Sign of the Season.

I had to pry my gas tank open with my keys this morning.  Thanks, Mother Nature.  

Instead of posting a picture about the crummy, gray, Chicago weather, I thought I'd include some color from Danielle Thompson instead.  She and her team produce fantastic work.

Equality.

I've stated it here before that I support equality for all human beings.  If you have any doubts on why this issue matters or why it is important, please watch this video. 

While I care passionately about politics and love a great conversation on the issues at hand, I decided that I did not want to be one of those people.   I don't want to turn into the type that nobody can stand to be around because they feel like I am pushing my personal agenda.  The same can be said about my blog.  I will occasionally write about a political topic that matters to me simply because it matters to me.  

I am proud to also report that Sara Lee's Pride Network is moving full speed ahead.  Using the handy recommendation of my husband to use 99designs, I worked with freelancers to develop the design which played on the Pride flag and its meaning. 

Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!!!!

I am a huge fan of "Arrested Development" and was THRILLED to see this news.  I am guilty of watching my DVDs over and over again for a good laugh.  To me, they never get old and leave me in stitches.

Paczki's Are Weighing Me Down.

It's been a while.  I got carried away with other things like a quick trip to Cleveland this past weekend.  The Schragal side got together to celebrate family and it was tremendous.  While we don't get to see one another often because we're all spread out, when we do it is so enjoyable.  

Today is Fat Tuesday but since I have Polish blood running through my veins, I call today Paczki Day!  When I told my boss that today he asked, "What day did you say?"  I immediately replied, "They are Heaven on Earth," without hesitation.  

Haven't had one?  Do it.  

Need further convincing?  I leave you with this...

Home Away From Home.

How great idea is this site?  Now the only question is where to go....

MUah.

I went to Marquette and I love their basketball program.  Then again, doesn't every Marquette alum?  

If you are ever fortunate to be at the Bradley Center for a game, you will understand why I want to give this guy a kiss.  It is nice to see a middle aged person who still know how to have fun.    

While watching Rick Smith on Saturday, I was reminded of Freeway, the ultimate Marquette back-up dancer.   When watching that video you have to WAIT for it...and it is so worth it.  While he doesn't make the jumbotron quite as often since Rick hit the scene, he will remain a part of Marquette basketball history.  

Have a LOVEly Weekend.

I am fully aware that many people feel that Valentine's Day is nothing more than a "Hallmark" holiday.  While I agree that there is definitely a strong push from consumerism to this end, how could you deny a celebration of love?  

Whether you have loving parents, great friends, a wonderful spouse, a perfect place that you enjoy or an activity that is a favorite, make sure you indulge a bit this weekend.  It never hurts to remind those that are most important that we love them.  

Here are some cute Valentine's Day blogs from around the web:

• Thoughtful ways to say, "I Love You."
• Heart-o-graphy
• Yummy hearts
• Just pretty

I was hoping to make a special treat for Andy and his parents this weekend though I haven't quite found the time just yet.  It's an old recipe passed down from my Grandma W.  Legend has it that she would make this for my Great Grandma Julia who celebrated her birthday every February 14th and the leftovers were used to celebrate my Aunt Jane's birthday the following day on February 15th.  My dad is also a HUGE fan...

Red Cake

Ingredients (cake):

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 oz. red food coloring

2 tbsp. cocoa powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup buttermilk

1 tbsp. vinegar

1 tsp. baking soda

2 1/4 cup flour 

Instructions (cake):

1. Cream together shortening and sugar in mixer.  

2. Add eggs.

3. In a seperate bowl, paste food coloring and cocoa together.

4. Add to the ingredients in mixer.

5. Add salt and vanilla to mixer.

6. Stir in buttermilk and slowly add flour to mixer while it is on slow speed.

7. Blend in vinegar and baking soda.

8. Bake in two 9" greased and floured pans at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out of cake clean.

9. Turn over onto racks and let the cakes cool.

10. Split each cake layer in half, leaving four layers and set aside.

Ingredients (icing):

5 tbsp. flour

1 cup milk

2 sticks of butter (do not use margarine)

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions (icing):

1. Cook flour and milk on stove top until thick, stirring constantly.

2. Allow substance to cool thoroughly.

3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.

