May 29

Well I'm back to sucking at this blogging stuff again.  This post might be random.  The next few posts might be random.  I have such a backlog of pictures and topics that I don't know how to get caught up in any sort of graceful way.  So enjoy this bumpy ride.

 Ride With the Devil (1999)
When the Civil War begins, lifelong friends Jake (Tobey Maguire) and Jack Bull (Skeet Ulrich) join the Missouri Bushwhackers, a ragtag team of Southern guerrilla fighters. But after the cold realities of conflict set in, the men must decide for themselves what honor means. Director Ang Lee takes viewers deep into the labyrinthine conflict of the War Between the States and those who fought it.

Not sure how I missed this one for so long....being from 1999.....but it was quite good.  I love me some Skeet Ulrich but it was long haired Tobey Maguire that was the hottie in this one.  Anyway, it was a good movie but I didn't really understand some of what was going on.  Who exactly were these guys fighting against, and why?  And why were they holed up in their little dugout for so long?  And how did they keep in touch with each other, being spread out all over random countrysides?  Still, pretty good movie.

Old Dogs (2009)
On the verge of a game-changing business deal, a divorced dad (Robin Williams) and his womanizing best friend and partner (John Travolta) are thrown for a loop when they're tasked with caring for a rambunctious pair of 6-year-old twins. Helmed by Walt Becker, this family comedy also stars Seth Green, Kelly Preston, Matt Dillon, Rita Wilson and Bernie Mac, in his final big-screen appearance.

This was funny.  It's Disney so it's tame and gets sappy at the end but it was pretty good.  Short enough too that it stays funny without getting boring and old.  The part where their pills got mixed up, although extremely predictable, was hysterical.  The way John Travolta's face was twitching in the early stages of what happened...omg...I was laughing so hard.  It was good, no-brainer fun for an evening.

The New Daughter (2009)
Luis Berdejo directs this supernatural thriller centered on John James (Kevin Costner), who moves to the country to get a new start -- only to be confronted by a new nightmare when his daughter, Louisa (Ivana Baquero), begins acting stranger by the minute. With unsettling events besetting the South Carolina home, John begins to believe that something on the edge of the forest nearby might have the answers he needs.

I'd not heard of this one, and not sure how I ended up Netflixing it.  Recommendation page perhaps?  It was ok until the end.  (Seems I'm very hard to please when it comes to movie endings!)  I would have liked more explanation of what these things were and what was happening than the one quick conversation with the researcher dude.  I was confused why the dad felt the need to sacrifice himself instead of just destroying the 'creepy thing.'  There are lots of 'Did you see that?!' things in this movie that made it fun to watch.  Several times we had to rewind to double check something we thought we had seen.  And Kevin Costner is still hot.

Meena update...
The vet called and said the results of the thyroid check are "mixed."  He used some technical terms that are Greek to me but what I got is that something is working but something is not telling that other something to work in a timely fashion.  *shrugs*  He said there "might be something else going on here" but recommended we try the medicine for one month and have her evaluated again.  So she's been getting 1 1/2 pills twice a day for the past week or so.  I don't know if we're supposed to see results like hair growing back or what, or if it will take longer that a month for that.  We stick the pills in a dog treat so there is no problem getting her to swallow them.  I guess we wait for the followup.

Ty's job update...
After only two days on first shift in his full-time hours he was put on a machine to learn it.  The next day he was given the option to start working over-time just like everybody else, so he started working ten hour days.  He's excited about it because he knows he can get his car paid off even faster now.  He was so excited to see his first full-time paycheck.  LOL!

In his second week on first shift he found out he was no longer going to be the cleaning guy, that they'd hired a new kid to replace him.  Ty is now considered a machine operator!  (At least that's how I understand it.)  And then what did he do?  He overslept on Friday and was late.  DOH!  I think that showed him he can't be running around late with his friends like he used to when he worked second shift. 

