Project 365 - Week 5

It is that time again to take a peek into every one's week in pictures...go here to link up or to fulfill that need to see what others are up to. Here's my week.

Sunday

I Made It All By Myself

Bella went to an Art Show at the convention center with her dad. She got to go to a woodworking station and make this airplane for Rich. It really shows how her dad and I have handled things, that she is not afraid to tell her dad that she wants to make something for Rich. That really warms my heart.

Monday

Chuck, Chuck, Bo-Buck, Bo-na-na-na, Fo....

Monday night is Chuck night. We really look forward to it, and it is the ONE and ONLY show that we all watch together...to be quite honest with you is is the ONE and ONLY show that I watch...period. Notice that my son still does everything he can to not have his picture taken.

Tuesday

Come Here Muffin

These are two of my students. These are two normal high school students...I promise. These two students always make me smile whenever they come into my room. The girl is an upperclassman and the guy is an underclassmen. She thinks he is adorable in the underclassmen sort of way so she calls him muffin. He wears silly glasses that he doesn't need and has a smile that makes me glad to be his teacher. They both cheer me up every time they come into my room...oh wait I already said that.

Wednesday

Even When Sick He Laughs at Me...and Makes Me Laugh Too

Andrew was still really sick on Wednesday so I took him to the doctor. When I pulled out my camera to take his picture he was sitting on a hobby horse. You see we still go to the pediatrician so the waiting room is full of kid toys. He would not look at the camera...remember he hates to have his picture taken. When we were sitting in the exam room he decided to read all the signs in Spanish and then he read them with a Castilian accent. The accent that lisps all the 's's. I was laughing to hard my belly ached. God love him!!

Thursday

My Turn

I took Andrew out to lunch on Thursday. I started to take his picture and he said "Hey Mom, you always take our pictures for once let me take yours"....so he did. Now his inner dialog was "Hey if I tell her that she should have her picture taken then she won't take mine". Did I mention that he hates to have his picture taken??

Friday

Duck and Cover

We had an earthquake drill on Friday. My High School Chorus was in session when the alarm went off. We, obviously, don't have desks to get under, so my students were informed to put their heads and chest under their chairs. This scene totally cracked me up so I had to take a picture.

Saturday

We're Goin' To Disneyland!!!!

Here is my girl with her three BFF's. It was a birthday party...at Disneyland. My girl is lucky to have such generous friends, because her birthday parties will never be at Disneyland. The living room of our house...maybe.

In Summary: I really need to check my son's birth certificate...doesn't like to be the center of attention...wonder who his mom is?? I love my students and could probably blog entirely about them...and my daughter is blessed with good friends, who just happen to like Disneyland.

More Later

-A Ro

And the Winning Psychosis Is...

Yesterday I may or may not have been publicly ridiculed by Carpool Queen for the state of my Tupperware cupboard. What she fails to realize is the state of my Tupperware cupboard is really mild neurosis compared to what I am about to share with you.

You see I have this issue problem condition psychosis...about backtracking. Now I would guess that 40% of you (which in my case is about 3.25 people) don't like to backtrack. You might casually think about a particular way to go that avoids backtracking or possibly chuckle to yourself if you indeed ended up backtracking...However most of you are probably like the more reasonable adult that lives in my house, Rich, in you would backtrack if it meant that your route was quicker, in essence to be more efficient. Totally sounds like the reasonable way to do things, now doesn't it?

yeah...well, we all can't be REASONABLE now can we?

My issue problem condition psychosis lies much deeper than the chuckle or the "thinking about which way to go"...I obsess about it. Every time I get in my car to go somewhere new, leave a parking lot, or have to walk across campus I consciously think "which way would cause less backtracking" and if I have no choice but to backtrack it really gets to me.

Today, however, two of my issues problems conditions psychoses came into conflict today.

and you thought I only had one...you have NOT been paying attention.

Issue Problem Condition Psychosis #1 - I hate driving, I hate traffic, and I am always in a hurry to just get home. I love my friends, I love helping them out (God knows they have done there share of getting me out of some tricky situations)...I am all about helping others and NEVER feel like they need to return the favor...I would do just about anything for just about anyone. So today Bella's friend who lives in the same town as we do needed a ride home from school..."of course" I'll do it. So we are coming home our usual way and I am starting to try to figure out the fastest way to get her home so I can go get home quickly.

However...

Issue Problem Condition Psychosis #2 - Clearly the fastest way to get her to her house is to take the freeway and to traverse across our little town quicker than the side streets. However, I will indeed have to backtrack about 1/2 mile to get to the freeway.

