It was another ordinary Friday. The kids went off to school and I went off to work just like all Fridays. Then the news came of the horrific events in Connecticut. Slowly the information seeped through our phones and televisions giving us the details of the moments that would change us all forever. I left work and headed to the pick up line where I would battle the urge to just rush in to hug my sweeties. I noticed that cars were there earlier and parents were out of cars discussing things. Fear on all of our faces. Tears in all of our eyes. The world is full of sadness with things that no human should ever have to endure but the pain seems to run deeper when innocent little faces are involved. They came out of the school and got into our cars. As parents I believe many of us felt like driving and driving and driving now that they were safely riding along to a place where these things just don't happen. We smiled at them as they told us about their day...fighting the tears that were filling our tired eyes.
And we hugged them simply because we could. Those families will never get to hug them again.
Ever.
This was the sort of day when you made exceptions, found ways to spoil and slowed down a bit because nothing else mattered in the world. Your babies were safe in your arms. It has been days since this dark Friday and the tears are still flowing freely for so many of us. Flowing for people we have never even met. But we know these people. We are these people. We know, that they too, dropped their babies off or waved as the bus left the stop. They thought it was a regular old Friday. Maybe they talked about Pizza Night or what they would be doing all weekend. Plans were made for finding the right tree and decorating while singing carols and drinking cocoa. Presents were under the tree with name tags for a child that would never get to open them. Stockings hung on mantels. Photo cards were already in mailboxes with those little faces. A regular Friday at the most peaceful time of year. I have put off writing these words knowing I would need time to recover after writing them. But today as the tears stream I realize in this tragedy, like most I suppose, we will come together better than ever before. We will prioritize. We will gather. We will support. We might smile bigger and love harder. Hugs might come more freely. Maybe we will see what can be gained in their loss so as not to have it all be for nothing. For each little face....for every victim...for those heroes...make a change. Make a change in your own life. Be a hero. Take a risk. Show your love. Share your talents. Be brighter in the darkness. Light a candle for the babies and a light in your heart to never take another day for granted. Stop looking the other way when someone seems sad. Ask "How are you?" and mean it...really mean it. Listen carefully to the unsaid. Stop judging and start caring. Make it your business. In between battles about gun control and politics, safety issues and mental health debates...look at the people you know. Who needs love, support, patience and strength right now? Give it to them. With your whole damn heart not the little bits and pieces you always have because you are scared to or because it's not yours to deal with. Don't be too "busy" to care. Random acts of kindness are sweet but kindness every damn minute of every damn day to every human you interact with would be a real gift to the world. Anyone can pick a moment to be "good". Live it daily. Breath by breath, heartbeat by heartbeat...find the peace. Then bubble up with so much that you need to share it with someone who has less. Donate food to the poor, clothes to the cold...YES...but give love to your fellow man. Help a tired mother, listen to a tired father, giggle with a child, be the ear and the voice to save a life. Defend the helpless, be a friend to the lonely, help fight the bullies. Be brave, be peaceful but damn...be strong. As anger and frustration build because we can't go back in time and prevent this from happening to these innocent people...as fear creeps in that it could happen to any one of us...as helplessness finds us in the moments we fall apart...light something within yourself to move forward. Share the light. It might be the glow that changes the future...
"Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it
acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your
thankful thoughts."
Alan Cohen
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Letterpress
Letterpress is a great new game for the Iphone. You find words and steal letters to slowly and colorfully claim the board as yours. Addicting, quick and fun. I swear all of these games are making me smarter! ;)
Find me and challenge me!
Find me and challenge me!
Boovie Club
The Book Club was turned into a Book/Movie Club and you know me...squeezing two words together is practically a hobby of mine. Ryan had a brilliant idea to get us together without all of the stress of trying to read a book once a month with the crazy lives we all have. This way we get a break in between and can come together to watch a great film and discuss it afterward.
We started with the classic Rear Window. By the end of the discussion we realized how much our lives are sort of like the man forced to spend weeks in a wheelchair staring out at the world in his backyard. We have social media that allows us to "look in" on all our people and the even the ones that used to be distant...like celebrities. We have reality tv, facebook, instagram, twitter, tumblr and blogs. We know where people are, when they are there and who they are with. Little updates tell us how they are feeling, catch us up with the news, show us the dinners they are eating. We are all voyeurs watching out of a window at the world below us...making Hitchcock's message almost prophetic and this movie choice quite interesting. It was a great night even if I had to get used to watching the amazing new television!
We started with the classic Rear Window. By the end of the discussion we realized how much our lives are sort of like the man forced to spend weeks in a wheelchair staring out at the world in his backyard. We have social media that allows us to "look in" on all our people and the even the ones that used to be distant...like celebrities. We have reality tv, facebook, instagram, twitter, tumblr and blogs. We know where people are, when they are there and who they are with. Little updates tell us how they are feeling, catch us up with the news, show us the dinners they are eating. We are all voyeurs watching out of a window at the world below us...making Hitchcock's message almost prophetic and this movie choice quite interesting. It was a great night even if I had to get used to watching the amazing new television!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The Perils of Indifference
Somewhere amongst the lists of new spelling words and piles of math drill sheets there comes an assignment that matters even more for so many reasons. Emily came home with such an assignment. She has to pick a famous historical speech and deliver a portion of it to her peers. She had already heard a buzz from classmates about Kennedy, King and many others. So together we went through various lists and subjects searching for something that she approved of. We came across Elie Wiesel's story of struggle, strength, horror and hope. He takes with him a piece of history in which to teach a child just an introduction to the darkest of men in the most tragic of events...and the lives that were changed for all generations to come. But beyond the historical facts and figures there are lessons about human life and the emotions that bind us together whatever our backgrounds, religions, challenges and triumphs...
"In a way, to be indifferent to that suffering is what makes the human being inhuman. Indifference, after all, is more dangerous than anger and hatred. Anger can at times be creative. One writes a great poem, a great symphony, one does something special for the sake of humanity because one is angry at the injustice that one witnesses. But indifference is never creative. Even hatred at times may elicit a response. You fight it. You denounce it. You disarm it. Indifference elicits no response. Indifference is not a response.
Indifference is not a beginning, it is an end. And, therefore, indifference is always the friend of the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor -- never his victim, whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten. The political prisoner in his cell, the hungry children, the homeless refugees -- not to respond to their plight, not to relieve their solitude by offering them a spark of hope is to exile them from human memory. And in denying their humanity we betray our own.
Indifference, then, is not only a sin, it is a punishment. And this is one of the most important lessons of this outgoing century's wide-ranging experiments in good and evil."
We read it together and I explained the tricky theme of indifference. I saw her eyes widen as she grasped this seemingly simple yet difficult concept. I returned to each line and broke them down for her with explanations. The more I read and analyzed the more brilliant each line shone upon my computer screen. "Anger can at times be creative." I reminded her of the musician who writes their best pieces after heartbreak and literature that has been birthed from the worst tragedies. We discussed how hatred and anger are so powerful that they can move people to make the biggest of changes. In a strange moment yesterday on my way home from work I sang a line of lyrics that strikes me every time..."The opposite of love is indifference". It was as if time froze for a moment and pointed out what would happen only a few hours later. Indifference has found me many times in my life. I knew in those moments it was time to let go of something or that it was time to move on from something or someone that had let go of me. We continued to talk about historical moments that have changed us all and the ones that we should always remember. Holding onto an honored memory is as powerful as holding onto a piece of something...either way it is not forgotten. Taking historical accounts and transferring them to a place of a child's understanding is often difficult but his words made it clear. He gave us a history lesson, taught us things, made us feel empathy and found ways to bring us all under one umbrella of humankind...and that is what makes a great speech. This mother is grateful for the opportunity to use his eloquence for a conversation with her child that would change them both forever.
"In a way, to be indifferent to that suffering is what makes the human being inhuman. Indifference, after all, is more dangerous than anger and hatred. Anger can at times be creative. One writes a great poem, a great symphony, one does something special for the sake of humanity because one is angry at the injustice that one witnesses. But indifference is never creative. Even hatred at times may elicit a response. You fight it. You denounce it. You disarm it. Indifference elicits no response. Indifference is not a response.
Indifference is not a beginning, it is an end. And, therefore, indifference is always the friend of the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor -- never his victim, whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten. The political prisoner in his cell, the hungry children, the homeless refugees -- not to respond to their plight, not to relieve their solitude by offering them a spark of hope is to exile them from human memory. And in denying their humanity we betray our own.
Indifference, then, is not only a sin, it is a punishment. And this is one of the most important lessons of this outgoing century's wide-ranging experiments in good and evil."
We read it together and I explained the tricky theme of indifference. I saw her eyes widen as she grasped this seemingly simple yet difficult concept. I returned to each line and broke them down for her with explanations. The more I read and analyzed the more brilliant each line shone upon my computer screen. "Anger can at times be creative." I reminded her of the musician who writes their best pieces after heartbreak and literature that has been birthed from the worst tragedies. We discussed how hatred and anger are so powerful that they can move people to make the biggest of changes. In a strange moment yesterday on my way home from work I sang a line of lyrics that strikes me every time..."The opposite of love is indifference". It was as if time froze for a moment and pointed out what would happen only a few hours later. Indifference has found me many times in my life. I knew in those moments it was time to let go of something or that it was time to move on from something or someone that had let go of me. We continued to talk about historical moments that have changed us all and the ones that we should always remember. Holding onto an honored memory is as powerful as holding onto a piece of something...either way it is not forgotten. Taking historical accounts and transferring them to a place of a child's understanding is often difficult but his words made it clear. He gave us a history lesson, taught us things, made us feel empathy and found ways to bring us all under one umbrella of humankind...and that is what makes a great speech. This mother is grateful for the opportunity to use his eloquence for a conversation with her child that would change them both forever.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Freeze Dried Mango and Vacuum Dried Pineapple
JoAnn made a trip to Trader Joe's and brought back quite the assortment of goodies. She was most excited with these two bags of fruit snacks and went around the studio placing a sample in all of our mouths. The mango was bizarre and then delicious and the pineapple tasted like fruity potato chips. Both were scrumptious and both make me want to drive to a Trader Joe's! Please universe send one this way!!!
Pumpkin Spice Pudding
Just when you thought you've had everything pudding...a new flavor comes along. It was tasty like a tiny pie in a glass bowl and even better with whipped cream!
The Way of the Dragon
I've never watched a Bruce Lee movie but lately I've been thinking it might be fun for two kids who have been a little less excited with karate lately. It's coming on a year and they have flown through several belts but the schedule along with everything else is exhausting. It was a funny movie for many reasons...dubbing was interesting, effects were funny and the plot was hysterical. It was entertaining though and a fun way to spend a Saturday evening.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Life of Pi
Ryan, John and I went to the late movie because it meant XD 3D magic. It also meant that we would be there watching this amazing film until after midnight so it counts for Friday! This movie is true magic in every sense. I've never used this word before because it has always been the back-of-a-dvd-or-novel sort of word but here goes...THIS FILM WAS SPELLBINDING.
Spellbinding
Spellbinding
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Trespassing
If the sign says, "Do not walk on the grass"...I go the long way. If it says, "NO Parking"...I drive for another half hour looking for an appropriate spot. I don't take the penny, don't grab extra packets of sauce, I don't do much of anything along those lines. Some mornings on the way to work I pass a gorgeous lake. The sun bounces off of it and catches my eye. I often think of how nice it would be to live near there or to be able to walk over to it. Today...I stopped and parked for a second with excitement to snap a picture of the reflection of the sun in the water. There was a gate with a large NO TRESPASSING sign. I don't trespass. Well, I did a little bit while working the census job but I was given a pass for that. I walked around the rocks and took it in for a second. The sun was stunning. The air was crisp. The reflection was blinding. I could here the small ripples in the water as they hit land. It was beautiful. I grabbed my shot...ran to the car...and headed off. First I drove around with an expired registration for months and now THIS?!? Quite the renegade I am turning out to be!
