Bad Momma

Giving Thanks part 2

2011-11-27T12:46:00.001-08:00

I'm back, after one of the longest periods of time that I have neglected my blog, to report that life is good!
So far my family is doing well.

Higher Learning
Devon, my eldest, started High School this fall. He is the first of my boys to make the leap from public school to an all-boys Catholic High School. This has been an interesting change for several reasons.

We are not Catholic. (my husband was raised Catholic, I was raised Jewish and the boys have not been brought up with either.)
The curriculum is much tougher than public school with mandatory Latin and Religion coursework and hours of homework each night.
There is a dress-code of shirt, tie and slacks (no jeans or shorts)
Much more parental involvement is required in private school.

After a rocky start, Devon has been getting into the swing of things. He is adjusting to the grueling coursework and just missed making Honor Roll (and made Merit Roll) the first grading period. In the Fall, Dev ran cross-country and is now on the swim team. He shows up for nine practices a week without complaint. (These include thrice-weekly 6:10 A.M. workouts!) He also is playing his trumpet in Jazz-band.

I am extremely impressed as I watch his progression into becominga young man.

Face Time

Alex is in 8th Grade and continues to do well in school. He alsoturned 13 this summer and is now on FaceBook. Much to my surprise, he amassed more friends in a few weeks than I did in over a year. As a result, I have become much more active on FaceBook. This is partly to blame for my almost non-existent blogging of late.

Between monitoring my middle-child's activity as well as developing a mild addiction to this form of social media, I have less time and desire to post on my blog. Redundancy is blocking my creativity. I need to recalibrate and find balance.

The upside to FaceBook is the ability to efficiently keep up with friends and family. I also have started to connect to parents of my boys' classmates. This has proved helpful with missing homework assignments or when a classmate was missing a few pages from a text book. In addition to being a social tool, FaceBook is also turning into a personal news aggregate.

In addition to FaceBook, I am trying to post photos more frequently on my photo blog,Drive-by Shooting

Strike up the Band!
My youngest son started middle-school this year. So far *fingers crossed* the year is going well. He seems to enjoy school. In addition to the piano, Colin has started playing (learning to play) the trombone in 6th-grade band.

Alex has recently taken up the Saxaphone. He has been playing the clarinet in band, piano in Jazz Band but looking ahead to next year, he wanted to switch to the Sax. There are no clarinets in Jazz band and with several talented piano-playing upper-classmen, the odds of making the band for piano is low. Now Alex has three instruments that he is not practicing enough.

As much as the boys would like to quit taking piano lessons, I will not let them. Hopefully they will thank me some day. In addition to music, the younger boys also are on swim team at the local Y.

Between all the band, choir, piano recitals as well as swim meets, it looks like our "social calendar" is quite full.

Heartfelt Thanks

I am grateful that my family is keeping healthy and doing well. And while I am not here as frequently, I value the few bloggers left, that I continue to maintain contact with. I hope this post finds you and your families doing well. Hope you are enjoying a wonderful Holiday Season.

Thanks for your friendship!

Giving Thanks!

2011-11-27T12:14:00.001-08:00

Flowers from my florist friend!

Devon showing off his Turkey Tie!


	A lovely Thanksgiving meal with family!

Dessert: The best part of any meal!


How an engineer lights candles when the lighter won't work!

My nephew the birthday boy!

Flowers that I managed to keep alive through Thanksgiving Weekend 2011!

The Final Journey

2011-09-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Uncle Marvin: 12/6/1920 - 8/16/2011

Uncle Marvin - circa 1921

I was driving back from an early morning dentist appointment when my cell phone started ringing. I answered, using my hands-free, blue tooth system in my car. It was my Uncle Marvin, calling from the hospital, where he was being cared for, against his wishes.

After telling me he just wanted to go back home to die, he made sure he let me know that he loved me. He also wanted me to "think good thoughts of him".

I arrived home to the stares of my teenage son, wondering what the dentist did to make my cry.

To Go or Not to Go

After my Uncle and his wife, Janet had moved from California to a Connecticut Assisted Living community to be closer to Aunt Janet's family, I had promised I'd try to visit more often.
The first year I brought my eldest son with me.

Last year I brought my middle son, a year after Janet passed away. It was a nice time to bond with one of my boys and spend some time with Marvin. I took lots of photos and posted on my blog to share with Marv as well as my blog friends.

This year was Colin's turn to visit. Alex had a friend that just moved out to Westchester County, NY and wanted to go again. Devon had a lot going on and was glad to stay home. After much contemplation, I booked the tickets. I also bought flight insurance which I decided not to use.

Marvin was able to return home although after one day of rallying, he took a turn for the worse and passed away just a few days before we were to arrive. I have a feeling this is what my uncle preferred.

Marvin and Janet together again

The Last Visit

The boys on a early morning flight

Things have a way of working out. Marvin was finally able to join his wife and was at peace. I was able to help pack up some of the apartment (although I wish I could have helped more). There was also an informal memorial and luncheon. We had a chance to spend time with some of my Aunt's family, meeting most of them for the first time in person. We were able to share fond memories of Marvin, fulfilling his wish of "thinking good thoughts".

We also had a day to visit NYC with Alex's friend Matthew, Matthew's mom and sister who just moved a week earlier. The highlight for the kids was a visit to Dylan's Candy Bar. It also was an adventure in navigating the city using trains, taking the subway and a cab ride for six.

Dylan's Candy Bar - a little (expensive) piece of heaven

Family Treasures

Aside from the memories from the trip, I also am treasuring some old family photos that were among my uncle's collection. My personal favorite is this portrait of my grandparents with my dad and uncle.

I'd like to think that they have reunited in heaven and are watching down over us.

Bad Mothering Lawsuit

2011-08-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

I came across this article today about a woman being sued by her two children for "bad mothering".
I am now wondering if I am opening myself up to liability by my title of "Bad Momma"?
Fortunately the suit was dismissed.

The children now 20 & 23 years old complained about bad birthday cards, lack of care packages, being threatened with calling the police for not wearing a seat belt and calling her daughter at midnight to have her come home from homecoming.

I think my kids could come up with much better stuff against me....

Amateurs!

Splash!

2011-07-11T16:15:00.001-07:00

Freedom

2011-07-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

Faint strains of Frank Sinatra waft through the air from a neighboring yard as I preside over the family grill. A feeling of nostalgia washes over me.

I am dressed in a plaid sleeveless-button-down-shirt and Bermuda shorts similar to what my mother would have worn back in the day.My middle-son is mowing the front lawn while my eldest is helping with the grilling duties. My youngest son is dividing his time between practicing his piano lessons and complaining about having to do so. My husband is working on some chores.

Before long we are seated round the kitchen table for a feast of grilled chicken, rice, baked potatoes and sauteed vegetables (yellow squash, Swiss chard, onions, peas and basil) from the garden.

I take a mental snapshot to freeze this moment in time, finding joy in the mundane.

Blogcation

The last time I posted was Memorial Day Weekend. Life has been good.

The garden is coming along nicely.
The boys are on a Summer swim team.
Music lessons.
Cross country practice for Alex & Devon.
I've been trying to keep up a walking routine.
Devon and Alex are volunteering at the library.
I volunteered with our local Blues & Jazz Festival.
Started "Family Black-Out Nights" for board games and non-electronic activities.
Went to a party thrown by the family of one of Alex's friends last night and had a blast.

I've been more active on FaceBook with status updates and photos. I'm also trying to get out more in the "Real World" and out from behind my computer. As the boys get older and are getting more independent, I realize it's time to connect with friends and enjoy more "me time".

It has been tough finding quiet time and inspiration to make it to my blog.

I can see from my Google Reader that many of my blog friends are facing the same issues. I don't feel so bad...

Life is Good!

Memorial Weekend

2011-05-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of my favorite season. The garden is off to a good start. I've been getting some small salads with onions & chives, and starting Friday, strawberries!

I also need to step up my game fighting garden pests. With all the rain, I've noticed some slugs munching greedily on my lettuce. I also discovered a baby bunny in my strawberry patch last night while picking a few berries for my salad. He promptly scampered off, with no doubt, plans to return.

And finally this morning as I was inspecting my domain, I found teething marks, that most likely came from a raccoon, on one of my plastic planters.

Looks like I have my work cut out for me. I kind of feel like Mr. MacGregor from Peter Rabbit!

For more garden shots, hop on over to my photo blog, Drive By Shooting!

Money Tree

2011-05-15T18:48:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year. Each day my gardens yield new surprises. I have a bad habit of buying lots of cheap seed packets (19 - 25 cents on sale) and randomly planting them in my flower beds (or vegetable garden) and then forgetting about them until they grow into mature plants.

I just discovered that the purple flowers, from seeds planted last year, are Silver Dollar Plants or Money Plants! It made my day. My grandfather used to love these flowers & would keep the dried seed pods in vases.

It's funny how certain plants or flowers can bring back childhood memories.

For more garden shots from last week, check out my photo blog!

Happy May 5th!

2011-05-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

This is from a few years ago. Never gets old. At least for me.... Time for a margarita!
Feliz Cinco De Mayo!

Holy Guacamole! Adventures in Parenthood

2011-05-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

Did you ever have one of those days, the ones that seem 48 hours long? The ones that become comedic as the day goes on? The kind where you collapse into hysterical fits of laughter reserved for patients in straight-jackets in padded-wall rooms? Over something as innocuous as Guacamole?

Yesterday was such a day.

It started out with allowing my middle-son, Alex to go with some friends to a YuGiOh preview/tournament event at a game store.

Against my better judgement.

My boys have a TON of YuGiOh playing cards which at an average of 20-25 cents a piece, for a small piece of cardboard, seems a bit excessive.

When Alex left the house, I thought he had $20 plus extra money for lunch. I also thought it was understood that he was allowed to buy the pack of cards required as part of admission, but no more than the bare-minimum. It wasn't until I was about to pick Alex up from his friend's house, I discovered this was not the case.

His brothers gave Alex a total of $50, along with a wish-list of cards to purchase. Their mistake was to not set limitations at what they were willing to pay; and their vocal displeasure that their funds were used to buy 4 "rare" cards. That's how most great plots get discovered at our house.

When things go terribly wrong.

As a teaching-moment I drove back to the store, with all three boys in tow. After getting a refund, as well as the proper amount of public humiliation, I set the next part of the punishment into motion. The boys got to run errands with me.

I hit a few stores to find a First Communion gift and was at my last stop, the grocery store. My hubby gave me instructions to purchase $50 worth of groceries so that we could get 30 cents on next month's fuel perks.

As I rolled into the checkout lane, I was ready to get home. The boys already called me to see what was taking so long, the car was getting a little warm. I explained that they could tough it out and that I'd be out soon.

I was careful to put dividers in front & behind my groceries. The clerk moved quickly and rang up half of my cart before I could hand her my shopper-discount card. When she was done, my total came up to over $90, which seemed a bit high. I swiped my card, not wanting to hold up the line and as I was handed my receipt, I noticed that there was a 12-pack of beer that was not originally in my cart.

At this point, I had to go to the Customer Service line to make a return & get a refund. While in line, I also noticed several more items that were not mine. Once again, my phone rang.

"Mom? Where are you?"

I explained the mix-up and told them it would be a few more minutes. To which I was reminded that the car was getting warm. I told them that they were big boys now and they could open the car-door if they required fresh-air.

Two more people in line ahead. Almost done.

Just then my cashier and a flustered-looking woman came hurrying over. Turns out there was another person in front of me in the original line. A customer who realized she didn't have enough cash and left the line to get funds from a nearby ATM. Not only did the cashier not hear this lady excuse herself, she didn't pay attention to the dividers between our groceries.

As I was pulling out the items I needed to return for a refund, my cell phone went off again.
Apparently as the boys unsuccessfully tried to open the car doors, the car-alarm went off.
I marched to the front of the store, clicked the magic button on my key-fob and went back to the matter at hand.

The shopper whose groceries I purchased was profusely apologetic. I assured her not to worry, my boys were in trouble and this was part of their punishment. I also remembered the time someone "bought" my groceries. These things happen.

When we arrived home, the boys helped me bring in, unpack and put away our groceries. We came across an unfamiliar item, the box of Wholly Guacamole, pictured above.

To which I collapsed in a fit of hysteria...

Sometimes as a parent, you have to laugh to keep from crying!

2 Busy 4 Ur Own Good

2011-04-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

In No Particular Order:

Planning Too Far Ahead??? -
I know we are all busy and important but I see a disturbing trend. In order to catch up with a friend or business acquaintance, I've been having to schedule a date that is 2 or 3 weeks out. Only to have that breakfast or lunch rescheduled 2 or 3 times.

I just had my 2nd-last-minute-cancellation/reschedule for this week due to pressing work issues.

What ever happened to "spur-of-the-moment"? This is why I don't like to plan too far out.....

Linkin' Up

LinkedIn is not FaceBook people. If you don't know me, don't send an invitation to connect without a valid explanation WHY. I will ignore you!

Come to think of it, I won't accept you as a friend on FaceBook either!

Returning Calls & Emails

When I am a Volunteer for your community project, I expect my calls and emails answered within 48 - 72 hours at the latest. I need answers so I can do my committee work properly, and on a timely basis. I often have others that are waiting for your information. We are all busy. I hate that I am turning into a "stalker". I would like to be paid... With Respect!

Do you ever wonder why good volunteers are hard to find? Or why you can't keep Committee Heads?

Social Media Sheep

Retweeting a comment or post or re-posting someone else's content or "Liking" something on FaceBook does not make you a Social Media Guru. More like a Social Media Sheep...

I find it irritating when I find I am the only one commenting on a business post while there are dozens of likes or retweets.

Fortunately while this is common on the Business-side of SoMe, I rarely see this with personal blogs.

Whew. Rant over and back to work. Thanks for letting me vent here. Where the real source of my annoyances won't see this post!

First Flowers of Spring

2011-04-18T18:34:00.001-07:00

I Scream, We all Scream!

2011-04-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

Today was a balmy, 86 degrees; the first really nice, sunny and unseasonably warm day of Spring. After a trip to the garden store, I spent a good chunk of the day cleaning up some of my flower beds and planted a few flowers to add some color to my planters.

Later in the day, I took 2 of my boys, Devon and Colin, for Rita's. (Italian Ice). Alex was out with a friend.

Even though I was hot & sweaty, and not looking my best (or even close), I had Devon snap a photo with my cell phone. I wanted to remember my favorite pair of vintage sunglasses. I discovered they hold a secret power over my middle-son.

