Just Jenni’s Neighborhood

I just want you close
Where you can stay forever
You can be sure
That it will only get better

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright
People keep talking they can say what they like
But all I know is everything's going to be alright

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you
Can get in the way of what I feel for you

When the rain is pouring down
And my heart is hurting
You will always be around
This I know for certain

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright
People keep talking they can say what they like
But all i know is everything's going to be alright

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you
Can get in the way of what I feel

I know some people search the world
To find something like what we have
I know people will try try to divide something so real
So till the end of time I'm telling you there ain't no one

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you
Can get in the way of what I feel for you

-- Alicia Keys

I hold on so nervously
To me and my drink
I wish it was cooling me
But so far, has not been good
It’s been shitty
And I feel awkward, as I should
This club has got to be
The most pretentious thing
Since I thought you and me
Well I am imagining
A dark lit place
Or your place or my place

Well I’m not paralyzed
But, I seem to be struck by you
I want to make you move
Because you’re standing still
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You’ll probably move right through
Me on my way to you

I hold out for one more drink
Before I think
I’m looking too desperately
But so far has not been fun
I should just stay home
If one thing really means one
This club will hopefully
Be closed in three weeks
That would be cool with me
Well I’m still imagining
A dark lit place
Or your place or my place

Well I’m not paralyzed
But, I seem to be struck by you
I want to make you move
Because you’re standing still
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You’ll probably move right through
Me on my way to you

We’ll I’m not paralyzed
But, I seem to be struck by you
I want to make you move
Because you’re standing still
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You’ll probably move right through
Me on my way to you

Not paralyzed
But, I seem to be struck by you
I want to make you move
Because you’re standing still
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You’ll probably move right through
Me on my way to you

You’ll probably move right through
Me on my way to you

You’ll probably move right through
Me on my way to you

-- Finger Eleven

Snowballs

2-C. Flour
1/4-C. Granulated sugar
1-C. Butter
2-Tsp. Vanilla
1-Bag mini chocolate chips (or crushed pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc.)
1-Bag Confectioner's sugar

Preheat oven to 325

In a bowl, cream together sugar, butter, and vanilla. Stir in flour and mix well. Mix in mini chocolate chips.

Lightly grease cookie sheet. Roll cherry-sized balls and place on sheet (can be placed closely together, but not touching). Bake 15-20 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown.

Let cool briefly then place in bowl with confectioner's sugar. Toss until coated well, remove from bowl, and enjoy!

Yields 6 dozen depending on size of ball.

24 ounces macaroni
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
4 cups milk
16 ounces Velveeta cheese
1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare macaroni according to package directions.
3. Melt butter in a large pan.
4. Whisk flour into melted butter to create a light roux.
5. Slowly whisk milk into the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Allow milk and roux to heat for about one minute, then begin adding the Velveeta.
7. Continue to gently whisk the mixture until all Velveeta has melted, then add a pinch of white or black pepper.
8. After macaroni has cooked, drain the water from the pot and mix in the cheese sauce.
9. Once the macaroni and sauce are mixed together, transfer to a 9 x 13 baking dish.
10. Cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.
11. Sprinkle 1 or 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 5 more minutes, or until cheddar cheese is throughly melted.
12. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Vanilla Pumpkin Pie

1 large can pure pumpkin puree
1 1/2c. packed brown sugar
4 eggs
2 tbsp. flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ginger
4 tsp. vanilla
2 cans evaporated milk

Preheat oven to 425.

In large bowl, beat eggs well and set aside.  In small bow, mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.  Add sugar mixture to eggs along with the pureed pumpkin and vanilla.  Slowly stir in both cans of evaporated milk.  Stir well.

Pour into pie crusts and bake at 425 for 15 minutes then reduce heat to 350 and bake 30-40 minutes or until knife inserted into center comes out clean.

If using shallow pie crusts, you will have enough mixture for at least three pies.

I fucking HATE Mondays!

Stardust

Neil Gaiman

I bought this book today at my local Barnes & Noble after my friend Steve discussed the movie on his blog.  After reading the first three chapters, I'm completely captivated!  I wish I could stay up all night so I could finish the book, but since I work in less than nine hours, I can't really do that.  I have a feeling, though, that I'm going to enjoy savoring this book.  I'm looking forward to reading more of Gaiman's work, I think!

My goal for this year's Blogathon is to reach $600.  Right now, I'm at $405.  Won't you sponsor me and help me toward that amount?  Every dollar counts.  You'll even get a CD filled with amazingly cheesy music!  And you might even win a prize!

SPONSOR ME, YO!  Pretty please?!