(4557,1,'2011-03-14 22:05:42','2011-03-15 05:05:42','[caption id=\"attachment_4543\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"The final rise.  Nearly 12 hours later...\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-4543  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember my <a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> that I met at <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/31/day-125-wildest-wordcamp-in-the-west/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>WordCamp</strong></a>?  We not only share the same birthday, but also blogs with \"diary\" in the title?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCoinkidink or astrologically predetermined?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother coinkidink or astrological predetermination:  Our readers tend to perk up and comment a lot on our cooking posts.  Coming from a Portuguese family whose food obsession rivals the Italians, I understand this phenomenon completely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI propositioned Birthday Twin Genius aka Todd:  Let\'s choose a chick food and a guy food.  We\'ll cook them in our parallel universe kitchens on two separate nights.  (Todd lives in Vegas.)  We\'ll then...well...blah blah blog about it.  A He Said/She Said blog post!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Since all men love to be propositioned in any way, shape, or form, Todd immediately accepted.  \"I like the symmetry of the idea,\" he responded.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Todd is one of those people who cut his cable so that he could build his brain with old-fashioned pursuits such as reading instead.  His choice of vocabulary almost always reflects his outrageous and controversial decision.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI replied with an \"Awesome!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I still have cable which I\'m convinced kills more brain cells than pot.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 168 was Chick Food day.  I chose Chocolate Croissants which I have been chomping at the bit to bake ever since I saw the movie<strong> <em><a href=\"http://www.itscomplicatedmovie.com/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s Complicated</a></em></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, how I absolutely adore that movie.  If you haven\'t seen it, you\'re missing out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the movie, Meryl Streep and Steve Martin relive their youth by smoking pot.  A wicked case of the munchies ensues, and they traipse off to Meryl Streep\'s bakery to whip up a batch of decadent chocolate croissants in the middle of the night.  The scene is deliciously sensual and funny at the same time, as you would expect from the brilliant Ms. Streep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI began my croissant preparation at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning.  As a guide, I used the recipe from <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>AllRecipes.com</strong></a> which was recommended by an <a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>exquisite food blog</strong></a> that I stumbled upon when googling \"It\'s Complicated Chocolate Croissants\".  Isn\'t this Internet stuff incredible?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have never met this foodie blogger, but I think she\'s the greatest thing since <del>sliced bread </del>chocolate croissants.  She is living my dream life.  In a cottage on a lake in North Carolina.  It\'s sooooo Nicholas Sparks.   Sigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaking croissants is an all-day extravaganza.  AllRecipes noted an 8 hour and 20 minute time frame.  Thus the early start time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy 8:30 a.m., the yeast had frothed and the dough had been kneaded.  I sipped my coffee while contemplating how thoroughly relaxing and therapeutic this croissant project had turned out to be.  Perhaps I\'ll be a pastry chef when I grow up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized by late morning, that I hadn\'t heard from Todd.  I wondered if he abandoned ship.  I didn\'t call him, of course.  Who does that these days?  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>How\'s your dough?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I\'ve had some minor technical setbacks this morning that necessitated a trip to the hardware store but I\'m on track again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardware store?  I wasn\'t about to open that can of worms.  I sipped more coffee and expressed gratitude for my baking prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>3 hours later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Crap.  This butter and folding stuff is confusing.  I\'m not much of a directions person.  Crap, crap, crap.  Something tells me these will be finished at bedtime.  Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs this a neurotic Sept 15 thing or is it just me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4539\" title=\"IMG00347-20110313-1429\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Uh, you\'re alone on that.  I\'m using a wine bottle as a rolling pin.  Apparently, I don\'t have one of those.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4540\" title=\"IMG_7771\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis where texting leads to miscommunication.  I was actually referring to the measuring tape, not the rolling pin.  You\'ll note an overabundance of references to lengths and widths in the AllRecipes.com directions.   If I was going to follow directions, then I was going to follow them implicitly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">15 minutes later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllRecipes.com directions:  \"Massage butter until pliable, but not soft and oily.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am 41, and not once have I heard of massaging butter.  Am I alone on this?  Do all of you massage butter on a regular basis?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had no clue what they were talking about, so I just started massaging away.  At first, I softened it in my hands, and then spread it out over the dough like I was finger painting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4541\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis alone was worth the price of admission.  I am here to tell you, dear readers, that butter massage has an instantaneous calming effect.  Please try this at home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>15 minutes later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> This is actually a tad stressful.  I was relaxed during the butter massage, but now I feel like a harried mess.  That Lake Cottage woman seems so zen.  But I believe that she is retired and living on a lake.  I need to go buy and install a router, shop for the week\'s groceries, write a blog post, and report to my day job tomorrow.  In the midst of all of this, I\'m detoxing from an herbal cleanse.  I won\'t go into details.  Not good timing on my part.  :-o\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>LOL.  I\'m with you.  I\'ve been tempted more than once today to chuck it all and used canned dough, but I\'m persevering because though I have 16 hours of work scheduled for today, and it\'s not going to get done (cooking or not), I need a little \"me time\" and if that means insanely complicated handmade croissants, so be it.  :-)  No kitchen experiment is without risk or lessons to be had but the most important lesson I\'ve ever learned in the kitchen is...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis was one of those really long texts that take up four messages.  Luckily, I have unlimited messages.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> ... to allow your self to fail and have fun no matter what.  The 2nd most important lesson which I\'m relearning today is make sure you buy all the junk you need before you start.  1 trip to Lowe\'s and 2 to Albertson\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> 1st lesson was very profound.  Verklempt.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I was distracted and at the Apple Store during the umpteenth dough rise.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> The cottage lady\'s kitchen is unfreakinbelievable!!!  (You can see it here:  <strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/</a></strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, Todd, I know.  I imagine the rest of her life is as impeccable as her kitchen.  I\'m sure that she has a wonderful husband, perfect children, beautiful grandchildren, and (I would bet on it!) a serene and obedient Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStark reality:  My kitchen looks nothing like Lovely Lake Cottage Lady\'s kitchen.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4542\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5 hours, several dough \"episodes\", and one chocolate shaving disaster later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVoila!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4538\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA bit overdone.  Breathe...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict:  No wonder Meryl &amp; Steve enjoyed their croissant-capades.  They were high.  You, too, would need to smoke wacky tobacky to find this process fun. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, seriously consider finding the best bakery in town and splurge on their chocolate croissants.  For the peeps in my fair city, go here:  <strong><a href=\"http://pcroissant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pcroissant.com/</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Verdict #2:  Massaging butter is a blast.  If butter is not your thing, then find a tall drink of water and massage his shoulders.  Better yet, get him to massage yours. </span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Token male readers:  Massage a woman\'s shoulders.  There\'s nothing sexier than a giver.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict #3:  I would like for the Lake Cottage Lady to adopt me. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSure this will tick my real mother off, but you can never have too many mothers.  As Hillary once said,  \"It takes a village.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I would like to be in a village with a cottage, thank you very much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInterested in the \"He Said\" version of the Chocolate Croissant Extravaganza?  Find out how Todd\'s croissants fared at <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://606diaries.com/</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nComing next week...Todd and Michelle tackle Guy Food in an unconventional way.  Be afraid.  Be very, very afraid.','Day 168:  It\'s More Than Complicated   ','','inherit','open','open','','4518-revision-32','','','2011-03-14 22:05:42','2011-03-15 05:05:42','',4518,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/4518-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(4558,1,'2011-03-14 22:06:29','2011-03-15 05:06:29','[caption id=\"attachment_4543\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"The final rise.  Nearly 12 hours later...\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-4543  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember my <a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> that I met at <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/31/day-125-wildest-wordcamp-in-the-west/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>WordCamp</strong></a>?  We not only share the same birthday, but also blogs with \"diary\" in the title.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCoinkidink or astrologically predetermined?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother coinkidink or astrological predetermination:  Our readers tend to perk up and comment a lot on our cooking posts.  Coming from a Portuguese family whose food obsession rivals the Italians, I understand this phenomenon completely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI propositioned Birthday Twin Genius aka Todd:  Let\'s choose a chick food and a guy food.  We\'ll cook them in our parallel universe kitchens on two separate nights.  (Todd lives in Vegas.)  We\'ll then...well...blah blah blog about it.  A He Said/She Said blog post!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Since all men love to be propositioned in any way, shape, or form, Todd immediately accepted.  \"I like the symmetry of the idea,\" he responded.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Todd is one of those people who cut his cable so that he could build his brain with old-fashioned pursuits such as reading instead.  His choice of vocabulary almost always reflects his outrageous and controversial decision.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI replied with an \"Awesome!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I still have cable which I\'m convinced kills more brain cells than pot.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 168 was Chick Food day.  I chose Chocolate Croissants which I have been chomping at the bit to bake ever since I saw the movie<strong> <em><a href=\"http://www.itscomplicatedmovie.com/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s Complicated</a></em></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, how I absolutely adore that movie.  If you haven\'t seen it, you\'re missing out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the movie, Meryl Streep and Steve Martin relive their youth by smoking pot.  A wicked case of the munchies ensues, and they traipse off to Meryl Streep\'s bakery to whip up a batch of decadent chocolate croissants in the middle of the night.  The scene is deliciously sensual and funny at the same time, as you would expect from the brilliant Ms. Streep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI began my croissant preparation at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning.  As a guide, I used the recipe from <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>AllRecipes.com</strong></a> which was recommended by an <a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>exquisite food blog</strong></a> that I stumbled upon when googling \"It\'s Complicated Chocolate Croissants\".  Isn\'t this Internet stuff incredible?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have never met this foodie blogger, but I think she\'s the greatest thing since <del>sliced bread </del>chocolate croissants.  She is living my dream life.  In a cottage on a lake in North Carolina.  It\'s sooooo Nicholas Sparks.   Sigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaking croissants is an all-day extravaganza.  AllRecipes noted an 8 hour and 20 minute time frame.  Thus the early start time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy 8:30 a.m., the yeast had frothed and the dough had been kneaded.  I sipped my coffee while contemplating how thoroughly relaxing and therapeutic this croissant project had turned out to be.  Perhaps I\'ll be a pastry chef when I grow up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized by late morning, that I hadn\'t heard from Todd.  I wondered if he abandoned ship.  I didn\'t call him, of course.  Who does that these days?  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>How\'s your dough?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I\'ve had some minor technical setbacks this morning that necessitated a trip to the hardware store but I\'m on track again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardware store?  I wasn\'t about to open that can of worms.  I sipped more coffee and expressed gratitude for my baking prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>3 hours later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Crap.  This butter and folding stuff is confusing.  I\'m not much of a directions person.  Crap, crap, crap.  Something tells me these will be finished at bedtime.  Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs this a neurotic Sept 15 thing or is it just me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4539\" title=\"IMG00347-20110313-1429\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Uh, you\'re alone on that.  I\'m using a wine bottle as a rolling pin.  Apparently, I don\'t have one of those.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4540\" title=\"IMG_7771\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis where texting leads to miscommunication.  I was actually referring to the measuring tape, not the rolling pin.  You\'ll note an overabundance of references to lengths and widths in the AllRecipes.com directions.   If I was going to follow directions, then I was going to follow them implicitly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">15 minutes later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllRecipes.com directions:  \"Massage butter until pliable, but not soft and oily.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am 41, and not once have I heard of massaging butter.  Am I alone on this?  Do all of you massage butter on a regular basis?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had no clue what they were talking about, so I just started massaging away.  At first, I softened it in my hands, and then spread it out over the dough like I was finger painting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4541\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis alone was worth the price of admission.  I am here to tell you, dear readers, that butter massage has an instantaneous calming effect.  Please try this at home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>15 minutes later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> This is actually a tad stressful.  I was relaxed during the butter massage, but now I feel like a harried mess.  That Lake Cottage woman seems so zen.  But I believe that she is retired and living on a lake.  I need to go buy and install a router, shop for the week\'s groceries, write a blog post, and report to my day job tomorrow.  In the midst of all of this, I\'m detoxing from an herbal cleanse.  I won\'t go into details.  Not good timing on my part.  :-o\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>LOL.  I\'m with you.  I\'ve been tempted more than once today to chuck it all and used canned dough, but I\'m persevering because though I have 16 hours of work scheduled for today, and it\'s not going to get done (cooking or not), I need a little \"me time\" and if that means insanely complicated handmade croissants, so be it.  :-)  No kitchen experiment is without risk or lessons to be had but the most important lesson I\'ve ever learned in the kitchen is...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis was one of those really long texts that take up four messages.  Luckily, I have unlimited messages.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> ... to allow your self to fail and have fun no matter what.  The 2nd most important lesson which I\'m relearning today is make sure you buy all the junk you need before you start.  1 trip to Lowe\'s and 2 to Albertson\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> 1st lesson was very profound.  Verklempt.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I was distracted and at the Apple Store during the umpteenth dough rise.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> The cottage lady\'s kitchen is unfreakinbelievable!!!  (You can see it here:  <strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/</a></strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, Todd, I know.  I imagine the rest of her life is as impeccable as her kitchen.  I\'m sure that she has a wonderful husband, perfect children, beautiful grandchildren, and (I would bet on it!) a serene and obedient Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStark reality:  My kitchen looks nothing like Lovely Lake Cottage Lady\'s kitchen.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4542\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5 hours, several dough \"episodes\", and one chocolate shaving disaster later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVoila!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4538\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA bit overdone.  Breathe...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict:  No wonder Meryl &amp; Steve enjoyed their croissant-capades.  They were high.  You, too, would need to smoke wacky tobacky to find this process fun. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, seriously consider finding the best bakery in town and splurge on their chocolate croissants.  For the peeps in my fair city, go here:  <strong><a href=\"http://pcroissant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pcroissant.com/</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Verdict #2:  Massaging butter is a blast.  If butter is not your thing, then find a tall drink of water and massage his shoulders.  Better yet, get him to massage yours. </span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Token male readers:  Massage a woman\'s shoulders.  There\'s nothing sexier than a giver.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict #3:  I would like for the Lake Cottage Lady to adopt me. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSure this will tick my real mother off, but you can never have too many mothers.  As Hillary once said,  \"It takes a village.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I would like to be in a village with a cottage, thank you very much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInterested in the \"He Said\" version of the Chocolate Croissant Extravaganza?  Find out how Todd\'s croissants fared at <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://606diaries.com/</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nComing next week...Todd and Michelle tackle Guy Food in an unconventional way.  Be afraid.  Be very, very afraid.','Day 168:  It\'s More Than Complicated   ','','inherit','open','open','','4518-revision-33','','','2011-03-14 22:06:29','2011-03-15 05:06:29','',4518,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/4518-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(4559,1,'2011-03-14 22:11:28','2011-03-15 05:11:28','[caption id=\"attachment_4543\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"The final rise.  Nearly 12 hours later...\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-4543  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember my <a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> that I met at <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/31/day-125-wildest-wordcamp-in-the-west/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>WordCamp</strong></a>?  We not only share the same birthday, but also blogs with \"diary\" in the title.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCoinkidink or astrologically predetermined?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother coinkidink or astrological predetermination:  Our readers tend to perk up and comment a lot on our cooking posts.  Coming from a Portuguese family whose food obsession rivals the Italians, I understand this phenomenon completely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI propositioned Birthday Twin Genius aka Todd:  Let\'s choose a chick food and a guy food.  We\'ll cook them in our parallel universe kitchens on two separate nights.  (Todd lives in Vegas.)  We\'ll then...well...blah blah blog about it.  A He Said/She Said blog post!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Since all men love to be propositioned in any way, shape, or form, Todd immediately accepted.  \"I like the symmetry of the idea,\" he responded.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Todd is one of those people who cut his cable so that he could build his brain with old-fashioned pursuits such as reading instead.  His choice of vocabulary almost always reflects his outrageous and controversial decision.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI replied with an \"Awesome!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I still have cable which I\'m convinced kills more brain cells than pot.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 168 was Chick Food day.  I chose Chocolate Croissants which I have been chomping at the bit to bake ever since I saw the movie<strong> <em><a href=\"http://www.itscomplicatedmovie.com/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s Complicated</a></em></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, how I absolutely adore that movie.  If you haven\'t seen it, you\'re missing out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the movie, Meryl Streep and Steve Martin relive their youth by smoking pot.  A wicked case of the munchies ensues, and they traipse off to Meryl Streep\'s bakery to whip up a batch of decadent chocolate croissants in the middle of the night.  The scene is deliciously sensual and funny at the same time, as you would expect from the brilliant Ms. Streep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI began my croissant preparation at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning.  As a guide, I used the recipe from <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>AllRecipes.com</strong></a> which was recommended by an <a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>exquisite food blog</strong></a> that I stumbled upon when googling \"It\'s Complicated Chocolate Croissants\".  Isn\'t this Internet stuff incredible?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have never met this foodie blogger, but I think she\'s the greatest thing since <del>sliced bread </del>chocolate croissants.  She is living my dream life.  In a cottage on a lake in North Carolina.  It\'s sooooo Nicholas Sparks.   Sigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaking croissants is an all-day extravaganza.  AllRecipes noted an 8 hour and 20 minute time frame.  Thus the early start time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy 8:30 a.m., the yeast had frothed and the dough had been kneaded.  I sipped my coffee while contemplating how thoroughly relaxing and therapeutic this croissant project had turned out to be.  Perhaps I\'ll be a pastry chef when I grow up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized by late morning, that I hadn\'t heard from Todd.  I wondered if he abandoned ship.  I didn\'t call him, of course.  Who does that these days?  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>How\'s your dough?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I\'ve had some minor technical setbacks this morning that necessitated a trip to the hardware store but I\'m on track again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardware store?  I wasn\'t about to open that can of worms.  I sipped more coffee and expressed gratitude for my baking prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>3 hours later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Crap.  This butter and folding stuff is confusing.  I\'m not much of a directions person.  Crap, crap, crap.  Something tells me these will be finished at bedtime.  Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs this a neurotic Sept 15 thing or is it just me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4539\" title=\"IMG00347-20110313-1429\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Uh, you\'re alone on that.  I\'m using a wine bottle as a rolling pin.  Apparently, I don\'t have one of those.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4540\" title=\"IMG_7771\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis where texting leads to miscommunication.  I was actually referring to the measuring tape, not the rolling pin.  You\'ll note an overabundance of references to lengths and widths in the <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">AllRecipes.com directions</a>.   If I was going to follow directions, then I was going to follow them implicitly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">15 minutes later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllRecipes.com directions:  \"Massage butter until pliable, but not soft and oily.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am 41, and not once have I heard of massaging butter.  Am I alone on this?  Do all of you massage butter on a regular basis?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had no clue what they were talking about, so I just started massaging away.  At first, I softened it in my hands, and then spread it out over the dough like I was finger painting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4541\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis alone was worth the price of admission.  I am here to tell you, dear readers, that butter massage has an instantaneous calming effect.  Please try this at home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>15 minutes later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> This is actually a tad stressful.  I was relaxed during the butter massage, but now I feel like a harried mess.  That Lake Cottage woman seems so zen.  But I believe that she is retired and living on a lake.  I need to go buy and install a router, shop for the week\'s groceries, write a blog post, and report to my day job tomorrow.  In the midst of all of this, I\'m detoxing from an herbal cleanse.  I won\'t go into details.  Not good timing on my part.  :-o\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>LOL.  I\'m with you.  I\'ve been tempted more than once today to chuck it all and used canned dough, but I\'m persevering because though I have 16 hours of work scheduled for today, and it\'s not going to get done (cooking or not), I need a little \"me time\" and if that means insanely complicated handmade croissants, so be it.  :-)  No kitchen experiment is without risk or lessons to be had but the most important lesson I\'ve ever learned in the kitchen is...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis was one of those really long texts that take up four messages.  Luckily, I have unlimited messages.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> ... to allow your self to fail and have fun no matter what.  The 2nd most important lesson which I\'m relearning today is make sure you buy all the junk you need before you start.  1 trip to Lowe\'s and 2 to Albertson\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> 1st lesson was very profound.  Verklempt.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I was distracted and at the Apple Store during the umpteenth dough rise.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> The cottage lady\'s kitchen is unfreakinbelievable!!!  (You can see it here:  <strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/</a></strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, Todd, I know.  I imagine the rest of her life is as impeccable as her kitchen.  I\'m sure that she has a wonderful husband, perfect children, beautiful grandchildren, and (I would bet on it!) a serene and obedient Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStark reality:  My kitchen looks nothing like Lovely Lake Cottage Lady\'s kitchen.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4542\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5 hours, several dough \"episodes\", and one chocolate shaving disaster later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVoila!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4538\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA bit overdone.  Breathe...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict:  No wonder Meryl &amp; Steve enjoyed their croissant-capades.  They were high.  You, too, would need to smoke wacky tobacky to find this process fun. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, seriously consider finding the best bakery in town and splurge on their chocolate croissants.  