Christmas must entail at least one new book and with it, a renewed enthusiasm for reading. My book is from my sister and is called Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. I think I had vaguely heard about it sometime in the past year, and it is capturing my imagination and broadening my understanding of the world so far. I had the mistaken idea that somehow putting women in veils and robes would strip them of all individuality and personality, but luckily this is not the case. I am meeting some extraordinary women through the pages of this novel.
Upsilamba is a word from Vladimir Nabokov's Invitation to a Beheading. Possibly an invented word, the girls in the novel each have their own meaning for it. It became part of their secret language, these Iranian women who are covertly studying Western literature in secrecy. I'm sorry to say I am terribly underread, and haven't even read Lolita.
On another note, has anyone ever listened to Josh Groban? The name evokes images of John Mayer or even Michael Bolton, but that he is not. I believe he sings in Italian and English, another language anyway. A client of mine introduced me to him and burned a CD for me. I was in a Josh Groban mood today, I guess you could say.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas
This is my special family Christmas tradition: Strawberries. We have been making them for 43 years, according to my mother. This year the boys shaped the strawberries all by themselvs. It was a quite an accomplishment, as there is a certain apprenticeship one has to endure before becoming a true strawberry maker. I submitted a story to one of those newspaper insert magazines about the process, but it never got published. Guess it will have to be another self-published tome on the blog (later). The plate is one of the exclusive patterns of the Lomonosov pottery in St. Petersburg where we had a tour and spent too much money in 2001.
Right now I am smelling the sweet scent of butterscotch pecan pie that I just removed from the oven. Kind of my own creation, or at least variation. This is a first time recipe so I will have to let you know later how it is.
Everyone is going to the new National Treasure movie at 2:00 today except me. I will be cooking and setting the table, etc. and perhaps enjoying a little peace and Christmas music. My goals are to clear off my dresser to make way for some new trinkets I got last night, and to go through the CD box and match all the CD's up with their cases. That and prepare the ham, twice baked potatoes and whatever else I can scrounge up. I won't accomplish everything.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Crabby Pattie
I've been in quite the mood today. Perhaps it was too much caffeine, or just the added stress of the holidays.
Boy19 has made it safely across Iowa and to Nebraska to spend the holiday with his grandparents and father. I think it was his first hazardous driving experience. There was ice on the trees and snow on the ground at 3 am and I was a little worried about what the day would hold for him. He was sleeping on the couch when we came downstairs this morning and he took off about 10:30 a.m. in my car and with my cell and the warning, "Don't f--- with my cell phone." Meaning, don't lose, break or othewise abuse it. He called promptly upon his arrival at 6:10 p.m. at the same moment I was thinking of calling him.
That said, I have decided to take my parents lead and put money in a jar everytime I swear in an effort to reduce this bad behavior I have. Since I would go broke in a day putting in $1 a word, I will do 25 cents per violation. I'll let you know when I can afford a nice meal out (probably by the end of January).
Boy19 has made it safely across Iowa and to Nebraska to spend the holiday with his grandparents and father. I think it was his first hazardous driving experience. There was ice on the trees and snow on the ground at 3 am and I was a little worried about what the day would hold for him. He was sleeping on the couch when we came downstairs this morning and he took off about 10:30 a.m. in my car and with my cell and the warning, "Don't f--- with my cell phone." Meaning, don't lose, break or othewise abuse it. He called promptly upon his arrival at 6:10 p.m. at the same moment I was thinking of calling him.
That said, I have decided to take my parents lead and put money in a jar everytime I swear in an effort to reduce this bad behavior I have. Since I would go broke in a day putting in $1 a word, I will do 25 cents per violation. I'll let you know when I can afford a nice meal out (probably by the end of January).
Merry One
I'm sorry I waited a week to update the old blog. It was a busy week, in spite of having no classes to worry about. I worked until Friday and it was a wild week. My fellow case manager was off to Jamaica for a belated honeymoon, lucky girl, so I had to cover her caseload for her (she has mine this week!).
