May Quotes

Blog post #195 of 365

"Nobody starts off wanting to be pathetic but sometimes they end up that way." Anne

"I find fear and unproductive filter with which to view the world." Sherlock

"Modern Education: Creating people who are smart enough to accurately repeat what they are told and to follow orders. And are dumb enough to believe this makes them smarter than everyone else." via Kathy N

"Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets." Arthur M

"You make smart look easy." Jonny C

"If you want something you will do something to get it." Sam

"If you really want to do something you will find a way to do it. If you don't you will find an excuse." Richard

"Frogs are frogs and princes are princes. If he insists unpon a kiss to prove it, you can be fairly certain he will still be slimy when you open your eyes!" Kerry H

"Don't grow up, it's a trick." Channing

"As I grow up, I realize it becomes less important to have more friends and more important to have real friends." Bobby B

"Trying to forget someone you love is like trying to remember someone you never knew." (Impossible!) Jessica L

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." Abe L

"Cynic = one who smells flowers and automatically looks for a coffin." Me

"Those who are unaware they are walking in darkness will never seek the light." Bruce L

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. William A. W.

"Be your own hero." Me

"Let go or be dragged." Chelsea

"Celebrate what is and not lament on what could have been." Kate's friend

"Be careful not to do something permanently stupid because you are temporarily angry, tired, hungry, stressed, or scared." via Kerry H.

"You never realize what you have until it's gone, like toilet paper for example." Mitch

"Community is like an old coat. You don't realize you have it until it's taken away." Amish Proverb

"Want to scare yourself? Sit down and think of all of the stupid things you've done in your life all at the same time. You won't sleep for days." Me

"I love God. I'm not trying to shove it down your throat but man you are missing out!" Cyndi D

"Life is beautiful." Taylor F

"Somedays you just gotta put on your boots and dance anyway." Shell P

"Don't die a virgin, no seriously there are terrorists up there waiting for you." I may have done this one twice. Still laughing, Whytnee

"What do you call a book club that has been stuck on the same book for a thousand years, Church!" Whytnee

"Motherhood is a calling, treat it that way." Me

"Slightly more than half of everything I am is thanks to you." Biologists Mother's day song title

"When the bird is alive it eats ants. When the bird is dead ants eat the bird." Rose N

"It take one tree to make a million match sticks and only one match to take out a million trees."Rose N

"The Heavens will not be filled with people who never made mistakes." Dieter U

"Choose to see the good stuff!" Taylor R

"Don't worry about what other people think. Most people don't use their brain very often." Cyndi

"In family relationships love is really spelled T I M E." Dieter U via Lee M

"I hate that feeling you get when you're trying your hardest not to cry. Then someone asks, 'are you okay?' and you just lose it!" Rose N

"God doesn't give us what we can handle. He helps us handle what we are given." Bobby B

"God only gives us what we can handle." Grace FH

"There is a reason God Made us with eyes in the front of our heads. So we will always look forward and never back!" Via Lorna S

"Be courageous and try to write in a way that scares you a little." Katrina D

"Love yourself, be loyal to yourself and you will be ready to love someone else." Paraphrased... Karen D

"The moment you are ready to quit is usually the moment right before the miracle happens. Never give up." Ashlynn

Good friends are sometimes hard to come by, but they stick around even when you are a mess. Christie

"My train of thought derailed and there are no survivors." Joyce C

"My train of thought never had any passengers" Joyce C

"I just realized, I'm on summer vacation." Katy

"Remember who you are." Mufasa

"If at first you don't succeed, try doing it the way mom told you to do it in the first place." Aimee

"Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth "you owe me" look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky." =] via Holly P

Parental Wisdom from Penny Arcade:
"I’m sensitive to the idea and perhaps the literal truth that raising children is impossible. You don’t get absolute control over the inputs. But that’s not the same as no control, and if you can’t be bothered to craft the context in which the beings you create can understand the world - that’s not being powerless, that’s ceding power. It’s surprising how often people confuse the two, but I understand why. Without agency, you can’t accrue consequence. No, I get it." Tanner J

