What Do Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Alec Baldwin and Shrek All Have In Common?

............ Did you guess yet?  Grilled cheese sandwiches, Alec Baldwin and Shrek have me in common. Because today, I'm feeling thankful for having all of them in my life.  In fact, I'm professing my love for each of them.


Last night  and this morning, I can't seem to get these three very simple (and random) things out of my head.  Sure, I'm thankful for my family, health, shelter and all the "given" reasons to be happy, but there's no need to discuss those life points.  For now, just indulge me and let me elaborate on my latest love trio:

(1) The Grilled cheese sandwich -  Mmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about the delicious one I ate for dinner last night.  Do you know that it had been years.... YEARS....since I had eaten a grilled cheese sandwich?  Seriously!  How did I ever go through life?  

I made a simple and delicious grilled cheese sandwich (and also strawberry-banana smoothies) for my family at dinnertime last night.  Everyone loved them and no one complained (meaning Vivian). Do you know how RARE it is to have a peaceful meal in my household?  When I say "rare," I mean NEVER with a two year old!  But last night, either everyone was really hungry or they truly enjoyed devouring up those melt-in-your-mouth babies. 

Now these sandwiches were a little different. They even had a healthier component in them -- pureed sweet potatoes.  Sound skeptical?  Don't be!  They were THE BEST grilled cheese sandwiches I have ever tasted.  And I even used a low-fat shredded sharp Vermont white cheddar cheese.   And I served them on whole wheat bread.  Thankfully, healthy doesn't always equal disgusting and these were downright delectable. 

I stole borrowed the recipe from Jessica Seinfeld's "Deceptively Delicious" cookbook.  If you would like a copy of this great sandwich recipe, I'd be happy to send it to you. Then you can wow your families and make yourself drool.  Just leave your email address in the comments section.  Or email me at littlebit.mandy@gmail.com.  I will not post it here since a celebrity wrote it and I don't want to infringe upon any copyright laws or piss off the wife of a legendary comedian.  Also, if Jerry Seinfeld or Larry David begin a new show, I don't want to blow my chances of  being a guest writer on the show, being a guest star in an episode or just shining their shoes for them in their trailer, ya know!?


(2)  Alec Baldwin - First, put aside your political differences when it comes to him.  Then, put away his parenting skills.  Also, don't think of him in 30 Rock.  Instead remember his old Saturday Night Live guest star appearances.  Do you know the one I'm referring to?  (giggling) Just yesterday when a friend of mine was forwarding cookie treats and rum ball recipes, I remembered one of my favorite things about the holidays - Alec Baldwin and his "schweddy balls." (Laugh out loud! )

If you haven't seen the "Schweddy Balls" Saturday Night Live sketch from the late 1980's (or was it early 1990's?) you must watch it now. I mean, right now. It's hilarious. Wait! Here is a link to it - (http://www.hulu.com/watch/4156/saturday-night-live-nprs-delicious-dish-schweddy-balls) 

Please, you must view this! I'll wait patiently while you do.

Are you finished yet? Did you laugh? At least crack a smile? Okay, good!

Sex is funny stuff people.  (Well, maybe not for Tiger Woods right now, but anyway....)  Sex is especially hysterical when combined with (or related to) food.  Of course I should also acknowledge the talented comedic geniuses of Molly Shannon and Ana Gasteyer in that mini-film as well.  They hand delivered the laughs to Alec on a silver platter.  Nice work all of you!  I wish I had some schweddy balls melting in my mouth right now. 


(3) Shrek - Yes, the movie Shrek. I love this movie! Vivian and I have watched this movie at least once per week for the last four weeks. (Last night included).  I just don't seem to grow tired of it. I'm not sure why.  I suppose it is because every woman wants a green, smelly ogre to rescue her. One that she can fart with and eat rats with, am I right?  Who's with me?  Raise your hand. 

Maybe it's the combined voice talents of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and John Lithgow that make it such a joy to view.  It could be the great music in the film, like the songs performed by Smashmouth.  Or perhaps the film makes it seem possible that fairy tale romances could come true even for the unlikely, unattractive guy (and gal).  I don't know exactly but it gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

Last night Vivian and I watched this movie again. We laughed again to the same scenes.  Then we danced around the room.   I just love it.  Now I am on the lookout for the "Shrek the Halls" Christmas special.  Some of my mommy club friends told me about that one but I haven't seen it yet. 

So that's it.  Just those random three things are on my mind today, making me smile. 

I hope you find three or more unexpected things that will bring you joy today and this week!   If you do, please tell me about them.  Let's share the good stuff, even if they may sound or seem weird. 

Cheers!