9th Birthday Salon Party

She's 9 years old. 9!!! Can you believe it? In short, we survived the Salon party and sleepover. I'm still running on very little sleep from the girls midnight chattering and musical sleeping spots. But the Salon visit was a blast. The girls (6 of them) got their hair, nails and eyes done. They all looked beautiful! The salon is actually Continental School of Beauty.. a long standing beauty school who offers Birthday parties! How cool is that! Each of our girls had 1-2 students working on them. We get service, they get lessons. Its a win-win if you ask me.





And here is the cookie Cake I made.. with the Monster High symbol on it.

Enough is enough

My girly girl celebrates her 9th birthday this week. To celebrate, she is having like 8 girls of her choice to join her at the salon school for a makeover and then a slumber party.  Some girls are upset because they were not invited.  I can understand them being upset but that is no reason to get into my kid's face about it and tell her to uninvite someone so they can go.

This whole popularity contest with the girls in her grade is getting out of hand.  There are 15 girls and 2 boys in her class.  So you can imagine the spats and bickering that goes on.  Petty issues get blown out of proportion beyond all belief. I feel sad for her teacher.  And most of the Erin's friends are in the 4th grade.  This makes matters worse.  Even if we give out invites out of school, the girls all talk... "are you going to Erin's party??"... We can not simply please all the girls!!

Lord knows that Erin hasn't been invited to parties.  At first she was hurt then after having to go through the whole thing herself, she totally understands you can't have everyone over.  Space and cost.... 2 factors we can't get over.

The moral of the story..... Suck it up buttercup.  You can't win them all and you won't be invited to every party.

No Tofu Fun

I tried the fried Tofu today.  It was ok. Not great, but ok.  But one hour after eating, I was itchy.  My cheeks were red and itching.  Then my neck and scalp.  Then my legs.  DAMN!

Can you say allergy?

So now I am on benadryl.  There are no hives, just warm and itchy.  I'm going to go whine in a corner and try to not scratch my legs raw.

Tofu Fun!

First and foremost, No.  I am not any type of Vegetarian.  Nope.  Never.  I love bacon and steak and meat wayyyyyy to much to give that up.  But I am bored with some of the standard sides I have been making.  Potatoes or plain rice are boring. Not to mention meat can be crazy expensive.  So can a metric ton of veggies during the off season.

Today I try Tofu.  Its something I have wanted to try for a long time and I'm willing to NOT SUBJECT the Husband and Kid to it for a full meal.  Some of my friends say stay away from it.  Others offered some wonderful ideas.  I've only had Tofu cleverly disguised as Chocolate Cheesecake and I ate it.  I completely understand the magical properties of Tofu where its all about the flavor.   There is a brick of the Wegmans Extra Firm tofu sitting in my fridge.  I will fry some and bake some.  An open mind is what I really need right now.  I had tried Quinoa and it was ok.  I love Hummus and some veggie spring rolls are really good.  So my taste pallet is going to expand damn it.  I will learn to like More food.

Veggie Yumminess

I don't care if Yumminess isn't a word.  It is now.  I made myself lunch today consisting of veggies.

Carrots. Red and Green Pepper. Potato. Zucchini.  Toss it in a bit a olive oil and add Penzey's Sandwich Sprinkle (it has everything I love so its my go to).  Roast for about 20 min at 425 degrees.

YUM! Freaking YUM!  The carrots were way sweeter than I thought they would be nothing was over or undercooked.   I'd say this was about 2 cups of veggies.

See Mom! I Ate my Veggies!!

Pin It

OMG!!!

We made the trek to David's Bridal today to see about a Communion Dress.  We tried JCPennys and that was a failure.  So it was David's as we thought the dresses would be truer to size.

The Dress Gods were with us!!  Right off the rack... an Ivory dress with rum Pink accents.  Her size and ON SALE!!  BAM!  Off the dressing room.  She put it on and was glowing. No joke.  She was grinning from ear to ear.  And the most wonderfulest part... we didn't need to buy a crown and veil.  My wedding dress just happens be .. Ivory and Rum pink.

It SOOOOO needs to be made shorter and that will be accomplished soon enough.  But the veil is just the right length!!!!  BONUS!!!  So instead of her wearing my 1st communion headpiece, she is wearing my wedding one.  Win Win!

Lent

Lent is a time of sacrifice and reflection.  We give up something that we probably shouldn't be doing in the first place.   For me, it's Sugar.  Mostly chocolate and candy.  But I'm giving up excess sugar in my coffee and limiting what I eat that has sugar in it.   Do I need it? no.  Do I really want it?  yes... Its an addiction.  Time to break the habit and go cold turkey.

No if you will excuse me, I need throw out a piece of cake and some ice cream that is just way too freaking tempting.  Damn temptation...  

stinky

Kisses
Originally uploaded by melblackrose

We met a growing up milestone today. My little baby girl..... is now wearing deodorant. She's not a baby anymore...

