The Vacation

Our week off is going very well. If I get any more relaxed, check me please, because it might be a coma. We really wanted to take each day and just see what we felt like doing. We were thinking we may go to the city or head out east. Well, so far we have mostly felt like doing Nothing. This shows me how stressed I was feeling. Each day "nothing" sounds like the best plan. It is impossible for my husband to do "nothing". So when he says he hasn't done much all week, don't believe him. His idea of doing nothing is carting eight 50 lb. bags of pebbles into the back yard and spreading them in all the new beds he dug out. Carrying heavy stepping stones back there too and making a beautiful path. I start out on a lounge chair with a book and many hours later, I am on the lounge chair with a book. He starts out on a lounge chair and maybe 7 minutes later, he says something like... I'll be back.. I'm just going to clean out that basement. OR I'm just going to start slowly bringing the rocks back here. Before you know it, he is covered in sweat and dirt and his lounger is occupied by Molly and Cosmo.

We have been eating dinner out a lot. Something I love to do- EAT. Even in my semi-comatose state, I can't help noticing what I brought up in my last post. Our society has lost common courtesy. While sitting waiting for my delicious filet of sole arreganata at Emilios, I couldn't help noticing the people around me. One guy follows the waitress to his seat while YAWNing an exaggerated loud yawn. His molars weren't too appetizing. Another guy, being brought to his seat was talking SO loudly on his cell phone. One woman sat her 4 yr. old on the table in front of her so they could play! I observed that most people order without saying Please and thank-you. Some don't even look up at the poor waitresses face. I say Poor because she looked like she was sick of these people too. I felt sorry for her. I know I could never serve food for a living. I would be having many ooops moments, deliberately dropping drinks in their manner-less laps.
Speaking of drinks, I thought I would do my share of drinking this week( for relaxation purposes of course!), but After one VERY strong frozen margarita at Besito I decided to stick to iced tea. I don't know how much alcohol they put in this drink but I felt drunk from just one! Even though this is a Mexican restaurant and it is a Mexican drink, I felt the desire to shout BOnSAi half way through drinking it! An hour or so after we dropped our friends home, I felt hung over and had the worst headache. Whatever had me yelling also had me wasted. The next day I needed double time on the lounger to fight the effects of one drink. ( I'm such an amateur)
Our vacation was also suppose to be a great time to enjoy our new hot tub. We received this tub about 3-4 weeks ago. We had to wait one ( understandable) week for our electrician. He hooked it up and put on the jets and guess what? It started pouring water from underneath! He thought maybe it was a cracked or loose fitting. Terrific! So began our phone stress with the company. After much arguing and aggravation... We still had to wait TWO weeks for them to send a repairman. We tried to keep it in perspective. Remember I've said How I hate when people complain because they are having their houses renovated, or they're getting ready for a vacation.. I don't want to sound like that. After all we've been through in life, I KNOW that this is NOT a problem. So.... We have gone in this week just to cool off from the sun. Without jets, I am thinking of it as a nice warm very small pool! The repairman is due to come today, but with the pouring rain we're having I will not be holding my breath.

I love that this week has given me a lot of time to read. Have you read "The Prince of Tides"? If not I deeply recommend it.
The film is one of my favorites. When I was talking about it with a friend she asked if I had read the book. She said it was one of her top 10 favorite books. I am so happy she mentioned it. The book is beautifully written (by Pat Conroy). Like all books adapted to film, the book is full of wonderful details and gives insight into the characters that I was so happy to discover. I am falling in love with the main character Tom Wingo. ( I keep telling my husband- I have to leave you 'cause Tom Wingo is giving me goosebumps!) Unlike most books I've read though, I think they did a fabulous job transposing this book into a movie. I only have a few pages left and I plan on spending one night of vacation re-watching this poignant, must see flick. If you have seen it or read the story, I would love to hear what your thoughts are. If you haven't, Please consider putting it on your netflix list or reserve list at the library.
Well, It's nearly 4pm. We've stayed home all day waiting for the hot tub man, who was due at 2. I think it's time to get ready to go experience another local restaurant and seek out good manners.

Is it me?

We are off from work this week and it feels much needed and much appreciated. Lately my stress level has been in the danger zone. Last week, maybe because I was anxious to start my veg out, I was a tiny bit of a lunatic. It is hard to judge my lunacy when I see myself mirrored in my middle sons big baby blues. I love spending time with him ( he is hysterically funny) but he is starting to give me a complex.... a crazy one! No matter our situation, he views my behavior and my conversations as craaaaazy. ( he always exaggerates the a) For instance....
We were in Kohls buying him new work shoes... I remembered I needed to buy a baby gift. After getting the gift, the wrapping paper and the bow, I said let's pay back here at the Customer service counter, they may be more apt to have a gift box than the front registers. Very nicely as I put my merchandise on the counter I asked the bored, pissed off looking sales woman if I could please have a box. She looked at me like I was asking her for one of her kids. She said "We don't have any boxes".
So began my debate with this woman. "Oh, do you know if they have them up front?" "No, we don't get boxes."
me- What are you talking about? I always get boxes here........ Here is where my middle son looks at me with those eyes and that look on his face meaning... Craaaaazy. I could have smacked him in the head! He whispers to me... Mom, stop already they don't have them.... they don't give you boxes in stores. ( Can you tell, he only shops for skateboards and cds??) I say... Of Course they do! this isn't K-mart. When you shop at Kohls or Macys or bloomingdales... You are suppose to get a Gift box. She says " At christmas, that's the only time we get them" So I look up at the anti-clerk and I say..." WHAT?"
( but I get composed and try to simmer and say) "hold on let me go get a gift bag instead."
NO baby gift bags in the store... Back to her counter I look at her apathetic expression and I say.. So what are people suppose to do if you don't give us a box anymore? She says like it's common knowledge- " You go over to the dollar store and buy one". Here is where... thank god my kids where with me. I could have punched her right in her sarcastic ugly face! ( do you think I need this vacation???)
My tension was palpable. I pay her and we walk away. My son starts pestering me, that I sound like the lunatic customers that he has to deal with at work and he is Debating with ME, ME a semi-professional shopper... that Of course you shouldn't get a box! He was so emphatic I was slightly questioning my sanity and my memory of my shopping expertise. We got to the front registers, I walk away from my traitor son.... and say to the cashier... "Excuse me, would you happen to have a box?"
The sweet young girl said... Are you ready for this..... "Sure! What size would you like?" My eyes shot my 20 year olds like daggers... as I said to her... Your customer service woman claims they don't exist.
Again, If I wasn't with my kids... I would have happily marched all the way back to the cust. service counter... Held up my trophy called " A gift box" and said " Guess What? It must be Christmas!" Sometimes our kids bring out the best in us... I simply left the store.... triumphant and probably, YES, a little craaaaazy.
Basically this very long story is being told to remind me to breathe deeply this week. Enjoy the simple things in my life. Relaaaax. Take everything with a grain of salt (as well as extra salt on the rim of my much needed margarita.) See the glass as Half full ( As well as half full of Vodka with my fufu soda.)
Has anyone else been frustrated by sales people lately? I would love to hear your tales! :)