Last night he got his ears pierced.  Yes, he got both ears pierced.  He said a couple of his friends were trying to get him to do it, saying he'd look cool, and while hanging out last night one of those friends offered to pay for it if Ty would do it....so Ty did it.  I think the hot girl at the store (former classmate of theirs) had something to do with it too.  *wink*  I think he does look kinda cool.  Just two simple 'diamond' studs for now.  I told him "You are NOT putting those freakin' ugly stretchy things in!"  He wholeheartedly agreed, said he thinks that is gross and ugly.  He also shaved his totally 'I'm too lazy to shave' Amish Ty beard into a neat little goatee.  I wonder if there's a girl out there, finally making him aware of himself?  hehe

No pics yet of Metrosexual Ty, as my sister called him.  Will post when I get one.

Tons more to write but I'll end this portion here.

May 15 - Love. This. Song.

Ignore the creepy picture and just listen to the song......



Brooks & Dunn remade this song and their version is ok but I freakin' *LOVE* the original.  It's just way too short.

Now listen again....

May 13

I have so many things to write about.  I'm sure I'll forget half of them so I'm just diving in before my head loses it all...

 Meena went to the vet today.  It was time for her regular rabies booster.  She is 10 1/2 years old and weighs a petite (ha!) 114 pounds.  She was marked 'Appears Normal' in all categories except 'Coat & Skin.'  She's dull, dry, scaly, and has hair loss on her tail and around her collar.  We just assumed it's because she's an outside dog and doesn't get the attention she should.  The vet doesn't think so.  He thinks it's possibly a thyroid problem, so they took some blood and will run the tests.  If it is a thyroid problem there is some pill medication she can take...everyday for the rest of her life.  (I haven't had a chance to research this yet so I have no opinion as I write this.)  They were going to try taking the blood from her neck since it's bare around the collar.  I wasn't there but apparently the nurse straddled her and kinda pulled her head up/back a bit so the doctor could get the spot he needed but Meena collapsed.  Hubby said it was just an instant *thud* onto the floor but then she woke up just as quickly.  I have no clue what that means?!  So they ended up shaving part of her leg and taking blood from there.  Now we wait for the results.

Ty got some wonderful news today.  He's been working part-time on second shift since August of last year.  Starting Monday of next week he'll be moved to full-time hours on first shift!  He'll still be doing his regular shop cleaning job but they're also going to be starting him learning some of the machines.  This is exciting!  Now he'll be back to a 'normal' life, home when we're all home, eating meals with us again.  He can possibly ride to work with hubby on days they have same hours.  He'll be up and leaving about the same time I am so we can all be making sure no one is oversleeping or whatever.  He's happy because being gone all day keeps him from having to deal with one annoying friend that invites himself over all the time.  And for me....I'll have the house to myself on my days off!!  I will finally get some Only Me Time again!  Ooohhhhhh this is wonderful.

My nephew's girlfriend is pregnant and due May 28.  He sent me a text today saying she's going to be induced next Friday (May 21).  I asked why, is she having problems?  He said she's been dilated to about 2 for a while, she's in pain and uncomfortable and since it's only a week early they're going to go ahead and induce.  I wonder if that little baby will make his appearance before then, on his own terms.  Hehe!  (Yep, we know it's a boy.)

A coworker of mine (have worked with him 20 years now, went to school with him before that) was recently diagnosed with cancer.  Back at the end of March/start of April when I was laid off I heard he had ended up in the hospital with chest pains and they'd thought it was a heart attack.  I didn't really hear much about what it actually had been but someone overheard a conversation where he was telling someone else that it had been the worst pain he'd ever felt in his life.  He missed some work then was back but people noticed he still looked ill, seemed to get winded very easily, just not himself.  Then a few weeks ago I heard he had cancer.  I quietly asked a couple people at work who were closer to the situation and found out he apparently has three 'masses' in his throat, lung, spine.  Someone mentioned leukemia.  I was also told they were checking his bone marrow and if it was in there, well, there wasn't much they could do.  I heard he was starting chemo last week.

Imagine my surprise this morning when I heard he was back to work!?!?  He's working four hour days, three days a week.  I asked how he's doing, was told he's very pale and thin but otherwise seems pretty good.  And then I saw him and was like, wow, yeah, he's definitely pale and thin.  But I was so amazed because he was he was his same old self, talking openly about what's going on when asked, but talking about Lost just like we always used to, and just.....same old same old.  His outlook is amazing.  His attitude is amazing.  He said he he's done one round of chemo and it went well.  He said he's got seven or eight more rounds to do and didn't know how it would be as time went on but he was so sick going into it, was already experiencing many of the things they'd said he might go through....he said 'I figured I was so sick at that point it could only get better.'  Wow.  He said the one lump in his chest was gone 'pretty much overnight.' 