Mailbox & Mocha
I didn't expect my ten year old to hand me a letter addressed to Santa. We have never mailed them before. Lists are made. Cookies and milk are put out. They are nibbled on. So it came as a surprise when she had it all ready to go. Maybe the Rise of the Guardians movie stirred up some last minute belief...but whatever the case it needed to be taken to a mailbox. I made a special trip in between a million chores and picking them up from school to get it to the post office. I paused and snapped a picture. I then hit the drive thru for a little treat of peppermint mocha coffee. I don't remember ever having one before and yet I might have. I do know that I needed to remember that moment. The moment when a little girl reminded me that we should always believe.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Fiona Apple
New Music Monday was bumped to Tuesday this week and was much welcomed as I needed something exciting to blast out the noise of the grinding rear brakes of my car. Fiona did the job and did it well. Haunting piano and a voice that never stops combined with lyrics that have waited years to be written...and you have yourself quite a wonderful new album. This will be in some heavy rotation in the weeks to come! The girl still has it!!!
Cobb Salad at Home
We threw the bacon on parchment and into the oven to bake to the perfect amount of crisp. Eggs were boiled, peeled and chopped. Campari tomatoes were sweet and juicy. I substituted chicken for some tender turkey breast meat. Spring mix and spinach were the foundation for these delicious toppings and a few extras for good measure. I looked up what made a Cobb a true cobb and eggs, bacon, tomatoes and chicken were the big guys. It was just fine if I added some cucumber and chick peas. I designed the plates with a color wheel of toppings and they were devoured by all. The children helped make them, plated most of them in Top Chef style and ate them faster than anything we've had in a long time. Though the Cobb who originated this dish was NOT the famous ball player we can still say it was a hit and a home run!
Douglas Fir
I grew up with artificial trees. I was also into saving the earth way before it was trendy. For some reason I found it cruel to cut down a tree just to watch it slowly die in your house while you celebrated some holiday only to throw it out a short while later. Part of the tradition was to assemble the tree. Needles would fall. Dust would fly. It was part of the deal. But this fake tree meant we could put it up the day after Thanksgiving and leave it up way into January.
This tradition continued as I grew up. Sure real trees smelled nice and seemed so romantic but I couldn't get over the feeling of killing something for no good reason. They take so darn long to grow. Plus, I like stretching it all out a bit.
The flood happened and the tree was destroyed. Dust and chemicals were now compounded with mold and who knows what. It made the decision easier and last year we researched a bit and went for a Frasier Fir. The needles are so perfect it almost seems artificial but the scent was lush and the tree lasted for a long time. This year it all started to really click. I think I read a few articles about the pros and cons of trees. Artificial trees are loaded with chemicals and will then sit in a landfill for all eternity. These real trees are grown for just this purpose, help our planet while they grow and then are completely biodegradable.
So we stood there at the lot under the string of lights in the chilly air and searched. A different one caught the eye of the children. It was fat and anything but symmetrical. The needles were a bit sharp and the tree guy said it would be less fragrant, drop needles faster and support ornaments less...but they loved it. Sometimes that's all that matters. It was lush and full and felt like Christmas. His name is Dougy and he is our tree. He is not only a new thing but a true sign that a long life of habits and beliefs can be changed if you flip the switch and change perspectives. A light bulb moment indeed...and in this case a Christmas light string of bulbs!!
This tradition continued as I grew up. Sure real trees smelled nice and seemed so romantic but I couldn't get over the feeling of killing something for no good reason. They take so darn long to grow. Plus, I like stretching it all out a bit.
The flood happened and the tree was destroyed. Dust and chemicals were now compounded with mold and who knows what. It made the decision easier and last year we researched a bit and went for a Frasier Fir. The needles are so perfect it almost seems artificial but the scent was lush and the tree lasted for a long time. This year it all started to really click. I think I read a few articles about the pros and cons of trees. Artificial trees are loaded with chemicals and will then sit in a landfill for all eternity. These real trees are grown for just this purpose, help our planet while they grow and then are completely biodegradable.
So we stood there at the lot under the string of lights in the chilly air and searched. A different one caught the eye of the children. It was fat and anything but symmetrical. The needles were a bit sharp and the tree guy said it would be less fragrant, drop needles faster and support ornaments less...but they loved it. Sometimes that's all that matters. It was lush and full and felt like Christmas. His name is Dougy and he is our tree. He is not only a new thing but a true sign that a long life of habits and beliefs can be changed if you flip the switch and change perspectives. A light bulb moment indeed...and in this case a Christmas light string of bulbs!!
Clay Jam
A new game popped up on my Iphone. I checked it out. The kids fight for it. A little ball of clay rolls over other clay things until you fling it at the big guy. Silly, fun, frustrating and colorful. Will it be a time thief? Nope, that goes to the other games...but it was cute for a morning I needed a new thing!
Killing Them Softly
Violent. Graphic. Ear drum shattering sound. Close ups. Uncomfortable scenes.
Brad Pitt
That's all that needs to be said.
Brad Pitt
That's all that needs to be said.
Waterpik
Back in the 80's I had my mouth of silver as braces tried to make some sense out of the crazy. I had a friend in my trusty waterpik. I also got my braces removed in record time for the amount of work they needed to do because I took care of things. I kept it for years but it grew dingy and eventually was thrown out in one of the moves from house to apt to house to house. I have two children now that will indeed be needing the support of braces...it's just a matter of time. So I thought we should start to have some fun. With kids I learned a long time ago that it is all in the presentation. I did such a good job of "selling" it that I was literally being begged to use it. So we lined up to use our little water shooting soldier and watched as newbies wet the mirrors, walls and each other. Squirt on, dear friend, squirt on!!!
"Here's The Thing"
My Ipod is typically filled with all sorts of new music thanks to the Ipod fairy who takes good care of me. John occasionally throws on some extra stuff too though and this time it was the show, "Here's the Thing" with Alec Baldwin. There were three podcasts featuring the hilarious Kristen Wiig, Fred Armisen and Paula Pell. All of them had me laughing to and from work as I learned so much about these people that I hadn't known. The little facts made them even more intriguing and wonderful. Thanks Ipod Fairy for making the car ride fun!
Caramel Apple Bread
It snowed and we all felt horrible so I declared my first Snick Day. We started it off with tea and a brand new loaf of bread brought out by Gramary on her latest trip to the discount bread shop. I would never buy this stuff...but caramel apple bread was tasty.
Claritin Pillow
When you have children you hope that they get your brains, your curls, your eye color. You pray that they are healthy and that life is kind. You then realize they will also get the crooked teeth, crazy sense of humor and your allergies. So when suddenly the asthma seems worse you have to start the search. Dust piling up behind the heavy bed...vents that need cleaning...filters that need changing...all become enemies. This time I put on some armor and fought like a soldier. First thing I did was run to the store for a mattress protector designed to combat allergens and a pillow made by the allergy people of Claritin. Next was a vacuuming session that made my Dyson very happy as he devoured the bunnies of dust. That led to a series of all sorts of things. The doctor has renewed prescriptions for special inhalers. And here I am (just as allergic) fighting some sinus issues myself. I put on a good fight and recovery is not only imminent but my girl was able to play her brass instrument in the winter concert at school! One more battle won in allergyville!!!
JoAnn's 60th Movie Bash
A milestone birthday calls for a special event. This one had a red carpet, a reserved theater with a favorite film and a crowd of friends and family to honor the birthday girl. JoAnn turned sixty with a celebration of food, laughter, singing and some heckling. Turns out if you rent the whole theater you can call out all sorts of hilarity. Thanks to Todd for pointing out that it was "suddenly autumn" during the porch scene of Dirty Dancing. It was nice getting to sigh out loud at the moments when Patrick is looking his most Swayze. And then there was the singing. We had an absolute blast! Happiest of birthdays to JoAnn!!!
Rise of the Guardians
I have fallen behind on posts again. The reasons are all good. Life is busier than usual with more work hours and extra festivities that surround this time of year. I am not avoiding the posts but simply living life and falling into bed exhausted. I will try to do better in the new year but I have the feeling the rest of this month will roll this way. Back on Saturday, Nov 24th, we headed to the theater to see Rise of the Guardians. It was gorgeous. The story was traditional yet fresh and clever and the characters were full...of well...character. There was glitter...lots of it...and I love glitter. But if you aren't familiar with the theme of this movie let me give you a glimpse. It is about the guardians of childhood. The Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Sandman, and Santa have a new recruit, Jack Frost. They each have a bit of magic that they give to children and in return the faith and belief of the child gives that gift back to the guardian. The key to Jack Frost finding his theme is to look deep into what is at his core. He discovers it and while on the journey we are reminded that we, too, have a core. It gets a grown up to thinkin'.
We all have a core. A belief. The thing that makes us "magical". Have you lost yours or forgotten what it was? Have you stuffed it so far down that it is not only incredibly safe but missing as well? Did you ever really know what it was to begin with? Think back to those moments in childhood when it beamed brightly. It was there all along. My journey these last few years has brought me to one overwhelming focus to find those things buried within this body. They were bright as a child and life piled up on life and somewhere along the line it was dulled. Stifled. Choked out like the embers of a dying fire. So I've been digging through rubble to find it again. As a fire needs oxygen so does our core. This movie reminded children to hold on to the thing that makes them who they are at the very center of their being...and reminded adults that they need to find it, rekindle it and refuse to let it go. We all have magic, gifts and a little bit of sparkle if we share it with the world!
We all have a core. A belief. The thing that makes us "magical". Have you lost yours or forgotten what it was? Have you stuffed it so far down that it is not only incredibly safe but missing as well? Did you ever really know what it was to begin with? Think back to those moments in childhood when it beamed brightly. It was there all along. My journey these last few years has brought me to one overwhelming focus to find those things buried within this body. They were bright as a child and life piled up on life and somewhere along the line it was dulled. Stifled. Choked out like the embers of a dying fire. So I've been digging through rubble to find it again. As a fire needs oxygen so does our core. This movie reminded children to hold on to the thing that makes them who they are at the very center of their being...and reminded adults that they need to find it, rekindle it and refuse to let it go. We all have magic, gifts and a little bit of sparkle if we share it with the world!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Ouzo
I have mentioned that I work for a Greek family. A while back I learned to count to ten. I know a few bad words now. I get to listen to the music if the shuffle of the Ipod is feeling ethnic. But today I had a toast and a sip or two of ouzo! I just did some quick research because I like to learn as I go through my new thing process and found this interesting bit of info...
"When absinthe fell into disfavor in the early 20th century, ouzo was one of the products whose popularity rose to fill the gap".
Yep, you feel it when it glides down your throat and warms your toes. It tastes like licorice and packs a punch and was a little treat at a lunch of thanks. OPA!!!
"When absinthe fell into disfavor in the early 20th century, ouzo was one of the products whose popularity rose to fill the gap".
Yep, you feel it when it glides down your throat and warms your toes. It tastes like licorice and packs a punch and was a little treat at a lunch of thanks. OPA!!!
Romanesco and "Roll Up"
Same holiday...same house...same crowd and yet I had not one but two new things! Romanesco is a gorgeous little veggie. After some research I have discovered that some call it broccoli and some cauliflower. Either way look it up in google images and check it out. It looks like a cross between a digital quilt and medieval weapon. Sounds bizarre? This description has nuthin' on this plant. It is fun to eat and tasty (especially dipped in the bowl of heavenly goodness next to it). It was part of a crudite platter and a whole table full of delectable appetizers. Next, was a dinner complete with an amuse bouche, brined turkey, a gazillion sides and and an array of desserts. They do it up big at the White House. While sipping coffee and moaning from the pain in our stomachs from stuffing ourselves because everything was so delicious there was a suggestion to play a game. My ears perked up. Grab a group of friends. Suggest this at the holiday party at work. Have some cocktails and grab some paper...but play this...it is a riot!
Each person has a pen and piece of paper in front of them. We used big 8.5x11 sheets to allow for room and creativity. Each person writes their response and folds the paper down to cover the writing and then the papers pass to the next person (either direction will work and even more fun if you mix it up a little). The formula is as follows:
Name of a person (real, character, famous, known...anybody)
Another person
A place they could have met up
A line of dialogue from the first person...question or statement
A response to a question or statement
Epilogue statement to wrap up the story
Then everyone gives one last pass and takes turns in reading the stories aloud. It can be rowdy or PG depending on your crowd but something tells me that rowdy would be even funnier. Here are a few samples of the very stories we came up with. The age of the crowd went from 10 to 86 and everyone enjoyed it!!!