Buh Bye Sugar

We (Tim and I) always give up Chocolate and candy like snack things for Lent.  We do it too.  Now, its not been an issue the last few years as I don't tend to keep Candy in the house - except for the bucket of sweets Erin gets from parties, Halloween, Valentine's Day, Easter..  we are usually munching on Halloween candy well into the fall.

Well this year I'm taking it one step further.  No Sugar (Working on refined white sugar first).  So no sugar in Coffee. No Candy. No Chocolate.  The issue is with coffee creamer.  I use various ones that tend to have the sweeteners in it (come on, its Hazelnut).  Nope.. they must go.  I need keep on hand 2% milk.. Skim doesn't cut it for coffee.  

The other issue issue is with all the High Fructose additive that gets added to just about everything.  I started reading labels over the last few months and I was floored.  No wonder good high quality natural food taste "different".  

I've taken some steps already. I've decreased the amount of sugar in my coffee (some days I don't put any in).  Tea is being made and I'm working to use no sugar at all - the German Rock Sugar is used but just a smidge to sweeten it a bit.  I found a wonderful Acai Blueberry Green tea at RiteAid of all places.  and I drink it Hot too!! I know!! ODD!!

I know some of you are asking why (Mom, I know.. I know).  The reason - just cause. Sure, there are all the reports of how Sugar should be regulated like alcohol, but that won't happen.  I just want to see if I can do it.   Tim and Erin's birthday will be interesting but I'll manage.  

Birthday Cake Attempt = HELL YA!

It's Tim's  birthday today.  So as a treat, I made him his favorite dinner - Irish Chicken.  Cooked Chicken over noodles with a Mushroom Bailey's sauce.  

I found the recipe a few years back and I make it for special occasions.  Not to mention it is SUPER easy to make.  If you like mushrooms and Irish Cream, its a hit.

Erin on the other hand didn't like it at all so she had plain chicken. 

But the kicker of the day was the Cake.  BOSTON CREAM CAKE.  Yes, you read that right.   

Again.  Easy to do.  All you need is a boxed Yellow cake mix. When its done and cool, cut it in half to do a layer cake. 

Then, make Vanilla pudding.  When its good and chilled, use that as your filling.  Be careful to not go overboard or it will spill out the sides when  you put the top layer on.  

The Chocolate Glaze is last.  Its butter, vanilla, chocolate chips and Corn Syrup.  Melted it in the Micro and poured it over the cake.  Chilled for a bit and WHAM!!  Cake!!  So freaking good. 

Happy Birthday My Love..   enjoy the Cake!!!

More bread

The kid just pounced on me asking me "How do you do it?!!"

She was referring to the bread.  I made another load of the No Knead bread and this time it worked (the trick, use the Kid's room to let the bread rise).  I just made it this morning.  Its already gone.  3 slices are for dinner, 2 slices I used for a sandwich.  I had to taste it this morning..  and E just decided she needed a piece.  That leaves one little piece left.

What have I done?  I need more flour.  The recipe is so freaking simple that I have no issue making it.  The only issue is that it is gone the minute I make it.  I'm just happy it does get eaten..

We LIVE Hockey.. its Buffalo!!

Me and the girl child at a Sabre's hockey game.  This is something I am very fortunate to be able to do for her. I won the tickets and when I can win them, I take her.  I never went to a hockey game as a kid because the tickets were so expensive.  So are these ones.  There is NO WAY I'd buy tickets to see a game in the seats we have (they are really nice seats... just about center ice).  

But what kills me is the price of the food.  $4 for just about all the food and pop.  $4 for a freaking bottle of pop.  Really?  But hey..  I take her maybe once or twice a season so I will splurge on it.  But anyone who has season tickets...  how the heck can you afford to eat there?

And parking????  $15 -$20 for parking right near the arena.  You can chance it by parking near the arena on the side streets but with the recent snow, that was going to be a challenge.  So our other option was to park further North near the convention center and either park free on the street on in the ramp. We had to go with the ramp because all the free parking was taken (Auto show was going on too!).  $5 for parking isn't so bad.  And we got to take the train down which is always an adventure for the kiddo.  

All in all, we had a good night.  Girls night at the Hockey game.  Now, we defrost. Its cold out there!

Bread!!!

Bread!!! Look! I made Bread!!

Its the No Knead Recipe and I've made this before. So yummy and easy. I want it.. now. But no.. Its too hot to eat. Drat.

maybe?

We are looking for a dog.  Why?  It's time.  And we found a little guy who melted our hearts.  His name is Barley.  He's a pup still so size is a question.  He won't be huge, but its a mystery still.  Now..  we don't have him.  There is a process we have to follow but we were lucky to meet him in person.  He gave the sweetest puppy kisses.  And how could you abandon this?

