October 31, 2011

Carving Pumpkins

I have, for at least the entire time my children have been alive, allowed Shawn to operate under the assumption that I am completely inept in the pumpkin carving department. Every year my dad would invite us over for carving fun, and my mom and I would leave the room as the men carved.

This year, though, my dad sent his professional carving tools and two massive pumpkins to our house. Shawn offered to carve them both, mentioning that I'm "tiny" and "not strong enough." (Maybe don't marry Tiny Tim Cratchit. God bless us, everyone.) But I knew from my teen years that I was fully capable of carving a pumpkin.

Shawn carved his first, deciding on Super Meat Boy at our eight year old's request. I went next with a slightly more traditional design. We sat on a tarp, in front of the fireplace, while Shaun of the Dead played and thus a new tradition was born.



Clowns

Updated picture uploads here!

When we picked our costumes, we knew there would be a chance that children would be afraid of us. Turns out adults are scared of clowns, too. Genuinely afraid, rendered speechless, forced to avert their eyes. Who knew?

Also, late night runs to Steak n Shake are more enjoyable with 8 hour old clown makeup smeared all over your face (and friends there to photograph the experience).






October 28, 2011

Police Blotter

I like to read the Police Blotter. Not for the city in which I live, as nothing noteworthy seems to happen there, but for the metro area.

Today's gem:

Police responded to Corky’s Place, 13302 Detroit Ave., after receiving a call stating a black male was holding a gun to the head of a white male at around 5:41 p.m. Oct. 23. Turns out the two were shooting a movie, and the handgun was a prop.

Awesome.

October 27, 2011

Pumpkin Pie Shots

Saturday we have a costume party to attend. More on our costumes after Saturday...

Last night, I made pumpkin pie shots from this recipe to take.  I used a whole smaller pumpkin pie, 1.5 c whipped cream flavored vodka, 3 tsp cinnamon, 1.5 Tbsp sugar. I'll be serving it, as you can see, with the vanilla flavored Cream (alcohol infused whipped cream). Although I'm sure it would be awesome with the caramel flavored Cream, if I had any on hand.

I licked the bowl, after canning (jarring?) it, and OH MY! Yes, please!


October 26, 2011

Stretching

I'm out of shape. I'm not overweight; I actually flirt with being underweight after bouts of the flu. However, I can't touch my toes or run....for any length of time.

I decided to start small. Ten days ago, I started doing hamstring stretches. Those bitches hurt! I think that means I'm doing it right. I can now touch my toes (if I bend my knees).

After the third day of stretching, I was frustrated with how slow I was progressing. Why, after 30 years of sitting totally immobile, was I not a limber gymnast after 72 hours of stretches? Logic would dictate...

So I Googled. Did you know it could take months, MONTHS! to fix what I've done? Doesn't really seem worth it, I thought to myself. But then I also thought to myself that in a few months, I would be pissed knowing that I COULD be limber but instead I gave up. So, onward.