""What is your most prized possession? A book? A work of art from your dear friend? A piece of Grandma's jewelry? Uncle Bob's truck? A picture of your favorite holiday? A letter from Dad?  Think. Think how much you appreciate having that. It's a gift that you cherish. To you, no matter what its price tag might be, it's invaluable. It's precious. It's priceless. Well, there ya go! What's under your clothing is ever so much more valuable and priceless than any article!" Karen D

Hoss and Trafton

Blog post #194 of 365

Today is my son and my nephew's birthdays. They were born thirty years apart. To be honest I would have liked to have spent time with both of them. My nephew went to Disneyland but he went with a crowd who paid his way and So it wouldn't have been fun for me. My son kind of lives far away ans as you can see by yesterday's post I am in pain so that drive would be too much but spending time with my son means spending time with my grandies and I love spending time with my grandies! So no matter who I spent birthday time with I would have had a bonus! Dang it I missed out, boo.

Tomorrow I go to the doctor. Maybe he will give me something different  for the pain and I can go play with my birthday boys a different day.

Happy birthday guys!

Pain Drugs

Blog post # 193 of 365

I had surgery last week. The pain medication is just not working and I am in cranky mode. Please be patient with me.

Hot

Blog post # 192 of 365

Where is that cool snap that happens at the end of may and into the first two weeks of June?

They call it "June gloom." It comes every year. Cloudy cool days with tons of wind to mess up graduation hair and photos of folks in their gowns... I just love that tradition. Can we have it back?

Can you tell I'm hot?

First Day of Summer

Blog post #191 of 365

Okay it is not officially the first day of summer but traditionally the summer season "begins" with Memorial Day weekend and "ends" with Labor Day weekend.

Memorial day holds a little more meaning for me than just the beginning of my least favorite season (I'm not at all fond of hot weather and crowded public places.) Memorial day is when two of my sons were born. A lot of people don;t know that observed Memorial Day and Memorial day are two different days most years. Memorial Day is May 30th. My oldest child was born on Memorial Day weekend on the actual Memorial Day which happened to fall on a Saturday that year. My third child was born on a Monday which happened to be observed  Memorial Day that year.

For most people Memorial day is a paid federal holiday. Which means a paid day off or a holiday paid work day. Either way they tend to be happy about it. However Memorial day began with humble beginnings. Families decorating the graves of people who served and died in the civil war. Later it extended to cover anyone who served in the military and now serves as a day to honor the memory of all who have passed before us whether they served in the military or not. I believe it is a good thing to honor the dead. Whether it be to set aside a moment of silence, decorate a grave, share memories or honor them in some other personal way.

To those of you who don't feel the need to honor the dead enjoy your day off. I for one took some time to contemplate life, remember the people I love who have passed on, and even a few I am not particularly fond of but wonder how they fare the the next life.

Happy unofficial first day of summer.

Fake Out Crackers

Blog post #190 of 365

Admittedly I have not tried these but I have heard they work in a pinch.

What you'll need:
Cookie sheet lined in parchment paper
Medium sized mixing bowl
Pastry cutter
Rolling pin
Pizza cutter
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 tablespoons cold butter
1/3 cup water
1 1/2 Tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (I prefer the good stuff)

What you'll do:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
Combine dry ingredients (except salt) in a medium mixing bowl
Cut in the butter (Use the pastry cutter to blend butter with dry stuff)
Make a well in the flour mixture and add the wet ingredients
Mix until blended using your hands break into two and shape into a ball
flour your work surface and put your balls on it to rest (about 15 minutes)
Roll out each ball into a rectangle
Use a pizza cutter to cut into (bite sized) cracker pieces
Place on cookie sheet
Roll out the second ball like you did to the first and put those pieces on the cookie sheet.
Sprinkle with seat salt and bake 7-10 minutes

I'll be waiting until summer is over to try this one unless we get a really cool spell.

Candied Nuts

Blog post #189 of 365

I love nuts. I am allergic to most but I do love them.

I was reading a recipe for a salad with candied nuts in it and thought well too bad I can't eat that particular kind of nut but then it hit me I can eat other kinds of nuts. Then I went on a candied nut quest and found many sometimes complicated recipes for candied nuts.

What I found it most are simple syrup or sugar and water with nuts.

So here is what you'll need for just a few:
(They can be addicting so make a few and then you won't be tempted to eat more.

