April Quotes

Blog post #165 of 365

"Tomorrow, make a child's life a little easier. Your understanding could make all the difference in his/her world."  Melanie M

"Sometimes you just need to talk to a two year old, just so you can understand life again." Unknown via Channing 

"Not only is my short term memory horrible but so is my short term memory." Sheryl J

"Just because someone is speaking a different language in front of you doesn't mean they are talking about you... you're probably not that important." Ana (quoting someone from her class.)

"Not every person is going to understand you and that's okay. They have a right to their opinion and you have the right to ignore it." Cyndi

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." Richard C

"I always mean what I say but I don't always mean to say it out loud, but I always mean it." Unknown 

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” ~ Fred Rogers via Heather H

"Hold tightly my hand, patiently while I search for the truth of my life." Tyler KG

It was a tough month for me for a number of reasons or this would be a much longer list!

Commitments and the Committed!

Blog post #164 of 365

One of the best compliments I ever got was hearing I was reliable. I love being reliable.

I love to know I can rely on certain things and certain people. The sun will rise. The sun will set. So and so will always come through. So and so will always disappoint. Water is wet. Fire is hot. Candy is sweet. Butter will melt when warmed. These things we can rely on.

Reliability. When you say you will you do and when you say you won't you don't. Simple really.

Being reliable is tantamount to being able to commit. It seems people have a hard time with this concept.

When I make a commitment I stick to it. I was raised not to raise my hand unless I mean to follow through. So I do. I wish more people did.

Stick it out. Even when it get hard. Make it work even if you have to move things around a bit. Make commitments and follow through. It is as simple as that!

And Again

Blog post #163 of 365

I got nothing!

At least I'm honest about it!!

Better Than They Were

Blog post #162 of 365

The human brain is so amazing. We forget and we remember in a way we are comfortable with...

I had five kids. Four natural childbirths. One of those natural childbirths eventually came with a pain shot at the end but she was my biggest baby. One cesarean section. All of them painful and traumatic I'm sure but all I really remember were the events of each day and the beautiful children that entered the world on those days.

Recently, when my sister visited, there were many time our youth, our childhood and our lives in general were brought up. More so since her new husband was visiting as well and it was his first visit to the States. (They live Australia.) Our memories are different. Some events remembered similarly others so different I wonder if we grew up in the same house. (We did I assure you.) Many times I just bit my tongue and rolled my eyes because it is better than arguing over stupid stuff.

Politicians are running for office they glorify their "accomplishments" even if they had little to do with said "accomplishments." They take credit for things they didn't do, didn't finish or didn't happen. They sugar coat every event. They vilify the opponent and all just to get elected. When we go to the polls our brains help us remember the 'good stuff' they campaigned with or we remember the bad stuff they said about the other guy one way or another we vote for the name we remember most or the one we believed better or the name we recognize most. Rarely do we vote for the best candidate. (Come on be honest did you really know any of the judges or councilmen etc you voted for. Those guys put up signs in your neighborhood or maybe ran an ad or two but mostly you have no idea who they are other than the little you heard or read that they (or their campaign manager) wrote about themselves.

During a test most people rarely remember all of the materials. If we did everyone would get an 'A' every time. Truth is they have done studies and you are more likely to put down an answer that 'sounds' right in your brain even if you don't remember the answer for sure. One of my professors proved that point well when he put down one famous name in the multiple choice answers and people actually bubbled in James Dean, Eddie Murphy, and Margaret Thatcher. Really who wouldn't recognize those names as famous people and not teaching theorists or psychologists or what not? Apparently 30% of our class. Really 30%. I am happy to say I wasn't one of the 30%.

After people pass away they are remembered fondly. Even a school bully or awful administrator is mourned with love and kindness. Am I the only one who remembers the mean and nasty behavior the the mean kid that died very young? Am I the only one that remembers the hoards of teachers transferring to different schools prior to her death? Okay we are told not to speak ill of the dead but that doesn't mean glorify them either. "I loved him/her" "We will miss him/her" isn't really appropriate in these cases.

People put up ten year old photos on the internet because they looked younger, duh! They were thinner, had less gray or more hair or whatever. We need to learn to love the humans we are. Bask in the you that you are or work to become the you that you want the world to remember.

Let's face it when we are gone we would all like to be remembered better than we were.

