masks

This Sunday Scribblings prompt immediately brought to mind one of my favorite comedies, The Mask with Jim Carrey.
Imagine if we could put on a magic mask and become who we truly are. Funny guy Jim became a cartoon character brought to life. The villain became.... yea a villain.
Who would YOU really be? Couldn't we assume that we are already wearing a mask. This magic mask called a face which hides who we truly are. Our true emotions and thoughts. A face which Hides our anger when we don't think it's appropriate to show it. Hides our criticism of others, hides desires and disappointments, hides contempt. Everyone is guilty of it. We smile and shake hands and are gracious. Our true feelings turning our insides upside down, but We MUST be socially acceptable.
Imagine if we put on Jim's mask and just "told it like it is". No holds barred. I imagine a lot of emotional pain and people falling apart. Lies are a necessary part of society. Humanity is essential for our existence, whether it's bullshit or not. So make sure you put on your happy face, take a pepcid ac if you must and keep our world turning with dishonesty, evasion and mucho crap.

( totally off subject: Is anyone else having a problem using the preview feature on blogger? I can't preview my posts as I am writing anymore, If anyone out there can offer help, I would really appreciate it)

A squirrel tail

After reading Allys post about the "squirrel wars" in her neighborhood, I thought it would be fun to reminisce about our own squirrel war. More than 20 years ago, When I was pregnant for my middle son, our critter problem began. First it was bothersome squirrels but we actually graduated to ghoulish bats! We have a very old brick home. There must be many small openings in the rafters that squirrels were calling home sweet home. We would hear their nails scratching against the walls in the early morning. We would watch them play in our yard all day. Not a terrible problem we thought.
One day, my very handy husband decided he would put a new ceiling in our bathroom. Being a busy guy he had to do a little at a time, so the first stage was ripping down the old ceiling. For a few days I was told we would just have to look up at those old wooden beams. I am an easy wife... "No problem honey". Well, One day while he was away at work and I was sitting on the bowl, A little acorn fell at my feet. I looked up at the ceiling only to see Mr. Bristly Gray Squirrel peering down at me! Despite being 9 1/2 months pregnant, I Sprang off that seat and out the door, slamming it closed, faster than an olympic athlete.
So began my husbands crusade to rid our house, yard and toilet of all things furry and small. He began by going to the hardware store to buy "humane" traps. There he ran into.....guess who.... My obstetrician! Who after hearing the whole hysterical wife on the toilet story, said " And she STILL didn't have that baby???" ( my baby was a bit over his guesstimated due date) ( btw, he was ALSO buying squirrel traps)
So, EVERYDAY Grizzley ( that's what I called my husband during "the squirrel crusade" would set his little rectangular trap with our skippy peanut butter and hope when he returned from work he would be one squirrel closer to his goal. The next morning he would drive poor, scared, missing his family, little fellow to where ever he was working that day. The first few trips, the scariest part was opening that trap to let him out. After a while, he realized they just wanted to run free and not seek revenge. After a long time of trapping and transporting.... Grizzley was getting a little concerned... In my ears he sounded like this.... " Gee MAWW, We still got ourselves a lot of varmints owt dare, Maybe they all be comin back 'ere!"
( something about this crazy crusade made me think of hillbillies) So in your best hillbilly voice read the next thing he said...
" Im going to mark these squirrels, so I will know if they are the same ones I've already trapped, I hear Tell of these suckers finding there way back to their nests" ( of course he never said "hear tell" or "varmints" but he may as well have). So Grizzley would set the trap, use all my skippy up and YEP, after the little varmint was in there... He would quickly spray paint his tail. The funny thing is, instinctively they all turned away from him, giving him a perfect aim of their tails! Squirrel Momma's must teach their young how to invade homes, hunt for food as well as how to protect themselves from crazy men with cans of fuscia spray paint. I knew Grizzley had gone too far when One day, I get a call from a friend who lives across town. She can't stop laughing. She finally tells me.... " there is a squirrel with a hot pink tail looking in my window!! It must be One of yours" We laughed for days after that and Grizzley realized his crusade was too time consuming and too futile. The next winter the population had diminished greatly, but every once in a while my son still awakens to a faint scratching inside his walls. Soon, I will tell you the fun bat tale!

Mothers Day Smiles

I had a very nice Mothers Day. My husbands parents came over for dinner. My husband, His Dad and my boys put up this new gazebo in our backyard. They put one up last year too, but during a winter ice storm, we lost it. While they were busy working, my mother in law and I had some nice quality time in the sunny outdoors which included a beautiful heart to heart conversation.

