The Reality of Things...

I have been accused of being a pessimist all my life, but, I prefer to think of my attitude as a realist.  I agree I should be more positive on some occasions, but, sometimes that is just too dang hard...

The reality I speak of is about life. How precious it is and how quickly it can be changed. One minute everything is hunky-dory and the next it's not.  I am well aware of how this form of reality works (read previous posts, if you don't know what I'm talking about.)

That said, my Mom suffered a stroke last week. Talk about a huge surprise. I must say the phone call from my Dad was a shock!  All of us sibs corralled around her and my Dad that night and into the wee hours of the morning, in the ER.  Needless to say, there was some damage done by a blood clot, but, we were assured by a speech therapist that she should make a full recovery.

While she as at the hospital we took it upon ourselves to quiz her relentlessly.  Her attitude has been stellar throughout.  She would keep going and going. Her particular impairment is a cognitive one.  Imagine having the answer on the "tip of your tongue" and not being able to figure it out. That would drive me nuts!! Or knowing the answer in your head, but, you are unable to say it.  This is what she is dealing with in a nutshell... 

After spending 3+ days in the hospital she was able to come home. We were ALL very glad, about that. Everyone knows, well anyone who has had to endure spending nights in a hospital, how impossible it is to sleep without some heavy drugs. 

The day after she got home, my sister and I took her on a shopping trip to see how she would do.  She did awesome. We only had to step in a couple times to assist in a conversation, when the pharmacist and a waitress were speaking too fast.

We also cemented the fact that she is definitely the "same" Mom (well for the most part -- I won't pretend to predict the future.)  We were at the box store and I was looking for something. It should be noted that I will search and search and search and then ask someone. Mom walks in the store sees a clerk and asks. Much faster, but, not what I do and I have always been slightly irritated by it (for no rational reason.)  Anyway, she did just that and didn't stumble over any words or anything and probably saved us a 5-10 minute search. The item I was looking for was not where I would have ever looked.  Thank goodness for Mom!

It's going to take some hard work and patience to overcome this challenge. But, I know she can do it!!

All that to say, the reality of things is you shouldn't take anything for granted - EVER!  Just a word of wisdom from my wisdomness and from my "vast" experiences in life (please note the quotes -- I'm not being entirely serious about my vastness.)

Till next time....

Go ahead..... I'll just deny it!

I bought some basil and lettuce seeds, since the people who normally supply these didn't have any extra. I clearly have no idea how to plant ANYTHING --- did I mention I don't have a "real" garden.  My garden consists of garden boxes and flower pots. Okay.... Back to the basil and lettuce. I mistakenly planted them too deep about 1 3/4 inches too deep. I was advised wait a week or just replant.

After my car appointment, which thankfully only took about an hour and fifteen minutes, I went to the local garden/home stuff store. I was in search of some more basil and lettuce seeds and some twine or string for my tomatoes. Then it came to me that I had four empty pots that could potentially be filled with MORE basil. I proceeded to buy a small bag of potting soil and some plant food soil (which claims to make things grow better -- not sure I believe it, but, we shall see.)  After venturing around the soil aisle I finally found the seed packet rack. I grabbed a lettuce packet and had to search high and low for the basil. Before spotting the basil I saw a seed packet for cilantro. I actually made an audible "OOOOOO!!" (Not that loud, but, the caps and exclamation points are for emphasis.) What did I just do?! Get excited about a packet of seeds?!?! This can't be happening!!!!

Once I got home, I planted said seeds in my empty, lonely flower pots. And then I realized I forgot to get the needed string. DRAT!

Anyway, all of that to say that I AM NOT A GARDENER! I do NOT have a green thumb and I will deny it, if anyone asks me.  Besides who knows if my new seeds will even successfully germinate.  But, I will let you know if they sprout in a very non-gardener way. Now pardon me, while I go scrap out the dirt underneath my fingernails!

What does it really mean?

I came across a sign stating "Road Closed, Local Traffic Only."  My question is how local is local?  Do you have to live on the street, in the town, city, state? Or is it figured by miles? If you live within 2 miles or 5 or 10 or 15 or 35, then it's open for you to travel?  I am just wondering what does it EXACTLY mean?  Rest assured, I "pretended" I was a local (even though my plates were from another state.)  This was decided, because, I knew going the other "not local traffic" way was going to add too much time to my trip home.  It should also be stated that I did not come upon any road crews or anyone to glare at me in a very "unlocal" way.  If anyone has any information about this, please pass it along. I'm dying to know!!