No Bake 'Cake'

Blog post #161 of 365

Again an easy recipe that will please the berry lover in your house but won't heat up your kitchen.

You'll need:
3 lbs sliced ripe strawberries (not too ripe though)
16 ounces of whipped topping (2 tubs)
1 14 ounce box of graham crackers
shaved dark chocolate or you can use chocolate syrup (ice cream topping type)

Spread a thin layer of topping on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Place a layer of graham crackers across the layer of whipped topping. add a thin layer of Whipped topping over the graham crackers and then a layer of strawberries. Repeat three times. (If you need the help that will be 4 layers total. The top layer of graham crackers could be short but it will be alright or you could buy extra if you are the perfectionist type.) You will end with a layer of strawberries on the top.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. The crackers will soften completely.

Before serving drizzle a little chocolate syrup over the top or dust with some dark chocolate shavings. (I prefer the dark chocolate shavings.) Yummy on days one and two. Still tastes good on day three but the berries will begin to look awful.

Temple Visits with Family for Family

Blog post # 160 of 365

My sister came to visit and we tried to do some temple work while her husband was here. Unfortunately we had no idea how hard some things would turn out to be.

While her husband was here we strolled the temple grounds. 4/7/13
I took a few photos.

I think they turned out pretty good for an unplanned visit. We toured the visitor's center and had a very pleasant time.

Then on 4/23/13 we came back and got things done!

 Afterward we had a little lunch and my grandson was an attention getter as always!

       

Family outing with meaning. You can't beat a day like that!!

Size Matters

Blog post #159 of 365

There are some things in which size matters! There are some things where position and skill can overcome size problems but some cannot.

I was watching a weight loss commercial in which a heavily accented woman blamed her weight gain on moving to the United States where food is better and in larger portions than in her country. Well eating less is on her. Glad she lost her weight but take responsibility. I am fat and I have issues. My fault.

Okay this is really about today. Well more like this entire last several weeks where I have been in the car a bunch on freeways I don't normally frequent. The lanes have gotten smaller. Seriously they widen the freeways but make the lanes so small truck drivers are straddling lanes when they drive down the middle. No I repeat no room for error, distraction or tired moments. Scared the crap out of me today.

Also parking spaces. Is every car so tiny they think it is okay to make the spaces all compact or so small van, SUVs, and trucks are going to be dinging everyone's doors? It takes longer to make sure you are between the lines. Did you know they can and will give you a ticket for being over or on the lines? If you are in a town needing the cash you will get the ticket.

Yup size matters.

Easy Cheesy Cauliflower

Blog post #158 of 365

I know recipes, recipes, recipes...

Cheesy cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower cut into florets
1/2 stick melted butter
Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 400 degrees
Dip florets in melted butter and coat with Parmesan.
Place on baking sheet.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until tender.

See easy, cheesy, yummy, veggies!

Frostings

Blog post #157 of 365

I'm always searching the net for frosting recipes. These are a variety of good ones all stolen and not credited. I think "Martha" stole them and I got them from her. This post is for me but you can use them too.

Frostings:

Chocolate  

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 4 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt
• 1 pound 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• Directions

1. Beat cream cheese and butter with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Sift together sugar, cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; gradually beat into cream cheese mixture. With machine running, pour in melted chocolate in a slow, steady stream. Beat in sour cream until well combined. If frosting doesn't seem firm enough, refrigerate for 10 minutes. Beat before using.

• Cream Cheese  
• 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Beat cream cheese, butter, and 1 cup sugar with a mixer on medium speed until combined. With machine running, add remaining 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla, and beat until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes more.

Cream cheese frosting can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature and beat before using.

Basic Buttercream 

• 6 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 9 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

Beat butter and 3 cups sugar with a mixer on medium speed until combined. Reduce speed to medium-low, and continue to beat, gradually adding remaining 6 cups sugar, 1 cup at a time. Raise speed to medium-high; add vanilla. Beat until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes more.

Meringue 

• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 5 large egg whites, room temperature

Directions

1. Bring 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, the corn syrup, and 3 tablespoons water to a boil, stirring. Wash down side of pan with a wet pastry brush, and cook sugar syrup, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 230 degrees.
2. Meanwhile, beat egg whites with a mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.
3. Add sugar syrup in a slow, steady stream down side of bowl. Beat on high speed until thick, fluffy, and cool, about 7 minutes.

