SERIOUSLY!

Grey's Anatomy is back people, and I can't wait for Thursday night.

Let's jump straight to the recap:

In one two hour episode we experienced the joy and shock and sadness that is
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

Not to mention the drama of:

Mark Sloan - I mean SERIOUSLY, McSteamy became a Father and a soon to be Grandpa all in one episode. It's true, Callie performed the paternity test. To top it off, It's a girl named Sloan. It comes as a shock to Lexi who chops off the tip of her finger after finding out that her boyfriend's new daughter, who's practically the same age as she is, is moving in! McDreamy doesn't help the situation by telling Lexi, " There could be a gaggle of Sloans!" LMAO. I totally believe it too. He's such the Man Whore but he makes a great wing man.

The Chief - The Chief has fallen off the wagon, hard. The Chief tells Meredith he's not an alcoholic, he just has "Situational Depression." In hopes of Meredith keeping quiet about his "situation" the Chief t gives Meredith special one on one training and she's milking it. I mean with the merger and all, she's finding it hard to get any OR time. Who knows how long the secret will be kept, for at the end of the episode the Chief is so drunk at the bar, that Joe has to page Meredith to pick him up. Yeah, SERIOUSLY, "Daddy Issues!"

Cristina and Hunt - Their love triangle with the new so-called Cardio-God has now ended. Possibly, Maybe. Cristina goes all dramatic on Hunt, telling him she knows she's not perfect but.....Before she can finish talking, Hunt grabs her and gives her a dramatic kiss. He confesses his dire love for her. I hope this doesn't make Cristina all goo, goo gaga while Meredith becomes dark and twisty for having to keep the Chief's secret.

Meredith - Is all happy go lucky since getting married to Derek via a post-it note. I was in shock that she even gave up a part of her Liver for her non-existent father. No more dark and twisty Meredith. It's so weird to see her happy and so positive. Knowing Meredith, this can't go on for much longer. The Chief's secrets got to drag her back down, especially with how the show ended.

The Bitches -

Alex to Meredith: "You're his bitch." (talking about her relationship with the Chief)
Meredith to Cristina: "Well, in that case, you're Teddy's bitch." (Teddy is the new Cardio God who loves Hunt, but Hunt loves Cristina)
Alex to himself: "Maybe that's my problem. I'm no body's bitch."
Cristina to Alex: "You were Izzie's bitch."
Alex to Cristina: "You're the bitch."

Alex - Alex and Izzy, I'm not sure what the heck is going on here. One minute Izzy is on the show and alive. Then she's dead. Then she's back to being alive. Then she's just gone and now she's back. I don't get it. She just needs to permanently be gone. Alex is just as bad. One minute he's all the Good Guy Alex and then he's back to his usual rude, womanizing self. Snooze button on these two.

Bailey - Is having "Daddy Issues" when her father comes to town after finding out she's gotten a divorce. Bailey, because she is the bad ass of Seattle Grace, not to mention my FAVORITE character! SERIOUSLY, my favorite! She sticks the knife right where it belongs during Christmas dinner. She proceeds to tell her Father, that despite her son not being with her for the holidays, he's a healthy, well loved and a happy boy. She shouldn't raise him in a home that's not suitable. You go girl! There's nothing wrong with being divorced and a single Mother.

Derek - After being fired by the Chief, but working anyway, he finally gets an apology from the Chief. Nothing exciting going on with him, unless you consider him donating his paycheck to save a child's life. He's just pretty eye candy. It's totally the hair.

Arizona and Callie - They are still together and appear as blissfully happy as ever. Joy! Something good has got to happen with these two.

Am I missing anyone? If I am then they probably aren't to important. Like the lame Mercy West people. Who do they think they are invading Seattle Grace. LOL

I think I've pretty much covered the basis here.

Are you as excited as I am?

