Reminder: There's Still A LIVE Show!

Hey Everyone, Sarah here. Just a reminder that the Sisters will be back LIVE tomorrow, Saturday, December 1. I know you miss hearing them 6 days a week, but you still have Saturdays until January 5 for all new shows.

For a rundown of what's on the show tomorrow, go to satellitesisters.com.

Have a great weekend!

Sarah

Sheila: Busy Bee

The Busy Bees was the name of my reading group in second grade. Though we tried to keep up with the top reading group, The Doves, we sadly, could not. My group with its mid-level readers, never made it to the longer stories without pictures. Liz would be in that group. And Julie and Lian come to think of it. I am not so sure about Monica but she is a Dove today, definitely. Frankly, I loved the pictures in my basal reader. My mind would drift off looking at a picture of a bunny hopping in the forest and the reading time would just fly by. I sort of feel that I will always be a mid-level kind of person in everything I do. My attention span is just not long enough for thick novels or life without pictures.

But I have been really busy (as a bee) and so I dropped off with the bogging for a day or two. My apologies. My friend Leeann is still learning how to download pictures on her computer and so you will be getting that Lakers game shot--don't worry!

Mainly I have been running around trying to get this new apartment I saw. It is in Beverly Hills, but I don't want you to get the wrong impression. It is more like Beverly Hills "Light." It is on the edge of the city and not too far from where I am now. I can still swim at my pools and do all that, but it is definitely a different feel than Santa Monica.

I faxed in my application this morning and had a talk with Crystal about 'anything else I could do" to help me get the place. I did mention that I am a talk show host and spend all day talking so that when I get home, I like to remain silent for hours. I went on to say that of there was an
award for the world's quietest tenant, I would win. God, I talk too much. Why couldn't I have just said nothing?!

The apartment has a beautiful old fashioned feel with lots of windows, light and built-ins. The doorways are arched, there is a big sunny kitchen and a real living room! The place is carpeted with cozy, tan carpeting that makes everything very quiet. I never thought I would say this but the kitchen is my favorite room in the place. The cabinets are plentiful, everything is clean and fresh and there is a gorgeous nook for a round table and chairs.

Boy, I want this place.

I just wanted to put it out there in the blogisphere so that I could get good vibes coming back my way. Please say a little prayer for me. Oprah says prayer works but I think she is talking about more important stuff. I do feel like this would be a big positive change for me though so wish me luck.

I will keep you posted!

Monica: Fitness Plan 07/08

With lots of encouragement from my sisters and friends, I joined the fancy gym downtown with the saline lap pool. So far, so good on my goal of ending 2007 feeling fitter than I did at the end of 2008.

This week I had a fitness assessment done by one of the trainers at the gym.
Let's just say that my baseline measurements for strength, flexibilty and aerobic capacity showed room for improvement. You can hear the whole story right here on my audio blog.

Conan O'Brien: Ultimate Satellite Mister?

Did you read the news today that Conan O'Brien has agreed to pay nonwriting staff members on his show their regular salaries starting on Monday if the strike by scriptwriters against networks and studios is not resolved? What a guy!

NBC has been paying them up until now, but layoffs start next week so Conan is digging into his own pockets. Puts a little heat on Jay Leno, wouldn't you say? I was curious how much this is going to cost Conan. Here's what the New York Times said about that:

An executive who has knowledge of budgets for late-night television shows estimated that the cost of covering those workers for a week would be about $200,000. Mr. O’Brien is not paid as much as the biggest late-night stars, though his salary has been estimated at $10 million to $15 million a year.

Conan, I now officially forgive you for the fact that every time we have asked your people if you could appear on Satellite Sisters, we have gotten no for an answer. I am adding you to my TiVO Season's Pass list.

Ladies & Gentlemen: WE HAVE AUDIO

From now on, when you see a post with this little symbol:



you will be able to listen to that sister's audio slog .... aslog? All you have to do to listen is to click the title of that post and whatever MP3 player you have on your computer (Windows Media, WinAmp, Quicktime etc) will automatically open and voila! The dulcet tones of that sister will float out of your speakers.

Props to Julie for being the first sister to post audio on the Slog! (see below)

Let us know what you think!

Julie: Small Retail Gripe

I hate to complain this time of year but I have a small retail gripe. I would like stores to live up to their retail promise. Let me explain. Earlier this week I was in search of a new white blouse to freshen up an outfit that I was planning to wear to a holiday party. I thought I had identified the ideal place to quickly score a fresh, relatively inexpensive white blouse at the local Black & White store here in Dallas. I understood Black &White to be a national retail chain that sells only black and white clothing for women.
Therefore, I was dismayed when I entered the store and found only black and grey sweaters and blouses. When I asked very polite sales clerk where the white blouses were she told me that they didn't carry any this time of year. She informed me that they have some winter white items which are technically cream and not white. No white blouses in a Black &White store ? How can this be? I asked her in my nicest Dr P.M. Forni voice. The clerk replied that people want black at the holidays and she suggested a check out Gap next door.
Am I wrong to want some white shirts in a store named Black&White? What do you think? Listen to what my sisters had to say here.

Lian: Need Advice from Dog Owners!!

