Harper Valley

No TV Sundays

I started a new tradition today.  I'm calling it -- No TV Sunday.  Not too original, I know.  If you can think of a better name...drop me a note with your suggestion.   I usually keep the TV on all weekend for background noise, and convince myself that I won't watch it...."It's just background noise," I say.  But as I go about my day..I end up sitting down for 30 minutes here, a few hours there, etc.  And before I know it, I've wasted the whole day watching a bunch of garbage that I've already seen or that's totally mind numbing. 

Since I turned off the TV five hours ago, I've blown through all kinds of chores, and I still have four more hours left in the day.  So far, I made a big pot o' chili, made chicken salad, vacuumed, washed three loads of laundry, mopped the floors, took out the trash, reorganized my kitchen cabinets, and cleaned out my dresser drawers.  Whew.  I'm tuckered out just typing all that.  Ha!

Of course, I still need some ambiance, so I turned on my all time favorite weekend radio station...104.1.  They never disappoint with the 80s Alternative on Sunday afternoons! 

Now I have time for some chillaxin, reading, phone calls, or whatever my little heart feels like doing.  Hooray for No TV Sundays!!   What could you accomplish if you turned off the TV right now?   DO IT!!!!  (unless you're hungover...in that case, feel free to veg)

Superbowl Sundaaaaay!

How was your Superbowl Sunday?  Did your team win?  Did you win any money in your office football pool?  I sure didn't.  My $20 investment got me a big fat ....goose egg!  Oh well.  That's what I get for trying to get rich quick. 

What a fantastic game though!!  I barely know what's going on when it comes to sports.  But I got into the game this year and that made the party even more fun.  Especially at the end..wow!  I was really cheering on the Cardinals to make their come back.  No matter who you rooted for, it was an exciting game.

What was your favorite commercial?  Maybe it's the recruiter in me, but I vote for CareerBuilder.com.  Their advertising peeps have quite a quirky sense of humor!  Remember their series with the mischievous monkies causing commotion around the office?   Classic.  They eventually got too many PETA protests, so they pulled the ads.  Total shame.  If you missed this year's CareerBuilder spot, check it out below.  An easy game day recipe follows the video.  A little late, I know.  =)

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PRETZEL BEER DIP

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
• 2 cups FINE shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup beer
• Rold Gold Honey Wheat Braided Twists (2 bags)
• 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped (optional)

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and dressing mix. Stir in beer, and then Cheddar cheese. The mixture may appear mushy. Cover bowl, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, overnight if possible.  Serve with pretzel sticks.  Garnish with green onions if desired.

East needs West

Watching the Olympics closing ceremony Sunday night reminded me of how well the Chinese do balance.  They have yin.  They have yang. And they really showed that concept to the world throughout the opening and closing ceremonies.  I loved the contrast of opposites between the bold tribal warrior numbers and the calm ethereal fairy-like performances!

I suppose we can only achieve balance if the two opposites are connected.  What good can come of two opposing forces in your life all the time?  Not a dadgum thing.  I can tell ya that from experience!  I'm constantly challenged by the polar opposites in my life - The highs, the lows.  The pros, the cons.  The business, the peacefulness.  The good, the bad...and some of the ugly too.

Kinda reminds me of my MOST favorite Alicia Keys song, "I Need You."  It's about her convincing a man that they belong together like sunrise and sunset.  Like ham and burger.  Go 'head on, 'Licia girl.  Sing it to us.  Take a listen here...

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North needs south

East needs west
No needs yes yes yes
Up needs down

Life needs death
No needs yes yes yes   

Calling All Gen-Xers!

As if it weren’t bad enough when they recycled some of our favorite childhood toys like Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears…now they are making new versions of 90210 -and- Knight Rider.  Is anyone else disturbed by this?  Are we really fresh out of original ideas?  Why mess with the classics?  This is blasphemy. 

Synchronized Swimming Flashback

I have mad respect for synchronized swimmers.  I mean, they're basically doing a complete gymnastics routine in the water while holding their breath the majority of the time.  And their feet can't even touch the bottom!  Insane. 

While I totally admire these swimmers, I cannot watch Olympic synchronized swimming without thinking about that good ole SNL skit featuring Martin Short and Christopher Guest.  Remember that one?  They were male synchro swimmers..and one of them couldn't swim.  Hilarious!  This is definitely one of my favorites..it ranks up there with "Choppin Brocco-lay" and "A Van Down by the River."  What is your favorite SNL Skit?  Leave a comment to let me know.  I'd love to reminisce about it! 

If it's been a while since you've seen this one, here's the video: http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=4122944961711350389&hl=en&fs=true

In Awe of the Olympics

Is anyone totally in awe of the Olympics and the amazing athletes who compete in them?  I don't remember a time where I was ever SO INTO the Olympics.  This year's games have really caught my attention.  The opening ceremony got me hooked.  What an incredibly impressive performance!  Ya, I know some of the fireworks were fake...and that poor little singing girl got the shaft on her moment of fame.  But what they pulled off was just mind blowing.  I was so proud of them.

I think another reason I'm so drawn to the Olympics this year is because I was actually in Beijing this time last year on a global experience (aka mission trip) with Discovery Church http://www.discoverychurch.org.  Feels like just the other day that I was eating with chopsticks every day and "speaking" Mandarin.  We were fortunate enough to see the Bird's Nest still under construction.  Thought you'd enjoy seeing a picture here below.  I also included a shot of the Olympic Friendlies (official mascots) at McDonald's.  I miss China.  Love the people.  Love the culture.  Wouldn't mind living there one day if they'd just fix those vile toilets!