Today is Halloween. For most that means costumes, candy, and decorations. In the PLRH house, Halloween traditionally means that I should have made chili this past weekend.
Should have.
Well, I didn’t feel like making my usual chili for reasons that I don’t have the energy to explain at the moment.
When I shared this tidbit of information with my guys, you would have thought that I said Santa Claus wasn’t real.
My parents even called me Sunday afternoon to check on the chili-making status.
Ugh.
Instead I made The Kitchen Witch’s Colorado Green Chile. Yes, that’s Chile with and “e.” Since fire-roasted peppers aren’t readily available at our local pumpkin patch, I used Hatch canned, green chile peppers.
The results? This dish was a big hit. Sure, it’s not what the family thinks of when chili is mentioned. But it’s healthy, so easy to put together, and somewhat addictive.
Here’s to crossing fingers in hopes that this week is better than last and the traditional PLRH chili (with and “i”) gets made next weekend.
In the meantime, we (including my folks) have some yummy leftovers. Thanks, Kitch.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Chili or Chile?
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Randomness
I made pumpkin bread. The recipe made two loaves but I only wanted to make one. I was too lazy to do the math to cut the recipe in half so I made two loaves.
****
In theory, an iPad would make a handy cookbook. In reality, not so much. My husband found the recipe for pumpkin bread online. Rather than print it out, I took his iPad to the kitchen. Well, the iPad kept going into sleep mode and I had to wake it up and unlock it. I was in the kitchen so my hands were messy. I was afraid to touch the device with wet or gooey hands. An actual cookbook with coated pages is so much better.
****
The hay fields at the pumpkin festival did me in after all. I had an asthma attack on Saturday night and another one Sunday morning. Yep, nature is trying to kill me.
****
My husband just finished watching South Park and switched to the Hallmark Channel. He likes to keep things interesting.
****
You know that awkward moment when you realize that you forgot to apply deodorant? Today that was me standing in line at the post office.
****
Parenting rarely follows the path of least resistance.
****
I've come to the conclusion that Wikipedia helps me get more sleep. Now instead of staying up late to finish watching a movie on TV, I can just look up the ending.
****
In the morning when I drop G-Man off at the high school, I've noticed lots of teenage boys wearing black socks with sandals. What's up with that?
****
This probably isn't a good thing... When I sing along to the car radio, I tend to drive faster. Does anyone else do this?
****
Life is a series of choices. Choose wisely.
****
In theory, an iPad would make a handy cookbook. In reality, not so much. My husband found the recipe for pumpkin bread online. Rather than print it out, I took his iPad to the kitchen. Well, the iPad kept going into sleep mode and I had to wake it up and unlock it. I was in the kitchen so my hands were messy. I was afraid to touch the device with wet or gooey hands. An actual cookbook with coated pages is so much better.
****
The hay fields at the pumpkin festival did me in after all. I had an asthma attack on Saturday night and another one Sunday morning. Yep, nature is trying to kill me.
****
My husband just finished watching South Park and switched to the Hallmark Channel. He likes to keep things interesting.
****
You know that awkward moment when you realize that you forgot to apply deodorant? Today that was me standing in line at the post office.
****
Parenting rarely follows the path of least resistance.
****
I've come to the conclusion that Wikipedia helps me get more sleep. Now instead of staying up late to finish watching a movie on TV, I can just look up the ending.
****
In the morning when I drop G-Man off at the high school, I've noticed lots of teenage boys wearing black socks with sandals. What's up with that?
****
This probably isn't a good thing... When I sing along to the car radio, I tend to drive faster. Does anyone else do this?
****
Life is a series of choices. Choose wisely.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Remembering Bud
Mr. and Mrs. V lived across the street from us in Pines Lake. Mrs. V was my “other mother” and Mr. V scared me a little bit. Ok, a lot. He was a big man who I thought looked like John Wayne with the same kind of swagger and stern squint in the eye. They were a blended family with five kids… most of them teenagers by the time I came around.
All my life I heard the story of how Mr. V, “Bud” came across the street to babysit my brother and sister on the morning I was born. I always thought it was odd that a man would “babysit.” As legend goes, he made Rick and Shelly peach milkshakes with the fresh peaches my mother left sitting on the kitchen counter the day before. My first stop home from the hospital wasn’t even at home. It was across the street to meet Mr. and Mrs. V.
Years later I did the math and my father confirmed my suspicions. Yep, I’m on this earth by the grace of God and the V’s Christmas Party.
Each year on Christmas Day the V’s would have an open house for family and friends in Pines Lake. Bud would start cooking weeks beforehand. That’s what he loved to do. Cook.