On my way home yesterday, I passed C#1 & C#2's school bus. UH OH! What that means is that they are already home. Rest assured I was only one road away from my road, but, still...  I seriously thought I was doing good. Getting home about 15 minutes before the children were supposed to be home, but, alas THEY WERE ALREADY HOME! I pulled into the driveway and said children were running around (obviously they weren't too concerned.) As I was exiting the vehicle C#1 came up to me and informed me that they had been home for 20 minutes. There is no way that they were home THAT long, since I saw the bus just down the road from our house. I countered with, "You could have only been home for 10 minutes, max AND you shouldn't even be home for 15 minutes!"  That shut him up and it didn't come up, again.  I totally forgot that the high schoolers wouldn't be on the bus, therefore cutting out a trip to the HS and dropping them off. 

Thankfully it's the last day of school. I have to go the garage to get some minor work done on my car. I will however tell them that I need to be outta there by 2:15 at the very latest, so I don't get home late, again. Perish the thought!!!

That's is for the moment. But, you know I'll be back.....

It's all about "being regular."

I have read that to be "good" at blogging, it needs to be updated regularly. So, in the spirit of "being regular," (Haha! Get it "being regular"?!?!?! Oh never mind......)  I will give you a synopsis of the past few days.

I watched the movie "127 Hours."  It kinda, sorta reminded me of the movie "Castaway" (which I didn't love.)  I thought it was better than previously mentioned movie, but, it had similar qualities.  "127 Hours" is based on a true story, which was interesting.  I don't want to give anything away, but, if you have issues with grossness, you might want to stay away. I had to cover my eyes a couple of times and I'm usually no wuss when it comes to movie graphics.  It definitely had a major ick factor.

I also went to my BFFs nursing school graduation. She was #1 in her class!  She also won a scholarship, that was based on an essay she had written.  Before presenting her with the award, the presenter read excerpts from her essay.  Her essay described the pain and anguish she suffered when her brother died a few years back.  It also expressed her motivation is to be a more compassionate nurse when faced with any harrowing situation.  Her personal experience, at this particular hospital wasn't exemplary.  Needless to say, I am sure there wasn't a dry eye in the auditorium.  I am very proud of my friend and her hard work, over the past ten months!

I have also proven to be the "Worst Parent Ever!"  I forgot when C#2's awards ceremony was (aka I didn't write it down.) Lo and behold, she comes home with a trophy and three certificates of academic achievement. Oops!!  I did, however, remember when C#1's awards thingy was -- today. C#2 said to be fair I shouldn't go to C#1's ceremony. Really?! I guess, that seems fair to a little girl. But, that is NOT what I am going to do. I do have a good excuse though. REALLY I do!!  I got a lovely letter in the mail last week listing what awards C#1 was going to receive. Did I receive such a notice for C#2? Nope!  As a parent, am I supposed to go to these ceremonies without the satisfaction of my child receiving something?! I didn't think so, but, I might be wrong.  If any of you know better, please let me know. I was planning on buying something "special" for C#1 & C#2, so I will make sure it's extra special, for the latter.

Well, I do need to get a head start on the day. I have a zillion places to hit up before heading back to the school for said ceremony. Till next time!

To the parade!

Today was the annual Strawberry Festival in my local area. I actually made the effort to get up and be ready, once the other half called, to let us know he was done with work. I am sure he almost fainted, since it was only 8:20 on a Saturday morning. It should be noted, I do enjoy staying up WAY to late on the weekend and try to sleep in, if possible.

Because of our early start we got okay parking (aka we didn't have to walk THAT far) and we were able to scope out the desired food and "seats" for the parade. 

After finding said "seats" we headed to the Dunkin Donuts for some...... Well donuts!! I know, I know, we were at the Strawberry Festival so I should be buying strawberry stuff from the vendors. But, alas, I knew that I might get lucky and score a vanilla cream filled donut, the kind that I love the mostest!! And guess what I did!!! C#1 got a blue frozen drink and C #2 got a frozen lemonade with a donut (I did warn C#2 that donuts and lemonade don't make a good combination -- but she insisted.)

We went back to our "seats," ate our sugary filled breakfast and watched the parade. This year's parade seemed a tad bit longer than last year's. Thankfully it wasn't a scorcher or I would have melted (you know all wicked witch like...)  After the parade we found some lunch. I had lamb spiedies, the hubby had pork, C#1 had chicken spiedies and french fries and C #2 had just french fries. She said, "I'm not hungry, but, I will eat french fries!" Whatever..... As long as you eat something.  