People amaze me as to how stupid they can be.

Regardless... Erin is in love with him and is really trying to grasp we MAY NOT be the right fit for Barley.  Trying to get her to understand we have to do what is best for the dog is a challenge.  She wanted to take him home last Saturday and was ready to cry when someone else was looking at him.  We have talked to her and she "says" she understands and there will be a dog out there for us.  But she wants him.

The cats know something is afoot.  We cleared out a spot next to my chair and placed a blanket with some dog toys.  They sniffed.. but left it alone.  The funny thing was were petting a bunch of dogs on Saturday and when we came home... the cats insisted on laying on us.  Reclaiming us apparently.

If this little guy does join our family, we'll be very happy and lucky.  But if its not a good fit, I really hope he finds a good forever home.  

happy new year

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball. Every year for the last say 6 years we have celebrated New Years with Tim's Sister and the family.  Now, everyone needs a year off so we're on our own this year.  Not a problem in the slightest. 

We originally were going to see friends this year.  Notice the past tense.  I have a sinus infection that has moved to my chest.  My head is killing me and my throat is screaming.  But I have the bestest Husband in the universe.  He got us seafood for dinner. And summer sausage.  He's the best. 

So its movie night for us and i'm sure Tim will be taking bets to see how long I last.  

Happy New Year everyone.  Stay safe... 

grand

I just love this shot of her in the Poinsettia room. The colors were fantastic.

different

I opted to do something differnet this year. For the last 10 years or so, I have made a Polish Coffee cake for every sibling family on my husbands side.. and then some. Thats a lot of coffee cake if you know our family. Well, this year I couldn't do it. I have been seeing the salt dough ornaments all over the internets (yeah, thank you Pintrest) and I thought "Why not?".

Oddly, it's harder than it looks. The dough was sticky. It didn't roll right and drove me batty.

But I managed to make it work somehow. I have 3 designs overall (the last batch I had the worst time with so I got creative).

#1 is a Celtic Cross
#2 is a Celtic square
#3 is a dove of peace with a star.
I didn't count how many I cut, stamped, dryed and modpodged. But they are done.

Here's the recipe I used
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water

Mix together. Roll out as best you can. I did it on parchment paper first then switched to wax when I ran out and knew the oven wouldn't be an option to dry them. You can toss them in the over for a couple of hours (depending on thickness) at around 200 degrees F once you have the cut out, stamped, whatever. Make sure you put a hole in it so you can run string or a ribbon through it.

I did use ink for my stamped ones. I had a nice black in that worked the best. I tried red and green - horrible. The cheap gold one I had worked ok too. In a different batch, erin and i painted them with water color after they dried.

Overall, I like them. I think I need a different mixture. I just hope the family likes them. Erin and I worked hard on them.
anyways.. Merry Christmas kids...

a year in the making

I started this quilt last November..as in 201o. I was almost done with it by Christmas 201o. All that needed to be done was the binding. It was bought and I started pinning it. And there it sat. Until this past week. I finished the bloody thing finally. Its really simple. 12 flats connected. Thats it. Nothing fancy. I wanted to see if I could do it. And I did. It sure does add color to the room. I made a pillow as well from the sheets I used to make curtains (flannel snowflakes - red and blue). I am pleased with it. Its not perfect but thats ok. It will keep us warm none the less.

Poinsettia

SAM_1314
Originally uploaded by melblackrose

I took the girls to the Botanical Gardens.. really it was for me. I wanted a nice shot of the Poinsettia plants they have. I have never seen the display there. It was so pretty. I need to keep it in mind next year when I want to take a family photo.

Our Tree

Erin picks the tree out every year.. just because she's really good at it.

stress during the holidays? Noooooo

I'm lying of course.  I had promised myself this year I wouldn't let the normal Holiday stress get to me.  With 2 families, a group of friends and a strict budget, things have been .. well.. stressful.
1) I lost a good 10 days due to a commitment with my hobby.  I'm not saying its bad, but I used those 10 days for that and not baking or making gifts thus putting me behind
2) With as big as a family as we have on my husband's side, there is bound to be some clashing of will and expectations and fighting.  Every year I have made a Polish Coffee cake to give to each family.  I have done this for 10 years.  I am not doing it this year.  Oh, fear not those family members who read my blog.  I will make one for Mom's house so we can enjoy it then.  But no family Placzeks this year my darlins. I expect to get backlash for not doing that this year.
3) We needed to introduce Krampus into the mix this year.  Apparently coal in the stocking didn't shock her enough to staighten her up from this past week attitude fest.  I have known about Krampus for years and I was holding back on it.. now granted there were a few years he could have easily made an appearence but didn't.  Well, this year, I have placed the fear of hell into her.  I know, I know.  But this is a bigger issue with Kids today.. they don't understand that actions have consequences and big ones sometimes.  I grew up knowing that if I messed up, God would be pissed and I was going to Hell.  You do not piss off the Big guy.  So Old School it is...
4) It doesn't LOOK like Chirstmas.  Yes yes, its not about the Snow.. but it makes everything look clean.
5) Back on the family thing - big family = tension.  So many freaking people in one place.  I love that family but boy, its loud and hot and I'll be drinking for sure to keep me sane (mental note - get wine).

