Just ME!

As some of you may know, my mother is re-doing her "wall of shame" with all of our pictures. My youngest sissy, Megs, just got her senior pictures taken, so that meant itwas time to nag me to death that I should go get me a new set of pictures taken. I am not so much a fan of having my picture taken, nor did I want to go spend the kind of money it takes to get them done. Even though the last time I had any pics taken was before my mission about 7 years ago. Why can't she just deal with that one? I mean, come on, I am reading the scriptures and everything! You can't even tell it was that long ago. You can't really see my whole face, but isn't that the idea cause I am not a drop-dead gorgeous fashion model like my younger sissys???

Anyway, so Carol was adamant that some way I must get some new pics taken. As some of you may not know, my friend Shameonyou21 scheduled likes to dabble in photography a bit. She is always trying to get me to pose, so I asked her if she wouldn't mind taking some pics of me that would be displayed in my parents house. We tried for a little while to get together, but it was too hard with our two jobs and the lack of daylight hours by the time we were both off. We had it a few times, and then I go and do things like try to break my nose, and give myself black eyes. Carol would love that on her wall now wouldn't she!

We finally got together and got a few shots that could have some potential of being "THE ONE." Unfortunately, the ones that Shameonyou and I like the best, are 8x10 the wrong way. We are looking into adjusting them just to see if it would look funny to crop it and enlarge it the right way. Calvie (my pops) and Carol and EK (my other sissy) couldn't decide which one they liked most, so I wanted to get your opinions on which ones (despite the orientation) you all like the best, and wouldn't mind seeing on my parents wall (or, just to have a cute of all cute picture of me with you at all times) if it was your choice.

#'s 1, 2, 3, 4


#'s 5,6









#'s 7, 8















#'s 9, 10
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50 Pounds

Friday morning was probably one of the happiest days of my life. I stepped up on the scale at my morning Weight Watchers meeting, just like I do every Friday morning. The scale God was in my favor because he saw fit to let me lose those last two pounds I needed so very badly to get me to my next big milestone in my weight loss efforts.

50 POUNDS BABY!

I have officially lost 50 pounds total doing this program. I was so happy after I realized that I had hit that milestone, I almost started crying!!! I called my Mom and Dad and just about started crying to them too! My Dad was so cool he told me he would buy me a present. Not an expensive one, he had to point out, but a present none-the-less!!! I sent text messages out to all my siblings, a couple of friends, and I called a couple of others too. I tell you what, I was so excited I couldn't keep it in for nothing!!!

Some might say it is too expensive (about $12/week) and they can't afford it. I say how can you afford NOT to? I understand that finances are tight sometimes. Believe me, I get it. I guess I am just so happy that I finally have something that has helped open my eyes to some of my poor habits. Whether it be my exercise program (or lack thereof) or my food habits, my world will never be the same again.

I still go out to eat too, that is another thing. I can eat what I want (in moderation) I just have to account for it, and I am just a lot smarter of my choices. I have battled with my weight for some time now, but especially these last few years since my mission. Culinary school didn't help matters at all either! Even though I am a bit ashamed to admit it, I hit the scales at just over 200 lbs when I finished the program.

My Mom had done the W.W. program years ago, and decided a year ago last October that she was going to just go join and get the new info, etc. The idea behind it, was that she would go get all of the information, and I would just follow the program along with her. I never did. I soon was told that I was going to join, and that my Dad was going to start me off by paying for the first little bit. I think it was basically an intervention from my entire family.

I officially joined W.W. in January of last year. I have learned so much, and have grown a lot in just confidence if nothing else ever since. I am not going to tell you it is the easiest thing I have ever done. It has been one of the hardest, but it has also been one of the best things I have ever done in my life. I've never felt better!!!

This is not one of those "quick fix" diet plans that you lost tons in no time at all, but then when you "go off" your diet, the weight comes back with a few friends along the way. This has been a lifestyle change, and will influence the way I look at life, just as much as it will influence the way I look at food.

Now let's all root for these last 15 or so pounds that I may earn my lifetime award and will get to go to W.W. for free for as long as I am maintaining my goal weight. Thanks for all of your support. I couldn't have done this without you!!!

