thinking blogger award

Wow! I have been honored with the thinking blogging award!
A big THANK-YOU to my buddy Giggles who awarded me. Giggles is such an artistic, prolific blogger. When ever I need a little pick me up I can always count on her for a mood lifting, heart warming read. She definitely deserved this award. No offense to her usually good judgment, but gee giggles.... Are you sure I am worthy?? I mean between jabbering about rotten pears and ranting deliriously about colorforms ... I really don't feel I fall into any award category with the word "thinking" in the title! I am however very excited and flattered about the generous compliments you gave me. I am also excited to tag bloggers who I find entertaining and thought provoking.
Even though you were just chosen, May I choose you again? ( I am new to the blogging award etiquette and possibly rigid rules)
So in no thought bearing order- My first choice is Sherrie (giggles) over at happytiler
Please check out her creative, inviting blog. (You will need a cozy blanket and a cup of tea to complete the beautiful setting she has provided for us.)

My next choice has to be cute Ally bean over at crazydustinmycoffee. With my morning coffee, I need a daily fix of Ms. Beans witty, insightful takes on anything from kids innocently misbehaving at Krogers to the adorable conversations between her and her husband. Like Giggles, Crazy Dust will get your mind going and your heart melting.

My next thinking award has to go to Deirdre over at writing anam cara. The depth and intelligence of this amazing, addicting talented writer will have you crying and chilled and wanting to invite her over for Christmas dinner. This "Soul Friends" emotional honesty is breathtaking.

The next thinking award is a no brainer. The lovely and enchanting Jane over at Paintedhouse52will have you feeling like you want to improve yourself in every way. She is an inspirational Mother. A talented, creative artist, a truth seeker. I feel like I have been more motivated on being self-assured and courageous from Knowing Jane than from any books I've read.

My 5th award goes to Faith over at Dawns Glory. Visiting Faith is like visiting your good friend. She feels real and down to earth. You can open her fridge, put your feet up on her coffee table and instantly become engrossed in whatever she has to tell you.

May I end by saying, This cute award game has inspired me to Try and THINK Deeper. Think of posts that WILL be gripping & intriguing & NOT silly like Color for your Betty & Torturous underwear. My brain is already straining.
( Oh, if you've been tagged click the link to thinking blogger to learn the rules )

Xtra Xtra

This weeks Sunday Scribblings prompt is, In the news.


I got my name in lights with notcelebrity.co.uk


This past week was very sad & stressful.There was one happy highlight or Headline, that I wish to share...
I am now a Life time member at Weight Watchers. It was a nice accomplishment and I feel proud
of myself. After many years of following W.W., I finally made it all the way AND
thanks to my pal Ms. Bean
I am able to publish my headline in a dazzling way!
Why not celebrate with me!? Let's go jelly bean crrrrazzzyy!

grief- stricken

It's so difficult to lose a dear friend. How sad life will be without him. Especially a friend who played such a big part in being a support system to me and my family. A friend I could call at any moment who would be there with advice and help in anyway. How sad for all who knew him. He was happiest when being a helper. He wanted nothing in return, just the knowledge that you felt better because he was there to help. A Dr. who set my 5 year olds broken leg right up on his kitchen counter, cast and smiles and tenderness included. Who diagnosed a genetic problem with my 11 yr. old when the best specialist missed it.
Who's unofficial second opinions saved us from needless procedures and medications through the years. The person who got my husband through a terrible shoulder break and many years of pain and suffering. A man whose bluntness and honesty sometimes shocked strangers but then would warm them instantly knowing he spoke from the heart.
This man was taken from us all, way too young. He had so many more years to spread his kindness and love. Does God have a greater purpose for him?
Even though we've had time to prepare for his passing, we are so unprepared. I can't stop crying for days now. Tears for him, how much he has left behind and will not see. For his Wonderful family, I don't know how they are coping with this painful loss. And for me and my family . I just don't think life will be the same without our dear friend. The world has lost a true humanitarian.

deepest,darkest

In my deepest, darkest moments I am back to that small, pensive, curly haired, big eyed girl that I used to be.
I think back to the insecurities, the loneliness, the desires. Wishing to break free and be my own person. Wanting to be treasured like the other little girls. Wishing for their pretty clothes and fun family outings. In my deepest, darkest moments I remember her heart so well, filled with love and yearning to soar. She felt like she would never grow up quick enough, never experience being in love, never be able to become a Mom. A lost soul who used to think she would die young before any of those wishes came true. In my deepest, darkest moments I wish so much for her. I wish she would have had more happy times, more hugs, more nurturing and encouragement. Long talks teaching life lessons while baking cookies. I wish I could go back and help her. I would give her a crystal ball to see her future, filled with a loving husband, loving children and friends. She would have been able to breathe a little easier, worry much less and try to make the best of each day... waiting till all her dreams came true.
go here
for more

Conversation with..... My cousin Vinny?

A recent conversation with a potentially new (mobile) Dog Groomer- ( who by the way, says on her away message (with an attitude)" it may take me a few days to get back to you," she got back to me 6 days later)
Me- thanks for calling back, Are you taking on new clients?
her- Yeah
Me- Oh good, My Friend Dawn Highly recommended you,
I have a schnoodle and a cockapoo...
her ( interrupting me)- whey do ya live
me- about 5 min. from Dawn
her (Interrupting me again)- I doWn't go dat far.
me- excuse me? ( and with a very nice tone) I am just a bit south of her, maybe 5 min.'s
her- No, my van is falling aparrrt and I don't go further den i have to-
you gotta understand, this ding is gonna need a lot a repairs dat I can't afford.
Me- ( hesitant and befuddled) I seeeee, thanks for calling. Click


Hellloooooo???? Is it me, or wouldn't grooming 2 new pets bring you a bit closer to affording things?
How independent for someone driving a dilapidated van( and needing some speech classes?)
If you remember my good golly miss molly story, you will know why a groomer coming to the house sounded so perfect.
The truth is the girl that I usually take Molly to, does a great job. Now that a sweet pal gave me a new secure collar/leash combo... I think this was a VERY good outcome.

Who's your Idol Favorite?

Is this years American Idol just not too exciting? You have your Lakisha and Melinda. They're amazing singers. You have Cool Beat boxing Blake, he is definitely the best guy. You have your adorable, Poised, charismatic Jordan (my fav!) But the others are kind of Blahhhhh. I only started watching Idol 2 seasons ago. That was the year Carrie won. There were many exciting singers, Like Nadia and Bo & Constantine. Last year Taylor was my favorite from the get go. Was he the Best singer? No... My husbands favorite Chris Daughtry probably was. Taylor though, had such charisma and was SO entertaining. Of course let's not forget he had Soul too.
Is it me? Am I idled out after 2 seasons? How Sanjaya could even be considered in the running is amazing. My cockapoo Molly belts out better sounds when wanting to come inside. ( Gee, that sounded like something Simon would say) As good as Lakisha and Melinda are, I don't know, they just don't seem like Idol material. Shouldn't an idol ideally be younger? Not be married? Not be a parent? I guess I have that old movie " The idol maker" in the back of my head. An up and coming kid the boys/girls will go gaga over. Has anyone heard of that movie? It's pretty old, maybe 20 years. Peter Gallager plays the kid that they make into a star. I bet it was his first movie. I remember really liking it.
So, for me Jordan Sparks possesses the attributes I think it takes to fill those Idol shoes. ( Although, I don't think she will win because most people don't seem to agree with me) At only 17 I am so impressed with her assuredness and bubbly personality. If you put me in that spotlight at that age I think I would have turned inside out. I am rooting for her, so I will try to hang in there and watch these other Idol fakers try to entertain each week. I would love to hear your point of view. Maybe you can enlighten me as to How I may enjoy the others.
(I just looked up The Idol maker.... Here is the info if you are interested.