On a good note,  I made cookies and fudge.  The cookies came out AWESOME (here's round 1).  I keep making trips to the kitchen and grabbing one.  That has become my breakfast and lunch.  Diet? Yeah, my doctor just needs to understand this is a minor setback.  Its Christmas for Christ's Sake!

So this weekend is the push to finish a surprise present and make the family gifts.  And find my dining room after the laundry room adventure.  That's a blog another day.  As soon as I charge my camera, i'll show you my new ...oops OUR new toys.

wait for it........

The kid's hives didn't let up all weekend.  Off the doctor's office today to find out ... she has.... wait for it.. hives.

When will they let up?  eventually.
What is the cause?  Dunno.  Could be anything but its likely the Soy milk.
Keep doing what we have been and yes, she can go back to school.

Sleep dep.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

yeah.. so more lack of sleep.  Erin was up most of the night again but at least she threw up finally.  My money is a viral thing which with her would be no surprise.  Some of the kids at school have been sick and Erin volunteered to take a friend's homework home this past week (she lives on the next street over) who has the flu.

Gatorade has been made.... Disney is on. She seems to be in ok spirits but is complaining her stomach hurts.  The hives are calming down so we'll be vegging and napping today.

all nighter

Yep.  awake.  I've been awake on and off all night.  Funny story - 1:40am Erin comes into my room and needs her meds or something.  Tim was still up... on his PC...  she totally walked by him.  To wake me up.

Let the battle begin

Even though she slept most of the afternoon, the hives came back.  Different spots.  And to male matters worse, she's panicking. Knowing what I know about hives, it could a few hours to a few days.  Her stress level is what is causing the repeat bout I think.

So how do you calm an 8 year old?  Not a clue.  

The movie THOR seemed to help (she has a crush on him) and now CAPTAIN AMERICA is in and she fell asleep after her last dose.

Now we plan for a week of sleeping and doses and sleeping.  As long as I get a nap too, I'll be happy.

can't catch a break

the 8 year old is going through a rough bout of life.  First, she's lactose intolerant.  so we constantly have to watch ingredients for milk.  we are learning what she can and can not have and its a hard learning process for her.  repeated trips to the bathroom is not fun.

next, she had her foot stepped on last night by her musical teacher.  that hurt.  then she couldn't sing her favorite christmas song.  she came home in tears.

so we were up most of the night - the complaint of a pulled muscle in her ab (totally possible as she had gym and dance in one day)....  and then the issue to top all others.....  hives.  this is new for us.  she had some breakfast (cheese and pretzels) and broke out into hives.  a quick call to the doctor's office and some benedryl later.. she's asleep. hives are going down. my poor girl.

apples

Every year, Erin and I go to Blackman Homestead Farms in Cambria.  And every year, I take a picture of Erin picking and eating an apple.

How stinking cute is she!!!!!!

sounds

Now that I'm working from home, I have a distraction.  The window.  I used to have a window in my old office downtown where we'd keep them open (we weren't supposed to) and let the lake breeze into the office.  I had a wonderful view of City Hall and river.  I could watch some of the ships and barges come through.  We'd watch the storms roll in off the lake.  When the fog would roll in it was horror movie.  The sounds of city were my background noise.



When we moved to the Larkin building, the windows were sealed shut.  I'd get up occasionally and look out.  Just look.  On a windy day, all we could do is watch.

Next me now is the office window.  Quite often there is a cat in it.  Today, its open.  The breeze is coming in and its cool.  Fall cool with a hint of moisture.  There is rain coming.  The chorus of crickets is still singing.  The birds stop by and squabble for a bit then off they fly.  The murder comes and goes.  And I know I'm safe when I hear Burt barking next door.  I know when the kids are home from school when the yelling and games begin.

Its calming to hear the sounds of the neighborhood while I work.  And its nice to breath in normal air.  It may be filled with pollen but I don't care.

Back to work.  The squirrel is yelling at me again.  He's such a task master.

week one.. DONE!!

I survived!  Working from home is... different.  I start at the same time I did in the office but I some how work longer...  and I still eat lunch in front of the PC...  I really need to stop that.

So this coming week I get the phone installed and along with that a cable upgrade.  I can't wait.   With Halloween coming up, I get to watch the Chiller Channel and Travel Channel....  And SyFy,  WOOOOHOO!

Such a small bit of happiness.  Now for a kid's birthday party and then jaunt to Bemus Point for an event.  Time to get my butt in gear! 