I know...you are SO wondering which of my issues problems conditions psychoses came out on top???

Well it took a lot of concentration, talking to myself, and really trying to figure out how much backtracking would actually occur and then a lot of concentration, talking to myself, and deep breathing to actually backtrack to the freeway to allow myself to get home quicker.

Yes, you heard it...I backtracked for the sake of efficiency...

See I am a strong person...I don't let my issues problems conditions psychoses control my life...no sir-ee bob...not me!

However, I did have a secret weapon in the attack...Rich and my long awaited beef stew were waiting for me at home.


It's OK to have some help with these things...whatever gets you to the finish line...I always say.


More Later

-A Ro

The Big Picture Beef Stew

I got a new cookbook. It is put out by Cooking Light and it is more of a how to book. And the pictures are just beautiful.

I love to cook and bake, and am always looking to learn new things. This book really inspired me to re-think the way I do things.Within each section it has a recipe that goes along with what it is trying to teach you.

This week as I was frantically carefully putting together my menus for the week, I remembered this beef stew recipe I saw and decided to try it. I decided to try it on Wednesday night.

I must not have had my thinking cap on.

Now I have always had a little trouble with the big picture in life. I mean I tend to not think about the long term and live in the moment. Now that is good when you are trying to live life to the fullest, but not so good when you need to be somewhere and decide 20 minutes before you have to walk out the door to pull out everything in your closet to "re-organize" it.

So my menu planning is sorta like that..Oh this looks good...oh I have nothing to eat on Wednesday...OK...

Sounds like a good plan...right now...but looking at the big picture?

Not so much

You see I have rehearsals on Wednesday until 5:00, I have to round up my kids, and drive home. This puts me home at oh...5:45ish.

I get home to find Rich chopping onion, potatoes, carrots.

Truth be told, I realized that I must have help chopping and called him in a panic, of course he was more than willing to help.

I change my clothes, roll up my sleeves, and get that recipe started...clock says 6:00 and stomach is growling.

Saute mushrooms - check
Saute onion and garlic - check
Dredge beef in flour - check
Cook beef until brown - check
Add wine and de-glaze - check
Add beef broth - check
Reduce heat - check
Simmer 1 hour - WHAT???

OK...OK...relax. This puts us eating at 7:25 we can certainly munch on something to tide us over...deep breath...keep going.

Stir in potato - OK
Stir in carrot - OK
Simmer uncovered another hour - Oh CRAP!!

Me: Uh...honey...

Rich: Yes, beautiful (his usual pet name for me, isn't he sweet)

Me: Uh...we have a slight problem with the Beef Stew

Rich: What is it my love and soul mate (OK he didn't really say that)

Me: Uh...it isn't going to be ready until...uh...bedtime...ha...ha...



So I offered to go to Subway and he started heating up leftovers.



I really need to work on big picture things.



I'll have to add that to my ever growing list as I am eating Beef Stew...tomorrow.

More Later

- A Ro

I Can Hardly Wait...the Random Dozen!!!

I know...I can hardly wait...go on over to Lidna at 2nd Cup and link up your highly anticipated answers...

...alright already, I'm answerin':

1. How good are you at delaying gratification?

I would love to lie like a dog and tell you that I can wait for anything...just not true. But my mother always warned me about praying for patience, because God would give it to you by making you wait.

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?

Oooey, gooey, pizza with lots of cheese and crisp veggies, and that oh so golden buttery crust

...be right back...

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?

-674.3

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?

Don't most things that we build up in our heads actually let us down...the real thing cannot live up to what our minds create. However, the one thing that pops into my head is having my first child. I pictured him in his little outfits, breastfeeding, taking him out and showing him off, staying home from work...Little did I know that most of that time was going to be spent in a big old sleep deprived haze. Not the way I pictured it when I first became pregnant. Not that I would change anything, just that it was different than I expected.

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?

As already established I am a headcase. I cannot backtrack at all, even when I walk somewhere I have to analyze the route which will require the least amount of backtracking I am constantly thinking about it. I am also obsessed with efficiency, which I realize is sometimes counterproductive with backtracking. As Rich points out to me, as I am planning my least backtracking routes, sometimes backtracking is the most efficient way.

Well Doc to answer your question...I take shortcuts every chance I get. Boy you really seem to be writing a lot down in that little notebook...I know, I know...I'll see you next week.

6. Which line is hardest to wait in?

Again going along with my instant gratification problem...the line that is the hardest to wait in is the line that I am in where I am waiting for something I really want. Grocery store line...no problem, bank line...no problem...DMV...could wait all day...in line on the roads waiting to get home...c'mon people MOVE IT!!!