While reading it you make it more of a story...
Mitt Romney
(and)
Captain Underpants
(met up at)
Walmart
Mitt said, "They are all out of large Depends"
to which Captain Underpants responded
"Well, sometimes that's how the cookie crumbles, isn't it?"
And they all packed up their leftovers and went home.
Brad Pitt
(bumped into)
Abraham Lincoln
Under the Verrazano Bridge near the hot dog vendor with the limp
Brad said, "I'm not sure but I think someone here has a hoochie issue!"
Abraham responded, "I feel great!"
The fire burned as they sang carols together.
Everyone from Chaz Bono to Superman showed up in all sorts of places including a strip joint named, "Bottom Dollar"...and they did all sorts of crazy things together and we had a blast. I'm talking hold your stomach while tears run down your face sort of laughter.
Thanks to the people that made our day one of much thanks, love, laughter and kindness...and a whole bunch of fun!!!
Each person has a pen and piece of paper in front of them. We used big 8.5x11 sheets to allow for room and creativity. Each person writes their response and folds the paper down to cover the writing and then the papers pass to the next person (either direction will work and even more fun if you mix it up a little). The formula is as follows:
Name of a person (real, character, famous, known...anybody)
Another person
A place they could have met up
A line of dialogue from the first person...question or statement
A response to a question or statement
Epilogue statement to wrap up the story
Then everyone gives one last pass and takes turns in reading the stories aloud. It can be rowdy or PG depending on your crowd but something tells me that rowdy would be even funnier. Here are a few samples of the very stories we came up with. The age of the crowd went from 10 to 86 and everyone enjoyed it!!!
While reading it you make it more of a story...
Mitt Romney
(and)
Captain Underpants
(met up at)
Walmart
Mitt said, "They are all out of large Depends"
to which Captain Underpants responded
"Well, sometimes that's how the cookie crumbles, isn't it?"
And they all packed up their leftovers and went home.
Brad Pitt
(bumped into)
Abraham Lincoln
Under the Verrazano Bridge near the hot dog vendor with the limp
Brad said, "I'm not sure but I think someone here has a hoochie issue!"
Abraham responded, "I feel great!"
The fire burned as they sang carols together.
Everyone from Chaz Bono to Superman showed up in all sorts of places including a strip joint named, "Bottom Dollar"...and they did all sorts of crazy things together and we had a blast. I'm talking hold your stomach while tears run down your face sort of laughter.
Thanks to the people that made our day one of much thanks, love, laughter and kindness...and a whole bunch of fun!!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
United States of Bacon
The guide caught my eye with the word "bacon". The entire hour was dedicated to the luscious meat from the first mentioned BLT containing twenty-five slices to the crazy burger/bacon patty. I think about becoming a vegetarian more and more these days but shows like this are not helping!!!
Girls and Noxzema
When I was a young girl my sister introduced me to Noxzema. I loved the container and the scent of its beautiful whiteness. I loved how my skin felt and how barely a blemish found me through most of my teen years. I'm not sure when I stopped using it but I do know that it seemed to be less trendy and I had to graduate to grown up skin care at some point in my adulthood. Lately, my skin is worse than all of my teen years combined. I also have a little girl about to enter the fun known as the tween years. Together we purchased a brand new (slightly updated) blue container and came home and washed our faces. It was a coming of age and a return to youth all at one sink splashing. I forgot how much I loved the stuff and I just might stick with it for a while...if not just to hold her hand as she gets older but for her to hold mine as I do as well.
Vicks on Pigs
Little man started up with a cough. Nearing the holiday this was bound to happen. I started him immediately on grapefruit seed extract and some extra vities. But I just recently read that if you put Vicks on their feet at night it helps to alleviate if not eliminate the cough. A mama has to try...so out we went for some Vicks.
For you moms hoping for some full proof solution of wonder...it's Wednesday and after two nights...his cough has only worsened. :(
For you moms hoping for some full proof solution of wonder...it's Wednesday and after two nights...his cough has only worsened. :(
The Queen of Versailles
This film is a rags to riches to rags story. It is very entertaining and very depressing all at the same time which left me a bit confused. I found many parts of it terribly sad but yet didn't want to leave it before it was finished. It was honest and vulnerable. It was heartbreaking. It was disgusting and joyous. A contradiction of so many things in so many ways.
The bottom line was that the people thought that having everything would bring them happiness. The bigger the hole the bigger the need to fill it. The last few years of my life have brought things to light that I never fully understood until now. The more I learn and know the less I want and need. I see what is valuable and essential. The good part is that I don't need a storm of the century or a movie to remind me...I know from day to day.
The bottom line was that the people thought that having everything would bring them happiness. The bigger the hole the bigger the need to fill it. The last few years of my life have brought things to light that I never fully understood until now. The more I learn and know the less I want and need. I see what is valuable and essential. The good part is that I don't need a storm of the century or a movie to remind me...I know from day to day.
I know I'm a little late to the party. I'll blame the weather, traffic, construction and anything else that will help. As I see it with things like this...late is better than never. So I logged into Instagram one day and noticed that I had ten followers. I didn't even know my password so I found this interesting. I realize between Facebook and Twitter and Big Brother they all find a way to connect everything. Little bit awesome...little bit terrifying. So I started to see the ins and outs of Instagram and checked out some photos from my friends. It is pretty cool. I found a few more followers and a few more people to watch but didn't dive in until today.
I was in my kitchen busting open the most amazing head of fennel and it hit me. I placed the traditional bowl of olive oil with s&p near the crispy strips and fuzzy greens and took a photo. I am now connecting all of the dots with the photos I have been seeing of food. I also have noticed there is a theme of dogs and cats as well. I am loving this new way to express what I see and feel without the use of words. Late to the party but certainly not the first to leave...
(If you are at the party and I haven't bumped into you yet...please feel free to throw me a shout out!)
I was in my kitchen busting open the most amazing head of fennel and it hit me. I placed the traditional bowl of olive oil with s&p near the crispy strips and fuzzy greens and took a photo. I am now connecting all of the dots with the photos I have been seeing of food. I also have noticed there is a theme of dogs and cats as well. I am loving this new way to express what I see and feel without the use of words. Late to the party but certainly not the first to leave...
(If you are at the party and I haven't bumped into you yet...please feel free to throw me a shout out!)
The Crucible @ Lehigh
I remember reading this in high school and probably haven't thought much about it since. I love reading or seeing the classics as an adult. Our perspectives are so completely different. We have life experiences now that can help us to identify with the characters. We have grown up emotions. We have the sensibility to digest the story differently. This was no exception. I went in not expecting much since it was a college production but it was very well done. From the lighting, sounds, effects and costumes to the acting it really was a good show. I saw these actors from all over the country and wondered who might go on to become someone big someday. I also took my children. I love that my six year old has already experienced Broadway, the symphony, sports events, live bands, the stage and an opera.
Pick up a classic and read it as an adult. See a movie that has always been elusive for one reason or another. Find some local theater. Find a reason to feel young and grown up all at the same time.
Pick up a classic and read it as an adult. See a movie that has always been elusive for one reason or another. Find some local theater. Find a reason to feel young and grown up all at the same time.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Emoji
There is a whole world out there in Iphone land to discover. My sister was bugging me weeks ago to get Emoji...the fun little symbols that you can add to texts. I was waiting for a day when I needed a new thing. But fate doesn't let you store things up like a nut if you need to be growing on a daily basis. I was in the middle of a text and hit a few things wrong and sent out a rogue pineapple image. I was irritated for a second that the little fruit got away from me...until the laughter took over. A pineapple. My first emoji text contained a prickly little fruit image. So that was that. I went on to text a few other people some fun little faces, shapes and symbols in honor of my first day celebrating another simple but oh so fun thing!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Spec-Trix
My bff, Jenne, is the best at giving birthday gifts. This year she gave me an array of goodies each with a special significance to describe a characteristic about me.
One little tag said the following:
"Because you look for rainbows".
I am a color fanatic. I organize my closet in ROYGBIV order. I enjoy the many hues of the world. I always search for a rainbow if the sky should tease me with a little sun and even one tiny raindrop. When one appears I wait for the flurry of texts to alert me. Sometimes the texts send me flying out to my backyard where I search for the gift in the sky.
The gift that signified this care for color is a game called Spec-Trix. It mixes the idea of Rummy with a spectrum of twelve colors. I was in my glory. I played with them for a bit...maybe lingered a tad in the shuffle of it all...and then dealt them. It is a great family game and engages a different part of the brain which is always fun. No words necessary. No math involved. Just gorgeous, colorful cards. Mmmmmmmm. I love this game!!! I am very grateful for rainbows. And games of rainbows!! And friends who give me games of rainbows!!!
Thanks, Jenne!!!
One little tag said the following:
"Because you look for rainbows".
I am a color fanatic. I organize my closet in ROYGBIV order. I enjoy the many hues of the world. I always search for a rainbow if the sky should tease me with a little sun and even one tiny raindrop. When one appears I wait for the flurry of texts to alert me. Sometimes the texts send me flying out to my backyard where I search for the gift in the sky.
The gift that signified this care for color is a game called Spec-Trix. It mixes the idea of Rummy with a spectrum of twelve colors. I was in my glory. I played with them for a bit...maybe lingered a tad in the shuffle of it all...and then dealt them. It is a great family game and engages a different part of the brain which is always fun. No words necessary. No math involved. Just gorgeous, colorful cards. Mmmmmmmm. I love this game!!! I am very grateful for rainbows. And games of rainbows!! And friends who give me games of rainbows!!!
Thanks, Jenne!!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Glazed and Confused
Well, tonight we wrapped up our pottery course at MudWorks. The pieces were sanded, dipped in wax and glazed. The rest is up to the magic that happens in the kiln. I ended up with eleven pieces that were thrown in three classes so I'm pretty happy. Maybe one day Marq, Hannah and myself will look back at these early works and giggle but for right now we are pretty darn excited. Thanks so much JoAnn for a great class that was as fun as it was informative. Can't wait to see the finished pieces!
Stoup
Rachael Ray came up with a term called stoup. It is when the stuff in the bowl is somewhere between a soup and a stew. It is thick enough to make a hearty meal and juicy enough to dunk bread into. This recipe featured broccoli rabe, sausage, beans and pasta. It was delicious and a great way to warm up a chilly night.
Ani DiFranco
I first heard her while working at the music store in the mall many, many years ago. I purchased a cd and played it often during a streak of girl power music that I seemed to devour. The songs gave me a place to explore the womanhood that I was growing into...and sometimes a place to yell about it. I went to my Lilith Fairs and was teased about my taste in chick music...but I didn't care. These women had a voice, a message, a sense of strength and a poetic heart that all found their way to a guitar or piano and I was happy to listen (and sing along) as they did it. It's not so easy to find someone to attend an Ani concert though. You love her or you fear her. She came to our local venue a few years back but with much regret I missed the show.
Fast forward a few years and I now work side by side with the biggest Ani fan I know. Ani was going to be near Philly...and something told me I could not miss her this time. My peaceful warrior partner and I headed down to rock out with Ani. She is cuter than ever with a baby belly and the calmest hair style I've ever seen on her. The timing was perfect since the crowd just celebrated a victorious election. Energy was high and girl power was shining brightly. All of these years were worth the wait!!! (We also might have set a record for dragging out the birthday events!)
Fast forward a few years and I now work side by side with the biggest Ani fan I know. Ani was going to be near Philly...and something told me I could not miss her this time. My peaceful warrior partner and I headed down to rock out with Ani. She is cuter than ever with a baby belly and the calmest hair style I've ever seen on her. The timing was perfect since the crowd just celebrated a victorious election. Energy was high and girl power was shining brightly. All of these years were worth the wait!!! (We also might have set a record for dragging out the birthday events!)
Wreck It Ralph
I remember my first video game. It was two lines with a moving dot and it blew me away. I could hit some large button and change it to four lines or more depending on the "sport" the dots and lines were representing. They have come a long, long way since the 70's and are not just a fun to way to spend time but part of the culture of this generation.
This movie took us inside the world of the video game in such a fun and yet tender way. It personified the simple box with wires and lights into a whole little universe full of love, teamwork and the battle between good and evil. Quirky music and colorful characters came together for the deeper lesson of what makes a hero a true hero.