There were two basketball games this week. One was a nail biter in which only 8 of the 15 boys got to play. Thursday night was a domination by our team, so everyone got to play. I have to say I understand the flip side of "running up the score." I used to think there was no reason for it, and it was simply bad sportsmanship. However, when your kid rarely gets to play, he gets in and wants to play. He also wants to prove himself and perhaps increase his chances to play next time. So Boy13 made a nice steal and breakaway layup. He was also fouled while shooting and made the first of two freethrows. Finally with two seconds on the clock he shot and made a nice jumper, falling on the floor in the process and evoking a big cheer from the crowd and dogpile from his teammates. It reminded me of when Boy19 won his first wrestling match in two years of varsity wrestling.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
cookie dough
Those are Mexican Wedding Cakes aka Russian Tea Cookies aka Danish something or others in the grocery store, so who knows the real name or origin? We used finely chopped pecans and they were delish. Along with Alice's best ever sugar cookies and Bark, it was quite a day. Luckily, they are all devoured now.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Recovery
My day...
I shouldn't have gone to work, but I always go when I'm sick. I reserve my sick days for mental health. First, I cancelled a home visit where a newborn lives, so as not to hack all over her and infect her. The next visit there was smoking (not good for my lungs at all). About 20 minutes in I had a coughing fit I couldn't control. I was hacking so bad I was gagging and throwing up in my mouth. They generously offered me a bottle of water (boil order still in effect).
Later in the copy room it happened again. The whole office was I'm sure irritated with me spreading my germs all over. At this point, I called the doctor and got in at 2:15. The nurse practioner gave me a couple scripts for cough syrup with codeine, I'm feeling it, and Zithromax because, "your throat looks red". Okay, I know we're not supposed to be taking antibiotics willy nilly, so I considered blowing that off, but after coming home and lying down I felt worse and decided to take it anyway.
Did I mention I won Spider Solitaire yesterday (at work)? haha. My scrapbooking friend and I were busting a gut about some study stating the average American spends two or three hours a day messing around on the Internet or playing games at work. What did we do before computers to waste time at work? And what about all the pressure and downsizing and squeezing the life out of employees? Somehow it doesn't quite add up. Actually I was told I shouldn't be exceeding productivity standards regularly so I've been trying to kick back. I think today would qualify since about all I did was cough.
I think the codeine is kicking in. Pat and I are going to relax and watch the Bourne Ultimatum (2nd time)tonight. I love the opening sequence in that movie. Thank you Secret Santa.
I shouldn't have gone to work, but I always go when I'm sick. I reserve my sick days for mental health. First, I cancelled a home visit where a newborn lives, so as not to hack all over her and infect her. The next visit there was smoking (not good for my lungs at all). About 20 minutes in I had a coughing fit I couldn't control. I was hacking so bad I was gagging and throwing up in my mouth. They generously offered me a bottle of water (boil order still in effect).
Later in the copy room it happened again. The whole office was I'm sure irritated with me spreading my germs all over. At this point, I called the doctor and got in at 2:15. The nurse practioner gave me a couple scripts for cough syrup with codeine, I'm feeling it, and Zithromax because, "your throat looks red". Okay, I know we're not supposed to be taking antibiotics willy nilly, so I considered blowing that off, but after coming home and lying down I felt worse and decided to take it anyway.
Did I mention I won Spider Solitaire yesterday (at work)? haha. My scrapbooking friend and I were busting a gut about some study stating the average American spends two or three hours a day messing around on the Internet or playing games at work. What did we do before computers to waste time at work? And what about all the pressure and downsizing and squeezing the life out of employees? Somehow it doesn't quite add up. Actually I was told I shouldn't be exceeding productivity standards regularly so I've been trying to kick back. I think today would qualify since about all I did was cough.
I think the codeine is kicking in. Pat and I are going to relax and watch the Bourne Ultimatum (2nd time)tonight. I love the opening sequence in that movie. Thank you Secret Santa.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Sidetracked
I've been sidetracked by life. No bloggee for 10 days. I did have a nice long paragraph written last weekend but when I navigated away from the page I lost my text. It was just too aggravating to start over. I did catch up on reading a few blogs last night. I'm sure my handful readers have given up on me.