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?

We did not...I, again, instant gratification junkie needed to know and plan. I also wanted to be able to call them by their names. My docs were 100% sure with both, so I was able to do that.

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?

I am a teacher...so I am getting paid to be patient with children, and really have no problem with that. I also have no problem with the elderly either, unless they are in a car going 29 miles an hour on the freeway and I am trying to get home. I know, how could I??? they are someones grandma or grandpa...I just go to that ugly place when I am driving and stuck in traffic...I really am a nice person...really

...I know Doc...see you next week.

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?

Yes...and I don't understand how my kids don't want to. They have absolutely NO desire to peek or to try to guess presents...they LOVE to wait and be surprised.

Yes I am there biological mother...why do you ask??

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?

Rich and I knew we wanted to be together and married from the moment we met (for the second time), but we really tried to take it slow and do it right, by our kids, and ourselves, both just recently divorced. It took a long long time to finally be at the place where we could actually get engaged and plan our wedding. It seemed like an eternity, but I wouldn't have done it any other way.

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other?

Well if you have been paying attention at all to these questions it would obviously be my significant other...thank goodness...someone is around to balance me out.

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)A) Anticipation by Carly SimonB) The Waiting by Tom PettyC) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard MarxD) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James
I would have to say Anticipation by Carly Simon, because it reminds me of the Heinz ketchup commercial and I have to tell you I have no patience for ketchup coming out of the bottle. I pound it, I shake it, I stick my knife up in it, I do everything possible to speed up that process. So that commercial has really stuck with me...I even sing that song to try to make me feel better when I do have to wait

...nope doesn't work. Did you really think it was going to??.

In Summary: I have no idea how I even function in this world. It is a true wonder.

More Later (if I can wait that long)

- A Ro

Things You Notice When You Stop to Look Around

I took a much needed sick day today. Both my kids were sick too, so we all just took it easy and hopefully we will all be back to normal tomorrow, because quite frankly I am not meant to be at home feeling sick just sitting around.

So being home and being forced to slow down I noticed many things through the pounding in my head and, of course, I must tell you all about them.

1. Guilt - I work very hard at my job, and my school treats me as a professional. I very rarely take anytime off. My principals gave me well wishes when I e-mailed them telling them I was sick. But I still feel guilty for staying at home. I am such a headcase.
2. My Wonderful Daughter - When I woke up from my first nap of the day I woke to see this:
3. Daytime Television - I don't yell at the T.V. when I watch sports, but something makes me scream like a crazy person when i watch The Price Is Right. Whether I am screaming at the woman who bids $38,000 for a Scion...or screaming at the 82 year old lady to "watch out" as she is about to be pummeled by the wheel, as she is trying to spin it. I am yelling curse words at the lady who thinks the pizza wheel is $195 and screaming at the producers of the Price Is Right for trying to tell me that the same electric guitar that is sitting in my son's room that I paid $200 for is now retailing for $595...c'mon people!!!
   
4. Tupperware - I got a good look at my Tupperware cupboard and really noticed how absolutely crazy I am about the need for that cupboard to be totally organized. It is so bad that when Rich unloads the dishwasher he doesn't even attempt to put away the Tupperware, he just knows that it won't be good enough...unfortunately he is right. Have I mentioned that I am a total headcase??
5. Finally The Spider Web - I also noticed a very large spiderweb that was encroaching onto my counter space from the bay window behind my sink. Oh by the way if you are my sister Kate you might want to stop reading, and yes I know that it isn't your fault that you were drug to the movie Arachnophobia when you were eight...just warnin' ya. Anyway the whole incident ended with me holding a spatula, my daughter being pealed away from her spot hiding on the couch to hold the flashlight, and Rich with a can of Black Widow spray. Let's just say Mimi is dead, yes my daughter had to name the spider before we killed it, I chose the name Mimi because anyone with the name Mimi is sure to be doomed...c'mon haven't you seen the opera La Boheme??

Now you can see why I am in such a hurry to get better and get the heck out of my house. I need to go back to work...badly.


Unless of course you want a blog about the state of soap operas, my pots and pans cupboard, and the cricket that drives me nuts and I cannot find.


I didn't think so...


More later

-A Ro

Being in the Circus is a Great Back Up Plan

This weekend started off very slowly...but the last few hours of it were pretty entertaining. I didn't have my kids this weekend so that wiped out about 99% of the busyness and excitement right there. I'm not saying that Rich and I aren't busy and full of excitement...