This movie took us inside the world of the video game in such a fun and yet tender way. It personified the simple box with wires and lights into a whole little universe full of love, teamwork and the battle between good and evil. Quirky music and colorful characters came together for the deeper lesson of what makes a hero a true hero.
Tom Augusta Opening Reception
I spent a great deal of time in the local art scene for over a decade while at my old job. I met lots of artists and knew a thing or two about hanging a show and having an opening reception. It has been about five years though and the area has changed yet again. There is a shining star now...named Tom Augusta. His watercolor paintings are gorgeous! The detailed works are full of light, life and energy....which come to think of it...is what he is as a person as well. I am excited to be surrounded by these beautiful paintings throughout the holiday season at MudWorks and even more thrilled that one will be coming home with me!
"Lamb" by Christopher Moore
The book club is giving it another go. This time with a twist. Movie, book, movie, book, etc...
We were assigned the books and the movies and are to keep it all business this time. In the meantime, I'll be the one who started the book a few days before the meeting date and who doesn't have it finished (because though some things are changing... but that part is not!).
We were assigned the books and the movies and are to keep it all business this time. In the meantime, I'll be the one who started the book a few days before the meeting date and who doesn't have it finished (because though some things are changing... but that part is not!).
Moonshiners
Just when I think I have seen it all, heard it all, known it all - the television blows my mind with yet another reality show. This time while zipping through some options at the end of a meal I came upon "Moonshiners". Wow, there is a mad science to the art of the still! I learned a great deal about how intelligent these men are with there tracking skills, methods and gizmos. I also walked around talkin' sorta funny that night and yellin' bout how I needed to find me a nip joint. (Had to look up what a nip joint was which was a history lesson in itself). So much out there in the world. Maybe drinking some moonshine could be a future new thing? First, I have to find me a nip joint.
Rock the Popcorn
Popcorn Buddha rewarded a worn "I voted" sticker with a free bag of popcorn. I vote right across the street...so guess who got herself a bag? I couldn't say that voting for the man I voted for was a new thing because I did it already four years ago...but getting a snack for doing it...well, what a perk!
Post Senor Don Gato
Mark is the guy who brings us games we have never played. He dresses up like a zombie if need be. He even performs in plays and musicals. He teaches the kids their sword fighting techniques for the theater. I have a feeling that with each visit will be a new gem. This last visit he busted out a song that I had never heard of but that he learned back in school. We watched it on You Tube and now we all walk around singing it. It makes me laugh. Last week on Monday, November 5th, I posted it on Facebook. I hope you watched. If not...please do!
Rocky with the Kids
My mother grew up in Philadelphia. In the crappy section. As a child when we would visit my grandmother I would be nervous...and I was raised in the Bronx so you can only imagine how bad it seemed to a little girl. She moved out of the city when she started a different life in NY and married my father and had me. I was born in '72. Rocky came out in '76. It was still fresh.
So my parents took a four year old to see it in the theater which was actually one of the better movie choices they made. (If you have read the earlier post on The Exorcist then you understand.) I remember parts of the movie and I remember my mother crying. She missed her city with its dirt and heavy accent because it was her home. I don't know if I have actually watched the entire movie since then. I love when the little local cinema shows another film in its revival series because not only are some new to me....but some are new to me the second time around. I remembered a movie about a fighter from the wrong part of town. I hadn't remembered so much of the spirit of the movie and surely didn't get the romantic sweetness as a little girl. It was probably one of the most sincere and touching films I've ever seen in so many ways. My kids loved it as well. Rocky, ya still got it!
So my parents took a four year old to see it in the theater which was actually one of the better movie choices they made. (If you have read the earlier post on The Exorcist then you understand.) I remember parts of the movie and I remember my mother crying. She missed her city with its dirt and heavy accent because it was her home. I don't know if I have actually watched the entire movie since then. I love when the little local cinema shows another film in its revival series because not only are some new to me....but some are new to me the second time around. I remembered a movie about a fighter from the wrong part of town. I hadn't remembered so much of the spirit of the movie and surely didn't get the romantic sweetness as a little girl. It was probably one of the most sincere and touching films I've ever seen in so many ways. My kids loved it as well. Rocky, ya still got it!
Mini Thanksgiving with the Dolls
To say that a week with no power, water, heat and light makes us take stock in what we take for granted each day is an understatement. "Borrowing" power from a coffee shop hallway and finding a place for your daughter to use a nebulizer is in inconvenience but also a great way to push us out of our comforts a bit. Spending nights with a fire going and some candles lit makes it sweet. The quiet was nice. The quiet was also challenging. Our fish tank didn't fare so well and we lost most of our finned friends. The parrot was covered so much for heat that she decided it was a good time to lay an egg. The mice figured nobody lived here anymore and started to move in something fierce. We were weary by the end of the weak. I gave in to the countless invitations and took up a friend on her offer to shower. I also got creative in many ways and was grateful for the important things....but I was tired.
I also had some other challenges this week. It was my mother's birthday and her not being here to share it is still fresh. Halloween was bumped due to the storm. I also discovered that a friendship needed to reach the next level and though I am always grateful for the lessons and mirrors it doesn't mean they don't make you work for them! Like I said...I was tired.
An invite for dinner made a grey week so much brighter. The Dolls asked us to stay after we did some rescheduled trick-or-treating. Brad made pot roast, quiche, green bean casserole, corn and pierogies with onions. It was a feast and as we sat there together...warm and enjoying the food and the company...we realized it was the first little Thanksgiving of the season. I was very grateful for so much that week but this just made it all come together so nicely. I would like to thank the Dolls for a day full of friendship and gratitude!
I also had some other challenges this week. It was my mother's birthday and her not being here to share it is still fresh. Halloween was bumped due to the storm. I also discovered that a friendship needed to reach the next level and though I am always grateful for the lessons and mirrors it doesn't mean they don't make you work for them! Like I said...I was tired.
An invite for dinner made a grey week so much brighter. The Dolls asked us to stay after we did some rescheduled trick-or-treating. Brad made pot roast, quiche, green bean casserole, corn and pierogies with onions. It was a feast and as we sat there together...warm and enjoying the food and the company...we realized it was the first little Thanksgiving of the season. I was very grateful for so much that week but this just made it all come together so nicely. I would like to thank the Dolls for a day full of friendship and gratitude!
JoAnn's Cashew Chicken
Friday is feast day at work. This week it was JoAnn's turn and she did not disappoint!! We had an amazing new recipe with a succulent sauce with chicken and cashews over rice. Mmmmm. The only thing I didn't like about it was having to smell it alllllllll morning as it cooked in the crock pot! Delicious!
Perkins with Leigh Ann
We did the maple syrup, cayenne, lemon juice fast a bit ago. We try to eat fruit over junk food. We even hike when the mood strikes...in the rain...in the cold...up mountains. But when you are on day four with no heat or water or light and the fridge and its warmth have betrayed you and your perishables...you go out to eat. Perkins and pancakes were calling. I offered a meal in return for another batch of firewood because the house had grown quite chilly by this point.
We beat the crowd. We sat there dirty and hungry and laughed at the cast of characters around us. We ate naughty food but we gave ourselves and each other the pass.
We beat the crowd. We sat there dirty and hungry and laughed at the cast of characters around us. We ate naughty food but we gave ourselves and each other the pass.
Baked Bean Barter
A few days into the darkness with no heat or light and we gave in and started a fire. We had a few pieces of wood and food. Leigh Ann was hungry and had loads of firewood. Together, we brought back the barter! The fridge was cleaned out and breakfast for dinner was served thanks to John and the grill. Sausage, bacon, eggs, toast and baked beans were perfect on this dark, chilly night. The beans had spent hours baking old school style in the oven before power was lost. A trade of a meal for some wood and everyone had a good night. Thanks, Leigh Ann, for bringing us warmth and light both with firewood and yourself!
Frankenweenie
No power, no heat, no food, two kids and an 86 year old...you go to the movies. It was warm and bright and distracted us all for a few hours. The movie itself was very good though my daughter sobbed harder than I have seen in a long time.
Bermuda Triangle and Storm Prep
A storm was on the horizon and people were getting nervous. I decided to be more active in proper preparations this time. Tubs were filled with water. Candles and necessities were gathered. Clothes were washed and safety measures were taken. Then we spent the afternoon playing a game based on a whirlpool stealing our boats.
This would have been a simple post had I written it that day.
I lost power that night for about six days. It is why I am still catching up on so many things in the house as well as these tardy blog posts. It was inconvenient but not dangerous and we were very grateful that the gigantic tree that fell went the other way and that nobody was hurt. But the week went on to be a test of life for many. Though we are safe and warm again and back to the same old stuff...many are still lost, homeless, cold and facing the biggest tragedy of their lives. I think this week changed many of us. For some it was a reminder of how grateful we should always be for the basics that we too often take for granted. For others it might have been a wake up call. Some might have stepped it up a notch to reach out and help those in need. We gathered, we supported, we bartered and we donated. It was a life changing event for this side of the country and sometimes even in those desperate and dark moments a renewal of life can then take place.
I would like to thank those of you who offered a warm place to stay, a shower or a meal. I would like to commend those of you who stepped up and did good for others. It brought us all a little bit closer. It pushed some of us to a better place. It reminded us of what is really important. I hope the feeling lasts...
This would have been a simple post had I written it that day.
I lost power that night for about six days. It is why I am still catching up on so many things in the house as well as these tardy blog posts. It was inconvenient but not dangerous and we were very grateful that the gigantic tree that fell went the other way and that nobody was hurt. But the week went on to be a test of life for many. Though we are safe and warm again and back to the same old stuff...many are still lost, homeless, cold and facing the biggest tragedy of their lives. I think this week changed many of us. For some it was a reminder of how grateful we should always be for the basics that we too often take for granted. For others it might have been a wake up call. Some might have stepped it up a notch to reach out and help those in need. We gathered, we supported, we bartered and we donated. It was a life changing event for this side of the country and sometimes even in those desperate and dark moments a renewal of life can then take place.
I would like to thank those of you who offered a warm place to stay, a shower or a meal. I would like to commend those of you who stepped up and did good for others. It brought us all a little bit closer. It pushed some of us to a better place. It reminded us of what is really important. I hope the feeling lasts...
New Taylor Swift
A girl and her mama drove to work today listening to the brand new Taylor album. A little girl time with a little singing is always a good thing.
Zombie Walk
I have a six-year-old. Needless to say, he is starting to take interest in the yucky stuff of the world. Horror is one of them. But at six I am not yet willing to give up the cuteness of Halloween costumes especially when one of our trick-or-treating partners is only three and a little bit scared right now. So to get things out of his system he is allowed to try on the scary masks at the store and his grandmother was so nice as to get him a terribly scary evil clown mask. If she weren't so amazing I would be angry because I hate clowns but she is...so it's fine. All of this being said when the town decides to have a "Zombie Walk" there is only one thing to do...
Mark came for the weekend which made it even better. We all threw on some make up, ripped up some clothes and dragged our feet a little bit on the way to the parking lot full of the other zombies. Costumes were outrageous and creative and way more people showed up than I ever expected. We marched in a parade fashion down Main Street to the theater with a zombie movie premiere. On the way back we were sure to grace Starbucks with our ugly faces because even zombies need a little pick me up sometimes. It was our first year in the second annual event and I'm not so sure it will be our last.
Mark came for the weekend which made it even better. We all threw on some make up, ripped up some clothes and dragged our feet a little bit on the way to the parking lot full of the other zombies. Costumes were outrageous and creative and way more people showed up than I ever expected. We marched in a parade fashion down Main Street to the theater with a zombie movie premiere. On the way back we were sure to grace Starbucks with our ugly faces because even zombies need a little pick me up sometimes. It was our first year in the second annual event and I'm not so sure it will be our last.
Searching for Sugar Man
If you don't know this story then please check it out. The movie was as intriguing as the man it was about.
Ingrid Michaelson Live
I have loved Ingrid for years. She is the soundtrack of my life it seems. Each song came along just when it made sense...almost frightening me at times with her accuracy. Plus, she is funny and witty and smart and her lyrics are as deep as her voice is sweet. But I never had the chance to see her. It was always not the right time, or there was not enough money, or it was a special night like my daughter's birthday. I have missed her time and time again. Elusive little angel she is.