Once we were done with lunch we roamed around, looking at the junk they had to sell (we didn't buy any, which was an incredible feat!)  Then the children decided they had to have funnel cakes. They weren't hard to find, but, boy were they expensive. $5.00 each?!?!? OYE! After asking C#1 & C#2 numerous times, if they were sure they wanted to eat a WHOLE one and saying, "Yes!" We plunked down our $10.00 hard earned buckaroos and went to listen to a band. It wasn't 10 minutes later that C #2 was too full - she had eaten less than 1/4 of it and C#1 said he wasn't as hungry as he thought and started picking at the top of it (he had eaten almost none.) Grrrrrrrrrrrrr....  In the future, if these two lovely humans decide they must have a funnel cake and I don't care if they are 10 and 13 or 16 and 19 THEY ARE GOING TO SHARE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Or pay for it themselves. That just really, REALLY irked me!! I know, I know. It's only $10.00, but, seriously. It's not like this is the first time this has happened ever. Children these days. Sheeeshhhhhh!

By then the other half decided he needed a beverage. He left me to tend to the children, while he went and fetched. I told him I didn't want anything. I was happy with my free bottle of water (I seriously was.)  He came back about 10 minutes later with two strawberry lemonades. I raised my eyebrows (I'm sure.) I had already reached my maximum sugar intake for the day and was headed over the cliff!! To my surprise it was actually very good. In the past, I have gotten similar strawberry drinks or food items and they were not any good or worth the money.  

By the time the hubby came back with the drinks. The lovely children were whining and complaining and wanting to go home. So after throwing out C#1's entire funnel cake, we ventured back to the vehicles and made our way home.  It had been a few hours, so I was ready, too. 

Once we got ourselves all cleaned up and bathroomed from said adventure, approximately ten minutes later, C#1 was asking if he could have a Rice Krispie Treat. Really?!?  This was after getting a funky blue drink at DD, eating a huge thing of french fries and spiedies, throwing out almost an entire funnel cake (within the last hour.)I think not. He settled for leftover pizza, which worked for me.

Now my goal for the rest of the day is to not eat anything else. I should add I ate 1/3 of a bag of salt and vinegar chips when I got home -- they are evvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvil!! I am really, REALLY hoping my coffee "trick" will work. Coffee trick: Make pot of coffee and use it as a food replacement. I might succeed, but, I will probably have to go to bed early to ignore my stomach.

So there you have it. My day in a nutshell. Later!

Need a good laugh?!

I have discovered the funniest book that I have EVER read! It's called Sweet Potato Queens' Big Ass Cookbook (And Financial Planner) by Jill Conner Browne. Let me start by saying I was buying some much needed cookbooks (really kidding about the "much needed" --- it has been implied that I have more cookbooks than your local library.)  Come to find out the above mentioned book, wasn't really a cookbook. Yes, there are recipes, but, not too many. Think of it as a guide to life -- in a very sarcastic, hilarious and uproarious way.  My kind of living --- especially the sarcastic part. It took me less than two days to read it. It was THAT good!

I have since purchased 1. The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love. Which I think is the first one (I started in the middle, by accident), 2. God Save the Sweet Potato Queens, and The Sweet Potato Queens' Guide to Raising Children for Fun & Profit.  On a side note: The last one sounds a bit like a Ferengi's way of thinking. If you don't know what I mean, Google it. It's a specific species in the Star Trek genre. Those who know what I mean, will know what I mean....  I will be sure to give you my thoughts on these specific titles once they have been read.

I would normally jump right in, regardless of my current reading situation, since I loved the first mentioned book, so much.. Even though I have a "rule" that I only read one book at a time. But, alas, I am reading The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth by Alexandra Robbins and it is quite interesting. It isn't a quick, fun read like the SPQs', but, good none the less. I will make every effort to get it done fast, so I can move onto more wholesome reading!

Well I hate to cut this short, but, I have children to yell at and "Words with Friends" matches to complete. Till next time......

June 14.

June 14 marks the 21st "anniversary" of the day, that my best friend died, in a car accident . It was a rough one, like all "anniversary" days are (this one a bit more, for some unknown reason.) Thankfully, I was able to go to the cemetery with a very good friend  (his Mom) and leave flowers.  It is always very nice to share the memories, from back in the day, with those who truly appreciate it.