...OK maybe I am.


So Sunday night ends with me sitting right here watching my daughter try to juggle. Not sure why she all of the sudden wants to learn how to juggle. So me being the expert juggler is trying to teach her. And by expert I mean one year at summer camp we had a juggler teach all the kids and we each got a set of balls. Anyway, you can see where this is going...nowhere fast. So Rich is sitting on the bed playing with his i-touch...his usual Sunday night activity...and has been observing this blind leading the blind attempt at juggling. So I look over at him and ask him if he knows how to juggle expecting him to say nope...but much to my surprise he says..."Yeah, I know how to juggle"...


WHAT?!?!?! I exclaim...I am suddenly feeling that I hardly know this man that I am going to marry. He tells me that it was one of the only things he learned in college, and I'm thinking thank goodness the Navy taught him a few more essential skills.



He then precedes to juggle two bouncy balls with one hand and asks for a third. Bella goes and gets him a third and he precedes to juggle, with ease, all three. So he asks her if she wants him to teach her and of course we both yell "YES" and that gets me off the hook...phew!!



And now my girl has a new obsession...and now there are tennis balls flying around my bedroom as I write this.

and Rich is saying stuff about being in training, and how they can have lessons but only after homework is done...and about using the force...and telling her do, or do not, there is no try...or something like that...




This man never ceases to amaze me...or my daughter.



Life is good...




More later

- A Ro

Project 365 Week 4

It is week four of Project 365. Go visit Sara's site and see what other bloggers weeks look like!!

Here is how mine appeared:

Sunday January 17th, 2010

One, Two, Three, Four, I Declare a Thumb War.

I walk into my daughter's room Sunday night and ask here what she is doing. She tells me that she is having a thumb war with Maggie. This is what our poor dog has to put up with non stop. Thank goodness she is one of those kind of dogs that just doesn't care.

Monday January 18th, 2010

My Best Gals

Monday we didn't have school so Bella and I went to have lunch with one of my most favorite Alumni, Sabrina (Hi Sabrina). It was pouring but Bella and I really wanted to see her before she went back to school for the semester. Did I tell you that Sabrina is an amazing student, a great musician, and she wants to be a doctor?? We miss her already!!

Tuesday January 19, 2010

Who Built the Ark...Noah, Noah...

This picture could have been the picture for everyday of the week. It rained ALL week!! We needed the rain, but geez...all week?!?!?

Wednesday January 20, 2010

Who Will Buy, Who Will Buy, Who Will Buy....My Headbands?

Bella my little entrepreneur wanted to make headbands to sell. She worked oh so very hard and made about 7 headbands. She is most definitely going to be taking care of her mama in my old age, she is a non stop thinker, and oh so creative!!

Thursday January 21, 2010

A Cup of Heaven...Almost

Heaven would be a Iced Venti Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce Non Fat Latte, but since caffeine is persona non gratis in my diet this is the next best thing, and makes me very very happy. I mean VERY happy. It is a Large Iced Apple Tea Latte No Sugar Added.

I know my beverages of choice are very complicated.

Friday Janaury 22, 2010

The Greatful We're Not Dead

Our Middle School had a battle of the bands. As a surprise to the students some of our faculty put together a band and performed Knockin on Heaven's Door. They were a big hit with the students. I laughed my butt off...not really, oh if it were only that easy!!

Saturday January 23, 2010

You Go Ahead I'll Catch Up

Rich and I ran some errands. I got a new serrated knife at Macy's Home Store. I am telling you I was so excited to get a new knife, I got home and just randomly cut some bread to give it a try. As we were leaving we saw these awesome manikins. I thought they were so funny...I had to pose. I had a couple of other options to pose like them running at me, or over me, but this one was the least odd to the passers by. Now you all know my true personality, by posing for this picture. More importantly you all know Rich's personality for actually taking this picture and for always being my partner in crime!!

In summary: I really think that even with opposable thumbs Maggie's personality would never make her good at thumb wars. Rain will not keep me from the important things in life, food and friends. My daughter needs an Etsy shop, so she can continue to keep fueling my expensive coffee shop drink habit long after I am able to. I teach with the coolest faculty, and am going to spend the rest of my life with a man who is crazy...just like me!!

More later

-A Ro

Thank Goodness I Have a Winner to Announce or I'd Have No Post Today

Yeah...not much to say.

Well except the rain stopped.

It is amazing how many people suddenly break out into a song from the musical "Hair" when the sun peeks through. Let me tell you I was the loudest singer, and not because I AM the loudest singer on campus, but I was very excited that the sun was still there and able to shine.