   Sticky Whipped  

   • 3 large egg whites
   • 3/4 cup sugar
   • Pinch of salt
   • 1/3 cup water
   • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

   Directions

   In a heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water, combine egg whites, sugar, salt, and water. Cook over medium, stirring constantly, until sugar has dissolved (or mixture registers 150 degrees on an instant-read thermometer), 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium-high until glossy, stiff peaks form (do not overbeat), about 3 minutes; reduce speed to low, add vanilla extract, and beat just until combined. Use immediately.

   Chocolate Cream Cheese

   • 2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
   • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
   • Pinch of salt
   • 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
   • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
   • 9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
   • 3/4 cup creme fraiche, or sour cream

   Directions

   1. Sift together sugar, cocoa, and salt.
   2. Beat cream cheese and butter with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth. Reduce speed to medium-low; gradually add sugar-cocoa mixture, and beat until combined. Pour in chocolate in a slow, steady stream. Add creme fraiche; beat until combined.

Time Consuming Salt Rising Bread Recipe

Blog post #156 of 365

Salt Rising Bread

Doris Musick, Cleveland, VA

Pint Jar
8 T Cornmeal
Pinch plus 1/2 t Salt
Pinch Soda
1 t Sugar
Water (scalding hot)
1 quart Milk
4-5 cups Flour
3-4 T butter lard or shortening

The night before you plan to bake make a starter

Using a pint jar add 8 T Cornmeal, a pinch each of salt & soda, and 1 t sugar mix well. (Put the lid on and shake it.) Cover in scalding hot water stir and cover. Keep it warm all night. Wrap in a towel then put in a paper bag then put in a warm place (away from drafts) overnight.

In the morning combine 1 quart of milk, 1/2 t salt with the starter and enough all purpose flour to make a stiff batter. About 4 cups.

Stir well. Cover the batter and place the entire bowl in a container of warm water for 3-4 hours keeping the warm water warm. (Replacing the warm water as it cools down.) If it takes longer to rise stir again and place the bowl in warm water again.

When dough rises,combine 1 t salt, 3-4 T fat (lard, butter or shortening) and more flour (enough to make a stiff dough.) Knead 10 minutes.

Shape into three loaves. Grease 3 loaf pans well with butter. Let rise until the double in size. About 45 minutes to an hour.

Bake at 375 for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and grease heavily with butter right after removing from the oven.

I love homemade bread!

Dreaming... But I Could Make These

Blog post #155 of 365

I found these in a blog (http://www.vtwonen.nl/tips-en-trucs/zelfmaakplan/daybed-van-hout.html) and translated from Dutch. Not the most direct translation... I wonder if I could make these?

I mean how cool are they?

Stuff I'm going to need if I ever make this:
square
tape-measure
pencil
Drill 4 mm
countersink
drill
screw machine
screws 5.0 mm x 80 mm
screws 5.0 mm x 50 mm
screws, 5.0 x 20 mm
sander
4 wooden beams 40 x 40 x 430 mm
17 wooden boards 25 x 120 x 750 mm
4 wooden boards 25 x 120 x 740mm
6 wooden boards 25 x 120 x 800 mm
6 wooden boards 25 x 120 x 1950 mm
2 wooden beams 25 x 32 x 500 mm
2 wooden beams 25 x 32 x 400 mm
2 butterfly hinges
2 kruisheng hinges
2 mini bolt