For the peeps in my fair city, go here:  <strong><a href=\"http://pcroissant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pcroissant.com/</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Verdict #2:  Massaging butter is a blast.  If butter is not your thing, then find a tall drink of water and massage his shoulders.  Better yet, get him to massage yours. </span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Token male readers:  Massage a woman\'s shoulders.  There\'s nothing sexier than a giver.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict #3:  I would like for the Lake Cottage Lady to adopt me. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSure this will tick my real mother off, but you can never have too many mothers.  As Hillary once said,  \"It takes a village.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I would like to be in a village with a cottage, thank you very much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInterested in the \"He Said\" version of the Chocolate Croissant Extravaganza?  Find out how Todd\'s croissants fared at <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://606diaries.com/</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nComing next week...Todd and Michelle tackle Guy Food in an unconventional way.  Be afraid.  Be very, very afraid.','Day 168:  It\'s More Than Complicated   ','','inherit','open','open','','4518-revision-34','','','2011-03-14 22:11:28','2011-03-15 05:11:28','',4518,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/4518-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(4560,1,'2011-03-14 22:16:28','2011-03-15 05:16:28','[caption id=\"attachment_4543\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"The final rise.  Nearly 12 hours later...\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-4543  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember my <a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> that I met at <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/31/day-125-wildest-wordcamp-in-the-west/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>WordCamp</strong></a>?  We not only share the same birthday, but also blogs with \"diary\" in the title.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCoinkidink or astrologically predetermined?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother coinkidink or astrological predetermination:  Our readers tend to perk up and comment a lot on our cooking posts.  Coming from a Portuguese family whose food obsession rivals the Italians, I understand this phenomenon completely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI propositioned Birthday Twin Genius aka Todd:  Let\'s choose a chick food and a guy food.  We\'ll cook them in our parallel universe kitchens on two separate nights.  (Todd lives in Vegas.)  We\'ll then...well...blah blah blog about it.  A He Said/She Said blog post!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Since all men love to be propositioned in any way, shape, or form, Todd immediately accepted.  \"I like the symmetry of the idea,\" he responded.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Todd is one of those people who cut his cable so that he could build his brain with old-fashioned pursuits such as reading instead.  His choice of vocabulary almost always reflects his outrageous and controversial decision.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI replied with an \"Awesome!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I still have cable which I\'m convinced kills more brain cells than pot.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 168 was Chick Food day.  I chose Chocolate Croissants which I have been chomping at the bit to bake ever since I saw the movie<strong> <em><a href=\"http://www.itscomplicatedmovie.com/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s Complicated</a></em></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, how I absolutely adore that movie.  If you haven\'t seen it, you\'re missing out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the movie, Meryl Streep and Steve Martin relive their youth by smoking pot.  A wicked case of the munchies ensues, and they traipse off to Meryl Streep\'s bakery to whip up a batch of decadent chocolate croissants in the middle of the night.  The scene is deliciously sensual and funny at the same time, as you would expect from the brilliant Ms. Streep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI began my croissant preparation at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning.  As a guide, I used the recipe from <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>AllRecipes.com</strong></a> which was recommended by an <a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>exquisite food blog</strong></a> that I stumbled upon when googling \"It\'s Complicated Chocolate Croissants\".  Isn\'t this Internet stuff incredible?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have never met this foodie blogger, but I think she\'s the greatest thing since <del>sliced bread </del>chocolate croissants.  She is living my dream life.  In a cottage on a lake in North Carolina.  It\'s sooooo Nicholas Sparks.   Sigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaking croissants is an all-day extravaganza.  AllRecipes noted an 8 hour and 20 minute time frame.  Thus the early start time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy 8:30 a.m., the yeast had frothed and the dough had been kneaded.  I sipped my coffee while contemplating how thoroughly relaxing and therapeutic this croissant project had turned out to be.  Perhaps I\'ll be a pastry chef when I grow up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized by late morning, that I hadn\'t heard from Todd.  I wondered if he abandoned ship.  I didn\'t call him, of course.  Who does that these days?  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>How\'s your dough?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I\'ve had some minor technical setbacks this morning that necessitated a trip to the hardware store but I\'m on track again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardware store?  I wasn\'t about to open that can of worms.  I sipped more coffee and expressed gratitude for my baking prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>3 hours later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Crap.  This butter and folding stuff is confusing.  I\'m not much of a directions person.  Crap, crap, crap.  Something tells me these will be finished at bedtime.  Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs this a neurotic Sept 15 thing or is it just me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4539\" title=\"IMG00347-20110313-1429\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Uh, you\'re alone on that.  I\'m using a wine bottle as a rolling pin.  Apparently, I don\'t have one of those.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4540\" title=\"IMG_7771\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is an example of texting miscommunication.  I was actually referring to the measuring tape, not the rolling pin.  You\'ll note an overabundance of references to lengths and widths in the <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">AllRecipes.com directions</a>.   If I was going to follow directions, then I was going to follow them implicitly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">15 minutes later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllRecipes.com directions:  \"Massage butter until pliable, but not soft and oily.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am 41, and not once have I heard of massaging butter.  Am I alone on this?  Do all of you massage butter on a regular basis?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had no clue what they were talking about, so I just started massaging away.  At first, I softened it in my hands, and then spread it out over the dough like I was finger painting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4541\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis alone was worth the price of admission.  I am here to tell you, dear readers, that butter massage has an instantaneous calming effect.  Please try this at home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>15 minutes later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> This is actually a tad stressful.  I was relaxed during the butter massage, but now I feel like a harried mess.  That Lake Cottage woman seems so zen.  But I believe that she is retired and living on a lake.  I need to go buy and install a router, shop for the week\'s groceries, write a blog post, and report to my day job tomorrow.  In the midst of all of this, I\'m detoxing from an herbal cleanse.  I won\'t go into details.  Not good timing on my part.  :-o\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>LOL.  I\'m with you.  I\'ve been tempted more than once today to chuck it all and used canned dough, but I\'m persevering because though I have 16 hours of work scheduled for today, and it\'s not going to get done (cooking or not), I need a little \"me time\" and if that means insanely complicated handmade croissants, so be it.  :-)  No kitchen experiment is without risk or lessons to be had but the most important lesson I\'ve ever learned in the kitchen is...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis was one of those really long texts that take up four messages.  Luckily, I have unlimited messages.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> ... to allow your self to fail and have fun no matter what.  The 2nd most important lesson which I\'m relearning today is make sure you buy all the junk you need before you start.  1 trip to Lowe\'s and 2 to Albertson\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> 1st lesson was very profound.  Verklempt.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I was distracted and at the Apple Store during the umpteenth dough rise.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> The cottage lady\'s kitchen is unfreakinbelievable!!!  (You can see it here:  <strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/</a></strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, Todd, I know.  I imagine the rest of her life is as impeccable as her kitchen.  I\'m sure that she has a wonderful husband, perfect children, beautiful grandchildren, and (I would bet on it!) a serene and obedient Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStark reality:  My kitchen looks nothing like Lovely Lake Cottage Lady\'s kitchen.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4542\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5 hours, several dough \"episodes\", and one chocolate shaving disaster later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVoila!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4538\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA bit overdone.  Breathe...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict:  No wonder Meryl &amp; Steve enjoyed their croissant-capades.  They were high.  You, too, would need to smoke wacky tobacky to find this process fun. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, seriously consider finding the best bakery in town and splurge on their chocolate croissants.  For the peeps in my fair city, go here:  <strong><a href=\"http://pcroissant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pcroissant.com/</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Verdict #2:  Massaging butter is a blast.  If butter is not your thing, then find a tall drink of water and massage his shoulders.  Better yet, get him to massage yours. </span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Token male readers:  Massage a woman\'s shoulders.  There\'s nothing sexier than a giver.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict #3:  I would like for the Lake Cottage Lady to adopt me. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSure this will tick my real mother off, but you can never have too many mothers.  As Hillary once said,  \"It takes a village.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I would like to be in a village with a cottage, thank you very much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInterested in the \"He Said\" version of the Chocolate Croissant Extravaganza?  Find out how Todd\'s croissants fared at <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://606diaries.com/</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nComing next week...Todd and Michelle tackle Guy Food in an unconventional way.  Be afraid.  Be very, very afraid.','Day 168:  It\'s More Than Complicated   ','','inherit','open','open','','4518-revision-35','','','2011-03-14 22:16:28','2011-03-15 05:16:28','',4518,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/4518-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(4561,1,'2011-03-14 22:20:35','2011-03-15 05:20:35','[caption id=\"attachment_4543\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"The final rise.  Nearly 12 hours later...\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-4543  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember my <a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> that I met at <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/31/day-125-wildest-wordcamp-in-the-west/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>WordCamp</strong></a>?  We not only share the same birthday, but also blogs with \"diary\" in the title.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCoinkidink or astrologically predetermined?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother coinkidink or astrological predetermination:  Our readers tend to perk up and comment a lot on our cooking posts.  Coming from a Portuguese family whose food obsession rivals the Italians, I understand this phenomenon completely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI propositioned Birthday Twin Genius aka Todd:  Let\'s choose a chick food and a guy food.  We\'ll cook them in our parallel universe kitchens on two separate nights.  (Todd lives in Vegas.)  We\'ll then...well...blah blah blog about it.  A He Said/She Said blog post!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Since all men love to be propositioned in any way, shape, or form, Todd immediately accepted.  \"I like the symmetry of the idea,\" he responded.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Todd is one of those people who cut his cable so that he could build his brain with old-fashioned pursuits such as reading instead.  His choice of vocabulary almost always reflects his outrageous and controversial decision.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI replied with an \"Awesome!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I still have cable which I\'m convinced kills more brain cells than pot.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 168 was Chick Food day.  I chose Chocolate Croissants which I have been chomping at the bit to bake ever since I saw the movie<strong> <em><a href=\"http://www.itscomplicatedmovie.com/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s Complicated</a></em></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, how I absolutely adore that movie.  If you haven\'t seen it, you\'re missing out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the movie, Meryl Streep and Steve Martin relive their youth by smoking pot.  A wicked case of the munchies ensues, and they traipse off to Meryl Streep\'s bakery to whip up a batch of decadent chocolate croissants in the middle of the night.  The scene is deliciously sensual and funny at the same time, as you would expect from the brilliant Ms. Streep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI began my croissant preparation at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning.  As a guide, I used the recipe from <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>AllRecipes.com</strong></a> which was recommended by an <a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>exquisite food blog</strong></a> that I stumbled upon when googling \"It\'s Complicated Chocolate Croissants\".  Isn\'t this Internet stuff incredible?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have never met this foodie blogger, but I think she\'s the greatest thing since <del>sliced bread </del>chocolate croissants.  She is living my dream life.  In a cottage on a lake in North Carolina.  It\'s sooooo Nicholas Sparks.   Sigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaking croissants is an all-day extravaganza.  AllRecipes noted an 8 hour and 20 minute time frame.  Thus the early start time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy 8:30 a.m., the yeast had frothed and the dough had been kneaded.  I sipped my coffee while contemplating how thoroughly relaxing and therapeutic this croissant project had turned out to be.  Perhaps I\'ll be a pastry chef when I grow up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized by late morning, that I hadn\'t heard from Todd.  I wondered if he abandoned ship.  I didn\'t call him, of course.  Who does that these days?  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>How\'s your dough?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I\'ve had some minor technical setbacks this morning that necessitated a trip to the hardware store but I\'m on track again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardware store?  I wasn\'t about to open that can of worms.  I sipped more coffee and expressed gratitude for my baking prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>3 hours later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Crap.  This butter and folding stuff is confusing.  I\'m not much of a directions person.  Crap, crap, crap.  Something tells me these will be finished at bedtime.  Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs this a neurotic Sept 15 thing or is it just me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4539\" title=\"IMG00347-20110313-1429\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Uh, you\'re alone on that.  I\'m using a wine bottle as a rolling pin.  Apparently, I don\'t have one of those.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4540\" title=\"IMG_7771\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is an example of texting miscommunication.  I was actually referring to the measuring tape, not the rolling pin.  You\'ll note an overabundance of references to lengths and widths in the <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">AllRecipes.com directions</a>.   If I was going to follow directions, then I was going to follow them implicitly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">15 minutes later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllRecipes.com directions:  \"Massage butter until pliable, but not soft and oily.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am 41, and not once have I heard of massaging butter.  Am I alone on this?  Do all of you massage butter on a regular basis?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had no clue what they were talking about, so I just started massaging away.  At first, I softened it in my hands, and then spread it out over the dough like I was finger painting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4541\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis alone was worth the price of admission.  I am here to tell you, dear readers, that butter massage has an instantaneous calming effect.  Please try this at home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>15 minutes later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> This is actually a tad stressful.  I was relaxed during the butter massage, but now I feel like a harried mess.  That Lake Cottage woman seems so zen.  But I believe that she is retired and living on a lake.  I need to go buy and install a router, shop for the week\'s groceries, write a blog post, and report to my day job tomorrow.  In the midst of all of this, I\'m detoxing from an herbal cleanse.  I won\'t go into details.  Not good timing on my part.  :-o\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>LOL.  I\'m with you.  I\'ve been tempted more than once today to chuck it all and used canned dough, but I\'m persevering because though I have 16 hours of work scheduled for today, and it\'s not going to get done (cooking or not), I need a little \"me time\" and if that means insanely complicated handmade croissants, so be it.  :-)  No kitchen experiment is without risk or lessons to be had but the most important lesson I\'ve ever learned in the kitchen is...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(This was one of those really long texts that take up four messages.  Luckily, I have unlimited messages.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> ... to allow your self to fail and have fun no matter what.  The 2nd most important lesson which I\'m relearning today is make sure you buy all the junk you need before you start.  1 trip to Lowe\'s and 2 to Albertson\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> 1st lesson was very profound.  Verklempt.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I was distracted and at the Apple Store during the umpteenth dough rise.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> The cottage lady\'s kitchen is unfreakinbelievable!!!  (You can see it here:  <strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/</a></strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, Todd, I know.  I imagine the rest of her life is as impeccable as her kitchen.  I\'m sure that she has a wonderful husband, perfect children, beautiful grandchildren, and (I would bet on it!) a serene and obedient Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStark reality:  My kitchen looks nothing like Lovely Lake Cottage Lady\'s kitchen.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4542\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5 hours, several dough \"episodes\", and one chocolate shaving disaster later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVoila!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4538\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA bit overdone.  Breathe...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict:  No wonder Meryl &amp; Steve enjoyed their croissant-capades.  They were high.  You, too, would need to smoke wacky tobacky to find this process fun. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, seriously consider finding the best bakery in town and splurge on their chocolate croissants.  For the peeps in my fair city, go here:  <strong><a href=\"http://pcroissant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pcroissant.com/</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Verdict #2:  Massaging butter is a blast.  If butter is not your thing, then find a tall drink of water and massage his shoulders.  Better yet, get him to massage yours. </span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Token male readers:  Massage a woman\'s shoulders.  There\'s nothing sexier than a giver.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict #3:  I would like for the Lake Cottage Lady to adopt me. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSure this will tick my real mother off, but you can never have too many mothers.  As Hillary once said,  \"It takes a village.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I would like to be in a village with a cottage, thank you very much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInterested in the \"He Said\" version of the Chocolate Croissant Extravaganza?  Find out how Todd\'s croissants fared at <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://606diaries.com/</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nComing next week...Todd and Michelle tackle Guy Food in an unconventional way.  Be afraid.  Be very, very afraid.','Day 168:  It\'s More Than Complicated   ','','inherit','open','open','','4518-revision-36','','','2011-03-14 22:20:35','2011-03-15 05:20:35','',4518,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/4518-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(4562,1,'2011-03-14 22:21:57','2011-03-15 05:21:57','[caption id=\"attachment_4543\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"The final rise.  Nearly 12 hours later...\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-4543  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember my <a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> that I met at <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/31/day-125-wildest-wordcamp-in-the-west/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>WordCamp</strong></a>?  We not only share the same birthday, but also blogs with \"diary\" in the title.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCoinkidink or astrologically predetermined?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother coinkidink or astrological predetermination:  Our readers tend to perk up and comment a lot on our cooking posts.  Coming from a Portuguese family whose food obsession rivals the Italians, I understand this phenomenon completely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI propositioned Birthday Twin Genius aka Todd:  Let\'s choose a chick food and a guy food.  We\'ll cook them in our parallel universe kitchens on two separate nights.  (Todd lives in Vegas.)  We\'ll then...well...blah blah blog about it.  A He Said/She Said blog post!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Since all men love to be propositioned in any way, shape, or form, Todd immediately accepted.  \"I like the symmetry of the idea,\" he responded.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Todd is one of those people who cut his cable so that he could build his brain with old-fashioned pursuits such as reading instead.  His choice of vocabulary almost always reflects his outrageous and controversial decision.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI replied with an \"Awesome!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I still have cable which I\'m convinced kills more brain cells than pot.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 168 was Chick Food day.  I chose Chocolate Croissants which I have been chomping at the bit to bake ever since I saw the movie<strong> <em><a href=\"http://www.itscomplicatedmovie.com/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s Complicated</a></em></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, how I absolutely adore that movie.  If you haven\'t seen it, you\'re missing out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the movie, Meryl Streep and Steve Martin relive their youth by smoking pot.  A wicked case of the munchies ensues, and they traipse off to Meryl Streep\'s bakery to whip up a batch of decadent chocolate croissants in the middle of the night.  The scene is deliciously sensual and funny at the same time, as you would expect from the brilliant Ms. Streep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI began my croissant preparation at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning.  As a guide, I used the recipe from <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>AllRecipes.com</strong></a> which was recommended by an <a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>exquisite food blog</strong></a> that I stumbled upon when googling \"It\'s Complicated Chocolate Croissants\".  Isn\'t this Internet stuff incredible?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have never met this foodie blogger, but I think she\'s the greatest thing since <del>sliced bread </del>chocolate croissants.  She is living my dream life.  In a cottage on a lake in North Carolina.  It\'s sooooo Nicholas Sparks.   Sigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaking croissants is an all-day extravaganza.  AllRecipes noted an 8 hour and 20 minute time frame.  Thus the early start time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy 8:30 a.m., the yeast had frothed and the dough had been kneaded.  I sipped my coffee while contemplating how thoroughly relaxing and therapeutic this croissant project had turned out to be.  Perhaps I\'ll be a pastry chef when I grow up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized by late morning, that I hadn\'t heard from Todd.  I wondered if he abandoned ship.  I didn\'t call him, of course.  Who does that these days?  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>How\'s your dough?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I\'ve had some minor technical setbacks this morning that necessitated a trip to the hardware store but I\'m on track again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardware store?  I wasn\'t about to open that can of worms.  I sipped more coffee and expressed gratitude for my baking prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>3 hours later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Crap.  This butter and folding stuff is confusing.  I\'m not much of a directions person.  Crap, crap, crap.  Something tells me these will be finished at bedtime.  Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs this a neurotic Sept 15 thing or is it just me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4539\" title=\"IMG00347-20110313-1429\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Uh, you\'re alone on that.  I\'m using a wine bottle as a rolling pin.  Apparently, I don\'t have one of those.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4540\" title=\"IMG_7771\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is an example of texting miscommunication.  I was actually referring to the measuring tape, not the rolling pin.  You\'ll note an overabundance of references to lengths and widths in the <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">AllRecipes.com directions</a>.   If I was going to follow directions, then I was going to follow them implicitly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">15 minutes later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllRecipes.com directions:  \"Massage butter until pliable, but not soft and oily.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am 41, and not once have I heard of massaging butter.  Am I alone on this?  Do all of you massage butter on a regular basis?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had no clue what they were talking about, so I just started massaging away.  At first, I softened it in my hands, and then spread it out over the dough like I was finger painting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4541\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis alone was worth the price of admission.  I am here to tell you, dear readers, that butter massage has an instantaneous calming effect.  Please try this at home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>15 minutes later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> This is actually a tad stressful.  I was relaxed during the butter massage, but now I feel like a harried mess.  That Lake Cottage woman seems so zen.  But I believe that she is retired and living on a lake.  I need to go buy and install a router, shop for the week\'s groceries, write a blog post, and report to my day job tomorrow.  In the midst of all of this, I\'m detoxing from an herbal cleanse.  I won\'t go into details.  Not good timing on my part.  :-o\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>LOL.  I\'m with you.  I\'ve been tempted more than once today to chuck it all and used canned dough, but I\'m persevering because though I have 16 hours of work scheduled for today, and it\'s not going to get done (cooking or not), I need a little \"me time\" and if that means insanely complicated handmade croissants, so be it.  :-)  No kitchen experiment is without risk or lessons to be had but the most important lesson I\'ve ever learned in the kitchen is...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(This was one of those really long texts that take up four messages.  Luckily, I have unlimited messages.