After opening presents on Christmas morning, we would dress in new clothes, trudge across the street and go in through the basement door. The V’s had a finished basement that was toasty and drafty at the same time. The afternoon was filled with savory foods that Bud made himself. For the life of me, I can only remember sweet pickled mushrooms. If allowed, I would eat all of them.
One day when I was about seven, I spent the entire day with Bud. I’m not sure why he got the job of babysitting me but he did. I was so intimidated by him and I don’t think I made a peep all day long. It was a sad, yucky, cold, rainy day and I spent most of it tip-toeing around their museum-like house. That was the day Bud made Peking Duck. I remember looking through the oven window at the ducks going round on the rotisserie and thinking how similar they looked to the ducks down at the lake. That made me a little suspicious.
As it got closer to dinnertime, Bud tried to engage me with food prep. The older kids came home and I made pistachio pudding from a mix with one of the girls. I had never seen green pudding before and politely declined to have any for dessert. That was significant because I never turned down dessert.
Dinner was a loud and noisy affair. My Other Mother wasn’t there so it was Bud, the big kids and me. There was a fire in the double-sided fireplace and I could see through from the kitchen table to the dining room. The dancing fire, glow of the chandelier, and boisterous laughter made the gray, winter day recede. The big kids tried to draw me out of my shell but I was too self-conscious. I stole sideways glances at Bud when he bellowed with laughter. How could this big, stern man be so jovial?
Decades later, I wonder what he used to think of the timid, little, redheaded girl. He probably just laughed and shook his head every time I ran and hid behind someone’s legs.
All my life I heard the story of how Mr. V, “Bud” came across the street to babysit my brother and sister on the morning I was born. I always thought it was odd that a man would “babysit.” As legend goes, he made Rick and Shelly peach milkshakes with the fresh peaches my mother left sitting on the kitchen counter the day before. My first stop home from the hospital wasn’t even at home. It was across the street to meet Mr. and Mrs. V.
Years later I did the math and my father confirmed my suspicions. Yep, I’m on this earth by the grace of God and the V’s Christmas Party.
Each year on Christmas Day the V’s would have an open house for family and friends in Pines Lake. Bud would start cooking weeks beforehand. That’s what he loved to do. Cook.
After opening presents on Christmas morning, we would dress in new clothes, trudge across the street and go in through the basement door. The V’s had a finished basement that was toasty and drafty at the same time. The afternoon was filled with savory foods that Bud made himself. For the life of me, I can only remember sweet pickled mushrooms. If allowed, I would eat all of them.
One day when I was about seven, I spent the entire day with Bud. I’m not sure why he got the job of babysitting me but he did. I was so intimidated by him and I don’t think I made a peep all day long. It was a sad, yucky, cold, rainy day and I spent most of it tip-toeing around their museum-like house. That was the day Bud made Peking Duck. I remember looking through the oven window at the ducks going round on the rotisserie and thinking how similar they looked to the ducks down at the lake. That made me a little suspicious.
As it got closer to dinnertime, Bud tried to engage me with food prep. The older kids came home and I made pistachio pudding from a mix with one of the girls. I had never seen green pudding before and politely declined to have any for dessert. That was significant because I never turned down dessert.
Dinner was a loud and noisy affair. My Other Mother wasn’t there so it was Bud, the big kids and me. There was a fire in the double-sided fireplace and I could see through from the kitchen table to the dining room. The dancing fire, glow of the chandelier, and boisterous laughter made the gray, winter day recede. The big kids tried to draw me out of my shell but I was too self-conscious. I stole sideways glances at Bud when he bellowed with laughter. How could this big, stern man be so jovial?
Decades later, I wonder what he used to think of the timid, little, redheaded girl. He probably just laughed and shook his head every time I ran and hid behind someone’s legs.
Visit Heather at the EO for the 7th installment of Just Write.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Pumpkin Festival
On Saturday my Sweetie volunteered selling poppies for the VFW at the local pumpkin festival. The weather was so gorgeous... an unseasonably, cool, fall day... that I decided to brave the hay fields and meet up with my Sweetie.
For those of you who aren't aware, Florida is a HUGE agricultural state. Only a few miles east (inland) of our house is a large, family farm that runs the pumpkin festival each year. This is the first time I ever attended. My avoidance of crowds (and hay fields) has kept me away in the past.
The festival was fun and very, very family oriented. There were lots of activities for little kids, craft vendors, and tons of food vendors. Can you say funnel cake? Mmm!
The little girl in the above photo was having a great time climbing on the pumpkins and running away from her mother.
I wasn't aware of this but the local Buddy Walk was being held the same day on the farm. The route of the walkers went around the perimeter of the festival. There were so many sweet, cheerful faces in the group. My eyes welled up every time I waved and counted my blessings.
I didn't do the corn maze because I figured what's the point of a maze if I could see over the top.
This sign made me laugh. But the aromas coming from that direction sure did smell good!