Day 3

I have survived day 3.  I think its the silence that got to me yesterday.  There wasn't enough background noise.  I am so used to Matt randomly talking to me, I needed something more.  So I plugged in my netbook and played some tunes and had Hulu going in the background.  That worked.

Its odd working from home..  Its totally doable, but weird.

new adventures

Today is the first day of the rest of my work life.  I start working from home.  HOME!  Due to a very large space and not enough bodies, options were weighed and decisions were made.  We are remote now with a collaboration space so we can meet if we need to.

I'm excited.  I don't have to worry about driving in crappy weather or rushing home to make sure I get Erin in time.  Tim helped me with my setup and I am ready to go.  All I need is to get the kiddo on the bus.  Here I come!!

taste test Oat Revolution

I love to try new products.. especially food.  Well, anything really.

Better Oats has a line of oatmeal out that is cool.  I have tried the Maple and Brown Sugar Oat Revolution...  and its yummy. Sweet, which is what I like.  Its not so much the taste I love but the packaging.

The oatmeal bag itself is is measured to 2/3 cup.  THE BAG!!  Pour the oats into a bowl.  Measure the water in the oat bag.  Nuke for 90 seconds.  DONE!  NO MEASURING CUP NEEDED!

How neat is this for the office?  I took a measuring cup in specifically because during the winter I'll bring in oatmeal.

Lets review the taste now.  I just finished my bowl and it was good.  Its better oats and... heartier.  The odd texture to me was the addition of the Flax seed.  You get used to it.    Overall, I'd get this again.  Thank you Better Oats...

We were walking along the river last Friday night and Erin was in charge of taking pictures. Tim and I were holding hands while we walked and Erin was prancing ahead of us and getting in between us. She snapped this picture after some careful posing.

sunset on the lake

took these... One reason why I won't move out of the area. The lake, as mean as she can be during the winter, is our saving grace in the summer. The breeze off the lake is best treatment for a hot humid day.

I turned on the Sunset feature on my camera for these next 2. What a different effect.

A girl and her goats

This is as close to living on a farm as she's gonna get. Petting zoo. But she loved the goats.

thrill

I am finally getting around looking at my photos from the summer. Not many but a few stand out. This one is from our trip to Fanstasy Island. Spot my kid in this picture.... go ahead.. can you guess which one it is???

she may be only 8.....

but she's still my baby.  And my baby is wearing a bra.  yep.  We, well I got her some sports bras and 3 wasn't enough.  So today, I went to Target and got her some more.$6.99 for 2.  Why can't mine be that cheap?? I looked at the one set and it turns out its a "regular" bra, not a sports bra.
And too boot, I didn't take her with me for these ones.  No big fan fair... no big to do.  Have I scarred her for not commemorating this rite of passage??  Not giving her the opportunity to pick it out?  Am I a horrible mother??????  

At least she likes them...

bumps and bruises

Wise words from our Pediatrician ring in my ears every time Erin comes to me with a bruise from playing outside.  He loves to see kids come in for their check-ups bruised, bug-bitten and smelling like summer because it means they are OUTSIDE playing.  DOING THINGS.......  and not held up in the house playing video games all summer long. (the smelling like summer part was me because I love the smell of sunscreen and chlorine on kids).

I boot my kid out of the house as often as I can.  It was raining one evening when I told her she could go.  She peeked her head out the door then stood on the stoop.  I saw her raise her leg outside of the awning to see how hard it was raining.  I heard the door close and she scampered to her room.  "I need a sweatshirt. Its raining." Off she disappeared in a sweatshirt and baseball cap.  She won't melt.  She loves the rain.

So our latest bruises are from Soccer this week.  At practice she took a ball to the face.  Owwww.  Then she turned into her one coach's hand and was whacked across the face.  I saw the whole thing.... it was comical.  Hoping that would be it...  I was wrong.  At the game last night, she was tripped and landed flat.  Face down.  I could feel it.  She got right up and brushed herself off.  No tears.  Then she was limping.  I could tell she was trying to walk it off but no luck.  After being carried off the field by Coach, we iced her leg.  She pulled her Achilles tendon.

Ace bandages are my friend.  We wrapped her ankle today and I sent her off to camp.  I can only hope she comes home with no more injuries today.

hot hot hot

This is the expected temps next week in Vegas.  

So...  frosty alcoholic drink in hand???  got it....

car update

Well.. apparently it was the back break pads.  We're keeping watch (well listening) to see if they start again.

car fail

I had brought my car in last month for an oil change and inspection.  Some things were fixed and I was sent on my way.  Then a noise appeared.  We took it in yesterday to the dealer of all places.  Sure enough, problem was found and fixed.

This morning, I handed over my credit card yet again, grabbed my keys and went to work.  No sound.  Good.  Here's where the story should end.  It doesn't.