The Power of Embarrassment!

I was at a track meet earlier this week, and I wore the sunglasses in the above photo. My favorite pair of shades has a lens that popped out and my second favorite pair was m.i.a. I was able to find a vintage pair that I haven't worn for a while.

After the meet was over, Alex pulled me aside and in a low voice, said "Mom, you might want to wear another pair of sunglasses next time."

"Why?" I asked "Do these embarrass you?"

"It's just that people may stare and talk about you" he explained.

"Good thing I don't care!" I replied back, flashing a big, goofy grin as he tried to hide his mortified expression. As the boys get older, I have less control over them. The "Power of Embarrassment" is one of my few superpowers left.....

One boy down, two to go.

Get Up, Get Moving

2011-04-04T05:25:00.000-07:00

Earning My Moniker

The boys have been taking piano lessons for just over three years now. This is usually the time when music students tend to drop off. My boys would quit if we'd let them. They don't know this but their Dad would allow them to stop their lessons. I, on the other hand, refuse to let them give up. We bought our piano after six months of lessons with the understanding they would stick with it.

My boys are used to school (especially math) coming relatively easy to them. They like to get by with bare-minimum amount of work possible to achieve good grades. As they progress with their piano lessons, the music becomes more challenging and requires more practice time. It is a struggle to get just a half-hour a day, which isn't really enough time.

Lately, I have been pushing for not only more time at the ivories, I have been tying in a reward/consequence system. Which helps keep me a "Bad Momma".

Colin let me record him for YouTube if I let him wear a fake mustache (part of a set I brought home from work). I find the boys are more motivated to practice if there is a performance involved.

How long should kids be pushed into lessons? What would you do?

March Madness

2011-03-20T18:25:00.001-07:00

This week my baby turned "Double-Digits". It's amazing how fast they grow up!

I also celebrated my 4th year of blogging. Where does the time go? I took a trip down memory lane and revisited the beginning of my blog. It would be several months till I would get a real comment (other than from a friend). I even made up a 2nd ID on Blogger so I could see what a comment would look like. Even though I only did this once, I still feel a bit sheepish.

This past year I've cut back a bit on my blogging but I am hopeful I will keep the blog alive for at least 4 more years.

Spring is here!

Today I started to work on my garden. I spend a short time cleaning up some of my beds. I also planted some dill, peas, lettuce, spinach, and swiss chard. My onions are popping up as well as my strawberry plants.

I have a ways to go in cleaning up, fertilizing and preparing the soil for planting. I plan to take a few small sections at a time so I don't get overwhelmed. It will be another month or so until I can start planting the rest of my crops. The temperatures are bouncing between the 60's and the high 20's.

I posted a few pictures on my photo blog of some early greenery. It is always fun for me to look back on the different stages of my vegetable garden and flower beds.

Speaking of beds, I have three beds to get filled with boys.....

Happy Spring!!!!

2010 Mid-June Garden

Lost & Found

2011-03-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

Almost 13 years ago I became an "Adult Orphan" when my father passed away at the age of 72. My mother had preceded him in death by 5 years. I remember an overwhelming feeling of loss. Not only did I lose a parent, I suddenly felt the loss of a resource of my family history.

When my parents were alive, I never thought much about my ancestors. I knew if I ever had a question about my heritage, my folks were a phone call away.

A few weeks ago, I watched Rosie O'Donnell trace her Irish roots on "Who Do You Think You Are?" with my youngest son. Afterward, I was badgered to go visit the sponsor of the show's website, Ancestry.com. I signed up for a free 14 Day trial. While Colin thought we'd instantly receive our family tree, complete with famous relations, I knew there would be a bit of work involved.

I spoke with both of my uncles ( my mom's brother and my father's brother) as I was getting started. I was surprised at how little they knew about their aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents.

The Age of Information
On Ancestry.com's website, I found a distant relative's family tree which helped fill in some of the blanks on my tree. I also was able to view census records for my grandparents as well as some of the great-grandparents on both my side and my husband's family.

I amazed both of my uncles as to how much information I was able to find in a short time. It was fun helping jog their memories and to help fill in the blanks.

I never thought of myself as a history buff. I now have a new hobby. Although my 14 days are now up, I have just started finding out "who I am".

The nice part of this project is that I was able to help add to the data bases of Ancestry.com. In return, even though I no longer have access to their records, I still have an account and can continue working on my family tree.

Post Postscript

2011-02-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

After I published my post today, I checked my emails and found this gem that was forwarded by a friend. I'm not sure who the original author is but I have to re-post as the timing is so uncanny.

They Teach It at Stanford

I just finished taking an evening class at Stanford. The last lecture was on the mind-body connection - the relationship between stress and disease.

The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man can do for his health is to be married to a woman, whereas for a woman, one of the best things she can do for her health is to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends.

At first everyone laughed, but he was serious. Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences.

Physically this quality "girlfriend time" helps us to create more seratonin - a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well being. Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. They rarely sit down with a buddy and talk about how they feel about certain things or how their personal lives are going.

Jobs? Yes. Sports? Yes. Cars? Yes. Fishing, hunting, golf? Yes.

But their feelings? Rarely.

Women do it all of the time. We share from our souls with our sisters/mothers, and evidently that is very good for our health. He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged-not true.

In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking!

So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health! We are indeed very, very lucky. Sooooo, let's toast to our friendship with our girlfriends. Evidently it's very good for our health.

The Other Side of the Picket Fence

2011-02-27T06:32:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago, my husband had me go through the stacks of Holiday cards from friends and family that have accumulated over the last several years. I was given the task of picking out what I wanted to save and to recycle the rest.

I took a brief trip down memory lane; marveling at the changes our lives have taken over the years. It's hard to believe that two decades ago, my singleton friends and I were fantasizing about the "2.5 kids-white-picket-fence-dream".

Life as a "Singleton"

I can remember pangs of longing when I would see a picture-perfect couple pushing a stroller on a family walk. I wondered what it would be like. I also considered the possibility of being a life-long singleton. I suffered through countless blind-dates from well-meaning friends.

I also smile when I recall Friday nights out with the girls looking for Mr. Right. (More like Mr. Right Now.) We'd gather at a friend's apartment and help each other with last-minute touch-ups to hair and make-up before heading out to the "clubs" (night clubs / bars).

Looking back on old photos, the 80's decade was not kind to us with regard to fashion. I can not help but cringe a bit.

The up-side to the single life was that most of my friends were single. We lived life more spontaneously. Much of our social-calendar was written with spur-of-the-moment planning.

What Happened to my Friends?

This week I was given two tickets to a charity event that my business donated a fair amount of work and materials to. My husband was already committed to taking the boys to swim-practice.
He's not a fan of fancy social fundraisers where we are among strangers. I needed to find a "date".

That's when it hit me. Where are my friends? Who could I call on short notice to come with me?
Most of my friends are tied-down with family commitments and are not able to slip away on a moment's notice. For a brief moment I felt sorry for myself while I racked my brain for who to call.

I suddenly remembered a single friend who might enjoy this event and gave her a call. As luck would have it, I found my date for the evening.

The gala was much more elaborate than I expected. Food and drink were top-notch and plentiful. (I was responsible and only consumed one glass of wine). There was free valet parking, a fashion show, live auction and "after-party" with a buffet, DJ and open-bar.

I felt like Cinderella at the Ball.

Act 3 - Life as Family Matures

As I was dropping my friend back home, we discussed organizing another evening out with mutual friends.

I realized that as the boys become more independent, I will soon have more free evenings. I also am starting to crave an occasional "Girls Night Out". Now that I have "Mr. Right" and the 2.5 (actually 3) kids at home, what I crave most is estrogen-filled conversation; a little commiseration once in a while.

While I would never want to go back to the "free-and-easy" lifestyle of my singles-days, I realized I am entering a new phase in my life. It's time to keep up with old friends and perhaps make some new ones.

Who Are Your Readers?

2011-02-16T04:59:00.000-08:00

Last night I came across a post by Jennifer James in her Mom Blog Magazine titled "Why Do People Read Your Blog? Do You Even Know?" which inspired me to respond.

Bonnie says:

February 15, 2011 at 10:11 PM

I have been blogging for almost four years now. I started my personal blog to learn about this form of communication and how I might be able to use a blog for my business. I have since learned that business blogging is much different than having a personal blog.

I also have found that blogging is a 2-way street. You get what you give. Unless you are a talented writer with a compelling story (think Pioneer Woman), your best bet is to make friends and comment on other blogs.

I made a few friends at Mom Blogger’s Club and the now-defunct Cre8Buzz. My “readers” are a handful of bloggers that cross-comment with me. I don’t spend as much time on my personal blog as I used to so I keep my bloggy friends to a small group.

I think it is more important to write for yourself than to worry about what your “readers” want to hear. For me, blogging is about personal development and keeping track of life’s trials and tribulations. And making a few friends along the way.

Experience is the Best Teacher

It's hard to believe that I am coming up on my 4-year anniversary of blogging. It's been an amazing journey. I've "met" some amazing bloggers along the way in my quest to understand Social Media. The knowledge I've gained has been helpful in understanding how to integrate tools like Twitter, Blogger, FaceBook and Constant Contact into my business.

There are so many misconceptions and worries when starting a blog. I worried about looking foolish in front of thousands of people. What would I write about? Would I be exposing my family to stalkers and trolls? How do I get started?

Truth is, in the beginning you will have no readers. No one will know about you. You are alone. The only person you will look foolish to is YOU.

Finding Your Voice

Forget about readers. The first challenge in blogging is to find your voice. Who are you? What is your unique perspective? What is your purpose for blogging?

If the answer is to make money, read no further. I am the wrong person to advise you.

Your number one reader should be you, the writer. Write about what you know, what interests you, and share your unique prospective on life. Write stories that you want to read. YOU will be your best audience and biggest fan!

A few tips on finding an audience

1. Join a Shared Interest Group - for an example, if you are a "Mom Blogger" join a site such as Mom Bloggers Club. You can find other groups on Ning, or use Google. Join in discussions, make comments on posts of interests. MAKE FRIENDS!

2. Key Words - Make sure you are using Key Words that someone might use when searching for the topic you are writing about. If possible, use these in your post title as well as when labeling the post in the area provided, "Labels for this post". Some websites have an area for SEO and ask for Meta words as well as a description.

3. Install a analytics program such as Stat-Counter or Google Analytics to find out who is coming to your blog and how they are finding you.

4. Tell your friends about your post - The best way to get others to read your post is to announce it on Twitter and provide a link. Shorten the title if possible using a program such as tiny URL. Give your fellow bloggers a reason to think about you and check out your blog. A well-worded comment on another post will help drive others to your blog.
Find posts to comment on.

What works for you? What drives others to your blog? How do you find your "readers"?

Couch Potato

2011-01-16T06:47:00.000-08:00

This is how my eldest son likes to take a nap.
On MY favorite couch.
He is starting to blend into the fabric.
I almost sat on him the other day!

Freedom of Religion?

2011-01-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

This weekend I attended the Bar Mitzvah of one of my nephews. The two major themes in the ceremony were Justice and Freedom.

In reflection, I began to wonder. How much "Freedom" of religion do we really have? My nephew did not have much of a choice in whether or not to go to Hebrew School in preparation for this major event. I'm sure at this point, being much richer in mind and in the bank, he does not regret the experience. But the fact remains. My nephew did not choose his religion, he was born into it.

Freedom of Speech?

As Americans, we often take our many freedoms for granted. We also sometimes can take them too far.

As our family was together celebrating this auspicious religious milestone, a gunman in Arizona opened fire at a political rally killing 6 people and injuring scores more.

While funerals are being planned, a "Church" is planning to picket the funerals of the victims. The courts and citizens are stepping in to protect the right of the mourners to say goodbye to their loved ones in peace. I can not help but wonder.

How can untethered freedom of speech be a guaranteed right when it clearly infringes on others?

Where is the justice for the innocent victims of this horrific tragedy? How can a "church" celebrate this crime?

My heart breaks for the friends and families of the deceased.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T13:45:00.001-08:00

Today I did something I haven't done for a long time. I drained most of our liquor cabinet.

Some of these bottles are over 25 years old. They were long over-due.

On Monday, the men who pick up our recycling will think that we had one heck of a party. Truth is it was our sink.... and the creatures who live in the sewers that were boozing it up.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2011!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T07:15:00.000-08:00

Wishing all our friends and family the Merriest of Holidays!

Christmas Eve in Sarajevo - Alex's Recital 12/22/10

2010-12-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing all my friends a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year (and Belated Hannukah Greetings)!

Parenthood

2010-12-11T08:36:00.001-08:00

This week I became a grandmother thanks to an Eighth-Grade school project. My eldest son is a parent for a week to a hard-boiled "baby" name Rex, who resides in a custom-made crib that befittingly resembles a T-Rex.

The assignment of carrying around an egg-baby for a week is designed to teach middle-schoolers that parenthood is not all it's cracked-up to be. (Pun intended!). The ultimate purpose is to get the kids thinking about the consequences of S-E-X...

I am not sure how carrying around an Egg drives home this point. If anything it will help make the kids more careful in helping bring in the groceries from the car. I also might look at hard-boiled eggs in a new light.

Will eating Deviled-Eggs make Grannie a cannibal?

The Last Piece of Pizza

2010-11-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

My brother Ken will turn 50 in a few days. I was asked to share a favorite memory. Most of my memories involve either some sort of skirmish, someone getting in trouble or something wildly inappropriate. Or likely all of the aforementioned as with the first one that popped into my head.

The Last Piece of Pizza

One of our favorite takeout meals growing up was pizza. Back in the day, we mostly ate home-cooked meals. When we were lucky enough to have pizza for dinner, the kids in our family ate quickly, consuming as much pie as possible to make sure we got our fair share.

On one of these occasions, there was one piece left. Ken and I both dove for it. I was a few seconds quicker.

I had just put the last piece of pizza on my dinner plate when my brother grabbed for it. He tried to wrestle the dish from me, twisting the fingers on my left hand. The object of desire fell to the floor. At this point, I let go of the plate to tend to my aching hand.

As I walked away, my brother took the dish ( Corelle, oven-safe, heavy-duty) and flung it like a Frisbee. The plate bounced off my arm and landed on the kitchen counter completely unscathed.

Unlike my arm that was left with a diagonal-line bruise. And one of the fingers on the wrenched hand suffered a fractured joint. The knuckle never quite healed properly leaving me a souvenir from the event.