Dog owners/trainers, I need your help. My 75 lb German shepherd Mia almost killed me yesterday. She saw a cat. We were walking on a hillside trail and a black cat jumped out of a tree into our path. We were both shocked. And, I am embarrassed to admit, Mia did not take off after the cat like most self-repsecting dogs. Mia turned and ran back down that hill as fast as she could, taking me with her over wild terrain. I ended up covered in leaves and brush, letting go of her leash at the last minute to avoid a head on collison with a giant rock. Then Mia went screaming back up the hillside after the cat. And I had to chase her, still covered in brush. Not pretty.

Now, I know I need to do more one-on-one training with Mia. I have let some bad habits go, always saying that when I have time, I'll really work her. But yesterday's incident convinced me that along with the training, I need to get the weighted vest. Dog experts Kathy Santo and Cesar Milan swear by the vest for big dogs and they've said so on our show. But I want to hear from real dog owners. Anybody use the vest on their dog? Does it tire your pup out and help in training? Let me know.

Off to kickboxing so I can improve my upper body strength for my dog walks!

Liz: Looking for a good book? Read AWAY by Amy Bloom.

I have to pass along a recommendation for a great novel that I just finished reading. It's AWAY by Amy Bloom. My book club picked it for this month and discussed it last night. Everyone LOVED it. It's the story of Lillian Leyb who comes to New York in the 20's after her family is murdered in a pogrom in Russia. When she hears later from a relative that her daughter Sophie might still be alive, she decides to go back and find her. On foot. Across America to the west, headed for Siberia. The writing is beautiful and the story totally original. It reminded me a little of the novel Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier, which I also loved, but this is surprising and funny in some parts and heartbreakingly sad in others.
I know it's on best seller lists around the country so it's easy to find in bookstores. It's a great book club choice or just the perfect read if you have a little time to yourself.
If you've got any favorite book suggestions you want to share, post them here!

Monica: Gift Wrapping Update

The Satellite Sisters are wrapping up the holidays early this year. Let me explain. Next week we will submit our entries in the “All-Sisters Gift Wrapping Contest”. We had a lot of fun trying our hands at the cooking and tablescaping contests. What next? Given our lack of talent and experience with sewing and knitting, gift wrapping seems doable.

In the spirit of Dolan Christmases past, we pulled names out of a hat. Each sister will be required to wrap one bread box sized gift for their chosen sister. The design should “speak to” that sister. The total budget for the project must be twenty dollars or less.
Next week we will post pictures and a brief design statement about our entries at http://www.satellitesisters.com/ . We invite you to vote on the best design.

I am struggling a little bit with my theme. I need to wrap a gift for Liz. She is a world traveler-so the obvious choice would be wrapping the box in a big map. Then again, Liz is a dog lover, so maybe something in shaggy brown fur would be fun. Believe me, if I could recreate the CNN news crawl on the bottom of a box, I would.

Here is what worries me about winning this contest. Lian owns a glue gun and I do not.
Sheila seems overly confident about her skills after her six-month stint gift wrapping books at Klein’s of Westport in 1979. Julie has already admitted to me that she is going to have several dry runs with her “practice paper” before committing to the expensive stuff. Liz is boasting that she has ordered a special ornament or objet d’art from a catalogue to stick on her box. How can I compete with that?

Look for our pictures next week on the website.

Julie:The Maks Factor/ Dancing with the Stars

I was stunned with the news that Helio Castroneves beat out Spice Girl Melanie Brown for the Dancing with the Stars Trophy. I really thought Mel B had done the best job dancing throughout the show and had really IMPROVED as a dancer. She was fun to watch and had a very positive attitude throughout the competition. I really thought she was going to take home the disco ball. I believe what sank her ship was " the Maks Factor" namely her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy. He is just not likable. He seemed self- absorbed, vain and what was worse, tried to steal the limelight from his partner. I suspect he is angling for his own reality show. I think he drove voters away from Mel B to Helio and his delightful partner Julianne.

Time Zone Alert: It's 9:44 on the West Coast

Hey Everyone:

Just a reminder that Monica's on Pacific Time and Julie's on Central. So neither have seen the finale of DWTS. WE know who won here in the East, but they don't yet! So if you wouldn't mind, hold off on comments until 11PM PT so the surprise factor remains intact.

After all, who doesn't love those final moments before the winner is announced!? Love that Tom Bergeron!

:-)

Liz: I Always Knew Beauty Pageants Were Potentially Lethal.

You know we like nothing better than a little friendly competition around Satellite Sisters HQ but would we ever sabotage one another's work? Using poison make-up and evening wear? Wow, that takes creativity beyond our skills.
Did you read that story about the Miss Puerto Rico Pageant incident where someone SPIKED Ingrid Marie Rivera's gown and make-up with pepper spray? Lian, you think a coldsore is bad? Imagine competing for your slot in the Miss Universe 2008 and wearing a poisoned gown while you did it! Here's some of the story from CNN.com:

Rivera was composed while appearing before cameras and judges throughout the competition. But once backstage, she had to strip off her clothes and apply ice bags to her face and body, which swelled and broke out in hives twice.
"We thought at first it was an allergic reaction, or maybe nerves," Rosario said. "But the second time, we knew it couldn't have been a coincidence."
Rivera's clothing and makeup later tested positive for pepper spray.
Someone also stole Rivera's bag containing her gowns, makeup and credit cards.

