Wrong prices and getting hot sauce when you don't want it!

Food - Every now and then I have been known to frequent a "fast food" establishment, only when I need food fast, of course. I'm not sure who was the inventor of "fast food," I think it was White Castle, back in 1916. White Castle was founded by: J. Walter Anderson of Wichita, Kansas. He sold five cent hamburgers along with french fries and colas. White Castle thrived along with other fast-food operations. However, fast-food did not become a significant part of the American landscape until after World War II.
Richard and Maurice McDonald chalked out a design for a new type of hamburger restaurant on a tennis court in 1948.
Dave Thomas opened his first Wendy's restaurant in 1962 in Columbus, Ohio.
By 1990 there were almost 11,803 McDonald's, 6,298 Burger King' s, and 3,721 Wendy' s fast-food establishments in the United States.

Dish - Does the following scenario sound familiar? One store they are charging you too much, the other they give you stuff you said you didn't want!

Recently I went into a party store to buy some, you guessed it, party items. I approach the register just in time to hear a customer in the next check out line say: "That can't be right." The clerk checks the receipt and answers: "Oh, your right. I'm not sure why they rang up at that price." She adjusts the prices charged and the customer goes on her way.

I then get my total and say: "That can't be right." The items I purchased were marked .99 cents, but rang up for $3.99. The clerk looks at the receipt and says: "Oh, your right. I'm not sure they rang up at that price." I think to my self, didn't I just hear that somewhere?

Now, I don't know about you, but I am starting to think that the stores do this on purpose. And they probally get away with it quite often, especially if you are buying a lot of items, some which are more costly and you wouldn't notice (or so they hope.) How can two people have the same experience within minutes of each other....something tells me there have been similar experiences too. I have really started checking prices as they ring them up, just in case.

Onto a fast food establishment, cuz I needed food fast. After you order they ask you if you want hot or mild sauce with your order, to which I say: no. Never fails, they give it to me anyways -- so why ask?

One store trying to gouge you, the other trying to spice it up by giving it away...makes you go hmmm... I guess it's hard work trying to "please the customer."

Embellish - Laugh hard enough that you cry and repeat often!

Octuplets..soft as a baby's

Food - After a long day at work, cleaning or running errands, etc...what is better than a nice hot, home cooked meal? Nothing, but someone has to make it. And if your busy all day, that can be tricky. That's why my favorite meal is: Beef roast with potatoes, onions and carrots. It is the easiest thing to cook, and the most scrumptious meal to eat. Put it in the oven in the morning, take it out at night and enjoy!

Dish -
California octuplets have doctors rethink safety of tuplet pregnancies ~
Though doctors for the California mom of eight aren't saying whether she took fertility drugs, medical experts say that she did. "The likelihood is effectively zero that she had octuplets naturally," says Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg

Ya, think? I cannot imagine having 6 kids at home and signing up to have 8 more = 14! And SINGLE on top of it! Call me crazy, no call this crazy, why any single mother would want to have 14 kids and raise them, with the help of her elderly parents who she lives with.

Her dad is going back to work....and the hospital is seeking donations...and the mother of the octuplets, well, she will be tired! To me this is an outrage that any single or married couple would embark upon adding to their broad of 6 without the means to support them.

Well, I guess it happens all the time, just not to this degree. People can never really afford kids, but at least if you limit the number you have, you have a chance of succeeding.

Embellish - Think happy thoughts: Soft as a baby's face.

Obama is sworn in - Inaugural Parade - Watch it here via CBS Online

"Obama takes the Oath"
Watch CBS Videos Online

VP, Joe Biden, is sworn in.

Watch CBS Videos Online


Watch the Inauguration right here!
CBS

Watch CBS Videos Online

CNN
http://www.cnn.com/live/

"I have a Dream" - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday, January 19, 2009. A tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King "I have a dream"

How Long? Not Long!


1968 - Martin Luther King's Prophetic Last speech - Remember


1968 King Assassination Report (CBS News)


Learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr.
http://www.thekingcenter.org/
http://www.mlkday.gov/
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html

Embellish - His dream lives on!

What's it all about....MS. Foodie?

Whats it all about....Ms Foodie? Have you ever found yourself asking yourself (insert your name) this same question?

Then I would say you are only human. Some would say asking this question "is a lack of faith". Some would say "if you believe in GOD then you wouldn't feel this way." Some would say "we are all here for a reason." And I would say: "All those things hold some truth," but I would also say: "deep down inside all of us, we all wonder "what's it's all about?"