Yeah...you really should get up and dance to this one...

...it's OK no one is looking.


I also caught Andrew's cold. It is funny how he never gives me any information but he seems to be able to give me his cold. I also really have no idea how I even got it...I never see him.

Just kidding...had to make all the "typical teenager" jokes, but in reality he's a good kid...

...who gives his mama a cold.

Anyway I have a winner to my blogaversary giveaway. I drew the names randomly out of a hat and...the two winners are:
and

HAAAAAHAAAAHAAAAA!!!!!

OK you two you have three themed prize packages to choose from:

A Pamper Yourself Gift Package

A Coffee/Hot Chocolate/Tea Lovers Gift Package

(you pick which one you would rather have, although I realize that I am the ONLY one who actually have to pick the tea one even thought I would LOVE the hot chocolate/coffee one, thank you very much Dr.Gordon)

A I LOVE DOGS Gift Package

Just leave me a comment or an e-mail and let me know which one you would like.

Thank you to all 6 1/2 of you who entered. Maybe a goal of mine for next year would be in increase readership...


...nah...that would require some work.


More later

- A Ro

Beware: Blogger with a Rainy Day on Her Hands

I have been on a keeping my house neat and organized kick lately. When I say lately I mean about 3 days now. Part of me likes things around me neat and organized, but the procrastinator side of me is stronger in that battle. Since, it has been raining quite a bit lately, and I don't want to go outside to flooded streets and stupid drivers, my organization side has been able to be heard...finally.

Anyway a couple of days ago I decided that the drawer of my nightstand needed to be cleaned out, and as any good blogger looking for stuff to write about, I took pictures.Here is the before picture. So we are clear, just because the Google Blogger book is next to my bed doesn't mean I have read any more of it.Here are the contents of the drawer on my bed. I would like you to notice a few key things:

• The amount of gum that I keep in that drawer. Now I agree that it is an odd place to keep gum...next to your bed, since that is the last place you should be using or needing a piece. BTW most of the gum had expiration dates of 2007, so at least you know that I haven't been using it!!
• That the nightstand drawer is the new refrigerator door, as I have two pictures that my daughter has made me stuffed in that drawer.
• I must be subconsciously been wanting McDonald's at night, asleep, in my bed, because of all the fast food napkins that I have been hording storing in there.
• I understand the need to keep a pen or a pencil next to your bed because you never know when an idea might pop into your head, while your are trying to fall asleep, that you might need to write down. And maybe that one pen might be out of ink, or the lead might break on that one pencil so you might need a few just in case. But I'm pretty sure that the 100 or so that I seem to have in my drawer might just be a little excessive.
  
• Do I really need a highlighter or sharpie?? and scissors?? and calculator?? and a CD with no CD player in sight?? Really??
• Hey that is where that little screwdriver went...I have been looking for that to open all of those electronic toys that come with a battery pack that can only be accessed with the screwdriver that I obviously thought would be safest shoved into my nightstand drawer. Of course, I am a genius.
  

All I have to say is thank goodness I am a blogger who was stuck in the house because of rain. If not I am not sure what this drawer would look like.

Notice that some things will never change.



More Later

- A Ro

Because I Love You All

Because it is raining outside...I mean Noah build that ark...raining.

Because it is Thursday.

Because I am feeling generous and loving.

Because tomorrow will be my day 6 of the 30 Day Shred, and I can once again walk.

And because I am the oldest child.

I present to you my mother's coveted brownie recipe.

Ok it really isn't COVETED, 'cause she'll share it with anyone who asks...and more than once if said person keeps losing the scraps of paper or backs of deposit slips that said person writes it on...

...thanks mom!!


The ingredients are decedent but simple:

Mom's Brownies
2 sticks of butter
2 squares of bakers chocolate
2 cups of sugar
1t. vanilla
4 eggs
2 cups of flour

First I have to put a plug in here for my Williams Sonoma bowls

I got this Christmas...I just love them. They are 10 stackable bowls that I just love to use. They make me feel so professional when I cook. Anything from Williams Sonoma makes me feel like a professional.

Melt two sticks of butter with two squares of Baker's Chocolate. I just pop them in the microwave in 30 second spurts until butter is melted.

I use the semi sweet kind but my mother uses the dark chocolate ones. Not sure why I have to be different, I'm sure there is a reason buried deep inside.