Fruit tale

Recently at the grocery store I bought 2 pears. Within 2 days I ate the pears, they were delicious. I have no idea how much they cost. Maybe 2 pears for 1.50? Not really sure, But.... Two weeks ago I see Pears at costco. About 12 giant Anjou pears for 5.99. Bear in mind, I have no idea if this is a great deal, but I assume everything at costco is so I buy those. It took about a week for them to ripen. I had a delicious one several days ago I had another sweet, yummy one a couple of days ago. (by the way, No one else in my family likes pears) Today I threw away 10 rotten pears. I am no math genius but the two pears I ate were $3.00 each, and now I don't think they were THAT tasty. That Costco is trouble, last week I threw away a few pounds of strawberries, one loaf of green bread ( had to buy it in two's), and a stinky piece of stuffed salmon. When will I learn? I should probably stick to buying only non food items. OR, I can do what I see SO many people do there. RETURN the rotten, smelly food that sat in my house a whole week and pretend it's Costcos fault. I have even seen people returning used shrubs! Seriously, they've been in the ground, they have roots and trails of dirt. Maybe they forgot to water the poor bush, but costco takes them back. geee...... where did I throw those rotten pears??? ( only kidding)

bewitchen in the kitchen

I'm sure many would agree that the kitchen seems to be the nerve center of the home. It's the room we congregate in whether we are eating, playing board games, doing homework, celebrating birthdays, painting pictures,having heart to hearts, writing bills, and oh yea.... cooking.
My children have had more meaningful, heart-wrenching conversations with me in the kitchen while I'm emptying the dishwasher... than anywhere else. My kitchen has also had it's fair share of things being flung. What do plates, pork roasts, Clogs and pastina all have in common? Yep, they are just some of the items that have hit the walls of my cute kitchen. When my middle son was younger he couldn't swallow pills. His asthma was very bad and the doctor prescribed steroids. Little pills that HAD to be swallowed. After many hours spent trying to put them in applesauce and pudding and even pizza. Crazy momma got very frustrated and as embarrassing as it is to admit. I whipped off my clog and flung it at him! ( No, Not child abuse.... Last second I came to my senses and aimed high and have the hole in the wall to prove it) It didn't help the situation, he still didn't take those damn pills, but it made me feel better.

When my oldest was a baby in the high chair, he decided it would be fun to take his full bowl of pastina and throw it in the air. I had pastina dripping off the walls the furniture and the chandelier! ( Do you know how that shit sticks to everything?) I'm sure you moms know what I mean when I say it was the last straw that day. It was one of those times where daddy had to intervene. Momma couldn't take it that day, and had to leave the room in tears while one wonderful dad cleaned baby and house top to bottom. (gee, I didn't think talking about my favorite room would make me loook like a lunatic) To hear of my misconstrued lunacy though you must read further about the infamous pork roast story.....

When I was pregnant for our third son, I was nauseous almost the whole nine months. Looking at food and cooking it was a nightmare. One day I left it up to my husband, who decided to buy and cook a pork roast. For the two hours that thing was cooking I was complaining relentlessly. He finally LOST it and opened the oven and threw it in the garbage. I got so angry at him and we had an argument, which included me flinging a few plates off the table and into our walls . Well, my 5 year old was unfortunately a witness to this whole terrible, but thank god extremely rare fighting. The following school year, the teacher was talking about how everyone fights and all the kids were telling stories. My little boy gets up in front of the class and interprets the pork roast story with his fast moving body and speedy words like this......" One day my mom was so mad at my dad that she picked up a chicken and threw it at his head"! the class couldn't control their laughter. My girlfriend called me hysterically laughing because her 6 yr. old who was in the same class got off the bus and told her this story. Again, everyone thinks I'm a looney. I didn't throw meat at his head! But the visual of N. telling this chicken story is worth the bad rap.
photos of some of my favorite things in my kitchen #1 a hutch that my husband refinished #2 a madallion he painted #3 my duck house and #4 a picture my third son drew in the 3rd grade
for more kitchen stories go here

Dress Success

I finally found a dress! Since January I have been looking for an appropriate dress for a wedding that I'm attending in April. You may have read about my "try on" struggles. You may have read about the search for the correct bra for a dress I bought and have since returned in this post( second paragraph)
This has been exhausting. I've been to Seven different stores. I have tried Petite and regular styles. I took varied sizes depending on styles. I tried a zillion undergarments for the dress I thought I was going to keep. Bus-tiers and tummy tuckers. Have you seen some of these? They are like breast and tummy straight jackets. Whole pieces that you step into and need a helper to do so! I was thinking... How the hell will I pee? I will have to undress each time and call in a bridesmaid or two to pull me back together. My husbands patience during this 2 month shopping hell has been exemplar. He has sat and held my purse. He has gone back to the rack for sizes. He has patiently helped me with accessories. I have nicknamed him Clinton
Well, after realizing this dress and all its necessary torturous undergarments are just NOT for me, Clinton suggested I go on line and shop for dresses. I though he was crazy, Didn't he just watch how difficult this was with tangible items? How the hell will a cyber dress fit? Nothing is as it appears on this monitor. I didn't have the heart to disagree with him, after all he had been through. I ordered many dresses knowing I could return them to the store. Nordstrom is the best website. No matter how much you buy, shipping is only $5.00! I couldn't believe it when they arrived. This cute, simple yet stylish, only requires a REAL bra and stockings, UN-petite sized dress Fit almost perfectly-!! Being only 5' tall it is nearly impossible to find a regular size that's perfect. I needed the shoulders lifted up a bit. It is being altered as I type. The best thing is I have shoes and a purse that match beautifully. I AM DONE! I AM EXCITED! I will be seeing people at this wedding that I haven't seen in many years. I just wanted to look my best. Is that so terrible? So, I am a bit nutty, what can I say. Clinton is already dreading what I will put him through when it's Our kids getting married. Hmmm Maybe, I should start shopping soon.....

Inspirations

When I read Sundayscribblings prompt many things came to mind, but I decided to write about some inspirations in dieting.
If you have followed my posts you know I am on weight watchers (again). This time around I have been inspired by a few great tips I've been taught. First off it's helpful to have some great low point foods around. My inspirations lately have been Kashi ranch crackers. These little babies are inspiring me NOT to eat chips. 15 crackers = 2 pts. If I sit with a bowl of 30 of these tasty, crunchy treats( and eat slowly,) they really help my salt craving. Another Inspiring but impossible to find must have are the new hostess 100 calorie cupcakes! 3 tiny sugar-craving- satisfying cupcakes = ONE point! They are missing the white squiggly line on top, but other than that they are the same yummy ones we nourished ourselves with and got our sugar high from during childhood. A cup of tea midday with 3 of these is all an inspiration seeking mom needs. Speaking of tea, Tea has been my new cookie. Instead of popping oreos and chips ahoy as I run through my day, I now take the time to sit and savor some of my favorite teas. ( Tzao's Zen is a must try!) At lunch time I never feel I can find a low point yummy meal. Until recently- Amy's frozen shepherd pie is only 3 points and with a bag of veggies on the side, it is satisfying and inspires me to keep on watching those cals! I sound like a food infomercial, no?
Finally the mother lode of inspiration has come from Mr. Tony Little! Yes, that long haired, over the top, wacky Gazelle guy!
My husbands orthopedist suggested a no-impact exercise for his bad knee and actually mentioned the gazelle. So we ordered it off tv. At first I thought, Geez this is doing nothing. The only thing that was sore, were my calves. I thought I would end up looking like popeye. But, I have to admit, watching Tonys dvd while gazelling is quite motivating. He shouts " You Can DO iiiiitttttt!!" many times and says things like " Losers let it happen, winners make it happen". After doing this workout for a week, I do feel like it is not only giving me tight calves, but it's helping the obliques, the butt and even the abs. Most importantly it's giving me the inspiration to get moving in other ways too. After 20 min. a day on this swinging, metal monstrosity - I'm inspired to do well on weight watchers and feel good all day.

