Plants vs. Zombies Tutorial

     I played this game on a big screen tv with my buddy, Gabby, a while ago.  I never downloaded it onto my phone though.  It is a free app this week and my little seven year old is wild for it so I went for it.  Little did I know that he would be the one with pointers for me.  I think it's nice to teach kids that we need to always be learning whether something or important or something ridiculous.  I love it even more that he can get the feeling of teaching ME something for a change.  I don't know if this game has me hooked or not but at least it made for a fun lesson. 

mmmmm......Brains.....

Oscar App

     Yep, there's an app for that.  I filled it in and did horribly with my scores but it was fun for the quick minute that it took.

Retro Game Night

     I just realized how old we indeed are if the 80's and 90's games are considered "retro".  They might still be around but they have not been played for a over a decade and this game night was a mark of their return. (No pun intended! Our game playing fanatic friend, Mark, came for the weekend to play.)  The kids are finally old enough to enjoy them.  A pile of games were played and a new pile is waiting. 

Goodbye to Mollie's

     There was a restaurant in this little town on our quaint Main Street called Mollie's.  It was a family run business with the team of a mother and son.  It was where you went for breakfast should you have a special occasion and perhaps where you met your friend for a sweet little lunch.  The architecture was unique, the feeling was cozy and the art on the walls was lovely.  The waitresses were the perfect blend of knowledge, comfort and speed.  They knew their job.  The food was delicious, affordable and the choices took you from staple to unique.  If a tourist asked a local, the ever famous question of "where should we go for breakfast?", there was one answer.  It was simple.  Well, the business changed hands.  Once. Twice.  Maybe a third time.  And there was no "charm" in the math.  The sign that was a staple to this town for years was changed and the theme of the new business was ridiculous.  It failed.  It was boarded up.  We all mourned.  There were sad little mentions to one another about missing one of the very places that gave this burg its charm.  This Friday the grand opening of a new business took its place.  The boards were removed and a new bar was revealed.  Though the woodwork was well crafted and the sign looks interesting it has confirmed what we all have feared.  Our beloved Mollie's is indeed gone forever.  Maybe a future new thing will be to check out this replacement.  For now,  I will think back to the lunch on the sidewalk in the perfect warm September air with my best friend for our birthdays.  I will contemplate the countless breakfasts there with my mother and family.  I will never forget the fun little round windows that a familiar face would pop through as you were eating.  It was the perfect way to start a weekend and a comfort beyond the eggs, toast and perfect slice of melon on your plate.  Goodbye, Mollie's, we will all miss you so. 

Flutter: Butterfly Sanctuary

     If there is a real butterfly sanctuary I get giddy.  Bronx zoo, Reptileland, various museums and the wonderful little Bear Mountain Sanctuary in Jim Thorpe...I've done them all.  We've even raised our own little friends right here at home before.  So when a little ad popped up on my phone for a new game about butterflies...I'll admit it, I bit. 

    Flutter takes you into a tiny rainforest complete with a rich canopy of lush leaves and glorious blossoms.  You then get to grow butterflies and feed them.  The sounds are soothing and within minutes I felt a calm come over me.  It was like a pretty little meditation.  I was excited to show the kids this morning.  Need a little break...find yourself a little Flutter.

Picture, Picture

     Wednesday means family game night.  Still not feeling so hot I needed it to be calm but I didn't want to bail.  Picture, Picture was pulled out from the 90's but it was a hit.  You look at a picture and find objects that start with the letters of the alphabet.  Didn't have to talk to much and Ethan got to practice his writing.  Win, win.  "I love game night" coming from your kids' mouths...Win, win, win.

Betty White - Off Their Rockers

     I love this woman! Love her.  This show is sweet and funny and only made me love her more!

Whole Pack of Pine Brothers

     The bag of cherry lozenges says "as needed".  Well, I needed the whole bag.  :/

Bueller with the Kids

     Kids grow fast.  We can be injured by each passing day or embrace the fleeting moments.  We can look forward to the new adventures in simple and complex ways.  This one was easy.  After spending  a day not feeling well, a movie seemed like the way to go.  But a new one for the kids made it even more fun.  The adventures of Ferris had us all laughing again.  I am glad that enough time has passed that I can see these movies with a fresh eye.  I love that my kids get to experience them as brand new!
And who doesn't love a good movie?  Anyone, anyone....anyone?