decisions

Decisions, Decisions... Some can be mind boggling. Some are no brainers. Some have devastating consequences. Some are the best decisions you've ever made. 16 years ago, after struggling for many months with a desire, I made one of those best decisions.
After being fortunate enough to have two healthy children, we decided our family was complete. Several years later, as my two great guys grew, I began to get a stirring deep down in my heart. I loved my family very much, yet I felt it wasn't complete. I remember my heart feeling heavy, with the yearning and love to raise another child.
Financially, I didn't think it was wise to take on the expense that comes automatically with having more kids. My husband was working like a lunatic to make ends meet.( and if your read the last post... NO it wasn't because of my shoe habit!)
Living on Long Island is ridiculously expensive and we had considered moving several times through our marriage, circumstances never seemed right. So we struggled on... The yearning grew. I didn't want to even burden my husband with the strong maternal desire that I was fighting. So what does a girl do? Right... You turn to your girlfriends. One dear friend who had already had four kids, Wisely said "my mom said you can always stretch the soup, giving your children a sibling is the best gift you can give". Another dear and also wise friend said " I don't think you should put that kind of pressure on your husband, As it is things are difficult" And last but not least my other dear friend said Out right " ARe YOU F___ing CRAZY? Your boys are 7 and 4, soon Life will be even easier, Why the hell do you want to strap yourself down with another baby? haha - Don't you just LOVE her honesty?? I loved it, Yet...
I listened to my heart and friend # one. My poor tired over worked husband was ecstatic by my desire. He had always wanted a big family. He said The hell with practicality and money. Let's have a baby!
Most people think because of the age difference( 8 yrs. between 1st and 3rd) our youngest must have been a happy little accident. I recently told him this story. He was so planned and so desired and he was one of the best decisions we had ever made.
I read an article after he was born, a study showed that what #child you were dictates how many children you feel completes your family. I though it was interesting because I am # 3 and I KNEW my family wasn't whole without a # 3.
Speaking of #3.... That third girlfriend.... Felt SO terrible about her advice after she fell in love with our little guy, She has NEVER forgotten one of his birthdays. She often jokes... Thank god you didn't listen to me. You know what else? I still seem to have extra soup in our pot. You know what else? These last nearly 15 years with him HAS been the best gift to all of us.
If you decide to read more decison stories click HERE

SHOES glorious shoes!

I haven't met a woman yet who doesn't LOVE shoes! For me, I would almost consider it a fetish. (Embarrassing, but I will admit- I seem to have this same obsession with Pocketbooks and jackets too.) A good looking shoe, purse and very cool jacket girls and who cares what else you are wearing. So you can imagine how excited ( happy excitement, not the pant- pant kind) I was to read Sherries post about my much beloved topic of SHOES! She posed the question.... What do my shoes say about me? So I would like to pose the same question to you! What do my ( summer) shoes say about me?
Let me tell you something about some of them- I bought the brown borns most recently for their comfort. Many years ago in a Manhattan shoe store, a salesmen watched me looking at all the cute, trendy shoes. I asked him if he could get me a pair in my size. He shook his head and said "You don't want to wear those, Let me get you a pair of shoes you are going to love". He disappeared up a flight of stairs. He came back with a black pair of Born Maryjanes. They were pretty ugly but in a cute sort of way. I tried them on and couldn't believe HOW much more comfortable they were than my usual choices. I bought them and have almost worn them out. I did however wonder.... Gee, Do I look old and tired and like I stand up all day? How was He SO sure I needed comfort so badly? Brilliant shoe man!
I stand on my feet all day and thought it would be smart to start to take care of my legs and feet. So, The brown born sandals are worn to work a lot. I love all of these shoes but I seem to most often slip into the most comfortable ones, the pink flip flops, for everyday running around.... The white with the peekaboo toes aren't too comfortable but I can suffer through a night out in them because... Well, Just look at how adorable they are. Aren't you getting chills?
The green with the daisy, I bought last year in 3 colors and use them often like a comfy pair of slippers.
As much as I love my winter shoes and am batty for boots... I have to say I love wearing open toe shoes the best. I love how free my feet feel, I love how quickly I can slip in and out of them. I love the whimsical styles and the bright colors.
Why do we women love shoes so much? I read in the book "in her shoes" that it's because no matter how much weight we gain our feet stay the same size. That is not true for me. I got married in a size 6 and now wear an 8! I am only 15 lbs heavier than my wedding day, so what is up with that? Is it from standing so much, these poor piggies just flattened out??
So my blogging buddies... If you are still with me at the end of this EXTRA WIDE shoe tale. I will ask you...What do my shoes say about me and my chubby little toes?? Hmmmm??