Expectations

Do you have high expectations in relationships? Yesterday I did a lot of talking about this with my mil and later on with some friends. I am still feeling the effects of a recent relationship upset. As a matter of fact, I feel heartbroken. We were discussing how often people give up on other people because of disappointment and hurt. We all expect certain things from certain relationships. We all have needs, desires and raise the expectation bar accordingly. We all however, Are not mind readers. Communication is the core of any good relationship. We can't know what a friend or loved one is expecting from us, or needing from us if they don't give us a clue. Yesterday I questioned if it is more likely that someone with a very small circle of friends and family would Need more from those few people. Where as someone who is surrounded by many family members, friends and acquaintances, may not expect as much, because she is being fulfilled and kept busy by many. A therapist once told me, expect nothing from everyone. Then, even the smallest gesture will make you happy. If you find your self disappointed a lot, you may need to take that advice too. Lower expectations. ( SNL, skit, No?) In this situation, I am not the one with the high expectations. I am disappointed not because I expected something from this someone. I am heartbroken and disappointed because apparently she had high expectations which she failed to communicate clearly. Instead of working it out as one would with someone you care for, she chose first, to be cold, then vicious. She chose to attack. I would NEVER have done this to her. I would NEVER have been so offensive and cruel. Letting emotions build and build, I guess would be the reason for such an eruption. Actually, after reading this back, I guess I too had high expectations. I expected that after being in each others lives for so long, she would care about throwing our relationship away. It's so crushing to realize how wrong you were about someone. It's also so crushing to know you weren't as loved as you so confidently thought you were. They say time heals and I am counting on that to help me spend less time dwelling on this weighty emotional drama. Counting on forgiving and forgetting and hopefully getting to a place where we can still be in each others lives.

dream journey

I recently wrote about dreams, because mine have been disturbing lately. So the prompt this week, Dream Journey- made me question what path I took to get here. What dreams have led me to these troubled ones? Is there a connection? The fact that my new dreams are reoccurring is reminding me of reoccurring dreams I had during my dreadful high school years. My high school dreams were about escaping. I was running through a fun house type of house. Opening doors only to realize it was a dead end. Panicky and frightened, I kept trying to get out. The weird thing is even back then I was holding a childs hand, Not as young as the recent nightmares, but still representing a dependent, innocent. I had this dream sometimes 3 times a week. Always waking disturbed and puzzled. I remember questioning my psychology teacher and his interpretation was, I was trying to escape a troubling situation and the child I was dragging was My inner child, the Naive, gullible part of me. ( he elected me "most gullible", because one day the bell didn't sound the same, when I questioned it, he told me the man that usually made that noise was out sick so it was a substitute making the new sound! I can't even believe I was ever THAT gullible!) A few months after I moved out of my moms home, I realized those dreams had stopped. Giving me a great understanding of what was troubling me. When I was feeling happy and less stressed so were my dreams. Through the years I have had a few memorable nightmares, In vivid color, as exciting and suspenseful as a hitchcock flick. But it's those reoccurring dreams that stick with me. It's so curious, that we can repeat the same theme and images. It's like we have a built in dvd player and are too lazy to think up a new adventure some nights. Just hit play and watch it again.

I don't think these "neglected baby" dreams have anything to do with escaping. The fact that they are reoccurring may be the only thing they have in common with those old dreams. As far as stress goes, I have been feeling less stressed than I have in years. I feel like a totally different woman than who I was in December. I made a few life changes and I make a conscious effort each day to stop and smell the roses, and stop and realize how lucky I am. So maybe the journey has become me forgetting about the inner me, because she doesn't need my help anymore. She is independent a little less innocent and happy, real happy and grateful for being so.

Miss cookies kitchen

Do you remember your favorite colorforms set?
Do you remember mine? Miss Cookies kitchen! It had little cabinet doors that actually opened allowing you to place the little dishes and such neatly in there. I remember spending many hours fantasizing about having my own kitchen someday. With my own little cabinets that I would organize and keep Just so! Geeez, what a wacky little kid I was! Here I am today, with many little cabinets, wishing Miss Cookie would get her ass over here and straighten them all out for me. I will admit when I first bought my house I was very attentive to all the details such as having the pantry divided into sections. Rice and pasta here, Cereals over there. Oooh that shelf will be Just canned goods!! I WAS living the Miss cookie fantasy (or nightmare.) Now It's, "here -shove this box of oatmeal up on top of that teetering pile of ramen noodles, that should fit". Life is just too busy and when there is time I would rather be doing ANYTHING else but! Somedays the"booby traps" ( that's what my husband has appropriately named them) get to me. ( Although- I won't admit that to him!!) When you are cooking and trying to get the flour and have a few other items drop on your toe, Or the dreaded tupperware cabinet! It is like a house of cards in there! ( I will use cereal bowls for storage, just not to deal with that scene.) When things get this crazy, I think it may be time to dig down and find the Miss Cookie gene that I had as a child. Another problem Miss Lucy's Kitchen has is too many of the same item! I've been so unorganized lately that I will buy MORE sugar or salt or syrup, only to come home and find I already had 2 or 3! If we give up fresh fruits and veggeys, I could probably skip food shopping for a month.
Tell me about your colorform memories!

Very Superstitious

When I think of Superstitions, I always think of my mom. She was known to Yell "you're going to have a fight", If you got a little itch on your nose. She would always "knock wood" to make sure something you were talking about wouldn't happen. (I am embarrassed to admit I have inherited this one)
Itchy Palm- That's a good one! You'll be getting money. She had so many of these. I remember something about having to throw salt over my shoulder?? I don't remember why, and Why would you want to clean that up? I also remember her getting hysterical one day because the driver of a hearse tipped his hat at her! Of course she lectured about the usual ones too, NEVER open an umbrella in the house, walk under a ladder or the worse one- Break a mirror! I guess I am lucky to still be here, because I am guilty of those last 3. I don't remember what was suppose to go wrong, maybe not death just A LOT of Bad luck! I think we all are superstitious in some ways. I always feel unless I think the worst will happen, I won't have a safe trip. I HAVE to tell my kids to "Be careful" anytime they leave the house. I have run out the door sometimes to say this, because I thought they didn't hear me. Maybe Superstitions are just another way we give ourselves comfort, security and self preservation. Kind of like a cookie or a nice Merlot. There are many stranger things we could believe in.
Read other thoughts on superstitions
over at Sundayscribblings

mac is back

So happy to have my computer back. It only took them 3 days to repair the mother ship or whatever they said it was.
I was relieved we didn't lose all our info as I didn't back up everything like I should have. Is everyone out there backing up onto a cd or a separate hard drive or something?? I am amazed at how little I really know about computer management. As the genius put all my photos onto a dvd for me- I watched in amazement at how he navigated around, Making Mac work in ways I didn't know he was even capable of! He put him to sleep with a slight of hand movement, He told Mac to ask questions automatically. He really knew how to push Mac's buttons. It must have felt good to show off all his attributes. With me, he is not 1/2 the mac he ought to be.

mac less

I love my computer but I hate computers. I will be without mine for possibly 7-10 days. I took my oldest sons advice a couple of years ago and bought a mac. "Oh they are so reliable and easy and never get viruses!" Well, it would be my luck that instead of a virus I have a computer that is running hot & wild. Cds flying across the room, cds refusing to eject.Turning itself off when it should be sleeping. Who needs this nonsense? You're right however, We all need this nonsense. We are so accustomed to them. I felt like I was leaving one of my kids alone at the mall. I was wacky enough to say "take good care of him." So right now I am struggling on my sons laptap which is so uncomfortable because I am not used to it. He is also annoyed that I even want to.(he said yes, but you know how you can just see how impatient someone is feeling?) I promised not to touch anything of his, because the last time I shut it down incorrectly and closed the top!! oooohhh such a bad mom! He made me think I broke the stupid thing. After 2 years with my mac I already forgot what to do with a PC. Now I can't find spell check... Oh well, if you need me... call me

puzzled

This weeks prompt for scribblings is PUZZLED.
This week I've been puzzled by many things, what really stands out is Loneliness. I had a client almost break down as she quietly confessed how lonely she feels. It was a very sad and awkward moment. She was already in her coat getting ready to leave my salon. She has a husband, grown children and many friends. Isn't it puzzling that with all these wonderful people to share her life, she still is feeling so alone? It was a hesitant, last minute decision to share this very private, very real feeling. I hugged her and asked her to stay and we could talk, but she felt embarrassed I think and didn't want to trouble me, knowing I had an appointment to get to. How could I not reach out and try to sit and console this woman? With tears brimming, she quickly thanked me and said "don't worry" and was on her way. She left but her sadness stayed with me. How many of us are feeling lonely and have no one to confide in? I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse that people seem to want to "open up" to me. Many years ago I had asked a coworker if he had a difficult time hearing peoples woes. He said "when they leave their problems leave with them." I wish I could be that way, but I feel what they feel. I find myself thinking of these stories of sorrow while trying to live my happy little life!
On a much, MUCH lighter note, another thing I am puzzled by this week is undergarments.
I bought a beautiful dress for an upcoming wedding, but odd as it is, my girls are letting me down
I saw a show about celebrities getting ready for the oscars. They showed all these VERY big girls in thin spaghetti straps and strapless and one strapped dresses. How the hell Are THEIR girls so high-spirited? If there is a perky trick out there helping these size G girls, I need to find it. Why can't my girls soar? They've been good girls and have done very well by me. They deserve an uplifting night on the town. ( any tips or inventions welcomed!)

