INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (1557,1,'2010-10-28 17:51:33','2010-10-29 00:51:33','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1520\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Halloween 2004\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1520\" title=\"SI Exif\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>For those of you who read yesterday\'s <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/28/day-30-jack-o-lantern-disasters/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Experiments in Jack O\'Lanterning</strong></a>, there seems to be a theme here...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once upon a time there was a Late Bloomer named Michelle.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle absolutely positively LOVED Halloween and its traditions.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>One of her favorite traditions was dressing up in costume for Halloween.    For the past few years, Michelle donned her Catholic School Girl costume to Halloween parties.  Michelle is many things, but a shopper she is not.  (Highly unusual female behavior, isn\'t it?)  If the costume ain\'t broke, why fix it? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then One Halloween, Michelle was writing this Late Bloomer blog about incorporating soul-scintillating challenges into each day for 365 days.  That\'s a lot of days to fill! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since she loved Halloween so much, she wanted her soul-scintillation around Halloween week to center around all things Halloweenie.  So on Day 32 of this 365 challenge, Michelle decided on shopping for a new costume. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which is sort of inaccurate.  She had no desire to shop, but her friend, Christy Jo, forced her into it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>From an actual Christy Jo email:  \"You will need a costume.  You can\'t post blog pics wearing the same costume from last year.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, reader, have you seen Michelle\'s costume from last year?  And if you happen to be a Facebook \"friend\" on her personal page, do you REMEMBER her costume from last year???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Exactly.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But Christy Jo is always heavy on the peer pressure.  And since she is one of Michelle\'s favorite peeps, Michelle tends to listen to Christy Jo when she bosses her around. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So, against her better judgment, Michelle headed on down to the Halloween megastore, Spririt.  She gave herself an hour, which tends to be her maximum shopping capacity. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle marveled at the swarm of people invading the store.  They looked remarkably similar to the swarm that she witnessed at the MVD a few weeks prior.  (You may refer to this pit of despair as the DMV in your fair state.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle was afraid.  Very, very afraid. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Trying not to gag on the swarm\'s eau du cigarette smoke, she approached the woman\'s costume section.  As Michelle rummaged through the various options, she wondered how normal women wear this crap?  I mean, come on!  Michelle is no prude -- her old \"standby\" is a Catholic school girl costume!  She likes to be fun and flirty like the rest of us!  But she also has class and prefers not to look like a Ho when she is out in public. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual text message to Christy Jo:  \"Leaning towards my Catholic school girl standby.  Gross stuff!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual reply from Christy Jo:  \"Wear shorts under.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Oh, that\'s sexy!  I think I\'ll wear shorts under my skirt like I did in 5th grade\", thought Michelle.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit A:<br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2701791.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1522\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2701791-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When Michelle found the Alice costume, she was very excited.  You can\'t make it out here, but the lettering on her apron says, \"Curioser and Curioser\".  On the right side of the Diary of a Late Bloomer blog page, please note the \"Curioser and Curioser\" section! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This costume turned out to be curioser indeed.  At 5 foot 2 and ¾ inches tall, Michelle was curious as to how the Alice skirt did not cover her bum.  She assumed that the long-legged model on the package was much taller, and <em>her</em> skirt covered <em>her </em>bum!  Curioser and curioser...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit B:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1523\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Tinkerbell!  With coverage!  And then Michelle remembered the Halloween where Katie Ann was a fairy and those bloody wings nearly drove her (and everyone she bumped with them) to the brink of insanity. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Next! </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit C:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1524\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle has fantasized about being a mermaid for Halloween as long as she can recall.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"If this is supposed to look like a mermaid, then my name is Ariel,\" mused Michelle.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Next! </strong><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit D: </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Men don\'t costume shopping issues.  They can look like an idiot, get a few laughs, and call it a night. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For women, shopping for a Halloween costume has evolved into a more stressful shopping experience than shopping for a bathing suit! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And so our Late Bloomer Michelle ultimately decided on...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit E:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Back in 2004, sexy costumes covered your assets. A little mystery is always a good thing, if you ask me.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042.jpg\"><img title=\"SI Exif\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And all was well with the world.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because <em>this</em> was the costume that Michelle really wanted to wear in the first place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Funny how that works. </p>','Day 32:  Experiments in Halloween Costume Shopping','','inherit','open','open','','1519-revision-28','','','2010-10-28 17:51:33','2010-10-29 00:51:33','',1519,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/28/1519-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(1556,1,'2010-10-28 17:48:14','2010-10-29 00:48:14','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1520\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Halloween 2004\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1520\" title=\"SI Exif\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>For those of you who read yesterday\'s <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/28/day-30-jack-o-lantern-disasters/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Experiments in Jack O\'Lanterning</strong></a>, there seems to be a theme here...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once upon a time there was a Late Bloomer named Michelle.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle absolutely positively LOVED Halloween and its traditions.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>One of her favorite traditions was dressing up in costume for Halloween.    For the past few years, Michelle donned her Catholic School Girl costume to Halloween parties.  Michelle is many things, but a shopper she is not.  (Highly unusual female behavior, isn\'t it?)  If the costume ain\'t broke, why fix it? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then One Halloween, Michelle was writing this Late Bloomer blog about incorporating soul-scintillating challenges into each day for 365 days.  That\'s a lot of days to fill! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since she loved Halloween so much, she wanted her soul-scintillation around Halloween week to center around all things Halloweenie.  So on Day 32 of this 365 challenge, Michelle decided on shopping for a new costume. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which is sort of inaccurate.  She had no desire to shop, but her friend, Christy Jo, forced her into it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>From an actual Christy Jo email:  \"You will need a costume.  You can\'t post blog pics wearing the same costume from last year.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, reader, have you seen Michelle\'s costume from last year?  And if you happen to be a Facebook \"friend\" on her personal page, do you REMEMBER her costume from last year???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Exactly.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But Christy Jo is always heavy on the peer pressure.  And since she is one of Michelle\'s favorite peeps, Michelle tends to listen to Christy Jo when she bosses her around. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So, against Michelle\'s better judgment, she headed on down to the Halloween megastore, Spririt.  She gave herself an hour, which tends to be her maximum shopping capacity. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle marveled at the swarm of people invading the store.  They looked remarkably similar to the swarm that she witnessed at the MVD a few weeks prior.  (You may refer to this pit of despair as the DMV in your fair state.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle was afraid.  Very, very afraid. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Trying not to gag on the swarm\'s eau du cigarette smoke, she approached the woman\'s costume section.  As Michelle rummaged through the various options, she wondered how normal women wear this crap?  I mean, come on!  Michelle is no prude -- her old \"standby\" is a Catholic school girl costume!  She likes to be fun and flirty like the rest of us!  But she also has class and prefers not to look like a Ho when she is out in public. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual text message to Christy Jo:  \"Leaning towards my Catholic school girl standby.  Gross stuff!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual reply from Christy Jo:  \"Wear shorts under.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Oh, that\'s sexy!  I think I\'ll wear shorts under my skirt like I did in 5th grade\", thought Michelle.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit A:<br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2701791.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1522\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2701791-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When Michelle found the Alice costume, she was very excited.  You can\'t make it out here, but the lettering on her apron says, \"Curioser and Curioser\".  On the right side of the Diary of a Late Bloomer blog page, please note the \"Curioser and Curioser\" section! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This costume turned out to be curioser indeed.  At 5 foot 2 and ¾ inches tall, Michelle was curious as to how the Alice skirt did not cover her bum.  She assumed that the long-legged model on the package was much taller, and <em>her</em> skirt covered <em>her </em>bum!  Curioser and curioser...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit B:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1523\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Tinkerbell!  With coverage!  And then Michelle remembered the Halloween where Katie Ann was a fairy and those bloody wings nearly drove her (and everyone she bumped with them) to the brink of insanity. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Next! </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit C:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1524\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle has fantasized about being a mermaid for Halloween as long as she can recall.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"If this is supposed to look like a mermaid, then my name is Ariel,\" mused Michelle.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Next! </strong><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit D: </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Men don\'t costume shopping issues.  They can look like an idiot, get a few laughs, and call it a night. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For women, shopping for a Halloween costume has evolved into a more stressful shopping experience than shopping for a bathing suit! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And so our Late Bloomer Michelle ultimately decided on...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit E:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Back in 2004, sexy costumes covered your assets. A little mystery is always a good thing, if you ask me.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042.jpg\"><img title=\"SI Exif\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And all was well with the world.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because <em>this</em> was the costume that Michelle really wanted to wear in the first place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Funny how that works. </p>','Day 32:  Experiments in Halloween Costume Shopping','','inherit','open','open','','1519-revision-27','','','2010-10-28 17:48:14','2010-10-29 00:48:14','',1519,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/28/1519-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(1562,1,'2010-10-28 17:59:31','2010-10-29 00:59:31','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1520\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Halloween 2004\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1520\" title=\"SI Exif\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>For those of you who read yesterday\'s <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/28/day-30-jack-o-lantern-disasters/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Experiments in Jack O\'Lanterning</strong></a>, there seems to be a theme here...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once upon a time there was a Late Bloomer named Michelle.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle absolutely positively LOVED Halloween and its traditions.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>One of her favorite traditions was dressing up in costume for Halloween.    For the past few years, Michelle donned her Catholic School Girl costume to Halloween parties.  Michelle is many things, but a shopper she is not.  (Highly unusual female behavior, isn\'t it?)  If the costume ain\'t broke, why fix it? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then One Halloween, Michelle was writing this Late Bloomer blog about incorporating soul-scintillating challenges into each day for 365 days.  That\'s a lot of days to fill! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since she loved Halloween so much, she wanted her soul-scintillation around Halloween week to center around all things Halloweenie.  So on Day 32 of this 365 challenge, Michelle decided on shopping for a new costume. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which is sort of inaccurate.  She had no desire to shop, but her friend, Christy Jo, forced her into it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>From an actual Christy Jo email:  \"You will need a costume.  