Rainy Day Sunday

What a Rainy, humid, stinky BLAH day here on Long Island. The last time it rained like this I had a puddle in my laundry room. Apparently, the trouble is coming from a gutter that is in much need of replacing. We also are in need of a roof and have been gathering estimates.( which, I would love to ask a favor... Would you tell me your opinions on what color roof would look best on an old brick house?, THANKS!)
Knowing we will eventually be getting the roof and gutters fixed, My husband came up with a quick solution to the rain pouring off the gutter and flooding my basement. Before I tell you, keep in mind this is a VERY smart and handy hubby. A hubby who has the knowledge and ability to get up on a roof and repair a gutter, a steeple, a Freaking sky scrapper! He decided to take the HUGE Yellow plastic slide that used to be on my sons old swing set, And place it against our home, allowing the water to drip down the slanted slide and away from the house! It looks bizarre and I'm sure the neighbors must be talking! It sits in the beautiful flower bed that this same man takes such pride in. He trims and lovingly nurtures each little tree, shrub and flower with fertilizer, water and tenderness. It seems out of character for him, but I am Not saying a word. No nagging or bitching from this smart little lulu. Nope. I have learned in our almost 27 years married, to save the bitching for the big stuff. I did suggest that on sunny days, we put that slide on its side so it's not visible from the street. That didn't last long, too often it poured when we weren't home to "PUT UP THE SLIDE".
Do you remember the show green acres? I hope I won't be climbing a pole soon to make a phone call.
Those of you who know my husband, know I have nothing to complain about, including the slide. He has always been more helpful than anyone I know. Right now, during this "lets stay home, rainy day".. He is putting multiple coats of wax on my NO Wax kitchen floor. He Insists on doing the "heavy work" for me. This floor is 23 years old. For the first 15 years or so, I would just wash it. Over time the no wax finish was finished. Handy Man to the rescue, He has it looking better than new. All the hard work he does around here gives me more time to sip my tea and blog about it all. Even take a picture just for you. This is not wet, just lovingly shiny!

night of the dancing flame

Search Video Codes

Are you watching the show " so you think you can dance?" If you've read my blog for a while, you know I have always wished I was a broadway dancer. No talent mind you! Just loving it & desire and a lifelong fantasy. Maybe that is why I am enjoying this show so much. A few weeks ago Neil and Lauren did this great routine that you are watching.(well, I hope you will watch it ) Not only did I LOVe the dancing, I fell in love with the song. Apparently so did many people, because it is on back order at Best Buy. It is also going for $50 bucks on amazon! WO! Yes that's what I said! The artist is one Phenomenal Roisin Murphy. She is from the Uk and this song is on her debut album called Ruby Blue. Here is what Amazon said- "She was originally known as the eccentric pop voice in Moloko, that wacky dancepop group that turned out some of the U.K.'s best electronica. Alas, after 2003's "Statues," Moloko is no more. But lead vocalist Roisin Murphy is just beginning... her solo career,that is"
I have never heard of Moloko but I'm looking forward to hearing more from Ms. Murphy. If the album is half as enjoyable as this song, It will be worth waiting for.
I was hoping to dig out of storage a picture of me during my very short dancing school stint. During my first few lessons, My very nice teacher, Mr. Vic asked me if I was a cheerleader. ( I was constantly landing hard on my feet) I wasn't a cheerleader but he put the exciting possibility in my head. The following fall I began high school and tried out for the cheerleading team. The snooty senior who ran tryouts made us do a few jumps and spins.Every time I landed I extended my foot and pointed my toe. Before she rejected me she asked me in a very annoyed voice " What are you? A dancer?" ( Bitch!) Discouraged, I decided I wasn't cut out to be a cheerleader or dancer and so the fantasy began.
As far as the show goes, I am hoping one of my favorite dancers, either Neil or Lauren, will win the competition and live the dream I wish I would have pursued.
So do I think I can dance? Well, despite the criticism of my younger days, YES! I do think I can dance and when I do it's the love of the music and the movements that give me joy and that's what's most important.
updated on 7/26- Okay don't laugh... I found the dancing school picture....

Banana Bread

I agree with what they say- when you have lemons make lemonade
I also say- when you have rotten bananas make banana bread!
When I was first married my mil gave me a great Banana bread recipe that I've been making for years
I always have these ingredients on hand because 9 times out of 10 when
I don't have bananas the kids want bananas, SO I buy bananas and this is what happens-
BEFORE:

hope you try this and enjoy it!
email me if you have a question :)








BANANA BREAD
1/3 cup veg. Oil
1 ½ cups mashed ripened bananas ( about 4)
½ tsp. Vanilla
3 eggs
2 ½ cups bisquick(I like the reduced fat bisquick)
1 cup sugar
(optional ½ cup shop nuts)
( I've also added crasins or raisins)

Heat oven to 350
Generously grease loaf pan ( I prefer a larger pan)
Stir all ingred. With a fork until moistened.
Beat vigorously for 1 min.
Pour into pan and bake until toothpick comes out clean
Approx. 45-60 min.
(depending on size of pan... If it starts to get too dark on top, cover with foil, leaving slit in middle)
Cool for 5 min. run knife along sides and remove from pan

AFTER:

$100,000 Pyramid

A freshly ripped bikini waxing
Preparing for a colonoscopy
Lancing an infected toe
Natural Childbirth
Lulus New Fall Boots

"What are Wicked things?"

click video box and hear my favorite band do evil ways(pretend it's wicked ways)

The Moaning Meme

Should I thank Ally Bean for tagging me with a meme? Or in light of the topic should I complain and curse at her? Since it's one of her pet peeves... I will say Thanks Miss Bean! here it goes:
5 people who will be annoyed you tagged them.
Sherrie @ happytiler
Daisy @ pluckthepetal
Jane @ paintedhouse52
Deirdre @ writinganamcara
Ann @ purlingswine
4 things that should go into room 101 and be removed from the face of the earth
*Cigarettes/cigars/pipes- Why are you putting LIT objects into your mouth?
*Those wireless phone things that people put in their ears and walk around talking aloud on like lunatics from another planet
*HMO's..... If I have to plead with one more dumb ass receptionist for a referral, I am going to Implode
*Bullies.... Get some therapy It is YOU you really hate.
3 things people do that make you want to shake them violently.
*Complain about getting ready to go on a vacation or have an extension put on their homes.... Are you kidding me? BRATS
*Don't use blinkers while driving but instead use their hands to text and dial their cell phones... GET OFF the F---ing Road!
*Let their dogs roam freely... Hello? there is a leash law! If a car doesn't kill spot I will because his urine in burning my lawn!