Miss Lucys Wild ride

Today as my son and I were driving to his doctors appointment, we were totally aghast by the sight of a burnt car flying in the air straight towards us! As we were headed West on the parkway driving in the left hand lane- a car heading East, apparently already charred, was flipping over and over as it sailed through the air. The image is still surreal. I was terrified and quickly swerved into the center lane, thank god no one was there, maybe they were and they swerved too. I swerved quickly back to the left only to see debris flying straight toward my windshield. ( my son said it was a muffler?? who knows)
I was screaming, I was crying my legs were shaking..... But my son... my 14 year old son was amazingly stoic.. He yelled "MOM Just Drive straight and fast!" Being in the left lane doing 70 when this all occurred and occurred SO quickly, I didn't stop, I didn't pull over. I just kept driving... straight and fast. I kept crying and shaking and I said " oh my god, people must have died back there, that could have been us". The image of that car flying and turning is still haunting me. I have viewed the local news and have heard nothing about it. I can't imagine how fast that car was going to become airborne. I can't imagine how many other drivers were also killed. I feel guilty that I didn't do anything. We got to his appointment on time. Like nothing had happened. It reminds me of how fragile life is, how unpredictable, how precious. Right before this all happened, I had been lecturing my son about how messy his room has been. When we were sitting in the waiting room and the shaking stopped, I apologized for caring about dirty clothes and gum wrappers. I gave him another hug. I am so grateful he is okay.
I really wish everyone would drive more carefully. In the past 10 years or so, I have seen a change on the roads.(No, it's not that I am just old). I know I have blogged about it already. I have to say it again. We are all too distracted, selfish and careless on the roads. Please, Let's all realize our cars are weapons. Please use your blinkers, Please don't drive too fast & don't tailgate, Please consider and respect others. Let's all be careful out there. One careless mistake can destroy so many lives.

A dream within a dream

Does anyone out there know how to interpret dreams? I have been experiencing some really bizarre, puzzling dreams.
On many nights I have been dreaming about babies. The bizarre thing is, I am always being neglectful of the baby. I am going about my different activities, and all of a sudden, it's like the light bulb goes off and I remember I have a baby who has not been changed or fed or held! I'm not sure if it is one of my own babies or if I am watching someone's baby. It's very disturbing and I always wake feeling very upset. One night I had a similar one about puppies.
( baby dogs). This one was more horrific because unlike the babies who are soiled, hungry and upset- These puppies were totally forgotten about in my basement. After the whole summer went by I finally remembered them and when I ran downstairs to rescue them they had disintegrated and only Huge golden powder puffs of fur were blowing around like tumble weeds! It was like a horror movie! I woke up from this one terrified! My husband thought I was influenced by that horrible scene in the movie Superman Returns, where one dog eats another. I had watched that movie a few nights before the dream. That doesn't explain the numerous forgotten baby dreams. My girlfriend thinks it means that I have way too much on my mind and I have been very forgetful, so I am worried I may forget something important. I'm not sure she is right. I am wondering If I am the baby? Am I feeling I don't take good care of myself? I do feel dreams are important puzzle pieces, illustrating what we are feeling subconsciously. What do you think? What crazy dreams do you repeatedly have? I would really love to understand these dreams. But, for tonight, I am hoping to forget them and just sleep like a baby.

Movie review

We just finished watching the movie "the departed". If you haven't seen it don't read any further, I'd hate to ruin a movie for anyone....... It was Very suspenseful, It was very interesting but I had a real problem with that ending! Sometimes films give you alternate endings. Well, my opinion is One of those alternates should always be a chick friendly finale. Turn that gruesome, violent ending into a chick flick fantasy. Leonardo lives, he gets the girl the glory the badge of merit and maybe even a sequel. Now that is something I would watch again and again. I have never been a big Leonardo DiCaprio fan, but seeing him recently in "The basketball Diaries" I was truly impressed. He really is a brilliant actor. He shows that brilliance again in "the departed". I am surprised he wasn't nominated for an award. If you've read this and you haven't seen it, See it, it was good, but you will be thinking of this and be perturbed at me or yourself for not stopping at the first line.

splish splash

My oldest son has loved the bathtub since as far back as I can remember. He can sit and soak forever. When he would come home from college on breaks, I would hear that water running and know that bathroom would be occupied for at least an hour. When he was in his younger years, I would always be able to tell when he was very stressed or frustrated at school. Those afternoons, instead of reaching for a snack, he would say "Mom, I feel like taking a bath".
Me on the other hand, I am a shower person. The other day I was feeling a bit stressed and thought I would take a cue from my wise oldest son. "I wish I was a bath person" was my thought. I made the water nice and hot, I added Dove body wash to have some bubbly effect, I lit many candles and placed them esthetically around the tub and over by the sink. I made a cup of Trader Jos bedtime tea. Slowly, I sank into this soothing, luxurious retreat. At first I breathed many cleansing breaths as if doing lamaze again. I closed my eyes, my fingers and toes started relaxing. My extremely tight neck felt looser- I thought, Gee why don't I ever take the time to do this? This is wonderful! After about 15 minutes of soaking and watching the steam rise off my bubbles, something happened that reminded me of What had happened years ago in a Hot yoga class. I felt this immense rush of crushing heat rising from somewhere below my waist up to my head, along with the worst pounding headache. The news headline of NAKED STROKE VICTIM passed through my mind. I couldn't stand up and get that Cold shower on quick enough. To Hell with those strategically aligned candles. They will have to get rinsed too. It took me a long time afterwards to get my body temperature back to normal. I put on summer pjs. I took 3 advils. My face was so red I could have burst into flames at any moment. Once you are in your 40's you don't fool around when racing pain goes to your head.
I'm Crushed that I'm just not a "relax and soak in the tub" kind of girl.

yummy

This weeks scribblings prompt brought to mind many naughty things.
Things Like Chocolate. Chocolate covered caramels. Chocolate covered nuts. Chocolate peanut-butter cups. Those are all the yummy favorites I usually receive on Valentines Day. This year However, I have instructed my lover, lover man to PLEASE stay away from my favorite chocolate shop. I am doing well on weight watchers this week and don't want to self destruct.
Yummy also brings to mind what I am cooking for dinner right now. On this cold February night- How does a delicious pot of beef stew sound? NO- Not Great for weight watchers but as long as I don't buy the italian bread that I usually enjoy dunking in the gravy, I will be able to eat a human amount.
Really quick here's this easy YUMMY recipe-
2 lbs of beef stew meat ( I go to my butcher and ask for that- Not sure what beef this actually is)
2 potatoes ( peeled and diced)/
2 potatoes (peeled and cut up)/ fresh or canned mushrooms/
a bag of carrots ( peeled & cut up)/ 1 can of peas/ approx. 2-3 cups of water/
An Onion and garlic (diced)/ 2 tbsp. of olive oil /
Small can of tomato sauce/ S&P/old bay seasoning

In a 4-qt. pot-
Saute the onions/garlic and beef till browned in the oil, ( 1st picture) then cover and simmer for 30 minutes
meanwhile prepare your vegetables ( 2nd Picture)
then add the 2 diced potatoes/ carrots /fresh mushrooms/ the water only from the cans of peas and mushrooms/ Salt & Pepper/old bay seasoning /1/2 of the small can of tomato sauce & approx. 2-3 cups of water (use less if using fresh mushrooms) ( If you don't like your carrots and mushrooms mushy like i do, you can add them later with the other potatoes)
Simmer for 1- 2 hours or more. One hour before eating add the other 2 cut up potatoes
(My discovery is that the diced potatoes get really mushy and thicken up the gravy so you don't need to add flour!
10 min. before eating add the canned peas ( if using canned mushrooms add them now too) mmmmm very yummy and should serve 4 normal people -in our house it serves 3!.
(took pic before adding the peas,to post it quicker)