You can\'t post blog pics wearing the same costume from last year.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, reader, have you seen Michelle\'s costume from last year?  And if you happen to be a Facebook \"friend\" on her personal page, do you REMEMBER her costume from last year???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Exactly.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But Christy Jo is always heavy on the peer pressure.  And since she is one of Michelle\'s favorite peeps, Michelle tends to listen to Christy Jo when she bosses her around. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So, against her better judgment, Michelle headed on down to the Halloween megastore, Spririt.  She gave herself an hour, which tends to be her maximum shopping capacity. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle marveled at the swarm of people invading the store.  They looked remarkably similar to the swarm that she witnessed at the MVD a few weeks prior.  (You may refer to this pit of despair as the DMV in your fair state.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle was afraid.  Very, very afraid. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Trying not to gag on the swarm\'s eau du cigarette smoke, she approached the woman\'s costume section.  As Michelle rummaged through the various options, she wondered how normal women wear this crap?  I mean, come on!  Michelle is no prude -- her old \"standby\" is a Catholic school girl costume!  She likes to be fun and flirty like the rest of us!  But she also has class and prefers not to look like a Ho when she is out in public. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual text message to Christy Jo:  \"Leaning towards my Catholic school girl standby.  Gross stuff!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual reply from Christy Jo:  \"Wear shorts under.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Oh, that\'s sexy!  I think I\'ll wear shorts under my skirt like I did in 5th grade\", thought Michelle.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit A:</span></strong><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2701791.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1522\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2701791-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When Michelle found the Alice costume, she was very excited.  You can\'t make it out here, but the lettering on her apron says, \"Curioser and Curioser\".  On the right side of the Diary of a Late Bloomer blog page, please note the \"Curioser and Curioser\" section! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This costume turned out to be curioser indeed.  At 5 foot 2 and ¾ inches tall, Michelle was curious as to how the Alice skirt did not cover her bum.  She assumed that the long-legged model on the package was much taller, and <em>her</em> skirt covered <em>her </em>bum!  Curioser and curioser...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit B:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1523\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Tinkerbell!  With coverage!  And then Michelle remembered the Halloween where Katie Ann was a fairy and those bloody wings nearly drove her (and everyone she bumped with them) to the brink of insanity. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Next! </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit C:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1524\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle has fantasized about being a mermaid for Halloween as long as she can recall.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"If this is supposed to look like a mermaid, then my name is Ariel,\" mused Michelle.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Next! </strong><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit D: </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Men completely escape costume shopping issues.  They can look like an idiot, get a few laughs, and call it a night. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For women, shopping for a Halloween costume has evolved into a more stressful shopping experience than shopping for a bathing suit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And so our Late Bloomer Michelle ultimately decided on...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit E:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Back in 2004, sexy costumes covered your assets. A little mystery is always a good thing, if you ask me.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042.jpg\"><img title=\"SI Exif\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And all was well with the world.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because <em>this</em> was the costume that Michelle really wanted to wear in the first place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Funny how that works. </p>','Day 32:  Experiments in Halloween Costume Shopping','','inherit','open','open','','1519-revision-31','','','2010-10-28 17:59:31','2010-10-29 00:59:31','',1519,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/28/1519-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(1558,1,'2010-10-28 17:53:47','2010-10-29 00:53:47','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1520\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Halloween 2004\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1520\" title=\"SI Exif\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>For those of you who read yesterday\'s <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/28/day-30-jack-o-lantern-disasters/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Experiments in Jack O\'Lanterning</strong></a>, there seems to be a theme here...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once upon a time there was a Late Bloomer named Michelle.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle absolutely positively LOVED Halloween and its traditions.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>One of her favorite traditions was dressing up in costume for Halloween.    For the past few years, Michelle donned her Catholic School Girl costume to Halloween parties.  Michelle is many things, but a shopper she is not.  (Highly unusual female behavior, isn\'t it?)  If the costume ain\'t broke, why fix it? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then One Halloween, Michelle was writing this Late Bloomer blog about incorporating soul-scintillating challenges into each day for 365 days.  That\'s a lot of days to fill! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since she loved Halloween so much, she wanted her soul-scintillation around Halloween week to center around all things Halloweenie.  So on Day 32 of this 365 challenge, Michelle decided on shopping for a new costume. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which is sort of inaccurate.  She had no desire to shop, but her friend, Christy Jo, forced her into it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>From an actual Christy Jo email:  \"You will need a costume.  You can\'t post blog pics wearing the same costume from last year.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, reader, have you seen Michelle\'s costume from last year?  And if you happen to be a Facebook \"friend\" on her personal page, do you REMEMBER her costume from last year???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Exactly.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But Christy Jo is always heavy on the peer pressure.  And since she is one of Michelle\'s favorite peeps, Michelle tends to listen to Christy Jo when she bosses her around. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So, against her better judgment, Michelle headed on down to the Halloween megastore, Spririt.  She gave herself an hour, which tends to be her maximum shopping capacity. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle marveled at the swarm of people invading the store.  They looked remarkably similar to the swarm that she witnessed at the MVD a few weeks prior.  (You may refer to this pit of despair as the DMV in your fair state.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle was afraid.  Very, very afraid. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Trying not to gag on the swarm\'s eau du cigarette smoke, she approached the woman\'s costume section.  As Michelle rummaged through the various options, she wondered how normal women wear this crap?  I mean, come on!  Michelle is no prude -- her old \"standby\" is a Catholic school girl costume!  She likes to be fun and flirty like the rest of us!  But she also has class and prefers not to look like a Ho when she is out in public. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual text message to Christy Jo:  \"Leaning towards my Catholic school girl standby.  Gross stuff!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual reply from Christy Jo:  \"Wear shorts under.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Oh, that\'s sexy!  I think I\'ll wear shorts under my skirt like I did in 5th grade\", thought Michelle.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit A:<br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2701791.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1522\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2701791-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When Michelle found the Alice costume, she was very excited.  You can\'t make it out here, but the lettering on her apron says, \"Curioser and Curioser\".  On the right side of the Diary of a Late Bloomer blog page, please note the \"Curioser and Curioser\" section! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This costume turned out to be curioser indeed.  At 5 foot 2 and ¾ inches tall, Michelle was curious as to how the Alice skirt did not cover her bum.  She assumed that the long-legged model on the package was much taller, and <em>her</em> skirt covered <em>her </em>bum!  Curioser and curioser...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit B:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1523\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Tinkerbell!  With coverage!  And then Michelle remembered the Halloween where Katie Ann was a fairy and those bloody wings nearly drove her (and everyone she bumped with them) to the brink of insanity. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Next! </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit C:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1524\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle has fantasized about being a mermaid for Halloween as long as she can recall.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"If this is supposed to look like a mermaid, then my name is Ariel,\" mused Michelle.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Next! </strong><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit D: </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Men completely escape costume shopping issues.  They can look like an idiot, get a few laughs, and call it a night. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For women, shopping for a Halloween costume has evolved into a more stressful shopping experience than shopping for a bathing suit! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And so our Late Bloomer Michelle ultimately decided on...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit E:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Back in 2004, sexy costumes covered your assets. A little mystery is always a good thing, if you ask me.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042.jpg\"><img title=\"SI Exif\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And all was well with the world.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because <em>this</em> was the costume that Michelle really wanted to wear in the first place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Funny how that works. </p>','Day 32:  Experiments in Halloween Costume Shopping','','inherit','open','open','','1519-revision-29','','','2010-10-28 17:53:47','2010-10-29 00:53:47','',1519,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/28/1519-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(1717,1,'2010-11-05 01:11:04','2010-11-05 08:11:04','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1733\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Actual Location of the Shooshing Time Miracle \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB040178.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1733\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB040178-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am not good at being sick.  Mainly because I\'m not good at resting.  Mainly because I\'m always diving into projects and hobbies that I\'m passionate about.  And this makes me not good at being sick.  Because you\'re supposed to rest and do nothing when you\'re sick.  You\'re supposed to turn your mind off. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I don\'t think that I have an \"off\" switch.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Normal people don\'t have a problem with relaxing when ill.  They call in sick and then take to the couch for a day of watching really bad TV. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you\'re slightly neurotic like me, you wake up on your Sick Day and immediately start compiling a To Do list of stuff you\'ve been meaning to get caught up on.  Day 39\'s To Do list included various blog-related tasks as well as looking up the chords for a new song for the guitar.  I even thought I might cook a pot of homemade soup.  From scratch.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Sometimes I really wonder about myself.   </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So does my mother. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>As I recited the list to my mother over the phone, it dawned on me that I felt too crummy and fatigued to move, let alone conquer the list.  I expressed my frustration to my mother. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"You\'re just like Nana!  You two always have to be doing something!  You\'re sick.  You need to rest.  Everything else can wait.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She\'s right, of course.  About the rest and about Nana.  The neurosis is most definitely genetic.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Example #1: </strong></span> My grandmother was in a near-fatal car accident at the age of 76.  She nearly died at the scene, and then again in ICU days later.  The family was called to the hospital at 1 a.m. and told that she didn\'t have much time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But Portuguese women are a feisty lot, and Nana wasn\'t ready to check out yet.  It took her weeks to recover in a rehabilitation home, and when she was finally released, she returned to working out at the gym 3 days a week.  And volunteering at the Kidney Foundation store.  And singing in the choir.  And running the Portuguese American Club.  And cooking a homemade meal every night.  And...and...and...Her list always goes on and on and on. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Example #2:</strong></span>  The summer before last, I was in Florida visiting my grandparents with my family.  Papa, Auntie I, mom and I were playing Rummikub at the kitchen table.  87 year-old Nana marches out at 10 p.m. in her bathing suit and heads out to the pool announcing, \"I didn\'t get to exercise today, so I better get some laps in before it gets too late!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am really, really lucky that I take after her.  Wouldn\'t you agree?  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, Nana has an Ancient Portuguese Secret for maintaining all this energy.  