2 things you find yourself moaning about.
*What to cook for dinner.... I can truly give up eating if I get to give up making dinners
*Dusting... It's been so long I think I may need a belt sander

1 thing the above answers tell you about yourself.
*I am a lazy, angry bitch, but a good driver? ( that's 3 things)

RULES
• Link to the original meme at freelancecynic.com so people know what it's all about!
• Be as honest as possible. This is about letting people get to know the real you!
• Try not to insult anyone - unless they really deserve it or are very, very ugly!
• Post these rules at the end of every meme!

slinky dog

The other day my youngest son and I went to the dentist. He had to have 3 primary teeth extracted. He has always been a great dental patient and has never had a cavity. He handled this visit like the other visits and truly like he handles most everything in life- "no big deal mom". I was talking about him to our dentist when I was in the chair. ( Yeah, unlike my silver-free son- I had Another cavity) This sweetheart kid has been literally No trouble since the day he was born. Of course like all kids he has had a few accidents. He has had more broken bones and scraped elbows and knees than his big brothers. He needed surgery twice as a child. But I'm talking about trouble, trouble. You know what I mean? NEVER in his entire life has he been a behavior problem or has he had a fight or any trouble with another kid. NEVER in his life has he mouthed off to me or his dad, been a brat, had a temper tantrum, been disrespectful in any way. He is an easy kid. He is almost too compliant. NEVER in his entire academic career has he ever needed or wanted help with homework.( Probably why he is doing so well!) NEVER has he been in trouble at school. I really thought about all this as I saw him emerge from the office with a mouthful of gauze, a head full of messy chair hair. I tell this child how much I love him everyday, and I DO tell him he is a wonderful person. I just really, really need to express it to him and to me. I think we take easy kids for granted. As I hugged him and made sure he was okay, I asked him if he wanted to go to Toys R Us for a slinky dog? Of Course at 14 he looked at me like I was crazy AND embarrassing! ( 2 of my best motherly attributes) Seeing him, brought back the strongest memory of being a kid, getting teeth pulled and then going to the 5 & 10 cent store and being allowed to choose a brown slinky dog as a reward for being so brave. The memory was crystal clear and happy. I so seldom have such strong, positive memories of my childhood. That slinky dog really thrilled me! Instead, My brave one accepted an invitation to an italian ice outing after the Novocain wore off. (Maybe, I will slip a slinky dog in his Christmas stocking, just for the fun of it)
(hope you stay and listen to one of my Favorite Lennon songs)

Hair

I Love that Laini and Meg decided to make HAIR the Scribblings topic this week! My mind went in a million directions. Too much to write about on this topic of course! Do I take the best of all my clients stories? Do I tell you the down side of cutting hair? Maybe share my best makeovers? Do I share the glamour behind the scenes? The stuff no one knows about like plucking coarse hairs out of my expensive bras with a tweezer? Oh that is nothing! Sometimes those babies go right on through the nylon, Trust me It's not a pleasant tale! Rather than write a post that could fill a book, I have opted to talk about MY hair. Like most women I talk with, I have always hated my hair. From the beginning.....
I was not given much to work with. Fuzzy, thin and curly. Yikes! ( You've seen this photo before I know, but it is my only baby picture!)
My hair got a little better as shown here.... my son ( getting the cut) inherited his dads beautiful hair!

I've mostly worn my hair curly. During the farrah days of the mid 70's, I struggled with the blow dryer, dying for those sausage rolls on the side of my head like all my friends seemed to have naturally. During the late 70's I became a hairstylist. Do you know what hairstylists do when business is slow? Yeah.. We experiment on each other! My favorite look was when a colorist convinced me that Purple was my color. He gave me a heavy highlighting and colored me with crazy color.( I so wish I had a pic. of this look) I must admit, when I was in full makeup and hip clothes for work or going out, The purple was really flattering and fun. However, On my days off from work and makeup... I was a scary sight. I gave up that look soon after some kids followed me out of Waldbaums laughing and pointing and causing me to resort to finger gestures!
Styles changed and my curly hair was in high demand. One Perm after another Perm, I was giving unhappy women the look that I had been unhappy with to make them.... happy!? I was so caught up in the frenzy that I let someone give ME a perm, hoping if I used Very large rods, my tight curls would be as loose and sexy as Madonna was during the same era.
No such luck, in spite of the knowledge and talents of my fellow stylists, I now had a fuzzier head of tighter curls than I knew what to do with. I vowed to just leave myself alone and only did semi-permanent tints for shine and body for many years.
Through this discontented hair journey, my husband who is an amazing stylist, suggested going blonde. I never took him seriously, and I always worried that it would be too damaging to my baby-fine, thin, dark-brown hair. About 5 years ago, I put my worries aside and let him do his thing and promised I wouldn't interfere. ( Not an easy task for a know it all chatterbox) The results were astounding. After 43 years of hating my hair, I actually loved it!
First, because he did a beautiful job on the color and highlighting. Second, due to the damage the bleach causes,it actually pumped up the hair cuticle, I finally felt like I had MORE hair! ( self portrait, isn't the best example) With daily conditioning treatments and monthly trims, my hair still feels healthy. Without the contrast of Dark hair on white scalp, I'm not as self conscious about having thin hair. I feel like I should quote one of my favorite characters! " if you ever go looking for your hearts desire, you shouldn't look any further than your own backyard"
Glad you were in our backyard honey xo
(hope you turn up the volume and listen to "samson"

Your invited for Cyber drinks!