It's a world of laughter a world of tears

So often I am blown away by what a small world we live in.
Recently though, I had a chilling day when one of my clients (I'll call her Mary) thought another client (Sadie) looked very familiar. Both these women are in their mid 70's. Knowing they had both raised their kids in my area, I suggested maybe their kids went to high school together? "No!", Mary was insistent- "That's not it!". Then I suggested - Are you both from the same church? Again Mary- Very sharp and determined - " That's not it". Meanwhile Poor Sadie sat clueless and bewildered as Marys face & name didn't ring a bell. All of a sudden Mary Jumps up and yells " Oh MY GOD! I went to high school with you!"
Was your name Sadie So&So?? Is your sister Sandy So&So??? Well, the emotions and reminiscing that followed left me chilled, teary and unable to work! They had both lived in Brooklyn and high school was more than 55 years ago.
Mary was BEST friends with Sadie's sister. Sadie's husband was friends with Marys brother. What really broke me up though, was as they were asking each other- have you seen Frankie or Joe or Sandy or Chicky.... the answers were almost always the same...... Gone! ( Oh dear, I was so depressed.) They named about 15 names ( including their spouses) and my goodness gracious they had all passed away. I thought it odd, since the average life expectancy ( I think) is the mid 80's. How sad for these two people to have lost so many friends. They responded with shock and tears on some of the unexpected passings. They also got very quiet at one point as if trying to digest all of this distasteful new information on so many old acquaintances. What also blew me away, when Sadie was ready to leave- there were no hugs or phone numbers exchanged. I thought for sure they would have wanted to spend more time talking about old times.
Instead Sadie said "Wow, such a small world, what a small world". Mary just shook her head in agreement.
I think their memories were too sweet, their journey too quick and their loss too heartbreaking.
It was such a reminder of how short a time we all have and how important it is to adore each precious day & each precious person.

super bowl sunday

Put on a happy face

5 things that made me happy this week
ONE- being tagged by Jane
(My wonderful blogging buddy) to do this prompt.
TWO- After an ER trip and a serious scare with my youngest son
finding out he is A- OKAY!
THREE-Having an amazing girlfriend give me sound advice and a loving shoulder when I really needed it
FOUR- eating 3 delicious pieces of Pizza (despite weight watchers)
FIVE- Celebrating my middle sons 20th birthday!
Thanks Jane! I thought it was an awful week- but you helped me see there was good, indeed!

What's so good about goodbye

When is it time to end a friendship? Whether that friendship is with a relative or a friend. How much pain should one person endure just to keep another person you love in your life? When a loving relationship become a heartache-Is that the time to Stop trying? When one person is apparently not willing to be forgiving or compromising? Should one continue loving unconditionally even if the others love is NOT unconditional? If you are left feeling abandoned and betrayed, If you are disrespected and dishonored. If you are totally misunderstood and judged unfairly. If your many attempts at reconnecting are met with a vicious, indifferent, unloving attitude, I guess it is time to say
Goodbye.

Chronic Chronicles

This weeks Sunday Scribblings topic is Chronicles. I am so disappointed that I am feeling even Less Prolific than usual.
So I will go for definition #2 and attempt to do a detailed narrative report of all the things I've wanted to accomplish around here.

-Put on goggles and a particle mask and attempt to clean all the ceiling fans.
( maybe a rain coat too?)
-Clean out my living room closet so i can store the vacuum there without having to put all my weight against the door.
-( First-Put on a girdle) and try to clean out my bedroom closet - Get rid of all NON fitting Pants
-Get the shop vac from the garage and try to vacuum the boiler room till I see... A boiler
-Go through ALL the saved paid bill receipts that I've been piling on a shelf in above mentioned living room closet
( What do Normal people do with all these?? Do I need to keep them? Help me- I'm drowning in useless paper)
- Utensil draw crumbs!
-refold underwear draw.... THROW out orange bikinis (from Fantasy post) and Other Un- Desirable Unmentionables
And last but probably the one i will have the most difficult time doing-
-Organize pictures from the last 22 years, and make a scrapbook for each of my deserving kids. ( any advice on "how to scrapbook" or more importantly "how to get organized"
or actually even MORE important- " how to get motivated"- Would be greatly appreciated-..

fantasy

Like most women, I find shopping for a dressy dress almost as torturous as the dreaded bathing suit search. However, Yesterday my shopping experience was terrifying. I finally found a dress I liked. They didn't have my size. The saleswoman suggested I try the dress anyway, If I liked it, they could order my size. Fine. The pickings were so slim, Even though I knew this dress was probably one or two sizes too small, I decided to forge ahead. I entered the the desolate hallway that housed 3 small fun house mirrored boxes. In my foolish haste, I forced this tiny beaded contender over my crazed (apparently) Large head. I squirmed and shimmied and shoved and pulled. I got it over my huge head and managed to strangle my raised arms as well. That was it. I was stuck like that. Panic struck. I wanted to call out for help but the glimpse of my bikini underwear barely on ,while a beaded straight jacket covered my head and arms, was too embarrassing to draw attention to. The mental image (or in this case - fantasy) was clear and frightening. The firemen are called- they need the jaws of life to remove the assailant. I am left in my bright orange (too small) bikinis, battered, bruised, breathless (bra-less) and totally mortified. BUT- The handsome fireman (who axed the door down)gives a sexy smile & his bright yellow jacket to cover my flustered, perspired body.
Even though the fantasy of him eases my panic a smidge- I know I need to do this on my own. Miraculously, through my one eye that isn't enshrouded in material- I spy a Zipper! Oh my God, this dress had a zipper? I manage to reach it and pull just enough to get a whole hand out. I escape! Let me tell you though, For Five LONG minutes I didn't think I would without ripping that (fantasy sized) bully in two.

A Meme

I was tagged by the Delightful Jane. I'm so happy that she chose me because I love reading her beautifully written blog.

This is how it works:
1. Find the nearest book.
2. Name the book & the author.
3. Turn to page 123.
4. Go to the fifth sentence on the page. Copy out the next three sentences and post to your blog.
5. Tag three more folks.

I'm too young to get old by Judith Reichman, M.D.>
We all- doctors and patients alike-need to get the full picture. Are we dealing with dying parents(80 percent of all 50 yr, olds have a living mother or father, and 25% of us have to take time off from work without pay to care for them)? Do we have adolescent children whose remarks or behaviors make us feel old and ineffectual, or a spouse who's sick, either mentally or physically?

Okay i have done my first Meme! ( what the F*%$ is a Meme anyway? I have seen some that are lists of things)
Anyway, This is one too i assume. So now I have to tag 3 people. Let's see.....?????
I have to tag the only other bloggers I know! haha Sorry guys if you don't want to play... No Problem!
I tag annie, Ally,
and Jenny
Hope it's fun. Thanks Ladies. :)

Stuffed Peppers

Weight Watchers update.
I haven't mentioned this diet in a long, long time. Yes, I am still trying. Yes, I am still struggling. Yes, I am still hungry.
I had lost 9 pounds since starting on Oct. 3rd. This week,I have gained 3 pounds. At first, I hopped off that scale and thought-This is so unfair. This is so ridiculous. Then I started adding up all the points I never wrote down. The Eggplant rollatini at Emilio's. The 2nd hamburger on a KAISER ROLL. The handfuls of semi-sweet chocolate morsels as I pass the pantry.( i foolishly bought the humongous bag from Costco, for the few cookies i baked )
That's it! I am going to start again. Tonight I made Stuffed peppers that I think are SO good! They are low on points but a little time consuming. Would you like the recipe? You would! I like to make 6 of these so we can have it another night.

6 red peppers- Cut off tops (It looks nice if you save the top and put it back on after pepper is filled, i don't do this anymore because we don't want that much pepper)( okay, you're right- It's because I'm in a hurry) Clean out peppers. Wash them and put them in a steamer ( my preference) or just in a pot of water to boil. Don't let them get too soft.
Meanwhile make your sauce. I like to do it this way-
saute 1 1/2 onions, and 4 cloves of garlic and fresh parsley in a little bit of olive oil. Low heat till very soft
When done- remove 1/2 and put aside ( you will use this later for the meat)
Add two large cans of tuttorosso ( or your favorite) crushed tomatoes. Add Fresh oregano and basil , Sea Salt and Pepper , 2 or 3 drops of tabasco sauce.
( For pasta sauce I would also add red wine) ( just in case you want to know)
bring to boil then simmer.
Now it's time to make up your filling
I like to use turkey chop meat ( only because of W.W.-If I was eating my old way it would be pork/veal mix.) Trust me- If you don't have a dress to fit into for an upcoming wedding- You should GO for THAT!
In large non stick fry pan brown 2 pkgs. of chop meat. (about 2 lbs?) Drain ALL the fattening meat juice. Now add the sautéed onion mix. that you saved. 1 can of diced tomatoes.A few ladles of your delicious simmering sauce. Salt and Pepper and Old Bay spice. ( of course you should elaborate and make this your own filling- maybe you would love cumin or zest it up with some curry)
Once this is all stirred together and you taste it and it's delicious- You can start filling it into your pepper.
I like to put the sauce in an ovenproof bowl then the peppers. (Use a slotted spoon so they aren't too wet.)
At this point you can sprinkle a little FAT FREE mozzarella . I like to do all this work ahead of time. Then I bake it for about 30 min.( till every thing is nice and hot.) I serve it over Brown rice with a vegetable. My husband Loves sautéed mushrooms with this. It makes a filling addition to the meal. Make sure you Glob lots of sauce over rice and mushrooms and Yum! Hope you enjoy this!

