Happy Stuff #4 - Happy Songs

No, no, I'm not talking about "Don't Worry, Be Happy." That song actually kind of makes me want to punch somebody.

There are some songs out there that just make you happy. I really don't know what it is, but when I hear these songs, I get that instant feel-good feeling. And my head starts to bop back and forth. And then my whole body starts to sway. And before you know it, I'm almost full out dancing whilst belting out the lyrics as loud as I can.

What just me?

If you've never done that, you should. I don't recommend you do that at work in your cubicle, however. Perhaps in the car, by yourself - that's my favorite time.

So, here are the happy songs that have made my list. I dare you to listen to them and not move your body to the music in any way shape or form and not feel somewhat lifted after listening.

It's Your Thing - The Isley Brothers



Pennies From Heaven - Louis Prima

Click this link - and then in the upper right you can click play to hear the song

Jackie Wilson Said - Van Morrison

Click this link - and follow instructions for above


I think those are my top 3. Honorable mentions go to:

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - WHAM!

Dancing in the Moonlight - King Harvest


What's your go to feel good song?

Toby hates me.

Can you blame him?



I'm pretty sure he'll forgive me when I give him his frozen Kong later tonight though.

Just like Bob Barker says. . . .

Please get your pets spayed or neutered!



That's right. If you don't I'll sic this maniac attack dog on you.



Yup, he's pretty ferocious.



OK, OK, he probably won't hurt you. But you should still make sure you get your animals spayed and neutered.

Tobias is at the vet having his "procedure" done as we speak. He didn't want to go, I hated leaving him, and I hate picturing him lonely, scared and sad. But, I know it has to be done.

I suppose I should take this moment to let you know if you do want a new pet - research first, buy second. And research A LOT. I'm talking hours. I'm talking phone calls with people who know. I'm talking budgetting your finances to include your pet. I'm talking reading up on the breed to make sure it's grooming, physical activity needs, etc. match up with you and your family. If your getting a puppy - be prepared to sacrifice quite a few nights of sleep and a lot of freedom and hours to training that pup. Oh, and you might lose a few table legs and curtains to those puppy teeth.

And make sure you find a reputable breeder - lots of breeds have websites with breed stewards who are willing/thrilled/excited to help you find a good breeder. Backyard breeders destroy the breed whereas reputable breeders keep the breed strong. If you're finding your puppies in the newspaper classifieds or in a box by the local grocer - that's probably NOT a reputable breeder. And of course you can check local rescues and shelters for a new furry friend. I've been scanning Petfinder for our next addition. We're trying to wait until Spring to adopt, but I'm not sure I can wait that long. Those puppy dog eyes just have a way of drawing me in.



OK, I'll hop off my soapbox now.

Operation Casino Royale

Andy's birthday surprise trip was a success. He was surprised and we had a great time - Andy even won some moolah. I thought I'd take a moment to review the breweries and beers sampled on the way down and way back up. We only made it to 2 different places, but that's 2 more we can check off the list.

Brewery #1 - The Livery - Benton Harbor, Michigan



We had a great time at the Livery and our whole experience exemplified why I LOVE small/hole-in-the-wallesque breweries. We arrived around 1:30 pm and it was just us, a family finished lunch, the bartender/owner and a guy from Houston. Here's why I loved The Livery and why I love hole-in-the-wallesque breweries:

#1 - The bartender always has a good story - In this case, the bartender entertained us and Houston (I don't know his name, so I'm calling him Houston) with the story of how the bar came to be. Synopsis - They bought the space but didn't know what to do with it. They wanted to do something with live music because the market was lacking in the area. Then there was a giant wind storm and they came to survey the damage with some beer in tow. Whilst drinking the beer and surveying the damage the light bulb went off - live music + microbrewery = non-existent in Southwest Michigan. And so The Livery was born.

#2 - The people - We were there early, so there were only a few of us. But Houston had a pretty awesome story. He had a trip planned to Detroit to visit his buddy. His buddy bailed on him at the last minute, but he didn't want to cancel his flight, time off work, etc. so he came to Michigan anyways to embark on a brewery tour. Way to make lemonade out of lemons, Houston. The Livery was stop number 3 on his brewery trip from Detroit to Chicago.