She was composed while competing in a gown doused with pepper spray? That's amazing. I say she should take over management of the Department of Homeland Security. That's the kind of mental and physcial toughness I'd like to see in that job. Meanwhile, she won the pageant so I guess she won't be available for a while.

NEWSFLASH: Uh, oh. The moment I posted this I started to see lots of stories online about how the new Miss Puerto Rico might have faked the whole thing. Do you believe it?

Sheila: It Seems

So, it seems like everyone who reads our slog will be watching Dancing With The Stars tonight. Get cozy everyone because Celine might decide to sing three big numbers instead of two. She just hasn't sang enough in the past five years. Getting back to Marie though, according to my unscientific data gathering, yesterday's posting about DWTS was our biggest ever. Julie has hit a chord with the Marie Osmond posting but then again, I feel I was the first sister to put up my stunt meter on that one. C'mon, y'all...I was the one to call attention to the fact that she was always calling attention to herself. In any case, I will not be watching but I know there will be major follow-up on tomorrow's slog.

So where will you be Sheila? Thank you for asking. Well, I am going to the Lakers game tonight! That's right. This is my first ever big time sporting event. I will be right down there on the floor with Tobey, and Jack and my mentor, Dyann Cannon. Oh, maybe you did not know that I consider her a mentor. I feel that for one night (and one night only) I will be channeling D.C. You see, there is really no other way to go wardrobe wise tonight then with a splashy LA outfit that one would not be caught dead in otherwise. For me, this was tough because I threw out all my inappropriate clothes after a breakup with a man we will just call the "jean executive." Shortly after I was free from his fashion hold, I did purchase some borderline items like: funky cowboy boots, a long embroidered bright green coat and my own cozy but tight stretch jeans that come up past my navel. That is what I am wearing tonight because I know Dyann would approve. I am so excited.

You know that I will be asking my friend Leann to take my pic to post on slog tomorrow.

Then lets' see how many hits we get!!!!

Monica: Amazing Pets

I saw this announcement in the Lost & Found column in our local paper, and it made me say ahhhhh.
I hope they get their bird back.

"Still Lost Cockatiel "Bubba John"
Very vocal, smart, sassy, sociable, intense, sassy.
Says: Pretty Bubba, John, Birdie Mae, Peanut, no-no-no, here kitty-kitty, microwave sounds, has perfect pitch, whistles Jingle Bells and cell phone ring tones."

Julie: The Doll Collectors Voting Block

What I am worried about today is the impact of the doll collectors voting block on the 2008 Presidential elections. Forget about soccer moms and NASCAR dads, it is the doll collectors who can deliver the White House. Who knows what will happen to our country if the doll collectors get behind a rogue candidate? Who would have predicted that Marie Osmond would make the finals? For all the political punditry on TV no one has identified this obviously incredibly powerful constituent group. I need to know who the doll collectors of America are backing in the upcoming presidential race.
What I learned from watching Dancing with the Stars is that Marie Osmond is so confident of her fan base of doll collectors ( d.c. ) that she could dress up as a apple-cheeked doll and do more of a comedy skit than a dance and still think she was going to win. I love Marie Osmond and I really salute her courage and determination and she is a far better dancer and entertainer than I will ever be but honestly, what was she thinking with the babydoll dress and pigtails?
Even when Len and Carrie Ann suggested that her footwork wasn't technical enough, Marie refuted the judges' opinion. She waved her hand and nearly heckled the panel. Why would a contestant dare to talk back to a judge? The judges allegedly have the power to send you home. Well if you are Marie, you know that the d.c. s are going to back you no matter what you say or do. She told Len she was a doll designer and she did it for her viewers. The doll collectors of the world have united and they "don't need no stinking judges".
I tried to vote for Helio last night and all the phone lines and text message channels were busy. I knew then that the d.c.s were at work. Of course, we have to wait for the decision tonight but I am afraid. I know Celine Dion will be on the show and I suspect that she is a doll collector too!

Lian: Welcome to my Coldsore

The coldsore arrived this morning, in full glory. I should have known it was coming, as the last 10 days have been an entertaining/working/planning/travelling/housecleaning/dishwashing/soccer marathon. And when I get stressed, I get a big fat lip on the left hand side, proof-positive that I once again over-scheduled myself.

I'm not whining. I brought this coldsore on myself. I wanted to host the end- of- season soccer party for 35 then fly to New York City the next morning at 7:00am. I volunteered to go to the Big Apple for business meetings, presentations, and boot shopping then rush back to do the Thanksgiving grocery shopping and cooking ( My part of the menu: gratin of four onions, roasted butternut squash and turnips, two kinds of cranberry sauce, traditional sausage and mushroom stuffing, artichoke and spinach dip, smoked salmon and dill appetizers and the Bird. Did almost everything but the turkey and the salmon the day before) It was my pleasure to have 16 relatives for Thanksgiving ( yep.... Little House on the Prairie Thanksgiving!), then 10 family members for a post-Thanksgiving pizza party on Friday ( Did I mention the dishwasher broke the day before Thanksgiving? Thank you, Playtex, for your bright pink gloves). When Colin needed a hot dish for a school project, I suggested home-made Cheese Enchiladas ( Who knew taco sauce was so easy to make?) . When my husband said he wanted to coach and ref the Turkey Tournament ( 9 games in 3 days), I cheered him on, packed the folding chairs and made the turkey sandwiches. Sign me up ! That's my motto.