Some of us are just afraid to admit we have these thoughts from time to time. Without getting totally philosophical and biblical, I would like to just think out loud. Knock, knock - Can you hear me now?

We wake up and fill our days with work, volunteer work, shopping, eating, praying, reading, listening, talking, writing, passing the time of day, so to speak....and then, one day we die. "Sometimes all of this seems unnecessary, even stupid, that we are all here on this earth." There I said it! This is not to say I don't fully enjoy life or have a believe in a Higher Power - I do!

This blog entry just touches on the feelings that we all encounter from time-to-time. At times, IT FEELS as though we are here "just to survive." And in our journey to "survive" we fill the time by trying to be the best we can be. After all, isn't that what we "should" do, rather than by merely surviving? Sure, I guess. But then the thing, that we hope will not happen, happens --Life turns into a competition; in some enormous race for first place, "best" if you will.

In our careers or volunteer work; we compete to see who can be the "best" employee, and climb the highest rung on the ladder, all in hopes of achieving notoriety of some sort. Whether it be by making the most money, being the most self less, being famous, having the largest house, the most shoes, the best tech gadgets, and yes, even by who can buy the most toys (The man with the most toys wins!")

Don't get me wrong, there is self fulfillment in our careers and volunteer work. But sometimes we just get a little carried away with "being the 'best.'" Or, maybe it's just me, that I speak of.

In our personal lives, we go from surviving into; who can be the "best" person, the perfect friend, the "best" daughter, son, brother, sister, mother, father known to man. Not to mention who can be the thinnest, best body, best looking, nicest hair and nails, biggest muscles, etc.

In our love life, we start out looking for someone, or maybe that someone finds us, to walk this earth with. But inevitably it takes a turn down the ugly "best" road. All because we have to have the "best" partner, husband, lover, companion, Yoko Ono, whatever you want to call it, because....well, just because. It is when we get caught up in the "best" that I think we feel life has no meaning. And yet, in some ways we strive for the "best" because we believe that is part of why we were put on this earth. It feels as if, it is all just a vicious circle. It's as though we feel that this is a test (or maybe, I am only speaking of myself again) and at the end of the test, only those who scored the highest will be loved.

Well, I did my "best" and even though my "best" did not find the answer to the question I asked of myself, I have still passed the test just by being me! Hey! - Maybe I just found the answer: "Love who you are; for who (what) you are, for as long as we all shall live!" Sounds good to me, but then again, maybe I speak only of myself.

I found this poem - Poem by Ms. Henrietta Heron - these words resonate of what she feels is her purpose in this thing called life. Maybe her sediments can fit any one of our lives as well. Whatever our beliefs are, whomever we call our "GOD," whatever words we may delete or insert in order to have this poem be our purpose - the message lays out a plan, "a purpose" if you will, not only to survive, but if followed, can and will make a difference in this little thing called: "LIFE!"

My purpose

To be a little kindlier
With the passing of each day;
To leave but happy memories
As I go along my way.
To use possessions that are mine
In service full and free;
To sacrifice the trivial things
For larger good to be.
To give of love in lavish way
That friendship true may live;
To be less quick to criticize,
More ready to forgive.
To use such talents as I have
That happiness may grow;
To take the bitter with the sweet,
Assured 'Ti's better so.
To be quite free from self-intent
What e'er the task I do;
To help the world's faith stronger grow,
In all that's good and true.
To keep my faith in God and right
No matter how things run;
To work and play and pray and trust
Until the journey's done.
God grant to me the strength of heart,
Of motive and of will,
To do my part and falter not
His purpose to fulfill.

Do you have some poem or quote that you live by? Post a comment here.

Funny One Liners...Could Blagojevich or Petters use any of these?

Food - Hit the New Year hard! We are still bringing in the New Year. These fun mini-pinatas are a great way for kids, and adults, to celebrate the New Year sweetly. Adults may grow older, but there is no law against having fun, so don't stop having fun - join in!

When do we stop saying Happy New Year? Is it a week, a month, 3 months, or can we continue saying it all throughout the year? I say, do whatever feels good to you. We don't celebrate enough in life, why not take full advantage of this holiday.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dish- Court date set for Tom Petters - Trial for Tom Petters Scheduled June 9 Defense attorneys say they'll try to get him out on bail.

Of course they will, that's what they get paid the big bucks for.