I received this cute bear with a beautiful card from my youngest son.The saying really melted me. He is so sweet. My middle son gave me this Very large Adorable card. This is SO him, since he is my funny one. It had me laughing when I saw the size of the envelope! He also wrote a beautiful saying. I am so lucky that all of my boys are very expressive with their love. My oldest son called me and we had a beautiful conversation. I really miss him, and was happy to hear he is visiting next week. He is currently cooking at a Vietnamese restaurant. After 3 days they promoted him to head cook. He has always been very creative in the kitchen and they apparently saw his potential. The first day they had expected him to know and understand 3 out of 11 dishes. He learned all 11. Even though his bachelors degree is in English, I am so happy that he is at a job that is making him so happy. He is now thinking about culinary school. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Whatever he chooses, Whatever path any of my sons happen to take... I always hope most importantly that they are happy.

tagged

I was tagged by my cool, canadian, comrade Giggles to share seven things about myself. They can be anything from a favorite quote or book to opinions about life or anything about ourselves!
Wow Giggles this is a challenge as my thinking cap has been a bit foggy lately. Okay I will make that #1....
#1. My memory has been frightfully bad lately
#2. I get nervous crossing bridges
#3. I have never learned how to play an instrument ( and wish i could)
#4. I can however pick up many things with my toes
#5. When I was 14, I moved in with a friend and her family and lived there till 17
#6. I dont like confrontations.........HOWEVER
#7. Lately, if someone gives me an attitude, I have been biting their heads off
( story to follow)

While visiting my mom in Fl., she asked me to do her hair. The haircut her usual hairstylist had her in was unbelievably horrible. It looked like an old mans sweep over, plus,it was over permed, over colored, over teased and Very uneven. I gave her a nice, short but age appropriate look and took off many inches of damage. My mom said her hairdresser/friend ( who she has been going to for 20 years) wanted to meet me.
My mom sometimes has no filter. So I repeatedly said to her, "Mom, Don't insult Barbara, Don't tell her how awful I thought your haircut was. Don't tell her I said it looked like an old mans sweep over. Don't tell her how bad the damage was, I don't want to hurt her feelings".
As we got out of the car in front of the salon, I repeated the above advice.
We walk into this real beauty parlor. Little old gray ladies everywhere with the same bad hairstyles. Cut as long on top as their sides, If they were electrocuted it would look like their faces were inside gray boxes.
My mom very sweetly and proudly says "Barbara, I want you to meet my daughter".
This 70ish horrible woman with 10 inches of thick face makeup,too much eye shadow, a HUGE updo of overly bleached curls like a 50's prom date, tight leather pants like a biker bar maid, turns around and YELLS at my mom ( with finger pointing in her face) " I TOLD YOU NOT TO GET A SHORT HAIRCUT, YOUR FACE IS TOO FAT FOR THAT".

WELL, REFERRING BACK TO # 7, I reply in a (quite) raised, angry voice.. Her face is too fat? She looks a hell of a lot better than that Old mans SWEEP over YOU had her in. That haircut was a nightmare, this was down to here, the back was all shaved, It's over colored and permed. Are you for real?" She looks great! Mom, let's get out of here" blowers stopped, curlers and old lady jaws dropped. I'm sure they must have thought "wo, her NY daughter is a bitch" I later told my mom, Barbara is lucky I didn't have a machete, Her head would have come off! ( haha, NO I DON'T OWN ONE AND HAVE NEVER USED ONE, DO YOU THINK IT MAY BE THE MENOPAUSE TALKING?) Really though, How dare she be so rude to my mom and to my work? What did she expect me to say.... ( like a little mouse).... ooooh yeah? you think it's too short, oooh im sorry
Whether you like confrontation or not, Nobody should take shit like that from Anybody! Lately I go about it in a more "in your face" way. Years ago, I would have calmly and tactfully disagreed with someone like that. No scene, No harsh words necessary. This new me is a heart pounding, adrenaline pumping crazy girl. I like her and I'm proud of her and I hope when menopause is over she will still be here. If I was given a second chance to handle the same situation, I would respond the very same way!

(I'm suppose to tag 7 more, consider yourself tagged if you would like to do this)

movie meme

I've been busy lately and haven't had much blogging time. I had a draft of this meme that I borrowed from someone's blog....
So at least I will post something else this week.... It's cute... Hope you borrow it from me... hope to write more soon