It\'s called Shooshing Time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Back when we spent summers at the beach house in New York, Nana planned homegrown activities for me and my sister each day:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Monday -- Nature Class</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Tuesday -- Cooking Class (where she talked like Julia Child)</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wednesday -- Health and Beauty Class</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thursday -- Field Trip to the library</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Friday -- Arts class</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every day -- Shooshing Time</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Jennie and I <em>loved </em>all the classes.  We could have really done without Shooshing Time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Shooshing Time lasted for 1/2 an hour.  We had the option of napping (NOT!) or quietly reading a book. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nana naturally opted for the napping.  Nana was \"power napping\' long before the phrase hit the mainstream. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I decided that Shooshing Time needed to be observed on my Sick Day.  I fought it for as long as I could.  I talked to friends on the phone from my prostrate position on the sofa.  I checked out Facebook.  I read and responded to blog comments. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And then at 2:15 the Crud got the best of me, and I took to my bed.  I told myself that if I didn\'t nap, I needed to stay there for at least 30 minutes to truly honor the tradition of Shooshing Time. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>At 2:45 I was still awake.  Mainly from the coughing.  And distant memories of the To Do list.  But then...a Shooshing Time Miracle!  My off switch worked! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until 3:30! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I awoke with enough energy to take a shower!  And fold laundry from the day before!  (Which I didn\'t finish the day before because I was sick and pooped out.)  And clean out the fridge!  And write a blog post!  And catch up on some paperwork!  And learn a new song on the guitar!  And...and...and...My list always goes on and on and on. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Your assignment for the weekend: </strong></span>Observe 30 minutes of Shooshing Time.  And then write to me and tell me about your Shooshing Time Miracle Powers afterwards. </p>','Day 39:  It\'s Shooshing Time','','publish','open','open','','day-39-its-shooshing-time','','','2010-11-04 22:10:20','2010-11-05 05:10:20','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=1717',0,'post','',5),(1560,1,'2010-10-28 11:54:43','2010-10-28 18:54:43','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260184.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1493\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260184-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Once upon a time there was a Late Bloomer named Michelle. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle absolutely positively LOVED Halloween and its traditions. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>One of her favorite traditions was carving a Jack O\' Lantern.  Each year, Michelle would create your basic triangled-eyes and nose  Jack O\' Lantern.  Michelle is many things, but a visual artist she is not. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>One Halloween Michelle was writing this Late Bloomer blog about incoporating soul-scintillating challenges into each day for 365 days.  That\'s a lot of days to fill! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since she loved Halloween so much, she wanted her soul-scintillation activities around Halloween week to center around all things Halloweenie.  So on Day 31 of this 365 challenge, Michelle decided on carving an intricate Jack O\' Lantern for the very first time.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>She picked her perfect pumpkin and a Pumpkin Carving Kit. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1494\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Reminiscent of <em>Julie &amp; Julia</em>, Michelle began this undertaking at 10 p.m. at night when she finally finished writing her previous blog post on scary movies.  She was beyond exhausted.  Svenny would tell her to double up her activities on the next day, but Michelle is a stickler for living genuinely and authentically.  She promised her readers that she would live curiously EVERY day, and she refused to relent to fatigue!  It\'s just a state of mind, anyway.  Right???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After a 1/2 hour of degutting the pumpkin, she chose a thoroughly complicated pattern at 10:30 at night.  If she was going to do this, she may as well do it right!  With gusto! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260186.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1495\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260186-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle is a <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinesthetic_learning\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>kinesthetic learner</strong> </a>which means that she gets frustrated with reading directions in about 2 seconds.  She needs to get her hands on something and dive in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After a 2 second study of the instructions, Michelle chose to ignore the bit about tracing the pattern with the pounce wheel.  Do YOU know what a pounce wheel is??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle dug in. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2601881.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1498\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2601881-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Houston, we have a problem. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Exhibit A</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1499\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Exhibit B</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260192.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1500\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260192-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Exhibit C</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260194.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1501\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260194-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Exhibit D </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260201.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1502\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA260201-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And all was well with the world. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because <em>this </em>was the Jack O\' Lantern that Michelle really wanted to carve in the first place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Funny how that works.   </p>','Day 31:  Experiments in Jack O\' Lanterning','','inherit','open','open','','1492-revision-12','','','2010-10-28 11:54:43','2010-10-28 18:54:43','',1492,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/28/1492-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1561,1,'2010-10-28 17:55:01','2010-10-29 00:55:01','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1520\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Halloween 2004\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1520\" title=\"SI Exif\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>For those of you who read yesterday\'s <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/28/day-30-jack-o-lantern-disasters/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Experiments in Jack O\'Lanterning</strong></a>, there seems to be a theme here...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Once upon a time there was a Late Bloomer named Michelle.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle absolutely positively LOVED Halloween and its traditions.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>One of her favorite traditions was dressing up in costume for Halloween.    For the past few years, Michelle donned her Catholic School Girl costume to Halloween parties.  Michelle is many things, but a shopper she is not.  (Highly unusual female behavior, isn\'t it?)  If the costume ain\'t broke, why fix it? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Then One Halloween, Michelle was writing this Late Bloomer blog about incorporating soul-scintillating challenges into each day for 365 days.  That\'s a lot of days to fill! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Since she loved Halloween so much, she wanted her soul-scintillation around Halloween week to center around all things Halloweenie.  So on Day 32 of this 365 challenge, Michelle decided on shopping for a new costume. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Which is sort of inaccurate.  She had no desire to shop, but her friend, Christy Jo, forced her into it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>From an actual Christy Jo email:  \"You will need a costume.  You can\'t post blog pics wearing the same costume from last year.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now, reader, have you seen Michelle\'s costume from last year?  And if you happen to be a Facebook \"friend\" on her personal page, do you REMEMBER her costume from last year???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Exactly.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But Christy Jo is always heavy on the peer pressure.  And since she is one of Michelle\'s favorite peeps, Michelle tends to listen to Christy Jo when she bosses her around. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So, against her better judgment, Michelle headed on down to the Halloween megastore, Spririt.  She gave herself an hour, which tends to be her maximum shopping capacity. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle marveled at the swarm of people invading the store.  They looked remarkably similar to the swarm that she witnessed at the MVD a few weeks prior.  (You may refer to this pit of despair as the DMV in your fair state.) </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle was afraid.  Very, very afraid. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Trying not to gag on the swarm\'s eau du cigarette smoke, she approached the woman\'s costume section.  As Michelle rummaged through the various options, she wondered how normal women wear this crap?  I mean, come on!  Michelle is no prude -- her old \"standby\" is a Catholic school girl costume!  She likes to be fun and flirty like the rest of us!  But she also has class and prefers not to look like a Ho when she is out in public. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual text message to Christy Jo:  \"Leaning towards my Catholic school girl standby.  Gross stuff!\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual reply from Christy Jo:  \"Wear shorts under.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Oh, that\'s sexy!  I think I\'ll wear shorts under my skirt like I did in 5th grade\", thought Michelle.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit A:<br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2701791.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1522\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2701791-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When Michelle found the Alice costume, she was very excited.  You can\'t make it out here, but the lettering on her apron says, \"Curioser and Curioser\".  On the right side of the Diary of a Late Bloomer blog page, please note the \"Curioser and Curioser\" section! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This costume turned out to be curioser indeed.  At 5 foot 2 and ¾ inches tall, Michelle was curious as to how the Alice skirt did not cover her bum.  She assumed that the long-legged model on the package was much taller, and <em>her</em> skirt covered <em>her </em>bum!  Curioser and curioser...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit B:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1523\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Tinkerbell!  With coverage!  And then Michelle remembered the Halloween where Katie Ann was a fairy and those bloody wings nearly drove her (and everyone she bumped with them) to the brink of insanity. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Next! </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit C:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1524\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle has fantasized about being a mermaid for Halloween as long as she can recall.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"If this is supposed to look like a mermaid, then my name is Ariel,\" mused Michelle.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Next! </strong><br class=\"spacer_\" /> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit D: </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1525\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA270182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Men completely escape costume shopping issues.  They can look like an idiot, get a few laughs, and call it a night. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For women, shopping for a Halloween costume has evolved into a more stressful shopping experience than shopping for a bathing suit.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And so our Late Bloomer Michelle ultimately decided on...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">Exhibit E:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"> </span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Back in 2004, sexy costumes covered your assets. A little mystery is always a good thing, if you ask me.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042.jpg\"><img title=\"SI Exif\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSCN06042-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And all was well with the world.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because <em>this</em> was the costume that Michelle really wanted to wear in the first place. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Funny how that works. </p>','Day 32:  Experiments in Halloween Costume Shopping','','inherit','open','open','','1519-revision-30','','','2010-10-28 17:55:01','2010-10-29 00:55:01','',1519,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/28/1519-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(1564,1,'2010-10-30 01:11:06','2010-10-30 08:11:06','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When was the last time you stepped inside a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind that pop up around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude chases you from the House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends to go with you every year. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . The Nest boasts a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 6 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trails on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You must try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33: Haunted Houses are Good for You. For Reals!','','publish','open','open','','haunted-houses-good-for-you','','','2010-12-12 21:39:23','2010-12-13 04:39:23','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=1564',0,'post','',4),(1565,1,'2010-10-29 17:43:16','2010-10-30 00:43:16','<p>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you\'re like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you\'re like me, then you beg your friends every year to go. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\".  