The news is: classes and finals are over. I have one month without school which is a big relief. I am now wearing reading glasses, which my 25 year old co-worker gave me a chain for, so I can look like real old lady. I am coming down with something and losing 1/2 my voice. The water in our entire town is under a boil order for going on 3 days.
My young sports enthusiast, Boy13, who has been honing his writing skills this year (Writer of the Week X3) won a school wide essay contest on Jane Addams. This makes me especially proud because she was my childhood idol and reason I am involved with social work to this day. Illinois has named December 10th the first commemorative day for a woman in the U.S. (can that really be true?).
I have been playing Spider Solitaire (won only twice on level 2) and Free Rice vocabulary game regularly. Try free rice at www.freerice.com/index.php Learn new words and donate to a good cause at the same time.
Work is going great. I am helping people connect with jobs, winter coats, apartments, food and anything else they need to live more healthy and productive lives.
Madz, you are so insanely crafty. We don't even have a tree up yet and you are making button trees.
Ginnie, you are the most fantastic photographer and collector of unusual things.
Ragged, your button tree is antique-esque and very nicely done.
Now, I must tell a story that Ragged's cookie cutter mobile reminded me of. Here goes: Boy14 does get credit for starting his final geometry project a couple days ahead by mentioning something about making a gingerbread house. The assignment was to make a Christmas ornament (what if you are Muslim/Jewish/Jehovah Witness?)using 10 geometric concepts no larger than 5" by 5". It could be a mobile, which is what reminded me. So I was nice enough to pick up some graham crackers and frosting for the project. One evening, Monday I believe, I look in the refrigerator and see the ugliest, most un-geometric graham cracker house I've ever seen (I've seen 4 year olds make better ones). I take it out, call him over and start a beat down on him, tearing the mismatched walls off and cursing the lack of effort. Boy19 who is sitting nearby says, "Bro, I'll tell something I learned in 6th grade: never ever ask Mom or Pat for help with a school project."
The news is: classes and finals are over. I have one month without school which is a big relief. I am now wearing reading glasses, which my 25 year old co-worker gave me a chain for, so I can look like real old lady. I am coming down with something and losing 1/2 my voice. The water in our entire town is under a boil order for going on 3 days.
My young sports enthusiast, Boy13, who has been honing his writing skills this year (Writer of the Week X3) won a school wide essay contest on Jane Addams. This makes me especially proud because she was my childhood idol and reason I am involved with social work to this day. Illinois has named December 10th the first commemorative day for a woman in the U.S. (can that really be true?).
I have been playing Spider Solitaire (won only twice on level 2) and Free Rice vocabulary game regularly. Try free rice at www.freerice.com/index.php Learn new words and donate to a good cause at the same time.
Work is going great. I am helping people connect with jobs, winter coats, apartments, food and anything else they need to live more healthy and productive lives.
Madz, you are so insanely crafty. We don't even have a tree up yet and you are making button trees.
Ginnie, you are the most fantastic photographer and collector of unusual things.
Ragged, your button tree is antique-esque and very nicely done.
Now, I must tell a story that Ragged's cookie cutter mobile reminded me of. Here goes: Boy14 does get credit for starting his final geometry project a couple days ahead by mentioning something about making a gingerbread house. The assignment was to make a Christmas ornament (what if you are Muslim/Jewish/Jehovah Witness?)using 10 geometric concepts no larger than 5" by 5". It could be a mobile, which is what reminded me. So I was nice enough to pick up some graham crackers and frosting for the project. One evening, Monday I believe, I look in the refrigerator and see the ugliest, most un-geometric graham cracker house I've ever seen (I've seen 4 year olds make better ones). I take it out, call him over and start a beat down on him, tearing the mismatched walls off and cursing the lack of effort. Boy19 who is sitting nearby says, "Bro, I'll tell something I learned in 6th grade: never ever ask Mom or Pat for help with a school project."