Snowballs, shmmmo balls

I've been reading all these posts lately, in regards to how it's snowing everywhere. I'm constantly seeing pictures of snow laced trees, homemade snowmen, bundled up chitlins and long sharp icicles on gutters.

You see where I live there is no snow. So being the creative people that we are, we decided to improvise. I think we came up with the perfect solution to those of us who rarely ever see snow.

Introducing sand balls.

In my opinion, they're actually a lot better than snowballs. They are warmer and don't hurt at all when you get hit by them. Sand balls can pretty much be made all year round. No need for big ole, "I can't put my arms down," coats and cute hats with pom pom tails.



Word on the street is that they are edible too, just like snow. Though I'm not sure I'd eat one. You don't have to worry about "YELLOW" snow here people. Just crunchy sand particles. YUM.



I'm melting. Like snowballs, sand balls melt away. Be careful not to drop your sand ball in the water. You're likely to never see it again.

You've got to love sunny California, even in the winter.

Brrrrr It's Cold In Here!

It's been a few months since the "crafty" side of me has come out. I've been on craft overload since Halloween.

However, it's just YOUR luck, because I'm back in the saddle and off to an intense start thanks to one of my FAVORITE blogs, FRUGAL FAMILY FUN BLOG!

Last week, Valerie and her daughter made this really cool penguin play set out of old stockings! Now in my household, penguins are our best friends. I mean hello, the background on my Mytouch is a bunch of rolly polley penguins. PO, our pet penguin also lives between the rails of our staircase (pictures can be found in other craft posts). So you can imagine when I saw her post, I couldn't wait to make one. Thanks Valerie for the inspiration.

If you are crafty and not following her blog, you should start now! Valerie also hosts "sewing in baby steps," for those of us who have sewing machines, and have no idea how to use them. I've taken 2 of her courses and have really enjoyed everything I've made (The Halloween Trick or Treat bags idea, came from her class.)

INTRODUCING, PENELOPE PENGUIN


Okay, so isn't she just ADORABLE? She even has a tail! She's made out of a "RIBBED" Nylon, knee sock. She was so cute and adorable, I decided she needed a mate.

And so, PAUL was born.



Supplies:

1) Nylon Socks - 5 pairs for $5 dollars at Walmart. One sock makes one penguin.
2) Felt - $.37 a piece at Walmart. Black, White, Orange, Yellow, Red and Blue.
3) Thread - $.97 Walmart. Black and Blue. Don't forget to buy your needles if you don't have any. These are all sewn by hand.
4) Velcro - $1.27 at Walmart. I purchased the small self adhesive circles. This is what you use to attach the fish to the hands and beak.
5) Poly-Fil - $2.27 for that large bag at Walmart. You barely use any of this, so grab the smallest bag you can find. With this bag, I have a life-time supply.

STEP 1:



Measure approximately 7 inches from the toe of the sock down towards the heal and then cut. The toe will soon become the penguins head. Since Paul is a boy, I used a smooth knee sock as opposed to the ribbed one.

Step 2:



Stuff the sock with the Poly-Fil and pin the bottom closed. Sew the bottom closed.

Step 3:



Use a round object to draw out the penguins belly and 1/2 teaspoon to draw and cut out the eyes.

Then free cut the feet (two orange triangles), the beak (One yellow, One Black and One Red triangle. The black and yellow should be the same size and the red one slightly smaller.)

Finally, cut out the tail and small black eyeballs.

Step 4:

Pin all the parts onto the stuffed black sock and then sew each piece in place with a Whip Stitch. Once you have sewn on all the parts, then sew a Gather (Google it) stitch around the neck of the penguin to give it shape.



Don't forget the tail. I did, twice.

Step 5:



Free cut your flippers. For the male, I used four pieces of black felt and two pieces of white. Just to give him personality. Sew two black pieces together to give the flippers some "thickness." Then sew the smaller identical white piece to the front of the flipper with the Whip stitch.

So PAUL was born!