This guy's son battled cancer as an infant.  I remember those days.  And that little boy is now nine or ten years old.

It makes me cry just thinking about it all.  His strength and optimism, his soldier on attitude...we could all learn from him.  I'm not sure I'd be able to do what he's doing.  I think at this point, so soon after diagnosis, I'd probably still be curled up in bed and sobbing about my misfortunes.  I really hope he beats this because we need more people like him around.

May 12

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

When a deal with the devil comes due, the immortal Doctor Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) must renegotiate the pact to save his daughter. Now, with the help of his mystical theater troupe and a mysterious stranger, Parnassus attempts to right the wrongs of his past. Terry Gilliam's quirky fantasy marks Heath Ledger's final film, with Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law stepping in to complete his pivotal role.

Ok, I love Heath Ledger and I love Johnny Depp but wow...I did not like this movie.  It was bizarre, I knew that going into it.  But it was just so, I don't know... pointless.  Ack.  Bleah.  Did not like it.

Legion (2010)
In the wake of an apocalypse of major proportions, a motley crew of survivors (including Dennis Quaid, Tyrese Gibson and Kate Walsh) ekes out a living at an abandoned truck stop in the desert, never suspecting that the pregnant woman walking among them is carrying the Messiah. Paul Bettany co-stars in this thriller as the archangel Michael, who was sent to Earth to steer humankind away from darkness and toward the light.

This one, on the other hand, I was surprised by how much I *did* like it.  I thought it was going to be another blood and guts shoot 'em up man movie, so I mainly got it for hubby.  I wish there would have been more about the angels, not just the creepy demon type zombie angels.  Gabriel's lethal weapon wings and do-it-all mace were a bit much.  The ending was weak, and left wide open for a sequel or series.  Other than those fairly minor flaws I was surprised by how into I got.  And there is something hot about Paul Bettany.  He has a dark look in this movie, not his usual near albino look, hehe.  Maybe that's part of it.  Or maybe his voice combined with the dark.  I think it's definitely that power thing.  You know, the same 'power' thing that I love about Edward Cullen, Professor Snape, and NotLocke.  Not sure how to explain it and not sure if anyone cares.  He's lethal, he can kill any of them in the blink of an eye, he's been among the worst kind and knows what's going on, yet when he's holding the girl while she's in labor, urging her on in that deep, accented, authoritative voice...love it.  This is not my new favorite movie or anything but yes, I really like it.

For various reasons, I ended up doing my grocery shopping this morning.  Our Walmart is still a mess after some major renovations and I pretty much hate shopping there right now because everything is moved around and I'm a total creature of habit.  On the other hand, wandering the whole store looking for the few things you need lets you see the millions of other things that you usually just pass by.  This was the case with candles this morning.  I don't like burning candles.  You already know I'm a wax tart junkie.  Since I've been getting tarts from Etsy I don't even bother with the candles in stores anymore.  If I need tea lights for my tart warmers I just grab a bag and keep walking.  Well today, because everything is rearranged I found myself walking down the candle aisle and noticed Hazelnut Cream scent.  This is the scent of the tart I had a long time ago that was the best tart ever.  This particular Walmart doesn't sell tarts anymore but seeing that scent in votive candles had me curious.  Maybe they'd be as awesome smelling as teh tart had been?!  I bought two of the votives for the price of one Etsy tart.  My hopes were high.  I got home and lit both, one by my desk and one in the living room just like my tart warmers.  And the smell is.....non-existent. Seriously, I've had them burning all afternoon and evening and I have not gotten even the slightest hint of aroma.  What a bunch of crap.  *grrrr*

And on that happy note, I'm going to bed to dream about tarts and angels.