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> ... to allow your self to fail and have fun no matter what.  The 2nd most important lesson which I\'m relearning today is make sure you buy all the junk you need before you start.  1 trip to Lowe\'s and 2 to Albertson\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> 1st lesson was very profound.  Verklempt.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I was distracted and at the Apple Store during the umpteenth dough rise.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> The cottage lady\'s kitchen is unfreakinbelievable!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(You can see dream cottage kitchen here:  <strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/</a></strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, Todd, I know.  I imagine the rest of her life is as impeccable as her kitchen.  I\'m sure that she has a wonderful husband, perfect children, beautiful grandchildren, and (I would bet on it!) a serene and obedient Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStark reality:  My kitchen looks nothing like Lovely Lake Cottage Lady\'s kitchen.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4542\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5 hours, several dough \"episodes\", and one chocolate shaving disaster later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVoila!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4538\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA bit overdone.  Breathe...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict:  No wonder Meryl &amp; Steve enjoyed their croissant-capades.  They were high.  You, too, would need to smoke wacky tobacky to find this process fun. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, seriously consider finding the best bakery in town and splurge on their chocolate croissants.  For the peeps in my fair city, go here:  <strong><a href=\"http://pcroissant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pcroissant.com/</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Verdict #2:  Massaging butter is a blast.  If butter is not your thing, then find a tall drink of water and massage his shoulders.  Better yet, get him to massage yours. </span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Token male readers:  Massage a woman\'s shoulders.  There\'s nothing sexier than a giver.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict #3:  I would like for the Lake Cottage Lady to adopt me. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSure this will tick my real mother off, but you can never have too many mothers.  As Hillary once said,  \"It takes a village.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I would like to be in a village with a cottage, thank you very much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInterested in the \"He Said\" version of the Chocolate Croissant Extravaganza?  Find out how Todd\'s croissants fared at <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://606diaries.com/</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nComing next week...Todd and Michelle tackle Guy Food in an unconventional way.  Be afraid.  Be very, very afraid.','Day 168:  It\'s More Than Complicated   ','','inherit','open','open','','4518-revision-37','','','2011-03-14 22:21:57','2011-03-15 05:21:57','',4518,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/4518-revision-37/',0,'revision','',0),(4563,1,'2011-03-14 22:56:51','2011-03-15 05:56:51','[caption id=\"attachment_4543\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"The final rise.  Nearly 12 hours later...\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-4543  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember my <a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> that I met at <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/31/day-125-wildest-wordcamp-in-the-west/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>WordCamp</strong></a>?  We not only share the same birthday, but also blogs with \"diary\" in the title.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCoinkidink or astrologically predetermined?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother coinkidink or astrological predetermination:  Our readers tend to perk up and comment a lot on our cooking posts.  Coming from a Portuguese family whose food obsession rivals the Italians, I understand this phenomenon completely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI propositioned Birthday Twin Genius aka Todd:  Let\'s choose a chick food and a guy food.  We\'ll cook them in our parallel universe kitchens on two separate nights.  (Todd lives in Vegas.)  We\'ll then...well...blah blah blog about it.  A He Said/She Said blog post!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Since all men love to be propositioned in any way, shape, or form, Todd immediately accepted.  \"I like the symmetry of the idea,\" he responded.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Todd is one of those people who cut his cable so that he could build his brain with old-fashioned pursuits such as reading instead.  His choice of vocabulary almost always reflects his outrageous and controversial decision.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI replied with an \"Awesome!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I still have cable which I\'m convinced kills more brain cells than pot.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 168 was Chick Food day.  I chose Chocolate Croissants which I have been chomping at the bit to bake ever since I saw the movie<strong> <em><a href=\"http://www.itscomplicatedmovie.com/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s Complicated</a></em></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, how I absolutely adore that movie.  If you haven\'t seen it, you\'re missing out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the movie, Meryl Streep and Steve Martin relive their youth by smoking pot.  A wicked case of the munchies ensues, and they traipse off to Meryl Streep\'s bakery to whip up a batch of decadent chocolate croissants in the middle of the night.  The scene is deliciously sensual and funny at the same time, as you would expect from the brilliant Ms. Streep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI began my croissant preparation at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning.  As a guide, I used the recipe from <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>AllRecipes.com</strong></a> which was recommended by an <a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>exquisite food blog</strong></a> that I stumbled upon when googling \"It\'s Complicated Chocolate Croissants\".  Isn\'t this Internet stuff incredible?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have never met this foodie blogger, but I think she\'s the greatest thing since <del>sliced bread </del>chocolate croissants.  She is living my dream life.  In a cottage on a lake in North Carolina.  It\'s sooooo Nicholas Sparks.   Sigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaking croissants is an all-day extravaganza.  AllRecipes noted an 8 hour and 20 minute time frame.  Thus the early start time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy 8:30 a.m., the yeast had frothed and the dough had been kneaded.  I sipped my coffee while contemplating how thoroughly relaxing and therapeutic this croissant project had turned out to be.  Perhaps I\'ll be a pastry chef when I grow up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized by late morning, that I hadn\'t heard from Todd.  I wondered if he abandoned ship.  I didn\'t call him, of course.  Who does that these days?  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>How\'s your dough?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I\'ve had some minor technical setbacks this morning that necessitated a trip to the hardware store but I\'m on track again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardware store?  I wasn\'t about to open that can of worms.  I sipped more coffee and expressed gratitude for my baking prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>3 hours later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Crap.  This butter and folding stuff is confusing.  I\'m not much of a directions person.  Crap, crap, crap.  Something tells me these will be finished at bedtime.  Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs this a neurotic Sept 15 thing or is it just me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4539\" title=\"IMG00347-20110313-1429\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Uh, you\'re alone on that.  I\'m using a wine bottle as a rolling pin.  Apparently, I don\'t have one of those.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4540\" title=\"IMG_7771\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is an example of texting miscommunication.  I was actually referring to the measuring tape, not the rolling pin.  You\'ll note an overabundance of references to lengths and widths in the <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">AllRecipes.com directions</a>.   If I was going to follow directions, then I was going to follow them implicitly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">15 minutes later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllRecipes.com directions:  \"Massage butter until pliable, but not soft and oily.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am 41, and not once have I heard of massaging butter.  Am I alone on this?  Do all of you massage butter on a regular basis?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had no clue what they were talking about, so I just started massaging away.  At first, I softened it in my hands, and then spread it out over the dough like I was finger painting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4541\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis alone was worth the price of admission.  I am here to tell you, dear readers, that butter massage has an instantaneous calming effect.  Please try this at home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>15 minutes later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> This is actually a tad stressful.  I was relaxed during the butter massage, but now I feel like a harried mess.  That Lake Cottage woman seems so zen.  But I believe that she is retired and living on a lake.  I need to go buy and install a router, shop for the week\'s groceries, write a blog post, and report to my day job tomorrow.  In the midst of all of this, I\'m detoxing from an herbal cleanse.  I won\'t go into details.  Not good timing on my part.  :-o\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>LOL.  I\'m with you.  I\'ve been tempted more than once today to chuck it all and used canned dough, but I\'m persevering because though I have 16 hours of work scheduled for today, and it\'s not going to get done (cooking or not), I need a little \"me time\" and if that means insanely complicated handmade croissants, so be it.  :-)  No kitchen experiment is without risk or lessons to be had but the most important lesson I\'ve ever learned in the kitchen is...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(This was one of those really long texts that take up four messages.  Luckily, I have unlimited messages.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> ... to allow your self to fail and have fun no matter what.  The 2nd most important lesson which I\'m relearning today is make sure you buy all the junk you need before you start.  1 trip to Lowe\'s and 2 to Albertson\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> 1st lesson was very profound.  Verklempt.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I was distracted and at the Apple Store during the umpteenth dough rise.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> The cottage lady\'s kitchen is unfreakinbelievable!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(You can see dream cottage kitchen here:  <strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/</a></strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, Todd, I know.  I imagine the rest of her life is as impeccable as her kitchen.  I\'m sure that she has a wonderful husband, perfect children, beautiful grandchildren, and (I would bet on it!) a serene and obedient Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStark reality:  My kitchen looks nothing like Lovely Lake Cottage Lady\'s kitchen.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4542\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5 hours, several dough \"episodes\", and one chocolate shaving disaster later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVoila!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4538\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA bit overdone.  Breathe...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict:  No wonder Meryl &amp; Steve enjoyed their croissant-capades.  They were high.  You, too, would need to smoke wacky tobacky to find this process fun. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, seriously consider finding the best bakery in town and splurge on their chocolate croissants.  For the peeps in my fair city, go here:  <strong><a href=\"http://pcroissant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pcroissant.com/</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Verdict #2:  Massaging butter is a blast.  If butter is not your thing, then find a tall drink of water and massage his shoulders.  Better yet, get him to massage yours. </span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Token male readers:  Massage a woman\'s shoulders.  There\'s nothing sexier than a giver.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict #3:  I would like for the Lake Cottage Lady to adopt me. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSure this will tick my real mother off, but you can never have too many mothers.  As Hillary once said,  \"It takes a village.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I would like to be in a village with a cottage, thank you very much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInterested in the \"He Said\" version of the Chocolate Croissant Extravaganza?  Find out how Todd\'s croissants fared at <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://606diaries.com/</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nComing next week...Todd and Michelle tackle Guy Food in an unconventional way.  Be afraid.  Be very, very afraid.','Day 168:  It\'s More Than Complicated   ','','inherit','open','open','','4518-revision-38','','','2011-03-14 22:56:51','2011-03-15 05:56:51','',4518,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/4518-revision-38/',0,'revision','',0),(4565,1,'2011-03-15 11:47:06','2011-03-15 18:47:06','','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit.  (It looked just like an Oreo.  I couldn\'t help myself.','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision','','','2011-03-15 11:47:06','2011-03-15 18:47:06','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(4566,1,'2011-03-15 11:47:09','2011-03-15 18:47:09','','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit.  (It looked just like an Oreo.  I couldn\'t help myself.)','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-2','','','2011-03-15 11:47:09','2011-03-15 18:47:09','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(4568,1,'2011-03-15 12:20:25','2011-03-15 19:20:25','I\'ve really lost it now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThese dog biscuits look just like Oreos though!  I couldn\'t help myself!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-3','','','2011-03-15 12:20:25','2011-03-15 19:20:25','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(4569,1,'2011-03-15 12:23:51','2011-03-15 19:23:51','I\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits look just like Oreos though!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\">\r\n<param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" />\r\n<param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" />\r\n<param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" />\r\n<param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&songIDs=24177100&style=metal&p=0\" />\r\n<embed src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\"\r\nflashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&songIDs=24177100&style=metal&p=0\" allowScriptAccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\" />\r\n</object>\r\n                            ','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-4','','','2011-03-15 12:23:51','2011-03-15 19:23:51','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(4570,1,'2011-03-15 12:26:46','2011-03-15 19:26:46','I\'ve really lost it now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThese dog biscuits look just like Oreos though!  I couldn\'t help myself!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\n                            \n                            ','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-5','','','2011-03-15 12:26:46','2011-03-15 19:26:46','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(4571,1,'2011-03-15 12:38:21','2011-03-15 19:38:21','Although I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve really lost it now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained open for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVerdict:  They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re much better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-6','','','2011-03-15 12:38:21','2011-03-15 19:38:21','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(4572,1,'2011-03-15 12:38:55','2011-03-15 19:38:55','Although I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained open for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-7','','','2011-03-15 12:38:55','2011-03-15 19:38:55','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(4573,1,'2011-03-15 12:39:47','2011-03-15 19:39:47','Although I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained open for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-8','','','2011-03-15 12:39:47','2011-03-15 19:39:47','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(4574,1,'2011-03-15 12:40:42','2011-03-15 19:40:42','Although I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained open for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-9','','','2011-03-15 12:40:42','2011-03-15 19:40:42','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(4575,1,'2011-03-15 12:41:29','2011-03-15 19:41:29','Although I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-10','','','2011-03-15 12:41:29','2011-03-15 19:41:29','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(4576,1,'2011-03-14 22:57:35','2011-03-15 05:57:35','[caption id=\"attachment_4543\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"The final rise.  Nearly 12 hours later...\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-4543  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember my <a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> that I met at <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/31/day-125-wildest-wordcamp-in-the-west/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>WordCamp</strong></a>?  We not only share the same birthday, but also blogs with \"diary\" in the title.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCoinkidink or astrologically predetermined?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother coinkidink or astrological predetermination:  Our readers tend to perk up and comment a lot on our cooking posts.  Coming from a Portuguese family whose food obsession rivals the Italians, I understand this phenomenon completely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI propositioned Birthday Twin Genius aka Todd:  Let\'s choose a chick food and a guy food.  We\'ll cook them in our parallel universe kitchens on two separate nights.  (Todd lives in Vegas.)  We\'ll then...well...blah blah blog about it.  A He Said/She Said blog post!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Since all men love to be propositioned in any way, shape, or form, Todd immediately accepted.  \"I like the symmetry of the idea,\" he responded.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Todd is one of those people who cut his cable so that he could build his brain with old-fashioned pursuits such as reading instead.  His choice of vocabulary almost always reflects his outrageous and controversial decision.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI replied with an \"Awesome!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I still have cable which I\'m convinced kills more brain cells than pot.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 168 was Chick Food day.  I chose Chocolate Croissants which I have been chomping at the bit to bake ever since I saw the movie<strong> <em><a href=\"http://www.itscomplicatedmovie.com/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s Complicated</a></em></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, how I absolutely adore that movie.  If you haven\'t seen it, you\'re missing out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the movie, Meryl Streep and Steve Martin relive their youth by smoking pot.  A wicked case of the munchies ensues, and they traipse off to Meryl Streep\'s bakery to whip up a batch of decadent chocolate croissants in the middle of the night.  The scene is deliciously sensual and funny at the same time, as you would expect from the brilliant Ms. Streep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI began my croissant preparation at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning.  As a guide, I used the recipe from <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>AllRecipes.com</strong></a> which was recommended by an <a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>exquisite food blog</strong></a> that I stumbled upon when googling \"It\'s Complicated Chocolate Croissants\".  Isn\'t this Internet stuff incredible?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have never met this foodie blogger, but I think she\'s the greatest thing since <del>sliced bread </del>chocolate croissants.  She is living my dream life.  In a cottage on a lake in North Carolina.  It\'s sooooo Nicholas Sparks.   Sigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaking croissants is an all-day extravaganza.  AllRecipes noted an 8 hour and 20 minute time frame.  Thus the early start time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy 8:30 a.m., the yeast had frothed and the dough had been kneaded.  I sipped my coffee while contemplating how thoroughly relaxing and therapeutic this croissant project had turned out to be.  Perhaps I\'ll be a pastry chef when I grow up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized by late morning, that I hadn\'t heard from Todd.  I wondered if he abandoned ship.  I didn\'t call him, of course.  Who does that these days?  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>How\'s your dough?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I\'ve had some minor technical setbacks this morning that necessitated a trip to the hardware store but I\'m on track again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardware store?  I wasn\'t about to open that can of worms.  I sipped more coffee and expressed gratitude for my baking prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>3 hours later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Crap.  This butter and folding stuff is confusing.  I\'m not much of a directions person.  Crap, crap, crap.  Something tells me these will be finished at bedtime.  Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs this a neurotic Sept 15 thing or is it just me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4539\" title=\"IMG00347-20110313-1429\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Uh, you\'re alone on that.  I\'m using a wine bottle as a rolling pin.  Apparently, I don\'t have one of those.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4540\" title=\"IMG_7771\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is an example of texting miscommunication.  I was actually referring to the measuring tape, not the rolling pin.  You\'ll note an overabundance of references to lengths and widths in the <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">AllRecipes.com directions</a>.   If I was going to follow directions, then I was going to follow them implicitly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">15 minutes later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllRecipes.com directions:  \"Massage butter until pliable, but not soft and oily.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am 41, and not once have I heard of massaging butter.  Am I alone on this?  Do all of you massage butter on a regular basis?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had no clue what they were talking about, so I just started massaging away.  At first, I softened it in my hands, and then spread it out over the dough like I was finger painting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4541\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis alone was worth the price of admission.  I am here to tell you, dear readers, that butter massage has an instantaneous calming effect.  Please try this at home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>15 minutes later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> This is actually a tad stressful.  I was relaxed during the butter massage, but now I feel like a harried mess.  That Lake Cottage woman seems so zen.  But I believe that she is retired and living on a lake.  I need to go buy and install a router, shop for the week\'s groceries, write a blog post, and report to my day job tomorrow.  In the midst of all of this, I\'m detoxing from an herbal cleanse.  I won\'t go into details.  Not good timing on my part.  :-o\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>LOL.  I\'m with you.  I\'ve been tempted more than once today to chuck it all and used canned dough, but I\'m persevering because though I have 16 hours of work scheduled for today, and it\'s not going to get done (cooking or not), I need a little \"me time\" and if that means insanely complicated handmade croissants, so be it.  :-)  No kitchen experiment is without risk or lessons to be had but the most important lesson I\'ve ever learned in the kitchen is...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(This was one of those really long texts that take up four messages.  Luckily, I have unlimited messages.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> ... to allow your self to fail and have fun no matter what.  The 2nd most important lesson which I\'m relearning today is make sure you buy all the junk you need before you start.  1 trip to Lowe\'s and 2 to Albertson\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> 1st lesson was very profound.  Verklempt.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I was distracted and at the Apple Store during the umpteenth dough rise.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> The cottage lady\'s kitchen is unfreakinbelievable!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(You can see dream cottage kitchen here:  <strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/</a></strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, Todd, I know.  I imagine the rest of her life is as impeccable as her kitchen.  I\'m sure that she has a wonderful husband, perfect children, beautiful grandchildren, and (you can bet on it!) a serene and obedient Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStark reality:  My kitchen looks nothing like Lovely Lake Cottage Lady\'s kitchen.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4542\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5 hours, several dough \"episodes\", and one chocolate shaving disaster later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVoila!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4538\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA bit overdone.  Breathe...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict:  No wonder Meryl &amp; Steve enjoyed their croissant-capades.  They were high.  You, too, would need to smoke wacky tobacky to find this process fun. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, seriously consider finding the best bakery in town and splurge on their chocolate croissants.  For the peeps in my fair city, go here:  <strong><a href=\"http://pcroissant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pcroissant.com/</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Verdict #2:  Massaging butter is a blast.  If butter is not your thing, then find a tall drink of water and massage his shoulders.  Better yet, get him to massage yours. </span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Token male readers:  Massage a woman\'s shoulders.  There\'s nothing sexier than a giver.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict #3:  I would like for the Lake Cottage Lady to adopt me. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSure this will tick my real mother off, but you can never have too many mothers.  As Hillary once said,  \"It takes a village.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I would like to be in a village with a cottage, thank you very much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInterested in the \"He Said\" version of the Chocolate Croissant Extravaganza?  Find out how Todd\'s croissants fared at <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://606diaries.com/</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nComing next week...Todd and Michelle tackle Guy Food in an unconventional way.  Be afraid.  Be very, very afraid.','Day 168:  It\'s More Than Complicated   ','','inherit','open','open','','4518-revision-39','','','2011-03-14 22:57:35','2011-03-15 05:57:35','',4518,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/4518-revision-39/',0,'revision','',0),(4578,1,'2011-03-15 21:11:49','2011-03-16 04:11:49','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4588\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve really lost it now.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.exclusivelypet.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=110&amp;Itemid=87\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4589\" title=\"Sandwich_Carob\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1-197x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"197\" height=\"300\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" wmode=\"window\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-autosave','','','2011-03-15 21:11:49','2011-03-16 04:11:49','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(4580,1,'2011-03-15 12:41:53','2011-03-15 19:41:53','Although I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-11','','','2011-03-15 12:41:53','2011-03-15 19:41:53','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(4581,1,'2011-03-15 20:13:20','2011-03-16 03:13:20','','P3140007.JPG','','inherit','open','open','','p3140007-jpg','','','2011-03-15 20:13:20','2011-03-16 03:13:20','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P31400078.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4583,1,'2011-03-15 19:54:19','2011-03-16 02:54:19','Although I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" wmode=\"window\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-12','','','2011-03-15 19:54:19','2011-03-16 02:54:19','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(4716,1,'2011-03-23 01:11:43','2011-03-23 08:11:43','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/4233759968/sizes/m/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4720\" title=\"4233759968_73965d5f77\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/4233759968_73965d5f77-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>There is a Quiet Room within the hallways of the Noble Publishing Superpower that is my employer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIntriguing, is it not?