Cabin Fever Ice Festival

     Yes, we all know I'm a dork so when a tour is offered at the Ice festival I take it.  I make sure we all sit down and watch the video about early 1900's ice harvesting.  And you know what?  It was so intriguing.  You forget or you don't even know what went into keeping life the way it was back then.  We've always had a refrigerator to open up with chilled air and food that was safe.  We don't know the days of ice deliveries.  They showed a picture of an icebox with a chunk of ice and a chicken and some fruit.  So they had to work hard to get the stuff to put into the fridge and then there wasn't much in it.  Hmmmm, and we wonder why the world is obese.  Anyway, the lake region in the Poconos was full of life as the harvesting season would come each year.  Men worked hard hours and horrible conditions for almost no money to get ice from a lake to a series of machines and then to either an ice house or a train.  This ice traveled to major cities around this area and was a lucrative business for the men who owned the facilities.  In the tour we watched the how of it all and saw the tools of the whole process.  But eventually, ice was no longer needed and the communities suffered the same fate as the little towns once known for railroads, logging and coal mining. 

The next room was the glory of the ice itself.  The theme this year was the dinosaur.  Huge pieces of clear crystal filled the room.  There were slides and a bar and several places to pose for pictures.  It was wondrous and magical...and cold.  It made me appreciate winter a bit more than I did before I got there as well as reminded me to be grateful for the things we take for granted. 

Patisserie

     You know those magical houses you see in movies with little nooks for a cushion and a window to read in?  Hardwood floors and a beautiful fireplace.  The smell of freshly brewed coffee and tender croissants in the air.  A big porch awaiting the warmth of spring.  Did you ever need to feel like you are far away in some pretty little town in France?  Well I did...and this little gem in Milford took me there even if only for an hour. 

Octopus

     My Greek work buddy, John, grilled up some octopus for lunch.  He offered me a bite.  I have to say I'm not a fan but I tried to chew it and take in the flavor,  instead of the preconceived notion of what it would be like.  I was on my way out of work though so I tucked it into my cheek under strict directions to NOT SPIT IT OUT!  As I pulled my car out of the parking lot I tried one more chew.  Nope.  So the window went down and the octopus went flying.  I hope that squirrel, raccoon, or skunk enjoyed the delicacy of octopus more than I did. 

Cardiac Tour

     My daughter is in a program at school that pushes her to do a bit extra.  Last year she had to do a "Passion Project" and this year the theme was a project of service.  She still has to tie it all into something she loves or feels something for.  Art and the heart are some strange combos but she's my kid so strange was to be expected.  She named her project Hearts for Hearts and worked tightly with some very important people to bring it all to life.  She made announcements at school, she worked with the art teacher for styles to be tied into the Valentine's and she did the research and work as well.  Every grade made a Valentine in a different art style and dropped them in a decorated box in the school lobby.  On Wednesday, Feb 13, we met with a team in the hospital lobby.  We were given a tour of the cardiac wing which included staff offices, back hallways, treatment rooms, trauma centers and other various test rooms.  We met with doctors, nurses and the head of cardio thoracic surgery team.  She handed out Valentine's to all of them in between questions about when they knew they wanted to do this and what was the best part of their jobs.  The box of remaining Valentine's were to be given out to the patients and volunteers in the wing.  There were photos taken and notes of gratitude delivered.  When we left the hospital she was buzzing.  She was the most happy at how good it all made her feel.  She just might have her heart set on what she'll be doing...pun intended.

Mumford Concert and Midlife Crises

     I work with a man about to turn 40.  I like to tease him because he is the next in line to tease.  I'm ok with the number so far and I know he is too...so it's fun.   Though I did just read something that made me turn my head.  Let me find it and return.

Ok. Found it.  I read this just last night while previewing a Brene Brown book.  I am also writing this on Friday, Feb 22, because I am way behind in my posts.