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=8218309&version=1&locale=EN-US

History in the making ~ Ill. House Votes To Impeach Blagojevich.

Two prominent people from Chicago making history; one for the good of the people, the other embarrassing the people of Chicago. Barack Obama has made Chicago, and the rest of the country proud. While Blagojevich claims he has nothing to hide...there are wiretaps that reveal the governor talking about trading the vacant Obama senate seat, and calling the appointment "golden."

http://wcco.com/national/Rod.Blagojevich.impeachment.2.903837.html

Ever find yourself saying any of these quirky one liners?

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush -It's better to have a small actual advantage than the chance of a greater one.

As alike as two peas in a pod - Two identical items or people.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link - The strength of a chain, according to an old observation, was the strength of the weakest link.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder - The lack of something increases the desire for it.
Between the Devil and the deep blue sea - Faced with two dangerous alternatives.
By the skin of your teeth - Narrowly; barely. Usually used in regard to a narrow escape from a disaster.
By gum - By surprise.
Break a leg - Good luck.
Chew the cud - To talk excessively, aimlessly. (I have been known to do this on occasion myself.)
Cop an attitude - get an aggressive attitude.
Curiosity killed the cat - Inquisitiveness can lead one into dangerous situations.
Dead as a door-nail - Dead.
Don't count your chickens before they are hatched - counting on something before it happens.
The early bird catches the worm - Whoever gets there first, works the hardest, wins
Elementary my dear Watson - Simple, no explanation needed.
Elvis has left the building - The show is over, go home. Whatever your doing is over.
Fine as frog's hair - Slender and delicate, or some people use this to describe how they feel.
Fish or cut bait - Either continue on or cut your loses and move on.
Full of piss and vinegar - Rowdy, boisterous, full of youthful energy. (my parents would say I resemble this remark.)
Generation X - people born between the 1950s and early 1970s, who were anarchic and directionless. (is this you?) "These are the youngsters who have seen and felt the agonies of the past two decades, who are trying to keep their balance in the swirling pressures of today, and who will have the biggest say in the course of history for the next 50 years."
Go like the clappers - Go very fast; in a vigorous manner.
There but for the grace of God, go I - When we see someone who has suffered misfortune that we might have, or will, suffer a similar fate. Something we all have had to say at some point in our lives.
Hebbie jeebies - A feeling of anxiety, apprehension or illness.
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child - It is especially pain full to raise an ungrateful child.
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen - If you can't cope, you should leave the work to someone who can.
Jump on the bandwagon - Join a growing movement in support of someone or something.
Keep schtum - Say nothing; especially in circumstances where saying the wrong thing may get you into some sort of trouble.
Know which way the wind blows - Understand what is happening and be able to anticipate the future.
Lick and a promise - Tiding up. The action that Piper Palin performed on her little brother.
Mutt's nuts - Highest quality.
Nip it in the bud - Put a stop to something before it even has a chance to develop.
One sandwich short of a picnic - Funny term for stupid.
Play it again Sam - Usually said about a favorite song.
Quid pro quo - One good turn deserves another. Give something of equal value in return.
Rack your brains - Thinking really hard to recall something.
Rose is a rose is a rose - Something is what it is.
Silence is golden - Saying nothing is preferred. (my husband says this to me quite often.)
Tail wagging the dog - An item of minor importance dominating a situation.
Upset the apple-cart - To cause upset - to create a difficulty.
Vice-versa - The position being reversed.
Whole kit and caboodle - Collection of things - everything involved.
X - To indicate choice, as on a ballot or examination. What's happening in the Minnesota Senate Race right now.
Yada yada - Repetitive or tedious. When explaining something that goes on and on and on.
Zero tolerance - no crime or break in a policy will be overlooked.

IF you have one you like - say it here.

Embellish - Eventually all the pieces will fall into place. Until then...laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know....everything happens for a reason, the BEST things in life are worth waiting for.

Winter - anxiety and added dough to our paychecks; is this a nightmare or a dream come true?

Food - The "New Year" has begun and with it brings a new year of exploring things we love - Food.Dish.Embellish. I hope you will join me in this journey, and even add a comment, recipe or simply enjoy the view. Speaking of views, here is a salad recipe that is beautiful to look at and refreshing to enjoy.

Spinach Salad with Roasted Tomatoes, & Warm Bacon Dressing.