The farm had a produce stand that sold all homegrown items. I have never seen such beautiful eggplants before. Or purple peppers! Who knew? All the produce looked so much better than anything at the downtown farmers market. I think I found a new place to buy produce.
This guy was hanging out with the blacksmith in the "pioneer village." According to the blacksmith, it's a banana spider.
This Vietnam Era helicopter was part of a display trying to raise funds for a Vietnam Memorial in the area.
Overall, it was a lovely morning at the pumpkin festival (even if I paid $4 for a sweet tea). I only wish that I had braved the crowds years ago when the boys were little and would have enjoyed it.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Soup!
I’m in love.
Ah, perhaps I should explain.
I love to make soup (and stew). I can honestly say that soup is my most favorite thing to make in the kitchen. I love how all the flavors meld together in one pot. I love that soup is almost impossible to screw up and substitutions always seem to work.
Yes, I love to eat soup too. But as an interesting side note: I NEVER order soup in a restaurant. Not really sure why. And I’ll only eat two canned soups… Campbell’s Tomato and Chicken Noodle. It’s the whole childhood-memories-comfort-factor thing when it comes to the classic Campbell’s soups.
Anyway, I’ve always considered soup-making a cold weather activity. In Florida, that only equates to about three weeks. So in that time I make my favorites… Sauerkraut Stew, Beef & Lentil, Lime Soup, and Chili. Yes, in my book, Chili is a soup/stew because it’s made in one large pot and simmered all day and quite possibly the next.
So usually around September, I get a little bummed that I haven’t spent much quality and enjoyable time in the kitchen. I start to fantasize about Halloween. Why Halloween? Because the last weekend in October has become my traditional time to make the season’s first batch of Chili.
Over the years, I’ve become a little despondent that I can't make soup year-round. Sure, there are recipes for warm weather soups but I’ve never found any I liked… until now…
While browsing in Williams-Sonoma last weekend, I saw this book:
Soup of the Day, by Kate McMillan
I picked it up, thumbed through it, put it back on the shelf, picked it up again, and bought it.
I love, love, love this cookbook! As the name implies, there is a soup recipe for every day of the year. There’s an entire summer of soups!
The first recipe I tried was from June 12th – Spicy Coconut Broth with Udon Noodles & Shrimp. I selected this soup because my Sweetie requested something with shrimp in it and he “ooo-ed” when I read this one off. Yea, this soup was so outside my repertoire. I have never, ever made an Asian dish before. I had to go to two different stores to find the udon noodles, coconut milk, ginger root, lemon grass, and red curry sauce. By the time I got home, I had already made up my mind not to like this curry soup thing I was about to make.
Let me tell you, it was fantastic! I never knew that something could be spicy and so refreshing at the same time. The coconut milk, ginger, and lemon grass really did have a cooling affect. G-Man raved about it, my Sweetie had a second helping, and Mr. A begged me via text message to make it for him when he’s on leave.
(Sorry, I didn’t think to take any photos.)
Looking through the book, all of the recipes are easy to follow, some of the recipes are simple enough to make on a weeknight, and most recipes serve four… which in our house translates to two adults and one teenage boy.
So yes, I’m in love with my new cookbook.
(Except for maybe the two cauliflower recipes in the month of October. Yuck.)
****
What’s your favorite cookbook? What’s your favorite type of food to make?
Ah, perhaps I should explain.
I love to make soup (and stew). I can honestly say that soup is my most favorite thing to make in the kitchen. I love how all the flavors meld together in one pot. I love that soup is almost impossible to screw up and substitutions always seem to work.
Yes, I love to eat soup too. But as an interesting side note: I NEVER order soup in a restaurant. Not really sure why. And I’ll only eat two canned soups… Campbell’s Tomato and Chicken Noodle. It’s the whole childhood-memories-comfort-factor thing when it comes to the classic Campbell’s soups.
Anyway, I’ve always considered soup-making a cold weather activity. In Florida, that only equates to about three weeks. So in that time I make my favorites… Sauerkraut Stew, Beef & Lentil, Lime Soup, and Chili. Yes, in my book, Chili is a soup/stew because it’s made in one large pot and simmered all day and quite possibly the next.
So usually around September, I get a little bummed that I haven’t spent much quality and enjoyable time in the kitchen. I start to fantasize about Halloween. Why Halloween? Because the last weekend in October has become my traditional time to make the season’s first batch of Chili.
Over the years, I’ve become a little despondent that I can't make soup year-round. Sure, there are recipes for warm weather soups but I’ve never found any I liked… until now…
While browsing in Williams-Sonoma last weekend, I saw this book:
Soup of the Day, by Kate McMillan
I picked it up, thumbed through it, put it back on the shelf, picked it up again, and bought it.