And a charming story to share!

Happy Birthday Ken!

Irony

2010-11-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

This week my hubby turned the big 5-0. The boys and I took him out for a fancy birthday dinner. A package was waiting for us on our doorstep upon our return. It was a gift from my hubby's brother.

The boys watched with rabid anticipation as he carefully opened the box. As the contents were removed from the packing, all three sons could no longer contain their excitement. Amidst the tears of joy and howling cheers, stood my bewildered husband.

This is the parent who forbids gaming systems from entering our humble abode. Two years ago, my sister was forced to take back a Wii that she bought the boys for Christmas. "The technology makes the games too realistic, therefore highly addictive", was the reasoning.

The boys were never told. Until now.

The X-Box 360 Kinect sits unopened like a prisoner on Death Row.

Will the gift be returned? Or will it be re-engineered as a controller for Daddy's computer?

Or as my boys are hoping, that against all odds, that the Birthday Present will be used as it was intended and shared with the family?

Only time will tell.....
'

Wordless WEdnesday - Last Garden Salad of the Year

2010-11-17T12:23:00.001-08:00

Last salad of the year with fresh greens & tomatoes from the garden

Boo Who?

2010-10-24T18:24:00.001-07:00

We've Been Boo'd

Early this week, our doorbell rang and when my hubby answered it, no one was there. Where a visitor should have been standing, sat a vinyl Halloween bag that contained a jar of foil-wrapped Halloween-themed chocolates and a note/poem. There was a 2nd page to put on our door so no one else would "Boo" us.

This has been a neighborhood tradition for the past several years. I have no idea who started this but it looks like one of our neighbors got this idea from www.boograms.com

The next night we had fun "Boo"ing two of our neighbors. What a cool twist to the old prank of Ding-Dong-Ditch!

Boo Hoo.....

When school started in September, I took the boys shopping to fill any wardrobe deficiencies such as pants, shirts and shoes. I repeatedly asked about dress shirts and pants but was told by my two eldest boys that they were fine.

Thursday, my eldest set a new record for finding out about a wardrobe deficiency, 10 minutes before we were to leave for a cross-country banquet.

Devon's shirt sleeves stopped 2 inches short of his wrists. He insisted that 3/4 sleeves are not an option and I didn't think his clip-on tie would work with a short-sleeve polo tee. I rummaged through my husband's shirts on the off-chance that he might have a shirt that shrunk and might fit my growing teen. No luck!

Then I remembered that my denim blue shirt is a men's size small from Old Navy. After convincing my son that this was really a man's shirt, I quickly ironed it and helped him cuff the sleeves. He tucked in his shirt and clipped on his tie.

Not bad!

I waited until we were in the car to tell my eldest that this is the shirt I wear for gardening!

My middle-son waited until after the party to let me know he needs new dress shoes.

I have resigned myself to the fact I am losing the battle to keep up with the Growth Spurts!

Scary Smart

Last weekend I noticed my youngest son diligently writing in a notebook.

"What are you working on?" I inquired

"A contract" he replied

I wasn't sure I heard him right. "A contract?"

In a few days Alex was to get braces. He had struck a deal with Colin. Alex agreed to give his baby brother all the candy he was not allowed to eat. Colin decided he better get this agreement in writing on the off-chance his brother forgot his promise.

Perhaps Colin should dress like a Lawyer for Beggars night!

Wordless Wednesday - Putting Our Money Where His Mouth Is

2010-10-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

Homework Blues

2010-09-29T05:08:00.000-07:00

My 5th Grader enjoying a frozen treat as a reward

After this past weekend, I am once again reminded why some parents will do a child's project as opposed to letting their child do their own work.

It is much easier!

As opposed to coaching, cajoling and policing all weekend.... which is what we had to do. Teachers may give three weeks for students to work on an assignment but the kids like to compress this into three days.

As promised, as a reward for working hard and completing this project, I took Colin out for ice cream. We (Colin, hubby & myself) have another presentation to have completed within the next few days. Thankfully Colin has a good chunk done.

I am reminded of my college days, group projects and why my pants are getting tighter. I guess seeing your child succeed is enough of a reward. Next time Hubby can partake in the after-project treat!

Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride

2010-09-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

An Unexpected Festival
This afternoon I spent an hour or two starting to clear my flower beds and garden of dead plants and other plant debri. Afterwards I talked two of my boys into taking a bike ride to get some Rita's Italian Ice. I thought this would be a great idea to get some exercise before I showered and did some laundry.

I should have known that when I was looking all grungy and sweaty, sans makeup, I would run into several people I know.....

Turns out the last part of our route that takes us through the local High School parking lot, was the staging grounds for a festival/fundraiser for our local Historical Society.

Devon & Colin stumbled upon the bargain of the day:
Yu-Gi-O Cards - 3 for 25 cents

We parked too close to one of the booths.
I had several offers on our bikes.

Turns out Rita's had a booth at the fair,
which saved us the extra block or two ride.
Colin bought the Swedish Fish-flavored ice;
hence the bright red smile!

Home at last!
Looking & smelling ever so lovely.

RFA : How to Deal With a SmartyPants?

2010-09-17T05:22:00.000-07:00

RFA:
In the business world, RFP is well known as a Request For Proposal. My plea in the blogosphere for a RFA is a Request For Advice. This one goes out to the parents who have made it through the teenage years.

My eldest son, who is a bit of a smart mouth, is also a bit of a night owl. He will stay up late on a school night reading or finishing up homework. He often will stay up until after 11:00 p.m. Repeated warnings about being past his bedtime are met with a smirk. ( I'm not sure he has a set bedtime).

He has mornings down to a science. He gets up at the last moment possible, allowing 45 minutes to get up, dressed, eat breakfast and walk to school. After school there is cross-country practice every afternoon followed by swimming 3 of these nights. Which leaves little spare time for frivolities.

Last night when I took my youngest son to the library to get some books for a project, my eldest came along to pick up some books as well. After the boys checked out their respective stack of books, I noticed one of the books that I am not fond of. Naruto. (a anime comic book)

The issue:
After dinner, during what was supposed to be homework time, I discovered my middle-schoolers hunched over their Naruto books. They scattered like cockroaches when I asked if all their homework was done.

I expressed concern about said reading and mentioned a possible ban on these books. I also stated that homework needs to be done before reading comics. As I was scolding the boys, my 13 year old spoke out.

"That's really MY business" he proclaimed.

"Excuse me?!!!" I shot back, in disbelief at his insolence.

"If I don't finish my homework, I will suffer the consequences. It's MY responsibilty." was the retort.

I took a step back, speechless. In a way he is right. And he is an Honor Roll Student. So far.

The question for parents who have been through this:

How do you respond? What would you do?

Farewell to Summer Vacation

2010-09-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

Flying the Friendly Skies

On Labor Day Weekend I took my middle son for a trip to Connecticut to see my Uncle Marvin. He will be 90 this December and this was the last weekend I could safely take a trip before I get busy at work. The last time I went for a visit, I took my eldest boy. I love the quality one-on-one time with my kids. It is also less stressful for all with only one child in tow.

Alex took this shot of the clouds outside his window
at 6:45 in the morning

Alex taking a bite of what he swears to be
the best pizza he has ever had!

We had a brief layover and plane change in Philly with enough time to grab breakfast. I had a croissant and Alex opted for a slice of pizza at 8:30 a.m. as he already had breakfast at home at 5:00 a.m.

Afternoon Visit

We landed in White Plains which has to be the smallest commercial airport I have ever been in.
I rented a car and drove through winding roads dotted with nice estate homes till we reached the highway to Norwalk, Ct. We were able to get checked into our hotel, freshen-up and make it to my Uncle's place in time for lunch.

We had a nice visit. There were several pianos in his complex and my uncle coaxed Alex into giving a few "concerts". I promised Alex as long as he would play piano "on demand", he could have pizza for every meal. He agreed but decided that Dunkin Donuts would be his choice for breakfast.

Taking Marv for a spin around his compound

As promised, pizza for dinner at Italia in Norwalk;
I opted for the Eggplant Rollatini

New York, New York

Saturday morning, after we had breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts, we took a train from S. Norwalk, Ct to Grand Central Station. I had printed out maps the night before for directions to a few of the places we wanted to visit. Our first stop, Sony Wonder Labs was a walkable .6 miles. However, we doubled the distance by a wrong turn out of the train station.

During our brisk walk, Alex noticed that there appeared to be a coffee shop on every street corner. He remarked,

"No wonder New York is the city that never sleeps! There's a Starbuck's on every corner!"

Sony Wonder Technology Lab

When we finally arrived, we were able to get tickets (Free!) and were first in line for this hands-on technology museum. Alex had fun playing with lots of cool gadgets and had a chance to get "on camera" to report on the weather. He was filmed against a blue screen which made the blue graphic on his shirt into a "window".

Future Reporter?

Next stop: The American Museum of Natural History

This time we decided to take a cab!

Wall in the main entry hall

Feeling a bit small

Largest Collection of Real Dinosaur Bones

We were advised by a docent to go the the 4th Floor to see the Dinosaur exhibit. The museum is famous for having the largest collection of REAL dinosaur fossils in the world!

We also spent a bit of time in the Rose Center for Earth and Space. I was fascinated by the Ecosphere. This was an entire ecosystem in a sealed environment complete with tiny fish swimming around.

Another highlight were the scales that show what your weight would be on the Sun, Moon and other planets.

This is waaay cooler than Sea-Monkeys!

Diet be damned, Fly me to the moon!

Lunch at the Museum Cafe.

Next up: Central Park

Folk concert on the edge of the Central Park 22 acre lake

Central Park was the highlight of my excursion into the Big Apple. I had no idea how gigantic this park is! At approximately 843 acres, this park was much more magnificent than I had imagined.
Located directly across from the Natural History Museum, we simply crossed the street, made our way past the Pedi-cabs and followed a path down into what seemed like another world.

The small patch we visited, was complete with horse-drawn carriages, a wedding party, a folk concert, cyclists, runners, boaters, hikers and tourists. Next time I am back in the city, I will allot more time to visit this haven.

Back to Connecticut

Having promised to be back by dinnertime, we took a cab from Central Park back to the Grand Central to catch the train back to S. Norwalk. We enjoyed the hour-plus ride back being entertained by a group of middle-aged women that were getting their drink on. Between their shameless ogling of the attractive, young train-worker and their salty language, Alex got quite an earful. These "train-wreck"s provided a great reinforcement of his D.A.R.E. training of the dangers of drugs and alcohol!

The rest of the trip we spent visiting with my uncle.

Reviewing old photographs,

and on Sunday before we left, we picked up lunch.....PIZZA! from the highly-touted "Wilton Pizza". Alex enjoyed this tasty treat but still claims that Sbarro's is the best!

After some minor difficulties with my rental-car's Garmin Nuvi (we got a bit lost near the airport) and a souvenir ( Newton's Cradle) that triggered a baggage search, we were on our way back home!

On our final leg, one of the flight attendants was a former employee of mine from a decade ago.

Amazing how time flies!

Alex's hands were a bit shakey due to a long day of travel
and a caffeine-buzz. (I let him drink regular Coke)

Where has the Summer Gone???

2010-08-31T16:56:00.001-07:00

We were able to get take a short trip to D.C. to visit family before the boys started back to school last week. Other than that, the summer has been a blur of swim meets, a week of camps, cross-country practices and quality family time (aka:just hanging out) The summer has flown by waaay too quickly.

Any stories I may have had seem insignificant by now. And my memory is fuzzy. While I regret losing touch with my blog and other bloggers, the time away was hopefully well-spent.

I have one more weekend get-a-way planned. I am taking my middle-son to see my elderly uncle in Connecticut. Hopefully Earl (hurricane) won't put a damper on things.

Have a Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Garden Pics from 7/31/10

2010-07-31T05:47:00.000-07:00

I'm Still Here

2010-07-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

It seems like the longer I take to post on my blog, the harder it gets to post. While one might think there would be much more to write about, I am finding the opposite. An event that I find hysterical, amusing or interesting at the moment of inception, loses it's appeal over time.

My life is filled with short bursts of humor in between the more mundane routine of a suburban life. These "bursts" are like produce in the garden of my mind. If not served fresh, these memories start to rot and are thrown away.

I also find that as my absences from Blogger grow longer, my powers of observation start to dull a bit.

As I worry about giving up this blog, I am lured back by the Siren's call of my online journal, beckoning me back to pick up where I have left off.

And so here I am!

Garden Update

2010-07-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

This has been a good year so far for Cucumbers and we have produced a record-breaking cuke (for our garden) measuring approximately 10 inches.

Yesterday I picked the first tomato of the season. Unfortunately it is the size of a Ping Pong ball

Our newest squash plant that I think may be a Butternut but it has the markings of a Zuccini.

We appear to have an infestation of Squash borer bugs that have destroyed many of my vines.
Fortunately I have harvested several yellow squash. Enough to be ready for a new vegetable.
This is a close-up of a damaged vine. The white powder is Diatomaceous Earth which is ground up shells that are only harmful to insects with hard shells, slugs and other tiny pests.

Apparently the white powder is also good for getting prints of other larger garden raiders.
This appears to be of a burglar with a striped tail and black mask. We are waiting for the lab results to ID the prints of the purp that left this trail.

Crime Scene Investigation is among my many hobbies!

Better Living Through Pharmaceuticals?

2010-06-10T04:04:00.001-07:00

I LOVE chocolate. A lot. In fact I am waging a campaign for this food staple to be it's own Group on the Food Pyramid.

But what if (perish the thought) one day I woke up and didn't crave this irresistible treat?

Would I take a pill to make me desire this diet-wrecking confection? Or would I look at the upside to how many calories I would save. I would probably be able to fit into my "skinny" jeans with no problem!

The Little Blue Pill

I was having a conversation with a fellow Menopausal (hormonally-challenged) friend and somehow the conversation turned to the over-abundance of ED and Viagra commercials on T.V.
We both were questioning the value of this drug.

If you no longer desired something, why would you take a pill to get back those urges?

Think about all the time you would save . And what about Brain Cells? It's a known fact that sex kills them. Think about all the stupid things people do in the heat of the moment.

Wouldn't it be better to give your partner a pill to quash their libido?

Think of the upside to more "down-time"!