May 12 - Soap blog

I've decided to give the separate soap blog another chance.  I dumped it the first time around because it seemed like a pointless burden, like just another thing to have to keep up on, another place to repeat news that I'm not sure people read anyway.  After thinking about it recently I'm seeing it differently now.  I've been to so many other blogs lately, seen what other people are doing.  It is another way to get the Springvale name and product out there, another avenue to explore.  Maybe someone does not use Facebook but loves reading blogs.  For those who don't bother with blogs but live on Facebook.....well, you see what I mean.  I'm even reconsidering using Twitter, and I find Twitter to be the biggest waste of time and space out there!

So anyway, I'd appreciate it if you'd check out the Springvale Soap blog and maybe even become a follower.

Find it here...... SPRINGVALE SOAP BLOG.

Thanks!

May 6

My Sister's Keeper (2009)
A former defense attorney (Cameron Diaz) finds herself back in the courtroom when she and her husband (Jason Patric) are sued for medical emancipation by their 11-year-old daughter, Anna (Abigail Breslin), who is expected to donate a kidney to her dying older sister. The subsequent trial tests ethical boundaries and the limits of parental love. Joan Cusack and Alec Baldwin round out the cast in this powerful drama based on Jodi Picoult's novel.

I had wanted to read this book for so long before finally getting around to it, only to be disappointed.  I didn't like the way the book jumped around, and I really didn't like the ending...thought it was a total cop out.  So when the movie came out I wasn't overly anxious to see it.  I knew they'd changed the ending and knew there was some uproar about it but I hadn't known what the change was until very recently when a co-worker blabbed it.  The movie worked its way to the top of my Netflix list and had been sitting here for probably three weeks before I *finally* watched it today.  I knew it was a tearjerker, which is probably why I kept putting off watching it.  Even though I tend to cry easily over anything and everything, when it comes to movies that I know are going to be a big sobfest I seem to need to be in a mood to allow it.  Still, I wasn't prepared for this.  Wow.  There were times when I was totally body shaking sobbing.  And I actually liked the big change they made towards the end.  But wow, a huge emotional journey that has me thinking it'll be a long time before I'm recovered enough to watch that other tearjerker on my list....Hachi

The Invisible (2007)
After high schooler Nick (Justin Chatwin) is brutally attacked and left for dead, he regains consciousness and then discovers that he's invisible to everyone -- except for a troubled young girl (Margarita Levieva) running from the authorities. An unsettling glimpse at one man's nightmarish limbo, this supernatural thriller from the producers of The Sixth Sense explores the elusive place between the world of the living and the land of the dead.

Also watched this one tonight, another that has been sitting here for weeks.  This one popped up in the Netflix recommendations.  I'd never heard of it otherwise.  I went into it with very little expectations so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it, how much I was getting into it.  While I thought almost everything with the girl was annoying (wanted to rip her dang hat off, then once she took it off I wanted her to put it back on), I really liked the boy's side of things.  I *loved* when he was yelling in her face that it was all her fault, all her choices, despite how 'bad' her life was.  *LOVED* that!  And then it all turned to crap.  I thought for sure the girl was going to die in the car, be shot by the police or send herself over the cliff or something, and that was going to 'allow' the boy to come back.  But what they dragged it out as and turned it into....please, really?!  It became so dumb that my tears dried up and I was rolling my eyes, almost laughing in an angry 'wtf?!' way.  Even with that crap ending though, I'd suggest this movie if you ever come across it while flipping through channels or a cheap rental.

Why do the mini M&Ms taste so flippin' awesome???
*grabs handful and after handful*

I forgot to mention something in my Products posts the other day.  A while ago I had ordered body cream from Verbena Custom Blends/Etsy and had received three samples with it.  I had said at that time that I wasn't impressed with the scent and that I thought it was good enough to use on my feet but wouldn't replace my beloved Bella's Birthday body butter.  Well folks, I think I've changed my mind.  As I worked my way through the samples I realized there is indeed enough scent to be noticed but not overwhelming.  I noticed it's worked wonders on my feet, knees, and elbow.  And I've noticed I'm not needing to use my Bella's Birthday on my hands when everything else is done.  This morning I finished the Vanilla Pear sample and was sad to see it go.  I loved that scent after a while!  So now I think I've switched gears and want to use up my Twilight inspired samples and then make the Verbena stuff my regular body cream.  But I'm also wanting to order some cream from Wisconsin's own Mirasol Farm.  I just need to work through my stash first.