John heard me rambling once again about her and checked out some dates. The computer makes it "easier" and yet scalping and ticket sites seem to be growing in criminal ways to new levels. He made a phone call. We joke that some woman was sleeping in her booth by a red phone with a few buttons. Head perched on her hand with elbow on table...she snoozes her day away because c'mon now...who calls? But then - her phone rang. It was John and he ordered two tickets with no fees, no crazy special taxes, no anything. Just two simple inexpensive tickets. OH and they were front row. I was excited until I walked into the gorgeous theater in Harrisburg after eating at a place that serves gingerbread men cookies with a sandwich (both new by the way)...until I realized how close we really were. Excitement was now an understatement. My heart pounded as the usher took us closer and closer. My adrenaline boiled as we were seated inches from her piano. Inches I tell you. Three seats over and the back of the piano would have blocked the whole view. I watched her hands play the notes I have listened to hundreds of times. I watched the strain in her throat as she reached for the hard keys. I saw the muscles in her arms as she strummed the guitar. She was clever and witty and smart as always but this time she was inches away. It was a magical concert with an opening artist who I love now as well. All because a man made a good old-fashioned phone call which is ironic since he is the gadget guy. I joked that my mother helped out with this one but after seeing those seats it might not be so outrageous after all.
Ingrid, I thank you for years of songs that got me through the toughest of moments and John, I thank you for finally getting me there to hear them live.
John heard me rambling once again about her and checked out some dates. The computer makes it "easier" and yet scalping and ticket sites seem to be growing in criminal ways to new levels. He made a phone call. We joke that some woman was sleeping in her booth by a red phone with a few buttons. Head perched on her hand with elbow on table...she snoozes her day away because c'mon now...who calls? But then - her phone rang. It was John and he ordered two tickets with no fees, no crazy special taxes, no anything. Just two simple inexpensive tickets. OH and they were front row. I was excited until I walked into the gorgeous theater in Harrisburg after eating at a place that serves gingerbread men cookies with a sandwich (both new by the way)...until I realized how close we really were. Excitement was now an understatement. My heart pounded as the usher took us closer and closer. My adrenaline boiled as we were seated inches from her piano. Inches I tell you. Three seats over and the back of the piano would have blocked the whole view. I watched her hands play the notes I have listened to hundreds of times. I watched the strain in her throat as she reached for the hard keys. I saw the muscles in her arms as she strummed the guitar. She was clever and witty and smart as always but this time she was inches away. It was a magical concert with an opening artist who I love now as well. All because a man made a good old-fashioned phone call which is ironic since he is the gadget guy. I joked that my mother helped out with this one but after seeing those seats it might not be so outrageous after all.
Ingrid, I thank you for years of songs that got me through the toughest of moments and John, I thank you for finally getting me there to hear them live.
Da Vince Science Center @ Smithfield
We are all sick and tired of words like "standards" and "core" here in parentland. Teaching and education is as broken as many of the other social issues we are battling. It is frustrating in every way but something is happening and I hope it is a push in the right direction. This year's new PTO group is kicking it up a notch and working more with teachers who are feeling the crunch as well. I am lucky that my children are going to a very nice school that made it past the last threat to close last year but might not make it out of the one to be cut this summer. But we will fight and hope and rally.
The PTO joined forces with the science teacher and a local science center and presented a night of fun for the kids. A free dinner and book fair pulled in the masses which was topped by an exciting show of liquid nitrogen, safety equipment and the magic of science. I was as thrilled as the kids...even before they froze a rubber ball in boiling nitrogen and smashed the ball and blew our minds!
The PTO joined forces with the science teacher and a local science center and presented a night of fun for the kids. A free dinner and book fair pulled in the masses which was topped by an exciting show of liquid nitrogen, safety equipment and the magic of science. I was as thrilled as the kids...even before they froze a rubber ball in boiling nitrogen and smashed the ball and blew our minds!
Boy Blogs
I jumped into the world of blogs a few years ago. I was really quite in the dark about the whole thing. Moms with little kids don't have time for that stuff...well...until they discover this said world and then maybe they make time. Either way, I realized early on that many of the blogs that I seemed to connect with were from moms. They are sharing experiences, giving me tips and posting ever so perfectly posed pics of their ever so perfect worlds. I found some other blogs about food which make me happy as well. I started a blog as a way to journal a new thing I was attempting to do each day. That was back in early 2011. I am closing in on 2012 and have kept the tradition alive. Lately, I am trying to decide if a third year will happen. I am leaning towards yes. When my blog started...I noticed a surge in other blogs. Friends that I had known were giving it a try as well. Almost a dozen new ones popped up and few are still being written. Most are dusty and sad like the paper journals I used to attempt to keep. We all have our ways to map out our journey and paper and pen was my weakness. For some reason this works much better. I found myself looking for the musings of my pals each night and as the entries grew scarce I felt disheartened. It also made me realize that this "writing" thing is tricky. It is a muscle. It can be developed. It does take spirit to continue on. I am not disappointed in those that stopped the process at all....but I am quite proud of myself. I don't always follow through. I often leave a book half read. I sometimes just don't finish. But hundreds of posts later here I am.
I mentioned a dinner two posts ago where I got to talk to Paul about his blog. He was expressing some of the same concerns that I have heard from others. We are all so scared of being "right" in our writing. We are worried about grammar, punctuation, tense, topic and controversy. I do it myself. I edit...sometimes a little too much. I found myself giving him some sort of pep talk. He was worried that he might offend people or bother them to which I responded..."then they don't have to read it". Blogs are ours. We do it for ourselves or for the people with a similar voice or for those who need to hear a new one...but nobody should make us feel badly about our story. On this day I followed two new blogs. They are written by men and I am excited to see where Tom and Paul take me. I bet there might be more cinema talk and less recipe chatter and that will be a nice addition to my reading. And Paul...have a voice that is true...the only crime would be to do anything less. To the rest of you who worry about "looking" a certain way or creating the oh so perfect paragraph...just write what you feel. The rest will all work out eventually. Happy writing.
P.S. For those who have recently expressed your encouragement in a process that many have probably abandoned by now (because my daily thing might get annoying to some) I thank you from the bottom of my blank white screen.
I mentioned a dinner two posts ago where I got to talk to Paul about his blog. He was expressing some of the same concerns that I have heard from others. We are all so scared of being "right" in our writing. We are worried about grammar, punctuation, tense, topic and controversy. I do it myself. I edit...sometimes a little too much. I found myself giving him some sort of pep talk. He was worried that he might offend people or bother them to which I responded..."then they don't have to read it". Blogs are ours. We do it for ourselves or for the people with a similar voice or for those who need to hear a new one...but nobody should make us feel badly about our story. On this day I followed two new blogs. They are written by men and I am excited to see where Tom and Paul take me. I bet there might be more cinema talk and less recipe chatter and that will be a nice addition to my reading. And Paul...have a voice that is true...the only crime would be to do anything less. To the rest of you who worry about "looking" a certain way or creating the oh so perfect paragraph...just write what you feel. The rest will all work out eventually. Happy writing.
P.S. For those who have recently expressed your encouragement in a process that many have probably abandoned by now (because my daily thing might get annoying to some) I thank you from the bottom of my blank white screen.
Siri
I am very excited about my new phone and though it has a million things to offer I like to spread out the excitement. This particular day I decided to converse with Siri. This is what happened...
"Siri, call me Cookie."
"Sorry, Christina I'm afraid I can't do that."
"Why not?"
"Why not what?"
"Why can't you call me "Cookie""?
"Frankly, I do not understand that myself."
Siri already gets my sense of humor. I think we will be friends.
"Siri, call me Cookie."
"Sorry, Christina I'm afraid I can't do that."
"Why not?"
"Why not what?"
"Why can't you call me "Cookie""?
"Frankly, I do not understand that myself."
Siri already gets my sense of humor. I think we will be friends.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tom's Party at Diana's
Tom is a new friend. I joke that he has just become a doctor of movies but the official title goes a little something like this...
"I have a doctorate in Cultural Studies. My emphasis of study is Film and Television with a sub-specialization in new media technology and subculture."
I stole that from his Facebook page.
....anyway, he had a party to celebrate and we were invited. We headed up to the Hudson Valley for a lovely afternoon at Diana's restaurant. It was a room full of people honoring the hard work that he had done. While studying he also wrote a book. Overachievers are so annoying sometimes. (I joke, Tom...I swear. Sarcasm is a service I provide at no extra cost!) As I sit here trying to remember if that exclamation point goes before or after the parenthesis I will continue in my story. So there we were....a group of "intellectuals"...comparing and contrasting films. I say "intellectuals" because though we were a clever and witty group discussing everything from education to Portlandia I don't have a fancy title such as "Doctor". I was excited to pick some brains on some movies I had recently viewed and found much relief when opinions coincided with my own. I'll take validation while devouring an antipasto tray if life presents such a moment. We had several courses of a delicious meal and gabbed. It was especially nice to feel so at home with a group of people. We had lots in common and an overall feeling of having known each other for way longer than a minute. (Paul and Mark...don't be sensitive...you know we go waaaaaay back.) I was also most impressed while listening to Tom's wife, Katie, talk with such pride about the hard work they did together. She helped out with editing on a daily basis. How refreshing to hear a couple supporting each other to that extent. I was very happy to meet some lovely new people and look forward to hanging out again soon! (Kara, this means you!)
Oh...and Doctor Tom of Cinema...accept my most sincere congrats on the most amazing accomplishment. Give your hard-working wife a hug for me!
"I have a doctorate in Cultural Studies. My emphasis of study is Film and Television with a sub-specialization in new media technology and subculture."
I stole that from his Facebook page.
....anyway, he had a party to celebrate and we were invited. We headed up to the Hudson Valley for a lovely afternoon at Diana's restaurant. It was a room full of people honoring the hard work that he had done. While studying he also wrote a book. Overachievers are so annoying sometimes. (I joke, Tom...I swear. Sarcasm is a service I provide at no extra cost!) As I sit here trying to remember if that exclamation point goes before or after the parenthesis I will continue in my story. So there we were....a group of "intellectuals"...comparing and contrasting films. I say "intellectuals" because though we were a clever and witty group discussing everything from education to Portlandia I don't have a fancy title such as "Doctor". I was excited to pick some brains on some movies I had recently viewed and found much relief when opinions coincided with my own. I'll take validation while devouring an antipasto tray if life presents such a moment. We had several courses of a delicious meal and gabbed. It was especially nice to feel so at home with a group of people. We had lots in common and an overall feeling of having known each other for way longer than a minute. (Paul and Mark...don't be sensitive...you know we go waaaaaay back.) I was also most impressed while listening to Tom's wife, Katie, talk with such pride about the hard work they did together. She helped out with editing on a daily basis. How refreshing to hear a couple supporting each other to that extent. I was very happy to meet some lovely new people and look forward to hanging out again soon! (Kara, this means you!)
Oh...and Doctor Tom of Cinema...accept my most sincere congrats on the most amazing accomplishment. Give your hard-working wife a hug for me!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Spellman's 40th Birthday Bash
We had such a wonderful time at the reunion a few years back that we didn't see why we had to wait another decade to get together. A couple awesome people (Frank, Alicia, Sharon, Bryan) really took the ball and ran with it and threw together one hell of a fun night to celebrate a milestone birthday. We were all slowly but surely turning 40. Impossible, right?!? I mean...come on...it was just yesterday we were dancing to Rock Lobster in the gym.
We gathered at a swanky little place called 900 Park in the Bronx. We ate. We had some cocktails. WE DANCED. I don't see a dance floor and leave it empty for long and I don't mind having to pull a few people along with me. This turned into a night of singing, laughing, catching up and photo bombing. Yep, I was the obnoxious one stealing a chance to pop into a photo or two...or fifty. There was also a moment of pure magic when we gathered in a big circle with arms around one another and sang our old song. "Don't You Forget About Me" still sounds pretty darn good all of these years later. Back in our teens we had no idea how rough life might get. We didn't know about the journey ahead...we were dumb kids. Now, we are bonding over those tougher times. We are sharing experiences. We are applauding the successes and supporting the failures. And we can still rip up a dance floor! Also, in a twist of irony, I made some new friends. I would like to thank them for meeting up with me now and yell at them for taking so long.