Until I mentioned it to David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Destination:  The Nest. </p>','','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision','','','2010-10-29 17:43:16','2010-10-30 00:43:16','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1566,1,'2010-10-29 18:14:29','2010-10-30 01:14:29','<p>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you\'re like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you\'re like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This one has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I</em> may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Probably. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Creepiest Part:  A maze that went on FOREVER in the pitch black.  If you go, you will need to feel your way through.  (Even creepier: You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute trail of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a meditation in disguise.  And meditiation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-2','','','2010-10-29 18:14:29','2010-10-30 01:14:29','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1567,1,'2010-10-29 18:21:15','2010-10-30 01:21:15','<p>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you\'re like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you\'re like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This one has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Probably. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Creepiest Part:  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  If you go, you will need to feel your way through.  (Even creepier: You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-3','','','2010-10-29 18:21:15','2010-10-30 01:21:15','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1568,1,'2010-10-29 18:23:58','2010-10-30 01:23:58','<p>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you\'re like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you\'re like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This one has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Probably. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Creepiest Part:  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (Even creepier: You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-4','','','2010-10-29 18:23:58','2010-10-30 01:23:58','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1569,1,'2010-10-29 18:39:29','2010-10-30 01:39:29','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-72','','','2010-10-29 18:39:29','2010-10-30 01:39:29','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1570,1,'2010-10-29 18:40:12','2010-10-30 01:40:12','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-73','','','2010-10-29 18:40:12','2010-10-30 01:40:12','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA2801801.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1571,1,'2010-10-29 18:42:32','2010-10-30 01:42:32','','IMG_0359','','inherit','open','open','','img_0359','','','2010-10-29 18:42:32','2010-10-30 01:42:32','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1572,1,'2010-10-29 18:41:40','2010-10-30 01:41:40','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you\'re like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you\'re like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This one has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Probably. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Creepiest Part:  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (Even creepier: You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-5','','','2010-10-29 18:41:40','2010-10-30 01:41:40','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1575,1,'2010-10-29 18:47:41','2010-10-30 01:47:41','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This one has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Probably. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Creepiest Part:  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (Even creepier: You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-8','','','2010-10-29 18:47:41','2010-10-30 01:47:41','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1573,1,'2010-10-29 18:42:58','2010-10-30 01:42:58','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you\'re like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you\'re like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This one has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Creepiest Part:  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (Even creepier: You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-6','','','2010-10-29 18:42:58','2010-10-30 01:42:58','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1574,1,'2010-10-29 18:43:20','2010-10-30 01:43:20','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you\'re like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you\'re like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This one has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Creepiest Part:  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (Even creepier: You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-7','','','2010-10-29 18:43:20','2010-10-30 01:43:20','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1576,1,'2010-10-29 18:49:21','2010-10-30 01:49:21','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This one has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Probably. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Creepiest Part:  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (Even creepier: You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-9','','','2010-10-29 18:49:21','2010-10-30 01:49:21','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1577,1,'2010-10-29 18:50:41','2010-10-30 01:50:41','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Probably. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Creepiest Part:  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (Even creepier: You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-10','','','2010-10-29 18:50:41','2010-10-30 01:50:41','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1578,1,'2010-10-29 18:52:39','2010-10-30 01:52:39','[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Probably. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-11','','','2010-10-29 18:52:39','2010-10-30 01:52:39','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1579,1,'2010-10-29 18:54:10','2010-10-30 01:54:10','<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Probably. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-12','','','2010-10-29 18:54:10','2010-10-30 01:54:10','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1580,1,'2010-10-30 14:52:20','2010-10-30 21:52:20','<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p>When was the last time you stepped inside a Haunted House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know, the kind that pop up around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude chases you from the House? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends to go with you every year. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . The Nest boasts a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 6 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Probably. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trails on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You must try this for your health, peeps. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-autosave','','','2010-10-30 14:52:20','2010-10-30 21:52:20','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1581,1,'2010-10-29 18:54:43','2010-10-30 01:54:43','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind that are erected around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-13','','','2010-10-29 18:54:43','2010-10-30 01:54:43','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(1582,1,'2010-10-29 18:57:53','2010-10-30 01:57:53','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind pop up around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where you are chased from the House by a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . This has a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-14','','','2010-10-29 18:57:53','2010-10-30 01:57:53','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(1583,1,'2010-10-29 19:01:14','2010-10-30 02:01:14','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When was the last time you went into a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind pop up around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude chases you from the House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . The Nest boasts a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-15','','','2010-10-29 19:01:14','2010-10-30 02:01:14','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(1584,1,'2010-10-29 19:01:40','2010-10-30 02:01:40','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When was the last time you stepped inside a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind pop up around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude chases you from the House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . The Nest boasts a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-16','','','2010-10-29 19:01:40','2010-10-30 02:01:40','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(1585,1,'2010-10-29 19:01:57','2010-10-30 02:01:57','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When was the last time you stepped inside a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind that pop up around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude chases you from the House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends every year to go with you. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . The Nest boasts a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-17','','','2010-10-29 19:01:57','2010-10-30 02:01:57','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(1586,1,'2010-10-29 19:02:39','2010-10-30 02:02:39','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When was the last time you stepped inside a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind that pop up around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude chases you from the House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends to go with you every year. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . The Nest boasts a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 4 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-18','','','2010-10-29 19:02:39','2010-10-30 02:02:39','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(1587,1,'2010-10-29 19:05:52','2010-10-30 02:05:52','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When was the last time you stepped inside a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind that pop up around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude chases you from the House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends to go with you every year. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . The Nest boasts a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 6 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trailed on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-19','','','2010-10-29 19:05:52','2010-10-30 02:05:52','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(1588,1,'2010-10-29 19:07:12','2010-10-30 02:07:12','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When was the last time you stepped inside a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind that pop up around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude chases you from the House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends to go with you every year. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . The Nest boasts a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 6 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trails on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You need to try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-20','','','2010-10-29 19:07:12','2010-10-30 02:07:12','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(1589,1,'2010-10-29 19:09:27','2010-10-30 02:09:27','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When was the last time you stepped inside a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind that pop up around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude chases you from the House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends to go with you every year. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . The Nest boasts a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 6 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trails on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You must try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-21','','','2010-10-29 19:09:27','2010-10-30 02:09:27','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(1590,1,'2010-10-29 19:37:04','2010-10-30 02:37:04','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I wasn&#39;t kidding when I said &quot;Experiment&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1592 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Could someone remind me to carve the Jack O\' Lantern the night before Halloween next year?</p>','68 Hours Later….Experiments in Jack O’ Lanterning','','publish','open','open','','68-hours-later-experiments-in-jack-o','','','2010-12-12 21:34:38','2010-12-13 04:34:38','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=1590',0,'post','',3),(1591,1,'2010-10-29 19:30:19','2010-10-30 02:30:19','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','1590-revision','','','2010-10-29 19:30:19','2010-10-30 02:30:19','',1590,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1590-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1592,1,'2010-10-29 19:32:33','2010-10-30 02:32:33','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Could someone remind me to carve the night before Halloween next year? ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-74','','','2010-10-29 19:32:33','2010-10-30 02:32:33','',1590,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290182.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1593,1,'2010-10-29 19:30:52','2010-10-30 02:30:52','','68 hours later:  Experiments in Jack O','','inherit','open','open','','1590-revision-2','','','2010-10-29 19:30:52','2010-10-30 02:30:52','',1590,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1590-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1594,1,'2010-10-29 19:33:56','2010-10-30 02:33:56','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-1592\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290182-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" /></a></p>','68 Hours Later:  Experiments in Jack O\' Lanterning','','inherit','open','open','','1590-revision-3','','','2010-10-29 19:33:56','2010-10-30 02:33:56','',1590,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1590-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1595,1,'2010-10-29 19:36:07','2010-10-30 02:36:07','<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I wasn&#39;t kidding when I said &quot;Experiment&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1592 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Could someone remind me to carve th</p>','68 Hours Later...Experiments in Jack O\' Lanterning','','inherit','open','open','','1590-revision-4','','','2010-10-29 19:36:07','2010-10-30 02:36:07','',1590,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1590-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1596,1,'2010-10-29 19:36:19','2010-10-30 02:36:19','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I wasn&#39;t kidding when I said &quot;Experiment&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1592 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Could someone remind me to carve the night before Halloween next year?</p>','68 Hours Later...Experiments in Jack O\' Lanterning','','inherit','open','open','','1590-revision-5','','','2010-10-29 19:36:19','2010-10-30 02:36:19','',1590,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1590-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1597,1,'2010-10-29 19:36:58','2010-10-30 02:36:58','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\" caption=\"I wasn&#39;t kidding when I said &quot;Experiment&quot;\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290182.