1/4 cup Nuts (You pick your favorite I made them with almonds and cashews because I can eat both!)
2 tablespoons Water
2 tablespoons Sugar
a cookie sheet covered in waxed paper

Put everything in a small heavy pan and bring to a boil stirring constantly. Immediately turn down the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 more minutes. The nuts will be golden brown but if you forget them they will burn easily. If you keep stirring you won't forget or overcook. Besides you want them to be coated evenly.

The syrup tells you when they are done. If the syrup is thick and almost gone they are ready. If the syrup is too runny keep cooking a few more minutes. If you take them off the heat too soon they will be sticky and chewy and still yummy but not good if you want them in a salad or on top of your ice cream.

Spread them out on the covered cookie sheet in a single layer to dry.

TA DA super easy right?

Now for the super inventive types you can use brown sugar and add a little cinnamon for a richer flavor. Or my friend tried a little cayenne pepper to give them a little kick.

(Be honest how many of you read the title and then had to pull your mind out of the gutter?) Totally worth it!

Garbage

Blog post #188 of 365

Okay so  I'm on a roll... yes one more trash post.

One of my neighbors has gone overboard. They have taken liberties with my trashcan. I feel violated. Especially since I know not who has done this awful thing!

I went out to add the daily trash to my can before it was picked up and I can't. The can is filled to the overly heavy mark with roofing debris. I mean old shingles, wood, tar paper and the like. So heavy I felt the need to call the trash company and ask what they would do if it were too heavy. They said they would have to tag it and I would be responsible for making it lighter and they would pick it up the next week. Really and how do I make it lighter? Where do I put this trash and what about my trash?

Well luckily it wasn't "too" heavy and they took it but then I have a curb full of stuff that fell from this over filled trashcan to pick up and dispose of... Really?

Every week I have trash in my yard on trash day. Sometimes it is in the street, sometimes in my weed/grass and sometimes all the way up my driveway near the fence. It apparently likes to float around, travel if you will from whoever tossed it all the way up to my yard. Stuff that floats out of other people's cans and blows miraculously into my yard. Why my yard I will never know but my driveway, curb and weeds are apparently the favored spot for this floaty trash. I'm not cool with this. They are not my condom wrappers, packing peanuts, bits of wrapping paper and whatever else decides to float my way.

UGH! Why me?

Rubbish

Blog post #187 of 365

Yes, one more on trash but I figured it needed a different title.

When I was a kid taking out the trash was something I don't ever remember having as 'my job.' I remember seeing my grandfather taking out the trash when we visited. I know my brother's 'job' was to take out the trash. I don't know who took them to the street. I never remember anyone taking out the trash to the street. I'm sure someone did but who?

Well these days it is me. I take out the trash. Well I do and sometimes Kyle does. He is usually working trash night and I want to know it was done so I do it. Kyle will bring them in. I love that!

I mentioned before we have three trash cans for three kinds of trash. They are pretty big. Probably bigger than we really need but on the days I clean out a closet or something it not enough space. On those days I have asked a neighbor or two if I could slide in an extra bag or two. I have since then slid in a few more bags than I asked about but I never over fill their trash cans ans I appreciate them having the space. I have in turn had one or two extra bags slid into my cans. Especially after a party.

I love my neighbors. We get along well and have learned to give and take a little. They probably love me a lot more now that we have mowed the weeds and continue to water said weeds! Maybe one day grass will take root. I can keep planting and praying.

Trash

Blog post #186 of 365

 Trash like dishes is one of those chores that is never done.

Everything we do makes waste. We can't avoid it.

I have been a recycler since I was a kid. I turned in my soda pop bottles for a nickle and then went two doors down to get a scoop of Thrifty's ice cream. That was the best kind of recycling. Something in it for everyone.

I love the way we dispose of trash now. I have three separate cans. One for yard waste. Grass trimmings, tree trimmings, flowers that died, weeds, pretty much anything that grows with few exceptions. I believe they mulch it up and put it to good use. One can id for recycling. Anything glass, metal and paper goes in there. If we are wise consumers most of our 'trash' should go into one of these two cans. The third is for waste. Things that are too 'dirty' (read greasy) or processed to go into recycling.

There is a movement toward living a reusable life. I like that philosophy.

Car Trouble

Blog post #185 of 365

Car trouble.