A little side note from the blogger:
This event happened a while back now but I was behind on posts and then lost power when Sandy hit. I like to try to write as soon as my new thing happens so that feelings and experiences are fresh. I try to convey what I am getting out of the moments not just report the facts. I try to be vulnerable and it is hard to do when weeks have gone by. For this particular post I would like to say that I am sort of happy I waited. This past week we survived a storm. I say survive because many lost their lives. Neighbors, friends and families have suffered...are STILL suffering. People have lost everything and others are still struggling with the challenges of taking care of a family with not just the conveniences but the basics like water, food, heat and light. We bonded this past week. We grew up a little bit more yet again. Many of you reached out to me and I'm sure to countless others with words of inspiration and encouragement. Some of you have even started to help others by donating time or money.
It is also Election Day. I have watched a diplomatic and respectful group of classmates state the importance of the vote without ever compromising my opinion or the voice of others. We respect that we have our own viewpoints and honor the ones of our peers as well. We have been a classy little group from the dirty little Boogie Down and I would like to say thank you. Somewhere in the halls of a high school full of kids we learned that compassion and service is a top priority. We learned that people all have a right to believe in a system and the option to make that choice. We learned that for all of our differences we are really all very alike...and no storm....no political candidate...nothing...can take away the pure feeling of love for life that we were encouraged to develop.
Thank you fellow classmates for making me believe more now than ever!
We gathered at a swanky little place called 900 Park in the Bronx. We ate. We had some cocktails. WE DANCED. I don't see a dance floor and leave it empty for long and I don't mind having to pull a few people along with me. This turned into a night of singing, laughing, catching up and photo bombing. Yep, I was the obnoxious one stealing a chance to pop into a photo or two...or fifty. There was also a moment of pure magic when we gathered in a big circle with arms around one another and sang our old song. "Don't You Forget About Me" still sounds pretty darn good all of these years later. Back in our teens we had no idea how rough life might get. We didn't know about the journey ahead...we were dumb kids. Now, we are bonding over those tougher times. We are sharing experiences. We are applauding the successes and supporting the failures. And we can still rip up a dance floor! Also, in a twist of irony, I made some new friends. I would like to thank them for meeting up with me now and yell at them for taking so long.
A little side note from the blogger:
This event happened a while back now but I was behind on posts and then lost power when Sandy hit. I like to try to write as soon as my new thing happens so that feelings and experiences are fresh. I try to convey what I am getting out of the moments not just report the facts. I try to be vulnerable and it is hard to do when weeks have gone by. For this particular post I would like to say that I am sort of happy I waited. This past week we survived a storm. I say survive because many lost their lives. Neighbors, friends and families have suffered...are STILL suffering. People have lost everything and others are still struggling with the challenges of taking care of a family with not just the conveniences but the basics like water, food, heat and light. We bonded this past week. We grew up a little bit more yet again. Many of you reached out to me and I'm sure to countless others with words of inspiration and encouragement. Some of you have even started to help others by donating time or money.
It is also Election Day. I have watched a diplomatic and respectful group of classmates state the importance of the vote without ever compromising my opinion or the voice of others. We respect that we have our own viewpoints and honor the ones of our peers as well. We have been a classy little group from the dirty little Boogie Down and I would like to say thank you. Somewhere in the halls of a high school full of kids we learned that compassion and service is a top priority. We learned that people all have a right to believe in a system and the option to make that choice. We learned that for all of our differences we are really all very alike...and no storm....no political candidate...nothing...can take away the pure feeling of love for life that we were encouraged to develop.
Thank you fellow classmates for making me believe more now than ever!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Takos Tacos
Friday work lunch rotation is awesome! It was John's turn and he did not let us down. He made a delicious purple cabbage wrap with seasoned grilled chicken and a mix of heavenly veggies. I talk about the food truck we will have all of the time. I work with the Stratakos siblings and have already come up with the concept..."Takos Tacos". There will be many types of "tacos" to choose from with inspirations from all over the world. We will all have our signature dishes and there will be daily specials as well. John will drive the truck and flirt with the ladies. Leigh Ann will keep us organized and arrange our trips. I will be the girl in the window. All of us will cook like maniacs.
...and one of our regular items will be the purple cabbage taco. Vegan option available.
...and one of our regular items will be the purple cabbage taco. Vegan option available.
Duct Taped Fingers
My excited (pain in the ass) pooch got a little overzealous while being walked. She tugged and I grasped and somehow my middle finger was injured. I never realized how much I used my middle finger...but with every chore, task and burst of anger (wink, wink) I felt it. I grabbed some duct tape and taped the middle guy to its buddy. I had seen this tape concept on injured sports guys and had finally figured out why they did that. The light bulb moments happen everywhere, ya know. The tape stayed on for days. Sometimes it was bright green or purple. I even tried out some blue painter's tape. Masking tape got a try as well. I was reminded by the universe to be gentle with my body and to be very, very careful with my middle finger.
Hearing Tests
I volunteered to help the nurses at school with the annual hearing exams. I spent the morning adjusting headphones and watching with apprehension as some little ones neglected to raise their arms. Others not only heard the beeps but grasped the concept of a simple raising of the hand. I had to giggle a few times at the techniques used by the K-5th graders. I do this stuff because somewhere in the three plus hours of squatting a thousand times...I get to say hello to my two sweeties. Even if they don't get assigned to my set of chairs. Even if it's just to grab a quick hug and a smile. :)
A Shift is Coming
My friend, Carrie, posted an article on Facebook that caught my attention. It was about how women should stop trying to be perfect. If you missed it...please look back on my wall for the share. The article was brilliant. I went on one of my little rants after reading it. I then spent countless texts bouncing ideas back and forth to Leigh Ann. "This is what I have been talking about for years!!".
If you know me at all then you have heard me talking about the shift that needs to happen. Women went from having a simple role to a complex role and somewhere in there we forgot to modify or find some sort of balance. This all coincided with a homework assignment that my daughter came home with in which she was to interview me about the roles of women and how they have changed since the early 1900's. She got an earful...in the most positive way I could. I do not feel the need to bash another in order to prove my point. These ideas all meshed into one big moment of clarity. SHIFT. The shift is taking what we fought for as women and combining it with some new modifications. I haven't fully developed this process but let's just say the ball is rolling.
Are you a woman frustrated with the current state? Feel like we are trying to do so many things so perfectly that we are failing at all of them? Find yourself battling what is "right" or "wrong" with motherhood, partnership and sisterhood? Are you crumbling behind bathroom doors in utter exhaustion from trying to DO IT ALL?!?
We created this mess. Now, like all other messes....let's clean it up!!!
If you know me at all then you have heard me talking about the shift that needs to happen. Women went from having a simple role to a complex role and somewhere in there we forgot to modify or find some sort of balance. This all coincided with a homework assignment that my daughter came home with in which she was to interview me about the roles of women and how they have changed since the early 1900's. She got an earful...in the most positive way I could. I do not feel the need to bash another in order to prove my point. These ideas all meshed into one big moment of clarity. SHIFT. The shift is taking what we fought for as women and combining it with some new modifications. I haven't fully developed this process but let's just say the ball is rolling.
Are you a woman frustrated with the current state? Feel like we are trying to do so many things so perfectly that we are failing at all of them? Find yourself battling what is "right" or "wrong" with motherhood, partnership and sisterhood? Are you crumbling behind bathroom doors in utter exhaustion from trying to DO IT ALL?!?
We created this mess. Now, like all other messes....let's clean it up!!!
Mrs. Carr's Apple Cake
Monday mornings mean meetings at MudWorks.
(Oh, the alliteration on that one...sheesh!)
We used to eat donuts. But they are bad...and some of us (from time to time) try to do better. It was a welcome treat when we were greeted by an apple cake left from a visit by Todd. If Martha Stewart was a man she would be Todd. But I'm beginning to connect the dots and I have a feeling the apple didn't fall far from the tree. If it did... it bounced right into this delicious apple cake. She'll never know about this post so if you see Mama Carr let her know she is one mighty baker. And her son...is pretty amazing, too!
(Oh, the alliteration on that one...sheesh!)
We used to eat donuts. But they are bad...and some of us (from time to time) try to do better. It was a welcome treat when we were greeted by an apple cake left from a visit by Todd. If Martha Stewart was a man she would be Todd. But I'm beginning to connect the dots and I have a feeling the apple didn't fall far from the tree. If it did... it bounced right into this delicious apple cake. She'll never know about this post so if you see Mama Carr let her know she is one mighty baker. And her son...is pretty amazing, too!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
The Exorcist...again
So it seems that I have seen one too many inappropriate films at way toooooo young of an age. I was little when horror was at quite the peak and the video tape and video store were just being born. This meant many scary times for a little girl with an already large imagination and a thirst for the bizarre. But somewhere in there a mother might have just prevented certain films from being seen....you know, like Amityville Horror IN the theater. Or Halloween. Let's do some math. These movies came out in '78 and '79 and I was born in '72. See what I mean?
My mother (unlike many parents of today) did what she wanted more often than what her child needed. I could list the movies to make you raise your eyebrows...and maybe they explain why I am the way I am today...but I'll stick to the topic.
The Exorcist was first seen while sitting at the foot of the bed while my parents were comfy under safe blankets. My mother found it funny to do the scary demon voice and my response was a slap to her mouth in pure terrified fashion. I was a child who attended Catholic school with nuns and priests and statues and fear of the red guy. This movie scared the hell out of me. For years. I mean....like until I JUST saw it again. My pals from work mentioned that they were going and I am trying to reconnect with my love for the frightening especially this time of year...so I went for it. This time I realized how long and drawn out the intro is, I analyzed the special effects and make up and didn't feel scared at any point. The gentleman who introduced the Revival Series movie reminded us that at the time it was new and groundbreaking and if you had a religious background it definitely would bother you more than if you had not.
I am a grown up now with a spirituality that doesn't allow the gloom and doom of the red hot basement. Not to say that there isn't evil in the world because I do believe there is...but it doesn't have the hold on my fears as it used to as a child. There is a part during the exorcism when the priest is reminding the other not to listen to the demon. The demon will go for the hot button items and pull at the very things that can rattle the man trying to expel this force. He grew weak at times and fed into it. It gave me a huge lesson in the way people sometimes communicate. Some go for those buttons because they are easy. Others get sucked into the triggers. We need to remind ourselves that the darkness will sometimes take the back door and sneak up on us...but really we need to just be clear. We need to be the light. So this little girl got a beautiful message out of a scary, scary movie and had a fun October night with her friends while hiding behind our scarves. Thanks, Marq, Hannah, Leigh Ann and John for making a life long fear...a fun night at the movies.
My mother (unlike many parents of today) did what she wanted more often than what her child needed. I could list the movies to make you raise your eyebrows...and maybe they explain why I am the way I am today...but I'll stick to the topic.
The Exorcist was first seen while sitting at the foot of the bed while my parents were comfy under safe blankets. My mother found it funny to do the scary demon voice and my response was a slap to her mouth in pure terrified fashion. I was a child who attended Catholic school with nuns and priests and statues and fear of the red guy. This movie scared the hell out of me. For years. I mean....like until I JUST saw it again. My pals from work mentioned that they were going and I am trying to reconnect with my love for the frightening especially this time of year...so I went for it. This time I realized how long and drawn out the intro is, I analyzed the special effects and make up and didn't feel scared at any point. The gentleman who introduced the Revival Series movie reminded us that at the time it was new and groundbreaking and if you had a religious background it definitely would bother you more than if you had not.
I am a grown up now with a spirituality that doesn't allow the gloom and doom of the red hot basement. Not to say that there isn't evil in the world because I do believe there is...but it doesn't have the hold on my fears as it used to as a child. There is a part during the exorcism when the priest is reminding the other not to listen to the demon. The demon will go for the hot button items and pull at the very things that can rattle the man trying to expel this force. He grew weak at times and fed into it. It gave me a huge lesson in the way people sometimes communicate. Some go for those buttons because they are easy. Others get sucked into the triggers. We need to remind ourselves that the darkness will sometimes take the back door and sneak up on us...but really we need to just be clear. We need to be the light. So this little girl got a beautiful message out of a scary, scary movie and had a fun October night with her friends while hiding behind our scarves. Thanks, Marq, Hannah, Leigh Ann and John for making a life long fear...a fun night at the movies.