If you haven't heard of the hungry girl web site, you're missing out on some great dieting tips. Even though hungry girl is not sponsored by Weight Watchers, they give point equivalents on all their recipes. If you go to their website and sign up with your email address ( btw-.. it's free!) they will email you daily recipes and dieting tips. The temperature here on Long Island is into the 90's today and extremely humid. Doesn't that just make you yearn for a nice cold Pina Colada? Here is todays recipe, I just had to share it with you! While you're sitting back enjoying one, check out the fat, calories and points on a regular one. Holy Pineapple! I usually can't stop at one of these! Cheers!
clink clink

Hungry Girl's Piña Colada Freeze
Ingredients:
1 oz. light rum
1.5 oz. Torani Sugar Free Coconut Syrup
1/4 cup Breyer's Double Churn Fat Free Ice Cream, Creamy Vanilla
1 tbsp. crushed pi neapple in its own juice
3/4 cup crushed ice
1 packet Splenda (or another no-calorie sweetener)

Directions:
Put all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds. Pour into a cute cocktail glass. Then share this recipe with everyone you know!

Serving Size: 1 recipe
Calories: 126
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 41mg
Carbs: 13g
Fiber: 1.5g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 1.5g
*2 Points!

As opposed to the
Average Frozen Piña Colada=

Serving Size: approx. 7 oz.
Calories: 530
Fat: 17g
Sodium: 160mg
Carbs: 61g
Fiber: <0.5g
Sugars: N.A.
Protein: 1g

*12 Points!

here's a brilliant idea- take a bus

On Fathers Day on Long Island, A dad driving to his sons soccer game was slammed into by a truck running a red light. The innocent Dad- Dead. The slimy truck driver- Unlicensed

Statistics have shown that 16.6% of the 126 fatal accidents in my county last year involved unlicensed drivers. Nationwide in 57,000 fatal crashes in '05,
13% were unlicensed motorists.
I am happy to hear that they are trying to crackdown on unlicensed drivers. In both Suffolk and Nassau counties on Long Island the # of fatal crashes have ranked First and second in our entire State! Yet driving without a license is considered a traffic violation and not classified as a crime! Now, both counties are arresting anyone caught driving without a license who also cannot prove their identity.

I don't think that is severe enough. Especially when many are unlicensed due to losing their licenses for moving violations, dwi, or not paying tickets. Whatever the reason these Slippery bastards are trying to slip by and live above the law, putting our lives and the lives of our loved ones in danger. Politically, I don't consider myself conservative or liberal. It depends on the issue at hand so I tend to fluctuate between categories. But as you've read before on my posts, for me when it comes to driving , I think we all HAVE to realize that a car is a deadly weapon. Driving is a serious responsibility and this weapon and its laws MUST be respected.

The paper said that a local D.A. and a Judge feared that a crackdown on this issue could be perceived as racial profiling because a majority of the recent arrests were hispanic people. I say to them or anyone else who is willing to have lenient laws for fear of offending someone... "Ridiculous"! Ask the loved ones of the 21 people killed by unlicensed assholes last year in suffolk county alone. Ask those grief stricken mothers, fathers and children if they would mind the inconvenience of being detained to validate their licenses if it will keep our roads safer. Any humane individual should be willing to endure the small disruption in your driving schedule if it will help find and keep these law breakers on foot. What are you willing to tolerate to possibly save a little boys dad?

Turn up the volume baby!

Wow! I have music! It was so easy too. I tried other links before with no luck, but this time I just clicked my friend Sherries music and was led to "you tube video codes." Please enjoy one of my absolute favorite artists BJoRk singing "It's Oh so Quiet". Scroll down and watch her adorable video. Hope you enjoy her!

signing autographs after the post

Besides loving the wonderful writings of my fellow bloggers, I've also been intrigued by how sophisticated their web pages are .In their sidebars ( using a technical blog term here ) they have pictures and links and interesting tidbits. As many of my blogging friends know I am totally clueless when it comes to htmls, templates and the other terms you have all so patiently tried to teach me. My original blogging instructor and inspiration to attempt blogging (THE purling swine) sent me a web monkey. Yikes, I forgot where I put him. After much questioning and email advice from others I was able to visit and accomplish blogroll ( <- look left <-) that was a proud day, but I quickly forgot how I had done it. The other day it took me an hour to figure out how to add a few more blog links to that list. Well NOW.... I am sooo proud and happy to announce I explored my own template! (gee....I may be sharing too much here, eh?)
Well in my long confusing template I spied words informing me "you can put text in your sidebar here!! " It was exciting yet scary as I was afraid I would screw up and erase important blog stuff that I wouldn't ever find again, but guess what? I DID IT!
For all you expert bloggers out there, I know this probably sounds pretty pathetic. For all my friends who don't blog, I know you will think I am a computer genius! I can't promise you that I will have much sophisticated stuff in my sidebar. Right now I have the lyrics to one of my favorite songs by Regina Spektor.( soon I hope to master having the actual song play for you!!) If you want to hear a sample of it after you read it, you can click here. I also put up a couple of nice quotes. Which speaking of quotes there is one at the very bottom of the page (eh-hum eh-hum) Text in that area is known in the template or computer genius world as a "footer". Impressive, no?