Croatia

I went to my Uncle's house in Salt Lake yesterday to take my grandpa up for dinner. When we walked into the front room to sit down and talk, when I happened to glance over and see the front page of the Travel Section of the Deseret Morning News. Much to my surprise it was a giant article about my favorite place in the world that I so desperately want to return to. I provided the link to the website, but after a few days, it probably won't be accessible but to subscribers. I am just going to copy the text and paste it here so that it will always be accessible to me, if no one else!!!

Croatia — Discover this Eastern European country before the glitz hits.

By Mike Korologos
Special to the Deseret Morning News

Hurry. There's still time to visit the fledgling Republic of Croatia while it's still in its pre-tourism boom innocence. You should visit soon, before mega-resorts, hotels and multi-lane autobahns start sprouting like mushrooms after a spring rain. Here's a capsulated travel advisory of what you'll find:

Photo by Mike Korologos

The ancient wall that surrounds historic Dubrovnik, Croatia, provides a spectacular view of the red-roofed old town.

• Croatia's Adriatic coastline with its historic enclaves, castles and fortresses, and its inordinate number of natural wonders, which are so pervasive the place is called "The Garden of Europe;"

• The imposing Alps in the distance that make you wish you were a Sherpa guide;

• The striking seascapes along the Dalmatian Coast that make you want to be a pirate;

• Centuries-old-but-still-bustling Dubrovnik and its old town fortress;

• Hospitable locals who will welcome you as family.

Croatia has been in the throes of becoming a destination darling since it emerged from the turmoil of armed conflicts that raged throughout the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995. This Croatian War of Independence was triggered when Slovenia and Croatia declared their independence from Yugoslavia, ending 45 years under Communist rule.

Thankfully, war damage to several centuries-old landmarks has been repaired, due in large part to funding from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Today the country is doing what it has done throughout its history — capitalizing on its geographic locale as the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Central Europe and the Balkans. But this time it is attracting tourists, not conquerors. And rightly so, as it has the basic goods — including six World Heritage sites and eight national parks — to deliver a quality travel product.

The crescent-shaped footprint of the country stretches from the Alps in the northwest down its island-speckled 3,552-mile Adriatic coastline to Dubrovnik on its southern tip.

Photo by Mike Korologos

Ancient cistern where people gathered to get water just inside the wall surrounding old Dubrovnik remains a place of hustle and bustle.

Its well-preserved antiquities, reserves, natural monuments and natural parks are constantly in the view-finders of cameras being toted by some nine million-plus tourists who visit annually — a significant economic engine for a country with 5 million residents and an unemployment rate of some 15 percent. (By comparison, Temple Square in Salt Lake City annually attracts about five million visitors.)

Last October, my view-finders joined those nine million during a 2,300-mile, 12-day motor-coach excursion orchestrated by Collette Vacations, the venerable travel-tour operator. Starting in Zagreb, the capital, our troupe motored down the Adriatic coastline to Dubrovnik, then traveled the mountainous interior north to Salzburg, Austria, and ultimately to Munich, Germany.

The trip included numerous stops between the destination cities affording extravagant visits to attractions including miles-deep caves, boat rides to secluded restaurants, remnants of World War II bunkers, massive Roman Empire-era structures, the island enclave of former Yugoslav leader Tito and bucolic villages.

No doubt, one gets seat-ite-is on such a motorized journey, but the discomfort is fleeting, thanks to the panoramic countryside zipping by and the hospitable, humble, hard-working locals. (Humble to the point of apologizing for not speaking perfect English. "You know more English that I know Croatian, please do not worry.")

For sure, our group dynamics, heightened by the confines of the motor coach, occasionally wore thin, but the awe of the place, the exceptional hotels (for the most part) and the delightful, wine-enhanced meals diminished every irritation.

The shoulder-season tour proved to be a fortuitous period to travel as our group numbered only 18, less than half the capacity of the spacious coach. We enjoyed the luxury of on-board seating options following extensive walking tours: quiet chatter, personal CDs, a back-seat snooze, the passing views, reading or watching a travelogue about the next destination. The spectacular autumn hues were a bonus.

Photo by Mike Korologos

Street markets, such as this one in Dubrovnik, provide an opportunity to take colorful photos.

The group's median age was in the 55-plus range, and most said they travel extensively. They hailed primarily from New England, the upper Midwest and California. Donna and Bill Kyle of Twin Falls, Idaho, helped tout the travel wonders of the Intermountain West.