Chofan
I'm coming to a point now where on certain days I am doing more than one new thing. I worried about this at first...fearing the need to stretch things not to come up short somewhere else. I realized this went against everything I was trying to perpetuate. So now I bang out multiple new things some days and I pick and choose or make a wacky little theme. On this adventure I hit a little local town that I've been to before...but in a whole new way. We took a different road to get there and approached it from the other side. Jim Thorpe (previously known as Mauch Chunk) was celebrating their Fall Festival (another new thing) as seen by the absolutely packed streets. Tourists from all over the world were there snapping photos of the picturesque town. The foliage was stunning and served as a gorgeous backdrop to a town that is unique and charming. Hunger struck and we returned to a restaurant that we have eaten in before but this time I went for a brand new dish to split with my little guy. I had no idea that a culinary lesson would sprout from a dish of rice. I researched it when I came home and found this:
"An estimated 30,000 people of Chinese origin live in the Dominican Republic. Migration from China began in the second half of the 19th century and continues to this day. Chinese immigrants opened popular eateries known as Pica Pollo all over the country selling a combination of Dominican and Chinese food. They also opened more upscale Chinese restaurants in the main cities, and these became popular with the locals. In this way the Dominicans of all socio-economic levels got to know and love Chinese food, going as far as to make some dishes of their own, including chofan (chow fan)."
Imagine all you love about fried rice but better because it is layered with way more flavors.
Well, let me tell you that I have thought about that plate of goodness since that very day and need to return to the quaint little "Switzerland of America" to get me some....and soon!
"An estimated 30,000 people of Chinese origin live in the Dominican Republic. Migration from China began in the second half of the 19th century and continues to this day. Chinese immigrants opened popular eateries known as Pica Pollo all over the country selling a combination of Dominican and Chinese food. They also opened more upscale Chinese restaurants in the main cities, and these became popular with the locals. In this way the Dominicans of all socio-economic levels got to know and love Chinese food, going as far as to make some dishes of their own, including chofan (chow fan)."
Imagine all you love about fried rice but better because it is layered with way more flavors.
Well, let me tell you that I have thought about that plate of goodness since that very day and need to return to the quaint little "Switzerland of America" to get me some....and soon!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Looper
I saw this movie days ago but the post was put off. Now, I am thrilled that it waited until now. I say "it" because sometimes I am guided.
First off....GREAT movie. It gives you tons to ponder, keeps you on your toes and c'mon the whole young/old Bruce is mind blowing. It has also created plenty of conversations. It is full of action, yes...but I got a big old theme out of this film. We live in loops. Not just sci-fi futuristic loops that involve gangsters but our own terrible loops. We learn them. We practice them. They become what we do. And just like the movie once you become a looper the only way out is escape or sure death. Yet we live like we have thirty years and bundles of silver to spend should we find our way to "freedom".
Are you in loops? Honestly, are you stuck? Are you pushing yourself to be better...do better? Were you taught these loops as a child and don't even realize how much they are a part of you? Awareness is the first step. It is crucial. After it comes practice, education, hard work and healing. But the first step out of the loop is about as scary as showing up on a tarp with a bag over your head and a time travel stop thirty years away with a gun pointed at you. Be honest with yourself...and others...and break the cycles. We can break them so that we are a little bit better than the ones who broke the cycle before us and not even as good as the ones who will come after. It is our duty to ourselves, our families and loved ones and the future generations of this world.
First off....GREAT movie. It gives you tons to ponder, keeps you on your toes and c'mon the whole young/old Bruce is mind blowing. It has also created plenty of conversations. It is full of action, yes...but I got a big old theme out of this film. We live in loops. Not just sci-fi futuristic loops that involve gangsters but our own terrible loops. We learn them. We practice them. They become what we do. And just like the movie once you become a looper the only way out is escape or sure death. Yet we live like we have thirty years and bundles of silver to spend should we find our way to "freedom".
Are you in loops? Honestly, are you stuck? Are you pushing yourself to be better...do better? Were you taught these loops as a child and don't even realize how much they are a part of you? Awareness is the first step. It is crucial. After it comes practice, education, hard work and healing. But the first step out of the loop is about as scary as showing up on a tarp with a bag over your head and a time travel stop thirty years away with a gun pointed at you. Be honest with yourself...and others...and break the cycles. We can break them so that we are a little bit better than the ones who broke the cycle before us and not even as good as the ones who will come after. It is our duty to ourselves, our families and loved ones and the future generations of this world.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Autumnal Feast for Work Lunch
Fridays are a little extra special at work. People cook a whole meal or different people chip in a little something and make a hodge podge of crazy that always seems to work out just fine. This week was my turn. I felt inspired and challenged because I watch entirely too much Top Chef. I thought about my meal while driving home one day took my inspiration from the foliage. "Autumn"was what I would strive for. I hit the local farm stand for the sweetest apples and big bright butternut squash and found the perfect combo of some of my favorites and in "Do the New" style...something brand spankin' new. My menu was the following:
Butternut Squash Soup with Thyme
Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese and Pistachios
(lovely little dressing of orange juice, maple syrup, ginger and oil)
Curry Chicken Salad with Celery, Red Grapes and Scallions on a Wrap
Upside Down Apple Muffins
It took me a few days to prep different parts of it and a night of cooking that lasted until 11pm. I am still working on the dishes...
But it was worth every bit of work. We had a lovely lunch together. I was very happy to be able to give back to my crew. I have worked there for almost two years but it has been so much more than a job. It has been support, therapy, a new skill set, an exercise of old skills, friendship, tons of laughter, inspiration, an occasional kick in the pants and many other things that a girl needed in a rough patch of life. I am grateful and today I fed them as a thanks for all that they have fed to me.
I am already thinking of future meals...
Butternut Squash Soup with Thyme
Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese and Pistachios
(lovely little dressing of orange juice, maple syrup, ginger and oil)
Curry Chicken Salad with Celery, Red Grapes and Scallions on a Wrap
Upside Down Apple Muffins
It took me a few days to prep different parts of it and a night of cooking that lasted until 11pm. I am still working on the dishes...
But it was worth every bit of work. We had a lovely lunch together. I was very happy to be able to give back to my crew. I have worked there for almost two years but it has been so much more than a job. It has been support, therapy, a new skill set, an exercise of old skills, friendship, tons of laughter, inspiration, an occasional kick in the pants and many other things that a girl needed in a rough patch of life. I am grateful and today I fed them as a thanks for all that they have fed to me.
I am already thinking of future meals...
Panorama
My fancy little friend has a panorama feature for extra special and extra wide shots. I grabbed the kids in a spontaneous moment and headed to the lake by the Appalachian Trail not far from home. As they perused the water's edge for skimmers I tried the new feature. It is pretty cool and I can't wait to find some new things to capture on a big scale. Yep, I love my Iphone 5.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Christy's New Blog...errrrr, Ranch!
My cousin, Christy, is one of my heroes. She knows this. I tell her often. It's funny because growing up with some years and the entire country between us we weren't necessarily close. We would meet up at the occasional wedding/funeral/party and have wonderful visits but nothing more. The last few years and some social media have changed it all for the better. Why is she one of my heroes? Well, she is a strong positive role model for women everywhere. She went to school forever, traveled like mad, did the fancy corporate thang and then turned around and started to live out her real passions with a partner that rivals all mates. They are a force to be reckoned with. She teaches, blogs, cooks up a storm and takes us along on the journey with her. I keep waiting for a cooking show with her as the star but it seems she had even bigger plans. She bought a ranch. Yep, the real deal complete with yaks and everything. I often joke about finding a little piece of land in the middle of the country where I can raise my own chickens, pick fresh veggies and take things back to a simpler time...so I am pretty excited about the BIG plans that she has. Eventually, there will be a barn and breakfast, classes on cheese making, archery classes and all sorts of events. Now, I see a whole reality show based on this couple and their new adventures as they leave their condo and head for the ranch. I am working on my application to be an intern. I will include my expertise with training a puppy (their new pooch, Scout, is adorable), sales (especially if food is involved) and management. I will also offer my services as a server (fast food to fine dining experience), decorator and photographer (I'm no Adams but I can walk and click all of that land). I have a great love for animals so when the yaks need a-talkin-to...I'm the girl for the job! AND if she needs someone to sample the latest goat cheese I find my palate to be quite sensitive. ;)
Congratulations to Christy and Mike on their awesome new home!!! I loved what I have read and seen so far and can't wait to keep up with the adventure.
Congratulations to Christy and Mike on their awesome new home!!! I loved what I have read and seen so far and can't wait to keep up with the adventure.
Top Chef Kiddies
We had a day off together yesterday. We snuggled and caught up on some Runway and some new cereals and then the day unfolded...in the kitchen. Ethan has been showing some true signs of being interested in the culinary arts and I nurture anywhere that I can. (When Emily expressed an interest in being a heart surgeon I left that one to the Franklin Institute and its giant heart).
One thing led to another and we ended up spending quite a bit of time cooking. We made a brand new thing...Cream of Celery soup. Delicious. We used the immersion blender and sieve to make the texture just right. We made cremini mushroom quinoa which turned into a whole lesson in grains with Pop Pop. I made a very simple sauteed zucchini and onions dish that enabled both kids to learn some knife skills and safety measures. Egg salad was much easier with two assistants to crack and peel shells and cut eggs. There was even a lesson in never wasting food as Ethan was handed a rubber spatula to make the mayo jar nice and empty. We made a brand new unsweetened iced tea with blueberry. I even created a whole new baked fish recipe that the kids assembled themselves. We talked about ingredients and nutrition, too. He is truly interested and gets excited just as I do. I figure if he can start at six...we have plenty of time to get him ready for Top Chef 30. In the meantime, we'll have some pretty good meals to eat along the way!
One thing led to another and we ended up spending quite a bit of time cooking. We made a brand new thing...Cream of Celery soup. Delicious. We used the immersion blender and sieve to make the texture just right. We made cremini mushroom quinoa which turned into a whole lesson in grains with Pop Pop. I made a very simple sauteed zucchini and onions dish that enabled both kids to learn some knife skills and safety measures. Egg salad was much easier with two assistants to crack and peel shells and cut eggs. There was even a lesson in never wasting food as Ethan was handed a rubber spatula to make the mayo jar nice and empty. We made a brand new unsweetened iced tea with blueberry. I even created a whole new baked fish recipe that the kids assembled themselves. We talked about ingredients and nutrition, too. He is truly interested and gets excited just as I do. I figure if he can start at six...we have plenty of time to get him ready for Top Chef 30. In the meantime, we'll have some pretty good meals to eat along the way!
Iphone 5
Cell phones came out and I was the stubborn one who didn't need it. I resisted the idea of people being able to track me down where ever I might be. I gave in eventually as most did but I lingered for a bit first. My first phone was a fat little flip thing with simple number buttons. After beating the hell out of it for years it dropped in the street and cracked in half. My photos and info gone forever. The next phone was equally clunky and embarrassing and had bright red on it. It was touted as having "music capabilities that would put others to shame". It was a a piece of doo doo. Can I say doo doo in a blog post? It's just such a perfect word for it. I never got the fancy shmancy touch screen information centers of scientific-blow-my-mind numbers. I was the "mom with a phone". Wahhhh wa waaaaaaaaaa. Then the Blackberry came along. It was cute. I could text like a demon. I could hold pictures of my babies doing all sorts of things. I could even check a calendar. There was some tweeting and definitely some status updating. But that was pretty much it. I watched the cellular world from the nose bleed bleacher seats as they all ran around on the field with their Droids and Iphones. I had to sit at a desk with a busted old laptop and a hooked up monitor just to play a game. I use a clunky old nasty keyboard to type these posts. No high tech area here. I waited as the Iphones passed me by...number by number..."g" by "g"...etc. And then there was a new one AND it would coincide so nicely with the upgrade portion of a contract that has UNLIMITED data. Whaaaaaat?!? Yep, this girl has entered the present with a hot white little phone that I might just have to give a name to.
All these new things and I'm still not always a fan of change. It was hard to say goodbye to the known. For a minute or two. And then the fun began...