My personal overcommitment marathon has ended but the cold sore remains. December should be a breeze compared to the last two weeks in November. I just hope the I don't get picked for a trial when my jury duty starts in the middle of the month! That would really be the end of my holiday plans.

Sheila: Burritos Gone Wild!

Three new burritos have been added to an already perfect menu at Baja Fresh.
They are: the Big Beef and Potato, Cool Cabo Shrimp ("a shrimp in every bite") and Spicy Shrimp Diablo.
Shrimp burritos? I can't wait!!

Sheila

What's New With Me by John Ramos

Well, its your Satellite mister..............John Ramos here. I know you're wondering what i've been up too. Well, I've started a job on the weekends at AM570 KLAC a sports radio station here in Los Angeles. During the Weekday i'm doing misc stuff like part time and freelance radio stuff. My wife Suzanne just lost her maternal grandmother last week which was hard but she's moving ahead. My daughter Cera is a great as always and trying to teach her spanish. I'm still working hard with the sisters on their 2.0 projects so a Satellitemister I always will be. I hope to hear from you too, so post a message to me if you have the time. Remember I know all the stories, all the behind the scenes stuff.


Blog with ya soon

SENIOR Technical Director John Ramos

Julie: Dancing with the Stars Prediction

If Marie Osmond wins Dancing with the Stars, I believe it will the end of the show. It's the Sanjaya factor. Monica and I are monitoring the show tonight and will have a full report tomorrow.

Julie: Going Off the Rails

There is a news report out of London today of an official announcer for the London Tube System ( subway system) who lost her job because she deviated from her assigned task. If you have ever taken the London Tube, you know there is a woman announcer who sounds a lot like Mary Poppins who informs you the next station is Waterloo or to " mind the gap" as you exit the train. It is all very proper and official. I've never been an official Tube announcer so I can't say for sure but I imagine that after a short while you might get pretty bored saying the same thing day in and day out. Apparently, one announcer got a bit bored and went off the rails.

Emma Clark who also works as a voiceover artist decided to have " a bit of a laugh" as she put it and developed a full repetoire of unofficial announcements that such as " We would like to remind our American tourist friends that you are almost certainly talking too loudly" and " Would passengers filling in answers on their Sudukos please accept that they are just crosswords for the unimaginative and are not in any way more impressive just because they contain numbers".

The adult in me says that it is not a good idea to have people joking around on the public announcement system of a repeated target for terrorists. Since the Underground bombings, it is always a tense ride on the Tube. Public safety and security have to come first. But the immature me wants to give Emma high marks for wit and originality. I am sure Tube riders had "a bit of a laugh" when they heard her announcements. I also understand the need to break out of assigned roles, to go off the rails.

I am not sure where Emma will work next but I suggest she check out Southwest Airlines. They seem to appreciate employees who like to have some fun.

Monica:Ruby Sunday

Something bad happened to me last night at Ruby Tuesday. The next Lab Rats report will be on quick casual restaurant hamburgers. Our criteria is chain restaurant burgers that cost about $10.00. I'm excited about this assignment because it means I don't have to wear make-up, and I get to go out for dinner(or lunch) a couple of times this week. Sheila and I have had many discussions about which places to try and so far have nailed down two popular choices-Ruby Tuesday and Chili's.
Now, the last time I ate at Ruby Tuesday was in Dothan, Alabama in 1999. Not to worry-thanks to Google and Mapquest, I was able to locate one in the Portland burbs. I wanted to take a digital picture of my entree-just like they do on the foodie blogs, but anticipating that I was going to feel terribly self conscious photographing a hamburger in a public space, I decided to go when I thought the restaurant might be empty. Kind of a late lunch/early dinner at 4:30 PM.
It's all good at 4:30. I am seated alone at a mini booth, Dane brings me a big iced tea with a giant wedge of lemon and the big surprise is that this Ruby Tuesday is really nice inside.
Kind of a "lodge" inspired ambiance with natural wood and a roaring rock wall fire place. The whole outfit is overlooking a fake lake or a flake.
Now my choices are the deluxe Triple Prime Burger for $10.49 or the classic cheeseburger for $7.99. For the purposes of our Lab Rats test, I settle on the classic. I am starting to get nervous about looking like a weirdo with my digital camera. I think you can see the results in my photo. It's not exactly a cover shot angle. Meanwhile, the place is getting insanely crowded-more Sunday night early birds. Couples, families and extended families are pouring into Ruby Tuesday. By 4:50 PM every single table is filled. When my hamburger does arrive-perfectly cooked I do draw some stares from the other patrons when the camera flash goes off.
Then I started thinking, is that any less intrusive than the family next to me who pulls out a portable DVD player from the suitcase they bring into the restaurant, sets the DVD player on the table so their two children can watch "Dora The Explorer"-with the sound turned up during dinner. Probably not.
I have to say that Ruby Tuesday hamburger was pretty darn good. Generous serving size, a whole wheat bun, fresh lettuce, tomato and pickles-1 paw up. I cannot award the burger 2 paws up because it was slightly greasy and a touch too salty.
Ready to go and file my Lab Rats report, I ask Dane for my check and that's when I discover:
I HAVE NO MONEY.
No money, no credit card, no nothin'. I have a purse with me that has the digital camera, my reading glasses, a couple of movie stubs and a tube of MAC lipstick. I am picturing my license and debit card in the pocket of my fleece jacket hanging on the back of the kitchen chair. OMG-I don't want to cause a scene and Dane has been so nice to me. The last time this happened to me was never.
Breathing a little bit hard, I go up to the hostess stand and tell the manager my dilemma. I am really truly sorry, and will go home and get Ruby Tuesday their money right away.
She tells me "not to worry, enjoy your dinner and you can bring us the money anytime you are in the neighborhood again; tomorrow, next week- whenever. She will take care of it with Dane. God Bless Ruby Tuesday.
Of course I am going to pay them tonight. I drive home-25 minutes. Use the restroom and grab the fleece jacket. Drive back to the burbs -20 minutes with a pit stop at the ATM machine and give the manager my money, thanking her for her kindness.
Oh- and Dane got a big tip.