Veteran travelers among us rated the tour's price as "upper mid-level." Its fare started at $1,649 per person, for 12 days and 21 meals, exclusive of air travel. Singles paid a substantial premium. Since Croatia is not a member of the European Union (it hopes to join by 2010), shopping bargains were plentiful — but who knows for how long?

The well-planned itinerary was comprised of one day in the bustling capital of Zagreb, three in the charming and restful seaside resort town of Opatija, one night in Zadar, three in Dubrovnik, one at Plitvicka Lakes National Park, two in enchanting (read: fairyland) Bled, Slovenia, and one night in Munich.

Sandwiched between Bled and Munich was an all-too-short visit to Salzburg, Austria, birthplace of Mozart and the Christmas carol "Silent Night," incredible shopping opportunities, a restaurant dated to A.D. 803, and the Mirabel Gardens, site of the filming of the "Do Re Mi" scene in the 1964 movie classic "Sound of Music."

Rating scores of "10" on the trip were:

• A delightful sign-language (read: hand and arm motions) exchange with a grizzled 80-year-old Croat farmer as we shared a cluster of grapes from a mountainous load he was delivering to a winery.

• The precision performances of high-stepping horses at the Lipica, Slovenia, stud farm where the bloodlines of some of its horses date back 400 years.

Photo by Mike Korologos

The seaside resort town of Opatija is known for its exotic spas. Croatia's Adriatic coastline is spectacular.

• The strength and grace of the guy who rowed our traditional
pletnja (20-seat boat) for 20 minutes non-stop from shore to the
tiny wooded Bled Islet and its picturesque medieval church where
we pulled the rope near the altar to ring the bell for good luck.

• Remnants of a 23,000-capacity Roman Era (circa A.D. 425)
coliseum, site of gladiator vs. lions contests, in Pula, Croatia, the
main base of the Byzantine fleet in the 6th and 7th centuries. The
coliseum, whose underground once housed animal cages and a
prison, is said to be the sixth largest of the era still standing. It now
is a venue for musical/rock concerts, operas and film festivals.

• The trek through a portion of spectacular Plitvicka Lakes National Park that has 16 lakes connected by countless waterfalls, pools and streams.

If there was a "People's Choice" vote, this visitor would split his between Dubrovnik and the alpine paradise of Bled as the sites for subsequent visits and longer stays. A knowledgeable, accommodating, flexible and patient (worthy of a medal in some instances) tour manager greatly enhanced this tour. We were fortunate to have Steve Walker as our guardian, answer-man and sometimes taskmaster. ("If you're late, the bus will leave without you" ... which it never did). The mild-mannered Walker hails from Sun Valley, Idaho, where he once worked as a bartender at the storied Duchin Room at Sun Valley Lodge.

As such, he is acquainted with several Intermountain area luminaries and ski aficionados, which made for "did you ever run into ...?" conversations. The trip's most interesting inquiry about knowing someone from your home town came from a waiter at a poolside bar at the luxurious Dubrovnik Palace Hotel. The waiter initiated the exchange that went like this:

Photo by Mike Korologos

Cities in Croatia have an old-world feel with narrow, cobbled streets.

"Where you from?"

"U.S."

"What county?"

Assuming he meant what state, I responded with "Utah."

"Utah!" he exclaimed, eyes propped wide, arms raised. "Utah Jazz! You know Karl Malone?"

See, Croatia isn't as far away as you may have thought.
__________________________________

Napkin scribbles from Croatia ...

By Mike Korologos

• Gasoline, sold by the liter, costs about $7.40 per gallon.

• As the birthplace of the "cravat" that evolved into the necktie, buying a silk necktie at an upscale shop is an occasion to behold — a real event. You've got to do it, pricey price be damned.

• Another "must-do": Take the 1.8-mile stroll around the top of the cannon-dotted medieval-era wall that encompasses old town Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The views and photo ops from its rampart-accented vantage point are endless as you peer over the ubiquitous red-tile roofs out to sea and fantasize about the pirates who once plied these waters — defying the TV antennas and strings of drying laundry below.

• Access to the interior of old town is gained through one of two 18-foot-high drawbridge gates that were called into service during the 1991-92 war (not bad for a place built in the 13th century). The interior of the walled city is abuzz with its bustling Stradun (promenade), alleyways, shops, restaurants, museums, Franciscan monastery, apartment-dwellers, cathedrals — and lots of tourists.