Facebook and Twitter are a whole new experience on this bad girl. I have loaded my games and can FINALLY play Scramble (which I have missed so) and Words with Friends. If you previously gave up on me give me another try...it will be way easier to play my word. Calendars will make my countless events manageable. Pinterest has my interest again. I am finding fun little things to play with like Flow and Instagram. I will also use this little friend for a wonderful thing...Weight Watchers. It's hard enough not eating but when you have to run upstairs to research how many points something has time and time again...you tend to not log it in. This not only makes it so simple but even has a barcode scanner that will pop in my numbers for me. I have yet to play with the pedometer so that will be fun as well. So many new tools and tricks in such a cute little and (20% lighter then the 4) phone. I still have much to get used to and a world of new things at my fingertips.
There are also two little children battling the time to play with it. They got a speech yesterday that went a little something like this...
"This phone is a tool to ASSIST me. (We clarified the definition of assist). It can help me stick to my weight plan, it can give me a recipe (which I used yesterday) for better meals, it can remind me of appointments. It is also there if we need to research something or find our way to a place. (Yes, they have fixed map issue already). It will be there should we need a panoramic photo or to text people we need to be in touch with. It will NOT be a distraction. So if you are sitting and waiting for something and you should have the free time to play a round of Scramble...that's fine...but you don't blow off what needs to be done or the people around you to spend time with...to play something and ignore those you love. It can assist you if you can play something instead of just sitting and waiting (for a doctor let's say) but should never block you from being present in your own life."
Yes, I do speak to my ten and six year old this way because I see what these gadgets have done to too many. I don't want to hold kids back and yes, they have each played around with it and can navigate pretty well already but I get saddened when I see it acting as a babysitter in moments that should be for bonding, growth and sharing. So there will be a strive for balance just as in all areas.
In the meantime, I will be the one learning. I will be the one obsessing over bubbles in my protective film. I am also on the search for the perfect case (this free ugly thing just isn't doing it). If you would like to help in my journey to practice...feel free to text a little bit more often or invite me to play the games but ironically you won't get me to actually talk on the phone any MORE than before. No fancy little phone will change that. Now, I must be on my way...Scramble is waiting!
All these new things and I'm still not always a fan of change. It was hard to say goodbye to the known. For a minute or two. And then the fun began...
Facebook and Twitter are a whole new experience on this bad girl. I have loaded my games and can FINALLY play Scramble (which I have missed so) and Words with Friends. If you previously gave up on me give me another try...it will be way easier to play my word. Calendars will make my countless events manageable. Pinterest has my interest again. I am finding fun little things to play with like Flow and Instagram. I will also use this little friend for a wonderful thing...Weight Watchers. It's hard enough not eating but when you have to run upstairs to research how many points something has time and time again...you tend to not log it in. This not only makes it so simple but even has a barcode scanner that will pop in my numbers for me. I have yet to play with the pedometer so that will be fun as well. So many new tools and tricks in such a cute little and (20% lighter then the 4) phone. I still have much to get used to and a world of new things at my fingertips.
There are also two little children battling the time to play with it. They got a speech yesterday that went a little something like this...
"This phone is a tool to ASSIST me. (We clarified the definition of assist). It can help me stick to my weight plan, it can give me a recipe (which I used yesterday) for better meals, it can remind me of appointments. It is also there if we need to research something or find our way to a place. (Yes, they have fixed map issue already). It will be there should we need a panoramic photo or to text people we need to be in touch with. It will NOT be a distraction. So if you are sitting and waiting for something and you should have the free time to play a round of Scramble...that's fine...but you don't blow off what needs to be done or the people around you to spend time with...to play something and ignore those you love. It can assist you if you can play something instead of just sitting and waiting (for a doctor let's say) but should never block you from being present in your own life."
Yes, I do speak to my ten and six year old this way because I see what these gadgets have done to too many. I don't want to hold kids back and yes, they have each played around with it and can navigate pretty well already but I get saddened when I see it acting as a babysitter in moments that should be for bonding, growth and sharing. So there will be a strive for balance just as in all areas.
In the meantime, I will be the one learning. I will be the one obsessing over bubbles in my protective film. I am also on the search for the perfect case (this free ugly thing just isn't doing it). If you would like to help in my journey to practice...feel free to text a little bit more often or invite me to play the games but ironically you won't get me to actually talk on the phone any MORE than before. No fancy little phone will change that. Now, I must be on my way...Scramble is waiting!
Great Wolf Lodge and the Busks
When I say I spent my afternoon at the Great Wolf Lodge...please, let me clarify. I wore no bathing suit. I carried no wand. I played no video games. In fact, I never left a chair in the lobby area. My dear, long lost friends were there for a visit with their children and we spent hours talking and catching up while the kids ran all over the place on their quests.
I can't believe I have missed out on seeing this beautiful building. It is gorgeous inside and out and confuses the brain for a second as you try to take in the concept of an indoor water park. This holds especially true when viewing the tubes that exit and re-enter the building.
Now, back to the visit. Our lives are super busy and they live pretty far. One of my forever besties...Nicole, commutes anywhere from two to five hours a day depending on the traffic. She gets home in time to say hi and goodnight to her little guys. She spends the weekends working her butt off to catch up on chores and family time. Chris works not one, but two jobs as well as most of the Daddy work after school. Needless to say, it isn't easy to get to see them so when they are going to be fifteen minutes away...you get pretty excited. We had almost two years worth of catching up to do. Good thing us ex-NY'ers can talk fast and process just as quickly. Combine that with the feeling that we never left each other's side for a minute let alone a year or two and we get right back into the swing of things quite quickly. It is scary to see how big all of our children are getting but refreshing to see how similar we parent them. The best part though was falling right back into giggles and like-minded thought processes. We met in '97 and clicked more quickly than anyone I had ever met. Fifteen years later we have moved, bought and sold houses, had four children, lost several parents and changed jobs. And fifteen years later with the hundreds of little changes within...we are just as tight as ever. Soul mates come in friendships and from the first day we showed up in the same shorts to go to the beach together we have always known that. Time doesn't change it ...and though location, work and real life might try to inhibit the visits...the heart is always right there.
Nicole and Chris we had a wonderful visit and can't wait to see you again!!!
I can't believe I have missed out on seeing this beautiful building. It is gorgeous inside and out and confuses the brain for a second as you try to take in the concept of an indoor water park. This holds especially true when viewing the tubes that exit and re-enter the building.
Now, back to the visit. Our lives are super busy and they live pretty far. One of my forever besties...Nicole, commutes anywhere from two to five hours a day depending on the traffic. She gets home in time to say hi and goodnight to her little guys. She spends the weekends working her butt off to catch up on chores and family time. Chris works not one, but two jobs as well as most of the Daddy work after school. Needless to say, it isn't easy to get to see them so when they are going to be fifteen minutes away...you get pretty excited. We had almost two years worth of catching up to do. Good thing us ex-NY'ers can talk fast and process just as quickly. Combine that with the feeling that we never left each other's side for a minute let alone a year or two and we get right back into the swing of things quite quickly. It is scary to see how big all of our children are getting but refreshing to see how similar we parent them. The best part though was falling right back into giggles and like-minded thought processes. We met in '97 and clicked more quickly than anyone I had ever met. Fifteen years later we have moved, bought and sold houses, had four children, lost several parents and changed jobs. And fifteen years later with the hundreds of little changes within...we are just as tight as ever. Soul mates come in friendships and from the first day we showed up in the same shorts to go to the beach together we have always known that. Time doesn't change it ...and though location, work and real life might try to inhibit the visits...the heart is always right there.
Nicole and Chris we had a wonderful visit and can't wait to see you again!!!
The Master
I should have known I was on a strange string of loving movies. They are expensive so when you penny pinch here or sell something there to get to see them...you hope to hell they are good. I have been supporting the local theater as much as possible and it hasn't let me down. But we all know that eventually things will come to a screeching halt. This movie was the one. I can say that I am relieved it is out of the way and a new string of good movies can begin but I'll have to get over the feeling it has evoked, first. Let me clarify that the acting was superb. Really, amazing. The music was awesome and different. Angles, camera tricks, you name it...really good. But it was hard to watch and left me unsettled. After questioning others who had seen it...it appears that we are all feeling the same odd void after viewing it. My question to the cinefiles was WHY???? Why did I have to feel like this at the end of a film? Well, it is a story about the destruction of the life that happens after a soldier is at war. The strange place that they are in after defending their country and seeing the hell that this planet can embody. They are lost. If the movie wanted to pass that sad, hurt, painful feeling on to us (as much as a movie can without showing an ounce of battle)...well, it succeeded. So though I never need to watch it again it did something no other movie has ever done. I will add it to the list of movies such as Clockwork Orange and Chuck & Buck and hope that the list stays short.
Mumford Morning
I can truly say that I am pretty happy about a bunch of the new music that is out right now. My ipod is full and makes my morning commute sweet as I really listen to the music and lyrics. We have all been waiting for Mumford & Sons to come out with a new one and they did not disappoint. It is one of those albums that gets better and better as you listen to it. Their appearance on SNL only helped matters. Need a little kick start on a dreary day? Pick the right song and get one!
Life After Top Chef
So, I have a bit of a crush on Fabio. If you follow this at all...then you are well aware. Here is yet another chance to see him in action. He cooks like a monster and yet has such an amazing approach to life. He keeps things simple and true in food, attitude and style...except for his abundant cologne and hair gel maybe. This show is highlighting the lives of four chefs after they have moved on from Top Chef. Richard is another favorite and it is hard to watch his struggles to maintain the balance of the hardest working man ever and family. Then there is Spike. A jerk and yet entertaining for some reason. I could do without the final chef but she only makes Fabio shine all the more. The more I learn about him the more I truly do appreciate all of his hard work, recipes and we can't forget about that smile. :)
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Wheel Class with JoAnn
If ever there was a time for a camera at this place...THIS was it. JoAnn was part teacher, part potter and part sit down comedian as she taught us the steps to throw. Every piece of the creation has a funny little anecdote to go along with it and if we weren't all concentrating so hard we would have been giggling the entire time. Way too busy thinking...we behaved. It was an informative first class but fun as well. I'd also like to mention that there are odd parts of my hands and arms somewhat sore. Since I ended up with three things that no longer look like balls of clay I can understand why. I can't, however, say WHAT they are so we'll call them vessels until some trimming helps give me a guide. The other students have a range of skills, ages and personalities but we're all there together to learn. Some people need to relax and feel the clay. Of course, I just imagined Patrick there behind me and I think I did alright. Now the fun begins....
Thanks, JoAnn for a great class!!!! It was a blast and I'm very excited!!!
Thanks, JoAnn for a great class!!!! It was a blast and I'm very excited!!!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Chicken and Brocolli Rabe with Polenta
So, the challenge has always been how to feed all of my people. Picky Pop Pop doesn't like anything too ethnic. He also hates mayo, sour cream, cilantro and rosemary. There are also a list of things he makes a face at...just because. My mother had dietary issues, psychological issues and teeth issues. Children...well...they are children so that is a challenge in itself. I have worked my way around all of these challenges but most of the time they meant that I sacrificed what I wanted but more importantly what I needed. I am taking some new strides. I will make food that is good for us as well as tastes good but people will just have to deal. I was never the make five different foods person but I am taking it a step higher. (Don't get me wrong, there will also be pizza nights.)
That being said, I busted out the WW cookbook and made a most delicious meal. The chicken was on sale, the rabe is in season and therefore inexpensive and the polenta was a NEW THING to make. Everyone got the same dish of food and guess what? We all devoured it. It didn't taste like a diet dish and I felt great knowing that we were getting a healthy meal that would keep me well within my points for the day. Grab a cookbook, find a new ingredient, try a different technique...you have to do it three to five times a day for the rest of your life...enjoy it!!!
That being said, I busted out the WW cookbook and made a most delicious meal. The chicken was on sale, the rabe is in season and therefore inexpensive and the polenta was a NEW THING to make. Everyone got the same dish of food and guess what? We all devoured it. It didn't taste like a diet dish and I felt great knowing that we were getting a healthy meal that would keep me well within my points for the day. Grab a cookbook, find a new ingredient, try a different technique...you have to do it three to five times a day for the rest of your life...enjoy it!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)