Stupid is as stupid does

I thought I would share some local news. It is making me want to move away from Lawng AwyLund.
Todays Paper the headline read "Pizza with the works."
This entrepreneur ( moron) had a menu of illegal fireworks longer than the pizza menu at his store. He stored some only 5' from the Hot pizza ovens, some in his accomplices backyard shed. They estimate it to be between $50,000.- $100,00. worth of explosives. Customers (speaking in code) would place orders for illegal fireworks, and Pizza man would call them and say "Your pizza is ready". As stupid and dangerous as this is, what really, really amazed me (and has me questioning our school system) are the comments from the neighbors, when told what was stored on their street. They all thought it was no big deal. One mans comment is what led me to write about this story. I am still laughing from disbelief and embarrassment for him. (He actually let them print his name after this) He said " It's Independence Day, Fireworks don't hurt nobody"
Any ideas on a new location I can move to?

Golden rules

I saw these rules many years ago in an Ann Landers column and cut it out and tucked it away.
I finally cleaned out a closet that has been haunting me and this little worn out paper fell to my feet.
Imagine if everyone( my boys) followed these simple, sensible steps?
#1 is for my son who always leaves the seat up(while doing #1)
#9 is for my remote thief
#8 is for my Ketchup Kid
1. If you open it, CLOSE IT.

2. If you turn it on, TURN IT OFF.

3. If you unlock it, LOCK IT.

4. If you break it, ADMIT IT.

5. If you can't fix it, CALL SOMEONE WHO CAN.

6. If you borrow it, RETURN IT.

7. If you value it, TAKE CARE OF IT

8. If you make a mess, CLEAN IT UP.

9. If you move it, PUT IT BACK.

10. If it belongs to someone else, GET PERMISSION TO USE IT.

11. If you don't know how to operate it, LEAVE IT ALONE.

12. If it doesn't concern you, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.

(an old photo of my 2 youngest guys, cuteness overrules neatness)

Leo the Lioness

"What's your sign?" Doesn't that line bring the 70's rushing back to you? It is so corny and has been goofed on by some of the best of them. Remember Steve Martin doing the wild and crazy guy? I'm pretty sure he asked that question. I remember being very interested in astronomy as a teen. It was fun & I researched everyone I knew. I don't remember a lot of it but I remember it was interestingly right on the money for many people. Take me for example-( clearing my throat)- here is what the books say about us leos...
*Positive Traits
• Generous and warmhearted (true)
• Creative and enthusiastic (true)
• Broad-minded and expansive (true again)
• Faithful and loving ( true, true)
Negative Traits
• Pompous and patronizing ( Who me? How dare you, I am just perfect)
• Bossy and interfering ( this author sucks, I must inform him- Leos have NO negative traits)
• Dogmatic and intolerant ( I am getting a different books opinion on this!)
Leo Likes: speculative ventures, lavish living, rich food, children, drama, pageantry and grandeur ( Oh yes, darrrliinnng!)
Leo Dislikes:doing anything safely, day-to-day living, small-minded people, penny-pinching and mean spiritedness ( stay away from me you cheap, horrible people)
One day back in the crazy 70's, I walked into a lavish hair salon, looking for work. These two free spirited sisters gave me a rare job application. No social security number needed, No questions like " do you have job experience?" They wanted to know my birth place/day/ time/ year. They needed to find out if I would be in harmony with their surroundings. They were going to chart me. It was the only time I didn't get a job because my sun was in Pisces. Oh well, I had a feeling that their idea of harmony was conflicting with earths.
This was a fun Prompt from Sunday Scribblings, want to read more on this topic? click Here

mother and child reunion

Last weekend we had a fun road trip upstate to visit my oldest son. On the road I observed how strange my senses work. When my husband said " Do you smell fire"? I couldn't, until I turned down the music, then "YES I DO smell fire!" When he said " Oh god look at that accident" I couldn't see it very well, until I turned down the music! "oh that's awful"! Does anyone else have this oddity? Anyway, we went upstate because we wanted to celebrate our sons 23rd birthday and see his new apartment. His new place is much nicer than the last one. He actually has a closet in his bedroom now.( WooWHO!!) It is also in a much better section of the city. It reminded me of Greenwich village. He can walk or bicycle everywhere. He is close to a beautiful park which often holds concerts or plays. He is surrounded by friends. He is really happy. That's basically what it is all about. We all have hopes, dreams and high expectations for our kids. The one really important accomplishment however is happiness. Why is it, that we don't focus enough on that one? If you have a depressed child, it's the only thing you focus on and wish for. But, a kid with no serious problems, we tend to over look that and focus on superfluous accomplishments.
What I am trying to say is I am happy he is happy.
We ate dinner at an Italian restaurant but for dessert I wanted to see the restaurant where he works as the head cook. Yes, this was a surprise to us too. After working there for only 3 days, they promoted him to head cook! When I had heard this, I pessimistically imagined he worked in a dive. Well, Not at all! This Vietnamese upscale restaurant was immaculate, decorative and expensive. The owner was friendly and told us how much potential she saw immediately in our son. He makes crepes ( yes, crepes in a vietnamese restaurant) better than she does. She carried on so much about how much they value him and his talents! I was beaming! He was sweet enough to credit me as his cooking role model, although I know that's not true, the kid is just a natural. The desserts were not only delicious but presented beautifully and the lovely owner insisted they be on the house. It was an enjoyable day! The next day he took the trip back home with us, so that he could visit with us and his friends for a few days. It is such a treat to have my boy back home for a little while anyway. We used to spend so much time together ( which I think I took for granted). Who knew how fast time would fly and take my baby with it. Now, when I get to see him, I savor each conversation, each hug even each disagreement. I savor each morsel of our visit like his patrons savor each drop of his yummy food.
(This picture of us is probably from about 8 years ago. Isn't he a sweetie pie?)