I could just leave it at that but I'm frustrated. Cars have become a money pit.

Back when I first started driving diagnosing a problem was easy. If it won't start it was probably the battery, alternator, or voltage regulator.If it did't go check the carburetor, the fuel line, or maybe the transmission. If it won't stop it needs brakes pads, brake fluid, lines bled, a new rotor or master cylinder.  It was easy to change out a fuel filter, change the radiator, belts and hoses. Well it was pretty easy to change out about anything back then.

We had 'emergency' fix it kits. They held jumper cables, some duct tape, electrical tape, a little starting fluid, oil, brake fluid, washer fluid, pliers, a wrench, WD 40, a box of fuses, and maybe a hose or belt we knew was on the verge. Almost any guy I knew could help with the heavy lifting and I was smart enough to follow the diagram and rebuild any part that needed a little scrub.

Today however my emergency kit is enough cash for a spare tire, a jumper cable and an Auto Club card. Everything is run my a computer, a motor, or a switch that all cost a $100 or more. I mean I can't even change a headlight without looking it up on the internet. Holy cow, I am so tired of expensive car repairs and more importantly my inability to just fix it!

I want a classic car. One built in the days of simplicity. It sounds easy enough but it totally isn't. Finding parts is difficult. I feel doomed to the mass transit system and even that sucks!

Knickers In A Knot

Blog post #184 of 365

Today I read, 'Getting your knickers in a knot solves nothing and makes you walk funny.' (I don't remember where.) I couldn't agree more.

I am from the United States and the saying I am more accustomed to is, 'Don't get your panties in a wad.' It is the same idea really.

My niece lives in Australia and she calls her underwear knickers. It took some getting used to. My niece has a tendency to get mad at me. I sometimes ask for it by telling her exactly what I think and sometimes I have no idea why she is upset but every time I say 'Don't get your panties in a wad.' It generally makes her more angry.

I get angry at times. Who doesn't? However I do not really understand the idea of staying mad. Not working things through. Holding on to your anger for anger sake. Just silly really. So when I see someone who looks like they have their panties in a bunch or knickers in a knot I'm probably going to laugh.

3 Ingredient Cupcakes

Blog post #183 of 365

In honor of my sister's real birthday I am posting the most simple recipe I have found for cupcakes. She should really try this one.

Totally stole this from Baked from a Box http://bakedfromabox.blogspot.ca/2012/12/2-ingredient-blueberry-pie-filling.html#more

You'll need:
Oven
Cupcake liners
Cupcake tin
Bowl
Angel food cake mix
22 ounce can of blueberry pie filling
Whipped cream

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Combine dry cake mix with pie filling reserving 2 tablespoons of pie filling for topping if desired. (I didn't.)
Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until lightly browned on top.
Allow to cool completely.
Cover with whipped topping just before serving. (They get mushy if not eaten soon after topped.)

Note: They can be frosted with whipped cram frosting.
Also good with cherry pie filling. Apple pie filling is too chunky and required too much work.

Birthday Confusion

Blog post #182 of 365

My sister and three of her kids live across the international date line. So today it is tomorrow there.

Ever since the move I have been in a state of confusion. They were all born in the United States. They all have their American citizenship. Two have dual citizenship while the others are just American.

Come birthday time Mom always asks me to send birthday wishes from both of us. So the question is to we celebrate on the US birthday or on the AU birthday? Mom says they were born here we live here so we should celebrate on the day here. But I always feel like the greeting is late since there it would be the day after.

So do you see my dilemma?

Today is my sister's birthday there. But it isn't her birthday here until tomorrow... *sigh.

Eyes

Blog post #181 of 365

These are fun...