SOON THEY WILL HAVE BABIES!

If Chloe doesn't get to them first. Isn't she getting so big?

BTW: Feel free to cut out fish using the blue felt. Whip stitch two pieces of blue felt together part way then stuff with the poly-fil. Whip stitch it closed. Place a small piece of Velcro on the fish and on the penguins hand and inside of the black part of the beak.

I'm not giving up. YES I CAN!

It's been a while since I taught myself to crochet; and since I started my first blanket. I think I began crocheting this blanket back in May 2009.

I'm now determined to jump back on the horse and complete my gigantor blanket. I think it will take a few months, but by golly I want to finish it!

So here it is in all it's glory! I found it unfinished and stuffed in the big ole, Trader Joe's Shopping bag in my "Hobbit Hole" under the stairs. I don't even think I remember how to crochet. Youtube, my friend, I'll be visiting very soon.

What was I thinking, creating my FIRST ever crochet project so BIG? It's as long as a 3 person couch (not very straight I might add) and it's only wide enough right now to cover from my ankles to my knees.

Oh sheesh, I've got a long way to go. I hope they still sell this yarn. DOH!

Why couldn't I have started out small? Like a baby blanket. No, like always I have to go BIG or go HOME. Stupid me. So now here I determined to finish this blanket that will probably take me 3 months to complete.

I need some incentive. Some something, to give me the drive to complete what feels like the un-completable. What's detouring me even more; by the time I compete the blanket summer will be here and there is NO WAY in the 112 degree weather that is my city, I'll want to even use this once it is complete.

So here I am typing instead of working on the blanket, and all I can think about is finally learning to Mod Podge the sign I made in my bathroom that says, "If you sprinkle when you tinkle, be a sweetie and wipe the seatie."

Yes, it's okay, I too wonder what is wrong with me at times. It's normal to start projects and not compelte them, but then jump right back into again? Right?

Do you remember my WISH LIST?

Do you remember the wish list I posted a few months back? If not here it, is

http://smellthecoffeelisa.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-10-18T12%3A39%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7


I wanted to give you an update as to where I stand with the items. I think I have a serious problem, because I've full-filled every item, except for the $12 pair of scissors. LOL

Is that sad? A little? Yeah okay, I agree!

1) My number one item was the KINDLE. Scrap that crappy item, I took it step up and got the Ereader! Well as you read from yesterday's post, the BF bought it for me for Xmas. What a great BF!

2) My number two item was the pretty pink Fossil watch. I didn't get that watch, however I did buy a watch. Thanks to my PAPA and the money he gave me for xmas, I was able to buy this beauty and 2 really nice $30 pillows for the BF and myself to sleep on. PAPA you did good this year! Are you jealous, yeah I know you are. It was $70 on sale for $46. You can't beat that!

Simulated crystals adorn the bezel, band and mother-of-pearl face for standout sparkle.
Date display offers added convenience.
Three-hand quartz movement keeps hands ticking accurately.
Silver-tone finish provides sleek shine.
Details:
Water resistant to 165 feet
Stainless steel back
Battery operated
Manufacturer's 12-year limited warranty


3) My number three item was the T-mobile mytouch cell phone. Yeah I've had that for a few months now and had previously posted about it.

4) My number four item was the scissors from ABC Distributors. The cheapest item on my list $12.99 and the one item I have not purchased. I think I'm demented or something. This should have been the first item I purchased.

I'm so spoiled, I know. I apologize for that. I'm a brat as well if that helps.

I know I'm delayed, but was your Christmas wish list full-filled?

Book Club, Anyone? Anyone? Seriously!

For Christmas the BF got me a SONY EREADER. I know, I know, I was totally against the Kindle and thought nothing compared to the feel and smell of an actual book in your hands.

Well people, that's all changed! I'm in love and there's no turning back. Since I've had the Ereader I've read so many books. I'm currently reading the Quickie, it's all right. I'm not one for murder mystery books.