Put the melted butter and chocolate in a Kitchen Aid Mixer, if you don't have one you can just put it in a big bowl, do some stretches to warm up your muscles and mix them by hand, but then you couldn't peruse one of your magazines that are sitting in a big pile on your desk while you mix the brownies....I'm just sayin'. You add two cups of sugar and 1 t. vanilla to the mixer and mix on low speed until combined.

You then add two eggs. Protein.

Then one cup of your flour.

Two more eggs. More protein...gotta even out that butter and sugar.Then the final cup of flour.

Pour the batter into a jelly roll pan and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.
I like to top mine with powdered sugar. My mom used to top hers with powdered sugar but these days she doesn't. I am not sure why. I think one of my siblings doesn't like powdered sugar.


Hey mom, why don't you top yours with powdered sugar anymore?? Inquiring minds want to know, well at least I do. And the 6 1/2 people who read my blog might want to know too, although I wouldn't know why they would...

They are moist and chewy on the inside, almost fudge like, and crispy on the outside. Not too cakey like the box mix brownies. Just ask the biggest brownie fans in my house.

mmmboymmm...mmmthesemmm...mmbrowmmnies....mmmaremm...mmsooommm...

mmgoodmm. mmmyourmmm...mmmthemmm...mmmbestmmm...

Ok maybe they are too busy to answer.

You'll just have to take their word for it, or try them out yourself.

If you choose to try them drop me a line and let me know what you think.

But you better do it quick 'cause pretty soon I'll be hitchin' a ride on that ark.

More Later

-A Ro

P.S....don't forget about my blogaversary giveaway....here

Things that Make You Go hmmm...aka Random Dozen

Before we get into my Random Dozen I want to remind you all of my blogaversary giveaway. Details posted here.

OK now down to business. Linda at 2nd Cup hosts this meme called the Random Dozen. Go on over to her site post your answers to her questions on your site and link up.

Ok it is totally easier than I just explained...just go over and take a peek.

It is fun to get a peek into other blogger's minds.

1. So I was thinking about how Jon Bon Jovi never seems to age much. His hair is smaller nowadays, but he still manages to look like a boy somehow. And then that made me think of the story of Dorian Gray. Question: If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why?

I would have to be very vain and lock in the way I looked before I had my kids. But truthfully I am proud of who I have become both physically and as a person. I don't think I would trade it all...however give me that body for a day without the pooch and the saggy twins and I might just change my mind.

2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?)

My mother's brownie recipe. They are a hit with Rich, my kids, my students, and anyone else who tastes them. The only problem is I can't eat them...no chocolate, doctors orders. This just shows how selfless I am. My best dish is one that I cannot eat. I am such a giver, or crazy.

my vote lately is leaning towards the latter

3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal?

Besides curling up in the fetal position with my pajamas on and a bag of Cheetos?? To really answer this question I am going to say something kind of cheesy...

get it Cheetos...cheesy...

ok maybe not

Back to cheesy...rehearsing my students ALWAYS gets me back to normal. Whenever I am having a bad day all I have to do is get up and start my rehearsals and I just transform out of the blues...

unless we are singing the blues

ok ok moving on

4. When was the last time you danced in public?

Does rocking out in my car to my new Glee CD that I got for Christmas (thanks honey) count?? Cause sometimes I forget that other people can see me. I take that saying "dance like no one is looking" very seriously.

5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer?

I think I lean towards the realist side of thing, however some really amazing things have happened in my life to make me believe that dreams really do come true.

awww

6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well?

Well, I am certainly not going to win any Mother of the Year awards, or anything...I mean my son doesn't eat any veggies and my daughter leaves the house daily without pulling a brush through her hair. However, my children know they are treasured and loved and that love is unconditional. I love them because they are my kids and not for anything they could ever do or not do...

OK look Linda, now you have made me tear up...geez...thanks a lot...

7. Which is your favorite character on the Andy Griffith show?

Gomer Pyle...goofy goofy guy with a set of pipes...man can he sing. Reminds me of someone else I know...hmmm

8. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

I would say an 8.

9. Have you never been mellow? Have you never tried … to find a comfort from in side you? (Sorry, Jorge was singing that song just now, and it just seemed to be perfect timing as I was creating this week’s questions.) REAL question: What is your #1 driving pet peeve?

People who are just plain rude. I can handle people who make mistakes...cause I do my share, but people who are rude I cannot tolerate.

OK who am I kidding, I hate driving, drivers, and highways. I am the queen of road rage. Everyone makes me mad on the road.

I feel much better now...

10. Which color best represents your mood today? Care to elaborate?

It's is the fourth day of rain, I had to pay bills, and had to go back to work after a 4 day weekend...man I am just blue.