This is what you'll need:
Double boiler or pan of boiling water and a metal bowl
Cookie sheet
Waxed paper
Mixing bowl
Melon baller
1/2 cup cream cheese (soft)
22 chocolate cookie sandwiches
Lifesaver gummies
Chocolate chips (About 12-24)
2 cups white chocolate chips
Toothpicks

What you'll do:
Line your cookie sheet with waxed paper.
Crush sandwich cookies in a gallon zippered bag using a rolling pin or heavy pan.
In a mixing bowl combine cookies with cream cheese.
Using the melon baller (you can use your hands if you don't have a baller) scoop and shape cookie mixture into a ball use your thumb to make a nickle sized depression in each ball (For the 'iris') and place on cookie sheet.
Chill balls in the fridge until firm. (About an hour.)
Prepare irises for each ball by slightly stretching the gummy lifesaver and inserting a chocolate chip point down.
Heat your water to melt your while chocolate.
Pour white chocolate chips into the double boiler or in the metal bowl and place over boiling water.
Stir until melted.
Use a toothpick inserted into a cookie ball to coat with white chocolate.
Place back on cookie sheet and immediately press an iris in the depression as you go (chocolate will act like glue to keep iris in place.)
Return to cookie sheet iris up/
Repeat with each ball.
Allow chocolate to cool and harden before serving. Returning to fridge will speed up this process.

Makes a dozen or so. Store balls in an air tight container until ready to serve.

Note I have made these with crispy rice/marshmallow balls as well. You can make them bloodshot by dipping a toothpick into red food coloring and drawing in lines to mimic veins. Always a hit!

Berry Bars

Blog post #180 of 365

This one can be a little drier than I like but it is yummy.

You'll need:

9x13 pan greased
2 mixing bowls
Pastry cutter

For the topping & crust
3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups butter chilled (You're going to have to cut it in so soft butter will not do. FYI 1/2= 1 stick.)

For the filling
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup flour
pinch of salt
zest of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 16 ounce packages frozen berries thawed and drained

What you'll do:
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and prepping your baking pan

Making the crust and topping.
Mix Flour sugar and salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter. (Can also be done with a food processor.) Mixture will be crumbly. set aside 1 1/2 cups of mixture. Press the remaining mixture in the bottom of your baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove and let cool for  about 10 minutes.

Making the filling.
Whisk eggs in a large bowl, mix in sugar, sour cream, flour, salt, lemon zest, and almond extract. Gently fold in berries. Spoon the mixture over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the filling. Bake 45 to 50 minutes. Cool for about an hour before serving. Cunt into bars or scoop cobbler style.

Fruit Rolls

Blog post #179 of 365

I haven't tried this one and I won't until the fall but I thought I might share anyway. Keep reading.

Prep time 10 minutes.
Ready in 8 hours 40 minutes (roughly)
Makes 12

You'll need:
dried fruit 8 ounces
1 1/2 cups water
12x15 baking sheet
foil enough to cover the baking sheet
non-stick cooking spray
12x15 sheet of waxed paper

What you do:
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees
While the oven warms cover the baking sheet with foil and coat with non-stick cooking spray
Combine dried fruit with water in a heavy saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes or until fruit is soft and mushy
Drain excess liquid and puree the softened fruit in a blender
Pour fruit onto prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly making sure there are no holes.
Place sheet into oven for 25 minutes. DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR THROUGHOUT THE 'COOKING PROCESS. You will be tempted but DON'T!
Turn off the oven and leave it for 8 hours.
Remove the baking sheet and gently remove the fruit, placing it on the sheet of waxed paper, right side down, and gently press into the paper.
Cut into 12 strips lengthwise and roll each strip.
Store in plastic bags until you are ready to eat!

Note:
We did this when I was a kid. Instead of dried fruit use canned fruit. Drain it puree it and used the same oven technique. We used the 'dud' jars that didn't seal when we were canning but you can use any canned fruit.

Potty Mouth

Blog post #178 of 365

I have been known from time to time to have a potty mouth. I can blame growing up in a home with one parent who cussed a blue streak. I can blame the jobs I've had that fostered an ever broader vocabulary. I can blame habit at this point but the truth is I try hard not to have a potty mouth. I slip. I'm human.

Gordon B. Hinkley once said, "Stay out of the gutter in your conversation. Foul talk defiles the man who speaks it." Cussing isn't cool. It makes the user look unintelligent. Makes the listener wonder if you can't find a more appropriate word because you don't know one. Thus defiling the speaker. Gordon was a smart little dude!

I think the worst part is each generation gets worse and worse about using proper language. The media compounds the problem.

How about if we try really hard to use our words, lift up our vocabulary and leave the cussing to the gutter and lead the next generation by example? I'm game if you're game!