How to make it:
1. Beginning with the attachment of the first wooden plank of 1950 mm with the screws of 5.0 mm x 50 mm is equal to the top of the beam. Do this by pre-drilling the holes and to galvanizing. For drilling are you doing on the spot where the board is, 2 inches on each side and within about 1 inch of the edge.
2. The second plank of wood you confirm 6 mm from the previous board, you do this also with the third shelf.
3. Attach the bar on the other side so that you look at two bars held. Through three planks of 1950 mm together
4. Repeat steps 1 / m 3 again so you have two sides.
5. Now fix the shelves that are between these sides are parallel to the other shelves, so that they run on a line.
6. Do this on both sides.
7. Turn the frame so the bottom is facing up sticks.
8. After you start attaching the boards of 25 x 120 x 750 mm, this forms the bed base. Here you use the screws of 5.0 mm x 50 mm. Attach the first tight against the legs, keep the following plank 4 inches away. Repeat until you have only four places. Here comes the folding backrest.
9. Place the four boards for the backrest in place, measure how good they are in the middle and all have a parallel and equidistant. , Lay the wooden beams 25 x 32 x 500 mm on the right and left side and attach to the four boards. This forms the back element.
10. Attach this element to the last board of the bed base by means of the hinges.
11. After you attach the strips of 32 x 25 x 400 on the end of a butterfly hinge coming to the second shelf of the back element. This is to be folded. The back-up element
12. These two battens are through the slide locks to the slats odds are held together in the back so you can easily fold down the backrest. Again
13. Make sure the inside of the back element two blocks are screwed where the element can lean on if it is not extended.
14. The position of the bed securing do you to set up, to draw a line on the side that corresponds to the angle of the long side and the bottom of this bar. Into the correct position by means of the screwed bar net Here you can also attach two blocks where exactly to place the bar in when you fold the backrest up.
15. Repeat on the other side.
16. Turn the bed and start attaching the bottom as done at the bed base though. Hou also the same gap.
17. After you turn it over and you shed the bed base.
18. Ready.

Belief In One But Not The Other

Blog post #154 of 365

I believe in God. I do! I have faith. I believe in things I cannot see but know are true.

God is a higher power than I. He knows me. He loves me. He watches out for me. These things I know.

I have friends who do not believe in God. Atheists.

One of my atheist friends was talking about fate, karma and destiny. Aren't fate and karma belief in a power greater than oneself? Isn't destiny the same as fore-ordination? How can you believe in a power greater than yourself and not believe there is a God?

I just don't get it. Apparently they don't either.

It Isn't About Asking

Blog post #153 of 365

We ask for things from our earliest ability to talk or motion for assistance. Before our earliest memories even. We learn that if we want something we need to search it our or ask for it. Prayer is like that too. We learn to ask for help, strength, health, things. I think that is the problem. One of the reasons people lose faith.

Before we ask we should already have and show appreciation for what we have. Then we should seek out on our own what we might be able to do for ourselves. We should prepare knowing we could get our desire or be denied our request. These things should come before prayer.

Every prayer should begin with gratitude and humility.

Remember God has a plan. He is watching. We are important. Important enough to not become spoiled brats. Important enough to teach. Important enough to want to keep in contact. So show your gratitude, ask wisely, love Him and you will see what happens!

Allergies

Blog post #152 of 365

As the seasons change the kinds of pollen in the air change. Things bloom and life becomes a challenge. It matters not which season but spring is especially bad.

Every spring we get wasps, bees, yellow jackets, mud daubers and every year it is a battle to keep these beasts at bay. Yup I'm allergic.

Every spring there are bushes all over the city that bloom with sweet smelling white or pink flowers. I mean everywhere. In yards, parking lots, medians, and anywhere you might find a bush. They are the worst. I really should find out what they are.

I have to think about everything I put in my mouth. Who made it? Is there a chance it has one of my allergens in it? Potlucks church dinners and eating with friends or family can be full of surprises for someone like me with food allergies.

Please don't get offended if I ask what is in it, refuse to eat something or have to cover my nose or hold my breath. To those I must stay away from or move away from it could be your detergent, fabric softener, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hairspray, perfume, lotion or any number of things that set off my allergies. Again please do not take offense. Is our friendship so shaky that you'd rather see me struggle to breathe than to move where breathing is easier?

No, I'm not sick. When my allergies strike I cough. Once the coughing starts it takes a while for it to leave. Sometimes it takes days or weeks. You see the coughing makes my body feel like it is still under attack. I don't normally wheeze and it throws people off. If you see swelling in my lips, eyes or face it is my allergies.

Just a heads up. Allergies are different for everybody.

Cooking Easy

Blog post #151 of 365

I like to cook. But I like easy cooking better.

I like having prep-work done.

When I shop I come home and prep. Like chopping the bag of onions and freezing them. Or peeling carrots and bag them for a quick snack or easy use later.

I've recently learned to freeze meat in a marinade so it is ready to cook right after thawing.

Here are yummy easy marinade recipes I have tried.