Lights On (hope u will help)

I have a friend who is doing all she can to make a difference in our world. I have been lucky enough to know her since the day she was born. I have never met a young woman with more kindness and compassion for humanity. When she was a young teen, I remember asking her what she wanted to do in life. I will never forget her powerful answer. She replied- " I want to make a difference". Well, She certainly is. One of her many Ideas, is participating in a marathon to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma. I'm hoping if you think it's a good idea too, you will visit Elanas training page and make a contribution of whatever you can afford. I'm so impressed with Elanas Determination and drive. She is an inspiration to all generations. Go Elana! I Love you and I am rooting for you!
For more on Ideas go here

Cosmo

Peeking out as if to say, "Can't you see how comfortable I am?" Cosmo the sleepyhead schnoodle enjoys his daily nap, curled up like a baby. His back leg is laying up near his head- It's difficult to see clearly because of the black background of his favorite chair.
This little pooch would sleep all day (if only his bitch Molly would let him!)

Lights out

What's the big Idea?
Who's Idea was this?
Any one have any Ideas?
Good Idea?
Bad Idea?
Bright Idea?
I have NO idea at all.

Bewildered

Recent conversation with my mom- "Mom, I have great news! Your grandson has graduated from college!" ( then i go on to explain to her (again) what his major is, That he has earned a Bachelors Degree. That we are so relieved because Math almost held him up from completion. We are SO proud of him! He is SO proud of himself!)
Moms reaction- "So when does he go back up to school?"

Oh Pabbi Minn

My dad passed away when I was 3 years old. My memories of him are more ingrained in me because of the stories I've heard about him. I'm not sure if they're real memories. My dad had a heart condition that was brought on from having Rheumatic Fever as a child.( With todays medical technology, he could have been cured.) He was frail and restricted from vigorous activities. One story about him was that he always carried me around on his shoulders. My mom would always worry that I was too heavy and would tell him to put me down. As a parent myself, I understand why he didn't listen. If you know you aren't going to be with your kids for too much longer, you take your chances and hang on tight. I was ( and still am) " the baby" of the family.
( When you are "the baby" you take this title with you till the end! I'm 47 and my mom still refers to me as the baby).

The weird thing about losing someone so important at such a young age is that the grieving process is the opposite of losing someone as an adult. As an adult the pain is present for a long time and fades a bit, the longer time has passed. The opposite is what I've been experiencing. Of course at 3 years old I had no clue of what was happening to my family. As I grew, there were times I felt curious and even embarrassed about not having a dad. During my teen years, I thought often of him and wanted to hear the stories and "get to know" him. As a young woman planning my wedding I wept -- knowing that he wouldn't walk me down the aisle. He wouldn't know the woman I had become or the man I was going to spend my life with. Now, 44 years after he has died, I think of him often and get choked up as I am now, trying to write this.
One of my favorite songs brings me to tears each time I hear it. It is Bjorks version of an old song called oh my papa. In her native icelandic language it translates to Pabbi Minn. ( If you click this you can hear her beautiful version) Even though I don't understand a word she is saying, I can't hear this song without missing my poor dad. As I listen to her flawless, gripping voice- I can imagine myself weightless on his loving shoulders, being carried into my future with him always being there, making my childhood simply idyllic.

xoxo

Where did the custom of kissing people hello & goodbye originate?
It seems some people are more comfortable with this tradition than others. I myself happen to be quite kissey. I've noticed a few people are not eager to make that warm connection. They seem uncomfortable with touching.
In my business, you get very friendly with your clients. ( hairstylist, not hooker). Touch, is a necessary part of it. Usually, by their 2nd or 3rd visit, I greet the women I truly like, with a warm hug and kiss on the cheek. Most people, seem to appreciate and cherish my friendliness. Some days (depending on who the client is and what their situation is), I realize that my warm hug may be the only one they receive that day. Several clients who are widowed and live alone, hold on to me a few seconds extra. This always tugs at my heart strings. I know they may not get much affection in their lonely lives. To realize that my touch may be the only warmth they get in maybe a week or more is so touching.
Those of us that are lucky enough to live with family members whom we love, Have several hugs and kisses each day. My boys, even though 2 are men, hug me at least once a day. I feel very blessed that my husband and I kiss each other often. In our 26 years married, we have always had at least a kiss each morning and before bed each evening.
Our kissing didn't start out so comfortably.......

He still teases me about that first kiss...
In my own defense Please keep in mind-
A. I was VERY young and B. I was EXTREMELY nervous-So, When my husband made that first kiss move.... i kissed him sooo fast, he thought he had a propeller in his mouth! Luckily for me, he wasn't deterred and on our second date things got very enjoyable. One of my favorite kissing memories of our early days, were the kisses we would catch at all the red lights. Every once in a while, he will still plant one at a red light and it brings me back to when "date kissing" was done for hours. I may be a kissey person, but seriously How did we tolerate all that friction???

Destination retro

Don't these just make you smile? These tin wall plaques were one of my husbands Christmas gifts. He loves to collect tin toys. When he saw these in a catalog he really liked them. Remember the drive-in movie theaters? Do you Remember these dancing and singing treats? I remember how the hot dog would JUMP into his bun! We don't have any drive-ins on Long Island anymore. Before the last one closed, We used to love to take our boys there. It always brought back memories of when we were kids. We would go in our pajamas. We would play in the playground before the movie began. The first time we brought our oldest son, we told him about our memories. So, he cheerfully wore his pajamas. He was totally embarrassed! No one was doing that anymore. Kids were playing baseball with their dads before the movie started. My oldest wanted to play, but was hiding in the car, in fear of being seen in his ghost buster p.js.! He was only 4 or 5 but was mortified if regarded as a baby!
Times were so innocent back when we were young. Kids were kids a bit longer. No one made fun of you if you wore snow pants to school over your tights. It wasn't UN cool to bring your lunch in a barbie or batman lunch box. My kids ditched the lunch boxes so early for the "cool brown bag". When I saw Sundays prompt, it made me nostalgic for a time far gone. A time that can never be made as clear as it is in our memories. A time I wish we could have captured and miniaturized and hung on the wall along with these retro snacks.

Bettys secret

Did you ever have something strike you so funny, so hysterical, yet you were the only one laughing? Last week as I made my normal rounds to buy beauty supplies I was struck with such a fit of laughter. While browsing in my usual store, with my usual saleslady, A HUGE new sign stopped me in my tracks. It read: NOW YOU CAN COLOR YOUR HAIR DOWN THERE! INTRODUCING HAIR COLOR FOR YOUR BETTY! Well, I was so astounded( and a bit horrified.) I just started laughing and saying things like "oh my god, People on the street can see this sign" "Betty? Who is Betty?
Should I be calling her Betty?"
"What about men? Is theirs a Barney?" "Who is interested in this? Don't they know our country is at war?" "Now we need more maintenance? Our roots on our heads AND on our-Betty's?" I was seriously cracking myself up! My usual girl was smiling( no hysterics), however her temporary Christmas helper was looking at me with a frightened look. She apparently didn't see the humor. (She must be sporting a hot pink, heart shaped Betty) Yes,This Betty coloring kit even comes with stencils! Of course, my laughter didn't stop at the store. I, of course shared the good news with many of my female clients. Thank god I am NOT crazy, because their laughter made mine seem sedate. The women were crying with laughter. (Several, pretended to be outraged, but I predict they will be calling for a private Betty session!) Geez, I don't think i am set up for this task! I feel like that Seinfeld episode, where Jerry says" now I will have to hang beads, and dress differently" Well, he says something like that.( the episode is about the menage a trois)
Don't get me wrong, I do think Betty should be taken care of! Besides her daily scrubbings, She of course needs a trim, even conditioning treatments. If occasionally she needs a little excitement with a dramatic color change- Shouldn't that NOT be left in the hands of a stranger? Some things are just best done by yourself! Or here's a good suggestion- get your lover involved in the transformation. Please leave me out of this little boost in your love life. When i went to beauty school ( many years ago). WE just didn't have to past the state board betty test!
I think this should be on sale at K-mart or Cvs along with the do it yourself hair-coloring kits. Not in the beauty supply stores. Please tell me, you agree with me. Is the world getting a little wacko? WHO out there, is planning on calling their hairstylist for a New, New years Betty?