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho uses the Quiet Room, you ask?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMoms who need to pump their breast milk.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSorry.  You asked.  (Sort of.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho else uses the Quiet Room, you are afraid to ask?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPeople who need to make private calls on their cell phones.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(See?  You didn\'t need to be afraid after all.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAny other uses for the Quiet Room?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYep.  I created this reason on Day 176:  The Power Nap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/22/day-175-baking-lasagna-in-the-dishwasher/\" target=\"_blank\">Cooking dishwasher lasagna and all of its accompanying \"side dishes\" on Day 175 was exhausting.</a></strong> I was dragging at work and in dire need of a 10 minute Power Nap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo instead of taking a coffee break, I headed to the Quiet Room instead.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Quiet Room has a comfy (not really) chair, a blanket, and a heart shaped pillow.  How sweet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI set my crackberry alarm for 15 minutes (I thought it might take me 5 to fall asleep), turned off the lights, and curled up on the floor with the blankie and pillow.  (I\'m a former early childhood teacher, so I\'m used to hanging out on the floor.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff6600;\"><strong>My mind soon turned to bed bugs. </strong></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">I am my mother\'s child.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI wondered who before me used this blankie and pillow.  Do these colleagues of mine reside in a bed bug infested home, and could they have possibly transferred their bed bud infestation to the sacred Quiet Room?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was too tired to care and kept nestling into the pillow and blankie.  I am my father\'s child.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then heard someone turning the door knob.  Great.  It was locked, but still.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWere they going to wait outside the door while wondering what the heck I was doing in a pitch black room? <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff6600;\"><strong> Does the breast pumping brigade keep the lights on or off? </strong></span> I had no idea.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI moved to the chair in case someone retrieved the key from HR to break into the room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI couldn\'t position myself comfortably in the not-so-comfy chair, which didn\'t matter anyhow because my blackberry alarm startled me into an upright position.  I turned on the lights and hoped beyond hope that no one was lurking in the hallway.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI opened the door to emptiness.  Whew!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff6600;\"><strong>Corporate America, can you make it easier on us?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe have heard of the benefits of the Power Nap for 20+ years now!  You know it\'s going to make us more effective during the mid-afternoon slump.  What\'s the big deal?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs a former early childhood teacher, may I suggest cots, blankies and pillows?  (Bed bug-free, please.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe can shut out the building lights at 2 p.m.  <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>We are a \"green\" company.  This is a good \"green\" thing as well.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n15 minutes is all we need to feel thoroughly re-energized and ready to make you more money.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMilk and cookies optional.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPretty please?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 176:  The Quiet Room ','','publish','open','open','','day-176-the-quiet-room','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/22/day-175-baking-lasagna-in-the-dishwasher/','2011-03-22 21:20:16','2011-03-23 04:20:16','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=4716',0,'post','',7),(4592,1,'2011-03-15 21:05:45','2011-03-16 04:05:45','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4588\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Although I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4589\" title=\"Sandwich_Carob\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1-197x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"197\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-17','','','2011-03-15 21:05:45','2011-03-16 04:05:45','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(4584,1,'2011-03-15 20:13:26','2011-03-16 03:13:26','<p><img style=\"float: left;\" title=\"P3140007.JPG\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P31400079.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"P3140007\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></p>\n<p>Although I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>I\'ve really lost it now.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>These dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>Bella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>What would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!</p>\n<p> </p>\n<p> </p>\n<p>\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\">\n<param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" />\n<param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" />\n<param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" />\n<param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" wmode=\"window\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\"></embed>\n</object>\n</p>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-13','','','2011-03-15 20:13:26','2011-03-16 03:13:26','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(4585,1,'2011-03-15 20:14:06','2011-03-16 03:14:06','<img style=\"float: left;\" title=\"P3140007.JPG\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P31400079.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"P3140007\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" />\r\n\r\nAlthough I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-14','','','2011-03-15 20:14:06','2011-03-16 03:14:06','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(4836,1,'2011-03-30 16:21:57','2011-03-30 23:21:57','','Day 183:  We\'re at the Half Way','','inherit','open','open','','4835-revision','','','2011-03-30 16:21:57','2011-03-30 23:21:57','',4835,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/30/4835-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(4588,1,'2011-03-15 21:02:24','2011-03-16 04:02:24','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-262','','','2011-03-15 21:02:24','2011-03-16 04:02:24','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4589,1,'2011-03-15 21:04:49','2011-03-16 04:04:49','','Sandwich_Carob','','inherit','open','open','','sandwich_carob','','','2011-03-15 21:04:49','2011-03-16 04:04:49','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4590,1,'2011-03-15 20:17:48','2011-03-16 03:17:48','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-15','','','2011-03-15 20:17:48','2011-03-16 03:17:48','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(4591,1,'2011-03-15 21:05:32','2011-03-16 04:05:32','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4588\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Although I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4589\" title=\"Sandwich_Carob\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1-197x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"197\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" wmode=\"window\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-16','','','2011-03-15 21:05:32','2011-03-16 04:05:32','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(4593,1,'2011-03-15 21:08:20','2011-03-16 04:08:20','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4588\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>Although I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4589\" title=\"Sandwich_Carob\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1-197x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"197\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" wmode=\"window\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-18','','','2011-03-15 21:08:20','2011-03-16 04:08:20','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(4594,1,'2011-03-15 21:09:52','2011-03-16 04:09:52','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4588\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4589\" title=\"Sandwich_Carob\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1-197x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"197\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-19','','','2011-03-15 21:09:52','2011-03-16 04:09:52','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(4595,1,'2011-03-15 21:11:55','2011-03-16 04:11:55','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4588\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.exclusivelypet.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=110&amp;Itemid=87\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4589\" title=\"Sandwich_Carob\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1-197x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"197\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" wmode=\"window\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\"></embed></object>','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-20','','','2011-03-15 21:11:55','2011-03-16 04:11:55','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(4596,1,'2011-03-15 21:14:35','2011-03-16 04:14:35','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4588\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P314000712-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough I believe it was technically a dog \"cookie\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve really lost it now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThese dog biscuits/cookies look just like Oreos!  I couldn\'t help myself!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBella received them as an obedience school graduation gift from her trainer.  They remained unopened for quite some time, as Little Miss B had many other treat bags already opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat would you do if you were handing over Oreo wannabes to your dog?  Wouldn\'t you be the slightest bit curious?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.exclusivelypet.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=110&amp;Itemid=87\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4589\" title=\"Sandwich_Carob\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sandwich_Carob1-197x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"197\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> They\'re sweet.  Now I understand why Little Miss B literally spins in circles for them.  They\'re <em>much</em> better than the purple Scooby Doo dog biscuit that I sampled when I was in first grade.  Dog treats have come a long way, baby!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<object width=\"250\" height=\"400\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" /><param name=\"wmode\" value=\"window\" /><param name=\"allowScriptAccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"flashvars\" value=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"250\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://listen.grooveshark.com/widget.swf\" flashvars=\"hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&amp;songIDs=24177100&amp;style=metal&amp;p=0\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" wmode=\"window\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;','Day 169:  I Ate a Dog Biscuit','','inherit','open','open','','4564-revision-21','','','2011-03-15 21:14:35','2011-03-16 04:14:35','',4564,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4564-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(4597,1,'2011-03-17 01:11:19','2011-03-17 08:11:19','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you\'re a kid, half birthdays are a BIG DEAL!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\"I\'m 5 and a half!  I\'m almost in 1st grade!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you\'re an adult, not so much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcept when, in a moment of insanity, you start a 365 day project blog on your birthday.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThen your half birthday is a BIG DEAL!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause you\'re half-way there!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not quite half-way because I did have to take a short break when my grandfather passed away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Day 170 was still my half-birthday, and after looking at the plethora of half birthday ideas on the <strong><a href=\"http://www.halfbirthdayparties.com/\" target=\"_blank\">half birthday websites</a></strong> (yes, they do exist, believe it or not), I decided to give myself the most timely half birthday present of all.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe gift of space.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBreathing room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhich was promptly interrupted by server disasters.  I couldn\'t upload any more photos on my blog because I used up all of my allotted cyberspace.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI nearly stopped breathing when all of this ensued.  (A big thanks to <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Half Birthday Twin Genius</a></strong> for steering me towards the light.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe nice server guys gave me 3 extra gigs for free.  Now <em>that\'s</em> a nice half-birthday present!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I attempted to give myself breathing room space and I wound up with extra cyberspace instead.  Funny how life works.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will have to re-gift myself the breathing space on another day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 170:  Do You Celebrate Your Half Birthday?  ','','publish','open','open','','day-170-do-you-celebrate-your-half-birthday','','','2011-03-16 20:41:38','2011-03-17 03:41:38','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=4597',0,'post','',1),(4598,1,'2011-03-16 14:56:30','2011-03-16 21:56:30','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','4597-revision','','','2011-03-16 14:56:30','2011-03-16 21:56:30','',4597,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/16/4597-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(4599,1,'2011-03-18 01:11:55','2011-03-18 08:11:55','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nolarisingproject/4800474846/sizes/m/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4609\" title=\"4800474846_de409f6495\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/4800474846_de409f6495-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'m coming clean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, I wasn\'t going to say anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I am horrible at keeping secrets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt all started this past Saturday when <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/day-167-tiggers-are-not-the-only-one-who-are-bouncy-flouncy-trouncy-pouncy/\" target=\"_blank\">Laney and I bounced our brains out in the bouncy castle.</a></strong> I observed that every adult at this birthday party was paired up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNormally, being solo doesn\'t bother me all that much.  I\'ve been divorced for 10 years this month, so seeing couples out and about doesn\'t sting anymore.  I thought I was desensitized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Saturday.  I felt the slightest sting.  Not a bee sting, mind you.  Perhaps a mosquito bite.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was itchy enough to propel me into cyberspace to sign up for 3 free days on a site that rhymes with Batch dot com.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nArgh.  I\'ve tried the whole Internet dating thing before with no luck.  But as Cooleenie always says, \"It only takes one\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I<em> am</em> the hopeful romantic type.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I signed up for the 3 free days.  Of course, they will autobill you after your 3 days.  Site that rhymes with Batch dot com banks on you forgetting to cancel.  Or getting hooked into all the attention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd holy cow, do women get a lot of attention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t sign up to get my ego stroked, however.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had every intention of canceling.  You know my life right now.  I don\'t exactly have time to serial date.  And even if I did have all the time in the world, serial dating is not my <em>thang</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt only takes one.   I could make time for one.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGuess what happened on Night 3 when I was supposed to cancel?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/17/day-170-do-you-celebrate-your-half-birthday/\" target=\"_blank\">My server freaked out.</a></strong> This required me to attend to bloggy business.  So...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI woke up on Day 171 as an official paying member of a site that rhymes with Batch dot com for one month.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m going in with a positive attitude and an open mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is my Year of Living Curiously, and if I were to meet the man of my dreams on you-know-where, that would be the most curious phenomenon of all.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWish me luck!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  If you are one of my future dates who has stumbled across this blog, you can be assured that your identity will remain completely anonymous if you are ever mentioned in a blog post.  I don\'t bite in real life or in cyberspace.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 171:  Oops!  I Did It Again! ','','publish','open','open','','day-171-oops-i-did-it-again','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/day-167-tiggers-are-not-the-only-one-who-are-bouncy-flouncy-trouncy-pouncy/','2011-03-17 16:15:31','2011-03-17 23:15:31','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=4599',0,'post','',9),(4600,1,'2011-03-16 14:57:18','2011-03-16 21:57:18','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','4599-revision','','','2011-03-16 14:57:18','2011-03-16 21:57:18','',4599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/16/4599-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(4601,1,'2011-03-16 20:24:36','2011-03-17 03:24:36','When you\'re a kid, half-birthdays are a BIG DEAL!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m 5 and a half!  I\'m almost in 1st grade!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen you\'re an adult, not so much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nExcept when, in a moment of insanity, you start a 365 day project blog on your birthday.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThen your half-birthday is a BIG DEAL!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause you\'re half-way there!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not quite half-way there because I did have to take a short break when my grandfather passed away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut it was still my half-birthday, and after looking at the plethora of half-birthday ideas on the half-birthday websites (yes, they do exist, believe it or not), I decided to give myself the most timely half-birthday present of all.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe gift of space.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBreathing room.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhich was promptly interrupted by server disasters.  I couldn\'t upload any more photos on my blog because I used up all of my allotted cyberspace.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe nice server guys gave me 3 extra gigs for free.  Now that\'s a nice half-birthday present!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I attempted to give myself breathing room space and I wound up with extra cyberspace instead.  Funny how life works.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will have to re-gift myself the breathing space on another day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 170:  Do You Celebrate Your Half-Birthday?  ','','inherit','open','open','','4597-revision-2','','','2011-03-16 20:24:36','2011-03-17 03:24:36','',4597,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/16/4597-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(4602,1,'2011-03-16 20:28:21','2011-03-17 03:28:21','When you\'re a kid, half birthdays are a BIG DEAL!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m 5 and a half!  I\'m almost in 1st grade!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen you\'re an adult, not so much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nExcept when, in a moment of insanity, you start a 365 day project blog on your birthday.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThen your half birthday is a BIG DEAL!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause you\'re half-way there!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not quite half-way because I did have to take a short break when my grandfather passed away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut Day 170 was still my half-birthday, and after looking at the plethora of half birthday ideas on the <strong><a href=\"http://www.halfbirthdayparties.com/\" target=\"_blank\">half birthday websites</a></strong> (yes, they do exist, believe it or not), I decided to give myself the most timely half birthday present of all.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe gift of space.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBreathing room.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAhhhhh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhich was promptly interrupted by server disasters.  I couldn\'t upload any more photos on my blog because I used up all of my allotted cyberspace.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe nice server guys gave me 3 extra gigs for free.  Now <em>that\'s</em> a nice half-birthday present!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I attempted to give myself breathing room space and I wound up with extra cyberspace instead.  Funny how life works.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will have to re-gift myself the breathing space on another day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 170:  Do You Celebrate Your Half Birthday?  ','','inherit','open','open','','4597-revision-3','','','2011-03-16 20:28:21','2011-03-17 03:28:21','',4597,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/16/4597-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(4603,1,'2011-03-16 20:39:53','2011-03-17 03:39:53','&nbsp;\n\nWhen you\'re a kid, half birthdays are a BIG DEAL!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n\"I\'m 5 and a half!  I\'m almost in 1st grade!\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen you\'re an adult, not so much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nExcept when, in a moment of insanity, you start a 365 day project blog on your birthday.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThen your half birthday is a BIG DEAL!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBecause you\'re half-way there!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not quite half-way because I did have to take a short break when my grandfather passed away.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut Day 170 was still my half-birthday, and after looking at the plethora of half birthday ideas on the <strong><a href=\"http://www.halfbirthdayparties.com/\" target=\"_blank\">half birthday websites</a></strong> (yes, they do exist, believe it or not), I decided to give myself the most timely half birthday present of all.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe gift of space.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBreathing room.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAhhhhh...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhich was promptly interrupted by server disasters.  I couldn\'t upload any more photos on my blog because I used up all of my allotted cyberspace.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI nearly stopped breathing when all of this ensued.  (A big thanks to Todd for steering me towards the light.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe nice server guys gave me 3 extra gigs for free.  Now <em>that\'s</em> a nice half-birthday present!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I attempted to give myself breathing room space and I wound up with extra cyberspace instead.  Funny how life works.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI will have to re-gift myself the breathing space on another day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 170:  Do You Celebrate Your Half Birthday?  ','','inherit','open','open','','4597-autosave','','','2011-03-16 20:39:53','2011-03-17 03:39:53','',4597,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/16/4597-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(4604,1,'2011-03-16 20:29:13','2011-03-17 03:29:13','When you\'re a kid, half birthdays are a BIG DEAL!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m 5 and a half!  I\'m almost in 1st grade!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you\'re an adult, not so much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcept when, in a moment of insanity, you start a 365 day project blog on your birthday.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThen your half birthday is a BIG DEAL!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause you\'re half-way there!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not quite half-way because I did have to take a short break when my grandfather passed away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Day 170 was still my half-birthday, and after looking at the plethora of half birthday ideas on the <strong><a href=\"http://www.halfbirthdayparties.com/\" target=\"_blank\">half birthday websites</a></strong> (yes, they do exist, believe it or not), I decided to give myself the most timely half birthday present of all.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe gift of space.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBreathing room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhich was promptly interrupted by server disasters.  I couldn\'t upload any more photos on my blog because I used up all of my allotted cyberspace.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe nice server guys gave me 3 extra gigs for free.  Now <em>that\'s</em> a nice half-birthday present!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I attempted to give myself breathing room space and I wound up with extra cyberspace instead.  Funny how life works.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will have to re-gift myself the breathing space on another day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 170:  Do You Celebrate Your Half Birthday?  ','','inherit','open','open','','4597-revision-4','','','2011-03-16 20:29:13','2011-03-17 03:29:13','',4597,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/16/4597-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(4605,1,'2011-03-16 20:30:24','2011-03-17 03:30:24','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you\'re a kid, half birthdays are a BIG DEAL!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m 5 and a half!  I\'m almost in 1st grade!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you\'re an adult, not so much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcept when, in a moment of insanity, you start a 365 day project blog on your birthday.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThen your half birthday is a BIG DEAL!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBecause you\'re half-way there!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not quite half-way because I did have to take a short break when my grandfather passed away.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut Day 170 was still my half-birthday, and after looking at the plethora of half birthday ideas on the <strong><a href=\"http://www.halfbirthdayparties.com/\" target=\"_blank\">half birthday websites</a></strong> (yes, they do exist, believe it or not), I decided to give myself the most timely half birthday present of all.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe gift of space.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBreathing room.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAhhhhh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhich was promptly interrupted by server disasters.  I couldn\'t upload any more photos on my blog because I used up all of my allotted cyberspace.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe nice server guys gave me 3 extra gigs for free.  Now <em>that\'s</em> a nice half-birthday present!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I attempted to give myself breathing room space and I wound up with extra cyberspace instead.  Funny how life works.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI will have to re-gift myself the breathing space on another day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 170:  Do You Celebrate Your Half Birthday?  ','','inherit','open','open','','4597-revision-5','','','2011-03-16 20:30:24','2011-03-17 03:30:24','',4597,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/16/4597-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(4606,1,'2011-03-17 15:49:18','2011-03-17 22:49:18','I\'m coming clean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, I wasn\'t going to say anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut I am horrible at keeping secrets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt all started this past Saturday when Laney and I bounced our brains out in the bouncy castle.  Every adult at this birthday party was paired up.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormally, being solo doesn\'t bother me all that much.  I\'ve been divorced for 10 years this month, so seeing couples out and about doesn\'t sting anymore.  I thought I was desensitized.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Saturday.  There was the slightest sting.  Not a bee sting, mind you.  Perhaps a mosquito bite.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was enough to propel me into cyberspace to sign up for 3 free days on a site that rhymes with Batch dot com.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nArgh.  I\'ve tried the whole Internet dating thing before with no luck.  But as Cooleenie always says, \"It only takes one\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I am the hopeful romantic type.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I signed up for the 3 free days.  Of course, they will autobill you after your 3 days.  