Stir thoroughly and pour over crackers, spreading mixture lightly to cover the crackers. Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove pan from oven and cover with chocolate chips. When chips are melted, smooth over with a spatula. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top and lightly press into the chocolate.
Chill for 30 minutes or overnight. Break into pieces. (I put the pan in the fridge overnight and break the toffee up in the morning.)

[aaa]

Sounds quite yummy. I've made a similar recipe with graham crackers.

Here's a couple recipes for you:

Cinnamon Snack Mix


Place in large bowl:
8 cups Crispix Cereal
2 cups pecan halves I use 3 cups of pecan halves as we love more pecans in it.

Mix together in a small pan:
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup Cinnamon Torani Syrup
1/4 tsp. Salt
Boil gently 2 min, stirring.
Take off the stove and add 1/2 tsp. Baking soda and stir well.

Pour over cereal and nuts. Toss well. Pour into 9 x 13 pan. I spray my pan with Pam. Bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on parchment paper to cool. Store in airtight containers.


and

Vanilla Party Mix

Combine in large bowl-Set aside.

1 pkg. 10 mini pretzels
5 cups Cheerios
5 cups Corn Chex
2 cups lightly salted peanuts, (I use the 16 oz jar of Planter's peanuts)
1 # M & M's

Heat in a microwave safe bowl. 2 min-medium high stirring once. 10-20 seconds on high. This should still be a liquid in order to stir and coat the mixture.

2 pkg. (12 oz.) ea of Vanilla Chips
3 T. Vegetable oil

Stir until smooth. Pour over the mixture and mix well. Spread onto 3 waxed paper lined cookie sheets. Cool, break apart. Store in air tight container.

[kingfisher]

That sounds delicious! So with visions of sugar plums and Chex Mix dancing in my head, I will bid you all a good night.

This is a GREAT THREAD!

[morgullord]

The first meal of the new year must be sauerkraut and pork with mashed potatoes; in recognition of living most of the last 30+ years in Georgia (exiled from Western Pennsylvania),
I include a black-eyed pea salad with the meal.

I will be taking my youngest (9 years old) to PA to see her grandparents next weekend. She is bracing for the 12-hour rolling history lesson (American Revolution--GA, SC, NC; Civil War--VA and WVA; French and Indian War--MD and PA). Not many girls can tell you the Order of Battle for the Battle of Cowpens, but my girls can hahahahahahahaha.

[Wino]

Been spending my time under the house with www.cellartracker.com/intro.asp inventorying and organizing our grape juice collection. My sainted spouse has been looking into wine widow support groups.

[nonamouse]

Some great ideas on here. I need to check how many chocolate chips are left in the freezer, but otherwise I'm set to make toffee. Yum-O!

I've been recovering from surgery, so I'm only recently allowed out on my own. Nothing like a little cabin fever to make a person appreciate being allowed a trip to the corner store. Nothing like a 2 month ban on swimming, hot tubs and baths to make a person appreciate heated bodies of water larger than the kitchen sink full of dishes.

Since I'm at home a bit longer, I'm sorting and tossing in anticipation of my new job and possible move.

I'm working on my church Latin while rehearsing music for Christmas Eve. I sang almost nonstop for 3 hours last night with the choir and musicians and proved to myself that classical singing is in fact a serious abdominal workout when done correctly. It was also a reminder of the fact that I'm still not at full strength. Who would have thought that singing could wear a person out completely! I'm still tired and a little sore today.

I'm knitting prayer shawls for the seriously ill or grieving through a ministry at my church. The best thing about this type of project is that the knitter prays for the eventual recipient of the shawl while making it. It definitely takes my mind off of myself and the relatively trivial concerns of a job selection process (since I do in fact have a decent job that pays the bills right now).

[morgullord]

Nonamouse, when we get to Prayers of the People this Sunday, I will include a request for healing for you. He will know where to find you.

[aljsouth]

morgullord said:

The first meal of the new year must be sauerkraut and pork with mashed potatoes; in recognition of living most of the last 30+ years in Georgia (exiled from Western Pennsylvania),
I include a black-eyed pea salad with the meal.