I still can't believe it's been 21 years. *sigh*...

Eating and watching movies...

That is what I did this weekend... My other half flew the coop, to visit some friends, so my sister spent the weekend hanging out with me.

FRIDAY: I made "Fudgy Brownies." They were amazing -- slightly under cooked and delicious!  Blackberry (pie filling, yes, I cheated) and apple pie. I cheated, yet, again and made a Bisquick topping, so I could avoid making a crust. It wasn't as delicious as the brownies, but, very good, too. I also made pepperoni calzone, which turned out amazing!

We then watched "Secretariat" (good family movie.) Then "Easy A" (not a good family movie.) And lastly we watched "Never Let Me Go" (not a family movie and MESSED UP!)

SATURDAY: I made Velveeta Shells and Cheese (it was requested and SUCH a burden to make. I'm kidding obviously.) And I made "Colorful Kielbasa" (aka kielbasa and rice.) Sadly I didn't cook the rice long enough, so we had crunchy rice dinner. It still tasted good, but, the crunch ruined some of the goodness.

We then watched "The Dark Knight" (not too family movie-ey, but C#1 did watch it.) Then we watched "Easy A" -- yes, we watched it, again. My sis's boyfriend was with us, and the sis thought he would think it was funny, too.  And there you have it. What I did this weekend. Now YOUR life is complete. ;)

And.... Then there was hail.

There was a severe weather warning in the area. I did take it seriously, but, wasn't expecting it to be ----  severe. As the hail was slamming into my house, I was thinking, that maybe I shouldn't be so close to the windows?! But, alas, the adventurer in me decided to watch it all happen.  And guess what?! I survived!!! In case you didn't already guess that.  This is what I found in the aftermath:

Yes, my "garden", well garden boxes, were nicely hammered by the hail. MOST of the plants survived. One lettuce totally bit the dust and one tomato took a severe lashing. Everything else looks manageable.

THEN, the land line phone was out, but, the electric and internet were still intact. YAY! However, this posed a problem, because there were power/phone lines down and no way to get ahold of me.  The bus garage (carrying C#1 & C#2) resorted to calling my MIL, to notify me that there was a tree down with no further instructions.  Then the other half called and said that the bus wouldn't come up the road because of said tree AND that power lines were down. All this to say is thankfully I had my cellphone on!! I don't usually have it on when I'm home. On a side note -- I need to give the bus garage my cell number, again.  At least it all worked out.  Even though the poor children were on the bus for almost two hours. And if anyone remembers bus rides, we know THAT was pure torture.

I was notified that the power company was fixing the lines, as we speak, and said children are all showered and vegetating in their normal spots.

And there you have it! The excitement for today!!

Who likes it HOT?!?!

NOT ME!! 95 degrees!?! That is the high temperature for today. I don't know if I will survive. I am certain I will melt (think Wicked Witch from Oz.) *Insert creepy - raspy voice* "I'mmmmm Mmmmmeltttttinggggggggggggg!!!"  It's only June 8! It's not supposed to do that, YET! I guess this means there will be one less day of sweltering weather, in August. Awesome!

Okay... I am done with my weather rant.  C#1 had a band concert yesterday. And thankfully it was yesterday!!! It would have been very uncomfortable today (sorry for the continued weather rant.) C#1 did a great job, so hopefully he will continue for a little bit longer. It was in the evening, so once the sun ducked behind the school, all was good. (more weather rant...)

On a completely different topic.... I am totally addicted to "Words with Friends." It's a "Scrabble" like game on the IPhone or IPad. It's too much fun! I've got 4 games going at once. Good times!

That is all I have for today, well at least so far. Later!

My weekend.

This past weekend was a fun one!  I was invited to a "Friends Appreciation" dinner by one of my good friends and her husband. It was at an original Italian restaurant and tasted great.

Afterwards, I crashed in on my BFF Danni's at her house (it was just down the road from the restaurant) and soaked in her hot tub for 2+ hours. Needless to say, we were prunes, when we were done.

The hubby and I also tried a new place for lunch/dinner on Sunday. They had an amazing BBQ menu and it all tasted fantastic. This particular joint has been in operation for a while, but, we had never gone. No idea why. We were seriously missing out. But no more!

Then it was back to Monday. Folding laundry, taking care of the dishwasher, picking up everyone's cra --- stuff.  