Site that rhymes with Batch dot com banks on you forgetting to cancel.  Or getting hooked into all the attention.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd holy cow, do women get a lot of attention.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI didn\'t sign up to get my ego stroked, however.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had every intention of canceling.  You know my life right now.  I don\'t exactly have time to serial date.  And even if I did have all the time in the world, serial dating is not my <em>thang</em>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt only takes one.   I could make time for one.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGuess what happened on Night 3 when I was supposed to cancel?  My server freaked out.  This required me to attend to bloggy busien\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 171:  Oops!  I Did It Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','4599-revision-2','','','2011-03-17 15:49:18','2011-03-17 22:49:18','',4599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/17/4599-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(4607,1,'2011-03-17 15:58:07','2011-03-17 22:58:07','I\'m coming clean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, I wasn\'t going to say anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut I am horrible at keeping secrets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt all started this past Saturday when Laney and I bounced our brains out in the bouncy castle.  I observed that every adult at this birthday party was paired up.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormally, being solo doesn\'t bother me all that much.  I\'ve been divorced for 10 years this month, so seeing couples out and about doesn\'t sting anymore.  I thought I was desensitized.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Saturday.  I felt the slightest sting.  Not a bee sting, mind you.  Perhaps a mosquito bite.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was enough to propel me into cyberspace to sign up for 3 free days on a site that rhymes with Batch dot com.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nArgh.  I\'ve tried the whole Internet dating thing before with no luck.  But as Cooleenie always says, \"It only takes one\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I<em> am</em> the hopeful romantic type.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I signed up for the 3 free days.  Of course, they will autobill you after your 3 days.  Site that rhymes with Batch dot com banks on you forgetting to cancel.  Or getting hooked into all the attention.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd holy cow, do women get a lot of attention.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI didn\'t sign up to get my ego stroked, however.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had every intention of canceling.  You know my life right now.  I don\'t exactly have time to serial date.  And even if I did have all the time in the world, serial dating is not my <em>thang</em>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt only takes one.   I could make time for one.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGuess what happened on Night 3 when I was supposed to cancel?  My server freaked out.  This required me to attend to bloggy business.  So...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI woke up on Day 171 as an official paying member of a site that rhymes with Batch dot com for one month.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m going in with a positive attitude and an open mind.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is my Year of Living Curiously, and if I were to meet the man of my dreams on you-know-where, that would be the most curious phenomenon of all.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWish me luck!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n************\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  If you are one of my future dates who has stumbled across this blog, you can be assured that your identity will remain completely anonymous.  I don\'t bite in real life or in cyberspace.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 171:  Oops!  I Did It Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','4599-revision-3','','','2011-03-17 15:58:07','2011-03-17 22:58:07','',4599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/17/4599-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(4609,1,'2011-03-17 16:08:24','2011-03-17 23:08:24','','4800474846_de409f6495','','inherit','open','open','','4800474846_de409f6495','','','2011-03-17 16:08:24','2011-03-17 23:08:24','',4599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/4800474846_de409f6495.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4608,1,'2011-03-17 15:58:11','2011-03-17 22:58:11','I\'m coming clean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, I wasn\'t going to say anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I am horrible at keeping secrets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt all started this past Saturday when Laney and I bounced our brains out in the bouncy castle.  I observed that every adult at this birthday party was paired up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNormally, being solo doesn\'t bother me all that much.  I\'ve been divorced for 10 years this month, so seeing couples out and about doesn\'t sting anymore.  I thought I was desensitized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Saturday.  I felt the slightest sting.  Not a bee sting, mind you.  Perhaps a mosquito bite.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was enough to propel me into cyberspace to sign up for 3 free days on a site that rhymes with Batch dot com.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nArgh.  I\'ve tried the whole Internet dating thing before with no luck.  But as Cooleenie always says, \"It only takes one\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I<em> am</em> the hopeful romantic type.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I signed up for the 3 free days.  Of course, they will autobill you after your 3 days.  Site that rhymes with Batch dot com banks on you forgetting to cancel.  Or getting hooked into all the attention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd holy cow, do women get a lot of attention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t sign up to get my ego stroked, however.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had every intention of canceling.  You know my life right now.  I don\'t exactly have time to serial date.  And even if I did have all the time in the world, serial dating is not my <em>thang</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt only takes one.   I could make time for one.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGuess what happened on Night 3 when I was supposed to cancel?  My server freaked out.  This required me to attend to bloggy business.  So...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI woke up on Day 171 as an official paying member of a site that rhymes with Batch dot com for one month.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m going in with a positive attitude and an open mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is my Year of Living Curiously, and if I were to meet the man of my dreams on you-know-where, that would be the most curious phenomenon of all.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWish me luck!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  If you are one of my future dates who has stumbled across this blog, you can be assured that your identity will remain completely anonymous.  I don\'t bite in real life or in cyberspace.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 171:  Oops!  I Did It Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','4599-revision-4','','','2011-03-17 15:58:11','2011-03-17 22:58:11','',4599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/17/4599-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(4610,1,'2011-03-17 16:10:08','2011-03-17 23:10:08','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nolarisingproject/4800474846/sizes/m/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4609\" title=\"4800474846_de409f6495\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/4800474846_de409f6495-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'m coming clean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, I wasn\'t going to say anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut I am horrible at keeping secrets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt all started this past Saturday when Laney and I bounced our brains out in the bouncy castle.  I observed that every adult at this birthday party was paired up.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormally, being solo doesn\'t bother me all that much.  I\'ve been divorced for 10 years this month, so seeing couples out and about doesn\'t sting anymore.  I thought I was desensitized.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Saturday.  I felt the slightest sting.  Not a bee sting, mind you.  Perhaps a mosquito bite.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was itchy enough to propel me into cyberspace to sign up for 3 free days on a site that rhymes with Batch dot com.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nArgh.  I\'ve tried the whole Internet dating thing before with no luck.  But as Cooleenie always says, \"It only takes one\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I<em> am</em> the hopeful romantic type.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I signed up for the 3 free days.  Of course, they will autobill you after your 3 days.  Site that rhymes with Batch dot com banks on you forgetting to cancel.  Or getting hooked into all the attention.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd holy cow, do women get a lot of attention.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI didn\'t sign up to get my ego stroked, however.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had every intention of canceling.  You know my life right now.  I don\'t exactly have time to serial date.  And even if I did have all the time in the world, serial dating is not my <em>thang</em>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt only takes one.   I could make time for one.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGuess what happened on Night 3 when I was supposed to cancel?  My server freaked out.  This required me to attend to bloggy business.  So...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI woke up on Day 171 as an official paying member of a site that rhymes with Batch dot com for one month.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m going in with a positive attitude and an open mind.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is my Year of Living Curiously, and if I were to meet the man of my dreams on you-know-where, that would be the most curious phenomenon of all.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWish me luck!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n************\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  If you are one of my future dates who has stumbled across this blog, you can be assured that your identity will remain completely anonymous if you are ever mentioned in a blog post.  I don\'t bite in real life or in cyberspace.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 171:  Oops!  I Did It Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','4599-revision-5','','','2011-03-17 16:10:08','2011-03-17 23:10:08','',4599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/17/4599-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(4611,1,'2011-03-17 16:14:58','2011-03-17 23:14:58','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nolarisingproject/4800474846/sizes/m/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4609\" title=\"4800474846_de409f6495\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/4800474846_de409f6495-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'m coming clean.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt first, I wasn\'t going to say anything.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut I am horrible at keeping secrets.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt all started this past Saturday when <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/day-167-tiggers-are-not-the-only-one-who-are-bouncy-flouncy-trouncy-pouncy/\" target=\"_blank\">Laney and I bounced our brains out in the bouncy castle.</a></strong> I observed that every adult at this birthday party was paired up.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormally, being solo doesn\'t bother me all that much.  I\'ve been divorced for 10 years this month, so seeing couples out and about doesn\'t sting anymore.  I thought I was desensitized.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Saturday.  I felt the slightest sting.  Not a bee sting, mind you.  Perhaps a mosquito bite.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt was itchy enough to propel me into cyberspace to sign up for 3 free days on a site that rhymes with Batch dot com.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nArgh.  I\'ve tried the whole Internet dating thing before with no luck.  But as Cooleenie always says, \"It only takes one\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I<em> am</em> the hopeful romantic type.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo I signed up for the 3 free days.  Of course, they will autobill you after your 3 days.  Site that rhymes with Batch dot com banks on you forgetting to cancel.  Or getting hooked into all the attention.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd holy cow, do women get a lot of attention.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI didn\'t sign up to get my ego stroked, however.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI had every intention of canceling.  You know my life right now.  I don\'t exactly have time to serial date.  And even if I did have all the time in the world, serial dating is not my <em>thang</em>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIt only takes one.   I could make time for one.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGuess what happened on Night 3 when I was supposed to cancel?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/17/day-170-do-you-celebrate-your-half-birthday/\" target=\"_blank\">My server freaked out.</a></strong> This required me to attend to bloggy business.  So...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI woke up on Day 171 as an official paying member of a site that rhymes with Batch dot com for one month.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m going in with a positive attitude and an open mind.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis is my Year of Living Curiously, and if I were to meet the man of my dreams on you-know-where, that would be the most curious phenomenon of all.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWish me luck!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n************\n\n&nbsp;\n\nP.S.  If you are one of my future dates who has stumbled across this blog, you can be assured that your identity will remain completely anonymous if you are ever mentioned in a blog post.  I don\'t bite in real life or in cyberspace.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 171:  Oops!  I Did It Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','4599-revision-6','','','2011-03-17 16:14:58','2011-03-17 23:14:58','',4599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/17/4599-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(4612,1,'2011-03-17 21:28:40','2011-03-18 04:28:40','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/nolarisingproject/4800474846/sizes/m/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4609\" title=\"4800474846_de409f6495\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/4800474846_de409f6495-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>I\'m coming clean.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt first, I wasn\'t going to say anything.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I am horrible at keeping secrets.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt all started this past Saturday when <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/14/day-167-tiggers-are-not-the-only-one-who-are-bouncy-flouncy-trouncy-pouncy/\" target=\"_blank\">Laney and I bounced our brains out in the bouncy castle.</a></strong> I observed that every adult at this birthday party was paired up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNormally, being solo doesn\'t bother me all that much.  I\'ve been divorced for 10 years this month, so seeing couples out and about doesn\'t sting anymore.  I thought I was desensitized.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Saturday.  I felt the slightest sting.  Not a bee sting, mind you.  Perhaps a mosquito bite.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt was itchy enough to propel me into cyberspace to sign up for 3 free days on a site that rhymes with Batch dot com.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nArgh.  I\'ve tried the whole Internet dating thing before with no luck.  But as Cooleenie always says, \"It only takes one\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I<em> am</em> the hopeful romantic type.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSo I signed up for the 3 free days.  Of course, they will autobill you after your 3 days.  Site that rhymes with Batch dot com banks on you forgetting to cancel.  Or getting hooked into all the attention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd holy cow, do women get a lot of attention.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI didn\'t sign up to get my ego stroked, however.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had every intention of canceling.  You know my life right now.  I don\'t exactly have time to serial date.  And even if I did have all the time in the world, serial dating is not my <em>thang</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt only takes one.   I could make time for one.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGuess what happened on Night 3 when I was supposed to cancel?  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/17/day-170-do-you-celebrate-your-half-birthday/\" target=\"_blank\">My server freaked out.</a></strong> This required me to attend to bloggy business.  So...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI woke up on Day 171 as an official paying member of a site that rhymes with Batch dot com for one month.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m going in with a positive attitude and an open mind.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is my Year of Living Curiously, and if I were to meet the man of my dreams on you-know-where, that would be the most curious phenomenon of all.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWish me luck!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nP.S.  If you are one of my future dates who has stumbled across this blog, you can be assured that your identity will remain completely anonymous if you are ever mentioned in a blog post.  I don\'t bite in real life or in cyberspace.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 171:  Oops!  I Did It Again! ','','inherit','open','open','','4599-autosave','','','2011-03-17 21:28:40','2011-03-18 04:28:40','',4599,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/17/4599-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(4614,1,'2011-03-18 14:25:40','2011-03-18 21:25:40','My original plan was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\". \n\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count. \n\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contains anything disgusting, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the experience of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-revision','','','2011-03-18 14:25:40','2011-03-18 21:25:40','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(4615,1,'2011-03-18 15:56:51','2011-03-18 22:56:51','My original plan was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contained anything unpalatable to me, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the <em>experience</em> of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck that entails.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGood think I called the pub the night before because their flier was incorrect.  Start time 8 a.m.  I guess a lot of people must take off work for St. Patty\'s Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlan B:  authentic Irish dinner at a nearby pub deemed by me as \"most unlikely to attract every college kid on Spring Break getting lit on green beer\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nProblem with Plan B:  Only 2 options for dinner.  Corned beef and cabbage (can you spell u-n-p-a-l-a-t-a-b-l-e?) and shepherd\'s pie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI LOVE shepherd\'s pie!  Except this one contained lamb.  I have a problem eating cute animals.  (PETA, no hate mail, please.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDavid aka Captain Adventure, on the other hand, has no problem with ingesting cute animals, so he ordered an authentic Irish dinner of shepherd\'s pie with a Guinness mixed with Apple Cider stuff that he thinks tastes good.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI asked I could steal a piece of Irish soda bread from the corned beef and cabbage dish to accompany my thoroughly unauthentic grilled chicken salad mixed with greens, feta, pine nuts, and golden raisins.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe server happily accommodated me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd let me tell you, that authentic bread was DELISH!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTop o\' the evenin\' to you','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-revision-2','','','2011-03-18 15:56:51','2011-03-18 22:56:51','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(4616,1,'2011-03-18 16:00:51','2011-03-18 23:00:51','','sodabread','','inherit','open','open','','sodabread','','','2011-03-18 16:00:51','2011-03-18 23:00:51','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/sodabread.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4617,1,'2011-03-18 15:58:39','2011-03-18 22:58:39','My original plan was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contained anything unpalatable to me, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the <em>experience</em> of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck that entails.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGood think I called the pub the night before because their flier was incorrect.  Start time 8 a.m.  I guess a lot of people must take off work for St. Patty\'s Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlan B:  authentic Irish dinner at a nearby pub deemed by me as \"most unlikely to attract every college kid on Spring Break getting lit on green beer\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nProblem with Plan B:  Only 2 options for dinner.  Corned beef and cabbage (can you spell u-n-p-a-l-a-t-a-b-l-e?) and shepherd\'s pie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI LOVE shepherd\'s pie!  Except this one contained lamb.  I have a problem eating cute animals.  (PETA, no hate mail, please.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDavid aka Captain Adventure, on the other hand, has no problem with ingesting cute animals, so he ordered an authentic Irish dinner of shepherd\'s pie with a Guinness mixed with Apple Cider stuff that he thinks tastes good.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI asked I could steal a piece of Irish soda bread from the corned beef and cabbage dish to accompany my thoroughly unauthentic grilled chicken salad mixed with greens, feta, pine nuts, and golden raisins.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe server happily accommodated me.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd let me tell you, that authentic bread was DELISH!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n***********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat did you partake in on St. Patty\'s Day this year?','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-revision-3','','','2011-03-18 15:58:39','2011-03-18 22:58:39','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(4618,1,'2011-03-18 16:01:23','2011-03-18 23:01:23','My original plan was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contained anything unpalatable to me, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the <em>experience</em> of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck that entails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood think I called the pub the night before because their flier was incorrect.  Start time 8 a.m.  I guess a lot of people must take off work for St. Patty\'s Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlan B:  authentic Irish dinner at a nearby pub deemed by me as \"most unlikely to attract every college kid on Spring Break getting lit on green beer\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nProblem with Plan B:  Only 2 options for dinner.  Corned beef and cabbage (can you spell u-n-p-a-l-a-t-a-b-l-e?) and shepherd\'s pie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI LOVE shepherd\'s pie!  Except this one contained lamb.  I have a problem eating cute animals.  (PETA, no hate mail, please.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDavid aka Captain Adventure, on the other hand, has no problem with ingesting cute animals, so he ordered an authentic Irish dinner of shepherd\'s pie with a Guinness mixed with Apple Cider stuff that he thinks tastes good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI asked I could steal a piece of Irish soda bread from the corned beef and cabbage dish to accompany my thoroughly unauthentic grilled chicken salad mixed with greens, feta, pine nuts, and golden raisins.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe server happily accommodated me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd let me tell you, that authentic bread was DELISH!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat did you partake in on St. Patty\'s Day this year?','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-revision-4','','','2011-03-18 16:01:23','2011-03-18 23:01:23','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(4619,1,'2011-03-18 17:39:05','2011-03-19 00:39:05','','stpaddys1','','inherit','open','open','','stpaddys1','','','2011-03-18 17:39:05','2011-03-19 00:39:05','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4620,1,'2011-03-18 17:39:56','2011-03-19 00:39:56','','IMG00355-20110317-2022','','inherit','open','open','','img00355-20110317-2022','','','2011-03-18 17:39:56','2011-03-19 00:39:56','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00355-20110317-2022.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4621,1,'2011-03-18 17:41:34','2011-03-19 00:41:34','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4619\" title=\"stpaddys1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>My original plan on Day 172 was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contained anything unpalatable to me, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the <em>experience</em> of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck that entails.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGood think I called the pub the night before because their flier was incorrect.  Start time 8 a.m.  I guess a lot of people must take off work for St. Patty\'s Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlan B:  authentic Irish dinner at a nearby pub deemed by me as \"most unlikely to attract every college kid on Spring Break getting lit on green beer\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nProblem with Plan B:  Only 2 options for dinner.  Corned beef and cabbage (can you spell u-n-p-a-l-a-t-a-b-l-e?) and shepherd\'s pie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI LOVE shepherd\'s pie!  Except this one contained lamb.  I have a problem eating cute animals.  (PETA, no hate mail, please.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDavid aka Captain Adventure, on the other hand, has no problem with ingesting cute animals, so he ordered an authentic Irish dinner of shepherd\'s pie with a Guinness mixed with Apple Cider stuff that he thinks tastes good.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI asked I could steal a piece of Irish soda bread from the corned beef and cabbage dish to accompany my thoroughly unauthentic grilled chicken salad mixed with greens, feta, pine nuts, and golden raisins.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe server happily accommodated me.\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4620\" title=\"IMG00355-20110317-2022\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00355-20110317-2022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nAnd let me tell you, that authentic Irish soda bread was homemade from scratch and DELISH!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n***********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat did you partake in on St. Patty\'s Day this year?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-revision-5','','','2011-03-18 17:41:34','2011-03-19 00:41:34','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(4622,1,'2011-03-18 17:43:11','2011-03-19 00:43:11','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4619\" title=\"stpaddys1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>My original plan on Day 172 was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contained anything unpalatable to me, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the <em>experience</em> of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck that entails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood think I called the pub the night before because their flier was incorrect.  Start time 8 a.m.  I guess a lot of people must take off work for St. Patty\'s Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlan B:  authentic Irish dinner at a<strong><a href=\"http://www.madchefgastropub.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> nearby pub</a></strong> deemed by me as \"most unlikely to attract every college kid on Spring Break getting lit on green beer\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nProblem with Plan B:  Only 2 options for dinner.  Corned beef and cabbage (can you spell u-n-p-a-l-a-t-a-b-l-e?) and shepherd\'s pie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI LOVE shepherd\'s pie!  Except this one contained lamb.  I have a problem eating cute animals.  (PETA, no hate mail, please.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDavid aka Captain Adventure, on the other hand, has no problem with ingesting cute animals, so he ordered an authentic Irish dinner of shepherd\'s pie with a Guinness mixed with Apple Cider stuff that he thinks tastes good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI asked I could steal a piece of Irish soda bread from the corned beef and cabbage dish to accompany my thoroughly unauthentic grilled chicken salad mixed with greens, feta, pine nuts, and golden raisins.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe server happily accommodated me.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4620\" title=\"IMG00355-20110317-2022\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00355-20110317-2022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nAnd let me tell you, that authentic Irish soda bread was homemade from scratch and DELISH!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat did you partake in on St. Patty\'s Day this year?