Dragonfly

2010-06-07T10:57:00.001-07:00

I spotted this Dragonfly earlier today before I left for work. I never noticed how spider-like the top part of this insect's body is. Fortunately I had my camera and a willing model!
Click on the photo to see full-size.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2010-05-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Old-Time Religion

Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of my favorite time of year. My garden becomes my religion and I become a "Garden Evangelist". I love to proselytize to friends and neighbors by sharing the wealth of my harvest.

Starting with early Spring when I dug up dozens of Strawberry plants to make room for this year's veggies. It gave me great joy to dole out my extra plants to fellow gardeners. When my garden greens started to fill in, I invited a vegetarian friend to pick a bucketful of lettuce (3 varieties), onions & chives.

This year has been the best year ever for Strawberries and we have harvested enough to enjoy in salads, smoothies, on cereal and au natural. For the first time, we also have been able to share our berries with friends.

I look forward to more Random Acts of Sharing as the rest of our crops come in...
Can I get a Hallelujah?

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for....
Another reason I give thanks for this time of year are our frequent bike-rides to DQ. The round trip to our local Dairy Queen is just over 4 miles. While this doesn't fully offset the calories consumed, I hope that we are creating some great childhood memories.

I also get to re-live mine!

Strike up the Band!

The Middle School Jazz band performing before the Awards Ceremony.
Alex is on piano and Devon on trumpet in the end of the back row, far right.

The last few weeks of school are a flurry of activity. My two middle schoolers have been busy with band concerts. Alex, my 6th grader middle-son, participated in the middle school talent show with his favorite Bach piano piece (Solfeggietto). And the highlight of this past week was the Awards Night ceremony for Honor Roll students. Both boys were not only recognized for their GPAs but also their achievements in Math.

My proudest moment was when my 6th grader who is in 7th grade Honors Math ( same class as his older brother) was recognized for having the highest score on a math test given to all students in the 7th grade. He had a 6th grade cheering section who was excited to claim him as their own. While his older brother may have been overshadowed for a moment, both boys were recognized as being part of a 6 person "Math Counts" Team that represented their school in an area contest. It would appear we have a Math Geek Dynasty in our family.

After the ceremony we treated the boys to Stone Cold Creamery for a wallet-emptying treat. The next day we took them out to lunch at a fancy restaurant. We may be a bit lighter in the wallet but the memories are priceless!

We were given two shiny new bumper-stickers boasting about our Honor Students. They have been put into storage. I prefer to do my bragging here and keep our cars humbly sticker-free!

The Higher You Climb

Yesterday I took Colin and Alex to their piano lesson. I was a bit concerned about their lack of practicing.

Which proved to be justified.

While my expectations were low, it was another story with their teacher. She had heard from some of her other students that go to school with Alex about his stellar performance in the talent show. It became quickly apparent that in preparing for his moment in the limelight, Alex neglected his lessons. Colin followed suit.

This has been the only sour note in an otherwise fantastic week. I now have to suck it up and pay better attention to their practice sessions.

Looking forward to a nice long and relaxing weekend filled with sunshine, good food and music!

Garden Update

2010-05-18T18:31:00.001-07:00

First Strawberry of the Season

This weekend I planted the rest of my seedlings now that the threat of frost should be over. The lettuce has come in nicely, strawberries are starting to ripen, onions are in full force and peas are sprouting up.

I am hoping to have a good season this year. I even added two planters for extra crop space.

Slug-Bug

I am beginning to hate that VW Commercial that promotes punching every time someone spies a Volkswagen. It has turned my boys into slap-happy idiots.

It is hard to focus on the road when my eldest who is riding shotgun pokes me and shouts out a color. "Red one!" "Blue one!"......

I started to grow suspicious after failing to see all the "Bugs" he was claiming and I discovered he was including BMWs as well!

Speaking of Slugs

Something has been munching on my cucumber seedlings, spinach, and numerous other tiny plants. I suspect either slugs, grubs or beetles. (Another reason to hate Beetles & Slug-Bug).
I HAD to buy beer at the store. Michelob so I can share with the hubs as well as the garden pests.

So far it seems to be helping a little. I have snagged a few slugs. I also find that after having a beer (or two) myself, I don't seem to be as bothered.

This is one of my new favorite coffee mugs!

Time to sign off, have a beer & help save the world!

Wordless Wednesday - Garden Report

2010-05-12T16:57:00.001-07:00

Happy May Day ..... Better Make that Mayday!

2010-05-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Rainy Day View from kitchen window

Mayday, Mayday... I've fallen behind again in my blogging.
Today is a nice rainy day. Great for the garden and great for catching up on indoor activities like laundry, cleaning AND Blogging. Of course I am starting here with my blog.

Housework be damned, the blog must go on!

Another Milestone...

I turned 51 a week ago and the persistent buggers at AARP still won't leave me alone. I am now getting monthly "Membership" offers but I refuse to take the bait. My pride is more important than a shiny card that enables special age-based discounts.

We celebrated my birthday with a dinner at a fancy restaurant that my hubby and I reserve for special occasions. This is the first time we took the whole family. Fortunately there was a children's menu for my younger two.

The oldest boy, age 13, gave us a preview of his growing teenage appetite when he ordered Salmon AND gourmet Pizza. There was a miscommunication with the server who brought Full-Size Portions when he thought he had ordered the Bar-Size Portions. The scary part was that Devon ate like a champ. He finished the Salmon entree and made a dent in the Pizza. We better start up a special Food Fund so we can afford to keep the kid fed.

Next birthday I'm thinking Wendy's!

Spring Recital

Alex and Colin had their Spring Piano Recital this week. I had hoped to have a new video camera for this occasion. I wasn't sure if I wanted a new camera with a high-def video function or simply a single-function video camera. I had decided on going with a simple video camera too late for my birthday but not for Mothers Day (hint, hint).

Colin performed first. He played The Russian Dance from The Nutcracker and a Medley of Disney Songs as a duet with his piano teacher. Unfortunately I put the camera on the wrong setting and I didn't get this on disk. I did however get Alex's performance. It is posted on YouTube.

Hopefully I will have a chance to get a do-over on the duet! With my new (yet to be bought) video camera!

Garden Report
My poor plants that I have started indoors are more than ready to be put into the garden. My Yellow Squash and Cucumber plants have already started to flower. This week we had two frosty mornings. Yesterday the daytime high was in the 80's with a nighttime low in the 60's. I am hoping that I can start getting these babies into the ground.

I am planting a few "overgrown seedlings" each day in hopes of minimizing any catastrophe. I am already getting salads with fresh onions and chives.

Love this time of year.

Porch plants ready for a garden burial

French Mesclan Garden Mix

Perennial Favorites - Chives

Well, I think I'm about caught up here and I have a few loads of laundry with my name on it.
Hope everyone is having a happy and productive weekend and great week ahead!

Sum It Up Sunday - The Week In Random Observations

2010-04-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

Track Meet
Conversation with youngest son at his eldest brother's track meet after observing him hang out for a bit with two boys:

Me:" Who were those boys you were talking with? Are they friends from school?"

Youngest: "Not exactly... more like PEERS."

Note to self: I've met quite a few peers and only one friend to date this year. Not sure if I should be concerned.

Talking Dirty
Middle son as I was watering my plants asked me if I knew the difference between Dirt & Soil.
When I shrugged my shoulders, he went on to explain:

"Dirt is soil where it's not supposed to be..."

Note to self: My house isn't dirty, I'm just gardening indoors!

How to Bond With A Teenager

Yesterday I had to take the eldest to a Ensemble Contest for his 7th Grade Band. Afterwards I took him for ice cream. We also went shopping for shorts and dress shoes for him.

We usually find out about wardrobe deficiencies when the weather changes. Or when dressing up for special occasions! I observed the boy limping in his 2-sizes too-small dress shoes. The other clue was sneaking along a pair of sneakers to change into after the contest.

We bonded over ice cream and shopping. I usually have an enjoyable time when I get one on one time.

Note to self: The key to success for quality time with a teenager is to make it all about them!

Wordless Wednesday - Springtime Blooms

2010-04-14T07:04:00.001-07:00

Lilacs are starting to bloom!

Wordless Wednesday - To Grandmother's House We Go - signs along the way

2010-04-07T05:45:00.001-07:00

Spring Break : Give me a break!

2010-03-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

The Friday morning before Spring Break, we woke up to about an inch of the white, fluffy stuff.
Thankfully it melted by the day's end.

I think this was Mother Nature's way of warning me about the dangers of starting my garden too soon.

I started a couple of flats of plants with "Greenhouses" that I bought at Meijer on sale. Each tray contains 72 Jiffy Pots (peat packets) for a mere $5.99 on sale.

Note to self: Next year wait to plant squash & cucumber seeds outdoors, directly into the garden. I already have had to transplant into bigger pots and I still have about 6 weeks to go before danger of frost is over....

At least my indoor gardening has helped curb my Spring Fever!

Sing For Your Supper

The above photo is the scene that greeted me when I arrived to pick up my eldest son from track practice Friday afternoon.

I was running a bit late. Well actually I lost track of time at work when I received the "Mom? Are you coming to pick me up?" phone call. (what did Moms do before cell phones?) Thankfully I am just minutes away and was getting ready to pack it up and end my day. I told him I'd be there in 15 minutes or so.

When I pulled up at the school, I could not believe my eyes ( & ears). The kid was actually making good use of his time and practicing his trumpet. Some Moms might feel guilty... or even be a bit mortified. But not this mom!

"This.Is.Awesome!" I exclaimed as I threw the car into park and jumped out for a photo op. I was impressed at his lack of self-consciousness. And he actually sounded pretty good!

note to kid: Busking in front of a Middle School is probably not a great way of making money!

Other Musical Notes:

I also had the opportunity this week to attend a concert at our local High School for the area Middle School and the High School Jazz Bands. Alex plays piano (as well as clarinet in band) and Devon (as shown above) trumpet. The boys are in both Band and Jazz Band.

I was uber impressed at the quality of our district's music program. I was surprised that the auditorium was only half-full. We were encouraged to bring family and friends to the next concert. With all the negative stories in the media, it is so nice to see our youth doing something positive.

YouTube Concert Series

In an effort to encourage my younger two boys to practice their piano, I will occasionally film and post practice sessions. If you have kids that are musically inclined and have an account, feel free to pop by and "friend" us. I am hoping that peer-pressure and constructive comments will inspire them to work a little harder. http://www.youtube.com/user/badmommablogger?feature=mhw4

We have a Spring Recital coming up soon.

Happy Spring Break!

Random Wednesday Rants

2010-03-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

In no particular order:

On Twitter, re this tweet:

"We all know that Haidi and Chili still need help, you can help by purchasing a gift basket of bathroom products and I will send it free.."

Rant 1: If you are tweeting about a fundraiser for "Haidi" & "Chili", learn to spell, it makes you more believable. #notbuyingit

Rant 2: I'm thinking the people in "Haidi" & "Chili" have more pressing needs than "a gift basket of bathroom products".

To the "Homeless" person on the corner with a sign about being hungry:

Rant 1: You might want to take your smoke-break in private. Makes people wonder how you have money for smokes but not food!

Rant 2: If someone offers you a sandwich, pretend to be happy about it as opposed to being angry they are not giving you money.

To the girl who works at the business at the other end of our building on being neighborly:

We've been your neighbor for 2 years, for which you have barely acknowledged our existence. Even when we cheerfully bring you your mail that was misdelivered.

If you are going to pop-out and ambush us with the catalog of home-party jewelry that you want to sell us, you might want to introduce yourself first.

Just saying.

To Station Managers & Supervisors at UPS:

Just because you are nervous for your jobs, it doesn't make it right to harass drivers with seniority about taking a minute to speak with customers or occasionally changing the order of afternoon pick-ups to help out a business that is running late.

It is not o.k. to sacrifice customer service for speed. This is how I may lose a good driver and you might lose customers! Perhaps management needs to watch the Waste Management Episode of Undercover Boss!

This concludes this installment of Random Wednesday Rants! Whew! I feel much better now! AND I didn't have to hurt anyone!

Spring Fever

2010-03-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

One of my early plants for this year - The Primrose

It's been over a month since my last post. Between computer issues, winter blahs and lack of motivation, I have taken a much longer break than intended. It is amazing how much time I had been spending on our laptop. Even more curious was how much better my back was feeling during the time I was without it.

It is a constant struggle to balance work and home but I feel the need to maintain my blog. This month marks year THREE! The statistics are against me. 95% of blogs are abandoned. I refuse to be a quitter!

The last few weeks, as the weather has been improving, I feel the color seeping back into my life.

Books, Birthdays and Breakfast at Bob Evans

The boys perusing the sale tables in the courtyard of The Book Loft

Last weekend my "baby" celebrated his 9th birthday. Among his stash of gifts were several books that were purchased at our new favorite bookstore, The Book Loft. As much as we love Barnes & Noble, there is something special about independent book stores.

This book-seller was housed in an old building that reminded us of a "Harry Potter" shop. With 32 (tiny) rooms, I kept losing my boys as they roamed about searching for treasures as well as their way back to the entrance.

We also celebrated with a birthday breakfast at Bob Evans.

A week later, we finished the birthday festivities today by going to see the movie "Diary of a Wimpy Kid". My boys have read the series and Colin picked this as his "birthday movie".

Getting a Jump on the Garden

It may be a bit too early, but I decided to jump-start my vegetable garden by starting seeds indoors. I've already had to transplant the squash and cucumber plants into larger containers.
I also started the daunting task of cleaning up my flower beds, which appears to be a never ending project.

Free Ice

Taking a break at Rita's for their First Day of Spring Celebration.

This week I also have been attempting to get back into shape. I have started "Wogging" (a combination of walking and jogging). I enlisted the help of my boys to come along on bikes or scooters. This way I have someone to call for help if I collapse.

As a treat yesterday, we biked over to our local Rita's Italian Ice stand for their "First Day of Spring Free Ice Day".

It felt good to get the bike out for my first ride of the season. It also was a nice to get a free Lemon Ice. Something about "free" makes things taste even better. I even made it up the hill on our way home without having to stop and walk.

Well all good things must come to an end. It is now close to my bedtime and I have laundry to put away before I hit the sheets.

Happy Spring!

Snowy Day

2010-02-06T10:54:00.001-08:00

Yesterday afternoon we were hit with a mini-blizzard that dumped around 8 " of heavy, wet snow and creating a Level 1 Snow Emergency (hazardous conditions).

In a few short hours we went from being able to see frozen green grass to a white winter wonderland. The damp heavy snow, while making for treacherous driving, is perfect for packing for snowmen, forts and most likely snowballs.