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Madz' Meme
I have not been keeping up with reading everyone's blogs, but I think (?) Madz asked me to fill out this meme. I think it is secretly some kind of memory test to see if you have Alzheimer's. Though unless I just admit I can't remember anything and it doesn't sound too nutsy, you would never know if I made it up or truly remembered it.
If the answer is in bold print, that's what Madz said.
1. Name one person who made you laugh last night? that guy on The Soup.
2. What were you doing at 0800? sleeping, unusually late...
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? picking up Boy14 at a friend's house. It feels like -15 degrees out there, time for this boy to get his driver's license.
4. What happened to you in 2006? Uh, I had a rectal exam?
5. What was the last thing you said out loud? “I think you have a game tomorrow night.”
6. How many beverages did you have today? who cares
7. What color is your hairbrush? same as above
8. What was the last thing you paid for? a coffee from the Old Dairy
9. Where were you last night? at home, there was a supposed ice storm outside
10. What color is your front door? brown wood, with a large plate of glass so you can look right in (or out).
11. Where do you keep your change? bottom of my purse and spread all over my dresser just like a man.
12. What’s the weather like today? cold as a witch's tit
13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? Breyer's Vanilla Bean
14. What excites you? conversation
15. Do you want to cut your hair? yes, my bangs are so in the way.
16. Are you over the age of 25? obviously.
17. Do you talk a lot? only when no one is around
18. Do you watch the O.C.? is that still on??
19. Do you know anyone named Steven? An old client in NY.
20. Do you make up your own words? yes, I just can't think of any good examples...
21. Are you a jealous person? Nope. Well, maybe a little.
22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’. Angie: Me too!
23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. I don't have that many friends.
24. Who’s the first person on your received call list? what the hell is a received call list? Wait, I think it might be my mom. Do you mean the last person that called me?
25. What does the last text message you received say? I've never had one, nor do I know how to get one if I did.
26. Do you chew on your straw? not particularly, I like to pull and push that accordion kind of straw together a bunch of times.
27. Do you have curly hair? doesn’t get much straighter than this, DITTO
28. Where’s the next place you’re going to? I hope to work in the morning, and not to the hospital in the middle of the night.
29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? a certain member of a certain group I belong to.
30. What was the last thing you ate? manicotti
31. Will you get married in the future? Huh?
32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? I was starting watching a sappy TV movie called "The Ron Clark Story" or something like that about a teacher in NYC and thought it was interesting. Mr. Magorium was okay. I did watch Slingblade again and that is terrific.
33. Is there anyone you like right now? Well sure, my husband, my kids, fellow bloggers, for starters.
34. When was the last time you did the dishes? While cooking dinner this evening.
35. Are you currently depressed? Nope.
36. Did you cry today? I got a little teared up when I heard "Little Drummer Boy."
37. Why did you answer and post this? Shameless self promotion.
38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey. I don't think there are five people reading this, but if you are please post your answers!
If the answer is in bold print, that's what Madz said.
1. Name one person who made you laugh last night? that guy on The Soup.
2. What were you doing at 0800? sleeping, unusually late...
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? picking up Boy14 at a friend's house. It feels like -15 degrees out there, time for this boy to get his driver's license.
4. What happened to you in 2006? Uh, I had a rectal exam?
5. What was the last thing you said out loud? “I think you have a game tomorrow night.”
6. How many beverages did you have today? who cares
7. What color is your hairbrush? same as above
8. What was the last thing you paid for? a coffee from the Old Dairy
9. Where were you last night? at home, there was a supposed ice storm outside
10. What color is your front door? brown wood, with a large plate of glass so you can look right in (or out).
11. Where do you keep your change? bottom of my purse and spread all over my dresser just like a man.
12. What’s the weather like today? cold as a witch's tit
13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? Breyer's Vanilla Bean
14. What excites you? conversation
15. Do you want to cut your hair? yes, my bangs are so in the way.
16. Are you over the age of 25? obviously.
17. Do you talk a lot? only when no one is around
18. Do you watch the O.C.? is that still on??
19. Do you know anyone named Steven? An old client in NY.
20. Do you make up your own words? yes, I just can't think of any good examples...
21. Are you a jealous person? Nope. Well, maybe a little.
22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’. Angie: Me too!