Something interesting happened last weekend.  Hubby had been working outside and the neighbor guy from just down the road stopped to ask about something that had been sitting outside the barn for years.  Hubby gave the item in question to him.  Obviously we didn't need it if it had been sitting there for so long.  The next day the guy's wife showed up with a chocolate cake as a 'Thank you.'  I didn't know about any of this because I'd been gone Sunday afternoon.  I saw the cake when I got home and hubby told me the story.  How cool is that?  I mean, do people really DO that kind of stuff anymore?  It was darn good cake too!  Looked like it was made from scratch, not just a box mix and tub of frosting whipped together.  I hope hubby thanked them profusely for their thank you.

I'm sure there was plenty more I wanted to write about but as always I've piddled around and forgotten it all.  So I'll go to bed instead.

May 3 - Products, Etsy....pt2

Since the previous post ended with coffee I will continue that theme in this post.  How lucky!

I've strayed from my usual Etsy tart supplier.  Yes yes, I know, the horrors.  But when I saw this other Etsy tart maker's listing for a caramel coffee scented tart I was drawn to her shop.  I found that Nana's Tarts has many coffee scents!  I sent her a message asking if I could get three different scents in one of her 3-packs instead of all the same scent as she had listed.  She said that would be fine but she also mentioned other scents she had that just weren't listed yet.  She offered me a package deal plus two free tarts (I think?) so in the end I was getting one of each of the coffee line.  Awesome!

When my ordered arrived I loved how cute the packaging was, like a little country bundle all done up in a gingham fabric.  I was thrilled to see she'd also thrown in a freebie tart....an absolutely adorable apple pie scented pie-looking tart!

The actual coffee scented tarts all looked the same.  They were individually packaged and tagged in the same country charm theme.  The scents I got were:

Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee

Caramel Nut Coffee

Pumpkin Cinnamon Coffee

Caramel Cinnamon Latte

Vanilla Toffee Latte

Chocolate Mint Latte

Cinna Latte

Roasted Coffee

The Pumpkin Cinnamon is my favorite of these.  I will probably order more of that one this fall, around Halloween and Thanksgiving.  I also quite liked the Vanilla Toffee, and the Mint Chocolate Chip.  Hubby said the Caramel Nut reminded him of when I'm doing Christmas baking, and the Caramel Cinnamon one reminded him of popcorn.  LOL...I don't know.

I have not actually burned the Roasted Coffee yet.  All the others have been plenty strong on the first burn but noticeably weaker already on the second burn.  Some I didn't get more than two burns out of.  That's the only downside to these tarts.  My other tarts I can burn over and over and over and still have plenty of scent.  Still, Nana's Tarts are good enough that I would order again.  Go check her shop!

I also ordered more from my regular supplier, Country Home Scents.  This order included Pralines & Cream, Pecan Caramel Swirl, Fudge Brownie, Butterscotch Cream, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, and Heavenly Honey.  I think this order also had Chocolate Chip Cookie scent but I burned that right away because she was waiting for me feedback.  (It was good, for those who are wondering.)  I haven't burned any of this new order yet since I've working my way thru the coffee ones but I have faith that these are all fantastic.  They always are.  (Actually, I've had a couple of these scents before and had to reorder because they are so good.)  Check her shop too!

Remember when I was in Iowa I bought that soap from the little shop in East Davenport?  I don't think I ever said much about it because I knew I wanted to write about it separately.  

The soap I bought was the Milk 'n Honey bar from Iowa Naturals, made right there in Davenport.  Ingredients are not listed on the label and at the website they are bulked together in general, so I'm not sure but I don't think this particular bar contains goat milk.  Regardless, it's quite a nice bar of soap.  Plenty of long lasting lather (which I love!), lovely Oatmeal, Milk & Honey scent, ground oatmeal to scrub and stimulate.  Nice.  We also bought a 'shave stick' for hubby but didn't realize until we were home that we'd grabbed a *womens* stick.  I have not used it.  I don't know if hubby will now.  I don't know what difference there would really be anyway.  Scent?