Liz: Is This A Sign?

A funny thing happened to me last night. I got locked in at my health club. Is that some kind of sign??
In an effort to not just eat myself straight through to Jan. 2, I took my dog Ferris for a very long walk yesterday then went to my gym for a little workout and shower. (Ferris never gets going that fast so I usually need additional cardio.)
By the time I finished on the treadmill, it was kinda quiet but I chalked that up to the fact that was late Saturday afternoon on a holiday weekend. People must have been shopping, still eating or standing in line at an airport.
In the locker room, I took a shower and then decided the steam room looked appealing. I love it in there, especially with the lights turned off. By the time I emerged, dressed and made my way downstairs, there was not a soul in the place. Really. No one. I tried to leave and realized that the doors were locked. That's when I saw the sign that special holiday hours called for closing at 5 pm. It was now 5:15. I must have been in the steam room when they made their final sweep.
I hesitated for a minute and thought "Hmmmmm. What have I always wanted to do if I ever found myself locked inside a gym alone?" Unfortunately, nothing really came to mind. It's not exactly like being in The Mixed-Up Files Of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler and finding myself inside the Metropolitan Museum all night. Remember when they went swimming in the fountain and collected the pennies? Anyway, no such fantasy could be lived out for me among the weights and bosu balls. Just the opposite. I just wanted out.
Luckily, the doors were the kind that bolted to the floor so I could unlock them myself without a key and get out. I walked away guiltily because there was no way for me to lock them after myself. I had visions all evening of people walking in and making off with all the towels.
Getting locked in the gym must be some kind of sign. I just can't figure out of what.

Julie: Tablescape Recount

Sheila mentioned the Thanksgiving tablescape so I wanted to post a picture of our Thanksgiving place settings. I was inspired by Satellite Sister Tablescaping contest. I think I combined elements from Monica's simple and elegant place setting with my previous Romantic Beach dinner setting. The placemats are white with gold trim, I used rattan chargers from Thailand, crystal from Ireland and beautiful china that was from my husband's family. I think it came from England although my husband didn't have a clue where it came from. The napkin rings are polished stainless steel decorated with a Thai fruit or vegetable on it. The placecards were hand-crafted by Sheila and Ruth with supplies provided by my mother. Hopefully, it was almost as good as Lian's Little House on the Prairie.

Julie: Post Thanksgiving Wrap-Up

The remains of my golden bird are now simmering on the stove as turkey soup. I have received text messages from Sheila, her daughter Ruth and Liz that they all made it back home on schedule. And I just packed my pilgrims and pumpkins in a plastic bin.

I had a great holiday and I hope you did too. I want to give special thanks to the pilots, flight attendants, baggage handlers, ticket agents and everyone else who helped make it possible for my family to gather in Dallas for my first Thanksgiving in my home after years of being abroad. It is not easy to get together for the holidays. You certainly could get scared off if you watched the news about airport congestion, monitored rising gas prices or read Liz's blog entry from Sunday Nov 18th. I am so grateful that my sisters, niece, son and parents ignored the noise and made the trip to Texas.

Now on to the next holiday and for the sisters, the gift wrapping contest!

The Big D

Delightful, Delicious and Different is how I would describe my fantastic family Thanksgiving. Here is Family Picture Number One. Now, my brother-in-law Trem is taking the shot so I hope one of the sisters will upload Family Picture Number Two so you can all see Trem! From the left we have Mom and Dad, Me, Julie, her son Will, my daughter Ruthie and Liz.

Dallas was so delightful, really. The people were super friendly, and there was a easy way about it all that I loved. Now, maybe that had to do with the fact that I was not driving anywhere (thank you Trem!) but all in all, I was really impressed with the folks I met. Speaking of meeting folks, I did enjoy lap swimming at our off site facility and I did meet a nice gentleman at the pool. We both braved the Dallas chill and cheered each other on as we dipped into the water. Let's just call him R.B., (because those are his initials) but we seemed to have some essential things in common. We shared a love of water and soft bedding. As we conversed during our kicking portion, he shared with me about the Tempur-Pedic bed he was thinking of buying. He knew the model and had a seriousness about softness that I appreciated. I would of appreciated knowing if he was single, but as Julie said, that's not how people in Dallas do things. Oh well. That's why I am slogging about him.

