Documentary Overload

There was nothing on TV today so I hit up The History Channel. I love all things historical and often wish I had majored in it in college (I didn't because I figured the only thing that degree would be good for is writing books nobody but college kids would read.)

Anyway, I got sucked into several documentaries. The first was an expose' on the Ku Klux Klan. I'm sure it goes without saying but they are a terrible group. I think it is really important to learn about this kind of stuff as a means of preventing history from repeating itself.

The next documentary was on cults. A family member of mine started a cult and is serving consecutive prison terms for his actions. My dad watched some of this program with me and he shared with me some stories of this awful person and the things he did. Even when things are hard to hear, I feel it is important to know your family history. (Incidentally, Mr. Case's grandfather was in a concentration camp as a youth and we have been privileged to hear some of his stories.)

The last show was about snipers. I always learn something new. Apparently, during the Vietnam war, the Viet Cong would employ many female snipers. One notoriously brutalized and of the people she captured by slashing them.

My dad says I need to learn to enjoy watching lighter stuff on TV. Sorry if this post is odd or uninteresting. I can simply never pass up a documentary! I suppose everyone will be glad when regularly scheduled programming returns.

Bold!

My parents were at the mall when they happened upon a brand new Lexus. You know the drill-some automaker will park a new model in the middle of a mall and get you to fill out a postcard with all of your personal info so they can spam the crap out of you. Anyway...

Despite being a gorgeous new Lexus, this car was filthy. I imagine with the holiday crowds, it saw a lot of "touching." People were writing random messages in the dirt. (Side note, never do this on your own car, as it can scratch the paint permanently, and sometimes even the glass. PSA brought to you by both my dad and Mr. Case.)

Some guy stood there writing:

I WISH MY GIRLFRIEND WAS THIS DIRTY!

No word on whether the girlfriend was present. Bold, buddy, bold!

Tra-la-la-la-la!

The holidays are over and I'm glad. Not to sound Scrooge-y but December is a hectic month for our family outside of the obvious. My birthday is the 17th and my mom's is the 26th so it often feels like we have 5 big holidays in 2 weeks. Blah.

Christmas Eve had a bit-o-drama but Christmas was fine. I got a video camera and a new camera. Hooray: 2 practical but still drool-worthy gifts!

Mr. Case has a friend who lives about 3 hours away and he has invited us over to his home for New Year's Eve. I don't know if I am feeling up to committing to driving 3 hours to spend a holiday with strangers but we will see. Nevertheless if feels great to receive an invite!

I hope that everyone had a great holiday, and if you didn't, well, I hope you at least survived.

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season

At least, that's what I believe in my heart.

So, why is it that I get so preoccupied with purchasing gifts?

Not to mention, I always go over budget. Always.

$10 extra here, one more stocking stuffer there...you get the point!

I will admit it is fun to receive gifts but I have told my entire family that (especially) because times are so tough financially, that I really don't want them spending beyond their means on my behalf.

This is also the first year that I have not made homemade gifts for my friends. I miss it but my pocketbook is thankful I haven't made new friends yet. Ha!

I've still only managed to buy one gift so tomorrow is going to be a major day of shopping for me. I think next year I will withdraw cash in the amount of my budget and hope it forces me to be more stringent.

Care to share any money saving tips with me? I could use them.

You Need to Eat This, Now!

I saw on another blog a recipe from Paula Deen called "Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding."

Initially I was skeptical because banana pudding can be pretty awful. My mom's custom recipe is delicious but I wanted to try something new for Mr. Case because he loves banana pudding.

I didn't take a picture of my pudding because it wasn't particularly attractive. I need to work on my food presentation. If my trifle bowl weren't in storage it probably would've looked more appetizing.

Here is a link for the recipe. This took less than 10 minutes to make, which made it all the more lovely.

If you try it let me know. It was extremely decadent and I only made it through a small serving, which is saying a lot considering my sweet tooth!


*** Yes, this is a Paula Deen recipe but there is NO butter involved! :)