11. If your spouse were an animal, which would he/she be?

OK you realize this is a lose-lose question. There isn't an animal in the world that I could put down here that would make my spouse (to be) sit up and say "aw honey you must really love me"...

But I am going to go with a dog.

honey just hear me out

He is loyal, he is always very happy to see me at the end of the day, he loves a good back scratch, he loves to be by my side, he loves me unconditionally and he pees on the carpet...just kidding about the last one

See what I mean Linda...no good.

12. What activity takes up the bulk of your time on an average day?

Besides work, making my household run is the bulk of my day. The cleaning, straightening, bill paying, swiping, swishing, and just making sure I don't drown in stuff keeps me very busy.

In summary: I am now seriously thinking a tummy tuck and boob job might be in order, and I need to tell Dr. Gordan to hush up and eat me a brownie or two. Obviously get a chauffeur, and maybe a maid, or at least get my very loved and adored kids off the couch and put a broom in their hands, but most of all I need to do the un-rain dance and put on some yellow or something.

More later

- A Ro

A Rainy Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Thanks to Mr. Martin Luther King Jr. we had the day off today. This day caused me to remember something from my past that had a huge impact on my life.



I was at Moore Elementary School in Des Moines Iowa and in Mr. Miller's third grade class. He was one of my most very favorite teachers. He was a very loving man and I learned a lot from him. He was African American and was very proud of his heritage. One day in February we walked into class and noticed a difference immediately. The brown eyed kids had a desk. The blue eyed kids sat on a chair in the back of the room. Now me being a blue eyed kid instantly wondered what was up. The day went on like that. The blue eyed kids had to write their spelling words multiple times each while the brown eyed kids got to go out for recess. The blue eyed kids had to get the brown eyed kids their lunch and only after the brown eyed kids were done, and on the playground, could we eat our lunch. Needless to say I was filled with a third graders rage. How could he treat us so unfairly? I had no idea what he was trying to do until the end of the day. He sat us down and explained things to us. What amazed me was how upset my brown eyed classmates were. We were justly upset about being treated badly solely for the color of our eyes, something we had absolutely no control over, but they were equally upset for watching their friends get treated that way. My life was forever altered that day. Come to find out this experiment originated in Iowa in 1968 by an elementary school teacher and documented by PBS. It was called A Class Divided. Since that day Mr. King's words..."judge a person by the content of his character, not the color of his skin" have been words I live by.



This Martin Luther King Jr. day has brought us more rain. In fact, it has been raining non stop for the past two days. Just like our traffic, our budget woes, and our plastic surgery rate, we Californians do nothing in moderation. Needless to say it has been horribly windy and rainy. I did get out in it today to go see an alumni for lunch and me driving in this crazy weather is a testament to how much I love my former student. Bella loves her too which is evident in her response to me asking her if she wanted to come with us. She said "what do YOU think, mom"



yeah can't wait for her to be 16.



We had a nice lunch and on the way home I only saw two cars crashed off the road. Californians really don't know how to handle this much rain. Gucci umbrellas, UGG boots, and convertibles aren't really built to withstand large amounts of rain. Plus most don't understand the saying - slow and steady wins the race.



That was my day. How about yours? What is a memory of racial inequality that you have?



Don't forget about my blogaversary giveaway...you can read about it here...it is about half-way through the post.

Maybe someday I'll actually figure out this whole blogging thing so you won't have to skim through a post to find out about a giveaway...


...and maybe someday people won't be judged based upon the color of their skin.



More Later

-A Ro

Weekend Roundup and Happy Blogaversary (to me!)

My weekend was absolutely amazing.

Did I go somewhere special??

...no.

Did I do anything spectacular?

...no.

Did I win lots and lots of money?

...nope.

Did some magic fairy come and shed twenty pounds off of my rear end?

...nope

but Jillian Michaels made an appearance and is giving it her best shot

The real reason, you ask...Rich started a new job and now has the weekends off. YIPEE He has never had a Sunday off in over a year and he has only had a handful of Saturdays off. My kids were also with me this entire weekend. This is what my great weekend consisted of:

• Family Dinner Friday night...together


• Saturday morning 30 Day Shred...together


• Grocery shopping...together.


• Rearranging the bedroom...together.


• Hanging pictures...together.


• Trying out a new recipe...together.


• Family UNO...together.


• Sunday morning walk with Maggie...together


• Cleaning the house...together

I know that you are gagging with all the togetherness, but I am enjoying it and have not had that for awhile now...so just bear with me, I'll get over it.

maybe

but probably not.

