In Which I Empty My Brain Onto the Screen

I'm hoping to do some "real writing" this weekend -- which is necessary to qualify with air quotes, since "real writing" at this stage means anything that isn't encased by bullet points -- but I have some nagging thoughts I need to clear out first.

The Pioneer Woman is in Minnesota today, signing her new book at the Mall of America. Allison (from O My Family!) and I talked about going together -- but approximately five seconds later, we realized we'd be standing in a line that could stretch from Macy's to Sears and would probably cover at least three of four levels. Translation: That's a LOT of time for an autograph, no matter how wonderful the autographee. So I stayed home this afternoon and took a two-hour nap (bliss!), and Twitter tells me that Allison is meeting Heather (of the Extraordinary Ordinary) to work on details for Cupcake '10.

I think we made the right decision.

That said, I would really like to get a copy of The Pioneer Woman Cooks, and it's on sale for $10.75 right now at Amazon. Is it wrong for me to buy my own copy and then let someone else (cough, Corey, cough) give it to me for Christmas? Because $10.75 is a steal.

I have a minor cold, which doesn't even come close to rivaling the H1N1-mutates-into-a-cold-virus that tried to kill me in October. That was sheer misery. My sinuses were so closed, I could even Neti pot them. (And yes, I tried for the first time ever because that's how desperate I was. Turns out, you can be too congested for the "nose irrigation" plan to work.) I was literally having to fight for each breath I took for about five days. So this cold? I laugh at this cold.

But still. My throat hurts.

It's a gorgeous, sunny, 50-degree day here, which is a tad odd for Minnesota on November 21. But it's been like this all month. I can't explain it, but I'm thankful, because October was cool and dank and horrible. I believe the esteemed James Lileks said, "It feels like someone shook up the weeks of autumn this year and let them fall where they may." Exactly.

One of my favorite bloggers, Michelle at Scribbit, is giving away a brand new computer this weekend. Technically, it's known as the HP Touchsmart 600, but I call it the most sleek, gorgeous non-Apple computer I've ever seen. You should go enter to win it. I mean, talk about a Christmas gift.

I am trying to finalize my Thanksgiving menu today. I'm trying to decide if I should move out the Green Beans, Watercress and Fried Shallots salad for the more traditional Green Bean Casserole. I'm also debating the wisdom of three pies for eight people, especially when three of those eight are under five feet tall. But how do I decide between pumpkin (my favorite), apple (traditional) and chocolate (for Corey, Natalie and my father-in-law)? I mean, really. That's like trying to solve for pi. (Snort! Sorry. I couldn't help myself.)

Also? Corey wants me to add roasted Brussels sprouts to the menu. But that would mean I'm making seven side dishes. And did I mention we'll only have eight people at the meal? Oy. The decisions.

Connor spent the last hour watching the Lego version of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Brick over and over and over again. And I'll admit -- it's pretty darn funny. If you are halfway familiar with the Indiana Jones trilogy and you have a passing acquaintance with Legos (or you have a six-year-old who's obsessed, like me), you should check it out. And watch for all the Star Wars references. Hysterical.

Happy Saturday!