Ingredients:

12 cherry tomatoes

1-2 T. olive oil

6 slices bacon, diced

1/4 c. red wine vinegar

1/2 c. olive oil

1 tsp. dijon mustard

1/2 T. sugar

6 c. fresh spinach, rinsed and dried

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Lightly toss the cherry tomatoes in 1-2 T. olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in a glass pie plate and roast for about 30 minutes or until soft.

Make dressing: cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 T. bacon grease. Keep bacon warm.

Whisk the vinegar, olive oil, mustard, mustard seed, and sugar into the reserved bacon grease - mix well. Stir in half of the cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tear the spinach into bite-size pieces and toss with warm dressing. Divide the spinach onto 4 salad plates, or place in salad serving bowl. Top with roasted tomatoes and the remaining bacon. Serve and enjoy!

Dish - The 93-year-old owner of the Minnesota Twins, who died Monday, never retired, even after making a fortune. He fulfilled his prediction of never retiring because business and deals were as critical to him as breathing.

The community has lost one of its great leaders. Carl Pohlad demonstrated that the "American Dream" is alive in Minnesota! He told the story of a man who loved his wife of 56 years, his family and his community. Not everyone agreed with his decisions, but he put Minnesota on the map with The Minnesota Twins, and for that, we thank you! My condolences are with the Pohlad family at this, thier time of loss. http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/37106499.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUycaEacyU

Dan achieved and excelled in the family-run business of Genz-Ryan Plumbing and Heating and as founder of DPR Motorsports http:/Ryan, Dan P. 48, of Farmington, died Friday, January 2, 2009, surrounded by family and friends./ Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Pinch me! Am I dreaming? No, they were both awake when each of these two Minneostans won a million dollars (they have no relationship to each other.) http://www.startribune.com/local/37101039.html

Looks like we maybe getting fatter, but we won't mind this extra dough. "Obama plan would mean fatter paychecks." http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/37120769.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUX

Duluth recovery center plans imperiled by Petters scheme
A foundation lost funds with which to it hoped to turn a former nursing home near Duluth into a haven for addicts and ex-cons. http://www.startribune.com/business/37123829.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsr

----Winter and anxiety. Do they go together? For some people, yes. If you have ever suffered from anxiety you will know that it is not much fun. It is often dealt with by feeling of dread and something very unpleasant that must be endured. These emotions are also descriptive of the way many people look at, and feel, about winter. (However, there are usually a few expletives thrown in there too.)

People become quite anxious with the mere thought of the winter months that are to come. The majority of residents who live in "the land of snow," don't participate in many, if any, outdoor winter sports such as: skiing, ice skating or sliding. The type of outside activity most common is: picking up of a shovel and shoveling the driveway, or the action of running to your car before your nostrils fill with icicles. (Of course there is always the exercise of discussing the weather.)

But I have found when dealing with anxiety, and winter, that if you "jump in," take action - just simply get involved, the feeling of anxiety, dread, gloom and doom soon vanishes. I have found that while I may never love the freezing cold weather, the way I choose to react to it can make the difference of a winter dreaded and endured (which can then feel much colder and seem to last forever,) or the simple act of taking a brisk walk on a cold winter day, can and does, make the winter months tolerable; even beautiful. The sunshine brightly shinning on your face, the fresh crispness in the air replenishes the staleness in your lungs, and the wind blowing ever so gently revitalizes you and fills your body and mind with energy.

Explore Minnesota! -----

Embellish - "When life hands you lemons, you don't make limeade, you make lemonade." -Ms. Foodie

Top 10 reasons you know you've gained too much weight if....

Food - I am taking the day off of writing about food, I think we have all had quite enough for one year! We will resume our normal writings tomorrow.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dish - Top 10 reasons you know you've gained too much weight ~

10. You've gained so much weight...that even your underwear are too tight.

9. You have so much "junk in your trunk" that the lid won't shut.

8. When you put your watch on, the BIG hand just keeps spinning round and round.

7. Your significant other has started introducing you as Norbit (man) or Shallow Hal (gal.)

6. The only presents you got this year for Christmas were jogging suits.


5. Weight Watchers is calling - they want you to be their new spokesperson.


4. Your TV is yelling for you to turn it off and go exercise.


3. Richard Simmons is knocking on your front door - and - you are now the proud owner of a pair of those funky shorts he wears.


2. The grocery store has started carding you.


1. It's January 1st!

Embellish - Today is the beginning of a new year, make it a good one!