I love, love, love this cookbook! As the name implies, there is a soup recipe for every day of the year. There’s an entire summer of soups!
The first recipe I tried was from June 12th – Spicy Coconut Broth with Udon Noodles & Shrimp. I selected this soup because my Sweetie requested something with shrimp in it and he “ooo-ed” when I read this one off. Yea, this soup was so outside my repertoire. I have never, ever made an Asian dish before. I had to go to two different stores to find the udon noodles, coconut milk, ginger root, lemon grass, and red curry sauce. By the time I got home, I had already made up my mind not to like this curry soup thing I was about to make.
Let me tell you, it was fantastic! I never knew that something could be spicy and so refreshing at the same time. The coconut milk, ginger, and lemon grass really did have a cooling affect. G-Man raved about it, my Sweetie had a second helping, and Mr. A begged me via text message to make it for him when he’s on leave.
(Sorry, I didn’t think to take any photos.)
Looking through the book, all of the recipes are easy to follow, some of the recipes are simple enough to make on a weeknight, and most recipes serve four… which in our house translates to two adults and one teenage boy.
So yes, I’m in love with my new cookbook.
(Except for maybe the two cauliflower recipes in the month of October. Yuck.)
****
What’s your favorite cookbook? What’s your favorite type of food to make?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Story of Dukie
This is Dukie.
That’s not his given Beanie Baby. I believe that was Tuffy. Thirteen years ago, G-Man christened him Dukie after the little Yorkie, Duke who lived two houses down the street.
G-Man has always well-loved his stuffed animals. But Dukie is a particular stand-out. G-Man loved Dukie so much and said that he loved Dukie so much that the Not-So-Nice person I used to be married to became jealous.
Yep. A grown man was jealous that a 3-year-old boy loved his stuffed animals. So jealous that he gathered up all of the stuffed animals (including Dukie and Pooh Bear), put them in a black trash bag, tossed the bag in the trunk of his car, and drove off into the night to find a dumpster.
Needless to say, G-Man was heart-broken and I was powerless to fix it. I searched and searched for a new Dukie but alas, that Beanie Baby was no longer in production.
A few years later… after that Not-So-Nice person was gone from our lives… G-Man was visiting with his cousins in New Jersey. My niece had a Tuffy and G-Man related his tale of woe as to what happened to his Dukie. My lovely and kind-hearted niece offered to give G-Man her Beanie Baby. However, for some reason I still don't understand, my sister-in-law wouldn’t allow it.
So my niece made it her mission to find G-Man a new Dukie. She scoured flea markets and antique malls. A few months later, Dukie 2.0 arrived in the mail just in time for Christmas.
G-Man and Dukie were bedtime buddies for years.
****
This past weekend I went through some plastic bins of old clothes that were on the top shelf of G-Man’s closet. I found one bin crammed full of stuffed animals. My eyes welled up with tears as I sorted through the animals. Both wonderful and painful memories. Immediately, I pulled out the musical Peter Rabbit that both boys loved and Dukie and put them in my room.
When G-Man got home I asked him to go through the clothes and animals before we took them to Goodwill. He came out of his room and asked, Where’s Dukie?
I told him that already put Dukie aside and that he was sitting on my bed. G-Man reclaimed Dukie and he’s now sitting in a place of honor on the ledge above G-Man's desk.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Just Write
I’m tired and I’m not sure where to start. The past four months of work have drained me. The arts festival is over for the year and now it’s time to get back to my “regular work.” I really thought the light at end of the tunnel would come when the festival ended but in truth, today was just as stressful as any day from the past month.
My job has consumed too much of my life lately. I haven’t had the time or the energy to do the things that I want to do… quilt,swim, cook, read, blog… exercise, create, and enjoy. At one point today, I momentarily considered putting my blog on hiatus so I could participate in my “real life” activities. Then I remembered Heather’s wonderful brainchild… Just Write.
Just Write. Such a simple idea. Such a powerful idea.
I never considered myself a writer (says the girl with the blog). Probably because there are so many rules when it comes to English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Since I’m a stickler for following the rules I always get so hung up on whether or not I’m doing it right.
But the concept of Just Write is so liberating. There are no rules.
So I sit here on the sofa, the dog snoring at my feet, and my Sweetie channel surfing. Rather than staring blankly at the boob-tube, I'm writing. I'm blogging. I'm connecting. I’m confident in knowing that I don’t have to write a literary masterpiece. I don’t need to be insightful, profound, or in reality very thoughtful. I just need to be me. Brain-fried me. I write for me. The only rule is to Just Write.
See, I’m still a stickler for rules. I wasn’t going to blog today (or this week) but then I remembered that I have permission. Thank you, Heather.