23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. I don't have that many friends.
24. Who’s the first person on your received call list? what the hell is a received call list? Wait, I think it might be my mom. Do you mean the last person that called me?
25. What does the last text message you received say? I've never had one, nor do I know how to get one if I did.
26. Do you chew on your straw? not particularly, I like to pull and push that accordion kind of straw together a bunch of times.
27. Do you have curly hair? doesn’t get much straighter than this, DITTO
28. Where’s the next place you’re going to? I hope to work in the morning, and not to the hospital in the middle of the night.
29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? a certain member of a certain group I belong to.
30. What was the last thing you ate? manicotti
31. Will you get married in the future? Huh?
32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? I was starting watching a sappy TV movie called "The Ron Clark Story" or something like that about a teacher in NYC and thought it was interesting. Mr. Magorium was okay. I did watch Slingblade again and that is terrific.
33. Is there anyone you like right now? Well sure, my husband, my kids, fellow bloggers, for starters.
34. When was the last time you did the dishes? While cooking dinner this evening.
35. Are you currently depressed? Nope.
36. Did you cry today? I got a little teared up when I heard "Little Drummer Boy."
37. Why did you answer and post this? Shameless self promotion.
38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey. I don't think there are five people reading this, but if you are please post your answers!
So Nice
It was so nice to be able to walk at the YMCA with my Ipod playing. Boy13 had selected a pretty good playlist for me when I used his, called "Rock" which avoided all his rap and hip hop stuff (some is okay). It was good to have had a break from listening to my tunes, as they were getting stale and now it's all good again.
I'm baking some Manicotti which we haven't had in ages. Doesn't that sound good with Garlic breadsticks and salad? Well, I don't really have any salad. How about carrots?
I've been trying to find and request some materials from the U of I library and they make it so darn complicated. I already had 3 different ID and passwords, now I have another 14 digit library card number and a myriad of instructions on how to request materials that aren't available on-line. And they won't process your request unless you use the proper on-line form, which doesn't seem to work for me and my g.d. name and number.
I will be glad to go back to work tomorrow. It's been a really long weekend.
Here is a picture of Nephew8 playing piano for the family over Thanksgiving. In one year of lessons, his repetoire is very good. He is also wearing an old sweater of mine, which he used to play an "old lady" in the movie the boys made. He also wore a pair of my boots and carried a purse. It was pretty funny
I'm baking some Manicotti which we haven't had in ages. Doesn't that sound good with Garlic breadsticks and salad? Well, I don't really have any salad. How about carrots?
I've been trying to find and request some materials from the U of I library and they make it so darn complicated. I already had 3 different ID and passwords, now I have another 14 digit library card number and a myriad of instructions on how to request materials that aren't available on-line. And they won't process your request unless you use the proper on-line form, which doesn't seem to work for me and my g.d. name and number.
I will be glad to go back to work tomorrow. It's been a really long weekend.
Here is a picture of Nephew8 playing piano for the family over Thanksgiving. In one year of lessons, his repetoire is very good. He is also wearing an old sweater of mine, which he used to play an "old lady" in the movie the boys made. He also wore a pair of my boots and carried a purse. It was pretty funny
Friday, November 30, 2007
Take Ipod Shuffle off my Christmas List
You will never believe this. Remember a few months back when I washed and dried my Ipod
Here's the deal. I was going to tell the great news, that I picked up the Ipod which I never had disposed of, plugged in Boy13's earphones, and voila, it was working. I then switched to another pair of earphones, and nothing happened. When I switched back to the other earphones, still nothing. So I was all disapponted and didn't feel like reporting all that.
Then I decided to charge up the Ipod, since maybe it just only had enough juice to play 1 1/3 songs. Today it is magically working again. I am so happy. I also have time to write since I finished my research paper today, and played about 100 games of Spider Solitaire. That's my new stress buster. I have only one the two suit game once! I often lose the easy game, which I heard is impossible (except for imbeciles like me).