I decided to get the (snow) ball rolling by digging out some old snowpants. I found my husband's old pair of 29" waist ski pants from his much skinnier college days. While I was able to get them pulled on (barely!), I was unable to zip them up leaving a gap that fortunately my coat was able to hide.

In my defense, I was wearing long underwear and a pair of baggy jeans. Clearly these pants would have fit perfectly if I did without the jeans. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Don't be too impressed with my snowman (pictured above). The bucket hat is really a empty tub leftover from a can of cake frosting. It was a ploy to get the kids outside so I could sneak back in to enjoy a latte in peace.

It bought me about an hour!

Now that my "snow men" are back indoors defrosting, I need to get into "Mom Mode" and fix some hot cocoa. We also need to start cleaning the house so the boys can invite a few friends over for a game & movie night.

Hope my fellow shut-ins are making the best of this wintry weather!

Bad Momma Social Media Manifesto - Part 1 - Twitter

2010-01-31T11:20:00.000-08:00

In my brief experience with Social Media, many users forget that mediums such as Blogs, Twitter and Facebook are not meant to be one-sided. Hence the term: Social Media. It is time to put the Social back into Social Media.

Let's start with Twitter. This is also considered a form of Micro-Blogging with short text-based posts limited to 140 characters or less. While Twitter can be a great way to get a message out, there is also plenty of abuse that takes place. I have discovered a few guidelines that I follow that help make my Twitter experience a good one.

1. Setting up your account. When setting up your account, it is helpful to have a profile photo or fun avatar, short bio, and general location.
If you have a blog or website, there is a place in your profile to link to it. When deciding on whether to follow someone, I first view the profile. I am more likely to follow a person that I have something in common with.

2. Quality Not Quantity - This is a great rule of thumb when "Tweeting" and in "Followers". When choosing who to follow, look at the nature of their tweets.
A. Are they responding to others? (look for the @ sign) If all I am seeing is one-way tweets, I tend not to follow. These are practices of Spammers & SEO "experts" that only want to sell something.
B. Do you enjoy seeing their tweets? Once you follow, this is what will fill up your screen. And possibly your email box, as you have now given the green light to Direct Messages.
C. Do they have single-digit followers but are following a hundred times that many? - This should be a Spammer red-flag.

This is a 2-way street. Make sure that you are reading & responding to your "Tweeps"(followers). A great way to make friends is to Retweet from your friends as well. On Fridays, remember to spread the love with #FollowFriday or #FF and give a shout-out to a few of your friends so that others will follow them.

3. Follow Backs - Despite what the "Experts" may have told you, you don't have don't have to follow back everyone who follows you . Make sure you are looking at quality of Tweets and their user profile.

Beware of False Friends - A trick that some Twit-wits will use is to follow you to get you to follow back to boost their "Followers" list. Once they have achieved this, they will eventually drop you to make it appear that they have more people following them than they follow. They also now have a one-way street to communicate with you!

A great tool to out these fools is www.friendorfollow . Just enter your Twitter i.d. and you will be shown 3 groups.
1. Following (those who don't follow you back) 2. Fans ( followers who you don't follow) and 3. Friends (2-way street)

There have been a few times, I will reluctantly follow someone back and a few weeks later, find that I was duped. I use www.friendorfollow to out and drop these jerks. I also try to see if I missed anyone following me that I might wish to follow back.

4. Direct Messages - Use them sparingly and wisely. It is a no-no to use your direct access to Spam your followers. I like to use them for information specific to a friend(s) that I don't want others to see.

My biggest pet peeve is the auto-message.
Messages like:

"Thanks for following me! Tell me something about yourself. I look forward to getting to know you"

This is especially annoying when they are not following me back! And are therefore unable to get my messages. I then have to out them with a tweet like

"@(twerpsname) I can not DM you all about me if you don't follow me back!!!!!! #DMFail "

5. Other great practices & tools:

Check your @(yourtwittername) link on your sidebar for shout-outs or tweets about you that you may have missed in real-time.

TwitPic - While Twitter just allows for140 characters, TwitPic (www.twitpic.com) uses your same Twitter log-in and will post a url directly to Twitter so that you can share pictures. (or not if you check the appropriate box).

Tiny Urls - If you want to promote a blog or web post to Twitter and shorten it to fit into your tweet, there are a few sites that will do this. www.tinyurl.com is a tool I like to use.

What are your thoughts about Twitter? Any great tools that we should know about? Pet peeves? Tips?
Love to hear them!

I'm still alive & well

2010-01-24T06:13:00.000-08:00

I have cut back on my blog posting & reading for a bit due to a project at work which is keeping me on the computer a bit. It is also hard to find inspiration this time of year. Blah Humbug!

Kids are doing well. Report cards came Friday with no real surprises. I am happy to report that my children are getting much better grades than I did at their age. (just don't tell them; it can be our little secret!) The only big disappointment is that each of my Middle Schoolers each received 2 B's and all of these were 89s! With a smidge more work, they both could have gotten "Gold Cards" instead of "Silver". Regardless, I am proud.

We still struggle daily with getting the boys to practice their instruments . (piano, trumpet & clarinet). I find that dangling a carrot such as being allowed to get together with friends or extra t.v. or computer time seems to help. We were able to get some house-cleaning done yesterday so that a friend could come over. It also gave me an excuse to indulge my sweet tooth and bake brownies. Makes me look like a good mother but you all know better.

Winter Swim season is almost over. Between all 3 boys, we are driving 6 days a week to a pool. I think we are all ready to take the Spring off and resume swimming in the Summer.

As I hear the rain pinging on our roof, I am reminded that we are half-way to Spring! By then my life should be perked up a bit!

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

Beating the Mid Winter Blahs

2010-01-16T19:28:00.001-08:00

Bringing the Garden Indoors

I've learned over the years, resolutions are made to be broken. This is why I no longer make any for the New Year. I did have one goal / science experiment. In the fall I clipped some Basil from my garden before a frost. I rooted the clippings in water, and added marbles and time-released fertilizer.

My goal was simple: to try to keep my clippings alive into January. The above photo was taken January 5th. I lost a few of the other plants to cooking & to the elements (mostly lack of strong sunlight.).

Today my experiment came to it's conclusion. The last few weeks, there has been very little direct sun in my kitchen window and my brave plant finally gave up. After a proper burial, I washed the jar and marbles.

I may try to force some bulbs using a glass dish and the marbles. This is a project I had done years ago to help with my mid-winter blahs.

For more info on Forcing Bulbs: http://www.oldhousegardens.com/ForcingBulbs.asp

RIP: Basil 1/16/10

Curl Up With a Good Book

Another great indoor activity at our house is curling up with a good book.

Thanks to some thoughtful Aunts & Uncles, my boys have accumulated a collection of Target & Barnes & Noble gift cards. It usually takes a few trips until the card are depleted.

Today my 6th grader was excited to find the sequel to "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. He highly recommends this series to ages middle-school & up.

He started reading his new purchase as soon as he was buckled in his seat for the ride home from the book store.

Beat the Boredom with a Board Game

Family Game night is a frequent weekend activity this time of year at our house. Cranium is one of our favorite new games to play as a family! Lots of creative challenges from drawing, charades, molding clay, humming tunes and much more. Hilarity is guaranteed to ensue!

Speaking of hilarity, it's time for late-night TV. I can hear Wanda Sykes in the other room....

That's all for now....

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T13:49:00.001-08:00

I'm baack!! I survived another Holiday Season! This year I was busy right up until Christmas Eve at work. While I am grateful for the business, working 12-14 hour days can take their toll. I have been a complete sloth since Christmas, mostly eating, sleeping & spending quality time with my couch.

The last few days we have been getting a bit of snow as well as some frigid temps dropping into the teens. Great weather for hibernating!

For New Year's Eve, we got Chinese takeout. The highlight of the weekend has been a couple of short shopping trips where we exchanged a few gifts and bought some new snow boots.

I also had a chance to use one of my new presents, a new telescoping ice scraper.

Now that I have rested up, I realized I have neglected a few things. My blog & blog friends being one of the many areas I need to catch up with.

Hope everyone is healthy and had a good holiday.

Looking forward to finding out.

Here's to a wonderful year ahead! Happy 2010!

Holiday Wrap Up - 2 week Catch-up

2009-12-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Just a few more weeks until things quiet down at work. I took my youngest son to look at a local holiday display made by high school students to get in the mood. More photos here on my photo blog.

We had a nice, quiet, drama-free Thanksgiving dinner at our house. My sister and her family came over. Usually they host at their house. I used our good china, ironed my good tablecloth and napkins and for the first time used my grandmother's good silver. My hubby observed how much preparation is involved for a meal that is over in minutes!

My sister-in-law sent the lovely centerpiece in the photo above to us. They decided to stay at home this year. We are long over due for a trip to Chicago. Hopefully before too long... Maybe we'll even get to visit the Suburban Wow gals. .... Good to have goals!

It is finally feeling a bit like winter around here. I did manage to keep some flowers alive until December. Sadly today I had to cut them back as they were frozen and wilted. This picture was taken right after Thanksgiving. We had our first dusting of snow which melted by mid-morning!

Hard to believe it will be Christmas in just a few weeks. I feel horribly guilty about ignoring my blog & blog friends. I hope to be back in the swing of things by year end.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Recipe For Disaster - Holiday Re-Run

2009-11-22T16:35:00.001-08:00

With the Thanksgiving Holiday this week, I thought I'd share one of my favorite holiday posts made 2 years ago to help a fellow blogger with MIL drama. With out further ado, I give you........

Recipe for Disaster
1 bunch of relatives
1 pinch of unresolved issues
a cooler of "adult" beverages
sharp utensils such as carving knives
1 small dining room
seating chart ( optional )

As your guests arrive, take their coats and casually toss them on a couch or bed in your designated "coat room". Hand each adult guest a beer, glass of wine or alcoholic beverage of their choice.Carefully seat your guests near the person most likely to irritate them. Throw in more "adult beverages".Wait until guests are sufficiently marinated and bring up an unresolved issue or touchy subject. Make sure the table is full of sharp objects such as carving knives and hot dishes.

Have a phone nearby and be ready to dial 911!

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for Emergency Rooms across the U.S.

Something about putting a bunch of people that are related, together in close quarters with a bunch of cutlery and bottles (or cans ) of "truth serum". Unresolved issues seem to surface and before you know it - hand to hand combat breaks out. It's always fun until someone gets hurt!

I have a few helpful tips to avert disaster. Remember, just like fire needs oxygen to keep burning, drama needs fuel to keep it going! Observe from a distance, avoid getting drawn in. Be prepared with some distractions. Distraction is the best weapon when tempers start to flare-up at family get-togethers. A little preperation can save much aggrevation!

Antidote for Holiday Hell

1 bunch of Celebrity Gossip Magazines
A television tuned to the latest football game
Several plates of appetizers
Everybody's favorite desserts
1 handful of shiny objects
A back-up dinner, in case of a cooking mishap

Family gossip usually starts the drama machine. As soon as the haughty whispering starts, direct the attention to the latest issue of People, US Weekly or the Star that is conveniently nearby. It is better to gossip about someone you don't know than those in the same house.

"Did you hear the latest about__________? ( fill in the blank with your favorite celeb )"

When the men-folk start to misbehave, turn your t.v. to a football game.

"Oh look! The game's on!"

The hypnotic lure of the idiot tube usually keeps 'em in line. Just make sure there are plenty of "cold ones" and snacks for commercial time.

Food is a great silencer. When mouths are full, it is hard to argue. Strategically placed plates of pre-dinner snack foods are a necessity at family gatherings.

Shiny objects are also a useful distraction for both men and children.

Make sure you have a back-up dinner in case of a kitchen mishap. Food disasters are a great source of tension.

Dessert is the crown jewel of a good meal. The threat of not serving it due to ill-mannered guests helps keep everyone in line.

A good sense of humor is also really helpful. Look on the bright side, if there is drama, it gives you something to talk about. Perhaps start a contest with your friends to see who can have the most disastrous holiday. This is one contest where everyone wins!

Life & Times of Bad Momma & Co. - 3 week Catch-Up

2009-11-15T10:03:00.000-08:00

This time of year is my busy season at work and I find it difficult to post as frequently as the rest of the year. Partly due to lack of time and mostly due to lack of motivation and interesting material to write about.

This may be one of the longest periods that I have ignored my blog. Please forgive me. Not so much for dropping out of sight, but for the burst of randomness to follow:

Sign of the Times

A few days ago, while running errands for work, I passed a few sign-holders such as this gentleman for stores going out of business: Smith & Hawken; IDG Jewelers, and a furniture store. I keep hoping the economy has finally bottomed out but keep struggling for clear signs we are in recovery. Unfortunately, signs like these do not help.

Saving the Landfills

We try to reuse and recycle as much as possible. When we had some chips and pretzels that were well past their sell-by date, I was a bit concerned about throwing dozens of bags in the trash.

A co-worker suggested feeding them to the ducks. I gathered up my boys and some of their friends. We went to a nearby creek and served up high-sodium snacks to our fine-feathered friends. A fun time was had by all!

I only hope we are not responsible for creating health issues like hypertension. It's bad enough trying to pay for health care for my family.

Indian Summer

This past week the weather has been unseasonably warm for November. I took a bunch of photos of the last of my flowers. I also took a few photos of my decaying vegetable garden, a lady bug and a milkweed bug. You can see these on my photo blog: Driveby Shooting: November Garden Pictorial If you click on the photos, you can see them full-sized.

I am amazed at the detail my digital camera is able to get. I have an Olympus Camedia C-7000 zoom, 7.1 megapixels. At 4 or 5 years old, this is now outdated technology!

I also was able to get my car washed on Saturday. Might be the last time this year for this! I was able to get Alex to help a bit before he ran off to play!

Today we had a swim meet and we spent a good chunk of the day at the pool. I'll save that for another post. Maybe tomorrow? I have some ground to make up!

Twenty Minutes

2009-10-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Today I went to my youngest son's elementary school for "Muffins with Mom". There are several of these breakfast events to choose from. There is also "Donuts with Dad" and "Bagels with a Buddy". Each family can choose one each year to go to. My son chose the first event.

I wore my "Mom" jeans. The pair that emphasize my "Muffin Top". It only seemed fitting.

While I am extremely appreciative of this annual breakfast event, I couldn't help but wonder. The time alloted was from 7:30 to 7:50. Just 20 minutes. Just enough time to run in the building, grab a cup of coffee or juice and a muffin, find a seat and eat. Quickly.

