The Coke Experiment of 2011

The tray for our toaster oven was a mess. We have no SOS pads or anything else that seemed like it might work. We agreed to try Coke. The video of the bubbling reaction that went on for at least several minutes and maybe hours, was cool. If it posts it is below, otherwise there is a before and an after 6 hours shot. Considering how hard-baked the grease and grime was, this is either impressive, or frightening!

Deals and Such

Did anyone else notice a lack of coupons for the things they really needed or wanted to buy this year?  Some years I have all sorts of promo codes or local store coupons that I can use, but not this year.  I admit I did not go out to the websites where you can search for such things either, prefering that they magically appear when I need them. Oh, wait - I did specifically seek out Round Table Pizza coupons. It is one of my favorite pizzas, and they often have a $3.00 off a large coupon available.  I also had codes for some photo books I wanted to put together for the kids, but just did not have the time.  That is on my list for the New Year - I want to make Disneyland photo books for the kids.  It would have been nice in time for Christmas, but I think they would like them just as much in January!

Transitioning from Christmas to New Year's

I am at work this week, as is Vicki.  It was a busy, but fun Christmas with the kids, then Monday was incredibly relaxing as we just lazied the day away playing with Christmas "toys" and watching movies.  It has been hard to get motivated to return to work, especially given that so many people have this week off.  At least it has made for a very easy-going work-week.  I've spent a bit of time browsing the internet, trying to decide how to spent an Amazon gift card, reading emails, deleting ones for such things as Technical Recruiter Jobs, and returning Christmas greetings from friends. Just a bit more and I can go spend my evening with Vicki. It has been raining all afternoon, and I am sleeping, so returning home to snuggle up with the woman I love sounds most excellent!

Merry Christmas!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that a joyful New Year is yours! We had a great Christmas spent playing with the kids and being with family. I must now go test out my new Belgian waffle maker! :)

Visiting the East Coast

Vicki and I are on a quick trip to pack up a few things from her old house in Virginia, visit her parents and then play tourist in DC and Baltimore. Meeting her Mom will be interesting since even after 18 years with her last partner, Vicki was only marginally out to her parents. Mom is way more comfortable with thinking of partners as "roommates," and frankly, so was her ex. Having a good time so far. This tree was in the lobby of the hotel we stayed in last night near the Baltimore airport.

I Did It!

I completed a novel of 50,781 word in 30 days!

It has been quite a challenge, especially over the past week or so.  I am so grateful for Vicki's support. She kept me going and told me I could do it, even when I was several thousand words behind and the task was looking nearly insurmountable.  She was right by my side, doing her own work, or playing on her iPad (*grin*), the whole time.  I've had to put off all Christmas planning and shopping - so NOW we can proceed with the Holiday season!  I am also grateful for my writing buddy's support.  She and I both took on this challenge and every morning we'd compare our progress. About half-way through, or so, we started sharing story details, and the flow of creativity for both of us just soared. What was frightening is how many similarities our stories had even though up until that point, we'd not talked about any details. It was good to be able to go through this challenge together - and share our highs and lows. 

I have more to say, but I am so tired. There's only been about 5 hours of sleep for the last three nights, so the brain is not working quite as quickly as it might!  Maybe there will be blogging time this weekend....or next week.  Happy December!