Ch Ch Ch Ch changes

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Even with all my complaining and my overwhelmed attitude, we not only pulled off a delicious, organized, fun (and yes dust free) Christmas eve, but we also thoroughly enjoyed it! Besides our regulars ( my husbands family), Our best friends joined us and made the Eve even more jolly. They added so much warmth and conversation and holiday spirit. On saturday i was ranting that I will never do this holiday again, and by monday morning, i was making up next years menu in my mind. Like the song says, there is no place like home for the holidays. The amount of preparation and work and money spent was all worth while. ( i hope i remember this feeling come next December!)

I haven't begun my official list of New Year's resolutions yet. I know exercise and dieting will be on there, but i think what should be number one on that list is Change. Change in attitude for one thing. I want to stop being stressed out by my life.
I want to take each day with a calmer pace. The first step i plan on taking is putting myself ahead of my job. I am done making a million exceptions on when i work. I am going to set hours and days and stick to them. I am going to remember that my sense of peace is more important than making sure everyone is accommodated when their schedule permits. Running myself ragged is only running myself to an early grave. I don't think it matters if I accomplish less in my day than i feel i have to. I need to change the expectations I place on myself. I am not wonder woman, no matter what you may think! I need to breathe, I need to spend time with my family, I need to prop my feet up on those messy couch cushions. I need to blog more and complain less. I need to change. I need to walk my dogs. I need to take a yoga class. I need to clean less. I need to play more board games with Son #3. I need to make more lunch dates with girlfriends. I need to drink more of my favorite green tea. I need to be a changed me.

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a Peaceful, Loving, Merry Christmas!
(Instead of blogging I will be egg nogging)
Hope to see you before the New Year!

Wii are successful!

Well, putting out the word to find a wii has paid off. One of my kind clients called me with some great news and cute advice. He said " I heard from Santa, and he said, go out and buy some Wii games for your son". I was so excited that he found one and so grateful that he even searched. However, my son, who began helping me with my quest for Wii,
had been planning on camping out ( no tent) with many buddies. Even with his ecstatic joy of Mr. Client finding wii, he still asked if he could have the "experience" of the all nighter with his friends. And because Mr. Client said the wii would be delivered some time next week, and because I am a paranoid lunatic.....Well, Yes, We will have 2 wiis. The good thing about that is I know a few people who also expressed their kids desires for one, so I will hopefully help thrill another kid.
All this anticipation for granting this kids craving has been so distracting. I am hoping that now that my mind is clearer, I can focus on shopping & cooking for Christmas Eve, wrapping, cleaning, baking cookies and trying to make my clients look beautiful. I don't think there will be time for my roots or my much needed eyebrow waxing. So i will look a bit groucho as I am serving up my holiday dinner, maybe Santa can put a cigar in my stocking.

punishment and reward

The only thing my youngest son wants for Christmas is one of those Impossible to find, Nintendo Wii's. Seeing Sunday Scribblings prompt this week led my brain straight to the torturous punishment I have been going through, trying to locate one of these over priced,under supplied, overly hyped games systems. I feel like punishing those bastards at Nintendo by not buying one, but of course that would only be cruel to my kid. I have been calling every store in a 25 mile radius every day. I have been stopping in best buys and gamestops. When i asked one wise ass kid in best buy, if they were getting any of these stupid wiis in, he asked me, " do you own tent?" I looked at him with confusion and said " A tent? What are you talking about"
According to this guy I am not going to get one unless i camp out in front of the store. yeah, like that is going to happen. The sad thing is my little guy is such a great kid. He doesn't ever ask for anything. He is one of those compliant, good people that just rolls with the punches. He so deserves to get a gift that would totally excite him. If he does receive his desired reward, it would be so worth the punishment of the hunt.

In the last hour

Sunday Scribblings has helped to expand my blogging world. When I first tried my hand at blogging, I didn't realize how much enjoyment I was going to get by discovering other blogs. A great way of finding other blogs is through the Sunday Scribblings Participants. What I have noticed as I am snooping around, Many bloggers have met and even formed friendships through
blogging. I am lucky enough to already fall into that category. My new friend Jenny visited my blog back in the summer. We just seemed to hit it off! I now consider her a special friend and I think we will be E-pals forever.

In the last hour I have just visited several blogs that I have discovered through Scribblings. My hope is to have loyal readers of my blog and to be loyal to as many as I can handle in my crazy life. Sometimes when you leave a comment, The blogger will come visit you and politely reciprocate. Sometimes, they don't.
Let's face it, We aren't writing for just our own enjoyment or we would use an old fashioned notebook or start a file in word.
We are looking for the interaction with others. As I partake in Scribblings, hope I can connect with many nice people.

It's the Most wonderful time of the year!

Is there any one else out there, as lackadaisical as I am this year, when it comes to the holiday decorations? Maybe, it's due to the fact that last weekend was in the 60's. Maybe, It's because Thanksgiving always sneaks up on me and I always think it should be moved to another week( Maybe the 2nd thursday of November would work well. Do you think those damn pilgrims care anymore?) Then we would have 6 weeks to get ready for the merriement. I am cooking for 16 on Christmas eve and my own family on Christmas Day. I still need to shop for gifts, Plan a menu, Shop for and cook the food. Wash the china and good silverware, Find and launder tableclothes. Shop for and write out cards. Wrap the damn gifts once they're here. But! first! those decorations must be put up, down and all over the house. Wait, even before that- What's really holding me up (and getting me down)- First! First!- My house needs to get dusted. It used to get dusted weekly, Lately, however, something is happening to me. I can't stand to dust. I have a million nicknacks which i still do love, but these little treasures make dusting endless. So, before i set out santa and his stupid reindeer and the dancing bears, and the smiling snowmen, A tree with 900 ornaments, 400 mini trees and all the other crap, I need to clean. Why is it that when i finally DO get in the spirit of things, I never think i have enough of these similar doodads. We all must do this, we go in the stores and it's ooooh look Santa on a swing, a reindeer with a dogsweater, a tweetybird in a tree, A snowman with a stick up his ass. An angel in a different pose than the 22 i already have. Then when it comes to unpacking all this shit and then dusting it and putting it back in the boxes in a few short weeks, it's tedious and exhausting. Geez, I can't believe what a scrooge i sound like. I usually am not like this. I love Christmas. I really do. It's actually my FAVORITE holiday! ( I am just finding this a difficult year to get in the swing of things.)
A few days ago I had to go for minor surgery. Everything is okay, I still have to wait for the lab results, but the doc. thinks things are fine. I just feel like between the pre surgical jitters and the post surgical recoup period, I am just not accomplishing anything! I have never been one to just sit and do nothing. Well this "rest and relax" few days is making me more nutty than i already am! If I had the cards bought, I could have at least been writing. If my decorations were down from the garage loft, I could maybe do the less physical stuff. ( i will have to bug my husband to do that this week). But first -WHO out there, can I bribe to come over and bring their endust?
Hey, Maybe, if i just procrastinate for another couple of weeks- I could just pretend there's a soft layer of snow under all the holiday cheer. Yeah! that should work. Incredible, Blogging has solved my problem! Hope it gives you a good idea too!