1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery.
1 can of cranberry I like the jelly kind but you can use any kind even your own recipe.
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup orange juice

Or try this one

1 cup chicken stock
1 can cubed peaches or mango or both!
3 minced garlic cloves
2 Tablespoons of balsamic vinegar

Or try this one

1 cup ginger ale
2 Tablespoons frozen orange concentrate
2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons honey
1 cup vegetable stock

Or try this one

1 pack dry onion soup mix
1 can cranberry sauce
1 teaspoon sage
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 cup chicken stock

All marinades are meant for 4 meat portions and can be adjusted for more or less meat.


Marinade meat in a freezer bag until the night before you are ready to use it.. Thaw in the fridge over night Any meat will work but I prefer Pork or Chicken with these!

Cook the way you like (bake or braise) but add the marinade right in.

Do not barbecue because the sugars will make most meat burn on the outside before the meat has a chance to cook on the inside.

Have fun with it!

Reading

Blog post #150 of 365

Everyone in our house is a reader. We all have an e-reader. Endless books at our fingertips.

I believe reading makes us better.

I believe reading opens our eyes and our imaginations.

I believe reading broadens our vocabulary.

I believe having a broad vocabulary makes you stronger

I believe in the power of words.

I believe reading encourages the people around you to read more.

I believe people who read become better readers.

Read to your kids.

Read to your grandkids.

Let kids see you read.

Be a good example.

Dreaming

Blog post #149 of 365

Dreaming things were different.

Dreaming for more.

Dreaming for better.

Dreaming we are all wiser every day.

Dreaming everyone understands how quickly time passes and how sad it is to live with regret.

Dreaming for the best for all of us.

Praying

Blog post # 149 of 365

Praying things were different.

Praying I had more.

Praying for better.

Praying I become wiser.

Praying everyone understands how quickly time passes and how sad it is to live with regret.

Praying for the best for you.

Wishing

Blog post # 148 of 365

Wishing things were different.

Wishing I had more.

Wishing for better.

Wishing I was wiser.

Wishing everyone understood how quickly time passes and how sad it is to live with regret.

Wishing you the best.

Time

Blog post #147 of 365

Time is passes so slowly at times and so quickly at others.

These last few weeks have flown by but are moving so slowly as well.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to slow down the great times and speed up the not so great times? Imagine how appreciative people would become?

The older I get the more I have learned to appreciate the time I have. Not to take for granted the great times I get to have with people I love!

Staycation

Blog post #146 of 365

When our economy tanked a few years back people invented the word "staycation" a vacation without going away. Some take it to mean not leaving your house but I take it not to leave your state. Basically to check out what is around you. Things in your area.

Who knew that having long term visitors (six weeks) would be a chance to have an unusual staycation?

I have taken my mom, sister, and brother in law (who has never been to the States) all over seeing the local sites. Like the Hollywood sign, the Hollywood walk of fame, Crazy Californians, (formally Grauman's) TCL Chinese Theater, the Los Angeles temple, Universal Studios, my childhood homes, the cities my two nieces live with their families and so much more.

Lots of driving. Lot of rediscovering. Lots of appreciation for what is here in southern California. I am truly fortunate to live here with so much to so and so much to see.

Catching Up

Blog post #145 of 365

My sister and I have had a reasonably rough life together and apart. We grew up in the same house with one of my little brothers. We were raised in the same home with the same parents and family but we see the world very differently. Our memories of our childhood intertwined as they were are remembered differently. I think it goes back to that old saying there are three sides to every story yours, mine and the truth. I believe the truth is ours. Our own view of our world are seen through our eyes and remembered in our brains is our truth no matter how different from "reality" it might be. However she would probably argue that her views are correct and mine are wrong. I'll just agree to disagree.

We had different lives.

She struggled in school. In part from an illness that left her having seizures for several years. The kind of seizure the onlooker doesn't always see. She zoned out and would lose large gaps of time. Imagine a learning environment with 25 to 35 students and one kids just "daydreams" for bits of time. I can see how someone might struggle in that environment. Many teachers probably had no idea how hard it was. She says she has a learning disability but I tend to disagree.

Our biological father was harder on her. She ruined his independence. His ability to be carefree was taken when she arrived. He blamed her. He took his frustrations out on her. I arrived two years later and even though I wasn't a boy I was forgiven and tolerated a little better than she was because she broke him in. She was "defective" in his eyes and that couldn't have been easy either.

We grew up and started our own families. Made our own choices and to be honest we both made a million poor choices (in my opinion) but did the best we could with the choices we made both good and bad. As time went on we grew apart although I don't think we were as close as we could or should have been.

