Calling All Cookies!

The nurses on my unit have an annual cookie contest. Last year our "Michael Jackson" cookies, as we call them, took only second place. I was shocked that there was a cookie someone considered to be better than these chocolate and melted marshmallow pieces of heaven. But the time has come for the cookie contest once again. The ladies who placed first and third are already talking smack; they each insist that I'm going down, but don't taunt each other.
I am sending a plea out there for the best cookie recipes you have. In order to win, I think it will have to be more than just delicious. It will have to be cute, perhaps slightly unusual, and have a clever name. If your recipe doesn't have a clever name, we can always create one. Last year we renamed the Michael Jackson cookies "Thrillers" since M.J. was not as cool in 2006 as he was in 1986.
Post your recipes. I already have Bob's amazing oatmeal cookies, but I just don't think they're flashy enough to take home the prize. I still proudly display last year's second place red ribbon.

Christmas at the Johnson's

We put up a Christmas tree. More accurately, we put up a five-foot tall plastic picture of a Christmas tree. Right now it's in our window, we may move it to the wall so we can put presents beneath it. The great part about being in the window is at night, you can see it from the freeway.

Liz's Close Call

While I was in Utah, my little sister Liz came way too being close to being crushed while working on a school project. The project itself wasn't dangerous, but it did bring her into a copy store. Liz was working with her back facing the window when an old lady drove her call through the storefront. Liz wasn't hit directly, but a table hit into her, pushing her into another table. She wasn't hurt beyond a bump and bruise, but understandably traumatized.

See, homework is bad for your health.

I am a Bad blogger

I know it's been far too long since I've updated anything at all. The good news is that I've seen the vast majority of people who read my blog in the last week or so. And with one or two exceptions, the people I didn't see read my siblings blogs, so they've been updated. For updates on my Grandfather's death, check Dallas's blog.
I'm written a list of blog topics I hope to post soon. I just need to get caught up on my school work first, and that pesky little thing I call a "job" keeps getting in the way.

Saint Louis Happenings

As always, there are a few odd things going on in St. Louis that amuse me.

Out in the county, the county wants to take over garbage pick-up, instead of having literally 90 separate tiny municipalities coordinate it. On a radio interview, someone compared this to the suspension of the constitution in Pakistan. In fact, they said it was EXACTLY like it.

The ward Thanksgiving dinner was Saturday night. We had a nice time, the dinner had been very well planned. The best part though was a ward member retelling the story of how several years ago, her visiting teaching companion had died in her car on her way to the appointment. The didn't get their visiting teaching done that month. It was this lady's time to go, certainly, but it was still a little traumatic for the companion she left behind.

Nick and I are very excited to be going home next week. See you on Thanksgiving.

Stalling

I keep finding things to distract myself from what I'm supposed to be doing- studying for an O-chem and physics test tomorrow. I also have a general chem test on Saturday, so I better keep plugging away at this stuff.

I also just finished reading Shannon's recommended book, "Twilight" which is my new favorite book. I've ordered books 2 and 3 in the series, but fortunately it won't be here for several days. That means I will have time to get through my tests before they're here. I don't have the self-control to study when such compelling books are in the house.

I was almost done with book one when I went to my O-chem class Monday night. My teacher stopped class and asked why I wouldn't stop smiling. The answer was I was constantly thinking about "Twilight" but I really didn't want to explain that to everyone. She referred to me as "Giggles" a couple of times after that.

Trick or Treaters

I here mom had about a hundred people come to her house for trick or treating. Nick was home last night, and had a grand total of one knock at the door. There were four kids on the step, bringing our grand total to four. I had bought a bag of candy just in case someone came so we were prepared.
I went to lecture with Nick on Wednesday. The teacher began his lecture with the Phantom of the Opera overture, throwing candy from the balcony dressed as the Phantom. He proceeded to give the whole lecture in complete costume including mask, top hat and white gloves. That's commitment. It turns out, it was also his birthday, so lecture was followed by cake. It was a pretty good day to pop into class.