I will be taking my youngest (9 years old) to PA to see her grandparents next weekend. She is bracing for the 12-hour rolling history lesson (American Revolution--GA, SC, NC; Civil War--VA and WVA; French and Indian War--MD and PA). Not many girls can tell you the Order of Battle for the Battle of Cowpens, but my girls can hahahahahahahaha.

Benastre Tarleton vs. Daniel Morgan. I used live in Greenville, SC and love history. Don't forget Guildford courthouse in N.C. My own children ignore me.
Black eyed peas are traditional in the south. Many also add some sort of greens and sauerkraut and pork is becoming popular.

[aaa]

I am so thrilled and impressed with the folks on this board. We all sound so talented and like a really good bunch of people. I hope we all get the chance to work together.

We do prayer shawls at our church also. I can knit, but not well - the progress is too slow for me - I want to be able to see progress quickly! I need to get the directions on how to do them with crochet - I'm better at that and it goes faster. My husband and I went to Trans Siberian Orchestra a couple weeks ago and there was a lady there knitting a beautiful multi-colored shawl. It was squares set on point - the colors were brilliant and vivid. I was so envious of her talent!

Maybe we could have the new ALJ choir? I'm not the best at singing but can usually carry the tune. I could do a choir thing but not a solo. As long as I can sing melody I'm good to go!

I'll include nonamouse in our prayers of the people on Sunday and Monday night at midnight mass (smells and bells as we affectionately call it!). Actually, I think I'll include all of us for good results and peace of mind.

[morgullord]

When I was at Wake for three years of law beatings, I spent a good bit of time traipsing around the Giulford Courthouse battle site while trying to avoid cars. Now it is even worse
there as Greensboro has explded in that direction.

[24kgoldengirl]

Interesting thread. I am no longer waiting for "the call" but I keep checking for "the email". Everytime I check for the email I have to force my hot little hands away from going to this board because I do not think it is healthy to reread the board, especially the "scores" thread, over and over and over as if the numbers will change. I have been contemplating a major career change but I really just want to be an ALJ. I have also stepped up my exercise routine and have recently discovered benefits of hanging out in th sauna after my workout. Unfortunately, I see that I am not alone in my increased appetite.
This thread is healthy and helpful. You guys are great sports. Merry Christmas and good luck to you all. May your New Year bring good things!

[secondchance]

Christmas recipes, singing, and spirituality, this board has reached a new high for me today. I vow to join the ALJ choir (I'm an alto, love harmonizing, think aaa and I could do a duet) and to remember all of YOU (especially nonamouse) in my prayers this weekend. My church's (Lutheran) teachings include the idea that God puts us here and blesses us so that we can bless others. This board, which has been a lifesaver over the past few months, is now feeding my soul! Thanks to all.

[testtaker]

24kgoldengirl said:

Interesting thread. I am no longer waiting for "the call" but I keep checking for "the email". Everytime I check for the email I have to force my hot little hands away from going to this board because I do not think it is healthy to reread the board, especially the "scores" thread, over and over and over as if the numbers will change.

Not to change the subject from the irrelevant, but what "e-mail" are you waiting for?

[lee]

I am ashamed to say that I have been distracting myself in less admirable ways--lots of shopping and reading. I highly recommend a novel called Berlin by Peter Frei (sp?) and Fire in the Blood by Irene Nimorovsky (sp?). I am obviously too lazy to go upstairs and check the spelling of their names.
Happy Holidays and good luck to all.
lee

[nonamouse]

I appreciate all of you lovely, positive people at this time of year. Thank you for all of the prayers! I will definitely be praying for everyone here to be blessed in the coming year no matter the results of the job selection process.

For the ALJ choir, I'm in! I'm officially an alto, but my range is such that I can pinch hit for the sopranos occasionally. For midnight mass there will be some really talented sopranos singing, so I get to harmonize. I wouldn't want to reach for those top notes that late at night while coughing through the incense. I enjoy the "bells," but man those "smells" can really choke a gal up.

[counselor95]

Three words: Turner Classic Movies. Right now, Love Story is on. Besides the obvious storyline, it's fun to see the culture of the 70s as well as Tommy Lee Jones as a youngster!

Happy holidays to everyone!

[morgullord]

Has anyone out there watched an old movie called "Beyond Christmas"? It was made in the late 1930's if memory serves. I bought it out of a "DVD Bargain Bin" for $2.00. It was unusual but entertaining.