1. Name a movie you have seen more than 10 times. It's a Wonderful Life ( remember...zuzus petals?)
2. Name a movie you’ve seen multiple times in the theater. It's a toss up between Rocky in '76 or Young Frankenstein when I was a child
3. Name an actor who would make you more inclined to see a movie. Edward Norton
4. Name an actor who would make you less likely to see a movie. Ben Afleck
5. Name a movie you can and do quote from. -Embarrassed that there are way too many... how 'bout "Nobody puts Baby in the corner' (dirty dancing)
6. Name a movie musical in which you know all of the lyrics to all of the songs. The Wizard of Oz
7. Name a movie you have been known to sing along with. Which one haven't I sang along with?
8. Name a movie you would recommend everyone see.- (most recently) Dream Girls
9. Name a movie you own. The Other Sister
10. Name an actor who launched his/her entertainment career in another medium but who has surprised you with his/her acting chops. BJORK
11. Have you ever seen a movie in a drive-in? If so, what? Yes, the last one before our theater closed was Jurassic Park
12. Ever made out in a movie? Absolutely
13. Name a movie you keep meaning to see but you just haven’t gotten around to yet. Shindlers List
14. Ever walked out of a movie? Absolutely
15. Name a movie that made you cry in the theater. most recently....CLICK ( my son leaned over and said "Mom, this is a comedy")
16. Popcorn? sometimes, I prefer raisinetts
17. How often do you go to the movies (as opposed to renting them or watching them at home)? Almost never
18. What’s the last movie you saw in the theater? Rein over me ( I just love adam sandler movies)
19. What’s your favorite/preferred genre of movie? Romantic comedy
20. What’s the first movie you remember seeing in the theater? Not sure, But I have a vivid memory of seeing Butterflies are free with goldie hawn at Radio City before the show. ( back when they showed a movie before the Rockettes)
21. What movie do you wish you had never seen? Daredevil
22. What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed? Vanilla Sky
23. What is the scariest movie you’ve seen? Jonny Depp version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
24. What is the funniest movie you’ve seen? Something about Mary or Planes,Trains And Automobiles, or Young Frankenstein

My Ocean turned into Night

I am so weird when it comes to the ocean. I LOVE the Ocean and the beach. I live only about 8 miles from one of the most beautiful beaches.
I love to stare out at that vast, breathtaking ocean. It gives me serenity yet makes me realize how small and vulnerable we all really are. I love the sound of the ocean. It gives me comfort and tranquility, yet the power of its roar is intimidating. I love when I feel a breeze with a slight spray of ocean mist sprinkle over me. It gives me chills and pleasure yet frightens me with its unpredictable energy. I would love to tell you how the depth of that ocean water makes me feel but here is where I am weird. I never go into that amazing ocean. I have put my feet in, reluctantly. Sometimes when baking for hours has gotten me to the point of possible sun stroke, I have wet my hands and rubbed my sandy burnt arms. I don't know why this salty water that has possible sharp objects, biting fish, other peoples urine and other unknown garbage bothers me SO much. I just can't put my body in there. I know how bizarre and wacky this is. I watch my family and other people have such enjoyment and I am happy for them. I don't think they are weird. I know I am the weird one. It's not just the fear of the above mentioned deterrents. I also can't swim and hate icy cold water. Give me a 4 foot chlorinated, heated pool and I am a happy dog paddler.
I tried to paint a picture of the ocean but it somehow emerged into a night time landscape.

Giggles Wins! With her-HairDo Do-Do Story

Just entered a contest over at This Eclectic Life Shelly is looking for funny blog stories!
If you want to read many funny stories check out all the entries. This is a great way to find lots of laughs on one blog. It's not too late to enter your own funny stories. ( her prizes are pretty nice too!)
Speaking of contests....geeeesssss Mine was certainly a bust! Only FIVE entries! But I must say I enjoyed reading them and I thank everyone who entered! I hope you all agree ....The funniest hair story goes to Giggles, for her story of her brother with Dog DO-DO in his hair! OLd POOP HEAD! haha

giggles said....
As you know my mom was a hairdresser for 43 years, she had a shop in the basement of our home! There aren’t too many hair dressing stories there. In the seventies everyone looked like the stepford wives with the same brillo pad wash and wear perms. But there was this time where my brother got into a fight while mom was working. During the fight D’arcy was pushed onto a juniper bush where all the dogs in the neighborhood pooped. At eight years old he went running into my moms shop with a head of hair full of doggie do-do crying that he had poop in his hair. Mom’s customers were aghast, they started gagging and so did she. I think mom got what she could out by hand then put him in the sink…..but ewwwww it was disgusting!!!!
We laughed for years about old poop head! I managed to remind him of it at his wedding and it garnered another laugh. Especially because he is such a clean freak now, known to have five or more showers a day! He laughed pretty hard too!
Hugs Sherrie
Hope that wasn't too graphic!

NOPE Sherrie, Not too graphic just hysterical.
Thanks for entering that great memory! I will be sending Sherrie some great hair products ( maybe she will share them with Poop head). Thanks to the other four great stories, I loved them all guys! Hope you enjoyed Sherries too. For a second shot at prizes... Check out the above contest link.