Mother's Day

Blog post #177 of 365

Mother's day I got two phone calls from my children with kids. All four grandkids 'talked' to me (Two are babies still.) I got two texts from my girls. I live with one son who spoiled me with gifts and kindness. Even stopped on the way home from work to run an errand for me. But all day I did the normal stuff. Like laundry, cooking, cleaning, church, etc. Well Mostly I made leftovers but I warmed them up and did dishes afterward.

My expectations are small. I am expecting no more than for them to acknowledge my existence. No gifts or anything necessary. But if I were to be completely honest I wish they would come hang out a bit. Not on mother's day because every restaurant is crowded and I don't want to cook for them when celebrating motherhood. We can even go dutch!

My mom got two cards a stack of games and a dozen or so phone calls. She was on the phone all day!! She also got a gift card for her favorite restaurant. At the end of the night she complained she didn't hear from the majority of her grandchildren.

I guess we both felt a little ripped off this year.

My kids and grandkids are wonderful. I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Moms kids, grandkids, and great grandkids are wonderful. I don't think she would trade any of us out either.

I guess I should keep my expectations low and be ecstatic for anything beyond simple contact. But I'm pushing for phone calls next year!

Fathers on Mother's Day

Blog post #176 of 365

Mothers and fathers get a day in which to be honored. There isn't a day for children, aunts, uncles, friends etc. They maybe should but that is a blog for another day.

We all have a mother. It is impossible to enter this world without one. We all don't have perfect relationships with our. Some people never really knew their mother but somebody brought you into the world. Somebody raised you. Whoever did that mother job is your mother whether she gave birth or not.

I was listening to a morning radio show. You know the ones where they talk more than anything... anyhow the question came up about who should celebrate mother's day. The simple answer should be everyone. Hello we all have a mom!

Then they asked should a husband or boyfriend who has a child honor the mother of their child? One of the DJs said he didn't think he needed to give a gift or card to his wife, a recent mommy. The co-anchor said, "When your child was born you said your wife was the most amazing woman and you would never forget what she went through to bring your child into the world." He admitted to saying that but then went on to ask the listeners. They called in like crazy. Some complaining, others shaming the DJ who neglected his wife. The DJ concluded the segment with a defense of I thought mother's day was about my mom. I guess I should get her something.

Husbands and boyfriends you need to hear this. Your kids need you to set the example. You need to honor your wife for bringing them into the world just as your wife or girlfriend needs to honor you on father's day. Parenthood is a gift you gave each other and should be honored.

Wish List for My Children

Blog post #175 of 365

Dear children,

I know I haven't been the best mother by any stretch of the imagination but I haven't been the worst either.

The following is a list of what I want for mother's day:

I want you to do your best.

I want you to be good humans.

I want you to be who you are without being a jerk.

I want you to work hard and put an honest effort into everything you do. No short cuts because the journey makes it worth it, knowing you earned it.

I want you to ask for help when you need it.

I want you to be a service to others when they need it and not just when they ask for it.

I want you to take opportunities when they present themselves. If someone asks you to join them in an adventure, go if you can. Life is too short not to enjoy yourself but not to the detriment of others.

I want you to take care of yourself and the people you love. Pick up after yourself, cook for yourself, do your laundry and dishes. Share the workload!

I want you to sew your own button back on because the safety pin is very temporary. Sew your own rips before they get out of hand.

When you screw up, everyone screws up, take responsibility. Try to make things right. Apologize.

I want you to be adventurous in the kitchen. Try new things, eat well, expand your horizons.

I want you to cautiously optimistic. Walk through life with eyes wide open and expect the best outcomes but be prepared for the worst.

I want you to see how blessed you are and be thankful every day.

I want you to understand that it is okay to relax without guilt.

I want you to be kind and respect others and their right to be different than you.

I want you to take interest in someone other than yourself as often as possible.

I want you to know you are one of a kind. Flawed for sure but extraordinary.

I want you to love what you do.

I want you to love who you are.

I want you to know it is okay to change your path when you realize you aren't headed in the direction you want to be.

I want you to play nice.

I want you to be curious.

I want you to explore.

I want you to learn from every mistake big and small.

I want you to know life is hard. Sometimes life is brutally hard but you will be stronger for having gone through it.