Since my sister moved away first to Pennsylvania and then further to Australia we got even further apart. For a time after she moved to Australia if I wanted to interact with her or speak to her at all I had to make her mad. I did at times intentionally and unintentionally agitate her. But as we have aged and I think matured. We  have grown more tolerant. I post photos of her kids and grandkids. Not to rub in her inability to see the but so she can see them too even if only through the photos. I believe she learned that many of the things I have done through the years were not done to anger her but to give her a look into the life she left when she left the States.

She got married again almost a year ago. This is her fifth husband. He helped her return to the States for the first time in thirteen years. She has ten grandchildren and had never met any of them until her return last month.You can imagine the amount of catching up that needs to happen when someone has been away for so long. When they have missed so much of the lives of people they know and love. Especially the ones they love and hadn't met yet!

These few weeks have been filled. Unfortunately filled with doctor appointments and shuttling back and forth between home and visits with people my sister needs to connect with and sites my sister and her new husband wanted to see while they were here. There really hasn't been much time to catch up. No time luckily to dwell on differences or on the negatives of the past.

I'll update again later.

Use It or Lose It

Blog post #144 of 365

I have heard this over and over through the years and it applies to so many things. Muscle mass, second languages, playing instruments etc. I also found it applies to negative things too. In truth it takes about a month, this number has been debated over and over too, but it takes about 30 days to form a habit and just as long if not longer to break one.

This month I am going to work on developing better habits and lose a few bad ones. I hope it works!

Aussie Translations for the American Visitor

Blog post #143 of 365

Thanks to my sister and brother in law I have a list of things you might want to know.

Line (the kind you stand/wait in) = que
Living room = lounge room
Restroom = toilet, dunny, thunder box, loo or gurgler
(In Australia the toilet and bathroom are two separate rooms. A bathroom is literally the room you bathe in. It has a tub or shower with a sink.) 
A fart  is sometimes called the thunder from down under
Going to the bathroom/using the facilities/doing your business etc = In the toilet 
(Great visual right? but "the toilet" is a room containing only a toilet. These rooms are usually very small. Most have a toilet brush in them and the user is expected to swish away their own brown marks in the bowl. You will NOT find paper toilet seat covers in public toilets.)
Cookies = biscuits
Biscuit = scones
Shrimp = prawns 
(A much larger version of shrimp which you will not find on an Australian menu.)
Bell peppers = capsicans
Root for your team = baric, cheer or support
Bangs (hair) = fringe
Cantaloupe = rockmellon
Trash = rubbish
Trash can = bin
Garbage dump = tip
Cactus or Stuffed means = ruined or destroyed
Ketchup = tomato sauce 
(It tastes a bit different.)
Tomato paste = tomato puree
Jelly = jello gelatin 
(They don't have jelly)
Preserves = jam
Candy = lollies
Sweater, sweatshirt = jumper
Duvet = doona
Ranch (cattle or sheep) = property 
Pickup truck = Ute 
(Short for utility vehicle)
Ice chest = Esky
Kangaroo = Boomers
Panties = bloomers or nickers
"Don't get your panties in a wad" = "Don't get your nickers in a knot"  
Pacifier = dummy
If you got mad = Spat the dummy
Nice (usually referring to home but not always = homely
"My treat" (or I'll pay) = "my shout"
Pharmacy = Chemists
Diaper = nappy
Napkin = serviette
Feminine hygiene products = meds
Complain =  Winge
Hug = Cuddle
Feeling sorry for yourself, sickly or just in need of a hug = sooky or to sook

Other things you might like to know.

Australians do not tip. Not wait staff, bellhops, cab drivers or anyone. Note they might, knowing you are an American, try to get you to tip. It is up to you but not expected. 

Vegemite is a salty dark colored spread, high in vitamin B (a byproduct of  making beer) usually eaten on just buttered bread or buns, it's an acquired taste. WARNING do not take a big spoonful! 

Australians butter all bread. Including hot dog buns and hamburger buns

Children are often called "little Vegiemites" because they grow up on the stuff. Children are also called "cute little possum." Australian possum are cute. Trust me or look them up on the internet.

They shout "Oi" to get your attention. Both good and bad depending on the tone.