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1592 \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Could someone remind me to carve the Jack O\' Lantern the night before Halloween next year?</p>','68 Hours Later....Experiments in Jack O\' Lanterning','','inherit','open','open','','1590-revision-6','','','2010-10-29 19:36:58','2010-10-30 02:36:58','',1590,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1590-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1598,1,'2010-10-29 19:10:06','2010-10-30 02:10:06','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1569\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nothing screams &quot;Halloween&quot; like shooting zombies with paintballs!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1569\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA280180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>When was the last time you stepped inside a Haunted House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know, the kind that pop up around your fair city every Halloween?  The kind that charge ungodly admission prices for a 10-minute walk through filled with ghastly actors jumping out and screaming at you?  The kind where a Texas Chainsaw Massacre dude chases you from the House? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are like most adults, it\'s probably been years and years since you tried it.  If you are like me, then you beg your friends to go with you every year. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Unfortunately, for the past 4-5 years, I\'ve had no \"takers\".  This year, I had no \"takers\". </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Until I asked David aka Captain Adventure. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Destination:  <strong><a href=\"http://www.frightened.com/main.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Nest.</a></strong> </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Touted as the #1 scariest Haunted House in America by MSN. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oooohhh.  Ahhhhh.  Eeeeekkk!!!!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This isn\'t just any rinky dink Haunted House . The Nest boasts a million dollar price tag and 50,000 square feet that takes...are you ready for this?...45 MINUTES! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>That\'s right.  45 MINUTES of getting the sh*% scared out of you.  Even <em>I </em>may have not been a \"taker\" if I had known this little factoid beforehand.  But I didn\'t know until they told me upon entering The Nest.  Greaaaatttt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"45 MINUTES?!?!?!?!?!\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1571\" title=\"IMG_0359\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_0359-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So was this the reason why David and I were 2 of 6 adults in a sea of teenagers and college kids? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Probably. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But let me tell you something:  the teenagers are on to something!  This was an adrenaline rush like no other!  Truly twisted fun! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creepiest Part:</strong>  A maze that trails on FOREVER in the pitch black.  Your only option is to feel your way through.  (<strong>Even creepier:</strong> You may touch an actor or two lurking in the corners.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And as Captain Adventure pointed out -- he always likes to turn everything into a Life Lesson -- you have no choice but to be 100% completely mindful in the midst of your 45-minute path of terror.  Believe me, you\'re not thinking about ANYTHING except the experience. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See?  The Nest is really a mindfulness meditation in disguise.  And meditation is healthy for you.  You must try this for your health, peeps. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Do I have any \"takers\"? </p>','Day 33:  Haunted Houses are Good for You.  For Reals!  ','','inherit','open','open','','1564-revision-22','','','2010-10-29 19:10:06','2010-10-30 02:10:06','',1564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/29/1564-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(1599,1,'2010-10-31 01:11:12','2010-10-31 08:11:12','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1613\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pirate/Beer Wench Christy Jo and...Surprise! A costume other than Catholic School Girl! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1613\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy aka Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein </em>outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating parameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in Beer Pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes my head hurt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar:  No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1614\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Consequences of bailing on a Triple Dog Dare \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1614\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the part that is usually the trickiest:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','publish','open','open','','day-34-halloween-triple-dog-dare','','','2010-10-30 20:07:43','2010-10-31 03:07:43','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=1599',0,'post','',7),(1600,1,'2010-10-30 15:13:32','2010-10-30 22:13:32','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I did have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em> outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to our suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating perameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play beer pong!! J This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em></p>\n\n<p><br />\n<strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in??  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dares','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision','','','2010-10-30 15:13:32','2010-10-30 22:13:32','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1601,1,'2010-10-30 15:18:15','2010-10-30 22:18:15','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I did have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em> outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to our suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating perameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play beer pong!! J This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br />\r\n<strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in??  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em>(Oh, Christy Jo.  You know me soooooo well.)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dares','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-2','','','2010-10-30 15:18:15','2010-10-30 22:18:15','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1602,1,'2010-10-30 15:18:20','2010-10-30 22:18:20','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I did have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em> outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to our suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating perameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play beer pong!! J This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br />\r\n<strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in??  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em>(Oh, Christy Jo.  You know me soooooo well.)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dares','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-3','','','2010-10-30 15:18:20','2010-10-30 22:18:20','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1603,1,'2010-10-30 17:13:29','2010-10-31 00:13:29','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I did have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em> outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating perameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play beer pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita pong or Mojito pong is bloggable.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged drinking it.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes me my head throb. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No Margaritas.  No Mojitos.  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head.  Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want, and I can finally say</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dares','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-4','','','2010-10-30 17:13:29','2010-10-31 00:13:29','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1604,1,'2010-10-30 17:18:22','2010-10-31 00:18:22','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I did have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em> outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating perameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play beer pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita pong or Mojito pong is bloggable.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged drinking it.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes me my head throb. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want, and I can finally say \"no\" to peer pressure!  AND<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dares','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-5','','','2010-10-30 17:18:22','2010-10-31 00:18:22','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1605,1,'2010-10-30 17:38:48','2010-10-31 00:38:48','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I did have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em> outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating perameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play beer pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita pong or Mojito pong is bloggable.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged drinking it.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes me my head throb. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No Margaritas.  No Mojitos.  Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'lven when it\'s a triple dog dare!  AND here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it.  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dares','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-6','','','2010-10-30 17:38:48','2010-10-31 00:38:48','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1606,1,'2010-10-30 17:43:54','2010-10-31 00:43:54','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em> outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating perameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><em> </em></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes me my head throb. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No Margaritas.  No Mojitos.  Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>AND here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it.  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-7','','','2010-10-30 17:43:54','2010-10-31 00:43:54','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1608,1,'2010-10-30 17:46:14','2010-10-31 00:46:14','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em> outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating perameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes me my head throb. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No Margaritas.  No Mojitos.  Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>AND here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it.  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-9','','','2010-10-30 17:46:14','2010-10-31 00:46:14','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1607,1,'2010-10-30 17:44:11','2010-10-31 00:44:11','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em> outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating perameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em> </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes me my head throb. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No Margaritas.  No Mojitos.  Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>AND here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it.  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-8','','','2010-10-30 17:44:11','2010-10-31 00:44:11','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1609,1,'2010-10-30 17:48:00','2010-10-31 00:48:00','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em> outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating perameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes me my head throb. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Party Bar = No Margaritas.  No Mojitos.  Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>AND here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-10','','','2010-10-30 17:48:00','2010-10-31 00:48:00','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1610,1,'2010-10-30 17:48:31','2010-10-31 00:48:31','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em> outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating perameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes me my head throb. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar = No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-11','','','2010-10-30 17:48:31','2010-10-31 00:48:31','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1611,1,'2010-10-30 17:51:11','2010-10-31 00:51:11','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em>outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating parameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes me my head throb. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar:  No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-12','','','2010-10-30 17:51:11','2010-10-31 00:51:11','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1612,1,'2010-10-30 20:00:08','2010-10-31 03:00:08','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1613\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pirate/Beer Wench Christy Jo and...Surprise! A costume other than Catholic School Girl! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1613\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy aka Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein </em>outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating parameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes my head throb. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar:  No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1614\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Consequences of bailing on a Triple Dog Dare \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1614\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-autosave','','','2010-10-30 20:00:08','2010-10-31 03:00:08','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1613,1,'2010-10-30 18:00:18','2010-10-31 01:00:18','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Pirate/Beer Wench Christy Jo and...Surprise!  A costume other than Catholic School Girl!  ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-75','','','2010-10-30 18:00:18','2010-10-31 01:00:18','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1614,1,'2010-10-30 18:04:46','2010-10-31 01:04:46','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Consequences of bailing on a Triple Dog Dare  ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-76','','','2010-10-30 18:04:46','2010-10-31 01:04:46','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1615,1,'2010-10-30 17:51:30','2010-10-31 00:51:30','<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em>outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating parameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes me my head throb. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar:  No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-13','','','2010-10-30 17:51:30','2010-10-31 00:51:30','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(1616,1,'2010-10-30 18:07:49','2010-10-31 01:07:49','[caption id=\"attachment_1613\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pirate/Beer Wench Christy Jo and...Surprise! A costume other than Catholic School Girl! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1613\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em>outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating parameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes my head throb. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar:  No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1614\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Consequences of bailing on a Triple Dog Dare \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1614\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-14','','','2010-10-30 18:07:49','2010-10-31 01:07:49','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(1617,1,'2010-10-30 18:09:43','2010-10-31 01:09:43','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1613\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pirate/Beer Wench Christy Jo and...Surprise! A costume other than Catholic School Girl! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1613\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy aka Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein</em>outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating parameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes my head throb. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar:  No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1614\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Consequences of bailing on a Triple Dog Dare \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1614\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-15','','','2010-10-30 18:09:43','2010-10-31 01:09:43','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(1618,1,'2010-10-30 19:58:03','2010-10-31 02:58:03','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1613\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pirate/Beer Wench Christy Jo and...Surprise! A costume other than Catholic School Girl! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1613\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy aka Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein </em>outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating parameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes my head throb. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar:  No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1614\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Consequences of bailing on a Triple Dog Dare \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1614\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-16','','','2010-10-30 19:58:03','2010-10-31 02:58:03','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(1619,1,'2010-10-30 19:59:06','2010-10-31 02:59:06','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1613\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pirate/Beer Wench Christy Jo and...Surprise! A costume other than Catholic School Girl! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1613\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy aka Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein </em>outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating parameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes my head throb. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar:  No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1614\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Consequences of bailing on a Triple Dog Dare \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1614\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-17','','','2010-10-30 19:59:06','2010-10-31 02:59:06','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(1620,1,'2010-10-30 19:59:33','2010-10-31 02:59:33','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1613\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pirate/Beer Wench Christy Jo and...Surprise! A costume other than Catholic School Girl! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1613\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy aka Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein </em>outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating parameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes my head throb. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar:  No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1614\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Consequences of bailing on a Triple Dog Dare \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1614\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the trickiest part:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-18','','','2010-10-30 19:59:33','2010-10-31 02:59:33','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(1621,1,'2010-10-30 20:04:30','2010-10-31 03:04:30','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1613\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pirate/Beer Wench Christy Jo and...Surprise! A costume other than Catholic School Girl! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1613\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy aka Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein </em>outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating parameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes my head hurt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar:  No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1614\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Consequences of bailing on a Triple Dog Dare \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1614\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the part that\'s usually the trickiest:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-19','','','2010-10-30 20:04:30','2010-10-31 03:04:30','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(1622,1,'2010-10-30 20:05:46','2010-10-31 03:05:46','<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1613\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Pirate/Beer Wench Christy Jo and...Surprise! A costume other than Catholic School Girl! \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1613\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>Earlier this week, I was in the midst of minding my own beeswax when Christy aka Christy Jo popped out at me via e-mail. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Do you have plans this Friday?  I have a great blog idea!\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I <em>did</em> have plans:  watching <em>Young Frankenstein </em>outside on the lawn at the Biltmore.  But part of this blog is listening to your suggestions and acting on them if they fit into my soul-scintillating parameters.  I asked Christy Jo to please elaborate. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  My sister-in-law and her hubby are having a Halloween party and they just bought a beer pong table! You’re never too old to play Beer Pong!!  This could be your quest to master the game! You will need a costume.  Are you in??</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I don\'t like beer.  Do you double dog dare me? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Chisty Jo:</strong>  Triple dog dare! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong><em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:  </strong>Does this mean you are in?? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  <em>(silence)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  FYI...my bro-in-law has guitars and mics. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:  </strong>I\'m in! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another series of emails 24 hours later...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Princess and the Pea has a request.  I have really bad beer memories from college, and I’m still all Pavlovian about it.  Can I mix margaritas or mojitos beforehand for my portion of the chugalug? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Well, I can’t assure you that you won’t get flack for swapping out beer in beer pong.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong>  Flack is bloggable.  Playing Margarita Pong or Mojito Pong is bloggable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Christy Jo:</strong>  Go for it! We can peel you off the floor and get you home at some point.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Allow me to feed you a bit of beer \"backstory\" here.  I have never liked beer.  Ever. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When I was a little kid, my Papa used to drink a beer with dinner.  I tasted it and hated it.  My sister tasted it and loved it.  My mother yelled at Papa for allowing us to taste it in the first place.  But hey -- he was Portuguese.  Europeans are more relaxed about these things. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Fast forward to college, and it\'s St. Patrick\'s Day in New York City.  And I\'m dating the president of a fraternity.  (We were so mismatched.  It was very <em>Romeo and Juliet</em>.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Anywho, what goes with St. Patrick\'s Day and New York City?  Beer!  Green beer, in this case.  I drank it even though I nearly gagged.  I then suffered the WORST headache of my entire existence.  I thought that my head would EXPLODE!  I have never felt so rotten from drinking. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So now you know why Beer Pong does not entice me.  In fact, just the thought of Beer Pong makes my head hurt. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Are you on the edge of your chair ready to find out what happens next?  Did Late Bloomer Michelle invent a new game called Margarita Pong?  Mojito Pong? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well...as you may recall, this week seemed to follow a theme of Life Happens When You\'re Making Plans. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Party Bar:  No Margaritas.  No Mojitos. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Other choices:  Vodka = throbbing stomach.  Beer = pounding head. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Late Bloomer = I\'ll do whatever the hell I want!  I\'ll \"just say no\" <em>even when it\'s a triple dog dare</em>! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1614\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Consequences of bailing on a Triple Dog Dare \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1614\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA290180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here\'s the part that is usually the trickiest:  I honestly don\'t feel guilty about it. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Now THAT\'S soul-scintillation at its finest!  :-D<br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 34:  Halloween Triple Dog Dare','','inherit','open','open','','1599-revision-20','','','2010-10-30 20:05:46','2010-10-31 03:05:46','',1599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/30/1599-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(1624,1,'2010-10-31 10:58:45','2010-10-31 17:58:45','','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision','','','2010-10-31 10:58:45','2010-10-31 17:58:45','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1625,1,'2010-10-31 10:59:46','2010-10-31 17:59:46','<p>On Day34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>You will also need:</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Directions:</strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong>Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</strong><strong>J  </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>SPRAY a large saucepan. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Eat. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-2','','','2010-10-31 10:59:46','2010-10-31 17:59:46','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1626,1,'2010-10-31 11:04:05','2010-10-31 18:04:05','<p>On Day34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>SPRAY a large saucepan. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Eat. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-3','','','2010-10-31 11:04:05','2010-10-31 18:04:05','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1630,1,'2010-10-31 11:07:04','2010-10-31 18:07:04','<p>On Day34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-7','','','2010-10-31 11:07:04','2010-10-31 18:07:04','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1627,1,'2010-10-31 11:05:05','2010-10-31 18:05:05','<p>On Day34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.</li>\n	<li><br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. </li>\n	<li><br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.</li>\n	<li><br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. </li>\n	<li><br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)</li>\n	<li><br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. </li>\n	<li><br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. </li>\n	<li><br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Eat. </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-4','','','2010-10-31 11:05:05','2010-10-31 18:05:05','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1629,1,'2010-10-31 11:06:30','2010-10-31 18:06:30','<p>On Day34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-6','','','2010-10-31 11:06:30','2010-10-31 18:06:30','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1628,1,'2010-10-31 11:05:36','2010-10-31 18:05:36','<p>On Day34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Eat. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-5','','','2010-10-31 11:05:36','2010-10-31 18:05:36','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1631,1,'2010-10-31 11:07:34','2010-10-31 18:07:34','<p>On Day34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-8','','','2010-10-31 11:07:34','2010-10-31 18:07:34','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1632,1,'2010-10-31 11:15:53','2010-10-31 18:15:53','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-77','','','2010-10-31 11:15:53','2010-10-31 18:15:53','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1633,1,'2010-10-31 11:17:50','2010-10-31 18:17:50','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Yep.  You need to unwrap them all.  Breathe.  ','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-78','','','2010-10-31 11:17:50','2010-10-31 18:17:50','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1634,1,'2010-10-31 11:09:26','2010-10-31 18:09:26','<p>On Day34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Eat. </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-9','','','2010-10-31 11:09:26','2010-10-31 18:09:26','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1635,1,'2010-10-31 11:19:24','2010-10-31 18:19:24','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.  </li>\n</ul>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Eat. </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-10','','','2010-10-31 11:19:24','2010-10-31 18:19:24','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1636,1,'2010-10-31 11:19:31','2010-10-31 18:19:31','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-11','','','2010-10-31 11:19:31','2010-10-31 18:19:31','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1637,1,'2010-10-31 11:19:44','2010-10-31 18:19:44','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-12','','','2010-10-31 11:19:44','2010-10-31 18:19:44','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1638,1,'2010-10-31 11:20:07','2010-10-31 18:20:07','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-13','','','2010-10-31 11:20:07','2010-10-31 18:20:07','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(1639,1,'2010-10-31 11:20:20','2010-10-31 18:20:20','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-14','','','2010-10-31 11:20:20','2010-10-31 18:20:20','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(1641,1,'2010-10-31 11:22:50','2010-10-31 18:22:50','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless breather.  