#3 - The beer - No brainer there. This stuff was GREAT. My favorite was actually the Dunkle Weizen - a dark wheat ale. I love wheat beers, and I don't get to try dark wheats very often. This was a treat.

Brewery #2 - Old Hat Brewery - Lawton, Michigan

We arrived early on Sunday, just in time to see the Lions gain a large lead and then lose it in a matter of minutes. Good job, Lions. But, I digress. I'd have to say this brewery was a disappointment. The beer just wasn't that good. The brewery itself seemed rich in history and I liked the atmosphere of the place. It sounded like a nice family run little joint - mom was in the kitchen, daughter was our bartender and dad was owner and in and out throughout the visit. We didn't have a bad experience by any means, but I just left the place less than impressed.

I'd have to look at the list, but I that these were breweries #14 and #15 visited in the state. Only about 40 left to go.

London Calling

Photo courtesy of E01 on Flickr


Oh bloody 'ell. That daft crumpet is blogging again.

I have no idea why I love the British so much. Perhaps it's the accents. Perhaps it's from the summer I lived/worked in London. Perhaps it's because their sayings are the best and there's no need to wonder why they're so entertaining - they just are.

My husband won't let me speak with a fake British accent. Maybe because I do it at the loudest/shrekiest level possible and he in turn tells me I sound ugly.

I worked with first graders and fourth graders while I was in London. There were a few times when I had NO idea what the kids were trying to tell me. For example:

I was in the first grade classroom when one of my sweet little 6 year olds came up to me with a sad face and her hand outstretched.

Me: What do you need, Tilly? (I'm not making that up - could her name BE any more British?)

Tilly (in her cute little accent): I've hurt my finger.

Me: Awww, let me see. (I examine the barely visible owwie on her finger)

Teacher: Can you get her a plaster? I'm out but there's some in the lounge.

Me: A what?

Teacher: A plaster.

Me: A what?

Teacher: Oh, you call them something different, don't you? Um, do you know, it's like a sticker that you'd put on a cut?

Me: Oh, a band-aid.

Teacher: YES! A "band-aid" (said in American accent). Could you run and get some?


Then there was the time the fourth graders were going to be playing tennis in gym.


David: We get to learn tennis today. Do you know how to play?

Me: Yes, actually, I played a lot back home.

David: Are you heavy?

Me: Am I what?

David: Are you heavy?

Me: What?

David: (completely exasperated in me): Ughhhh, are you any good?


I was straight rubbish when it came to understanding those blokes.

Happy Stuff #3 - Cheeks

Get your mind out of the gutter. Not those cheeks, I'm talking about the cheeks on your face.

Cheeks make my happy. I know, kind of weird, but bare with me here. Think about it - baby cheeks, cheeks with dimples, chubby cheeks - you just gotta love 'em. I actually have to hold myself back when I meet a new baby because I don't want to accidentally go overboard and squeeze their cheeks too hard. Now, who better to use as an example of awesome cheeks than my husband. Are you ready to see his baby cheeks as an actual baby? No, I don't think you're ready, but here you go anyways:



Since you're reading this, I like you, so I'll spoil you with another:



Ok, just one more:



Now look at those big round cheeks and tell me they don't make you smile.

Now, someday far away when we decide to have our own babies, I'm going to pray, hope and wish on every star I see that our kids inherit those cheeks.

Pork Chops w/Raspberry Sauce and Baked Sweet Potato fries

I know you love my awesome jokes. Here's a new one. You're welcome.

Q. What do you call a pig that knows karate?

A. A pork chop

Which brings me to:

Pork Chops with Raspberry Sauce

These were FANTASTIC. I followed the recipe exactly but didn't have the fresh thyme, which was optional anyways. The pork was still a little pink, so next time I will probably cook about 6 minutes each side instead of 4-5. The raspberry sauce was so good with it - just the right amount of tart and sweet.

I baked some Sweet Potato Fries to go with it. No recipe really, I sliced up 3 sweet potatoes into thick sticks. I threw into a bowl and added about 1 or 1 1/2 Tbsp's of olive oil, a little pepper and maybe 1/2 Tbsp. of Cajun seasoning. I put them in the oven preheated to 400 degrees on a greased cookie sheet. They were done about 40 or 45 minutes later. Simple and delicious.