I had to get Erin from camp early (she didn't feel well).  And there it was.. the same bloody noise as before.  What the hell!!!!!  After 2 messages to the mechanic's office, I get him on the phone.  He was pissed as well.  As he should be.  If the guys didn't do what they should of, it makes him look bad.  He puts his trust in these guys to FIX the cars.  All I want is the problem to be fixed.  Simple.

Now I have to go back in tomorrow morning at 7:30 am to drop the car off and demo the noise for the mechanic who did the work.  Cross your fingers kids....  more to come.

Teeny update

For those following the Hamster Drama...  Teeny is doing well.  I'll recap.
Friday, Steve died.  He's laid to rest in our back yard.
Friday 1pm - Teeny, a smaller version of Steve was purchased and given a forever home.
Friday 2pm- he bite me.
Saturday - Sunday - convincing Teeny that hanging out against the cage behind the wheel was not a good idea (sort of looked like a scene from Mission Impossible).
Today - Teeny has gathered up enough courage to come out of the cage via the gate and will come to me.  Now, this is not unusual.  Hamsters do that.  But, the cats were sitting there meowing at me to feed them.  Teeny wouldn't move and stared at them.  I closed the gate, feed the cats and returned to the cage.  Teeny nearly jumped out and landed in my hand.

He seems to like me best... i'll rephrase that.  He's most comfortable with me.  I'm okay with that.. but he needs to get used to the rest of the people in the house.   Patience.. I know.  But he sure is cute.

yes, i am insane

Its hot out.. humid to be exact. Cooking is something that should be outside or by someone else where you don't have to do any dishes (aka takeout).  What did I do?    Made Kielbasa and potato noodles....  stood in front of the range for who knows how long.  I'm pooped!  What freaking possessed me to do that??  I have no idea.  Really.  I could have easily made Tim grill something.  Or had Ice Cream for dinner.

I'm going to give myself a time out now.

Date Night

Date night for us married folks is few and far between.  Who would have thought that we'd need to schedule time to be able to have dinner by ourselves... oh yeah. We have a kid.

The introduction of another human complicates the time we need to spend together as a married couple. And I'm simply talking about being able to spend some time together, minus a child, to eat and drink, talk about adult topics, giggle about adult things with having to explain what they mean in a G version and watch a scary movie and drink some more.
Now don't get me wrong.  I love my kid.  She's awesome! But I am a firm believer that a marriage can only be sustained when the spouses have some time to be together. Get back to WHY they got married in the first place.

So last night the kid spent the night at a friend's house..  she's at that age where it will be happening more and more.  The  husband and I went to Duffs for dinner....had a few drinks...  discussed our upcoming trip.  We then headed over to Borders to pick up some reading material for the plane ride...  then Ice Cream. No, Tim didn't eat 2..  one is mine and I couldn't finish it.  Then we made an exciting trip to the pet store.. ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh.. so adult.  I know.  We needed some cat food and treat for the new hamster.  Some kitteh viewing was in order.

Then we went home....  oooooohhhhh.. exciting. Well, he made one more trip for vodka so we could have Vodka Tea while we watched a scary movie.     That's Date Night...   And after nearly 10 years of marriage and 14 years of being with my best friend,  I had a wonderful time. Now we are off to mass to get the kid...  and life resumes.  

goodbye friend

Today we had to say goodbye to Steve, Erin's hamster.  He was a sweet guy and a bit daring.  We found him this morning unresponsive and we did all that we could to keep him with us.

Steve is now resting in the big Wheel in the sky.  Erin wanted to bury him in the backyard.  He's under an American flag stone, has an army dude to watch over him, a carrot and Cherry tomato.

Goodbye friend.  we love you

summer stuff.. so far

here I thought summer was supposed to be fun and memorable..  I'm damn exhausted!  Its July 4 at 11pm. It sounds like a fire fight is going on outside.  Well, what I'd imagine it would sound like..  So much for fireworks in NYS being illegal....hahahhahah!

We just got back from visiting friends for a few hours.. talking about "the good old days", swimming, playing board games.. I am burnt.  But it was nice to see friends.  Next weekend is another family party... and thats the last one for the summer.  Then its a friend's picnic, maybe fantasy island then our trip to Vegas....  then VA and maybe TX (the VA and TX trips are me.. for work..woohoo!).

yeah.. i lost where I was going with this one so since I can't keep a thought in my head, I'm gonna not even try.  Happy 4th peoples... enjoy your days...

marriage

This year I celebrate 10 years of marriage to my husband... my best friend.  I am honored to have the right and privilege to spend my life- good and bad- with the person I love.

Now.. my friends have the same right.  NYS passed a law that allows same sexed couples to be married. I am happy.  I am thrilled!  But this makes me sad at the same time.  Sad because it too so long.  Sad because I have friends who are upset with the decision because of religious beliefs.   Sad that we had to grant the right to marriage...