So, for school I am down to two last classes, including going out to dinner on Monday after one hour of class, one final exam, and a 5-6 page paper I've started a little on and it will all be over December 12th. I'd forgotten what a great feeling the end of the semester is. I will have nothing hanging over my head. I did always remember that feeling of always having something to do, but truthfully, I am handling it a lot better than I did in college the first time around. I have never been really concerned about not completing assignments or doing well so far. I have felt overwhelmed and bewildered about how I would complete everything, if that makes sense. Once I write out a little plan for myself, it becomes do-able.
Okay, that's the only picture I could find on the desktop computer to post (amongst all the Jeter/A-rod,Grateful Dead/Wolfmother pictures the boys have collected). I have all my photos on the laptop. That's Boy13 over a year ago in an all-star game.
Here's the deal. I was going to tell the great news, that I picked up the Ipod which I never had disposed of, plugged in Boy13's earphones, and voila, it was working. I then switched to another pair of earphones, and nothing happened. When I switched back to the other earphones, still nothing. So I was all disapponted and didn't feel like reporting all that.
Then I decided to charge up the Ipod, since maybe it just only had enough juice to play 1 1/3 songs. Today it is magically working again. I am so happy. I also have time to write since I finished my research paper today, and played about 100 games of Spider Solitaire. That's my new stress buster. I have only one the two suit game once! I often lose the easy game, which I heard is impossible (except for imbeciles like me).
So, for school I am down to two last classes, including going out to dinner on Monday after one hour of class, one final exam, and a 5-6 page paper I've started a little on and it will all be over December 12th. I'd forgotten what a great feeling the end of the semester is. I will have nothing hanging over my head. I did always remember that feeling of always having something to do, but truthfully, I am handling it a lot better than I did in college the first time around. I have never been really concerned about not completing assignments or doing well so far. I have felt overwhelmed and bewildered about how I would complete everything, if that makes sense. Once I write out a little plan for myself, it becomes do-able.
Okay, that's the only picture I could find on the desktop computer to post (amongst all the Jeter/A-rod,Grateful Dead/Wolfmother pictures the boys have collected). I have all my photos on the laptop. That's Boy13 over a year ago in an all-star game.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Saturday Night
We finished up our family weekend with dinner at my mom's house followed by games. Whoonu again. This is where the person who is it, gets a card from every other player with different words on it, and has to choose his favorite things in priority order. For example, Nephew8 might choose cotton candy, bubble gum, miniature golf, chocolate cake and ketchup in that order. The person who gave the card with the top honors, get the token with the most points and so on down the line. Cards move to the right, and the next person in line is it to choose their favorite. Anyway, it's very quick, easy and playable for all ages.
After a round of that won by Boy14, we switched to Apples to Apples and Boy14 won that, too. Then my sister showed me how (tried to) to play Sherlock on the computer. She called it a logic game, but I called it insanity. I came home to relax with a few games of Spider Solitaire (easy version, and no I don't win everytime, so that makes me either a real dummy or just impatient).
Madz, thanks again. Once I accomplished posting the YouTube video, I thought I'd try a different picture placement in html, and it worked! That picture is actually from Thanksgiving Night, but close enough to our game tonight.
After a round of that won by Boy14, we switched to Apples to Apples and Boy14 won that, too. Then my sister showed me how (tried to) to play Sherlock on the computer. She called it a logic game, but I called it insanity. I came home to relax with a few games of Spider Solitaire (easy version, and no I don't win everytime, so that makes me either a real dummy or just impatient).
Madz, thanks again. Once I accomplished posting the YouTube video, I thought I'd try a different picture placement in html, and it worked! That picture is actually from Thanksgiving Night, but close enough to our game tonight.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Are You Magic?
Try finding a movie to please ages 8 to 46. I have to recommend a movie called "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" even though over half our party tonight didn't like it (all the teenage males plus Pat). Betsy, Nephew8 and I all liked it. Perhaps I liked it best. The theme was to believe in yourself and anything can happen. Also, to enjoy the little moments in life. Like looking down the row in the movie theater and seeing all my boys lined up. At dinner Boy13 asked Boy19 how long it had been since he went anywhere with us. He replied, "Seven years." I'm sorry to say it's quite possibly true. Well, we had tonight. It was magical.