Nemesis

It was many years ago that i would discover my only nemesis lived foot steps away. That sunny peaceful day, our quiet neighborhood was invaded, for many hours,with her dogs incessant barking. ( I guess all evil doers have an equally diabolical side kick). Having a child suffering with a migraine, I decided to venture over to this new neighbors home, and politely request if she could Please bring her dog inside. I am serious. Even though you may be surmising that i planned on being rude, no- Sweet and apologetic was my intent. The Outside door was open, the screen door was unlocked. Music was blaring, In the distance I heard a baby wailing. I knocked. I knocked again. I rang the bell. I started yelling the proverbial "Hello'" "Any one there" Okay, This I thought is bizarre and possibly bad news. What if this new neighbor was injured, hence the dog and baby unattended? I would never dare enter on my own. I decided it was best to call the police. I explained the situation clearly, I apologized that I may be wrong about the neighbor needing assistance. The outcome- The evil nemesis was in her basement ( i would like to say- Plotting neighborhood destruction) But she was giving and getting manicures with a friend. How irresponsible i must ask you?? Who would listen to music so loud as not to hear their child? Well, I guess she disagreed with me. When the police left this N.N.N. ( new neighbor nemesis) Marched into my yard SCREAMING obscenities at me. Something like " Who the fuck do you think you are" "why the fuck would you call the police". I gave her a horrified expression- Put my hands up and said " Lady, you should be thanking me, I thought you were in trouble." I walked in my house and didn't have words with her again for about a year.

One year later she apologized and said she was in a stressed way. (Some bullshit like that) I accepted her apology. About a year after that, she proceeded to block my gate with her garbage pails. We used to have access to a side street, Now we don't. I let it pass, I don't need to go out that way.
Their garbage blows onto my lawn now. They are Always outside having a cig. and talking LOUDLY on the phone. So anytime my pets go out..... Yep, they are excited by the smokers and bark. Too much! I am having to let them in early not to disturb my other neighbors.
It seems like every day there is one thing or another that I witness, hear or am just pissed off by. She likes to back out of her driveway like a psycho, burning rubber!( She is going to run over one of her kids.) Her kids like to taunt my pets, they like to throw their balls and toys in my yard. Their fence is rotting and falling apart and they don't replace it.Their dogs are allowed to roam freely with no leash! The larger one is often in my front yard. I can go on and on. I think it would be easier to have Lex Luther as a neighbor.

for more nemesis stories click Here

Give us this day, Our daily fluff

This is what our couch looks like just about every morning.(that's molly with the scary camera flash eyes) When i chose this couch many years ago, a friend told me " This will be your first and LAST loose pillow back." I thought of one of my favorite quotes ( don't know who said it originally, but I like to think of it as thumpers quote)." If you don't have anything nice to say-Don't say anything at all." Well, turns out, She said a mouthful. As much as I love this couch when it is freshly fluffed, I resent this daily Extra chore to my extraordinarily busy, crazy day. It takes a good five minutes to turn each pillow upside down and bang them. By The last few pillows, I am fantasizing killing them with each whack. (The last few are always the fluffiest.)
Including the seat cushions on the couch and love seat, there are 14 smashed in pillows to fluff. Times that 14 pillows by 7 days of fluffing and I am whacking about 98 pillows per week. Take that 98 per week and in a year I have tried to kill about 5,096 mother fucking cushions.
It is truly maddening! I know what you're thinking, Why Fluff? Why Care? If it's just going to get messy each night, leave those floppy, mushed pillows alone, cushion killer! I admit, there are days when I Must skip the fluff. Just can't spare the extra 5 minutes, or I'm already stressed and just don't want to get that angry feeling, or my hands have no strength to give a good wallop. But look at that mess. It looks so untidy, my ocd just won't allow it too often. The difference is distinct. check out what a perfectly fluffed loose pillow back couch CAN look like...



The good thing about this couch is it is the first couch we've ever had that doesn't wear out.( Even with all the beatings it gets!) Before this sucker came along we had been through more couches than most families see in a Lifetime. They would get pilly, they would show premature wear. It was ridiculous. So I guess I should be happy that this mushy one is giving us lots of years. I wish I could say it was giving us lots of comfort too, but unless you rearrange pillows, it is not easy to sit in.
As Billy Crystal used to say " it is better to loook good than to feeeel good"

Lazing on a sunday afternoon

Today was a nice relaxing sunday. We sat with our coffee and newspapers for a long time. We listened to beautiful music. We painted. My husband paints beautiful paintings. Recently, when he urged me to try to paint too, I agreed. Well, I really enjoyed it! I surprised myself. Although I feel i am creative when it comes to my work, I am not artistic on paper. I wish I could show you a picture of my first painting, but I gave it to my son as a gift. He has it up at school.It was very UNrealistic, it was whimsical. The sky had many happy faces subtly hidden. It looked like happiness. This is a picture of the 2nd painting. My husband thought it had a monet feel to it ( wow, love is blind). I want to give this one to my oldest son, when he comes home for Thanksgiving. His love of painting also encouraged me. I know it isn't good but like a child with their first finger painting- I feel so proud of it.
Another past time today was a New haircut. I have had the same old style for so many years. It was just time for a change. My husband told me to leave it in his hands and despite all the caffeine I felt so relaxed, I complied! I am really loving the change. I may dare to go even shorter next time. Maybe, Like Claude Monet here- I will even sport a baret!

Blinkless Buffoons & Bjork

We had a great day yesterday. We went upstate to visit our middle son at college. It was so great seeing him, but also great to get to know some of his friends. We took him and four of his friends to the only restaurant we know of in his town. Good old Applebees. His friends were so friendly and so entertaining. They were so happy with their food and started giving us the low down on how little they had eaten that day. Two girls had had nothing so far that day, my son had a handful of nuts. Another boy had a mini bag of Doritos. And my favorite was my sons roommate who had 7 m&ms and 1 bagel. Apparently the "good" dining hall is closed on weekends. I was so happy to talk with these fun young adults, and know this is who he chooses to mostly hang out with. I am relieved to see they were caring, intelligent, and very social people. They also gave me the low down on how cautious and sensible my son is when it comes to college partying. Yes, I am sometimes gullible but this was honest and down to earth sharing. I believe them and really think he is lucky to have such a nice group of buddies. He is loving his life there and I hope his whole life brings him this kind of contentment.

The only part of the day that wasn't great was dealing with all the inconsiderate drivers! Yeah, here I go, I have to complain about something.
Has anyone else been aware of the increasing number of drivers who refuse to ever use their directionals? It seems to me, it is a conscious act of selfishness. Using a blinker after all is mostly for the benefit of others. It is also a way of keeping yourself safe, warning people of your intentions. The inconsiderate driver is too much of a moron to understand the correlation. They just want to make their move, no matter who is shocked or inconvenienced by it. I would like to make up a million bumper stickers and distribute them to anyone who feels the same. Just something memorable like DON'T BE A STINKER- USE YOUR BLINKER! These same blinkless buffoons are also the ones who like to change from lane to lane, constantly. They are the ones that don't allow you to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. Any small space, they will drift into it. Please tell me it is not just me. Please tell me you notice this driving frenzy! I am reminded of a bit by George Carlin who said. Did you ever notice that anyone driving slower than you are is an Asshole and anyone driving faster is a Maniac! It is true. Think of it the next time some "stupid asshole" is in front of you and going much slower than you would like to be going. And as those cars speed by you while you're going 70-you say or think "fucking Maniac!"
The only thing that made the highway bearable- the great music we were singing along with. Car acoustics somehow allow us to become the artist! Yesterday I was Bjork. More bizarre than that- my husband was Christina Aguliera.

hungry mouse

Well, I am happy to admit that I actually didn't mind Halloween after all. As you can see I was not Mickey freaking mouse. I was Minnie Cheerful Mouse! ( the 4 points of wine could have helped!) Dressing up definitely put me in a more festive mood. My younger son needed my Mickey shorts so voila- my Minnie apron came to the rescue. My Dressing up seemed to bring out the best of the little tricky beasts. Many actually said Thank you! A cute bunch of little girls said "oooh, Look, She is dressed up too". A little boy with a screw stuck in his gory little face liked my lit up Pumpkin. Okay, this wasn't bad at all. Another positive that didn't hurt my spirit, was I weighed in at Weight watchers and lost another 3.8 lbs! I actually said "Holy shit" to the weigher! I thought I had had a bad week, food wise. I was so in the mood for Home made Chicken soup and didn't know how to weigh that. So I just ate it. All! It was delicious. Another foul up was when my son and I went pumpkin picking, I of course, chose the spot in town that bakes delicious donuts too. You can smell them as you are driving down the street! They were delicious! The icing on the cake (yumm, cake) was the 4 snack size almond joys I ate for lunch on Monday. Yep, they were REALLY delicious. (This weight watchers diet is pretty satisfying)
At the meeting a ww member told me about a website I thought I would pass along- hungrygirl.com ( gee, I know her) If you subscribe to it, It will send "tasty tidbits of the world of food and dieting" to your email address daily. Hope it's helpful, and Hope everyone had a nice Halloween.