• Croatia's lone golf course is on the island of Brijuni, a one-time private preserve of Yugoslav leader Tito. The tranquil isle is now a national preserve with three hotels and a zoo that houses exotic animals given to Tito by visiting heads of state. The golf course's "greens" consist of white compacted sand and the fairways resemble a recently harvested alfalfa field. The lone golf equipment sales representative (Titleist) in the country informed us that there are only about 1,000 resident golfers in Croatia, but that number increases substantially each summer due to club-toting tourists. He assures us that numbers of golfers and courses will increase in the near future.

• Tito's hulking 1953 Cadillac convertible is the only car on Brijuni. The chrome-laden classic and a curator/driver are available for hire for a 4-hour tour of the island for about $400.

• As the birthplace of Marco Polo, the island of Korcula with its Venetian-influenced Cathedral Square is a magnet for tourists, but the visit to his alleged home with its cupola overlooking the sea isn't up to the hype.

• Locals are as charming as they are accommodating. When we inquired about the prospects of rain on a cloudy day, our city guide said: "We don't expect many splashes today."

• Locals talk to each other with great gusto — hands and arms a-flaying — be they folks on street corners, in restaurants, buses, restrooms, wherever. It is delightful to watch the animated exchanges.

• Germans make up the majority of the country's nine million annual visitors; Italians are next. British and U.S. visitors are far down the guest list, yet commercial and road signs and restaurant menus in English are plentiful.

• Croatia's capital, Zagreb, has 800,000 residents and was the cultural center of the former Yugoslavia. It is the home of the ball-point pen and fountain pen and offers numerous museums, ballets, art galleries and folk festivals — most accessible by its 1930s-era narrow-track trolley system.

• A college in the capital is housed in a one-time tobacco factory, but students are not allowed to smoke on campus.

• The local menu fare is accented with Mediterranean dishes, meaning lots of seafood. Lamb, pork and veal are the primary red-meat dishes and almost all restaurants have a custom risotto dish. Restaurants along the seacoasts specialize in deep-fried squid, oysters, scampi and mussels.

• A multi-course dinner of fried squid (calamari) on the idyllic patio of the Opatija Yacht Club costs $18. (There was no charge for the picture-perfect full moon and its wavy reflection on the bay waters just beyond the rail.)

Texas Roadhouse/Bombay House

At long last, here we go I had heard that this restaurant was good, and some even went so far as to say it was better than Ruby River. Up to this point, even though I haven't been here since I started this food critic business, Ruby River has been my favorite steakhouse to date.

I know some will still disagree with me, and some will even say that others are better. All I have to say to that, is just let me know when and where, and I will show up with my anal retentive food critic hat on that reads in giant letters "I am reviewing your establishment, please treat me and my friends like dirt!"

The atmosphere is very western-like. As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you are immediately greeted by a giant barrel of peanuts. Much the same as you would at other western themed steakhouses. Grab a handful of peanuts and have a seat while you wait. The trash can for your peanut shells is simply the floor. It is no understatement when I tell you that you are walking on shells. It sucks for the poor, 16 year old, pimple-faced kid who has to clean up all of the shells at the end of the night, but never mind that.

Once you sit down at your table, you are once again greeted with peanuts. A smaller tin bucket awaits you the moment you sit down. Good idea? Bad idea? I guess that depends on how much you like or dislike peanuts, or how many peanuts you ate during your time spent waiting for your table.

I also ordered the garlic mashed potatoes, but I think the next time I go, I am going to have to order some veggies if I get the same dish. A little too much starch on one plate for my liking, although the potatoes were very The menu selection is very broad, the prices are very reasonable for a steakhouse, and the side selections are also numerous. I decided upon the tenderloin medallions. Three, 3oz. medallions of one of the most tender cuts of meat you can get. It is served over a bed of rice pilaf, and your choice of a shitake mushroom sauce, or a three peppercorn sauce. I could not decide between the the two, so they were kind enough to give me a half and half--no extra charge!!! They were both very delish! I liked them mixed rather than I did separately though.

For once, I did not have a bad experience at a restaurant. The waitress was very friendly, very much on the ball with drinks and refills, clearing plates, checking on us...but not over bearing. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone. You just might need to experience the true ambiance and good food without me, so I don't jinx your first experience!