I was also given a tiny sample of lotion with my purchase.  The only things written on the teeny tiny jar was 'Naked Bee.'  After some internet research I found out this was a product of The Naked Bee, out of California.  I emailed them, told them about my sample, asked if they might know what scent/product it is according to the shop it was in.  They replied that the shop owner probably made the samples herself, and her guess was that it was their signature scent of Orange Blossom Honey.  The sample was so small, but I got a few uses out of it for my hands.  It was nice but I prefer my beloved Bella's Birthday.

I finally bought my first Seventh Generation cleaning product.  I've known about them for a while but haven't seen their products readily available in any of the places I shop most.  Recently a blog that I read was having a Seventh Generation giveaway and to enter you had to visit the site, etc.  While at the site I browsed the list of stores that carry them and found they must have expanded because there were now places that I go to.  Not long after that I happened to be in Target and saw an end display featuring Seventh Generation products so I bought......

...Lavender Floral & Mint dish washing liquid.  I've used it a couple times now and it seems strong enough.  I always have it in my head that these natural, eco-friendly products are weak.  The suds lasted all the way, it didn't seem like I was washing with nasty water, and the scent was very nice....not overwhelming, just enough to know it was there.  Not sure at this point if I'll buy more or stick with my Dawn.  With the oil slick approaching the Gulf Coast I need to keep supporting Dawn so they can clean the ducks and wildlife!

And hey!  I think I'm caught up now on all my product natterings!

May 3 - Products

Well, hmm, I'm slacking again.  As I keep putting off writing I keep piling up products I want to comment on.  It's gotten to the point where I'm better off just dumping everything of that sort into a post of their own.  So here goes...

A while back I blogged about Sprechers gourmet sodas.  We had tried their Puma Kola and Orange Dream at that time.  We have since tried a few more.

Sprecher Cherry Cola is a masterful blend of Wisconsin’s own Door County cherry juice, raw honey, the finest cola extract, and a handful of select spices cooked to perfection in our gas-fired brew kettles then lightly carbonated for refreshment that tickles the taste buds with an array of pleasing flavors. One sip and we’re sure you’ll agree – cherry cola has never tasted this good! 

I really liked this one.  Hubby was kinda neutral, feeling that one cherry cola is like any other.  I will buy this one again.

 We have searched Wisconsin far and wide for the finest all-natural ingredients, brewed them in our gas-fired kettle and bottled this gourmet soda just for you. Pure cherry juice is skillfully combined with the natural essence of real cranberries and blended with honey and ginseng for a high-energy soft drink that is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. 

We did not like this one.  I thought it was ok in small amounts but to drink the way we tend to chug soda, bleah.  Not even the boys liked it.  They were all into it when they heard it was an energy drink but nope, they didn't like it and ended up either dumping their bottle or nursing it for a long long time.  It's been a while since we had it but I think it was an aftertaste issue that turned me off.



I found several other Wisconsin sodas at Pick N Save, and decided to try Point.  Yes, Point, as in the beer.  Like Sprechers, they also do gourmet soda.  Who knew?

Point Premium Black Cherry Cream Soda has a refreshing smooth creamy taste that comes from a balance of the purest water, finest sugars, all-natural Vanilla, and generaous amounts of fresh black cherry flavor.  Hand-crafted in small batches, Point Premium Black Cherry Cream Soda is a true gourmet soda -- rich, sweet, dark and delicious.Ingredients:  Pure cane sugar, and fresh black cherry flavor. 

I really reeeeally like this one!  (Hubby did not try it.)  I've bought it twice already.  The only downfall is that the bottle is so dark you can't tell how much you have left...lol

I don't know if I like this or Sprecher's cherry cola better.  Then again, this is cherry cream.  I don't know if the Sprecher one has cream involved.  I should buy both and conduct a blind taste test.  Hmmm.