My job has consumed too much of my life lately. I haven’t had the time or the energy to do the things that I want to do… quilt,swim, cook, read, blog… exercise, create, and enjoy. At one point today, I momentarily considered putting my blog on hiatus so I could participate in my “real life” activities. Then I remembered Heather’s wonderful brainchild… Just Write.
Just Write. Such a simple idea. Such a powerful idea.
I never considered myself a writer (says the girl with the blog). Probably because there are so many rules when it comes to English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Since I’m a stickler for following the rules I always get so hung up on whether or not I’m doing it right.
But the concept of Just Write is so liberating. There are no rules.
So I sit here on the sofa, the dog snoring at my feet, and my Sweetie channel surfing. Rather than staring blankly at the boob-tube, I'm writing. I'm blogging. I'm connecting. I’m confident in knowing that I don’t have to write a literary masterpiece. I don’t need to be insightful, profound, or in reality very thoughtful. I just need to be me. Brain-fried me. I write for me. The only rule is to Just Write.
See, I’m still a stickler for rules. I wasn’t going to blog today (or this week) but then I remembered that I have permission. Thank you, Heather.
Go visit Heather at EO for more Just Write.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Glad That's Over
The festival is over. It was good, fun, and a ton of work. I'm tired. I'm frazzled. I feel like I just stepped off the Happy-Go-Pukey.
I plan/hope to catch up on my sleep, get my brain functioning again, and get back to blogging very, very soon. In other words, get back to my life.Thursday, October 13, 2011
Re-Post: Bond Goes Green
Heck Week at the office is in full swing. I don't want to jinx myself, but things at the festival are going rather smoothly. However, I'm still ridculously tired and will be so glad when Sunday arrives. In the meantime, here's another (personal) favorite blog post...
What if MI6 merged with the EPA? James Bond’s secret agent skills would be pitted against evil, mastermind billionaires intent on polluting the world. Instead of 007 being licensed to kill, he would be licensed to recycle, reuse, and mitigate toxic spills .
Going with this theme, the boys and I have re-named all 22 James Bond movies. Of course, the boys insist that James Bond is just as brash, brawn, and suave as always. My insistence is that Daniel Craig still appears in UDT shorts.
Here’s our list of eco-friendly James Bond film titles:
1. Dr. No = Dr. CO2
2. From Russia with Love = From Greenpeace with Love
3. Goldfinger = Green Thumb
4. Thunderball - Ozoneball
5. You Only Live Twice = Use Grocery Bags Twice
6. On Her Majesty's Secret Service = On Her Majesty's Environmental Protection Service
7. Diamonds Are Forever = Styrofoam is Forever
8. Live and Let Die = Live and Let Compost
9. The Man with the Golden Gun = The Man with the Hybrid Car
10. The Spy Who Love Me = The Vegan Who Loved Me
11. Moonraker = Stripminer
12. For Your Eyes Only = For Your Recycling Only
13. Octopussy = Net Free Tuna
14. A View to a Kill = A View to a No Kill Shelter
15. The Living Daylights = The Compact Fluorescent Lights
16. License to Kill = No License to Drill
17. GoldenEye = EcoWatch
18. Tomorrow Never Dies = Plastic Never Dies
19. The World in Not Enough = The World is Not Green Enough
20. Die Another Day = Dye-Free today
21. Casino Royale = Casino Recycale
22. Quantum of Solace = Quantum of Solar Panels
Maybe next we'll re-name the Bond girls. Instead of Strawberry Fields her name could be Hyrdoponic Strawberry. What do you think? Any suggestions?
What if MI6 merged with the EPA? James Bond’s secret agent skills would be pitted against evil, mastermind billionaires intent on polluting the world. Instead of 007 being licensed to kill, he would be licensed to recycle, reuse, and mitigate toxic spills .
Going with this theme, the boys and I have re-named all 22 James Bond movies. Of course, the boys insist that James Bond is just as brash, brawn, and suave as always. My insistence is that Daniel Craig still appears in UDT shorts.
Here’s our list of eco-friendly James Bond film titles:
1. Dr. No = Dr. CO2
2. From Russia with Love = From Greenpeace with Love
3. Goldfinger = Green Thumb
4. Thunderball - Ozoneball
5. You Only Live Twice = Use Grocery Bags Twice
6. On Her Majesty's Secret Service = On Her Majesty's Environmental Protection Service
7. Diamonds Are Forever = Styrofoam is Forever
8. Live and Let Die = Live and Let Compost
9. The Man with the Golden Gun = The Man with the Hybrid Car
10. The Spy Who Love Me = The Vegan Who Loved Me
11. Moonraker = Stripminer
12. For Your Eyes Only = For Your Recycling Only
13. Octopussy = Net Free Tuna
14. A View to a Kill = A View to a No Kill Shelter
15. The Living Daylights = The Compact Fluorescent Lights
16. License to Kill = No License to Drill
17. GoldenEye = EcoWatch
18. Tomorrow Never Dies = Plastic Never Dies
19. The World in Not Enough = The World is Not Green Enough
20. Die Another Day = Dye-Free today
21. Casino Royale = Casino Recycale
22. Quantum of Solace = Quantum of Solar Panels
Maybe next we'll re-name the Bond girls. Instead of Strawberry Fields her name could be Hyrdoponic Strawberry. What do you think? Any suggestions?