"People may call what happens at midlife "a crisis," but it's not.  It's an unraveling- a time when you feel a desperate pull to live the life you want to live, not the one you're "supposed" to live.  The unraveling is a time when you are challenged by the universe to let go of who you think you are supposed to be and to embrace who you are."  

It goes on to list the reasons we can also have an "unraveling" and the list includes things like: marriage, divorce, becoming a parent, recovery, moving, experiencing a loss and working in a soul-sucking job.  Wow, sounds like everyone I know right now.

When a man who loves a group comes upon his big 40 it is our duty to help him celebrate.  When Mumford who just came off of a Grammy win and usually only travels far, far away is going to be right in Brooklyn...you run.  Well, you make him drive.  But you get the idea.  So the MudWorks Crew (John, Leigh Ann, Hannah and myself) went to visit the new Barclay's Center to celebrate all of it.  The traffic was gentle.  The little pub with no windows was perfect.  The $4 Blue Moon early bird special made it affordable.  The parking spot was easy.  And the band...well...they were amazing.  One of the best concerts ever.  But let me return to the midlife crisis.  I love music.  I always have.  I put it on hold for a while to have babies.  But my "babies" are getting older and I have rediscovered the love I have for music.  Instead of diapers and jars of organic baby food I can occasionally treat myself to a concert ticket.  (Plus, the tons I saved on not needing formula ;) So we danced and screamed and sang our hearts out with a band who made a whole basketball arena do the same.  I got over the guilt of being the forty year old at a concert on a Tuesday night and just enjoyed it for what it is.  I wasn't worried about what I was "supposed" to be...but had a blast being exactly who I am. 

And as for the nose ring idea I have been toying with...well, let's just say I'm skipping it.  

Just Dance 4

     When your heart is broken and you spirit is low there is only one thing to do....DANCE!  If Ellen taught us anything it is that.  So, to shake out the sadness and stir up some lovin' that's precisely what we did.  We danced.  There might have been some sweating and as far as activity points go well...I just have to decide which type of dance to pick.  I only wish I could add laughing points as well because this crew was pretty dang funny.  I had saved this new game (still unopened from Christmas) for just the right moment and I'm so glad that I did!

Pernil

     I grew up in the Bronx and foods from around the world were as commonplace as bread at a bakery.  I was lucky to enjoy many delicious foods but even more lucky to share some special meals with people who taught me things along the way.  Though I try to push myself to make different and interesting things for dinner, I'm not sure how this one slid by me all of these years.  Well...I guess I've made a pork shoulder other ways so though we were close it wasn't quite the full experience.  One day to marinate, an overnight to cook and a long day in the slow cooker was worth all of the time.  I shredded up the delicate meat and made side dishes of rice and beans and fried plantains.  It was delicious and is sure to be repeated. 

The Job

     Watched a new show called, The Job, in which applicants battle it out for a new position with a major company.  It's an interview process on television.  This particular one was about working at a restaurant.  It was both entertaining and interesting and makes the job search much more exciting. 

Dark Chocolate Coffee and Dark Thoughts

     I spend more time happy than I do sad.  More optimistic than pessimistic.  More positive than negative.  It doesn't mean life is easy or simple or kind but I've been practicing the art of being grateful.  I say art because like real art it is a skill that can be discovered, worked on and experimented with.  Some days I paint bold and vivid scenes of life and all it is and will someday be.  But no machine goes without days of needing repair and no artist goes without days of feeling uninspired.  This particular Thursday I felt the darkness and sadness knocking quietly at my door. 