I am not going to say much about this restaurant. If you are in the mood for a good ethnic experience, try this place out. All of the dishes you can make as hot or as mild as you like. Just a warning though, the curries are a little on the spicy side even if you order them mild. You will start out thinking they aren't so bad, you will possibly even get a sweet flavor when you first take a bite. Then as soon as you swallow, maybe even take a couple of bites before the curry kicks in, but you will soon start to feel it in the back of your throat. You will even be tempted to make the same noise, and wiggle our fingers on your throat, just like Will Smith does in his movie "Hitch" when he has that allergic reaction, just before his face swells up like a giant balloon!

Anyway, don't be afraid to order a few dishes if you are in a group, and be sure to order some flat bread called Naan. The Chicken Tikka Masala is also another recommendation. I tried the shrimp curry--medium heat, which was very good, just got a little too hot about half-way through. My lips were burning so much that I couldn't finish the rest (other than the actual pieces of shrimp that is)!

Becoming a Hermit

You can't take me anywhere anymore (as demonstrated by my previous post). My luck however, has taken a turn for the worse since that post.

"Worse?" You ask yourself. "Is that even possible?"

Oh but it is! Luckily, my luck didn't turn on me with my nose (or at least at this point nobody thinks it has). What I mean is just restaurants. Maybe this self-proclaimed food critic business isn't for me. Even though I have bad experiences with places, does not in any way mean that you will have the same bad experiences. In fact, I think you should try out these places WITHOUT ME, despite my bad reviews, and see what kind of luck you have. The only bright spot in any of this, is that I have been in good company. Unfortunately, some of this good company has finally told me that I have to sit in the car from now on. You be the judge, because I am starting to believe them!!!

In this post, I am going to give you the evolution of experiences, while reviewing the newer restaurants. In an upcoming post, I will just review a couple other restaurants. I am a little behind on my reviews, so I apologize to those of you whose experience does not appear in this particular post. I promise you it IS still coming.

We all remember the evil place in American Fork of which we do not speak. The bad service, the lame manager, the stupid servers. All that said, we had a couple of OK experiences in between to tease me, and then IT hits. (The word "it" is in reference to a not-so-good phrase about something hitting the fan. That's all I'm gonna say 'bout that).

Anyhow, this experience was not all bad. There were some bright moments to start, and then it was a good finish. Market Street Grill is an upper-scale (white tablecloth) Restaurant/Private Club/Oyster Bar. I have always wanted to go here, but since they are mostly "members only" and I never really had anyone express interest in going, I never did. I finally convinced Shameonyou21 and her b.f. Randoval that they wanted to go there too. They just opened a new place up in South Jordan on the other side of the freeway from the South Towne Mall, so we figured that now was as good a time as any to go. We didn't have to drive as far!

We got right in, and began to glance over the menu. We ordered drinks, and finally someone had a freaking blender to make me a Strawberry Daiquiri--virgin for me of course! We decided to be daring, and since we were at an Oyster Bar, we were gonna try some oysters! We ordered Oysters Rockefeller, and Calamari for appetizers. Then an eternity went by, and we got drinks, and then another eternity went by before we got our appetizers.

The Calamari was very disappointing. Especially for how much you pay for them. We didn't hardly get any! I get much more substance at that evil place of which we do not speak for far less $$$. Jerks! Anyway, the oysters were actually very fabulous. They are oysters on the half shell (half of the oyster shell with stuff inside), mixed with spinach, bacon, hollandaise (butter) sauce, and topped with a parmesan cream sauce with melted parmesan cheese on top. MMMM!!! I even got a history lesson from the waiter when I asked him what was in it. Although, he had to go ask the chef what was in it, and he took an eternity doing that too!!! If you are interested in the history of Oysters Rockefeller, ask me later!!!

Anyway, so the meal once it arrived was just average. I ordered Alaskan Halibut, Shameonyou21 ordered Ahi Tuna, and Randoval ordered a Prime Rib. I think Randoval liked his, but Shameonyou21's dish came VERY well done, not rare like she ordered it. I had soggy asparagus, and the fish was a little overdone too. Overall, nothing special about those.

Then came the finale. All night long, Shameonyou21 and Randoval were subjected to this ever-so-subtle screen that took up the entire wall, picturing a different variety of selections you can order there. Including which was dessert. MMMM dessert!!!


Shameonyou21 and Randoval both ordered the Raspberry Almond Torte (left), and I got the Sabayon (right). Mine had a stronger liquor flavor to it, and theirs had no flavor. That is probably why I didn't like theirs, and they didn't like mine. I got a scoop of Haagen Das vanilla ice cream with mine! MMM Ice cream!!!