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Life with Boys: Did I just say that?
Did I really say this to G-Man the other night???
Here’s a new pack of dental floss. Please use it. Dental hygiene is very important. Trust me, one day you’ll want to kiss a cute girl and she won’t want to get Doritos in her mouth.
(No, I wasn’t speaking from personal experience but rather from junior high gossip circa 1982. You see, Annmarie* was nervous. She was supposed to kiss Joey out by the buses after school. Well, she heard that Joey kissed Stacey at Joanne's party the weekend before. Joey had just eaten Doritos and Stacey got Doritos in her mouth. Ewww! Understandably, Annmarie didn't want to get Doritos in her mouth.)
*Normally, I would change the names to protect the innocent but in this case, I'm just so darn old that I couldn't remember the names of all the participants.
Here’s a new pack of dental floss. Please use it. Dental hygiene is very important. Trust me, one day you’ll want to kiss a cute girl and she won’t want to get Doritos in her mouth.
(No, I wasn’t speaking from personal experience but rather from junior high gossip circa 1982. You see, Annmarie* was nervous. She was supposed to kiss Joey out by the buses after school. Well, she heard that Joey kissed Stacey at Joanne's party the weekend before. Joey had just eaten Doritos and Stacey got Doritos in her mouth. Ewww! Understandably, Annmarie didn't want to get Doritos in her mouth.)
*Normally, I would change the names to protect the innocent but in this case, I'm just so darn old that I couldn't remember the names of all the participants.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Success!
This is an insane week for me at work. The fesitval my department has been preparing for all these months is finally upon us. It's only the beginning of the week and I'm already tired. So tired that I've called my co-workers by my children's names. By the end of the week I won't even remember my own name. In that light, I realize I won't have time to write interesting blog posts this week so I plan to re-tread a few of my favorites.
I feel this post fits with the Just Write theme because I remember writing it "all in one breath" back in May.
All of my life I wanted to be a Mom. Sure, at various points in time I wanted to be an archeologist, a museum curator, a forest ranger, a medical illustrator, an interior design, a chef, an international businessperson (whatever that might be), and a kindergarten teacher. But through the years my desire to be a Mom was constant.
So I didn’t pursue any of the above mentioned occupations but I did become Mom in October 1993. Then I became a Mom again in June 1996. I would have liked to have had four children but that just wasn’t in the cards.
I saw my job as Mom to love, nurture, protect, and guide. My ultimate goal was to raise two healthy, happy, considerate, well-adjusted young men who would be productive members of society. Two men who might one day eventually become loving & respectful husbands and fathers.
I didn’t read parenting books or magazines. I didn’t have the internet as a resource. I didn’t watch talk shows. I went forth in my role as Mom on pure instinct. I learned my parenting skills through example from my parents. I’ve never done anything so naturally, so innately as mothering.
But I was up against a huge obstacle – the Not-So-Nice person I originally married. He tried to put plenty of barriers in my way. Ten years of an abusive marriage. Nine years of PTSD and recovery. I was still a Mom though. I still had my goal and the things that Not-So-Nice person did made me even more determined to do my job well.
Now I have the privilege of sharing this parenting gig with the love of my life. My wonderful husband is a totally awesome Dad. Last night at the Scholar Athlete awards ceremony for the high school, we did a little fist bump when Mr. A was awarded the Overall Male Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Then as I thought about our TWO FANTASTIC SONS last night, a strange feeling started to come over me. A surreal, overwhelming feeling. A feeling that I didn’t understand. A feeling that I couldn’t comprehend.
Finally, this morning the Universe slapped me upside the head and at last I understood.
I DID IT. I’m successful. I’m successful as a Mom.
What did I do when I had the epiphany that I realized my life-long goal?
Simple. I sat at a red light and cried as I stared at the “Navy Mom” bumper sticker on the car in front of me.
****
Please visit Heather over at the EO for more Just Write.
I feel this post fits with the Just Write theme because I remember writing it "all in one breath" back in May.
All of my life I wanted to be a Mom. Sure, at various points in time I wanted to be an archeologist, a museum curator, a forest ranger, a medical illustrator, an interior design, a chef, an international businessperson (whatever that might be), and a kindergarten teacher. But through the years my desire to be a Mom was constant.