Deliciousness could be found at every meal. I will just say that Julie and Mom cooked up some unbelievably tasty dinners. I loved Julie's Tex-Mex meal the first night which included spicy steak, tamales, con queso sauce and yummy salad. Ruthie and I would go to sleep happy, trying to predict what we would have at the next meal. We were right about shrimp on Night Two!

Then, on Thanksgiving, there was the awesome organic turkey, perfect sides, pies and coffee which completed a three day food extravaganza. I hope Julie will post the tablescape of her beautiful table. Nothing can compare to a homecooked meal. As much as I enjoy not cooking, I do appreciate all the love and care that goes into it. So, thanks Mom and Julie and Trem and everyone who really cooked.

I am back in sunny LA and already buying take-out...but the memory of those buttery root vegetables and perfectly golden turkey are fresh in my mind. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. I look forward to blogging with you all about the coming days.

Sheila

Latest Intra-Sister Contest

On Saturday's show, we announced an all new, intra-sister contest. This one involves all 5 of us. You will once again be the judges.

In keeping with the holiday spirit (not to mention the spirit of competition between the 5 of us), each of us has to wrap 1 box, roughly the size of a bread box (a bit bigger than a shoe box) for her assigned Sister, using supplies that come up to no more than $20.

When the boxes are wrapped, 2 pictures will be posted by each sister of her entry along with 1 (one) paragraph explaining the wrapping choices based on the subject.

The assignments are as follows:

• Lian wraps Julie
• Monica wraps Liz
• Sheila wraps Monica
• Liz wraps Sheila
• Julie wraps Lian

We will announce the winner LIVE on the air December 15.

Monica: Turkey Hangover

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving day with your families and friends.
I did not make the journey to Dallas this year to Julie's blowout back-in-the-states dinner, but I'm sure it was fabulous. Instead I had a wonder and mellow Thanksgiving dinner with my friends M and B in Portland. We had a fantastic and gluten-free dinner that lasted 4 hours. To be truthful, the pie, coffee and last of the Oregon Pinot Noir portion of the meal took up a good 3 hours. So why did I have to sleep until 8 AM today?
No early bird shopping for this gal.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend.
Monica

Friday: Today on The Show

Friday 11/23/07:
(Original Broadcast date: 11/24/06)

• The Lab Rats field test peanut butter!
• Best-selling author Mitch Albom on his novel For One More Day.
  http://www.foronemoreday.com
• Busting bad babysitters!

Liz: T-minus Five Hours

It is T-minus five hours and 10 minutes. That's T for Turkey. I am upstairs at Julie's house in Dallas. Downstairs, Julie and our mother are chopping, sauteeing, slicing and dicing the butternut squash and turnip for the root vegetable extravavaganza and the sausage for the stuffing. The big bird is sitting on top of the stove coming to room temp. It's scheduled to go in the oven in 30 minutes so everything is good to go for a 3 pm start time. They are working hard.
Me? Not so much. Once again I have been put in charge of items that require no cooking and very little prep time at all. I am in charge of the appetizers. I didn't even have to choose what they would be. At our family Thanksgiving, they are kept to a minimum: celery and olives trays plus a delicious chicken liver pate on toast. I don't even have to toast the toast. Mom already did that.
Most years I also get assigned things like ice but it appears Julie's husband is already on top of that.
I am fine with my limited role in the food prep process. I try to be a good guest and earn my keep by really pitching in on the clean-up end.
I've always believed in the motto "From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs." I think Karl Marx said that. Or maybe Groucho Marx, who was quite the expert on working with his siblings.
If you are not the cook in your crowd, what role have you carved out for yourself on Turkey Day? No matter what it is, have a great Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day On The Show

Thursday 11/22/07

(Original Broadcast date: 11/23/06)

• Vikki Stark, author of My Sister, My Self: Understanding the Sibling Relationship that Shapes Our Lives, Our Loves, and Ourselves. http://www.vikkistark.com
• Monica’s Believe it or Not!
• Jann Blackstone-Ford on making “Bonus Families” work!

Listen

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Satellite Sisters & Satellite Misters.
And we thank all of you for your support this year.

It's Baaaaaaaaack!!!!!

Sheila here and just want to quickly announce: It's Baaaaack! The Cuddle Ewe was lost and now its found and safe back with me in Dallas. It was such an ordeal. Thank you all for inquiring about its whereabouts and thank Monica for sending out the APB. I do believe her incredulous blog about it and your comments helped get my Travel Ewe back.

So...it was lost but who knows where? I had assumed someone stole it because it is so soft and cuddly. Even when you are handling hundreds of bags at LAX, the signature maroon duffle with the words: For the REST of Your Life are tempting. I had fully surrendered to the fact that someone needed it (well, never more than me ) but as much as me. I also figured that for the thousands of times I have mentioned the Cuddle Ewe brand on air, that I might get a cut rate on a new one should I need to. I even tried to summon the spirit of the season and said to myself, "Well, just be grateful for all the cozy nights out-of-town that you had your Ewe."