A womans heart

I have a secret. In fact I have many secrets. When I read this weeks Prompt what immediately came to mind was a line from the movie Titanic. It was towards the end, when VERY old Rose says, "A woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets". That line resonates so well with me. I hold so many secrets deep in my heart and they fill my soul up with emotions. Like old Rose, I have many that I will never share with anyone. We all have secrets, some we keep to ourselves and some we share with only a trusted one. The reason My heart is filled with so many secrets is because most of these secrets aren't mine. I am "the trusted one". There seems to be something about my haircutting chair that resembles a confessional. I know it's me too. I am not only a good listener, I am a caring listener. People know they can trust me to keep their deepest secrets private. It gives me a good feeling to know I can help someone unload the burdens they've been carrying for sometimes many years. The problem ( for me) is that their secrets break my heart and fill my already too full head with worry. This week alone, I have had two people I care deeply for, confess something that has been tearing them apart. They've trusted no one else. I try to give advice to the best of my (limited) ability. I usually recommend counseling, because I truly believe in it and because I know they need expert and not a hairstylists advice. Although typically I am a chatterbox, I will take these precious secrets to my grave. I share almost everything in my life with My trusted one ( my husband) but NOT someone's entrusted secrets. Those, along with my own, will go deep into the heart of my ocean.

baby lucy

definition of Eccentricity
deviating from the recognized or customary character, practice, etc.; irregular; erratic; peculiar; odd: eccentric conduct; an eccentric person.
How bizarre, freaky and totally unconventional is this hair I am sporting?
What was my kooky mom thinking with this Pebbles meets bozo hairstyle? Forget turning into an old eccentric biddy
I've already been an odd eccentric baby!

for more Eccentricities- Click here

my cockapoodle is wackadoodle

I know I've already mentioned my mentally unstable Miss Molly a few times. I just need to talk about her again because she is really starting to worry me.
Her fears and nervousness have gotten much worse. She seems like she is always a major wreck. There is NO way she will go outside alone anymore. If Cosmo or one of us doesn't first step outside, she just shakes and creeps the other way. I am worried that soon she will have accidents in the house, or end up in doggy mental institute. Her vet appointment isn't until next month, but when I brought Cosmo in for his checkup, I did mention to the doc. how nervous Molly is. I told him the groomer suggested tranquilizers. He gave me some and told me it's better for her to have one than to be feeling so nervous at the groomer. I think she may need one every day. I had a weird daydream today, that he may suggest group therapy. Many dogs with many conditions sitting around a table ( kind of like that picture of the dogs playing poker) You've got your obsessive compulsive Mr. Jack Russell who just can't stop Jumping while licking himself. There is of course Mr. Pit Bull, the sociopath who sees no wrong in an occasional nip of a leg (or throat.) Mrs. Rot Weiler has a serious anger problem which causes her to chew off your ear/nose or couch. Miss Molly Wackadoodle sits far away from her( not to upset her own psycho anxiety problem.) Miss Frenchy Poodle is a compulsive shopper/scratcher/nail biter. And no group is complete without the depressed! So, looking quite sleepy sits ( and stays)-Mr. B. Hound. To try and Heal the pack is their Psychiatrist, an intelligent looking bitch, Ms. Chow Chow. She is trying some word association. (She Speaks)- "gentle" (they bark) -"ROUGH!" (she speaks)-"smooth" ( they bark) "ROUGH!" (she speaks)-"calm" (they bark) "ROUGH!"

okay I think it may be time for ME to start some medication and therapy

Sales are too expensive

I am done buying things On Sale. What constitutes a sale anyway? Did you ever wonder about that? Sure , there is merchandise that just isn't moving or popular, so they lower the price and we may settle for it. What about MEAT? Is that somedays less popular than others? NO! Recently my local butcher who is very friendly and usually has wonderful meat,
( DON'T even go there!!) said to me- " Lu, Are you interested in hamburgers, they're on sale- 12 burgers for 8.99.." that seemed like a good price, I like to keep them in the freezer for a quick dinner. Well, I was sick as a dog all night! I think he was overloaded with old beef, so he ground it into a quick sale, despite the consequences to his loyal (stupid) customers.
Also, recently there was a sale on pens at my local grocery store- Stop and Shop. Hmmmm, I think ... My son looses a pen a day at school.... let me stock up on some while they are so cheap. Well, guess what may be another reason for a sale- damaged items!
While using one of these pens, I look down to see TWO huge ink spots on my brand new blouse...." Holy Shit, this pen is leaking" and I throw it out. A week later my son has a huge ink spot on his jeans pocket where another bad pen was. The clincher that made me realize the whole lot was bad and I need to throw away the whole bunch... My husband had one in a little wire caddy he keeps all his eyeglass stuff in, you know... bottle of cleaner, little soft cloth, eyeglass case.... WHAT A MESS all over my kitchen table. ( thank goodness, the wood is covered by a glass top). This all reminded me of a wise thing my mother in law always told me.... " you have to be very rich to buy cheap" Which is so true, when you spend more and buy good quality it usually lasts and prevents you from having to buy it again and again. So that is that, No more sale item temptations........ (well, maybe only in the shoe dep't.)..........or handbags? but THAT'S IT! I MEAN IT!!

Spicy

For the first time ever!...I thought I would try my hand at some silly poetry with this weeks Sunday Scribblings prompt... (Please be kind)....(and except for fire being hot which made me think of spicy.., I have no idea why I used this picture)

The spice of life seems different as we go through a particular stage
From Spicy foods to Spicy Sex our tastes mellow as we age
In our 20's we enjoy spicy lobster fra diovolo sauce
followed by steamy sex on secluded sandy beaches
Our 30's we enjoy a healthy salad toss
with a victory kiss on the little league bleachers
In our 40's we discover Fra Diovolo= Awful stomach pain
As we're introduced to acid reflux and cronic weight gain
So we spice up our 40's with Extra fiber sprinkled on our Bran Flakes
As we add pepcid to our glucosamine for all those nasty joint aches
Then our 50's! Viagra brings back the spice of our youthful being
As does our new progressive lenses, (we realize we were hardly seeing)
In our 60's the spice of life is a quiet noon time snooze
and feeling awfully naughty if awake for the 10:00 news
The 70's seem pretty spicy just to be amongst our friends
enjoying long talks, short walks (thank god we've got depends)
Through our 80's and beyond our grateful seniors have found
the spiciest stage is now 'cause it's so hot still being around!