The above is a picture on Thanksgiving evening of my Great Uncle Cal, sister Betsy, me and my mom. We were watching a hilarious movie the boys spent all day making about a European rock star named Ricky Merrciaeux who disses a young boy for an autograph and has to pay later on.
The above is a picture on Thanksgiving evening of my Great Uncle Cal, sister Betsy, me and my mom. We were watching a hilarious movie the boys spent all day making about a European rock star named Ricky Merrciaeux who disses a young boy for an autograph and has to pay later on.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
This is a Thanksgiving Game
Here's how it goes:
You have to guess the five differences in the two pictures above. There's also a bonus, that I don't think anyone will find.
I have to admit when I was looking at the table it was easier to see the differences. Sorry I'm not a better photographer, but I thought it would be fun. The chair in front is not part of the game, I just didn't set the camera up in the same spot.
My first idea was to photograph the table in gradual stages of preparation, but I got distracted with this find it game, and then the turkey button popped prematurely, and I had to make the gravy.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
My first time
Madz, you are so fantastic, even I can follow your instructions to post a You Tube video clip! Now I'm going to have to find more amazing video clips to put up. Wow. I am so jacked up.
So, the story goes, Boy13 was invited by a friend to the White Sox game September 16th. The boy's father had bought a special package with great parking, tickets, and food at one of those charitable auctions. The night before, the boys decided to prepare the sign just in case Thome hit his 500th homerun. They knew they'd be sitting down close behind homeplate. They met Thome's father (with his pregnant wife who is crying in the clip), went up and introduced themselves.
The score is tied in the bottom of the ninth with one man on, and Thome hits a walk-off. I don't think it could have got more exciting. Unless, of course, Thome played for the Cubs.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Time to blog, but what to blog about. I got my flu shot last week and my arm finally stopped aching. I usually get one every year, since work pays for it, though I'm not sure that is a good reason, after reading Ragged's blog comments. I don't think I've had the flu since Boy19 was two years old. I'm not sure what the flu is exactly, especially the one I was vaccinated for, but that spring in March I got sick, missing work at the bakery I was temporarily working at, which is unusual for me. I felt like I didn't recovery for 2-3 weeks. It was scary, not knowing when or if I would ever be back to normal. I have missed the shot from time to time when supplies were limited to the elderly, infirm, etc.
Speaking of flu, I want to see that movie Something something in the Time of Cholera. I don't know what it's about exactly, but it looks good, one of those period pieces I imagine like Pride and Prejudice. Never mind that I didn't see that one and it was probably exceedingly boring.
Note to self: add Ocean's 13 to my Christmas list. I don't think I saw it, but I think I know the plot. That brings me to People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive. Finally, they got the right guy. Did anyone notice, though, they have completely airbrushed his face for the cover? All of his perfectly human imperfections have been removed. So sad. In responding to the honor, he reveals more about his personal life than ever, in trying to defend how he's not going to talk about his personal life. Interesting. I'll forgive him that. One thing I like is his commitment to privacy.
Speaking of flu, I want to see that movie Something something in the Time of Cholera. I don't know what it's about exactly, but it looks good, one of those period pieces I imagine like Pride and Prejudice. Never mind that I didn't see that one and it was probably exceedingly boring.
Note to self: add Ocean's 13 to my Christmas list. I don't think I saw it, but I think I know the plot. That brings me to People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive. Finally, they got the right guy. Did anyone notice, though, they have completely airbrushed his face for the cover? All of his perfectly human imperfections have been removed. So sad. In responding to the honor, he reveals more about his personal life than ever, in trying to defend how he's not going to talk about his personal life. Interesting. I'll forgive him that. One thing I like is his commitment to privacy.