I was able to meet a few moms at our table. Briefly. At 7:50 we briskly walked to the classroom. No time to talk to the teacher. Not even a wave. It was time for students to get ready and get down to business.

This reminds me of Parent-Teacher conferences.

Twenty minutes.

Feels like speed dating (not that I've ever done that).

This begs the question: What is so magical about "Twenty Minutes"?

It takes me Twenty Minutes just to warm up!

Random Wednesday - Random Tidbits

2009-10-21T05:17:00.000-07:00

Case of the Blahs

"Boring is good" has been one of my mantras. With "Boring" comes lack of material to write about. It's been over two weeks since my last post. We're o.k. but I've been uninspired lately. I need to play catch up with everyone. Perhaps I can live vicariously through my blog friends.

Not that I'm Complaining

Since this weekend, I've noticed a surprising drop in emails, mostly spam. I have gotten used to cleaning my spam-clogged in-box every morning. The sudden lack of spam makes what is probably my normal amount of "real" emails seem alarmingly low. I sent myself test emails. Everything seems fine. I'm just a little spooked because I don't have an explanation.

Perhaps my email has a case of the blahs!

Showing School Spirit Today

Last Friday, a beloved teacher at my boys' middle school passed away. The whole school has been deeply saddened. Even though my boys never had a class with this educator, they are a bit in shock. Today the students are wearing their school colors and will line the sidewalk in unison this afternoon to honor this man on the day of his funeral as the procession drives by. What a neat tribute.

Lunch Line Blues / Fear of the Lunch Lady

Yesterday my youngest child left his lunch box at school. While it wasn't the first time this has happened, my husband decided that Colin should just buy his lunch at school. For some reason, Colin was a bit upset at this prospect. More like "freaked out".

As I was driving my child to school, we had a conversation about his lunch-time apprehension. Turns out he is afraid of the Lunch Lady. (Kind of ironic that one of my icons is the Lunch Lady Action Figure). Turns out the last time he bought lunch was 2 years ago and he is afraid because he does not think he speaks clearly in the lunch line.

While it may not be considered good manners, I gave him permission to point as he talks.

Update - Lunch went well. The Lunch ladies were nice. Colin discovered Cheese Bread and even bought a Trix Bar treat to help spend the money that has been sitting in his lunch account for 2 years!

Sum it Up Sunday - Week in Review

2009-10-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

Time is Running Out!
This lovely Calculator-Alarm Clock came in the mail Wednesday thanks to my husband doing a price-comparison on Auto insurance. Even though I have yet to join AARP and I've gone through a 3rd extension of the deadline to join, I was sent this lovely gift. No note. Just showed up in the mail. Couldn't help but think there was a subliminal message involved. Kind of like the horse head from The Godfather!

Brace Yourself

Eldest Son got his braces off & on Thursday, received his retainer. He is supposed to wear this gadget 24/7 with a few exceptions. So far he's not being very cooperative. He's either eating, about to eat, just eaten or "playing sports". Said sports include: throwing a Nerf football with his baby brother, riding his bike around the neighborhood, and playing with neighborhood kids.

I've made a new rule: No retainer, No TV!

Miracles do Happen

This week I also had my 1st Parent-Teacher conference for my 6th-grader. He is doing well in school and is well-liked by all. Only negative is his organizational skills (or lack thereof). He needs to slow-down, proof-read his work and organize his notebook & backpack. My 7th grader likes to be organized and has been making fun of what a disaster his brother's locker is.

I also struggled with being Organizationally-impaired growing up. It is a life-long battle.

We decided that it might be a good idea for Alex to come in early one day a week to straighten & properly file papers at school. I also approached the idea of my oldest son helping his brother with his locker. My middle-son reluctantly agreed to let his brother help, as long as he wouldn't be "judged".

I came home Friday afternoon to find that both boys stayed after school to straighten up the messy locker. Without being told and without any bickering!

It's not even Christmas yet. Miracles really do happen!

The Plague Hits Home
Yesterday we discovered my middle-child was running a high fever and has caught some sort of Flu-Bug. We are keeping him sequestered mostly in his room, letting his roommate/younger brother camp-out in the loft on a sofa. At this point, I would guess that we are all exposed and at risk. But just in case, we are taking a few precautions.

My husband spoke to our pediatrician. The epidemic has hit our schools, with as much as 50% of the student population that may be infected in the next week or two. Not much we can do but keep our patient comfortable, hydrated and isolated. Could last for several days.

I now am worried every time I have a "Hot-Flash". Menopause or the Flu? Perhaps I need to start wearing a surgical mask!

New Bike
Christmas also came early in the way of a shiny new bicycle for my eldest. Devon has been wanting a new bike with gears and other accoutrement befitting a teenage boy. He will be turning 13 in a few months but couldn't wait. After a few weeks of shopping around, he found "the one" today at Target!

Much to my husband's surprise, the kid even brought a wad of cash from his allowance and odd-job payouts. I guess "Santa" will have to find another gift to bring!

Wordless Wednesday: Braces came off today!

2009-09-30T17:22:00.001-07:00

The Accountability Project

2009-09-27T09:31:00.001-07:00

I remember this time last year, sitting in the middle-school auditorium and listening to the PTO President give words of advice to parents as part of orientation: Make sure you get to know your kids' friends AND the parents of your kids' friends. Mixed in with other advice (more like warnings) I was a bit terrified of what I might expect in our freshman year at Middle school.

"We were also told in many different ways that this will be a challenging year ( I believe the term "wild ride" was used once or twice!). The PTO lady also stressed the importance of making sure you were involved in your child's life. Also to get to know all their friends. And the parents of their friends. This was the most important mission of the PTO.

WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO! What kind of "Wild Ride" lies ahead????"

Fortunately, last year was a pretty smooth ride. This year looks to be a bit bumpier. Not so much at school but more so in our neighborhood. Between a few new faces in the 'hood and the boundaries of nearby playmates expanding, there are lots more boys, pick-up games of ball and noise filling our street. With all this additional testosterone also more skirmishes and incidents of bullying.

The Turning Point

This summer, after a fight broke out in the middle of a "friendly" game of Kick-Ball, the mom of the house took action. She escorted the fight-starter home and told his mother what had happened that day. As well as some other incidents she had heard about but not witnessed.

The mother of the "fight-starter" took disciplinary action. Once the flow of information started, an amazing improvement in behavior was made.

Making Policy

That day, a new policy was started. From now on, if there was an "incident of bad behavior", the rest of the children were responsible for telling a parent and the offending child (children) would be escorted home. There would also be a ban of a week until the child(children) would be allowed back. Any child that does not report, or takes matters into their own hands, will also be punished. Game over.

Meeting of the Moms

As new boys have entered the circle, the process continues. We are continuing to meet new mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers & aunts and exchanging phone numbers. The process works both ways: we also get reports on our children. While it won't completely put a stop to fights and bullying, I have noticed a remarkable improvement.

At first I was a bit apprehensive about meeting parents of the "problem children" but have been pleasantly surprised. We all share similar goals and none of our children are perfect. I love the fact that if there is a problem, I know who to talk to and conversely as well. It really does take a village to raise a child.

I am also finding that our children make better choices when they know they are being watched. And held accountable!

Dateline: Monday.... found a great article related to this topic:
http://www.slate.com/id/2223976/pagenum/all/#p2

Saturday Snap Shots

2009-09-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Sofa Safety Week - Safety doesn't stop at our doorstep! We also practice Sofa-Safety in our house. Wearing a helmet prevents head injuries from falling off the sofa.

Helmet-Wearing has become 2nd nature in our family due to strict enforcement by Dad. Youngest boy had been watching television for almost an hour when I took this picture. I wish he could apply this kind of dedication to other areas of his life. (like piano practice & homework!)

I had to take a photo of my end of the season salad from my garden. It's a rare occasion where I can get all of these vegetables together at the same time. ( lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber & chives.)

While most of my flowers have bit the dust, Zinnias are in full bloom and are a favorite of Bumblebees. I took another series of photos posted on my photo blog. Loved how it coincides with Rosh Hashanah ( the Jewish New Year)

I'm O.K., Just a bout of CPS

2009-09-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post as I recover from C.P.S. ( Couch Potato Syndrome).

I've had another relapse of sorts where I have been neglecting my blog writing, reading, commenting and Twitter duties. My brief, sad story is this:

A combination of being overwhelmed at work, busy at home with Back to School, and trying to adjust to the new routines that Fall brings, has turned me into a "Couch Potato" at night. Lack of exercise, stress, poor diet and hunching over a laptop just don't mix.

Back, neck and leg pain and the beginnings of a "Dowager Hump" is forcing me to limit my nightly affair with my comfy couch and laptop. I've actually thought about reconsidering the offers of membership to A.A.R.P.!

Bear with me as I figure out a way to work in some exercise while I ease back into the blog world. I feel so out of the loop and need to catch up with my blog-friends.

We have our annual block party tonight. Should be worth a post!

I'll be back! Soon!

Clothes Buying Olympics - Another Personal Best Time

2009-09-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

As I had mentioned in my last post, my eldest son has been is dire need of long pants. He thinks he can wear shorts until it snows and does not see this as a problem. I beg to differ. I am starting to get busy at work and want to not worry about emergency shopping trips. Last year I had to make a run to Target and buy a new dress shirt, dress pants, tie & belt 1 hour before a band concert due to a growth spurt and poor wardrobe planning!

This year it took a few different attempts until I found the perfect technique.

Attempt 1: Mix school supply shopping with clothes shopping. Managed to buy 2 pair with a bit of cajoling ( 1 pair at Meijer, 1 at Target). This was done begrudgingly and pants were not tried on.

Attempt 2: Leave child at home and pick out a pair while helping middle son find proper gym shorts. Found 2 pair of shorts for middle, more cooperative son and another pair of pants at Target for eldest. Funny thing is that my oldest son pitched a fit that he hated the pants and then we discovered they were identical to a pair he picked out 2 days earlier. (he claims he picked said pants out under duress)

Attempt 3: "Kidnap" your child and don't tell them where you are going until they are locked in the car and on their way to store. I did this the other day.

I picked up the boys at a friends house and told them I needed to go to the library. After returning a book, I called my husband so he knew I had my children and were on the way to the department store. My hubby and I decided that we needed 3 more pair of pants and he told us not to come home until we purchased them.

I thought I had a coupon for Kohl's so we went there. In under 20 minutes, Devon found a pair he deemed acceptable. After trying them on in 2 different sizes, we decided the larger size would work with an 1" hem. As luck would have it, the said pants came in 2 other colors. We snatched them up and made our way to the counter.

Bad News : Coupon expired the week before.

Good News: Pants were on sale at almost half-off! ($19.99 down from $36.99).

Bad News: I now have to hem 6 pair of pants. ( not one of my talents).

Later that night, I was so over-joyed at my success, I hemmed 3 pair.

I am half-way done and will use Labor Day weekend to finish this task. I guess this will be a "work" holiday. How's that for irony? (or ironing which I will also be forced to do!).

Back to School Angst

2009-08-26T06:31:00.001-07:00

Today is the first day of school complete with a sleepless night, butterflies in the stomach and a few tears. And that's just ME! The boys seem to be faring much better. Or so they would have me believe....

It's Elementary, My Dear Reader
My "baby" is entering the 4th grade and the last child in elementary school. It will be several years (five to be exact) till I have all three boys together again. I am most nervous about my youngest child. The transition to Public School from Montessori School has been the most challenging for him. The last two years he was tottering between two grade levels due to his proficiency in Math. After careful consideration in conjunction with school administrators, we decided to have him pushed ahead a year in all subjects to provide more consistency.

While we know he is up for the task academically, I worry about maturity. Will he fit in with his peers? Will he be the smallest child in his class? Will he make friends? Are we doing the right thing?

In my heart, I know we have made the best choice but there is always a niggle of doubt.

Middle School - Middle Son Challenge

My middle son is now a middle schooler entering the 6th grade. He is giddy with excitement. A little too excited if you ask me. The kind of excitement that may ignite a beat-down from a bully. Or an older brother, which is more likely.

Not only has this child gotten all the "good" teachers. (according to student opinion) He is in his brother's 7th grade Honor Math class. Much to my eldest's dismay. While I am a bit worried about the competition that is brewing, I can't help but be a bit amused.

Clothes Competition

On the competition front, clothes are also a major issue. All the 10-12 size pants have made their way to my middle son's closet. My elder son is a P.I.A. to shop for AND has no long pants. Next size up is 12-14. A 4-6 inch length difference and he is right in-between sizes.

Crap! Now I have to hem... Not one of my better skills. In college I perfected the "Staple Hem" but not sure this will work here. I wonder if my son learned enough in last year's Home Ec to do his own tailoring. Probably not. Good thought though...

Back to Work

I have been preoccupied with anticipation of the days events and trying to put my thoughts down. It is now mid=morning. Time to get to work! I'll be on pins and needles all day until I get an update....

Hope all your "First Days" have gone well! *fingers crossed*!

Update: Dinnertime
The day went pretty well near as I can tell. Youngest seemed to have a pretty good, albeight non-descript day. But I guess no news is good news.

Just the normal "brotherly love" between the older two. Eldest tried to ditch Middle Son on the way to school but was unsuccessful. In math class my 7th grader was teased by a few friends about his younger brother being in the class. (he was one of six 6th graders that were advanced.)

My middle son enjoyed his brother's efforts to diss him. At one point in class when no one was watching, my eldest leaned in and whispered in his brother's ear, "If evil had a face, it would be yours!"

We are still missing a few required supplies so I will be heading out shortly to perform my motherly duties!

Time for dinner!

Sum it up Sunday

2009-08-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

It seems like the Summer has gone by in a flash. We are finally getting some hot weather. My vegetable garden is starting to look a bit ravaged as our tomatoes are coming on faster than we can eat them. Snap pea season is over and my vines are all brown. My yellow squash vines are also drying up after producing a bumper crop this year. What once was full of promise and anticipation is turning to melancholy and dread.

Less than two weeks till Back to School. I am not ready for Fall!!!

Took the boys for a quick dip at our neighborhood pool tonight. We then came home and I made some Bruschetta / French Bread Pizza with some over-ripe (rotting) tomatoes, basil & mozzarella. Yum!

I was hoping to take some garden photos today but I was uninspired. I think I will post a few of my favorites that I have on my photo blog ( Drive by Shooting).