I'm going to go on a rant now so if you think you will be offended in any way, now is your chance to stop reading.


Still with me.. good.
I believe that love transcends gender.  Love can exist between Man and Woman, Man and Man, Woman and Woman, Man and 2 women, Woman and 2 Men.. .. etc.  The Judeo-Christian ideal is not Universal.  There are other cultural ideals that exist in this world that we in the west disregard because it goes against our beliefs.  I studied cultural differences for 4 years in college and I still study it today.  Who am I to say what a couple in another country, with a different religion with a different set of values are right?  As long as all parties involved with the marriage are in agreement... no one was forced or underage.... lets be smart about it kids..  why should I care if there are 2 wives and 1 husband?  Why should I care if there are 2 women who love each other as much as I love my husband?  ITS LOVE!  Would I marry someone of the same sex? No. I like boys.  But I know lots of people of who will now be planning weddings and I am thrilled to be able to celebrate their love with them.

almost summer

For years my Mom has tried to get me to eat Strawberries...  She wins.  These are beauties I have been munching on ....

They are grown local in Eden NY.  They are about the sweetest and juiciest strawberries you will ever find.

All I did was clean them, cut the tops off and sprinkle some sugar on it.  Yes, I know.  Why bother?  Because  it helps deal with the texture issue I have with Strawberries.  Hey, I'm eating them.

Now don't go and expect me to eat Strawberry preserves or jam...  no.  There is a texture issue at work here kids.  Again.. BE HAPPY THAT I WILL EAT THEM WHOLE!

marshmallows

I made Rice Krispie treats last night for a work lunch today.  This happens to be Erin's favorite treat for the moment.  But it has to be mine since I add more marshmallows and its softer.  Lack of teeth and hard food = trouble.

So I gave her a piece this morning as a treat like you should because its my birthday week.  She turns to me and asks "Mom, what are marshmallows made of?"
My response - "Good question.. lets look"... in other words, to the cloud (teehee).

I look up the ingredients to confirm and I start reading them off.  I pause and say gelatin.
"Whats that?"

I braced myself for the outcome I foresaw - the spitting out of whatever was in her mouth.
"Well, gelatin comes from animal skin and bones... "pause.. no response.
She keeps eating
"You know how we are supposed to use as much of an animal as possible?" I say
"Like the Sioux and Powhatan Indians used the buffalo and deer" she responds.
"Yes, exactly"
"So thats why that lady at the party couldn't eat the Igor Bars right? Because she was a vegetarian?" says the 8 year old with marshmallow hanging off her chin.
"You got it."
This next statement make me laugh... "I don't care where it comes from, just as long as it tastes good".

out of the mouths of babes....

God only gives you what you can handle

Its been a long long week.  So I apologize for the lack of updates and nifty photos.  First off, it was rehearsal week for the kiddo's dance performance.  They did Ease on Down the Road and she was Dorothy.    This consisted of a full costume/makeup rehearsal in studio on Wednesday, Tech rehearsal on Thursday and full show rehearsal on Friday.  The show was Saturday - we were there from 3pm till 10:30 or so. Yes.. it was a long show...  We had some technical issues which caused a delay but oh well.

Here's my girl in full costume with the Scarecrow and Lion.. and "Toto"..  well SoCo... The TinGirl was off getting oiled :)

She had a real dog to call out at the end of the show.

On top of the wonderful performance, she was awarded Most Dramatic.. so I foresee Musical Theatre classes for next year.

To make it even better.. my niece was also in the show (her first!) and she kicked butt despite running into the scenery due to lack of vision.  I am so proud of my girls for a great year.

On a sad note we had a family loss this week.  Its going to be rough for those involved but things will get better.  This was looming over us this week as well.  The question was how to tell an 8 year old a baby has died before her due date?  She took it well as she was more concerned for the mother... who has 2 children at home.  It was amazing to hear her rationale.. she was sad yes, but not in the way I thought she'd be.  She understood why it happened and the medical side and clearly stated her reason for the emotion.  And that was it... nothing else was said.  Death and being 8 is funny business.

With that, we venture forward and hope that time heals the wounds for everyone.  At least a little.  This week we see if the kid needs glasses (I suspect so), soccer starts this week and I have to plan a meal for 30 people.  And I turn 36. Time marches on and I'm learning to take it in stride.  Now, if it will stop raining, I'll feel better for the weekend (is it too much to ask?).

This is my memorial day. A good book, patio and wine. Yeah.. No rain. Sunshine. A good day to be outside and get burned.

lack of wisdom

At the age of 35, I had my only wisdom tooth removed.  It was fine.. not impacted at all and still not 100% erupted. My last cleaning was when it cracked.  Just the corner of it which causes issues when eating.  It wasn't possible to fill it since it wasn't in all the way.  The only option was to pull it.