I began to think about long lost uncles who have decided that it is in their best interest to no longer have contact with their niece and nephew.  Nor stay connected enough to even watch from the sidelines.  Thoughts of long lost relatives and cousins who seem to have forgotten how to get in touch with me stung as well.  I started to think about the family that had such potential to me as a child but has slowly but surely diminished into a few lingering ghosts.  As a new mother I gave too much to the potential of this huge family full of love and in the aftermath of time, distance, death and life I found myself feeling a bit lost.  I then thought about the friends that were like family and how they too have seemed to drift away as if taken by some huge wave at sea.  Memories flooded in and sadness welled up.  Life is different in many ways and it was stinging something fierce.  I tried to stay unbiased and objective as I reviewed the recent texts sent by a father to a son.  I lamented the loss of parents... whether from death or pride.  I grew angry at people stuck in loops of childhood thinking in a grown up world.  I felt sorry for myself and my children...but only for a moment.  I drove home and pondered life.  I decided that these heavy thoughts deserved a second 99 cent coffee.  DARK CHOCOLATE was a new flavor they were offering.  I went for it.  As I drank the new flavor and sat in a quiet parking lot waiting for my children to bring the second part of my day to life,  I reminded myself of the lessons of the last few years.  

1.  We make it about us.  We do this too often.  I've seen it in funny places like status updates on Facebook.  A message about something simple becomes some cryptic message meant for someone as they read it.  I have over two hundred "friends" on FB...and I bet several think my statement about cleaning out a drawer is somehow about our relationship.  We all do this.  It's because we think in terms of OURSELVES.  So I sat there sipping my mocha goodness and reminding myself that it is about other people and their struggles with life and with themselves that gets placed ONTO me.  When I am in wounded I can take things upon myself but when I am healthy I know better. 

2.  I can only reach out so much out of love and hope.  At some point I have to take that love and energy and put it into myself and my closest peeps. 

3.  I have to be careful to give freely if I do give and to not expect anything.  Some people are better at taking than giving.  Though some have found a lovely balance and never leave you  feeling too full or too depleted...others have not.  They take when they need and then they disappear. 

4.  I have to accept that some people are just the way they are and that their "best" is different from others.  I can't compare one to another because it isn't fair. 

5.  I have to be realistic and respectful of what others are willing to do or give.  I can't take it personally if it's who or what they are. 

6.  I have to take comfort in knowing that though my family tree might be large, the branches and limbs have been weathered in storms.  Some are missing.  Some are broken.  I have to cherish the ones that remain healthy and grow leaves that lead to blossoms and finally fruit. 

7.  I have to accept that where I am in life is where I am supposed to be right now.  Lessons needed to be learned.  Some were more painful than others and the healing needs to begin.  For real. 

8.  I also need to practice my peaceful warrior because there are some things that are just not acceptable and I have been too scared to speak out.  I am trying and have surpassed my old thinking in many ways but I still have work to do. 

9.  One of the biggest lessons has been to believe in my inner voice.  My sixth sense is a bright and bold one and many years have covered it in layers to insulate the realities around me.  I have spent the last few years scrubbing those layers away and it is getting clear to me that I have to follow my gut.  No more allowing others to scam me.

10.  I also have to take responsibility for things that I have done to get me to this place.  Good, bad or indifferent they are all a part of the here and now.  

So,  yes I could sit here and create a list of the people who have tried to "sell the salesman", rejected an invitation to a dinner with my "offspring" and found ways to sling mud for something that had nothing to do with me.  I could whine about the people who are mad at the loss of time and visits and yet have rejected a request for those very same things.  I could cry over the potential of new experiences in a new world of healing with those that are too busy to make time for me.  Maybe I could let anger seep in and fill the cracks of broken relationships instead of trying to repair the breaks.  But then again...that wouldn't be me.  So I give myself some time to go to the dark side and swim in the blackened waters of doom, gloom and despair but then I just crank some appropriate music and get myself a new drink and knock it the hell off.  We all have crap.  I no longer want to be defined by it.  I don't want it to be my story.  No more martyrs.  No more victims.  A few sips and few songs later and I'm back.  And with each sit up...with each push up...with each climb up the mountain... I am stronger.  

Split Second, Again

     The beauty of cleaning out a cabinet full of games...is the spark that is rekindled as you go through them.  A realization that you have a whole new game crowd to play them is a nice little perk as well.  In an effort to claim a wholesome family  night on a weekly basis and a challenge to play some new (old) games we started tonight with, Split Second.  Find a game that can span the capabilities of a seven to an eighty-six year old...I dare ya, it's not easy...but I think I found success on my first try.  It is fast, silly and full of a vast range of tidbits that are sure to reach each person at one point or another.  I had to replace rubber bands on the (not-so-fast) acting little plastic arms which was funny within itself because of the reminder of how truly old we are all getting.  The '92 colors and graphics make it even more clear.  It was fun though and it passed this test of "garbage" or "keeper".  We will be letting our facts fly some more!!!