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Melt those (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Eat. </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-16','','','2010-10-31 11:22:50','2010-10-31 18:22:50','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(1640,1,'2010-10-31 11:20:33','2010-10-31 18:20:33','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless little breather.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-15','','','2010-10-31 11:20:33','2010-10-31 18:20:33','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(1642,1,'2010-10-31 11:24:18','2010-10-31 18:24:18','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless breather.  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Eat. </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Get Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-17','','','2010-10-31 11:24:18','2010-10-31 18:24:18','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(1643,1,'2010-10-31 11:24:53','2010-10-31 18:24:53','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless breather.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Gather Apples and...','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-18','','','2010-10-31 11:24:53','2010-10-31 18:24:53','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(1644,1,'2010-10-31 13:43:45','2010-10-31 20:43:45','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless breather.  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\n	<li>Eat.  Brush.  Floss.  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  In addition, if you roll your apples in chopped walnuts as I did, the label notes that you receive 25% of your daily allowance of copper.  I\'m sure  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Gather Apples ','','inherit','open','open','','1623-autosave','','','2010-10-31 13:43:45','2010-10-31 20:43:45','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1645,1,'2010-10-31 11:25:53','2010-10-31 18:25:53','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless breather.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat. </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Gather Apples ','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-19','','','2010-10-31 11:25:53','2010-10-31 18:25:53','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(1646,1,'2010-10-31 13:44:18','2010-10-31 20:44:18','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless breather.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat.  Brush.  Floss.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  In addition, if you roll your apples in chopped walnuts as I did, the label notes that you receive 25% of your daily allowance of copper.  I\'m not sure what copper does, but let\'s just assume that it\'s important.  I am always happy to be of service. </p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Gather Apples ','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-20','','','2010-10-31 13:44:18','2010-10-31 20:44:18','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(1647,1,'2010-10-31 13:45:34','2010-10-31 20:45:34','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless breather.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat.  Brush.  Floss.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  In addition, if you roll your apples in chopped walnuts as I did, the label notes that you receive 25% of your daily allowance of copper.  I\'m not sure what copper does, but let\'s just assume that it\'s important. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Yours in health,</p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Gather Apples ','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-21','','','2010-10-31 13:45:34','2010-10-31 20:45:34','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(1648,1,'2010-10-31 13:46:55','2010-10-31 20:46:55','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1632\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA310181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>On Day 34, I originally planned to attend a Pumpkin and Chili Festival on a local farm.  And then…Life Happened When I Was Making Plans.  Again.  Are we in agreement that this was the theme for the week??? </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>This case of Life Happens involved a girlfriend-in-crisis.  The last thing a girlfriend-in-crisis needs/wants is festivity.  She needs/wants “nesting”.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Plan B included a nesting night of tea, talk, tears and caramel apples.  The Portuguese always default to food to solve the problems of the world and girlfriends-in-crisis. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I had never made caramel apples before.  Have you?  They are super easy to make, although a bit messy.  A shout out to my friend Yovani aka Yo-Yo who made this culinary adventure a little less sticky for me. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here’s how: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Ingredients:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>1 14 oz bag of caramels</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 medium apples (granny smith are best)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>2 tbsp water</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Nuts (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Crushed Butterfingers or other candy (optional)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">You will also need:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>5 popsicle sticks</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Parchment paper</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Directions:</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Important first step for sanity from Yo-Yo:  Spray ALL utensils and pans (yes, ALL) involved with cooking spray before you get started.  You’ll see…</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong> </strong></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Wash those apples well so you’re not polluting your treats with pesticides.  If you are using organic, wash them well because who knows where those apples have been!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Insert the popsicle sticks.  You may need to pound them in a bit which helps in getting rid of any residual aggression that you did or didn’t know you were carrying around. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Cover a large plate with the parchment paper.  SPRAY!<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>SPRAY a large saucepan. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Open the bag of caramels.  Realize that those are a whole lotta caramels that you need to unwrap before you can melt them.  Greaaatttt..  Tell yourself that this is an opportunity for a mindless breather.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1633\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Yep. You need to unwrap them all. Breathe. \"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-1633\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/PA300179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>SPRAY the stirring spoon.  SPRAY a ladle. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Melt those puppies (with the 2 tbsp water) over a medium-low heat.    Stir constantly.<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Dunk the newly non-toxic apples in the caramel.  Ladle the caramel over the apple to cover. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Roll the caramel apple in the crushed nuts or candy now while still warm.  (Yo-Yo never mentioned this, but you will find that the nuts or candy don’t stick very well.  This portion of our culinary adventure now evolves into an art project where you are mashing bits of nuts or candy into the apple with your hands.)<br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Place your apples on the SPRAYED parchment-papered plate. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Remove for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.  Store the rest in the fridge. <br class=\"spacer_\" /></li>\r\n	<li>Eat.  Brush.  Floss.  </li>\r\n</ul>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><strong>The great thing about caramel apples is that the nutritional potency of the apple offsets the effects of the candy coating.</strong></span>  I am not sure if you were aware of this.  In addition, if you roll your apples in chopped walnuts as I did, the label notes that you receive 25% of your daily allowance of copper.  I\'m not sure what copper does, but let\'s just assume that it is vital to our health and general well-being.  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Yours in health,</p>','Day 35:  When Life Gets Sticky, Gather Apples ','','inherit','open','open','','1623-revision-22','','','2010-10-31 13:46:55','2010-10-31 20:46:55','',1623,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/10/31/1623-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(1650,1,'2010-11-01 21:34:21','2010-11-02 04:34:21','<p>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, but you know that by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  It was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a Megachurch, which means it would be a Megafestival, which means there would be Megakids. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the Megakids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared Megakids in costumes.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For the 3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For the women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the Megakids...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>???</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\n\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\n\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\n\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every time somasked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision','','','2010-11-01 21:34:21','2010-11-02 04:34:21','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/01/1649-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1651,1,'2010-11-01 21:55:30','2010-11-02 04:55:30','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-79','','','2010-11-01 21:55:30','2010-11-02 04:55:30','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1652,1,'2010-11-01 21:36:40','2010-11-02 04:36:40','<p>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, but you know that by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  It was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a Megachurch, which means it would be a Megafestival, which means there would be Megakids. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the Megakids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared Megakids in costumes.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For the 3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For the women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the Megakids...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>???</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\n\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\n\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\n\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-2','','','2010-11-01 21:36:40','2010-11-02 04:36:40','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/01/1649-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1653,1,'2010-11-01 22:02:51','2010-11-02 05:02:51','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-80','','','2010-11-01 22:02:51','2010-11-02 05:02:51','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1654,1,'2010-11-01 22:20:41','2010-11-02 05:20:41','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, but you know that by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  It was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a Megachurch, which means it would be a Megafestival, which means there would be Megakids. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the Megakids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared Megakids in costumes.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For the 3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For the women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the Megakids...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>???</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\n\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\n\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\n\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-3','','','2010-11-01 22:20:41','2010-11-02 05:20:41','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/01/1649-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1655,1,'2010-11-01 22:20:57','2010-11-02 05:20:57','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, but you know that by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  It was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a Megachurch, which means it would be a Megafestival, which means there would be Megakids. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the Megakids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared Megakids in costumes.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For the 3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For the women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the Megakids...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-4','','','2010-11-01 22:20:57','2010-11-02 05:20:57','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/01/1649-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1656,1,'2010-11-02 07:52:37','2010-11-02 14:52:37','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-81','','','2010-11-02 07:52:37','2010-11-02 14:52:37','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1657,1,'2010-11-01 22:53:35','2010-11-02 05:53:35','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, but you know that by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  It was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a Megachurch, which means it would be a Megafestival, which means there would be Megakids. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the Megakids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared Megakids in costumes.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For the 3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For the women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the Megakids...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-5','','','2010-11-01 22:53:35','2010-11-02 05:53:35','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/01/1649-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1658,1,'2010-11-02 07:53:43','2010-11-02 14:53:43','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, but you know that by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  It was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a Megachurch, which means it would be a Megafestival, which means there would be Megakids. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the Megakids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared Megakids in costumes.  </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For the 3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For the women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the Megakids...