Somewhere along the line I stopped eating yogurt.  Remember how I forced myself to start eating it, and to start liking it?  Recently I realized how long it had been since I'd had any.  I heard something on the radio (probably John Tesh, heh) about the benefits of yogurt and I decided I needed to start eating it again.  Imagine my yummy surprise on my next grocery shopping trip when I stopped to grab my usual favorite flavors and saw Yoplait Delights Parfait!  There are four flavors: Chocolate Raspberry, Creme Caramel, Triple Berry Creme, and Lemon Torte.

I've only had the Creme Caramel so far and it's super yumilicious!

Who says 100 calories can’t be rich and delicious? Yoplait Delights Crème Caramel Parfait gives you two luscious layers of yogurt that you can feel good about. With rich caramel yogurt on the bottom, and creamy vanilla yogurt on top, the perfect pick-me-up is 100-calories.

The cups are a little smaller, about 4oz compared to the usual 6oz but I hardly noticed while eating.  Good stuff!  I can't wait to try the other flavors.

I *love* the smell of coffee.  However, I can't stand to drink actual coffee.  I've tried several times over the years and it's just always so gross tasting to me.  I want to like coffee just like I wanted to like yogurt.  I don't know why I get these ideas in my head.  Doesn't help that John Tesh was telling me recently (after yelling at me for not eating enough yogurt) about the newly found perks to drinking coffee in moderation.  Whether it's the coffee or the caffeine, I'm not sure, but hey it's one more reason I need to try to like coffee.  LOL

The morning we were coming home from Iowa we stopped for gas and hubby got himself a big thing of coffee.  As we were driving he asked if I wanted to try it.  I shuddered and curled my nose at it because he likes his coffee black and strong.  He said this one was 'a vanilla something or other.'  I was intrigued.  I took a sip, totally prepared for the bitter icky coffee taste but that never came.  I was like, what is this wonderful tasting thing?  And sipped some more.  I was amazed.  Hubby said it was 'a cappuccino or something.'  A while later, still driving, I was stealing more sips.  I was thrilled!  Was there really a coffee out there I would like??

A week or so later I'm standing in the breakroom at work, barely listening to our very important pre-shift meeting, and my gaze happens to fall on the coffee machine next to me.  I've never had any interest in this machine before and have never had reason to look at what drinks it offers.  On this morning though I notice it says something about French Vanilla and I'm all 'Reeeeally??'  Browsing the rest of the list I see the last drink is chai latte or something.  REALLY????  I'm reading the description and it's something about traditional spices, cinnamon, honey....  I'm excited now.  My sister had forced me to try a chai latte when she came to visit at Christmas and I was surprised that I had liked it.  And now I'm realizing the vending machine at work has had this all along?  Madness!  

Later on one of my breaks I went ahead and got a chai latte out of that wonderful machine.  I'm such a coffee newb though....  First I dang near burned my fingers trying to get the cup out of the machine.  How do people carry those scalding hot little buggers?!  I had to grab a napkin and fumble to get it around the cup.  Then I totally burned my tongue and mouth when I took a small sip, even after letting it sit a while.  And in the shock of that, while trying to set the cup back down, I slopped some over the edge and practically burned my fingers off!  Thankfully no one else was in the breakroom at the time to witness this Dork Drinks Coffee event!  Eventually it cooled off enough for me to drink it but I had to take an extended break (shhh, don't tell!) to do it.  How do people drink those in just ten minutes??  I was shocked by how GOOD it was!  I wouldn't have thought a cheap vending machine version would be better than the Starbucks version, but since those were the only two I'd ever had, that's all I have to compare.  I've had the weekend off but in a really dumb way, I can't wait to get back to work because I want to have another vending machine chai latte!


Well because of all this I was looking more closely at what the coffee aisle in the grocery store has to offer.  I found a whole world of instant coffee mixes.  I mean, I suppose I knew they existed but never really realized they were instant mixes like hot chocolate?!  So when I spotted this......

I was excited!!  Ha, yeah, until I tried it.  No way can I drink this one.  It screams of that horrible coffee taste that has kept me away from so long.  I even put an extra teaspoon in after I saw it said 'more or less to suit taste.'  Didn't help.  It's like there is a blah nothingness to the taste and then that icky coffee aftertaste hits.  Bleah!  What a bummer.  The rest of this can will be going to hubby's work for them to enjoy.


I'll continue in another products post....