Wordless Wednesday at the Swim Banquet

2009-08-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

All three boys let me wear their Swim Metals. Not sure if I felt like Michael Phelps' Mom or more like Ed McMahon & MC Hammer in Cash4Gold.

Company is Coming & I'm Not Cleaning - a Bad Momma Haiku

2009-08-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

I take a long nap
out of child-like defiance.
I was told, not asked

Where's My Malibu Beach House?

2009-08-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband and I took our youngest son to the pool for an hour and then out for frozen custard. My older two boys had "ditched" their little brother when playing with a group of children earlier in the day. We believe in making the punishment fit the crime, so my husband, "baby" and I ditched them!

After our brief stint at the pool, while we were enjoying our frozen treats on the patio of the frozen custard restaurant, a little girl came to a stop a few feet in front of us. She looked up at us and then turned to her family who was sitting nearby.

"Mom! Is that Barbie?" she called out to her mother.

My dear husband, without missing a beat, gleefully answered back. "No, but they both turned 50 this year!"

I don't know if it was the fact I was wearing a bathing suit with a sheer cover-up, the large neon-pink bag or the over-sized sunglasses (the ones that celebrities & old-ladies seem to favor). This was the first time I've ever been mistaken for a celebrity of such proportions. I was secretly overjoyed. There are far worse icons to be identified with.

I guess I must be channeling my inner Barbie. I suddenly feel the need for a beach house!

Twitter is Down

2009-08-06T08:08:00.001-07:00

Help! Twitter is down..... I'm going through withdrawl! What would this be called? Twitdrawl? Cold Twiturkery?

Are we under attack? I wonder who is behind this heinous denial of service act... Microsoft? Google? 3rd party Terrorists?

I hear that FaceBook is breaking too. (I'm oddly o.k. with that one). How am I going to waste the time that I don't have to waste? Is this the end to life as we know it?

Suddenly I don't feel so good.. *sigh*

The room is spinning & starting to go dark. I need to lie down.....

Blogger please don't break too!

#addictedtotwitter

Wordless Wednesday in the Garden of Bad Momma - Today's Special

2009-08-05T06:44:00.001-07:00

Lessons Learned From BlogHer by Flat Bad Momma

2009-07-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

(click on photos to see full size)
Lesson 1. When carpooling you should run a background check on the people in your carpool.

Who knew that there were a few outstanding warrants in several states for Amy T. "Doobleh-vay" Sharp? Pretty sure she committed more than a few parole violations over the course of the weekend.

Lesson 2. Make sure you carry some clean hankies or wipes.

While it was very exciting to get to meet many of my blogger friends in person, between the smootchies, tears and spilled drinks, I was pretty sticky by the end of the weekend.

Lesson 3. Either lock up your liquor or be clear as to what is communal property.
Who knew that it wasn't 2 bottles per person like it is at home.I guess I forgot to tell my roomies about my "hollow leg". ( Glad Flat Weasel Momma wasn't in our room, supply would have been depleted in under an hour.)

Lesson 4. Good idea to run background checks on your roomies as well. There are a few NSF photos that are making their way around Flickr. Who knew when seemingly level-headed moms get away from home and have a few cocktails they turn into wild animals. There goes any chance of running for public office.... I hope my family doesn't see these.

Lesson 5. Going Flat was a cool idea! Thanks to Darryle P for the idea of going big.

DarryleP@ElisaC @badmommablogger Go "Flat" to BlogHer--- next best thing to being there. http://tinyurl.com/chj4yp2

I was able to sneak in to sold-out events and even cut in line to meet cool people like Carson "The Queer Eye" Kressley. Thanks for not "outing me" Melisa!

While it was easier being flat when maneuvering the lines for swag, I am truly sorry for anyone I delivered a paper-cut to while doing so. However, it was totally worth the Fling. (best chocolate bar ever!).

I am having such a good time that I have stayed behind in the Windy City, spending time with family and waiting to meet up with Melisa, Sue, Michelle, Weasel Momma and the rest of their gang. Maybe I'll even make it to a taping of Suburban Wow!

Thanks so much to Momo Fali for taking me. And for Piper, Melisa, Momo & Amy for the fun photos. (sucks that Momo lost her camera at the hotel & hope her missing pics don't fall into the wrong hands.)

Well, that's all for now. Hope to have more adventures in the next few weeks. As most of the weekend was a fuzzy haze, if you have any photos or stories about Flat Bad Momma, please share!

Bad Housewife

2009-07-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Potential Sponsor in The Making

July 22, 2009

A Mad Housewife Shout Out To Bad Momma!

Here's a Shout Out To
Bad Momma - Ramblings & life lessons from a late-in-life mom such as why it is important to use your reading glasses when dispensing medications!

We are happy to hear that we are a part of the Bad Momma "Pick Me" list. So glad that Mad Housewife wine can be there to take the edge off your days. And nights!

Bad Housewife? No, just a Mad Housewife!

Sorry guys, in addition to being a Bad Momma, I'm pretty sure I'm a Bad Housewife. Just ask my poor husband.

Mad Housewife wines needs to change with the times. There are many types of Housewives, have you never seen an episode of Desperate Housewives? What about the reality show(s) The Real Housewives of _______ (fill in the blank with your favorite metro city). Lonely & Naughty Housewives (pretty sure these are "dating" or "phone-in" services for which I will not link). And the list goes on and on...

I think Mad Housewife Wines should follow the folks at Jones Soda and start customizing your labels. And you should start with ME, Bad Momma!

Bad Momma Housewife Sauvignon Blanc

This crisp, elegant & fresh wine has the distinctive characteristics of grapefruit (for my acerbic wit) and grass ( stains that I can't get out of the boys' pants). A versatile vintage that can be paired with pizza, pasta or even chicken nuggets! Sip by the glass or chug direct from the bottle. Easy to open with Stelvin Closure (aka screw cap) Included are 2 extra-long bottle straws.

I think I am on to something. I could use a good agent in the Washington State area.
Any volunteers? Ann? I bet this is right up your alley!

If YOU were a wine, what would you be?

Bad Momma in the City!

2009-07-22T05:00:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited! I finally got to meet Momo Fali. And she's taking me with her to BlogHer!!!!
One small problem. In order to make room for all the luggage & passengers that she is picking up along the way, I needed to be a bit more "compact".

There is quite a bit of road construction near her house ( actually all over the city - thanks to Stimulus Money). We quickly hatched a plan to create Flat Bad Momma. Thanks to the men in yellow hats & shirts, the steel road reinforcements worked really well.

To help polish me up a bit, I went to a nearby print shop, Photographic Creations where the owner, Mike took good care of me. He even introduced me to Buckeye icons, Kirk Herbstreit and Woody Hayes. What an honor!

Now I am with another "Buckeye Great" - Momo Fali who is graciously taking me for a wild and crazy weekend in Chicago. I hope all my blog friends who are going to BlogHer, will stop and take a photo with me. Rumor has it that I might be working registration. Momo also promised to take me to a few parties.

I can't wait!!!!!

One More Possible Sponsorship

In my last post, I mentioned a few products that I would be willing to shill for a reasonable "fee".
I forgot to mention one of my beauty staples: Garnier Nutrisse hair color.
HoneyDip #73 for the Summer and Brown Sugar #63 for the rest of the year.
I would make a great spokesmodel for the AARP set. (bastards won't leave me alone. For the last time: I don't want your stinking benefits and shiny membership card!)

Move over Sarah Jessica Parker, I'm taking over. It's Bad Momma in the City, baby!

Endorsements for a Late-In-Life Mom

2009-07-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

Mike from Unraveling Life's Mysteries, posted about possible endorsements he was available for as an older father of teenage daughters. Products he could use in his daily life.

I was so inspired, I decided to come up with my own list. These are products that I actually use and would be willing to promote for a very reasonable fee.

The Bad Momma "Pick Me" List:

First off: Reading Glasses: Especially when dispensing medications. These handy magnifying lenses can help save lives! Thankfully I learned this before my children were seriously harmed. I'd be willing to do a PSA on this! The Importance of Reading Glasses After 40

Next on my list: Bandages, Anti-Bacterial ointment, First-Aid Kits. I have three boys. Enough said!

Another very important part of my life: COFFEE
It's what's for breakfast! I'd even be willing to be filmed riding a mule with Juan Valdez!

I also enjoy an occasional glass of wine to help take the edge off of a long day.

I think the folks at Mad Housewife should use me on their label when they come up with the next generation of vintages: Bad Housewife tm.

After my run-in with a stop-sign crashing driver, I would be happy to endorse Travelers Insurance (the at fault drivers insurance).

They were prompt and fair with the rental car & settlement. And no, alcohol was not involved!

The folks at Chrysler should use me as a "Spokes-model" for the Town & Country mini-van. We been proud owners of five of these reliable vans. (or as Weasel Momma likes to call them - "MILF mobiles) My latest is the 2008 with Stow-n-Go and the Touring Package. Came with 1 year of Sirius Radio and my husband is hooked on the Comedy Channel.

Next up is a very important part of my life, that keeps me connected: My "Smart Phone" - the Samsung Omnia. It was a ChanuKwanzamas present from the Cell-Phone Fairy.

There are a few drawbacks. In addition to "my butt dialing out" as well as texting without my permission, the screen is hard to read without reading glasses.

I would like to help with the next generation of cell phones for "Seniors" called the "Eye Phone"patent pending for the over 40 crowd.

And finally, thanks to the folks at AARP, I am now considered a "Senior". I have noticed as I have turned 50 this year, the aging process has accelerated and I could use a bit of maintenance.
I would love to work with the folks at Extreme Makeover for a new series: Extreme Makeover- The Senior Edition.

After helping to pioneer a new procedure, "The Elbow Lift", I would also like to be considered for a Tummy-Tuck, Neck Lift and Mini-Face Lift. ( and any other improvements deemed necessary to turn me into a Cougar.)

Going to BlogHer (sort of)

Momo Fali has graciously offered to take a flattened version of me with her to BlogHer. I would love to have my picture taken with you if you are going to be there. I should have a photo to post tomorrow of "Flat Bad Momma".

If any of you have connections to sponsors, feel free to hook me up!

Contemplating Getting Flattened for BlogHer

2009-07-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

I'm contemplating getting "flattened" ala Flat Stanley style. I don't have a big, heavy bulletin board above my bed and I'm not sure that would work in real-life. I am thinking about following Weasel Momma's lead and offering Flat Bad Momma to a kind-hearted blogger that would take me with them to BlogHer in Chicago next weekend.

I don't like to plan ahead. BlogHer sold out in March. I thought about going to Chicago to visit my brother but next weekend is not a good time to stay with him. I also don't want to get arrested for trying to crash the gates on all the cool events that are totally sold out with a long wait-list.

The only logical choice is to make a flat version of myself and hope someone puts an end to the pity-party I am starting to have as I read about all my favorite bloggers that are going to meet up in the Windy City.

I promise I won't take up much room, I am very pleasant to be around (if I get my morning coffee) and I won't eat much. If anyone is interested in bringing me along, please let me know. I bet you could earn some sort of BlogHer merit badge.

Any volunteers????

Sum It Up Sunday - Week in Review

2009-07-12T08:29:00.001-07:00

Summer is in full swing. The days are flying by. Only two more weekly swim meets left!
The boys are doing well and are accumulating stacks of ribbons. I wonder if they will miss their morning swim practices next month. The older two boys are volunteering at the library and all three are participating the the Summer Reading program. They also all have weekly music lessons; trumpet for Devon and piano for the other boys.

Life's A Gas

I am constantly amazed at the progress the boys are making. The other day my husband informed me that my eldest son figured out how to play the NBC theme song. At first Dad was not impressed, after all it is only 3 notes. "How hard is it to play three stinking notes?" my hubby inquired.

" It's ironic that you used the word "stinking". I played it with my butt" our eldest (and baddest) boy replied.

Ewwww. Glad I was't there! Does the "Butt Trumpet" count as a musical instrument? If so I have a very talented boy! ( and a stinky one as well). ;p

Speaking of gas, this is what I paid this week with my 30 cent Kroger Marketplace discount - $2.18.
Not bad.... My Three Sons in Missouri " finally saw 2.29 ... for gas" this week.

What I paid for gas using my 30 cent discount!

Anticipation is Making me Wait...
My Bush Champion Tomatoes are getting really big and I am anxiously awaiting their safe change to red. I keep hearing about this terrible Tomato Blight and am trying to closely monitor my plants. I am finding the typical spotting on a few branches of leaves but I don't think we have any with the late blight that the media is reporting. As I bought a bunch of plants from a grower that was hit (Bonnie Plants) I am concerned. I've worked too hard this year to lose my crops.

As seen in the photo above, these are the biggest tomatoes I have EVER grown! Can't wait for them to turn red.

Bowling for Discounts

Yesterday I took the boys bowling so they could use some of the "Free" coupons they have accumulated. All 3 boys were given coupons for 2 free games. (not including shoe rental). When we arrived at the alley, my youngest son informed me that he lost his coupon. I paid for his 2 games and the shoes for the boys which set me back $16.

After bowling we went to dinner to use another coupon for 15% off at one of our favorite Italian restaurants, where I dropped $70 for dinner for 4.

Evening out with my boys, PRICELESS!

Hot Mess
Dad was home last night working on fixing a leak in the hot water pipe. Still working on it today. The broken part is ancient and impossible to find. Hope he gets the problem fixed. Today. I need a shower. Badly!

Seems like everything in the house is breaking at once. My hubby just fixed the ice-maker. Next on tap after the Hot Water heater is looking at new dishwashers.

When it rains, it pours. Same thing happens when pipes & dishwashers are broken...

On that note, it is a sunny day & I think I'll take the boys to the pool. Might be the closest we'll get to having a bath or shower today!

Garden Buzz

2009-07-05T07:57:00.001-07:00

Breakfast Tomatoes?

Recently I had applied my 2nd 20lb bag of coffee grounds that one of my co-workers had brought me for my vegetable garden. Her roommate works at Starbucks and they produce tons of coffee grounds that gardeners can keep from going into landfills.

I was concerned about how much is too much and consulted a friend who is a horticulturist. While coffee grounds are a great way to add acid to the soil, he was a bit concerned about how much caffeine would make its way into my vegetables. We decided that I probably should not add any more spent beans to my garden to be safe, although I am now wondering if my garden will now be caffeinated.

If so do you think there is a market for Hi-Test Tomatoes?