Celebrate National Pancake Day

     My day "off" was full of catch up from a sickness that confiscated my weekend.  Add to that another organization project and by dinnertime I was out of mental energy to come up with something for dinner.  A text from Tina reminded me that it was Pancake Day and just like that it was set.  We had John's delicious buttermilk blueberry pancakes and bacon.  We celebrated the day with dinner for breakfast which is always a fun way to break up the norm.  And bacon...well, bacon is just good for anything, anytime, anywhere. 

Brazil

     I have promised to be more open minded when it came to movies.  I have huffed.  And sighed about certain choices.  But c'mon, some of them are downright odd and I value time more than most.  But a promise is a promise and a birthday promise has even more clout.  I have declared Monday, "Movie Night" at home and this might lead to some other new ones to write about as the year progresses.  I don't like to write movie reviews though so it always puts me in a weird spot.  I tend to write more about the feeling that the movie stirred in me.  Brazil....well...bizarre.  I had a feeling it was one of those movies that critics and cult film freaks would devour and sure enough after some research, it is.  If anything, at least I am recognizing "good" bizarre compared to just a bad movie.  I caught the Big Brother vibe and the millions of jabs at society, government, religion and class.  I picked up on some symbolism and thought the music was interesting.  I laughed out loud at parts and wondered if that was appropriate or not but found out that it was exactly what I was supposed to be doing.  See, I'm gettin' it.  I'll say this...I will remember this movie... and in a crammed memory bank of films that is really saying something!!!

Sick Sicilian Superbowl

     It wasn't a wing and beer kinda party because my little girl was not feeling so hot.  It was a snuggle on the couch with pillows and blankies kinda winter day.  We missed a party and a weekend of fun but not all was lost.  We ordered a Sicilian pizza and plopped in front of the game.  Commercials were laughed at and snacks were eaten and it turned out to be one very interesting game. 

Vine Video

     I did my first Vine video today.  What was more appropriate than filming Ethan's adorable little groundhog project.  Another app and another fun way to be creative and capture some memories. 
Happy Groundhog's Day!!! Here's to an early spring!

If you join or are in... find me! Because Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Blogger, and countless games are just not enough! ;)

The Impossible

     The kids are 10 and 7.  I think it is time to branch out and teach them about more than math facts and geography.  There are things beyond music and art that need to touch their lives.  This movie might be heavy and terrifying but it also shows the love of a family and the brave and compassionate ways of the people who made it through one of the world's worst disasters.  Half of the movie is spent with your heart pounding out of your chest and the other half is spent with tears in your eyes and it is worth it.  It makes you want to do more, be more.  It makes you hold your babies tighter.  It makes you prioritize.  See it.  And take your kids.

Write a Treatment

     Leigh Ann and I talk about the millions of things we want to do to change ourselves and the world.  We have big plans.  Huge.  But by the time we get through work, life, yoga, kids, traveling, therapy, pets, house stuff, etc we are too tired to push for those dreams.  Until today.  Today, Thursday, January 31, the planets aligned, schedules were cleared and we sat down and started something. 

Let the dream become reality.

Paul's Lesson on Kubrick

     Paul, the movie fanatic, sent me a link to a video that changed it all for me.  It was some behind the scenes goodness about the filming of The Shining.  I saw Kubrick and Jack in all of their brilliance.  I was also inspired to read more about Kubrick and it turns out I had the guy all wrong.  Oh those darn decisions we make before we really know anything.  I played the video as I got ready for work in the morning.  In between washing my face and brushing my teeth I saw their world in a way I never knew existed.  I respected them more.  I was intrigued.  Paul, thanks for sharing.

Shone.