It was truly wonderful to have my kids and Rich with me all weekend. And to have help with everything I usually do on the weekend was priceless. Plus we all have Monday off too!!

Now on to my Blogaversary!!!

One year ago I made my first blog entry. I had been reading Kelly's Korner praying for little Harper and decided that I might like to do this too.

not the traumatic sick child thing...but the blog thing...just so we are clear Plus little Harper just celebrated her first birthday!!!

I had been hanging on for dear life in my own life and hoped that with my sense of humor others, and myself, might choose to take their troubles a little less seriously and at the very least laugh a little. I have really enjoyed this journey and enjoyed meeting other bloggers along the way.

Now for the GIVEAWAY!!! Joyce over at this side of the pond just had her blogaversary and she is doing this great giveaway so head over there and see what it is all about. I decided to be a copy cat and do it too.

keep in mind copying is the greatest form of flattery

Anyhoo I am also going to be doing a giveaway. Here is the scoop. If you leave a comment stating that you want to be entered at any time during the week of January 18 - January 22 you will be entered once. If you leave a comment stating that you want to be entered and you either choose to follow my blog, OR already follow my blog you will be entered twice. I will draw two names on Friday January 22nd and announce the winner on Saturday January 23rd.

What will you win you ask??

To be honest with you...I really have no flippin' idea...but I can tell you that I am very good at putting together fun goodies. What I do know is that you will have your choice of a few themed gift boxes, with some really cool stuff.

I promise

Aren't you excited???

**hello, hello...anybody, anybody...Bueller, Bueller**

Well we'll just see about that.

More Later

-A Ro

Project 365

I just love this project. It really makes me think about my day a little differently. I have always loved to scrapbook so pictures have always been important to me, but this is much more random and so much fun!!



Head over to Sara at Make Music from Your Heart to see what every body else's week looks like.

Here's mine:

Sunday -
My daughter was my helper and drew the winning name for the I Won You Win borrow-away. Joyce from this side of the pond won. I just love the look on Bella's face...

I also love my pants hanging on my curtain rod. I realize that I really should see what else is in the picture before I snap it. However, I also realize that I probably will never do that.

Monday -

On Day 2's at my school Andrew has the period right after lunch free so sometimes we go out to lunch, just the two of us. I think it is very important for a mother and son to bond and this is a great way to do so. Actually I think it is very important for a mother not to have to make lunches every once in awhile. This Monday Rich had the day off so he came along and we went to our favorite Sushi place. I love this picture mostly because Andrew is only making a walrus face with his chop sticks and not putting his hands over his face. A successful picture in my book.

Tuesday -

After Rich and I ate a wonderful dinner at home, we decided to go run errands and get some of our favorite Go Yogurt.

I realize that there are two eating pictures in a row. My life absolutely does not revolve around food, she says while sucking in her gut.

Wednesday -

We went to our usual Wednesday night Baskin Robins excursion. Bella was driving Andrew NUTS, as any good little sister should do, by singing a song that she and her friends made up, over and over and over. Andrew had enough, and really so did I, so I told her if she wanted to sing at the top of her lungs she needed to go outside. So...she did!!

I realize that there are three food related pictures in a row. My life absolutely does not revolve around food, she says unbuttoning her button on her too tight jeans.

Thursday -

I met my new BFF the furnace guy on Thursday and here is a picture of his handy work. Since it is the most money I spent all week, really all month, I thought it deserved a spot in my weekly pictorial.

**sigh**

Friday -Due to it being the end of finals week I didn't have to go into work on Friday. Bella's best friend came over to spend the day with us. Bella decided they wanted to do a project with her new fabric markers she got for Christmas. I thought that was a wonderful idea until I realized that Santa did not think all that much ahead and forgot some necessary items, like shirts to actually draw on. After our trip to Jo Anns to pick up the necessary items, they really enjoyed themselves and it was a great project.

Saturday -

Rich started a new job that gives him weekends off. This means he gets to come help me grocery shop. Now I know you must be thinking that I DRAG him along, but truthfully he really enjoys it.

You may now pick up your jaw up off the floor

This picture is one of the reasons that I love having him along. He also pushes the cart, drags all the groceries in, and helps me put them away...and he looks good in running shorts to boot. God I love this man!!

There is my week in pics. Clearly I need to put away my clothes BEFORE taking a picture, stop eating...period, make sure Santa checks his list twice, add the furnace guy to my Christmas card list, and do whatever it takes to keep that incredible man in my life!!!


More later

-A Ro