So I didn’t pursue any of the above mentioned occupations but I did become Mom in October 1993. Then I became a Mom again in June 1996. I would have liked to have had four children but that just wasn’t in the cards.
I saw my job as Mom to love, nurture, protect, and guide. My ultimate goal was to raise two healthy, happy, considerate, well-adjusted young men who would be productive members of society. Two men who might one day eventually become loving & respectful husbands and fathers.
I didn’t read parenting books or magazines. I didn’t have the internet as a resource. I didn’t watch talk shows. I went forth in my role as Mom on pure instinct. I learned my parenting skills through example from my parents. I’ve never done anything so naturally, so innately as mothering.
But I was up against a huge obstacle – the Not-So-Nice person I originally married. He tried to put plenty of barriers in my way. Ten years of an abusive marriage. Nine years of PTSD and recovery. I was still a Mom though. I still had my goal and the things that Not-So-Nice person did made me even more determined to do my job well.
Now I have the privilege of sharing this parenting gig with the love of my life. My wonderful husband is a totally awesome Dad. Last night at the Scholar Athlete awards ceremony for the high school, we did a little fist bump when Mr. A was awarded the Overall Male Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Then as I thought about our TWO FANTASTIC SONS last night, a strange feeling started to come over me. A surreal, overwhelming feeling. A feeling that I didn’t understand. A feeling that I couldn’t comprehend.
Finally, this morning the Universe slapped me upside the head and at last I understood.
I DID IT. I’m successful. I’m successful as a Mom.
What did I do when I had the epiphany that I realized my life-long goal?
Simple. I sat at a red light and cried as I stared at the “Navy Mom” bumper sticker on the car in front of me.
****
Please visit Heather over at the EO for more Just Write.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Recycled Crayon "Muffins"
This weekend was full of cleaning, dusting, scrubbing, sorting, organizing, shopping for furniture, building furniture, and moving furniture. To say I’m tired, sore, and sneezy would be accurate. Perhaps doing all this housework the weekend before Heck Week at the office begins wasn’t the brightest move but I do have a huge sense of accomplishment.
G-Man and I tackled the bookcases in his room. One 6-foot bookcase has been dedicated to arts & crafts supplies since we moved into the house 13 years ago. The boys and I haven’t done arts & crafts projects in years and they haven’t needed any of the supplies for school projects in ages.
So I sorted everything into the usual piles of trash, recycle, and donate. We found plenty of dried out modeling clay and markers that went straight in the trash. Two full shopping bags of goodies are going to my young nieces. Storage bins are going to Goodwill. Plenty of other stuff went in the recycling bin.
But something that was too used to donate and I couldn’t bring myself to trash? Boxes of well-worn crayons. So I put into action an idea I saw on another blog (sorry, I can’t remember which one). I sorted the crayons by color, G-Man and I peeled and broke them into pieces, placed them in a silicone muffin pan, and melted them in a 275° oven.
G-Man and I tackled the bookcases in his room. One 6-foot bookcase has been dedicated to arts & crafts supplies since we moved into the house 13 years ago. The boys and I haven’t done arts & crafts projects in years and they haven’t needed any of the supplies for school projects in ages.
So I sorted everything into the usual piles of trash, recycle, and donate. We found plenty of dried out modeling clay and markers that went straight in the trash. Two full shopping bags of goodies are going to my young nieces. Storage bins are going to Goodwill. Plenty of other stuff went in the recycling bin.
But something that was too used to donate and I couldn’t bring myself to trash? Boxes of well-worn crayons. So I put into action an idea I saw on another blog (sorry, I can’t remember which one). I sorted the crayons by color, G-Man and I peeled and broke them into pieces, placed them in a silicone muffin pan, and melted them in a 275° oven.
Friday, October 7, 2011
18 Years Have Passed
I'm at a complete and total loss for words. Where have the past 18 years gone?
Happy Birthday, Kid.
I love you more than you'll ever know.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
PLRH Declaration of Beliefs
I believe…
1... In Love.
2... Professional sports seasons shouldn’t overlap.
3... In God.
4... Christmas decorations shouldn’t go up before December 1st or the beginning of Advent (whichever comes first).
5... In Karma.
6... No child should ever go to bed hungry.
7... In regular pedicures.
8... Wearing pretty underwear will make any day better.
9... In hugs and kisses.
10... Domestic Violence Awareness should get as much recognition as Breast Cancer Awareness.
11... In alone time in the loo.
12... Every person should feel safe in their own home.
13... In handwritten notes.
14... Fashion shouldn’t be painful.
15... It won’t seem as bad in the morning (whatever it is).
16... Being honest with myself.
****
What do you believe in?
1... In Love.
2... Professional sports seasons shouldn’t overlap.
3... In God.