Emily's Spelling Bee

     You know those moments from childhood that define you?  Well, I was a good speller.  I made it through many years of school with one spelling error on a test.  The word was "bones" and it was  the second grade.  Mrs. Parisi was my teacher.  I had a dog and I used to feed her the popular treat, "Bonz".  I was confused at the ripe old age of seven and put the wrong spelling on the test.  Think I was scarred a bit?  I remember walking down the huge stairwell with my mother as she expressed quite sternly her disappointment with the error.  After that, I never had another spelling word wrong.  Eight years. One word wrong.  Bonz.  So it was safe to say that I would also be in the school spelling bee each year.  Though a good speller I was quite shy and would eventually choke on my own fear and the wrong letter.  In the eighth grade I made it as co-champion of my whole school and went on to the Bronx districts.  I was doing well until out in the crowd I spotted my own mother.  I heard my word...saw her face...and the whole world went quiet.  It was one of those panicky moments when you don't hear right and things start to look funny.  Adrenaline does something huge to me.  Like, I think I have a problem with it.  Anyway, the word was "alkali".  I only remember the ding of the bell and the sad defeated walk to the stairwell that took me off stage. 

Fast forward to present time and a little fifth grader jumping into the car with excitement in her voice.  She had made the district wide fifth grade spelling bee.  On January, 29th I sat in the metal chairs in front of the stage and watched.  I smiled.  Gave her the thumbs up when needed.  Held my breath between letters.  I also sat there knowing I had broken yet another loop.  She did well and as we hugged afterwards, she thanked me for being there.  She said it made her feel better.  I care much more about THAT than I do about her misspelling a word.  She was one of the finalists so this victory will take us on to another part of the journey.  This time we will prep and practice so that confidence can back her up as much as skill.  When we know better we do better.  Sometimes we even spell better.  Good luck, little girl, and thank you for another life lesson in healing.

Ion

     Another nail polish color.  Mom and daughter needed a little girl time and our nails needed a little fun.  I want the job of coming up with these names!!!

Space Cadets

     This group is always up for the challenge of a new game.  This one made our brains hurt at first but it was fun.  Each participant gets a role and their own little mini game.  These efforts are all joined as the ship makes its way through its various challenges.  It was the first time Hannah joined a game night and I have a feeling it won't be the last! Cadets, take your posts!!!

The Shining on the Big Screen

     If you saw a movie as a kid on the little tv in your living room please give them another try as an adult.  If you can catch it on the big screen even better.  It is a strange feeling to see it on the other side.  I love the revival series at our local community theater and I love the fire it lights within for a world of film I just never knew existed.  I would like to thank Paul, Mark and John for helping me see this light.  We may just have another fanatic on our hands....

Greek Lunch

I've mentioned that Fridays at work mean  a table full of people devouring what was prepared for them.  There is a rotation of cooks.  This week we had GREEK!

     Youvetsi (yoo-VEH-tsee) is a traditional Greek stew that can be made with beef or lamb. The meat is cooked in a rich tomato sauce together with orzo pasta and finished with a heap of grated Kefalotyri cheese on top. This one was made with chicken.

While we ate this yummy dish, JoAnn, shared stories of her teen years and the adventures on a trip to Greece to meet her new extended family.  Leigh Ann also told us the hysterical story of her recent car ride with her father after a pick up from the airport.  We ate Greek, listened to Greek and laughed at the Greek all at once.

RIde with Christina

     The new Christina blasted in my car as this new Christina drove to work. 

Ten Fingers of Gratitude

     I watched a segment on tv in which Brene Brown said something so profound that I repeat it to myself all of the time. 


                                                 " The difference
                        between privileged 
                             and entitled
                                     is
                              gratitude."

     We didn't have the things that children have today back when we were children.  We also are supposed to do better than the generation before.  Yet, somewhere in all of the changes, it seems that people have lost something. I felt like this sentence summed it all up.  We were grateful back then for things that we earned, found, or were given.  Today, it is expected.  This is a tricky place.  So starting today when someone whines or acts ungrateful I pop up ten fingers in their face.  They have to then list ten things they are grateful for.  Maybe this will be the first step in reminding all of us what really counts.  They are good kids but I want them to also be compassionate and caring adults and gratitude will be the key.