Shucking Peas

This is my first year for growing peas (Sugar Snap Peas). I used some of the early harvest to use on salads; I cut up whole pods before they fully matured. Now that the peas are getting bigger & ripe for shucking, I am realizing how much work must go into each can of peas at the grocery store. If I had to depend on my garden to feed my family, we would starve.

I have a whole new appreciation for farmers!

Dissecting Pine Cones

Earlier this week I traded some yellow squash for Basil with a friend. Some creature has been munching my Basil plants and there is not much to harvest. As we were swapping garden goods, we had a discussion as to the best way to prepare yellow squash. We both agreed that garlic, basil and pine nuts are important kitchen staples this time of year.

I had to ask my friend if she ever harvested pine nuts. I have heard that they came from pine cones and was curious if I could just get them from local pine trees. Turns out my friend had a confession to make. She had several Pine trees on her property and had dissected a dozen or so cones without any luck. She swore she would never tell anyone for fear of being labeled a nut.

I did some research on the web and it looks like only a few species of Pines in North America can produce these nuts used in cooking. If only I could figure out which trees to harvest and if there were any in my neighborhood, I could save some money at the grocery store!

Well time to get outdoors and get some fresh air. I also need to see if there is anything else I can harvest today. Looks like it will be a few more weeks till my Better Boys, Big Boys & Early Girls will be ready. I wonder if they will have an extra "kick" to them......

Happy Sunday & Happy Gardening!

Mid-Life Crisis

2009-07-01T05:46:00.000-07:00

Up to My Elbows in Self-Pity
The folks at AARP have got the Mid-Life Crisis Train rolling. The bastards won't leave me alone. It started right before my 50th birthday and a few days ago I received my 4th plastic "membership" card with a deadline of August to reply.

When I look in the mirror I swear I can see my neck slowly sag bit by bit each day. A few new gray hairs have turned into a big forest and I now need to color my hair every 6 to 8 weeks. The final straw was when I asked two of my boys if my arms looked saggy in my sleeveless dress.

Apparently I can still pass for 39, except in my elbows. When I straighten my arms the skin around that area sags. Is there such a thing as an elbow lift? I sure could use one! That will teach me to ask my boys for fashion advice. Kid's can be brutally honest....

In Memoriam
If that was not enough to put me over the edge, the recent list of Obituaries has sent me reeling.
First Farrah Fawcett (in her 60's but looked much younger), then Michael Jackson, age 50 with 3 children who are close in age to mine. TV Pitchman Billy Mays, age 50 followed close behind. On Sunday, the director of the Columbus Zoo, Jeffrey Swanagan, age 51 died of a heart attack suffered while mowing his lawn.

All these passages at a relatively young age have got me thinking of my own mortality. I'm not ready to leave this life yet.

Time for Some Light Housework

Well time to get off the couch, stretch and get a bit of exercise. Don't worry, I'll be sure not to over-exert myself. I don't want to suffer a heart attack while scaling the stairs with my laundry bucket. A few light loads should do the trick. At least I'll have clean underwear for when the EMTs come to haul me away....

Just kidding. I think. O.k. gotta go!

Saturday at the Pool

2009-06-28T18:07:00.001-07:00

Note to self: Next time remember to check the swimsuit of the youngest boy before we leave for the pool. By the 3rd child, elastic tends to wear out. Of course we didn't discover this until after a disastrous pants-removing dive into the water. The playground is a bit tricky when wearing a towel "skirt".

Price of Gas - Thursday June 25

2009-06-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

This is the price of gas without any "Fuel Perks". Looks like the price of gas is receding slightly after peaking last week.

Weekly Update

2009-06-24T05:48:00.001-07:00

Sunday was not only Father's Day but also the official start of Summer. Time seems to be flying by. My two older boys are enjoying their Volunteen work at the library and all three boys are on the Swim Team for our local pool. We have our 2nd meet tonight. (oh joy! 3 hours baking in the heat tonight! I may have to "accidentally' fall in the pool.)

As if you don't already know, I have been getting much joy out of my vegetable garden. Pictured above is my meager harvest from last night. I picked some lettuce, dill & chives this morning to make a salad for lunch. After years of trial & error, I have finally learned the benefits of fertilizer. I recently started using Scott's Miracle Grow for Tomatoes and Miracle Grow for Flowers & Vegetables.

Sunday we went to a local Blues & Jazz Festival and I took a bunch of photos. One of the main reasons we love festivals is for the Funnel Cakes! Also crafty souvenirs such as t-shirts and hats.
We also stopped by the adjacent Carnival and took in a Nature Walk. I broke the photos into 4 posts. This way it seems like we had 4 separate days of vacation as opposed to 4 hours!

This time of year, I find that time flies by and there are never enough hours in a day to keep up with my blog and fellow bloggers. Hopefully this is a quiet weekend so I can catch up!
Well, ...I'd better get to work now! Hope you are all having a great week!

Sunday Morning in the Garden - Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T09:09:00.001-07:00

Yellow Asian Lily

Sweet Pea

Daisies

St John's Wart (with tiny bee)

Squash Blossoms

Yellow Squash

Snap Pea

Green Pepper

This is my favorite time of year! Every day is like Christmas in my garden. I had to post a few of my favorite pics I took this morning before I left for a local festival. ( If you click on the photos, you can see them full size. )

My snap peas are coming in nicely & my squash looks promising with lots of big yellow blossoms springing up. I also have my 1st green pepper coming in.

On the flower front, Sweet Peas are coming on strong as well as my lilies. I can't wait for my Star Gazer's* ( may be a hybrid of sorts) to open. My daisies are also popping up all over.

I kind of turn this place into a garden blog this time of year. Hope to have some festival photos later.....

Hope everyone is having a lovely Father's Day!

Wordless Wednesday - Garden Report 6/17/09

2009-06-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

Cone Flower?

Fairy Forest

Tiger Lilies

Grape Tomato (1st to turn red!)

Pepper Plants

Peas are starting to flower!!!!

Sum It up Sunday - Summer is Here

2009-06-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

As with many of my bloggy friends, this past week has been busy with end of the school-year activities.

Party Time
Last weekend my middle son turned 11. We took 7 boys swimming, to the movies (Night at The Museum 2) and then dinner. ( Note to self: boys stop ordering off the kid's menu at this age, be careful when choosing restaurants ).

Summer Fun
Wednesday was the last day of school and 5th grade graduation. I now have 2 middle-schoolers.
These 2 boys are volunteering at the local library as "Volunteens". They help sign up and give out prizes for the Summer Reading program. The photo above is my eldest on his first day.

My boys have already completed their reading tracking sheet. I also signed up and need to catch up. I wonder if I can count "blog reading" as part of my reading time??? If anyone has any good books to recommend, let me know; I have a lot of catching up to do.

The boys are starting their summer swim team practices at our neighborhood pool. Great exercise and helps fill a few hours a day. They are also signed up for a few short "camps" for music and writing. Otherwise this should be a pretty relaxed and lazy summer.

Garden Report
My garden continues to evolve. Strawberry season is over and I need to harvest my lettuce. The heat will turn my greens bitter if not eaten soon. (Good thing we have family coming in tonight!)
Looks like I should have a good crop of tomatoes and hope to be able to harvest some cherry tomatoes soon. My peppers are also coming along nicely. My dill has started to flower and needs to be given away.

I am anxiously checking my snap pea vines daily for signs of pea pods. This is our 1st year for planting peas and I am worried I started a few weeks late. I also am hopeful for a better year for my yellow squash and cucumbers. I limed the soil and am fertilizing on a regular basis. I daily scan for blossoms. None so far....

Rising Fuel Costs
Gas Prices are on the way up... This is my first fill-up last week where I am finally over the $2.00 mark. I paid $2.559 with my 20 cent off Kroger Marketplace Fuel Perk.
Speaking of perks,l I need to put some coffee on and get motivated to clean and grocery shop. We will have a house and yard full of relatives late today!

Wordless Wednesday - Garden Report

2009-06-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Salad of Mixed Greens, Chives, Dill & Strawberries from garden with chicken & blue cheese & raspberry vinegrette

Chives

Cherry Tomatoes

Chili Peppers

Jalapeno

Vegetable Garden with Dill Forest

Snap Peas

Sweet Peas ( Can't eat these but they're pretty to look at!)

Garden Report - May 31, 2009

2009-05-31T19:01:00.001-07:00

Lettuce has come in nicely - Lots of salads with strawberries, dill & chives! Yum!

Cherry Tomatoes are on their way.

First Tomato (Early Girl?)

Patriotic Patch

The Ever Elusive Climatis

First Lilies of the Season

My Favorite Flowers - Peonies Have Opened!

How to Spot a Blockbuster

2009-05-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Overheard at the breakfast table:

The boys were discussing upcoming movies such as Night at the Museum - Battle of the Smithsonian, Transformers - Rise of the Fallen and Monsters vs. Aliens and how to tell if a movie will be good:

If Advertisers such as McDonalds, Cereal Companies, and Candy Manufacturers come out with licensed products and promotions with that movie, it must be good!

Case in point: "Monsters vs Aliens was hilarious" - direct quote from Alex age 11 (in a week) He was referring to the plethora of licensed toys tying into that movie.

Note to self: Investigate using a Bad Momma bobblehead doll to help promote my blog.

Strawberry Wars

2009-05-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

The Casualties of War

Fallen Heroes
Note the specks of red (strawberry blood) that remained even after watering my garden.
My perimeter was invaded and Rabbit Guard was attacked. Not sure what animal did this but it apparently was not put off by my turtle and bunny statues. This garden savage even managed to smear strawberry guts on one of my soldiers.... Oh the indignity of it all.

This brave bunny lost an ear to a hail storm but still continues to serve with valor.

The Battlefield
In addition to my statuary troops, I also employ the use of spare clay and plastic pots to shield as many of my ripening citizens as possible.

Sweet Victory
Although we sustained some losses, we still managed to yield the best harvest ever.

Barbie Bash

2009-05-18T18:48:00.001-07:00

We finally had our Barbie 50th Party this weekend. My sister bought me this sparkly, special edition doll. She was a bit darker than the one I originally coveted but I love her just as much. This racially ambiguous doll was a great topic of discussion. Is she Puerto Rican, Black, or Asian Indian? We also talked about how back in our day, Barbie was a blond, Caucasian. Mattel has really come a long way since then.

In addition to Racially Ambiguous Barbie, Transgendered Ken also made an appearance at our soiree!

Tranny Ken showed up wearing an ill-fitting dress. She could not find shoes to match. A perfect candidate for "What Not To Wear". She is staying at our house. Don't think the folks at Children's Hospital would appreciate her. Special thanks to Pam for this "collectible"!

I made my specialty chicken and beef Kabobs

I also whipped up a "Stripper Ken" cake. It was "Berry Good"!

The Barbie Gift Table

My sister, aka Hostess With The Mostest muti-tasking as usual. She is doing the Drink, Eat & Be Merry Dance.

The Guests of Honor with the special cake!

I'll take a slice of Ken, please.

That Ken is such a doll. I could just eat him up!

Wordless Wednesday in the Garden - Perennial Favorites

2009-05-13T04:11:00.000-07:00

The newly planted garden plot. The strawberries have come back in full force, taking up a bit too much real estate.

Looks like we might have a good crop soon, if I can defend against marauding birds, chipmunks, raccoons and other garden pests.

Welcome back, Chives!!!

Lettuce gone wild! This came back from last year. A meager crop but thanks to 2 packets of seeds, more is on the way soon.

Lilac!!!!!! Yea!

Not sure what these are. Looks like Buttercups. Got these last year at the Perennial Potluck.

Peony Plant - One of my favorite flowers!

Sum It Up Sunday

2009-05-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

It seems like this week just flew by and I haven't had time to post. These are a few of the highlights:

Wednesday Recital

Alex, Colin & Mrs. G

On Wednesday, Alex & Colin had their Spring Piano Recital. Colin's 2nd grade teacher surprised us and showed up to watch him play. ( I took the above photo of her with the boys.) She is an awesome educator and shares Colin's love of math. We are so glad she came to the concert.

Thursday Fill-Up

This is the price of gas on Thursday April 30th with my 20 cent Kroger Fuel Perk. Love that gas is still under $2 a gallon.

Friday Flood Day

On Friday, right after I got the boys to swim practice we had torrential rains and a tornado warning. I had parked in an area that quickly floods. (see red marker in 1st photo). I took off my shoes and socks and rolled up my pants to wade in knee high water. My car was moved to higher ground just as the water was reaching my tailpipe and my doors. 2nd photo shows my car on higher ground.

The boys never got to swim and we spent most of the time hiding out in the locker rooms waiting for the tornado sirens to stop. Fun times!

Saturday and Sunday: Getting Dirty

This is a photo from a trip to a local garden greenhouse on Saturday. There was a huge sale and the lines winded through the store. Outside there was a policeman directing traffic and 3 men wearing neon vests and helping control the parking lot. No down economy here!

I'll have to post more garden pics ( from Sunday) on my photo blog. I am tired and sore from weeding and planting. ( Saturday's Photos) Click on the photos to see larger version.

I can't wait to see some progress in the weeks to come!

Time For A Quick Party Post before Gardening

2009-04-25T04:28:00.000-07:00

I stopped by Ann's for GNO before I head out to the garden store. This is my Party Game 80's Paragraph:

After a long week working as an assistant trainer at the Jane Fonda Exercise Studio I was ready for a night out. I went to my closet, put on my Polyester Suit and headed out the door. I stopped to pick-up my friends KC & the Sunshine Band and we headed to Studio 54. This place was packed! I had just about sweated my glitter off when they turned on the lights and told us it was time to boogie home. Another great night. Can you dig it? :->

Ann's Garden Video Post has given me extra inspiration to get all dirty today! Not only did I attend her 80's Virtual Party but with the sunny weather & rising temps, looks like it's gonna be an "80's Weekend!"

Can you dig it?
*getting out my garden spade*
Yes I can!

Suck it AARP - I'm Gonna Have My Best Day Ever

2009-04-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Me & my fellow "Cougar" looking to make turning 50 as much fun as a day at the beach!

Bought a new car and am going "topless" today! Woo Hoo!

Today is the day, I cut up my new AARP card and am going to have my best day ever!
So far my day is off to a good start!

1. My bathroom scale indicated that I am 3 pounds lighter than the day before.

2. I bought myself a new sports car. ( see photo above)

3. I have had several calls & emails from well-wishers

And it's not even lunch time yet!!!!!

The sun is shining and I am in a good mood, let hope the rest of the day continues to go well....

Stay tuned!