I think I was a little disappointed overall, but I would have to go back and order a nice steak to really see if it was a fluke, or if their service sucks (toward me) just like everyone else. We got out of there in about 2.5 hours. Not exactly customer friendly!
____________________________________________________________

Really quickly, I am going to give you a run down of my last restaurant. One that really screams at me that I need to just become a hermit and never leave my house again.

Mazza is a Middle Eastern style restaurant, in Salt Lake. They have a little shack on 1500 East/1500 South, and a MUCH bigger, nicer place on 900 east/900 South. We tried the smaller first, and they suggested we go try their other location to accommodate a larger party (8). After an hour wait to get in to eat, the waitress tells us the kitchen is a little backed up. That should have been our clue to get up and leave. An hour later (two hours total) we still don't have sodas, or food. We got appetizers about 30 min after ordering, but again we still stayed. Another 30 min. goes by(2.5 hours total), and the manager tells us they are traying up our food. 20 minutes later still no food.

Finally some food comes, and it is just kinda warm. Not hot like hot, cooked food should be. Everyone but me gets food, and 15-20 minutes goes by until I do (going over 3 hours now). No one is hungry anymore, and we just want to leave. We get our bill, and not only is it price, but they still want us to pay a FULL18% gratuity. Oh no you don't!!!

We tried to get the waitress to split up the checks so that those who were being reimbursed, could get a separate receipt to turn in to their company. She acts all put out, throws a hissy, and essentially walks off. She brings it back, and nothing is different, except for the fact that they comped one meal which she said would happen earlier. We get the manager to come over, and he has the nerve to ask us what's wrong!!! What in the HELL do you think is the matter you moron?! We have only been sitting here for 2.5 hours, plus we waited for another one hour to get in. The food tastes good, but there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in this world that is worth that long of a wait at a restaurant.

I got my meal comped also, because I complained enough and told him that it came way after everyone else's. As an observer of the industry, as a manager, I would do absolutely everything possible to ensure that people come back again. Whether they had a good experience, or a not-so-good experience. Throw in the apps, give me a discount on the order as a whole, do ANYTHING, except give me a bill at full price with 18% gratuity when it has been the worst experience ever. We still ended up having to split up our own bill, those who were to be reimbursed didn't care after 3.5 hours of dealing with this place. I think we underpaid the total bill, and stiffed them on any sort of tip.

Don't give me your lame excuses of only being open for 3 days, and you didn't anticipate being so busy. Obviously you did anticipate being a little busier since you built a huge new restaurant in addition to your shack. There had to be some driving force behind that reasoning my friends! I think I counted three cooks in the kitchen (it was an open kitchen you could see into). The third one didn't come out of hiding until we were leaving though. No wonder you are having a hard time keeping up retard! HIRE MORE HELP AND DON'T OPEN YOUR DOORS AGAIN UNTIL YOU DO!


Stay tuned for more rantings of a self-proclaimed food critic. Next up is Texas Roadhouse Grill, and The Bombay House.

Update

ANYONE ELSE HAVE DAYS WHERE YOU FEEL JUST LIKE THIS???

This is how my entire week has gone so far. The stress at work isn't helping my already existent headache that stems from the front of my face!!! I suppose got every last thing that I deserve from this!!! Maybe I am just full of it too!

Anyway, here is the latest rendition of how much I have indeed struggled this week! It is very obvious that my right eye is a little on the "not-so-normal" side. My left eye has a hint of the abnormal, but I can get away with people not asking who beat me up. I do not believe the nose is broken, I have had tell me that it did not appear to be, but I will wait a little longer until the swelling goes down a bit, so I might be able to tell better. If not, then I guess I will break down and go see someone more professional about it!!!

It is kind of a creepy picture isn't it? I apologize for that. I tried to do the simplest little thing the other night by blowing my nose, and I just about ended up in tears!!! I think that small task hurt worse than the actual event itself. Much of the feedback I have received from others, suggested that it really was no surprise what happened to me. "Only you," they said. "It all stems back to your [stupid] childhood." I really have nothing else left to say about what happened except, I was a stupid child. And, I struggle!

Note to all of you...