Inappropriate words or phrases:

Stuffed means you have had sex

Rooting (like cheering) or bangs (like hair on the forehead) both mean having sex

Bugger means anial sex

Replacement words for curse words are very different like "sugar!" is a polite version $#!t.

I am sure there is much more but these are the ones we came up with.

English?

Blog post #142 of 365

My last post was on American English. This one is about my sister who moved from Pennsylvania to Australia. She moved there in 2000 and for years hasn't visited. We have however spoken on the phone. Since she has lived there I have come to understand the nuances of The foreign country Englishes. England has a very different English than say Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia etc.

On the phone my sister sounds Australian. Not fully native but close. She recently came to visit and after 18 hours on a plane full of Americans she lost most of her accent. But still retained a touch. She can't hear it. She says people ask where she is from. I have no idea what the answer would be since she was born in CA then moved to PA and for 13 years has lived in AU.

During our first phone conversation after she moved to Australia she didn't have a strong accent but she had picked up Aussie slang. I would have to stop the conversation and ask for translation. Now her accent is stronger and from time to time I still have to ask for translation. Now that she has been in the states again I find I didn't know nearly enough slang. I feel like I might survive if I were to go visit. I don't see that happening but if it did I think I'd be okay!

Next post translations!!!

English in the United States

Blog post #141 of 365

I always thought I spoke English. I grew up in the United States where English is the official language. When Facebook asked what language I spoke it listed American English. I wondered how many kinds of English there were. After further thought I wondered how many dialects there are of American English. All across America there are different cultures, accents, and slang.

I lived in Utah in the late 80's and grew up with relatives from Utah as well. There is a slight accent. The Predominantly religious culture brings many alternatives to crude curse words and frankly it is a little endearing.

I lived in Oklahoma in the 1990's and had the opportunity to visit surrounding states Like Arkansas, Texas, Kansas and Missouri. The accent is much stronger and although in the Bible belt the occurrence of cussing is greater in those states than Utah. There isn't as much slang as much as laziness in speech. Sentences are sometimes strung into one very foreign word. Like "fewanto" is the same as saying "if you want to" in hyper speed.

My sister lived in Pennsylvania for nearly a decade. I don't even want to get into how different the accents, people and slang are there. Lets just say her kids picked up the accent and some still have it even though none have lived there in years...

Kindness

Blog post #140 of 365

We should be kinder. It is just that simple. If we do then it will not be so rare.

Just a thought.

It Is My Birthday Today

Blog post #139 of 365

Today is my birthday!

All day I was frustrated by people and things. (Mostly due to the accident, insurance companies, auto body repair places, etc.)

I think I'll celebrate a different day.

Making It My Way

Blog post #138 of 365

I'm always looking for a good easy recipe. This one is so easy! I snagged it from a friend.

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

4 boneless chicken breasts, chopped into small chunks
1/3 cup flour
olive oil
1/2 Tbl. salt
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
3 Tbl. ketchup
6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)
4 Tbl. brown sugar

In a bowl, mix the orange juice, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and ketchup. Pour the flour in a small bowl. Cover the chicken breast chunks in flour and shake off the excess.

Pour a small amount of olive oil in a skillet and brown the flour-covered chicken.

The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked since it's going in the crock pot.

After the chicken is done cooking, pour the pieces into the crock pot. Then cover the chicken with your sauce mixture and give the pot a stir.

Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3.

Serve over rice and even add veggies if you want a healthier meal.

When I tried it I didn't have time for the slow cooker so I covered my pan after browning my chicken and cooked about half way through about 10 minutes then I coated them with the orange mixture and cooked through about 30 minutes. While the chicken cooked I seamed some brown rice in my rice cooker and steamed some broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots. Talk about a yummy, easy, fairly healthy meal.

Birthday Party

Blog post #137 of 365

My son and his family arrived today to help us celebrate our birthdays. I am lucky to have this amazing wonderful little family. These kids make my day every time we're together!!!

Belle

Birthday girl and her grandson

Playing.

A quick nap.

Dinner.

Grumpy face.

Better!

Coloring.

Brothers.

Brothers.

He loves his salsa!

Family.

Happy birthday to you!

Flying baby!

Happy birthday to me! 

 Goodbyes!

This was an unexpected visit. They came to celebrate our birthdays and let us play with their kids. They are precious little people and I love that they are my family! Thank you so very much!!