So today I had it pulled.  No heavy meds... I was awake.  3 shots of Novicaine.  Thats it.  Fortunately, the tooth came out in one piece.  And I felt it all.  This didn't bother me so much as I've 2 other molars pulled.  It was the fact I needed one stitch.  One.  Watching him sew it up and feeling it...  EEWWWWWW!!!!!

Now I am sitting here in pain.  Its been about 4 hours and the Novicaine has worn off.  I feel the 3 shot spots.  My jaw is sore, my gum is killing me.  I'd hate to see what it felt like without the Hydrocodone.  Hell,  even walking hurts... the jarring pressure rattles that spot and it feels like someone is poking it.

I kept the tooth.  I wonder the Adult rate is for a tooth?  If my kid gets $1... I should get at least.. what... $20???

so worth it

I went to the salon today.. felt cruddy and blue so I thought I'd get my hair cut.  Its so thick, 4 week worth of growth is noticeable.  If you recall, I went to Super Cuts...  yeah.. never again. The care and attention to my hair is soooo much better when I go to Cortos.  Grated, it costs $24 for a cut but my hair looks so much better!!

So Thank You Jenny the stylist in the back -- you did a great job.  Not only did you cut my hair wonderfully, you remember my kid.  And that means a lot to me.  You gave me my sassy back.

How a Watch means Freedom

I posted this to Free Range Kids..  because I believe Kids should have freedom

My 8 year old daughter is one of a few kids in the neighborhood.  We're a "city" residential area so the streets are connected.  There are 2 girls her age on the street and one on the street behind.  Its spring.  I don't want them in the house...  so I kicked them out.  Here we have 4 maybe 6 girls in the house.  It makes my head hurt. They were even bored.  So I made my kid a deal.  If she has a watch on she can go.  No watch, no leaving the yard.  Go to the other kid's house, go to the park (its around the corner and just behind her one friend's house).... GO!  Be home at whatever time I say (dinner, street lights.. whatever).  She knows the rules and did get me when there was a problem.  She looks both ways to cross the street (several times in fact) and asks to pet a dog. They are even trying to dig to China from what I hear... and open a bug exhibit.  

I trust her in this small radius as she's 8.  Its a big step for her.  I used to run around our street when I was her age.  As long as she checks in.. we're good.   Kids should be kids.

manners

I wish teenagers had manners.  I know.. its an impossible request.  All I ask is that if you decide to goof off and be stoopid,....  1) watch your language  2)make sure there are no little kids around and 3) if there are little ones (meaning younger than you) then STOP.

Now is the time when the kids are out.  I totally understand wanting to be funny and horse around with your friends and show off your "style and manliness".. but really.. KNOCK IT OFF!!!!!!

mmmmrrrrr...Mama Bear will make an appearance...

nice night

I couldn't resist sitting outside when we came home from dance pictures.  It was so nice..  so I grabbed my stuff I need for tomorrow and a glass of wine and got to work.  So with the medallions done, I grabbed a cup of coffee to chill.  The kid is off with her friends across the street.  I foresee many hours this summer without my kid. I'm not complaining. She needs to be with kids her age.  Go!! Be a kid!! Please...

So here is my garden.. and me.  I'm proud of my little patch of land.  Its onions, cucumbers, lettuce, red and banana peppers and tomatoes. Some oregano, rosemary and lavender for spice.. if my basil takes, we'll have that too.

Yes, there is a grape vine behind me.  It is an evil grape vine.  I did not plant it... it was here when we moved in and has a mind of its own.  I have tired to cut it back some (not all as its a nice blocker from the neighbors behind me) but it comes back bigger each year.  And what makes it worse is that the grapes are not edible. They are a wild concord and fit for animals only.  Damn.. If they were the big ones, I would pick them then ship them to my sister in law to make jam.  

See.. cute!  Got my potting soil with said needed nutrients and those little suckers better grow. I'm counting on the tomatoes and lettuce.. and cucs too.  

So here I sit enjoying my little piece of heaven...  with coffee as the breeze has set in off the lake.  The only problem is that I get a nice sun in the afternoon but as soon as the sun starts to set, my backyard is cold.  No light at all.  

Cup from Lil.. and coffee from the hubby (for Mother's day, I got a Kuerig maker).  Time to go in.. not warm enough outside without a fire... sadly something we don't have.  

Grave?

this is my garden that the girls took over.  I'm not sure what going on.  They were looking for bugs before dinner.  After all was said and done,  Tim tells me to check out my hard work.  Yeah, sort of looks like a grave huh??

This is what I get for leaving a 7, 8 and 9 year old out side.  Isn't it grand?  My kid has been outside all day.  At one friends house, then off to another around the corner, then back out after dinner...  I'm glad she has a watch.   Maybe she'll sleep...