I did however get an unexpected surprise from the other half. A whole pound of fudge, just for being sweet! I was flabbergasted! I have now eaten enough sugar for the rest of the month. And must now find a way to eat it up without it adding to my waist. I guess that is what C#1 & C#2 are for. I am sure they will not have a problem helping me finish it off.

That's it for now..... Till next time!

It's Official: I'm in love with Julia Child.

It all started a while back when I bought the movie "Julie & Julia" on dvd. I bought it used, I might add, since I loathe spending more than $10 for a dvd; new release or not!  I made a date with my BFF Jude, to watch it, since we both missed it in the theaters (which is far too expensive anyway.) Meryl Streep did an incredible job playing Julia. Who'd a thought the "Bon Appetit" lady would be so funny and sarcastic?!? Certainly not me!!

I received the "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" from my BFF, too. What an awesome cookbook!!!! I have made two awesome soup recipes from this particular title. Cream of Mushroom (which was amazing) and Fish soup, which after my slight changes (I couldn't follow a recipe exactly if you paid me!) was amazing, too!!

I then picked up a copy of "My Life in France." This was Julia's memoir about her cooking adventures in France. Rest assured I will not be par le voooing fran-say. I can barely recall my second language choice in high school (Spanish.) I could ask where the bathroom was, but, that's about it (in case you cared). After finishing this book, I wanted to be Julia's friend. It's too bad, I was born way too late for that. And the fact that it would be very unlikely, even if she were alive.  She came across as funny, sarcastic, and of course a major foodie!! My kind of person!! Thinking back on the movie,  and after reading the memoir, I would have liked the movie to focus entirely on Julia (not Julie.) She must have been an amazing person to know.

I  purchased a copy of "Baking with Julia", too. I am looking forward to flex my baking muscles and see if I can make the "perfect" French bread in my American kitchen. I feel confident that it can happen, since Julia has my back -- well sort of.  I know that all of her recipes are tested and proven to work, which works for me!

I also can't wait to plop in the dvd from the first series of television shows that she did, back in the day. I vaguely remember the show being on PBS and thinking how strange her voice was. I am certain that her technique and instruction will help me out!  I will certainly keep you posted. Until then "Bon Appetit!"

I'm stuck in a rut.

Yesterday I went to lunch, with  my BFF Ging, at our favorite lunch cafe. After scanning the menu, I was delighted to see that my most favorite sandwich of all time (well there) was the special! This particular 'wich is on the Fall/Winter menu and goes MIA during the spring/summer menu. I am not sure why, but, alas that is the way it goes.  So, of course, I order it, because, it has been while.  Truth be told the last two or three times I've been there, I've ordered that very same thing -- since it was the fall/winter menu. It's called "The Court Street." It's basically a grilled cheese with tomatoes and bacon, but, it is sooooo gooey and delicious! (The funky french fry looking things and fancy orange slice did get ignored. I mean really; there is only so  much space in your belly. Why fill it up with some weird s*it, that doesn't even taste that great?!)

 So there you have it, stuck in a rut example #1.

I also forgot to mention that their cucumber salsa is back. I love, love, LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEE that! And yes, I did order that, too. Now I don't need to eat for the rest of the week. Yeahhhh... Like that's going to happen.

Example #2.  C#1 and C#2 were finally in bed, so I plop my butt in front of the tv. Lo and behold my favorite movie of all time is on Starz!!! Before you think I spend a gazillion dollars on useless tv, let me assure you we do NOT pay for this channel package. Our lovely channel provider gifted it to us for a year, because we're so "loyal." Rest assured, I will NOT be attached to anything on those channels, that will make me want to spend another penny, on more tv. Not that any of YOU needed an explanation.

Anyway, back to my original story. My favorite movie is "Easy A." I don't know why and I know I have mentioned it in a previous post. After watching it for about two minutes on tv, it was decided to just put the dvd in -- so it could be paused, etc.... We don't have DVR on this particular television, so none of that fancy action (pausing, rewinding) was going to be happening, if we watched it on our "extra special" movie channel.  Let me tell you, I have seen this movie a zillion times and have watched it at least one other time in the last two months. Let me also explain that I have piles of dvds that I haven't watched, but, yet, I continue to watch the same movie over and over and laugh hysterically at all the same spots.  I seriously can't explain it. I must be mental.

I know that everyone was just dying to know these things. I hope that I have something more exciting to report next time............. Please don't hold your breath.