1. Be very careful when playing racquetball (or any sport/game) with me. Emotions tend to run high, adrenaline gets pumping and there is no telling what might happen! Kristeee and a few others I am sure can vouch for that with a sounding, "You're not kidding!"
2. Be very careful when your around me while I am cooking. Things (mostly just me) tend to get burned almost every time--although, I haven't done that in a very long time. Never mind the fact I don't really cook anymore. I am making my roommates dinner on Sunday, and then Shameonyou21 and her b.f. Randoval, sometime next week, so we'll see how that goes!
3. Be very careful when going out to eat with me. VERY bad things tend to happen. Restaurateurs seem to forget everything they should do (the right way), or how their guests should be treated when I walk into their establishments. If that crazy event doesn't take place you will usually find me complaining about something. Just pat me on the head, and tell me, "That'll do Foodie, that'll do!" (Obviously done in the Shrek voice, of course!)
   
4. Be very careful when you are around me no matter what I am doing, who knows what dangerous events might take place. I can trip on air at any given moment, I can spill food down the front of me at any given moment, because I have a drinking problem (the other one besides my alcohol problem), I can have liquid come out my nose at any given moment.

What else might happen? You all know me so very well. You tell me what strange occurrences might happen just by being in my presence. Please enlighten me of my "luck" or lack thereof.

Still, as always, STRUGGLING!!!

So I have decided that racquetball is a very dangerous sport for me. In a high school PE class, I smacked into the front wall so hard with my knee that the purple/pink bruise covered my knee in its entirety, and probably parts of my shin/thigh too! I haven't had too many major incidents like that since high school--UNTIL NOW!!!

Kristeee and I have started a weekly trip to the Orem Fitness Center to play racquetball. It has been years since I had played, (at least 7 I think). Anyhow, tonight marked the 3rd week playing. The first week, Kristeee smacked me in the back of the head with the ball. The second week I think we both got hit with the ball at least once, but I think the wall hit us, and so that wasn't our fault. Running into the walls is just a natural part of at least my game, so those times don't count!

Then there was tonight. About ten minutes into the game, my racket decided to take control of itself and take out its built up hostility and anger towards me ON ME. I know this pic is hard to see, that's what I get for trying to take it with my phone! Anyway, you can however, see the big red spot on my nose. Just a bit to the left is another little scratch, which I don't know how well you can see it in the pic. I didn't notice the second scratch until I got home and was forced to change the band aid.

After it happened, I told Kristeee what I had done as she saw that I was forced to my knees. Good ol' sweet, supportive Kristeee didn't know how to react. She was trying not to laugh at me being in agony, but let's face it, it WAS funny! I think the laughing made it hurt more, but even I couldn't help but laugh at myself!

We noticed my nose was bleeding, but not from where we first thought. Obviously by the big red bulls eye on my nose, that was the source of the blood. Not only did we have to stop our game to take care of my issue, but we were at the end of what seemed to be the hallway of death! All the old ladies waiting outside their courts for their turn saying:

"Oh my gosh you're bleeding!" or "Oh my gosh you got hit!"

Good thing they told me that, or I don't know what I would have done!!! Kristeee found me a band aid and a sack of ice, cause she noticed my nose was swelling up rather quickly. She offered to call off the game, but I couldn't let a little blood stop me from whooping on her! OK, so I won 1 of 3 games. I choked at the end of the last two...we'll blame the nose, and the headache for that. I couldn't think very clear!!!

You would think smacking myself with my racket would be enough for one evening, but this is ME we are talking about. I won't go into the details, let's just say that my nose and my ego are not the only things bruised after this evening. My derriere is a little on the sore side too :(

I have said it before, and I will say it again, I STRUGGLE!!!

Tired, Hungry, and In Desperate Need of a Vacation

Anyone else tired of the weather??? The "one day sunny and warm, next day two feet of snow" crap is getting on my nerves!!! Why can it not just get over itself, and let it warm up so I won't be quite so onery!!!

I am feeling so burned out with work, irritated with all of my co-workers (family included), and especially a stupid, lazy embroidery lady who can't do anything right to save her life--even though it is obvious to a four year old what is supposed to be done. I am trying to be more strict with my diet, so I can just get to my goal weight, and I feel as though I am always hungry.

Because of all of the above things going on, I can't sleep, and I am in DESPERATE need of a vacation/weekend road trip. Anyone interested in helping out your poor, starving, freaking out, fat foodie friend???

That's all. Just needed to vent a little!!!