Then it happened. The Cuddle Ewe had been located!! Julie got the call from the DHL man that my Ewe had been found and that sometime between 8:00 pm and midnight they would be making a home delivery. I then had it transferred to my "off site" venue via my terrific brother-in-law Trem. More on where I am staying with my daughter Ruth (so much fun!) on a later blog...
The good news is that we have set it up on my bed for tonight. Whew. The Ewe!!!
All is well.
I really do have a lot to be grateful for as I am sure y'all do (and that's how they say it in the Big D.)
Family, fun and soft mattress covers are on the short list.

Sheila
Dallas

Monica:You Don't Know Me

Last night, after my complimentary swim in the saline pool (only one day left on my week's free pass at the fancy health club I cannot afford), I took the streetcar to the Fox Theater to see the recently released movie "Control". It's the biopic about Ian Curtis-the lead singer of the British post-punk band Joy Division.
As I was standing in line at the ticket window-"One for Control please?", the twenty-something guy behind me whipped out his iPod earplugs, snorted at me and said in an incredulous tone of voice:"You-you are going to see a movie about Joy Division?"
Perhaps he was thrown off by the Gortex windbreaker, sneakers and super dorky Land's End tote bag I was sporting. Still-it kinda hurt my feelings.
At this point, there were a couple of things I could have said to him;"Yeah-you gotta problem with that?" or "You don't know me". Instead I turned and said "Yes-I've heard alot of good things about this movie, and I'm a big Samantha Morton fan".Thank you cute Mr. Goth Ticket-Taker Boy who came to my defense and said "It's an awesome film".
This weekend, on the top of my entertainment list is to see the new Todd Haynes movie "I'm Not There". Bob Dylan-the man, the mystery. I think I will leave the Land's End tote at home.

Revised On The Show for Wednesday

Thanks for all your comments. I tried to find Alan Alda, but alas, time constraints made that impossible (want to get this posted by noon). I did get Sheila's Roomate Story plus Julie talking about a family of Cannonballers, a classic Believe It Or Not and Lab Rats testing Lip Plumpers.

I hope that you enjoy them!

Post comments to the whole show here. As far as getting an "answer" section for all those questions you guys have, I'm working on it!

Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to all. And Cuddle Ewe: wherever you are, hang in there!

Sarah

Monica: Cuddle Ewe MIA

Yesterday, I got a distress call from Sheila on my cell phone. No, she was not at the Wild Oats on Montana Ave. searching for food-she was in a cab from DFW to sister Julie's house.
The Cuddle Ewe-her much beloved lambswool travel mattress was MIA. Yes-Sheila travels with her own cozy portable mattress. It was part of her ensemble of checked airplane luggage, and it did not arrive in Dallas. My guess is that some lucky gate agent in Cleveland will be sleeping well this weekend.

Technology Is Great ...

... until it isn't. Sarah here: it seems that last year's show experienced technical difficulties. Not on the air, but when it was being encoded to go up on the servers. So I apologize in advance that the 11/21 show will be light by 1 hour. It's the last hour, so at least the continuity of what is there won't be interrupted. TG for small favors.

Would love to get feedback from all you listeners on SLOG: are there any audio segments that you would like me to post as a sort of "make-it-up-to-you" present? Let me know -- a particular Lab Rats or Entertaining Sheila? How about an interview with a guest or regular. It can be from any show you like -- past or present (meaning just-aired).

Let me know and I will do my best to dig it out of the archives and post it for your listening pleasure.

With apologies again,

Sarah

Liz: Live From JFK

I definitely outsmarted myself today. Expecting the worst kinds of delays in traffic on the roads and at security in the terminals, Lian and I left our hotel at noon for her 4 pm flight and my 5:30. Here's the good news/bad news: By 1:10 pm, I was totally transported, checked in, frisked, xrayed, screened, secured, approved and sitting around ready to go. Now I've just got 4 hours to entertain myself here in the American Airlines terminal. Lian's over at United. I guess I could call her to pass the time. Instead I am blogging for you.
First smart move: We took the AirTrain from the Port Authority Bus Station. Cost: $7. The alternative: Cab stuck in traffic for $50-ish. I loved it.
Downside to that first smart move: Many hours to fill inside the terminal.
Second smart move: I checked in online last night from my hotel room. No time spent on that at the airport.
Downside to that second smart move: Many hours to fill inside the terminal.
Third smart move: All carry-on. No baggage check. No time spent on that at the airport.
Downside to that third smart move: Even more hours to fill inside the terminal.

You get the picture. It's all been so smooth so far that I am kind of annoyed. Where is everybody? Maybe you really are all stuck right now on the Grand Central Parkway, which would make me feel kind of good. Sorry.

NEWS ALERT: Lian just called me from the United Terminal. It also took her a total of two minutes to get checked in and through security so she went to the XPRESS SPA they now have in Terminal 7 and got a pedicure plus back and shoulder massage. She says it's the most relaxing afternoon she's had in ages. Go figure.

Signing off now. I am worried that all this good luck has me feeling a little cocky. My plane is probably stranded somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle and I will have hell to pay tonight, but Julie, if you are reading this, so far, so good.

Tuesday: On The Show

Tuesday 11/20/07:
(Original Broadcast date: 11/21/06)

• Civility Challenge – How to have a stress-free Thanksgiving with family and friends!
• The latest chapter in Sheila’s financial fun!
• Update on Lian’s son’s Soccer…The Miracle on Grass.