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>???</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\n\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\n\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\n\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\n\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1656\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-6','','','2010-11-02 07:53:43','2010-11-02 14:53:43','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/02/1649-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1659,1,'2010-11-02 07:55:03','2010-11-02 14:55:03','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, as you probably recall by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  The e-mail was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a Megachurch, which means it would be a Megafestival, which means there would be Megakids. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the Megakids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared Megakids in costumes.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For the 3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For the women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the Megakids...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1656\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-7','','','2010-11-02 07:55:03','2010-11-02 14:55:03','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/02/1649-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1660,1,'2010-11-02 07:55:42','2010-11-02 14:55:42','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, as you probably recall by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  The e-mail was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a MegaChurch, which means it would be a MegaFestival, which means there would be MegaKids. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the Megakids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared Megakids in costumes.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For the 3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For the women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the Megakids...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1656\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-8','','','2010-11-02 07:55:42','2010-11-02 14:55:42','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/02/1649-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1661,1,'2010-11-02 07:56:13','2010-11-02 14:56:13','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, as you probably recall by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  The e-mail was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a MegaChurch, which means it would be a MegaFestival, which means there would be MegaKids. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the MegaKids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared MegaKids in costumes.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For the 3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For the women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the MegaKids...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1656\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-9','','','2010-11-02 07:56:13','2010-11-02 14:56:13','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/02/1649-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1662,1,'2010-11-02 07:58:00','2010-11-02 14:58:00','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, as you probably recall by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  The e-mail was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a MegaChurch, which means it would be a MegaFestival, which means there would be MegaKids. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the MegaKids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared MegaKids in costumes.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the MegaKids...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1656\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-10','','','2010-11-02 07:58:00','2010-11-02 14:58:00','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/02/1649-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1663,1,'2010-11-02 07:59:42','2010-11-02 14:59:42','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, as you probably recall by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  The e-mail was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a MegaChurch, which means it would be a MegaFestival, which means there would be MegaKids. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the MegaKids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared MegaKids in costumes.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble first appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the MegaKids...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1656\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-11','','','2010-11-02 07:59:42','2010-11-02 14:59:42','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/02/1649-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1664,1,'2010-11-02 08:02:17','2010-11-02 15:02:17','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, as you probably recall by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  The e-mail was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a MegaChurch, which means it would be a MegaFestival, which means there would be MegaKids. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the MegaKids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared MegaKids in costumes.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble first appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the MegaKids...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, and I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 42o thousand.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1656\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-12','','','2010-11-02 08:02:17','2010-11-02 15:02:17','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/02/1649-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1665,1,'2010-11-02 08:03:09','2010-11-02 15:03:09','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, as you probably recall by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  The e-mail was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a MegaChurch, which means it would be a MegaFestival, which means there would be MegaKids. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the MegaKids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared MegaKids in costumes.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble first appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the MegaKids...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, and I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 420 thousand.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap!  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1656\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-13','','','2010-11-02 08:03:09','2010-11-02 15:03:09','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/02/1649-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(1666,1,'2010-11-02 08:04:12','2010-11-02 15:04:12','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1651\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PB010182-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Svennykins (my blog Svengali, as you probably recall by now) forwarded me an email a week ago.  The e-mail was from his Men\'s Group at church, and they needed volunteers for their Harvest Festival on Halloween Night.  This is a MegaChurch, which means it would be a MegaFestival, which means there would be MegaKids. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny expressed a slight hesitation over the MegaKids part.  I, being the oversized kid that flips for Halloween each year, couldn\'t think of anything better than spending the evening with oversugared MegaKids in costumes.  </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I also needed an audience for my Spooky Voice Changer that I bought 2 months prior.  I am embarrassed to say just how excited I was over this Spooky Voice Changer, but you can ask any of my colleagues at work if you must know.  I purchased one at a book fair in our building alongside one of the managers who was purchasing one for her 7 year-old son.  Ahem.  I then left the fair to terrorize the office with my new toy.  Until the batteries died. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>With a fresh 9 volt, I was now ready for a younger crowd! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Have no fear, Svenny!  I am a professional!  Leave the kids to me, and you just stand by the car and do your thing.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s volunteer duties involved showcasing his Fancy Schmancy car at the Harvest Festival\'s car show. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1653\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310180-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>3 token male readers, you can pick up your tongues from off the floor now. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Women, Svenny drives a Lamborghini.  Before I met Svenny, I wouldn\'t have known a Lamborghini if it cut me off in traffic, so don\'t feel bad if when you saw the photo, you didn\'t have a clue either. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The very first time I met Svenny, he showed up in a Toyota pick up truck because he googled me and found a blog post of mine on my old blog titled <strong><a href=\"http://latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/baby-you-can-drive-my-car-but-only-if.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"Baby, You Can Drive My Car\" </a> </strong>where I compared cars to men.  In summary, I was more than unkind to Camp Hummer/Ridiculous Vehicles and bestowed my graces upon Camp Honda/Toyota with Camp Nissan in a close 3rd place.  Heh heh heh. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So Svenny wisely made his humble first appearance in the Toyota.  But life is never black and white, and neither are blog posts, and even though I might assume that a Lamborghini owner is an obnoxious egomaniac, Svenny breaks the stereotype. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny\'s story is actually quite remarkable.  He is the definition of the American \"success story\".  He paid his own way through college and built his business solo.  He then retired at some ridiculously young age.  37 I think.  You can read more about his story in his new book, <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Fastlane-Crack-Wealth-Lifetime/dp/0984358102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288671824&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\">The Millionaire Fastlane.  </a></strong></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And Svenny\'s dreams all started when he was a 12 year-old boy and saw a Lamborghini for the first time.  Dreams do come true, boys and girls!  Speaking of which...back to the MegaKids...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny picked me up for the Festival and his first question was, \"So what are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I was perplexed.  \"What am I?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Yeah.  What are you?\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"Svenny, I am wearing a poodle skirt.\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\"So what are you?  Who from the 1950s?\" </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>See, Ladies?  Svenny might be a business whiz (and my personal tech guru, thank my lucky stars), but he is still a man and he is still from Mars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>After nearly tearing my rotator cuff trying to get the car door down (Lamborghini, have you ever thought about making an automatic thingamajig for this???  Helloooo????) I turned my Scary Voice Changer on Svenny.  Who couldn\'t hear me because that car is sooooooo LOUD. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No worries.  The Scary Voice Changer was meant to torment innocent children, not 41 year-old men. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>We arrived at the church and in appropriate biblical fashion, the seas parted.  Seemingly, the rest of the universe could care less about almost-torn rotator cuffs, loud engines that muffle Scary Voice Changers, and severely wind-blown hair.  The rest of the universe thinks the Lambo (as serious \"car people\" call it) is the Rock Star of the Car World. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The Pastor of the church apparently thought that the Lambo was the devil itself because after staring at a fairly new Mustang for an ungodly amount of time, he walked right past the Lambo with his nose in the air. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Svenny surmised that the Lambo represents several of the Seven Deadly Sins, including gluttony, vanity, greed, etc.  But I know Svenny, and I am here to clear his name and tell you that he is not a sinner!  Although he did chow down on waaaayyyyy too many packs of Skittles which is pretty gluttonous. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But then again, who <em>doesn\'t </em>make themselves sick on candy on Halloween?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The true stars of the evening were the children, of course.  Children and animals always upstage adults, and I am here to tell you that they also upstage Fancy Schmancy sports cars. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Actual observations from the mouths of babes: </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Father:</strong>  It\'s called a Lamborghini.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>6 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old boy:  </strong>How much does it cost?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  A new one costs 420 thousand.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  That\'s what they cost new. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old:</strong>  No way. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year-old\'s friend:</strong>  That\'s cheap! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Svenny:</strong>  Excuse me?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>13 year old\'s friend:</strong>  I thought it cost 2 billion! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3 year-old boy:</strong>  It\'s a Transformer!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4 year old-boy:</strong>  It\'s a SuperCar! </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>9 year old-boy to his friend:</strong>  Dude!  When I grow up and I\'m rich, I\'m going to buy one!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The joke that I milked every single time someone asked me if the Lambo was mine:</strong>  Yes, it\'s mine.  After 16 years of working hard as a teacher, I decided to treat myself. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Evidence that Svenny is both a Stereotype-Breaker and a SuperSoftie:</strong>  At car shows, I am told that owners do not let people sit or lean against the cars as it could cause damage/scratching.  Svenny couldn\'t resist the kids, and allowed them to have their pictures taken in the car. </p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Awwwww......</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And last but not least, my favorite costume of the evening...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-1656\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/PA310179-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>','Day 36:  An Out-of-the-Mouths-of-Babes Kinda Night','','inherit','open','open','','1649-revision-14','','','2010-11-02 08:04:12','2010-11-02 15:04:12','',1649,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/02/1649-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),