Better Than Sex Brownies

That is the official name of the recipe I'm in the process of making.  There is history behind this recipe.  Everyone on the planet should try these brownies.  At least once. 

This recipe, when taken to events, parties, outings, is always the FIRST to go, not even a crumb left in the bowl.  (I've even witnessed people trying to dig remains off the sides for that last fleeting bit of yum.)  It's one of the simplest recipes in the world, but yet it wows all who have the privilege of partaking in its sumptuous, scrumptous, seductive powers.

My husband is one of two videographers for the local high school football team.  He and another guy travel with the team and coaches every Friday night to capture play-by-play action for the team, a learning tool for all.  Every now and then I will prepare a plate of snacks for them and the coaching staff, and it's always gratifying to get feedback from their appreciation.  Knowing this was a  WINNER recipe, I sent a plate of these down to the field house one Friday evening a couple of years ago ... and the rest is history.  It is now renamed by that crew as "T's Brownies."  To this day, I can run into one of the coaches out in public, and they still ask with puppy-dog eyes ...."So when are you gonna bake us some of those fabulous brownies?"

I've been very busy this season preparing for a competition and trying to balance that around LIFE.  Not a lot of down time.  Who am I kidding?  None.

But I've taken the day off, and regardless of having a mile-long list of things to accomplish today on my day off (having just returned from a week-long educational seminar and playing catchup), I have decided it's way overdue...they're getting their brownies.  Tonight.  I'm feeling rather benevolent.  (It's the season.  It does this to me!)

And the recipe?  Oh.So.Simple.

BETTER THAN SEX BROWNIES

Duncan Hines Brownie Mix (prepared according to box)
2-3 large Hersheys Toffee Almond Symphony bars, broken into small chunks

Prepare the mix.  Spread one-half of it in the bottom of a 13x9 pan sprayed with Pam.  Cover the batter with the broken Symphony pieces.  Top with remaining batter.  Bake according to package directions, watching carefully not to overbake.

Let cool COMPLETELY before cutting.

Why Do We Cry?

Sometimes our emotions overcome us and we have no recourse but to release.

And we cry.

Because we must.

And because it washes the bad away...at least for a while.

An emotional purging, cleansing.

A time to cry.

Seth: Why do people cry?
Maggie: What do you mean?
Seth: I mean, what happens physically?
Maggie: Well... umm... tear ducts operate on a normal basis to lubricate and protect the eye and when you have an emotion they overact and create tears.
Seth: Why? Why do they overact?
Maggie: [pause] I don't know.
Seth: Maybe... maybe emotion becomes so intense your body just can't contain it. Your mind and your feelings become too powerful, and your body weeps.

~~ From CITY OF ANGELS

Hips Don't Lie

By way of an update on my training and prep progress, I'm thrilled to learn as of two days ago when my coach measured me, I have lost a total of FOUR INCHES off my hips since August 15th when she first measured me.

That's workin my program. 

Sweet, sweet rewards!

No wonder my pants don't fit anymore!

I can't begin to describe how motivating this prep has been for me...this is frikkin' working!  I've never been in better shape. 

More to share...when there's more time to share. 

For now, back at it.  The courtroom calls...



 .....P  U  S  H!!!



Do These Pants Make My Head Look Big?

My competition prep is paying off...I am seeing results on a daily basis, getting positive feedback on a daily basis, and I'm totally JACKED! 

Sometimes when I see my reflection in the mirror, I think:  REALLY?  It's SO motivating.  My hard work is so paying off.

I was at the mall yesterday shopping for a greeting card.  Having gone through my closet that morning to find something that fits -- like it's supposed to -- to wear to work (and not finding anything), I thought I'd try on a couple pairs of dress pants that caught my eye in a shop window.  Instinctively I reached for Size 4, knowing that all my 6's were too big now.  Then I thought, what the hell...try on a Size 2.  Try to get it over your thigh, T.  Everyone loves a challenge!

They fit!
The Size 2 pants FIT!!!

YES.

THEY.

DID.

Work it, T.

You have earned it.

Men [With] Hats

I must have some sort of hat fettish.  I've always loved hats, especially on men.  I see a hot man in a hat, my gaze is gonna linger a bit longer.  Wearing a hat is a strong fashion statement.  In my mind, I see it as a sign of confidence. 

While seated at a football game one chilly afternoon, I saw a 40's something guy making his way down the bleachers in worn jeans, a black T-shirt, a charcoal gray hoodie, and a white baseball cap.  I stared at him.  For an inordinately long time.  My eyes followed him all the way down the bleachers.  Sexy.  Dashing.  Masculine.  Casual confident fashion.  A great look.

Hats are sort of like icing on the cake for male fashion.  They're not always appropriate, but when the occasion allows, work it.  Strike a pose, guys.  You charm me!





Hugh Jackman

Jason Cameron


Kevin Costner (All ages ... hats work the look...)


   Matthew McConaughey (Yummy in a hat...and he KNOWS it!)

  Boris Kodjoe  (Mercy, what a smile!)



Robert Pattinson (no hat, but then why mess up that gorgeous hair?)
------ and CLEARLY the sexiest eyes I've seen
in a while!

Prepare, Train, Sacrifice

The will to win is important,

but the will to prepare

is vital.

-- Joe Paterno

Preparing meals, working out, practicing posing, adhering to my prep diet.  I sleep, eat and train.  Sleep, eat, and train.  It's a constant cycle of preparation.  It demands tons of mental and physical energy.  I know that.  I accept this challenge.  I am more than willing to prepare to whatever extent is necessary.

I have spent some time this afternoon at the gym, practicing posing, discussing presentation details, and finally, and most rewarding, training lats with my coach. 

Sponging up as much information and knowledge as I possibly can about every aspect of this upcoming competition is vital to me.  I want my form to be top notch on the lifts.  I want to exhaust the muscle, hitting it at every angle.  I want to leave the gym feeling spent and limp, yet mentally elevated, knowing that I've given 100% toward my training. 

The progress I'm making, the sacrifices I make daily, are completely gratifying.  Does it consume a lot of my time?  Hell yes.  Is it worth it?  Yes.  Do I regret any of this?  No.  Give me more.  I want more.  Work it, T.  Work it for all it's worth, and then work it more.  Train to make a difference. 

Mascots: George and Tom

My son plays noseguard for "The Presidents" at Washington & Jefferson Collge.  We attended his first home game last week, and just as we were getting seated in "our" usual section, we see the college's two new mascots walking toward us.  OMG.  I've never seen such huge, well-done mascots in my life.  There in full color and period costume were George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, making their way through the crowd, offering up the royalty wave to the cheering fans. 

And following closely behind?  Who else, but The Secret Servicemen, dressed in black suits, shades, and wired with radios, making their way surreptitiously through the crowd of onlookers and cheering fans. 

"GEORGE!  HEY, GEORGE! 
Over here!"  

I was delighted and mightily impressed with their costumes.  Too cute.

And I insisted on a picture.  It's the closest I'll ever get to a United States president.