Here are some of the books I've read, since having the reader:

1) Lovely Bones - This book was all right. I found the style of writing difficult to read as the sentences at times didn't make sense. The book jumps quickly from one character to another without a smooth transition. I found myself, often, having to go back and re-read pages. I thought for a moment something was wrong with me, however I know others who feel the same way about the book. Despite the fact, I can't wait to see the movie.

2) The Blindside - I thought this was a great book. I think everyone should read this book. It had it's slow parts, when they were talking about football back in the 80's, however I think it really made the book in the end. The little brother is hilarious! I can't wait to see the movie.

3) The five people you meet in heaven - If you need a good cry, then read this book. Great, quick read.

4) The Notebook - I've been dying to read this book so I could finally see the movie. I was very disappointed in the book and the movie. I think after waiting so long, I had higher expectations. The book started off well, then I became bored. It did have a nice ending. Too fairy tale for me.

Why I like the Ereader over the Kindle:

1) It's a touch screen. Come on now, need I say more?

2) You can share your books. This makes it priceless. I just put my books on an SD card and hand it over to my friends who have Ereaders. Kindle you can't share books at all! Isn't the whole point of reading books, being able to share them with friends.

3) It comes in pretty colors (Red, Silver, Black and Pink), unlike the Kindle's boring White.

4) You can rent books from your library online. HELLO KINDLE, you can't do that!

5) It's wireless (not my version, the new Ereader version is). I don't think this is worth the extra $100 as since I can share books, I don't see myself having to buy as many books. The Kindle is wireless as well so I guess this makes them even in this category.

6) It's easily readable with the book light. I've heard the Kindle sucks when using the book light.

7) The Ereaeder reads various formats, such as PDF. The Kindle not so much. Only Amazon formatted books. Yeah no thanks!

8) People can by you Ereader gift cards easily from Best Buy. $25 and $50 denominations.

9) It's an MP3 player and holds all your photos. Kindle, eat your heart out!

So I've talked two people into purchasing the Ereader. My sister and a Co-worker, which is really great because now we can swap books. Talk about saving money! Not to mention it's small and thin enough to fit in my purse and take anywhere. Another perk is they have children's books as well. So not only do I always have a great book on hand to read, so does my son. BOOOO YAHHHHH SON! This is the BEST INVENTION EVER!!

So I've decided to start a BOOK CLUB with my co-workers. Our first book is going to be:

THE HELP, by Kathryn Stockett

The book club will begin on Feb 1st, as most of us are currently in the middle of reading other books at this time. If you want to join in, please do!

What have you been reading?

Tennessee Line

I open my lungs
To breathe in forgiveness and love
Haunting me now, reminders of how I used to be
I know down the road
My troubles are sure to follow
Looking out the window
Hell if I know where I will go
So I will just keep on driving

On my way to L.A.
Looking into the rear view
As the roads fade away
Sworn off my past
The first and last bad call that I ever made

Tell me how to make right
Every wrong turn I've learn
That this can all end tonight

Tennessee line just changed my mind
It's my heart I'll follow this time

Who would've known
That pride is so hard to swallow
As I rest on the shoulder of a road
Growing colder, with the trouble I own
Should I just keep on driving

On my way to L.A.
Looking into the rear view
As the roads fade away
Sworn off my past
The first and last bad call that I ever made

Tell me how to make right
Every wrong turn I've learned
That this can all end tonight

Tennessee line just changed my mind
It's my heart I'll follow this time

I know I must be doing something right
Head the other way back to where I started out
Ask myself if I can turn it all around tonight
And stop living with doubt

On my way to L.A.
Looking into the rear view
As the roads fade awaySworn off my past
The first and last bad call that I ever made
Tell me how to make right
Every wrong turn I've learned
That this can all end tonight

Tennessee line just changed my mind
It's my heart I'll follow this time