4... Christmas decorations shouldn’t go up before December 1st or the beginning of Advent (whichever comes first).
5... In Karma.
6... No child should ever go to bed hungry.
7... In regular pedicures.
8... Wearing pretty underwear will make any day better.
9... In hugs and kisses.
10... Domestic Violence Awareness should get as much recognition as Breast Cancer Awareness.
11... In alone time in the loo.
12... Every person should feel safe in their own home.
13... In handwritten notes.
14... Fashion shouldn’t be painful.
15... It won’t seem as bad in the morning (whatever it is).
16... Being honest with myself.
****
What do you believe in?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Bridge Walk
For weeks I went back and forth.
Should I go? Am I ready? It’s just a walk over the bridge… a walk I really like. But will it be too emotional?
I didn’t have to go. I could easily find something else worthwhile to do on a Saturday morning. But the walk is for a charity that I hold near and dear to my heart. A charity that I donate to regularly. I donate but don’t become actively involved in because it is too near and dear to my heart.
It was a lousy week and I figured that I could use some good karma in my life. So I clicked “Yes” the next time I logged onto Facebook. That’s when I noticed my friend LHB clicked “Yes” also. I called and left her a voicemail,
I saw that you RSVP’d for the SPARCC walk on Saturday and I just did too but I’m not sure if I’m ready to do it… if you know what I mean.
Later she called me back and we talked and arranged to meet at 8:30 am. I knew I could do it with my friend at my side.
Saturday morning we registered, got our purple t-shirts, and walked over the bridge. We walked and talked in the glorious weather for an hour. We shared, we vented, we listened, and we encouraged. We were two of the hundreds of purple shirts walking over the bridge. We smiled and waved as passing cars honked. We were part of the group and there for the greater cause of the walk. But we were also just two friends there for each other. We were two women, two friends, one survivor, and one supporter.
Two Redheads Stepping Out Against Domestic Violence.
Thanks for walking with me LHB. It meant the world to me.
****
Please visit Heather at The Extraordinary Ordinary for more Just Write.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Hello October!
Oh my, it’s October. Where the heck did September go?
The weather in Florida really messes with my sense of season. After 14 years, I still have a hard time remembering which month it is because it always feels like summer.
On the other hand, Mr. A up in Annapolis is experiencing a seasonal fall for the first time in his memory. He told me today that the 50-degree weather has him in Christmas mode.
A cool front blew through this weekend and made the weather very pleasant. The temps were in the 60’s overnight and the highs during the day were in the 80’s and very low humidity. Absolutely gorgeous! Too bad this is only temporary.
We opened the house up and let the fresh air clear out the cobwebs. I’m not kidding. As I sat on the sofa this morning sipping my tea, I saw tumbleweeds of dog hair rolling across the floor. So I got off my duff and started cleaning while my Sweetie was outside doing battle with the hedges. In most parts of the country, people do spring cleaning. Well, down in Florida we do fall cleaning.
Now that it’s October, the craziness at work will come to a head in the next two weeks. Afterwards, my co-workers and I may have some time to breathe and I might get some decent sleep.
Another thing that October brings is Mr. A’s birthday at the end of the week. He’ll be 18 and legal. This will be the first time ever I won’t see him on his birthday. So I might be a tad bit crabby this week. Fair warning.
One more indicator that it’s October? Publix has put out the giant, black kitty-cat.
I always find it humorous that the cat is weighted down with big tubs of kitty litter.
The weather in Florida really messes with my sense of season. After 14 years, I still have a hard time remembering which month it is because it always feels like summer.
On the other hand, Mr. A up in Annapolis is experiencing a seasonal fall for the first time in his memory. He told me today that the 50-degree weather has him in Christmas mode.
A cool front blew through this weekend and made the weather very pleasant. The temps were in the 60’s overnight and the highs during the day were in the 80’s and very low humidity. Absolutely gorgeous! Too bad this is only temporary.
We opened the house up and let the fresh air clear out the cobwebs. I’m not kidding. As I sat on the sofa this morning sipping my tea, I saw tumbleweeds of dog hair rolling across the floor. So I got off my duff and started cleaning while my Sweetie was outside doing battle with the hedges. In most parts of the country, people do spring cleaning. Well, down in Florida we do fall cleaning.
Now that it’s October, the craziness at work will come to a head in the next two weeks. Afterwards, my co-workers and I may have some time to breathe and I might get some decent sleep.
Another thing that October brings is Mr. A’s birthday at the end of the week. He’ll be 18 and legal. This will be the first time ever I won’t see him on his birthday. So I might be a tad bit crabby this week. Fair warning.
One more indicator that it’s October? Publix has put out the giant, black kitty-cat.
I always find it humorous that the cat is weighted down with big tubs of kitty litter.
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