4. Add vanilla.

5. Add to cold flour mixture and beat until mixture resembles whipped cream.

6. Spread between cake layers.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Here's to You, Abe.

Happy 200th Birthday President Lincoln!

Abraham Lincoln's name was mentioned more often than not in last year's election.  I wonder if he would be flattered that his legacy lives on and whether he would be proud of our nation as it stands today, despite the economic downturn.  American history was never the same after his time in office, that much is certain.  He is seen throughout Chicago and his principles live on.

As for the comedians of the world, well, they'll never forget President Lincoln either. 

In preparation.

Andy's parents are coming to visit this weekend and we have some fun times lined up.  

In preparation for their visit we've been using this quite a bit this week.  After all, we need to have every last detail in place before the parental units arrive.  There is a different standard in tidiness for them, wouldn't you say?    

Have a Relaxing Weekend.

Just like my pup, Maebe, as seen here.  

I finished a collection of short stories earlier this morning and while they were enjoyable, I realized that I prefer full blown novels.  As most people do, I become attached to the characters and the short stories left me hanging.  I will never know if Mr. and Mrs. Sen lived happily married or not and that will drive me nuts... for a few days anyway.

I thoroughly enjoyed this author's book, The Namesake, on our honeymoon and I'm glad that I tried Interpreter of Maladies on for size.  

Take some time to relax this weekend and envelope yourself in something that you love!

Friday Funday.

WaWaWaWay Funny.

News is Old Again.

I tend to be a bit of a news junkie. I tend to teeter between news, "real" crime shows like the old 20/20's that are now on WE, crappy reality shows and sports. A strange mix you might say...and you know what? You're right. Please refer to this blog's title, I lead a very crooked life.

Much to my delight, I found a website that has old Chicago broadcasts and I've found them to be fascinating. Could you see Charlie Gibson kicking back, lighting up and selling cigarettes at the end of his broadcast? How far news has come and we've only begun to brush the surface with technology.

YogAAAAHHHHHHHH.

I recently started yoga class as a mild attempt to combat my pierogi-craving blood that runs through me.

I give the whole experience a big thumbs-up! I can even do the Warrior pose above...impressed? You should be. I have to flex my knee and put my arms out, WOW! It won't be long before I can achieve this move:

My Professional Obligation.

Seeing that my profession revolves around vehicles that deliver messages, it felt fitting that I dedicate a post to last night's Super Bowl ads. Yes, the good old television advertisements that some in the industry say will be obsolete in time. I'm not sure about that but if so, we had better appreciate the laughs while we can still get them. Enjoy!

Here are a few there were of interest:

• This one and this one were just funny.
• Since we just got a puppy, this one resonated in our household.
• Love him therefore loved this.
• Love their pop but this was typical.
• Finally, this one felt real as someone who works in a corporate environment right now.

And for some commentary from the web:

• Ad Age
• TIME
• U.S. News and World Report
• USA Today

Finally, I would just like to say it's not so easy cheering for your arch rival even if intentions are good. I sure hope my Great Uncle Ed enjoyed the game because I was uncomfortable...

Six More Weeks of Winter.

My winter itch officially set in last week.  I'm not sure if it was the fact that Chicago had not seen the sun in (what felt like) weeks until today or that the thermomter hasn't seen a temperature above 30 in more than a month.  

With spring on my mind, these biodegradable gardens caught my eye and they might just get me (and you) over the hump into spring.  And since I buy fresh herbs weekly for dinner recipes, these might aid in my food budget over the long-haul as well.

This also caught my eye but only because it's Monday of a long week ahead.