You Tube
I don't know how to post a You Tube video (and am not in the mood to learn) but we finally got Boy13 posted on You Tube when he was on TV for Jim Thome's 500th homerun back in September. It takes a while to get to the end, but you will see him in a yellow LSU shirt jumping up and down if you are patient.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLFpkxlhbU8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLFpkxlhbU8
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Darkening the House for Green Week
Pat and I finally got around to hanging the new drapes for the living room that came from JC Penney Oct. 16. There are very ahh, comprehensive. The idea was to get thermal coverage and warm up the house for the winter. Figured out one piece of the valance for the big window was the missing component. I had received a letter saying one part was not shipped. So I took the shaped valances back to the local store for shipping, and re-ordered scalloped valances for all the windows. They should be easy to put up, now that all the rods are in place. There was a minimum of swearing and frantic looking for the drill bits, etc. He has also put plastic up on several of the draftier West windows which should help.
Regarding the make-up. I told Boy13 I was going to put my make-up on today (since I bought $40 worth) and he gave such a petrified look, I know he thinks I look like Tammy Faye Baker, even though he doesn't actually know who she is.
My nephew8 told his mom that he had eaten Chocolate Lucky Charms at my house and thrown up one time. Is there such a thing as Chocolate Lucky's? I don't think this happened, Bets.
Regarding the make-up. I told Boy13 I was going to put my make-up on today (since I bought $40 worth) and he gave such a petrified look, I know he thinks I look like Tammy Faye Baker, even though he doesn't actually know who she is.
My nephew8 told his mom that he had eaten Chocolate Lucky Charms at my house and thrown up one time. Is there such a thing as Chocolate Lucky's? I don't think this happened, Bets.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Cold November
The cooler weather has set in, and I'm none too happy about it. The wind has died done so it is not so bad.
Last night I gorged on a free dinner provided by the School of Social Work which was billed as a 'social' and getting to know the new students joining our cohort in January. It failed on the social account, because there were no formal introductions, and people sat wherever and only mingled with the small group at their table, if that. But the food was fantastic- pasta dish must've had MSG in it because I couldn't stop eating it. Key Lime pie for dessert, very sweet. I had a stomach ache all night.
Today I got nervey and stopped at the Clinique counter for a makeover. Wow, now I know why they call it "putting on my face" in the morning. It looked like someone else had taken over my head. Boy13 hid his eyes and said, "You're scaring me." Well, it was a drastic change. I do think it is time to start wearing some degree of make-up, however. It helps with the dark circles, age spots and other inconsistencies of old age.
It's time to get some work done on my next paper due December 3rd. Substance abuse in adolescents.
Last night I gorged on a free dinner provided by the School of Social Work which was billed as a 'social' and getting to know the new students joining our cohort in January. It failed on the social account, because there were no formal introductions, and people sat wherever and only mingled with the small group at their table, if that. But the food was fantastic- pasta dish must've had MSG in it because I couldn't stop eating it. Key Lime pie for dessert, very sweet. I had a stomach ache all night.
Today I got nervey and stopped at the Clinique counter for a makeover. Wow, now I know why they call it "putting on my face" in the morning. It looked like someone else had taken over my head. Boy13 hid his eyes and said, "You're scaring me." Well, it was a drastic change. I do think it is time to start wearing some degree of make-up, however. It helps with the dark circles, age spots and other inconsistencies of old age.
It's time to get some work done on my next paper due December 3rd. Substance abuse in adolescents.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
A Little More Mack
Since I don't have much else going on right now I will share a couple more pics from beautiful Michigan and Mackinac Island.
From the top we have a golf course belonging to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Below that Terri and me in front the hotel. I believe it cost $12 to go in and look around the hotel which obviously we didn't do. After 6pm Gents must wear coat and tie, and Ladies, no slacks. With rooms starting at $367 this was not our kind of place.
The large abode is Brenda and Roger's place in Ithaca. The white chairs are set up for the wedding ceremony. Below that, the lovely trees and pond that the house overlooks to the West. A really nice spot. I see why she left this area. The Canadian folks were saying that people are either Mountain, Ocean or Flatlanders. I guess that makes me a flatlander, though it doesn't sound real flattering.
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