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-revision-6','','','2011-03-18 17:43:11','2011-03-19 00:43:11','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(4623,1,'2011-03-18 19:36:00','2011-03-19 02:36:00','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4619\" title=\"stpaddys1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>My original plan on Day 172 was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contained anything unpalatable to me, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the <em>experience</em> of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck that entails.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nGood thing I called the pub the night before because their flier was incorrect.  Start time 8 a.m.  I guess a lot of people must take off work for St. Patty\'s Day.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nPlan B:  authentic Irish dinner at a<strong><a href=\"http://www.madchefgastropub.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> nearby pub</a></strong> deemed by me as \"most unlikely to attract every college kid on Spring Break getting lit on green beer\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nProblem with Plan B:  Only 2 options for dinner.  Corned beef and cabbage (can you spell u-n-p-a-l-a-t-a-b-l-e?) and shepherd\'s pie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI LOVE shepherd\'s pie!  Except this one contained lamb.  I have a problem eating cute animals.  (PETA, no hate mail, please.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDavid aka Captain Adventure, on the other hand, has no problem with ingesting cute animals, so he ordered an authentic Irish dinner of shepherd\'s pie with a Guinness mixed with Apple Cider stuff that he thinks tastes good.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI asked I could steal a piece of Irish soda bread from the corned beef and cabbage dish to accompany my thoroughly unauthentic grilled chicken salad mixed with greens, feta, pine nuts, and golden raisins.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe server happily accommodated me.\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4620\" title=\"IMG00355-20110317-2022\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00355-20110317-2022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\nAnd let me tell you, that authentic Irish soda bread was homemade from scratch and DELISH!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n***********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat did you partake in on St. Patty\'s Day this year?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-autosave','','','2011-03-18 19:36:00','2011-03-19 02:36:00','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(4624,1,'2011-03-18 19:34:55','2011-03-19 02:34:55','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4619\" title=\"stpaddys1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>My original plan on Day 172 was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contained anything unpalatable to me, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the <em>experience</em> of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck that entails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood thing I called the pub the night before because their flier was incorrect.  Start time 8 a.m.  I guess a lot of people must take off work for St. Patty\'s Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlan B:  authentic Irish dinner at a<strong><a href=\"http://www.madchefgastropub.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> nearby pub</a></strong> deemed by me as \"most unlikely to attract every college kid on Spring Break getting lit on green beer\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nProblem with Plan B:  Only 2 options for dinner.  Corned beef and cabbage (can you spell u-n-p-a-l-a-t-a-b-l-e?) and shepherd\'s pie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI LOVE shepherd\'s pie!  Except this one contained lamb.  I have a problem eating cute animals.  (PETA, no hate mail, please.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDavid aka Captain Adventure, on the other hand, has no problem with ingesting cute animals, so he ordered an authentic Irish dinner of shepherd\'s pie with a Guinness mixed with Apple Cider stuff that he thinks tastes good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI asked I could steal a piece of Irish soda bread from the corned beef and cabbage dish to accompany my thoroughly unauthentic grilled chicken salad mixed with greens, feta, pine nuts, and golden raisins.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe server happily accommodated me.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4620\" title=\"IMG00355-20110317-2022\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00355-20110317-2022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nAnd let me tell you, that authentic Irish soda bread was homemade from scratch and DELISH!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat did you partake in on St. Patty\'s Day this year?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-revision-7','','','2011-03-18 19:34:55','2011-03-19 02:34:55','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(4625,1,'2011-03-18 19:37:27','2011-03-19 02:37:27','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4619\" title=\"stpaddys1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>My original plan on Day 172 was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contained anything unpalatable to me, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the <em>experience</em> of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck that entails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood thing I called the pub the night before because their flier was incorrect.  Start time 8 a.m.  I guess a lot of people must take off work for St. Patty\'s Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlan B:  authentic Irish dinner at a<strong><a href=\"http://www.madchefgastropub.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> nearby pub</a></strong> deemed by me as \"most unlikely to attract every college kid on Spring Break getting lit on green beer\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nProblem with Plan B:  Only 2 options for dinner.  Corned beef and cabbage (can you spell u-n-p-a-l-a-t-a-b-l-e?) and shepherd\'s pie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI LOVE shepherd\'s pie!  Except this one contained lamb.  I have a problem eating cute animals.  (PETA, no hate mail, please.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDavid aka Captain Adventure, on the other hand, has no problem with ingesting cute animals, so he ordered an authentic Irish dinner of shepherd\'s pie with a Guinness mixed with hard apple cider stuff that he thinks tastes good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI asked I could steal a piece of Irish soda bread from the corned beef and cabbage dish to accompany my thoroughly unauthentic grilled chicken salad mixed with greens, feta, pine nuts, and golden raisins.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe server happily accommodated me.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4620\" title=\"IMG00355-20110317-2022\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00355-20110317-2022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nAnd let me tell you, that authentic Irish soda bread was homemade from scratch and DELISH!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat did you partake in on St. Patty\'s Day this year?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-revision-8','','','2011-03-18 19:37:27','2011-03-19 02:37:27','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(4626,1,'2011-03-18 19:38:30','2011-03-19 02:38:30','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4619\" title=\"stpaddys1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>My original plan on Day 172 was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contained anything unpalatable to me, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the <em>experience</em> of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck that entails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood thing I called the pub the night before because their flier was incorrect.  Start time 8 a.m.  I guess a lot of people must take off work for St. Patty\'s Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlan B:  authentic Irish dinner at a<strong><a href=\"http://www.madchefgastropub.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> nearby pub</a></strong> deemed by me as \"most unlikely to attract every college kid on Spring Break getting lit on green beer\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nProblem with Plan B:  Only 2 options for dinner.  Corned beef and cabbage (can you spell u-n-p-a-l-a-t-a-b-l-e?) and shepherd\'s pie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI LOVE shepherd\'s pie!  Except this one contained lamb.  I have a problem eating cute animals.  (PETA, no hate mail, please.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDavid aka Captain Adventure, on the other hand, has no problem with ingesting cute animals, so he ordered an authentic Irish dinner of shepherd\'s pie along with a Guinness mixed with hard apple cider stuff that he thinks tastes good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI asked I could steal a piece of Irish soda bread from the corned beef and cabbage dish to accompany my thoroughly unauthentic grilled chicken salad mixed with greens, feta, pine nuts, and golden raisins.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe server happily accommodated me.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4620\" title=\"IMG00355-20110317-2022\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00355-20110317-2022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nAnd let me tell you, that authentic Irish soda bread was homemade from scratch and DELISH!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat did you partake in on St. Patty\'s Day this year?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-revision-9','','','2011-03-18 19:38:30','2011-03-19 02:38:30','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(4627,1,'2011-03-18 19:41:00','2011-03-19 02:41:00','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4619\" title=\"stpaddys1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>My original plan on Day 172 was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contained anything unpalatable to me, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the <em>experience</em> of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck that entails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood thing I called the pub the night before because their flier was incorrect.  Start time 8 a.m.  I guess a lot of people must take off work for St. Patty\'s Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlan B:  authentic Irish dinner at a<strong><a href=\"http://www.madchefgastropub.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> nearby pub</a></strong> deemed by me as \"most unlikely to attract every college kid on Spring Break getting lit on green beer\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nProblem with Plan B:  Only 2 options for dinner.  Corned beef and cabbage (can you spell u-n-p-a-l-a-t-a-b-l-e?) and shepherd\'s pie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI LOVE shepherd\'s pie!  Except this one contained lamb.  I have a problem eating cute animals.  (PETA, no hate mail, please.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDavid aka Captain Adventure, on the other hand, has no problem with ingesting cute animals, so he ordered an authentic Irish dinner of shepherd\'s pie along with a Guinness mixed with hard apple cider stuff that he thinks tastes good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI asked the server if I could steal a piece of Irish soda bread from the corned beef and cabbage dish to accompany my thoroughly unauthentic grilled chicken salad mixed with greens, feta, pine nuts, and golden raisins.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe server happily accommodated me.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4620\" title=\"IMG00355-20110317-2022\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00355-20110317-2022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\nAnd let me tell you, that authentic Irish soda bread was homemade from scratch and DELISH!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat did you partake in on St. Patty\'s Day this year?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-revision-10','','','2011-03-18 19:41:00','2011-03-19 02:41:00','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(4628,1,'2011-03-18 19:42:55','2011-03-19 02:42:55','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4619\" title=\"stpaddys1\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/stpaddys1-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>My original plan on Day 172 was to show up at an Irish local pub at 7 a.m. for their advertised \"authentic Irish breakfast\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve never eaten an authentic Irish breakfast before.  I\'ve had Irish breakfast <em>tea</em>.  But that doesn\'t count.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI can\'t even tell you what comprises as Irish breakfast.  I did not google it, because if it contained anything unpalatable to me, I would have talked myself out of it.  And I wanted the <em>experience</em> of an authentic Irish breakfast.  Whatever the heck that entails.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood thing I called the pub the night before because their flier was incorrect.  Start time 8 a.m.  I guess a lot of people must take off work for St. Patty\'s Day.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlan B:  authentic Irish dinner at a<strong><a href=\"http://www.madchefgastropub.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> nearby pub</a></strong> deemed by me as \"most unlikely to attract every college kid on Spring Break getting lit on green beer\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nProblem with Plan B:  Only 2 options for dinner.  Corned beef and cabbage (can you spell u-n-p-a-l-a-t-a-b-l-e?) and shepherd\'s pie.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI LOVE shepherd\'s pie!  Except this one contained lamb.  I have a problem eating cute animals.  (PETA, no hate mail, please.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDavid aka Captain Adventure, on the other hand, has no problem with ingesting cute animals, so he ordered an authentic Irish dinner of shepherd\'s pie along with a Guinness mixed with hard apple cider stuff that he thinks tastes good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI asked the server if I could steal a piece of Irish soda bread from the corned beef and cabbage dish to accompany my thoroughly unauthentic grilled chicken salad mixed with greens, feta, pine nuts, and golden raisins.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe server happily accommodated me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4620\" title=\"IMG00355-20110317-2022\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00355-20110317-2022-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd let me tell you, that authentic Irish soda bread was homemade from scratch and DELISH!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n***********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat did you partake in on St. Patty\'s Day this year?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 172:  Top o\' the Morning to You!  ','','inherit','open','open','','4613-revision-11','','','2011-03-18 19:42:55','2011-03-19 02:42:55','',4613,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/4613-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(4629,1,'2011-03-15 13:18:49','2011-03-15 20:18:49','[caption id=\"attachment_4543\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"The final rise.  Nearly 12 hours later...\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-4543  \" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130180-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nRemember my <a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> that I met at <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/31/day-125-wildest-wordcamp-in-the-west/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>WordCamp</strong></a>?  We not only share the same birthday, but also blogs with \"diary\" in the title.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCoinkidink or astrologically predetermined?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother coinkidink or astrological predetermination:  Our readers tend to perk up and comment a lot on our cooking posts.  Coming from a Portuguese family whose food obsession rivals the Italians, I understand this phenomenon completely.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI propositioned Birthday Twin Genius aka Todd:  Let\'s choose a chick food and a guy food.  We\'ll cook them in our parallel universe kitchens on two separate nights.  (Todd lives in Vegas.)  We\'ll then...well...blah blah blog about it.  A He Said/She Said blog post!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Since all men love to be propositioned in any way, shape, or form, Todd immediately accepted.  \"I like the symmetry of the idea,\" he responded.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Todd is one of those people who cut his cable so that he could build his brain with old-fashioned pursuits such as reading instead.  His choice of vocabulary almost always reflects his outrageous and controversial decision.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI replied with an \"Awesome!\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I still have cable which I\'m convinced kills more brain cells than pot.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDay 168 was Chick Food day.  I chose Chocolate Croissants which I have been chomping at the bit to bake ever since I saw the movie<strong> <em><a href=\"http://www.itscomplicatedmovie.com/\" target=\"_blank\">It\'s Complicated</a></em></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, how I absolutely adore that movie.  If you haven\'t seen it, you\'re missing out.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the movie, Meryl Streep and Steve Martin relive their youth by smoking pot.  A wicked case of the munchies ensues, and they traipse off to Meryl Streep\'s bakery to whip up a batch of decadent chocolate croissants in the middle of the night.  The scene is deliciously sensual and funny at the same time, as you would expect from the brilliant Ms. Streep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI began my croissant preparation at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning.  As a guide, I used the recipe from <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>AllRecipes.com</strong></a> which was recommended by an <a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>exquisite food blog</strong></a> that I stumbled upon when googling \"It\'s Complicated Chocolate Croissants\".  Isn\'t this Internet stuff incredible?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have never met this foodie blogger, but I think she\'s the greatest thing since <del>sliced bread </del>chocolate croissants.  She is living my dream life.  In a cottage on a lake in North Carolina.  It\'s sooooo Nicholas Sparks.   Sigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBaking croissants is an all-day extravaganza.  AllRecipes noted an 8 hour and 20 minute time frame.  Thus the early start time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBy 8:30 a.m., the yeast had frothed and the dough had been kneaded.  I sipped my coffee while contemplating how thoroughly relaxing and therapeutic this croissant project had turned out to be.  Perhaps I\'ll be a pastry chef when I grow up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI realized by late morning, that I hadn\'t heard from Todd.  I wondered if he abandoned ship.  I didn\'t call him, of course.  Who does that these days?  I texted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>How\'s your dough?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I\'ve had some minor technical setbacks this morning that necessitated a trip to the hardware store but I\'m on track again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHardware store?  I wasn\'t about to open that can of worms.  I sipped more coffee and expressed gratitude for my baking prowess.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>3 hours later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Crap.  This butter and folding stuff is confusing.  I\'m not much of a directions person.  Crap, crap, crap.  Something tells me these will be finished at bedtime.  Crap.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs this a neurotic Sept 15 thing or is it just me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4539\" title=\"IMG00347-20110313-1429\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG00347-20110313-1429-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Uh, you\'re alone on that.  I\'m using a wine bottle as a rolling pin.  Apparently, I don\'t have one of those.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4540\" title=\"IMG_7771\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_7771-300x223.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis is an example of texting miscommunication.  I was actually referring to the measuring tape, not the rolling pin.  You\'ll note an overabundance of references to lengths and widths in the <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Croissants/Detail.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">AllRecipes.com directions</a>.   If I was going to follow directions, then I was going to follow them implicitly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">15 minutes later...</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAllRecipes.com directions:  \"Massage butter until pliable, but not soft and oily.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am 41, and not once have I heard of massaging butter.  Am I alone on this?  Do all of you massage butter on a regular basis?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI had no clue what they were talking about, so I just started massaging away.  At first, I softened it in my hands, and then spread it out over the dough like I was finger painting.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4541\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130176-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis alone was worth the price of admission.  I am here to tell you, dear readers, that butter massage has an instantaneous calming effect.  Please try this at home.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>15 minutes later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> This is actually a tad stressful.  I was relaxed during the butter massage, but now I feel like a harried mess.  That Lake Cottage woman seems so zen.  But I believe that she is retired and living on a lake.  I need to go buy and install a router, shop for the week\'s groceries, write a blog post, and report to my day job tomorrow.  In the midst of all of this, I\'m detoxing from an herbal cleanse.  I won\'t go into details.  Not good timing on my part.  :-o\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>LOL.  I\'m with you.  I\'ve been tempted more than once today to chuck it all and used canned dough, but I\'m persevering because though I have 16 hours of work scheduled for today, and it\'s not going to get done (cooking or not), I need a little \"me time\" and if that means insanely complicated handmade croissants, so be it.  :-)  No kitchen experiment is without risk or lessons to be had but the most important lesson I\'ve ever learned in the kitchen is...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(This was one of those really long texts that take up four messages.  Luckily, I have unlimited messages.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> ... to allow your self to fail and have fun no matter what.  The 2nd most important lesson which I\'m relearning today is make sure you buy all the junk you need before you start.  1 trip to Lowe\'s and 2 to Albertson\'s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> 1st lesson was very profound.  Verklempt.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(I was distracted and at the Apple Store during the umpteenth dough rise.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> The cottage lady\'s kitchen is unfreakinbelievable!!!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(You can see dream cottage kitchen here:  <strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/</a></strong><a href=\"http://lakelurecottagekitchen.blogspot.com/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes, Todd, I know.  I imagine the rest of her life is as impeccable as her kitchen.  I\'m sure that she has a wonderful husband, perfect children, beautiful grandchildren, and (you can bet on it!) a serene and obedient Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSigh...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nStark reality:  My kitchen looks nothing like Lovely Lake Cottage Lady\'s kitchen.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4542\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130181-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5 hours, several dough \"episodes\", and one chocolate shaving disaster later...</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVoila!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4538\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3130183-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA bit overdone.  Breathe...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict:  No wonder Meryl &amp; Steve enjoyed their croissant-capades.  They were high.  You, too, would need to smoke wacky tobacky to find this process fun. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInstead, seriously consider finding the best bakery in town and splurge on their chocolate croissants.  For the peeps in my fair city, go here:  <strong><a href=\"http://pcroissant.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://pcroissant.com/</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Verdict #2:  Massaging butter is a blast.  If butter is not your thing, then find a tall drink of water and massage his shoulders.  Better yet, get him to massage yours. </span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Token male readers:  Massage a woman\'s shoulders.  There\'s nothing sexier than a giver.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Verdict #3:  I would like for the Lake Cottage Lady to adopt me. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSure this will tick my real mother off, but you can never have too many mothers.  As Hillary once said,  \"It takes a village.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I would like to be in a village with a cottage, thank you very much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nInterested in the \"He Said\" version of the Chocolate Croissant Extravaganza?  Find out how Todd\'s croissants fared at <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">http://606diaries.com/</a></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nComing next week...Todd and Michelle tackle Guy Food in an unconventional way.  Be afraid.  Be very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 168:  It\'s More Than Complicated   ','','inherit','open','open','','4518-revision-40','','','2011-03-15 13:18:49','2011-03-15 20:18:49','',4518,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/4518-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(4630,1,'2011-03-20 01:11:31','2011-03-20 08:11:31','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as we love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\r\n</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  In real life, men who are arrogant a-holes don\'t perform 180s.  If you think your charms will make him play nicely, forget it.  Any man that needs fixing is a \"project\".  If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong>Dina dahling:</strong></span> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.  Clever gibberish at times, but always repressed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">Dangerous Liaisons</a></em></strong><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a> I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/FbB2oBlP2uI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','publish','open','open','','day-173-wet-shirt-scene-finally','','http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/','2011-03-20 13:07:50','2011-03-20 20:07:50','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=4630',0,'post','',2),(4631,1,'2011-03-19 10:25:42','2011-03-19 17:25:42','','Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt','','inherit','open','open','','pride_and_prejudice_colin_firth_wet_shirt','','','2011-03-19 10:25:42','2011-03-19 17:25:42','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4632,1,'2011-03-19 10:25:27','2011-03-19 17:25:27','','Day 173:  Wet T-Shirt ','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision','','','2011-03-19 10:25:27','2011-03-19 17:25:27','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(4633,1,'2011-03-19 10:26:04','2011-03-19 17:26:04','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>','Day 173:  Wet T-Shirt ','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-2','','','2011-03-19 10:26:04','2011-03-19 17:26:04','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(4634,1,'2011-03-19 10:26:11','2011-03-19 17:26:11','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>','Day 173:  Wet T-Shirt ','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-3','','','2011-03-19 10:26:11','2011-03-19 17:26:11','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(4635,1,'2011-03-19 10:27:19','2011-03-19 17:27:19','<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>','Day 173:  Wet T-Shirt ','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-4','','','2011-03-19 10:27:19','2011-03-19 17:27:19','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(4636,1,'2011-03-19 10:27:43','2011-03-19 17:27:43','<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" /></a>','Day 173:  Wet T-Shirt Scene -- Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-5','','','2011-03-19 10:27:43','2011-03-19 17:27:43','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(4637,1,'2011-03-19 10:49:47','2011-03-19 17:49:47','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet t-shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster by mail because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  Awed by his performance, yes.  Lusting, no.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\ninsert video here\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHonestly?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nJane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst of all, men don\'t change for women, sister.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight (Dina suggested \"lobotomy\")','Day 173:  Wet T-Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-6','','','2011-03-19 10:49:47','2011-03-19 17:49:47','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(4638,1,'2011-03-19 11:06:51','2011-03-19 18:06:51','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet t-shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster by mail because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  Awed by his performance, yes.  Lusting, no.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\ninsert video here\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHonestly?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMe:  Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet T-Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-7','','','2011-03-19 11:06:51','2011-03-19 18:06:51','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(4642,1,'2011-03-19 11:08:33','2011-03-19 18:08:33','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet t-shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster by mail because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  Awed by his performance, yes.  Lusting, no.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\ninsert video here\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHonestly?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMy Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nFirst of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-11','','','2011-03-19 11:08:33','2011-03-19 18:08:33','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(4639,1,'2011-03-19 11:07:01','2011-03-19 18:07:01','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet t-shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster by mail because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  Awed by his performance, yes.  Lusting, no.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\ninsert video here\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet T-Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-8','','','2011-03-19 11:07:01','2011-03-19 18:07:01','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(4640,1,'2011-03-19 11:07:09','2011-03-19 18:07:09','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet t-shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster by mail because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  Awed by his performance, yes.  Lusting, no.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\ninsert video here\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet T-Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-9','','','2011-03-19 11:07:09','2011-03-19 18:07:09','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(4641,1,'2011-03-19 11:07:17','2011-03-19 18:07:17','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet t-shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster by mail because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  Awed by his performance, yes.  Lusting, no.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\ninsert video here\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFirst of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet T-Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-10','','','2011-03-19 11:07:17','2011-03-19 18:07:17','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(4643,1,'2011-03-19 16:29:38','2011-03-19 23:29:38','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet t-shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster by mail because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  Awed by his performance, yes.  Lusting, no.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\ninsert video here\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHonestly?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-12','','','2011-03-19 16:29:38','2011-03-19 23:29:38','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(4644,1,'2011-03-19 17:13:19','2011-03-20 00:13:19','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\n\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n???\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as we love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBut...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHonestly?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\n</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n<ul>\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  In real life, men who are arrogant a-holes don\'t perform 180s.  If you think yu, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong>Dina dahling:</strong></span> I hate foreplay.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.  Clever gibberish at times, but always repressed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">Dangerous Liaisons</a></em></strong><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a> I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\n&nbsp;\n&nbsp;\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/FbB2oBlP2uI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\n&nbsp;\n&nbsp;\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-autosave','','','2011-03-19 17:13:19','2011-03-20 00:13:19','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(4645,1,'2011-03-19 16:30:01','2011-03-19 23:30:01','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet t-shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster by mail because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  Awed by his performance, yes.  Lusting, no.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\ninsert video here\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-13','','','2011-03-19 16:30:01','2011-03-19 23:30:01','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(4646,1,'2011-03-19 16:43:12','2011-03-19 23:43:12','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster by mail because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  Awed by his performance, yes.  Lusting, no.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\ninsert video here\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-14','','','2011-03-19 16:43:12','2011-03-19 23:43:12','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(4647,1,'2011-03-19 16:44:22','2011-03-19 23:44:22','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  Awed by his performance, yes.  Lusting, no.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\ninsert video here\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-15','','','2011-03-19 16:44:22','2011-03-19 23:44:22','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(4649,1,'2011-03-19 16:47:41','2011-03-19 23:47:41','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-17','','','2011-03-19 16:47:41','2011-03-19 23:47:41','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(4648,1,'2011-03-19 16:46:26','2011-03-19 23:46:26','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\ninsert video here\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-16','','','2011-03-19 16:46:26','2011-03-19 23:46:26','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(4650,1,'2011-03-19 16:49:55','2011-03-19 23:49:55','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\r\n</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-18','','','2011-03-19 16:49:55','2011-03-19 23:49:55','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(4651,1,'2011-03-19 16:54:38','2011-03-19 23:54:38','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\r\n</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Dina dahling:</strong> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Me: </strong>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.  Clever gibberish at times, but always repressed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/FbB2oBlP2uI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-19','','','2011-03-19 16:54:38','2011-03-19 23:54:38','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(4652,1,'2011-03-19 16:56:09','2011-03-19 23:56:09','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\r\n</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong>Dina dahling:</strong></span> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.  Clever gibberish at times, but always repressed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-20','','','2011-03-19 16:56:09','2011-03-19 23:56:09','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(4653,1,'2011-03-19 16:56:54','2011-03-19 23:56:54','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\r\n</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong>Dina dahling:</strong></span> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.  Clever gibberish at times, but always repressed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em>Dangerous Liaisons</em></strong>.  I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/FbB2oBlP2uI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-21','','','2011-03-19 16:56:54','2011-03-19 23:56:54','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(4654,1,'2011-03-19 16:58:41','2011-03-19 23:58:41','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\r\n</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong>Dina dahling:</strong></span> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.  Clever gibberish at times, but always repressed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">Dangerous Liaisons</a></em></strong><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a> I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-22','','','2011-03-19 16:58:41','2011-03-19 23:58:41','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(4655,1,'2011-03-19 17:03:06','2011-03-20 00:03:06','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\r\n</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong>Dina dahling:</strong></span> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.  Clever gibberish at times, but always repressed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">Dangerous Liaisons</a></em></strong><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a> I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/FbB2oBlP2uI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-23','','','2011-03-19 17:03:06','2011-03-20 00:03:06','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(4656,1,'2011-03-19 17:05:48','2011-03-20 00:05:48','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as I love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\r\n</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong>Dina dahling:</strong></span> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.  Clever gibberish at times, but always repressed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">Dangerous Liaisons</a></em></strong><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a> I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/FbB2oBlP2uI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-24','','','2011-03-19 17:05:48','2011-03-20 00:05:48','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(4657,1,'2011-03-19 17:07:14','2011-03-20 00:07:14','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as we love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\r\n</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  As much as you are tempted to \"help\" or \"save\" a man, forget it. If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong>Dina dahling:</strong></span> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.  Clever gibberish at times, but always repressed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">Dangerous Liaisons</a></em></strong><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a> I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/FbB2oBlP2uI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-25','','','2011-03-19 17:07:14','2011-03-20 00:07:14','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(4658,1,'2011-03-19 17:13:40','2011-03-20 00:13:40','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as we love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\r\n</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  In real life, men who are arrogant a-holes don\'t perform 180s.  If you think your charms will make him play nicely, forget it.  These men are \"projects\".  If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong>Dina dahling:</strong></span> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.  Clever gibberish at times, but always repressed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">Dangerous Liaisons</a></em></strong><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a> I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/FbB2oBlP2uI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-26','','','2011-03-19 17:13:40','2011-03-20 00:13:40','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(4659,1,'2011-02-01 22:24:24','2011-02-02 05:24:24','<p><a href=\"http://www.howtoruletheworldfromyourcouch.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-3750\" title=\"rulefromyourcouch\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/rulefromyourcouch.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"193\" height=\"291\" /></a>Over a year ago, I had the fun of attending Laura Day\'s book signing at <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/09/29/day-12-disappearing-act/\" target=\"_blank\">Changing Hands Books aka The Little Bookstore That Could.</a></strong></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>And I do mean \"fun\".  If you are ever given the chance to see/hear Laura in person, GO!  She is not only brilliant and interesting, but also a bookstore comedienne.  :-)</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Her target market consists of <em>everybody</em>.  I mean, who <em>doesn\'t </em>want to rule the world from their couch???  I\'m no couch potato, but I\'d hop on it more often if ruling the world was at stake.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Laura\'s book contains all sorts of useful tidbits and exercises to help you hone your intuition for success in your personal and professional life.  Her followers include celebrities, CEOs and anyone with an open mind.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>My</strong><strong> open mind immediately zeroed in on the chapter entitled \"Body Heat Telepathy\".</strong></span></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Whoa.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I started reading the chapter on my couch, but then decided that my bed might be more fitting for this chapter.  I assumed Laura wouldn\'t have a problem with this minor technicality.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>As I moved through the chapter, I realized that Body Heat Telepathy wasn\'t all about <em>that </em>kind of body heat (i.e., hot &amp; steamy fantasies).   It\'s more about using your intuition to uncover the desires of your \"target\".  (And not just the physical desires, by the way).  You then come from a place of integrity within yourself to meet and fulfill the \"target\'s\" desires.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I think.  I didn\'t read too carefully because I was anxious to get to the \"Quick Hit Exercise\".</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Upon finishing the chapter, I turned to the \"Quick Hit Exercise\" which is essentially the Body Heat Telepathy Lab Experiment.  Who knew science could be so enjoyable?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I began my Body Heat Telepathy lab experiment by choosing my \"target\".  This was easy.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>As I previously mentioned, Laura asks you to use your intuition to focus in on your target\'s desires which extend beyond the physical.  You know, like their hopes and dreams and stuff.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>This proved to be a challenge.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/body-heat-movie.jpg\"></a></p>\r\n<p>When I hear \"Body Heat\", I immediately think of Kathleen Turner and William Hurt tearing off their clothes and creating some...well....heat.  Doesn\'t <em>everybody</em>?</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I\'ve never even seen the movie.  I was too young, and it was too sexy.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I remember overhearing my mother and her friends talking about <em>Body Heat</em> The Movie.  A lot.  Which made my imagination run wild.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>[caption id=\"attachment_3753\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"202\" caption=\"This movie was most obviously pre-&quot;Those cancer sticks will kill you&quot; PSAs.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/body-heat-movie.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3753\" title=\"body-heat-movie\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/body-heat-movie-202x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"202\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Another distraction popped up at the beginning of my experiment.  World\'s Most Precious Pooch, who usually zonks out immediately at bedtime as if in a coma, decided to groom herself extensively.  How do you possibly concentrate during that?</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><em>Lick, lick, lick.</em></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Step 1:  Choose your target.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><em>Lick, lick, lick.</em></p>\r\n<p><em><br />\r\n </em></p>\r\n<p><em> </em></p>\r\n<p>Step 2:  Allow yourself to find your target\'s \"hot zone\" -- his desire.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><em>Lick, lick, lick.</em></p>\r\n<p><em><br />\r\n </em></p>\r\n<p><em> </em></p>\r\n<p>Step 3:  Notice the information your senses receive...</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><em> </em></p>\r\n<p><em>Lick, lick, lick.</em></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><em>Lick, lick, lick.</em></p>\r\n<p><em><br />\r\n </em></p>\r\n<p><em>Zonk.</em></p>\r\n<p><em><br />\r\n </em></p>\r\n<p><em> </em></p>\r\n<p>Thank goodness.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I now had peace and quiet to focus on the needs of my target.  I always want to help people, so this was a snap.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I used meditation techniques to let go of thoughts of entangled sweaty bodies that I imagine is the vast majority of </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Body Heat</strong></span></span></em><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong> The Movie.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Although...Let me tell you -- Body Heat Telepathy can be hard work with all that disciplined focus!  I came up with a fair and rational compromise.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>To reward myself for all of my hard work, I built in mini-\"</strong></span></span><em><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Body Heat</strong></span></span></em><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong> The Movie\" breaks into my experiment.  For 30 seconds or so, I would allow for me and my \"target\" to reenact Kathleen and William.</strong></span></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">Through my Body Heat Telepathy lab experiment, I learned something new about myself.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/10/day-103-im-a-meditation-moron/\" target=\"_blank\">I may be a meditation moron</a></strong> who is unable to meditate for more than 10 minutes before falling asleep, but I am proud to announce that I am an expert practitioner of Body Heat Telepathy.  At the 30 minute mark, I chose to call it a night.</span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>My lab experiment took place on Monday.  I wondered how I might know if my Body Heat Telepathy worked?  Would something happen on Tuesday to confirm?</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Hmmm...</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I can\'t say with 100% certainty, but my intuition tells me \"Yes\".</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n','Day 127:  Experiments in Body Heat Telepathy','','inherit','open','open','','3746-revision-29','','','2011-02-01 22:24:24','2011-02-02 05:24:24','',3746,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/01/3746-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(4661,1,'2011-03-20 12:51:25','2011-03-20 19:51:25','Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLife has been more than busy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo what do I do when my plate overfloweth?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSign up on an internet dating site.  That\'s what.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUh-oh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.  Otherwise, your going to waste your precious time, girlfriends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An internet guy with real world references!  Woohoo!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-ness, I had ignored things like manis, pedis, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo...I finally used my groupon to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a mani/pedi for the first time since World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI felt like a girl again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s just say that this fiTo be continued...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision','','','2011-03-20 12:51:25','2011-03-20 19:51:25','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(4662,1,'2011-03-20 13:00:54','2011-03-20 20:00:54','','first-date-cloud','','inherit','open','open','','first-date-cloud','','','2011-03-20 13:00:54','2011-03-20 20:00:54','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(4663,1,'2011-03-20 12:53:27','2011-03-20 19:53:27','Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLife has been more than busy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Sign up on an <span>internet</span> dating site.  That\'s what.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUh-oh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.  Otherwise, you are going to waste your precious time, girlfriends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI felt like a girl again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s just say that this first date end with a...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-2','','','2011-03-20 12:53:27','2011-03-20 19:53:27','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(4664,1,'2011-03-20 13:02:41','2011-03-20 20:02:41','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLife has been more than busy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo what do I do when my plate overfloweth?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSign up on an internet dating site.  That\'s what.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUh-oh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.  Otherwise, your going to waste your precious time, girlfriends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An internet guy with real world references!  Woohoo!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-ness, I had ignored things like manis, pedis, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo...I finally used my groupon to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a mani/pedi for the first time since World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI felt like a girl again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s just say that this first date end with a...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-3','','','2011-03-20 13:02:41','2011-03-20 20:02:41','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(4665,1,'2011-03-20 13:03:51','2011-03-20 20:03:51','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLife has been more than busy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo what do I do when my plate overfloweth?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSign up on an internet dating site.  That\'s what.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUh-oh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.  Otherwise, you are going to waste your precious time, girlfriends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An internet guy with real world references!  Woohoo!!!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSince it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-ness, I had ignored things like manis, pedis, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nSo...I finally used my groupon to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a mani/pedi for the first time since World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI felt like a girl again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s just say that this first date end with a...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-4','','','2011-03-20 13:03:51','2011-03-20 20:03:51','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(4666,1,'2011-03-20 13:04:55','2011-03-20 20:04:55','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLife has been more than busy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Sign up on an <span>internet</span> dating site.  That\'s what.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUh-oh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.  Otherwise, you are going to waste your precious time, girlfriends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI felt like a girl again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s just say that this first date end with a...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-5','','','2011-03-20 13:04:55','2011-03-20 20:04:55','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(4667,1,'2011-03-19 17:14:47','2011-03-20 00:14:47','<img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4631\" title=\"Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Pride_and_Prejudice_Colin_Firth_Wet_Shirt-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">I mentioned last week that I was watching Colin Firth in </a><em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\">Pride &amp; Prejudice</a></em><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/13/day-166-colin-firth-as-mr-darcy-finally/\" target=\"_blank\"> for the first time.</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure why I didn\'t watch 10 years ago when Bridget Jones yapped incessantly about Mr. Darcy\'s wet shirt scene.  I believe that on the timeline, Bridget Jones may have been pre-Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI recently signed up for a Netflix free trial just so I could rent this movie.  I also had to sign up for free Blockbuster Online because Netflix said there was a \"long wait\" for this version.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI suppose that means that women are still getting themselves all worked up over Colin and his wet <del>t-shirt</del> shirt scene.  As much as we love him, we have to admit, ladies, that we weren\'t exactly lusting after him in <em>The King\'s Speech</em>.  In awe of his performance?  Yes.  Lusting?  No.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDina aka Dina dahling returned to my humble abode for round 2 of this much talked about mini-series.  As you may recall, we had to divide viewing into two nights, as the series is 5 hours long.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nApproximately 4 hours into the film, we finally see \"the scene\".\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe does indeed look GORGEOUS.  Swoon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHonestly?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReading/watching Jane Austen at 41 is an entirely different experience from when I devoured all of her books and films in my teens and early 20s.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI turned to Dina dahling and announced, \"I\'ve turned into a cynical 41 year-old Jane Austen critic.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are 25 and under, you may want to stop reading.  You have been properly warned.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are of a certain age, please correct me if you think I\'m wrong.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Jane Austen, may your naive little soul rest in peace.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>\r\n</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #993366;\"><strong>My Random Thoughts about Jane Austen and Pride &amp; Prejudice:</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>First of all, men don\'t change for women, Jane.  There\'s no way in HELL that Mr. Darcy could undergo a personality change overnight.  (Dina preferred \"lobotomy\" over \"personality change\".)</li>\r\n	<li>25 year-olds who are still reading:  In real life, men who are arrogant a-holes don\'t perform 180s.  If you think your charms will make him play nicely, forget it.  Any man that needs fixing is a \"project\".  If you want a project, go treat yourself to a new piece of furniture from IKEA and put it together yourself.  For relationships, I recommend turn-key men.  No assembly required.</li>\r\n	<li>How utterly convient and cliché that Elizabeth eventually falls in love with Mr. Darcy only after gazing upon his exceptionally large mansion.  Bleck.  I nearly threw up in my mouth.</li>\r\n	<li>After 5 hours of viewing, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy finally kiss.   A small peck.  Cut.  The movie ends.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Five hours of mental foreplay and this all we get?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong>Dina dahling:</strong></span> I hate foreplay.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span>I\'m a huge fan of foreplay.  But I like to be kissed and caressed and...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is certainly no bodice-ripping chemistry in this film.  Zzzzzzzzz.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThere is no <em>passion </em>of any kind in Jane Austen.  It\'s all repressed gibberish.  Clever gibberish at times, but always repressed.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI think I need to re-watch <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">Dangerous Liaisons</a></em></strong><a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094947/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a> I like my period drama mixed with some steam.\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"480\" height=\"390\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/FbB2oBlP2uI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n&nbsp;\r\nDina dahling, are you coming over?  I promise you that you won\'t be bored to tears this time around.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 173:  Wet Shirt Scene.  Finally!','','inherit','open','open','','4630-revision-27','','','2011-03-19 17:14:47','2011-03-20 00:14:47','',4630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/19/4630-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(4668,1,'2011-03-20 13:05:52','2011-03-20 20:05:52','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Sign up on an I<span>nternet</span> dating site.  That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.  Otherwise, you are going to waste your precious time, girlfriends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI felt like a girl again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-6','','','2011-03-20 13:05:52','2011-03-20 20:05:52','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(4669,1,'2011-03-20 13:08:14','2011-03-20 20:08:14','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Sign up on an I<span>nternet</span> dating site.  That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.  