City Pooch/Country Pooch

Town Mouse and Country Mouse eh? This is the cute prompt this week for Sunday Scribblings. Hmmm, what comes to mind are my 2 adorable crazy pets. Little Molly the cockapoo would definitely do well as the town pooch. Never one for the great outdoors, she would do well with a doorman, limo and big comfy apartment.( If she is going to live in the big city she wants to live uptown, thank you very much) She would love to own a diamond collar and polish her black nails with a french (poodle) manicure. Miss Molly is extremely high maintenance she will need a top notch N.Y. city therapist. She cries if left outdoors a second too long. She cries if Cosmo( her lover, lover man) doesn't want to play. She cries if her caviar is not room temperature. PAAleeaasseeee.
Now Mr. Cosmo on the other hand, is my country bumpkin. He is an avid hunter. (loves to chase squirrels) If one runs up a tree, he will stare up the tree till his neck aches. He has quite a green paw. (He digs a mean hole in my freshly planted flower beds.) He is outdoorsy ( He sometimes WON'T come inside when called.) Even if there is a local milk-bone eating contest.
Suburbia seems the best compromise for these two contrasting canines.
As for their pack leader (bitch), I really enjoy the best of all worlds. Here in the subs, I can easily go west toward the culture and fun of the city or head out east for the great wide open or head south to one of the best beaches.
I guess if I HAD to leave the burbs and choose east or west.... (and if money was not a factor) It would be The big Apple for me.

stressed out

The last few weeks have been a killer on my IBS. I wish I could handle stress better. I've read enough articles, web pages and books all with wonderful advice, yet It seems I just can't change.
My middle son has been suffering terribly with his allergies, asthma and most recently sinuses. The CT shows polyps in the sinuses and the ENT recommends surgery. I am just not comfortable with this ENT, So yesterday we saw someone for a second opinion. He agrees, surgery will help but guess what.... He doesn't do this type of surgery. So why the hell were we referred to him? In the middle of all this, my youngest son is now afflicted with the same problems as his brother. His asthma used to only kick in when he was sick, but now It's been very bothersome. He has missed too much school. We've been through more doctor app'ts and medications and treatments then I care to disclose. It's tiresome and worrisome and I've just about HAD it. When I'm not sitting with them for hours in different doctor offices, I am on the phone with the insurance co. or different specialist.
To add more stress to a mom about to jump off a F___ing bridge, my middle sons pcp( or ASSHOLE as I've named him) tried giving me a hard time about writing a referral to the 2nd opinion ent. The Explosion his secretary received was heard for miles. With all this poor kid is going through, he expected him to come see him AGAIN, before he writes the stupid referral?
I accused him of only wanting a co-payment and that I would personally walk it into him but my son is NOT coming in to a needless doctors app't. Long story shortened- He has a new Pcp, and that first one should be ashamed to have taken the hypocratic oath.
During all this, my oldest comes to visit with a surprise..... he got a tattoo. This made me cry as I thought about how carefully I took care of his little body when he was a baby and Now it's tarnished with ink. He also tells of how he was HIT by a cop car while biking the night before he came home! HE is mostly fine, thank god, but I was so upset to hear this too.
If THIS isn't enough to put my bowels through hell and back, On Memorial Day my youngest was obligated to march in the parade with his school band. I forbid him to go, since he was on a nebulizer and couldn't breathe. According to the schools web info, If it was the first time you miss a marching band commitment you just need a note to the head music director. NO problem, I wrote a nice informative note. yesterday his band teacher doesn't bother collecting the note just screams at him that he couldn't have been too sick if he was there the next day and says he is losing 15 points off his grade this quarter.
If you have never seen a half sicilian, 5 ft. tall, Crazy woman with smoke coming out of her every orifice... You should have been at my house yesterday. Wish I had pictures to depict the amount of insanity that was surging inside of me. Thank god I don't have a weapon in my home. My stomach was in total knots when I couldn't immediately reach her or her supervisor.
Of course, when did they call me back? SURe, when I was at the 2nd opinion ENT's office. Even though I went into the hall to explode, my son claims EVERYONE in the waiting room heard me and thought I was a crazy woman. Oh well. If A momma protecting and advocating for her kids is wacko , I am a going to soon need a straight jacket.

The (Mostly) Good, The Bad and the beautiful

Yesterday was all of the above. The First Really good thing was I found out my MRI results were good! Yea! The 2ND Good thing was It was Holy Tuesday ( that's what I've named my day off although my other day off I call happy Thursday) and the weather was beautiful which allowed me to plant some beautiful flowers. The next good thing was my meatloaf dinner came out delicious ( don't know what it is about meatloaf, it's either a hit or miss and lately it's been a hit)
Now for the bad... While transferring that great meatloaf from the pan to the platter, it fell onto the platter & broke into pieces, splattering sauce onto my boob and burning me. 2ND Bad- The cleanup! Meatloaf and red sauce and peas were Everywhere. (Those suckers can really roll.) We ate it and enjoyed it even though it wasn't a loaf anymore. so that was good. A bad was when I was planting I somehow twisted my knee and it is so sore the rest of the flowers will have to wait.
Another bad was while food shopping, I forgot my list which lately means I forgot most of the food. I walked around aimlessly and bought a lot of stuff I still had at home, BUT, my son had No yogurt for breakfast. No eggs.Oh Well, We have a lot of Noodle soup!
Happy Thursday is tomorrow already and if I remember a list maybe It will be a mostly good day too.

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