Listen

Sheila: My Bags Are Packed....

and I'm ready to go! Sheila here and it is t-minus 14 hours and counting to lift off from LAX to Dallas. Julie has been talking me through every step of the way and now I am on my own to get to the giant parking structure with enough time to stand in line for two hours. Can't wait. I am really excited to go but I keep adding to my suitcase in the meantime and that has got to stop. My last inventory included:

1. Thanksgiving Day outfit. Cute skirt, top and fancy stockings to kick it up a notch. Comfortable, but fashionable shoes for the holiday.
2. Cozy clothes for sleeping. Unmatched sweats and hoodies. Really grungy but can be covered with hotel bathrobe.
3. Transitional clothes. Jeans and sweaters for daytime. Can transition to nighttime if Ruthie and I go out on the town!
4. Socks, socks and more socks.
5. Bars. I bring my own power bars for my morning coffee.
6. Bathing suit, caps and goggles. I plan on keeping my routine going even out-of-town. Let's see...I think that is 1,000 yards for every Bucky Bar ingested.
7. Surprise housewarming gift for Julie. Well, it's a re-gift but I know she'll love it.
8. Giant makeup bag from Mary Kay that Lian bought me for Christmas three years ago. I love it. Stocked with all my favorites....lotions, potions and toothpaste.
9. More socks.
10. My journal. I sometimes get inspired in airport waiting rooms!

That is one bag. The other is...you guessed it! My CuddleEwe Down comforter pad for the bed. It is definitely a conversation starter at baggage claim.

Once again, Happy Holidays to you all.
We will keep you all updated as the planes land and we arrive to our destinations!

Sheila

Monica: Our Satellite Sister Needs Some Advice

We always love getting your mail at Satellite Sisters.
This weekend we received a wonderful letter from Jessica asking for our advice about how to teach her children charity at the holidays.

"I would like to ask for some advice...As a mother getting ready for the holidays I would like to know if you have any advice on how to teach children (mine are 5 and 2) to love giving as much as getting. We usually adopt a child for Christmas, but I think picking out toys that I buy, and dropping them off at the mall is a little abstract for a five year old. I thought you might have some suggestions for something we could do in addition that might be more meaningful to little ones?".

Do you have any suggestions for Jessica? Let me know and I will pass them along.

Thanks,
Monica

Monica: Why I Love Paula Deen

A couple of years ago, my sisters suggested that I get a subscription to cable TV in order to broaden my TV viewing choices. I think it is no secret that I have developed a soft addiction to the Food Network channel and HGTV. I even bid on the HGTV dream house last year and was truly disappointed when I learned that my entry was one of thirteen-million.

Thanks to cable, I have come to know and love all things Paula Deen. You have to love that every recipe she creates involves one of three ingredients: butter, cream cheese or mayonnaise.

Sure the high saturated fat content of her recipes pulls me in , but it is her warm winning personality that keeps me watching. I adore her love of life, that southern drawl and big laugh and the payoff that comes at the end of every show: when she takes a big bite of some creamy gooey casserole she has just created, rolls her eyes and says " Ya'll-that is sooo good".

I have always admired Paula for starting her own business from nothing-selling brown bag lunches she created in her own kitchen-and ending up a huge success. A couple of months ago, we spoke to her on Satellite Sisters about her memoir "Paula Deen- It Ain't All About The Cookin' ". She was so genuine on the radio(as I knew she would be), and not afraid to talk about the challenges she has faced in her life: a tough first marriage, her struggle with agoraphobia and financial hardships. Reading her book you learn that her success came after many years of working 16 hour days to support her family.

Imagine my delight, when I read this USA TODAY article about favorite Thanksgiving recipes from Food Network cooks. Here was Paula's:

USA TODAY asks top TV chefs...What unusual recipes have you added to your Thanksgiving Day menu?
Paula Deen -Host of Paula's Home Cooking (Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. ET); author of four cookbooks and owner of The Lady and Sons restaurant in Savannah, Ga.

"I gave a twist to cranberry sauce one year. You take a can of the jellied sauce and slice it in quarter-inch pieces. Then you mix up cream cheese and hot sauce and a little mayo, and you make up sandwiches no bread, just the cheese mix in between cranberries. "Oh, my goodness. Cream cheese with cranberry is so stinking good! It would be delicious on a turkey sandwich."

Cream Cheese and mayonnaise in one recipe. Brilliant Paula!

Liz: Tubas in the Elevator

Just a quick post here about the Thanksgiving excitement building in NYC. Everytime I get into an elevator in my hotel, I seem to be with a teenager or two with a giant suitcase. Finally it dawned on me. That's a tuba in there! Or a drum. Or a xylophone. The hotel is full of bands arriving for the Thanksgiving Day Parade! Wow. Talk about having luggage that does not fit in the overhead compartment...

On the Show Today

Monday 11/19/07:
(Original Broadcast date: 11/20/06)

• Liz’s Side dish Sampling! All of the recipes Liz picked are listed on the website. Click here.
  
• New York Times Columnist Alex Kuczynski, author of Beauty Junkies: Inside Our $15 Billion Obsession with Cosmetic Surgery. http://www.alexkuczynski.com
• More Holiday Bazaar (keep in mind that the Spa weekend Liz talks