Otherwise, you are going to waste your precious time, girlfriends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI felt like a girl again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-7','','','2011-03-20 13:08:14','2011-03-20 20:08:14','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(4670,1,'2011-03-20 13:11:08','2011-03-20 20:11:08','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLife has been more than busy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUh-oh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI felt like a girl again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-8','','','2011-03-20 13:11:08','2011-03-20 20:11:08','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(4671,1,'2011-03-20 13:11:51','2011-03-20 20:11:51','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI felt like a girl again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-9','','','2011-03-20 13:11:51','2011-03-20 20:11:51','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(4672,1,'2011-03-20 13:12:01','2011-03-20 20:12:01','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI felt like a girl again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-10','','','2011-03-20 13:12:01','2011-03-20 20:12:01','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(4673,1,'2011-03-20 13:12:12','2011-03-20 20:12:12','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI felt like a girl again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-11','','','2011-03-20 13:12:12','2011-03-20 20:12:12','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(4674,1,'2011-03-20 13:14:11','2011-03-20 20:14:11','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI felt like a girl again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  1st First Date in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-12','','','2011-03-20 13:14:11','2011-03-20 20:14:11','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(4675,1,'2011-03-20 13:15:46','2011-03-20 20:15:46','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLife has been more than busy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUh-oh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI felt like a girl again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Or a woman for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  First \"First Date\" in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-13','','','2011-03-20 13:15:46','2011-03-20 20:15:46','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(4676,1,'2011-03-20 13:17:20','2011-03-20 20:17:20','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLife has been more than busy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUh-oh.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been a ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI felt like a girl again.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Or a \"woman\" for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo be continued...\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  First \"First Date\" in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-14','','','2011-03-20 13:17:20','2011-03-20 20:17:20','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(4677,1,'2011-03-20 13:18:18','2011-03-20 20:18:18','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been a ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI felt like a girl again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a \"woman\" for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  First \"First Date\" in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-autosave','','','2011-03-20 13:18:18','2011-03-20 20:18:18','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(4678,1,'2011-03-20 13:17:42','2011-03-20 20:17:42','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been a ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI felt like a girl again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a \"woman\" for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  First \"First Date\" in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-15','','','2011-03-20 13:17:42','2011-03-20 20:17:42','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(4679,1,'2011-03-20 13:18:51','2011-03-20 20:18:51','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been a ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI felt like a girl again.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a \"woman\" for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  First \"First Date\" in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-16','','','2011-03-20 13:18:51','2011-03-20 20:18:51','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(4680,1,'2011-03-20 13:19:25','2011-03-20 20:19:25','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  An Internet guy with real world references!  <span>Woohoo</span>!!!</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been a ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I felt like a girl again.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a \"woman\" for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  First \"First Date\" in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-17','','','2011-03-20 13:19:25','2011-03-20 20:19:25','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(4681,1,'2011-03-20 13:20:37','2011-03-20 20:20:37','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.  <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>An Internet guy with real world references!  Woohoo!!!</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Let me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been a ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I felt like a girl again.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a \"woman\" for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  First \"First Date\" in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-18','','','2011-03-20 13:20:37','2011-03-20 20:20:37','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(4684,1,'2011-03-21 12:12:27','2011-03-21 19:12:27','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached<a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Todd aka Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> about a He Said/She Said cooking post, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each his/her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka my first \"first date\" in nearly a year sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-2','','','2011-03-21 12:12:27','2011-03-21 19:12:27','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(4685,1,'2011-03-21 12:27:05','2011-03-21 19:27:05','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached<a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Todd aka Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> about a He Said/She Said cooking post, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each his/her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMinor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n5:45 text message\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTodd:  How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n5:58\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMe:  Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n6:00\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTodd:  Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n7:01\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTodd:  Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n7:48\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTodd:  Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n8:03\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMe:  Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTodd:  I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n9:13\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMe:  Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTodd:  Well\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-3','','','2011-03-21 12:27:05','2011-03-21 19:27:05','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(4686,1,'2011-03-21 12:27:21','2011-03-21 19:27:21','You read that correctly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I originally approached<a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Todd aka Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> about a He Said/She Said cooking post, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each his/her own.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMinor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n5:45 text message\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTodd:  How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n5:58\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMe:  Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n6:00\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTodd:  Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n7:01\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTodd:  Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n7:48\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTodd:  Wow...this is inedible\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n8:03\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMe:  Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTodd:  I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n9:13\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMe:  Mine is yummy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTodd:  Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-4','','','2011-03-21 12:27:21','2011-03-21 19:27:21','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(4687,1,'2011-03-21 12:27:50','2011-03-21 19:27:50','You read that correctly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I originally approached<a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Todd aka Birthday Twin Genius</strong></a> about a He Said/She Said cooking post, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each his/her own.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMinor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n5:45 text message\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTodd:  How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n5:58\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMe:  Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n6:00\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTodd:  Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n7:01\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTodd:  Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n7:48\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTodd:  Wow...this is inedible\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n8:03\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMe:  Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTodd:  I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n9:13\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-5','','','2011-03-21 12:27:50','2011-03-21 19:27:50','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(4688,1,'2011-03-20 13:21:11','2011-03-20 20:21:11','<a href=\"http://lorilee1.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/first-date-cloud.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4662\" title=\"first-date-cloud\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/first-date-cloud-300x133.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"133\" /></a>Oh, the excitement and anticipation of a first date.  It had been nearly a year since my last first date.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLately, my life has been work, World\'s Most Precious Pooch, and blogging.  And 173 curious mini-adventures.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLife has been more than busy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So what do I do when my plate <span>overfloweth</span>?</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/18/day-171-oops-i-did-it-again/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up on an Internet dating site. </a></strong> That\'s what.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUh-oh.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI hadn\'t been exactly motivated to date lately.  It would take a lot to tear me away from Little Miss B and my computer.  But I suppose that if you are going to jump into the Internet dating pool, this is probably the best position to be in.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>As fate would have it, a potential \"match\" contacted me, and we have a mutual friend in real life.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span> <span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>An Internet guy with real world references!  Woohoo!!!</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe asked me out for Saturday night.  Not for coffee.  Not for a cocktail.  For dinner.  At my favorite restaurant in my fair city.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>Let me assure you, this <em>rarely</em> happens in Internet dating, my friends.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>Since it been nearly a year since my last first date, I felt inclined to pamper myself for the day.  With my recent busy-<span>ness</span>, I had ignored things like <span>manis</span>, <span>pedis</span>, and even getting my car washed.  If a guy is going to walk me to my car, I want it to be clean.  This is very typical Virgo behavior.  Please don\'t be alarmed.</span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span>So...I finally used my <span>groupon</span> to head down to the car wash, and then luxuriated in a <span>mani</span>/<span>pedi</span> for the first time since <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/03/day-96-9-year-old-entrepreneur-gives-worlds-longest-pedicure/\" target=\"_blank\">World\'s Most Precious niece fit me into her tight schedule.</a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI then came home, showered, and even blew out my hair.  (It\'s been a ponytail or air dry for quite some time.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #008000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>I felt like a girl again.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Or a \"woman\" for all of those feminists out there clicking their tongues.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAfter getting dolled up, I climbed into my clean car and drove off into the sunset.  Literally.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd I will stop here because even a blah blah blogger needs a bit of privacy in her life at times.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s just say that this first date ends with a...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 174:  First \"First Date\" in Almost a Year  ','','inherit','open','open','','4660-revision-19','','','2011-03-20 13:21:11','2011-03-20 20:21:11','',4660,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/20/4660-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(4689,1,'2011-03-21 19:00:17','2011-03-22 02:00:17','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Todd</a></strong> aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMinor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n6:00\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n7:01\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n7:48\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n8:03\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n9:13\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-6','','','2011-03-21 19:00:17','2011-03-22 02:00:17','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(4690,1,'2011-03-21 19:01:17','2011-03-22 02:01:17','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Todd</a></strong> aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMinor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:01</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n8:03\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n9:13\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-7','','','2011-03-21 19:01:17','2011-03-22 02:01:17','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(4691,1,'2011-03-21 19:02:50','2011-03-22 02:02:50','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Todd</a></strong> aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:01</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-8','','','2011-03-21 19:02:50','2011-03-22 02:02:50','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(4692,1,'2011-03-21 19:16:52','2011-03-22 02:16:52','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-260','','','2011-03-21 19:16:52','2011-03-22 02:16:52','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4693,1,'2011-03-21 19:18:49','2011-03-22 02:18:49','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-261','','','2011-03-21 19:18:49','2011-03-22 02:18:49','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4694,1,'2011-03-21 19:52:18','2011-03-22 02:52:18','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-263','','','2011-03-21 19:52:18','2011-03-22 02:52:18','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4695,1,'2011-03-21 19:53:59','2011-03-22 02:53:59','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-264','','','2011-03-21 19:53:59','2011-03-22 02:53:59','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4696,1,'2011-03-21 19:54:54','2011-03-22 02:54:54','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-265','','','2011-03-21 19:54:54','2011-03-22 02:54:54','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4697,1,'2011-03-21 19:55:53','2011-03-22 02:55:53','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-266','','','2011-03-21 19:55:53','2011-03-22 02:55:53','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4698,1,'2011-03-21 19:57:01','2011-03-22 02:57:01','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-267','','','2011-03-21 19:57:01','2011-03-22 02:57:01','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4699,1,'2011-03-21 19:58:06','2011-03-22 02:58:06','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-268','','','2011-03-21 19:58:06','2011-03-22 02:58:06','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4700,1,'2011-03-21 19:59:23','2011-03-22 02:59:23','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Todd</a></strong> aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water and I then begin the prep.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4695\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4697\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>\n7:01</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-9','','','2011-03-21 19:59:23','2011-03-22 02:59:23','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(4701,1,'2011-03-21 20:05:55','2011-03-22 03:05:55','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-269','','','2011-03-21 20:05:55','2011-03-22 03:05:55','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(4704,1,'2011-03-21 20:13:09','2011-03-22 03:13:09','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Todd</a></strong> aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water and I then begin the prep.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4695\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg\"></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>\n7:01</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer andit\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4697\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-12','','','2011-03-21 20:13:09','2011-03-22 03:13:09','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(4702,1,'2011-03-21 20:08:35','2011-03-22 03:08:35','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Todd</a></strong> aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water and I then begin the prep.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4695\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg\"></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>\n7:01</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer andit\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4697\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-10','','','2011-03-21 20:08:35','2011-03-22 03:08:35','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(4703,1,'2011-03-21 20:09:39','2011-03-22 03:09:39','You read that correctly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I originally approached <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Todd</a></strong> aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Tall Drink of Water and I then begin the prep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4695\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg\"></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>\r\n7:01</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer andit\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4697\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-11','','','2011-03-21 20:09:39','2011-03-22 03:09:39','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(4705,1,'2011-03-21 20:15:09','2011-03-22 03:15:09','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Todd</a></strong> aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water and I then begin the prep.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4695\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg\"></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>\n7:01</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer andit\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4697\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nKissing, kissing, kissing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-13','','','2011-03-21 20:15:09','2011-03-22 03:15:09','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(4706,1,'2011-03-21 20:16:47','2011-03-22 03:16:47','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Todd</a></strong> aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  Todd suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water and I then begin the prep.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4695\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg\"></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>\n7:01</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer andit\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4697\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nKissing, kissing, kissing.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-14','','','2011-03-21 20:16:47','2011-03-22 03:16:47','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(4707,1,'2011-03-21 20:27:16','2011-03-22 03:27:16','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached Todd aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\">Todd </a></strong>suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember that this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Wine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water and I then begin the prep.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4695\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg\"></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>\n7:01</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Wine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4697\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Wine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Kissing, kissing, kissing...</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVerdict:  Surprisingly -- no -- Shockingly good!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-15','','','2011-03-21 20:27:16','2011-03-22 03:27:16','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(4708,1,'2011-03-21 20:29:59','2011-03-22 03:29:59','You read that correctly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I originally approached Todd aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNormal Schmormal.  <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\">Todd </a></strong>suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember that this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Wine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Tall Drink of Water and I then begin the prep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4695\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg\"></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>\r\n7:01</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Wine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4697\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Wine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Kissing, kissing, kissing...</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVerdict:  Surprisingly -- no -- Shockingly good!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-16','','','2011-03-21 20:29:59','2011-03-22 03:29:59','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(4709,1,'2011-03-21 20:41:20','2011-03-22 03:41:20','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached Todd aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\">Todd </a></strong>suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember that this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Wine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water and I then begin the prep.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4695\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg\"></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>\n7:01</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Wine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4697\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> Surprisingly -- no -- <em>shockingly</em> good!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Wine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Kissing, kissing, kissing...</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-17','','','2011-03-21 20:41:20','2011-03-22 03:41:20','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(4710,1,'2011-03-22 13:35:56','2011-03-22 20:35:56','You read that correctly.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I originally approached Todd aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNormal Schmormal.  <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\">Todd </a></strong>suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember that this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Wine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nMr. Tall Drink of Water and I then begin the prep.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4695\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg\"></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>\n7:01</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Wine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4697\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> Surprisingly -- no -- <em>shockingly</em> good!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Wine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Kissing, kissing, kissing...</em>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n*******************************\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo read Todd\'s \"He Said\" version, please go to here.','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher','','inherit','open','open','','4682-autosave','','','2011-03-22 13:35:56','2011-03-22 20:35:56','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(4711,1,'2011-03-21 20:41:59','2011-03-22 03:41:59','You read that correctly.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWho knew this sort of thing even existed?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I originally approached Todd aka Birthday Twin Genius about a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/15/day-168-its-more-than-complicated/\" target=\"_blank\">He Said/She Said cooking post</a></strong>, I envisioned our \"guy food\" to be something normal.  Like ribs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNormal Schmormal.  <strong><a href=\"http://606diaries.com/\">Todd </a></strong>suggested Dishwasher Lasagna that he heard about through his sister.  Yes, you actually \"cook\" the lasagna in the dishwasher.  This was all I needed to hear.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet the kooky kitchen experiment begin!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWe started with this recipe: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lasagna-in-Your-Dishwasher</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI invited girlfriends to join me for dinner.  No takers.  I didn\'t take offense.  Most people find eating food cooked in the dishwasher a bit too strange.  To each her own.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAs fate would have it, Mr. Tall Drink of Water aka <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/day-174-first-first-date-in-almost-a-year/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>my first \"first date\" in nearly a year</strong></a> sent me a very romantic email (in Portuguese!) the morning of Day 175.  He cyber-whispered beautiful sweet nothings (in Portuguese!) and asked if I could come out to play at any time this afternoon or evening.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow could I resist?  I invited him over for Dishwasher Lasagna.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe didn\'t skip a beat and accepted.  He dances to the beat of my drum.  That\'s a good sign.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Attention and Alert!:  Ladies, I would NEVER recommend inviting a guy that you met off the Internet to your home on a 2nd date.  No way, no how.  Remember that this one came with references through a mutual friend who thinks quite highly of him.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Tall Drink of Water arrived promptly at 5:30, the start time that Todd and I agreed on.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Minor delay:  When you invite Mr.  Tall Drink of Water for dinner, and you start of the evening with a bottle of Spanish wine, time stands still.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:45 text message</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> How\'s it going on your end.  Rockin\' the prep?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>5:58</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me: </strong></span> Drinking wine with a hunkie man.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">6:00</span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> Lol.  I won\'t bug you then.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Wine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMr. Tall Drink of Water and I then begin the prep.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4692\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4693\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4695\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006.jpg\"></a><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4696\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4701\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200007-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4699\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200003-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>\r\n7:01</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Lasagna is in the washer and it\'s chugging along Went very very smoothly so far.  I\'m worried.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Wine, wine, wine.  Talking, talking, talking.  Kissing, kissing, kissing.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>7:48</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span> Wow...this is inedible\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>8:03</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\">Me: </span></strong> Uh-oh.  I\'m kinda full on wine tho so all is good.  :-)  Mine still on heated dry.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd:</strong></span> I don\'t think my heated dry was long enough.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>9:13</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4697\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200008-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff;\"><strong>Me:</strong></span> Mine is yummy!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><strong>Todd: </strong></span>Well that\'s good for one of us then.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/P3200009-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff00ff; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Verdict: </strong></span> Surprisingly -- no -- <em>shockingly</em> good!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Wine, talking, kissing.  Kissing, talking, wine.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Kissing, kissing, kissing...</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 175:  Baking Lasagna in the Dishwasher  ','','inherit','open','open','','4682-revision-18','','','2011-03-21 20:41:59','2011-03-22 03:41:59','',4682,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/21/4682-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0);