Florida trip

The Word Wings makes me think of flying away to a secluded island a sexy retreat, a luxurious far away adult playland.... OR in my real world wings can take you to a long overdue visit with your Mom.
It felt really good to get away, especially from work and of course the usual routines of daily living. I did however, really, really miss my kids my husband my pets and my home. What is it about our own beds? Our own shower? The comfort of our own cooking and curling up on the sofa? This trip in particular made me really long for and treasure my everyday comforts.
While visiting my Mom was a reason for the trip, I also wanted to attend my first cousins daughters wedding. It was an amazing wedding. She was married at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. You have to check out this venue, it was exquisite and breathtaking. The artwork was incredible with such artists as Rueben's and Guercino displayed on huge tapestry like canvas'. During the 2 hour cocktail hour, we were allowed to view these masterpieces. It was wonderful.
It was also wonderful and very emotional to reunite with many relatives that I haven't seen in such a long time. Including
One of my cousins, who lives only 30 minutes from me, yet I haven't seen him in over 25 years! It just seems terrible. Life gets so busy that we lose touch with family. No one is at fault, No one knows how this happens. When he was married I was a little girl. Now our ages are somehow the same! 14 yrs. old and 22 yrs. old are miles apart in every aspect. But 48 and 56 are identical, no?
My mom seems to have changed a lot since I last saw her. My emotions were bubbling over between seeing her in an older more fragile state and the reuniting with so many, Including my brother who I hadn't seen in 11 years! I was unable to control my tears, my regrets and my mixed emotions. Relationships are made up of so many layers. We have guilt over what we wish could have been. We have disappointment. We have longings for a more functional family history. Over all, I am happy I took this trip. The reflections that have been brought to the surface are disturbing but necessary. I know I will work out all the feelings, If not I can place them on Wings and fly them away from me. Burying my head in the sand has never been my style. So for now, whether I am on my favorite secluded corner of the couch or in my luxurious hot shower or sexy king sized bed, I will let the emotions and feeling fly around in me. I am stronger than people expect. I know I can get these feelings under control.

On a Much lighter note. I am having a fun contest! I was hoping to top the amount of entries from last year. I SO hope you will enter and give me a few laughs! Good Luck... There is a prize and everything!

One Year Anniversary CONTEST

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

April 20th is my One year blogging Anniversary! When I was first encouraged to give blogging a try from my pal Ann I never thought I would stick with it this long. My favorite part of entering this world is all the wonderful people I have met and communicated with. The hobby of blogging has brought with it the hobby of discovering and reading other blogs. The down fall of all this good reading, is I haven't been giving as much time to books as I had in the past. Before blogging I was an avid reader. The year before blogging began, I must have read 2 books a month.
My husband recently asked How I could find other blogs so interesting. After all, these are strangers, Why the interest? I compared this to a good book or a good movie. We don't know the characters but we become engrossed in what they have to tell. One difference with blogging. These "characters" are real. Real people who also want to connect and have feedback and reach out to the reader. Like the character in a novel asking you- So what did you think? Any words of advice? Can I visit your novel and leave my thoughts? Interactive books, but much better because of the real people attached.
When I first started blogging I expressed to Ann how I wished I had more people reading, more comments. At first it was just Ann's comments and a friend or two. Then Ann suggested having a contest which was a lot of fun. It also connected me with my very special e-pal & now friend Spider. We just hit it off and have been writing ever since. Wise Ann also suggested Sunday Scribblings. I enjoy participating in their weekly prompt for 2 reason, 1- It gives me a great topic each week and 2- It is responsible for allowing me to meet a lot of great people.

In celebration of my Anniversary, How about another contest? The last one brought me 11 entries. I am hoping to double that
this time! So put your thinking caps on and Please tell all your buddies.... I thought an appropriate topic would be - Tell me your funniest or worst haircutting or haircoloring story. I am sure we have all had one. (* personal note to my Wonderful clients that read this..... BEFORE YOU KNEW ME, PLEASE haha)
Good Luck everyone!-( I will announce the prize when I think of one- I am leaning towards a hair item)
** posting this a bit early because I am going to Florida and won't be here on April 20th. Hope to read a lot of great entries when I return!)**

Secret Identity

I am going to reveal my secret identity that I've kept a secret for too long now.
I am not a boring housewife from Long Island.
I am a broadway star. I dance with high kicks. I sing with High notes. I get paid High scale.
I get standing ovations every show.
I've been in all the real big ones... Cats, Le Mis, Chicago.. most recently Mamma Mia
I'm waiting to be called for a new one... It's going to be huge... Reserve your tickets now
It's called
"The Lies you tell strangers while playing cyber backgammon."
It's such a fun show, It makes you feel naughty and guilty!
Backgammon has never been so much fun!
Hope to see you there. I will be autographing my photos in the chat room.

for more secret identites go to
Sunday Scribblings

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.