I want you to love. Really love even though love can sometimes hurt. Don't settle for shallow hollow lust or infatuation.

I want you to work on your relationships. Nobody said relationships are easy.

I want you to know that I'm going to love you no matter what. I may not agree with you but I'll never stop loving you.

I don't really need your gifts on mother's day but I would love your

I want you to know I would give my life to save yours. You are that important.

I want you to choose happiness even when the dark side offers you what looks like a reward, it is temporary.

I want to one day, leave this world  knowing you are here to continue on and that one day we will be together again.

I want you to know you are loved, admired and that sometimes I am in awe that someone so wonderful is a part of me.

I want you to have enough of what you need.

Most of all I want a little of your time, a phone call, an invitation, a visit... Nothing is greater than time together. Especially if I don't have to do the cooking or clean up afterward.

I really do love you,
Mom

Real & Imaginary Friends

Blog post #174 of 365

There are many kinds of friends. Some are way better than others.

The other day I was taking to a friend who said, "Do you mean a real friend or an imaginary friend from Facebook?" It got me thinking do people really feel like the friends they connect with through Facebook are imaginary? According to the dictionary imaginary means; existing only in the imagination or fancy. My imagination is pretty darn vivid and strong but I can imagine all of those people on Facebook are real people.

Imaginary also means lacking factual reality. It is beyond possible that people put their best foot forward when on Facebook. Like dating before you really get to know someone. Not so much fake but showing only to good sides. This can be attributed to the people who never post recent photos of themselves, so in essence they might be considered imaginary. But not to me. I think they are scared or sad. Every time my mom sees a photo of herself she cringes a little. She sees an image of "that old lady that looks back at me in the mirror." Maybe they aren't happy with aging or with how their lives turned out.

We all have expectations and when those aren't met we feel we failed or are in some way lacking. Well maybe we are not what we wanted to be but who is?

I have friends on Facebook I haven't seen since high school. They are still my friends. I have friends I have never met but was introduced to through someone else. We have formed bonds of friendship. It doesn't make them imaginary.

Nope the imaginary friends are those of childhood. The one person we can confide in who we know will never rat us out or make fun of our inner most feeling and thoughts. If your kid has one don't make a big deal out of it or push them to admit they are made up friends and not "real" because to your child that friend is as real and the flesh and blood kind.

I have lot of friends all kinds of friends and to be honest with many of them sticking with Facebook is good enough for me. We get to share each others lives through messages, photos and posts and we don't have to invest the kind of time a face to face friend requires. Would I do anything I can to help these friends? Yup. Why? Because they really are my friends. Can I do everything for everyone? Nope. But I will lend an ear, give moral support, shed a tear, say a prayer and anything else I can do but no more than I can do. I am only human.

Wisdom

Blog post #173  of 365 

"If you're brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello." - Paulo Coehlo 

One of the biggest nuggets of wisdom that we have to learn is to live a productive life is that saying goodbye. Sometimes we need to say goodbye in order to say hello to opportunities that we would otherwise have missed. 

Sometimes we have to let go of people and things that are in our lives that hold us back, drag us down or pull us into their drama. Or sanity depends on it.

Sometimes we have to say goodbye to jobs that we know are obstructing us from seeing the life we really want to live become a reality. Be brave in your pursuits, all of them, even the exits. Remember walking out on something bad is a good thing. 

Sometimes we have to pick better foods that give us better nutrition and health so that we can support ourselves better than the comfort foods we eat without a second thought. 

Sometimes we need to establish a new routine to lead us to a better more productive life. 

Sometimes we need to be less complicated.

While you're making these life changes be good to yourself but also be good to the people you love. I know I told you to cut loose the ones who weigh you down. Cutting them loose doesn't mean you trample them on your way out. Be a grown up about it. You can loosen ties without strangling or pulling the other person down. It may sound appealing for a minute but it isn't as satisfying as you might think. 

It takes being brave and embracing change to bring the growth and success. Scary huh?  

Shake things up a bit and figure out what works for you. 

 

Flowers...

Blog post #172 of 365

Flowers are beautiful.

I have two very good friends who have florist shops. They make their living selling flowers, flower arrangements, corsages and all flower related stuff. They are both amazing at what they do. Admittedly I can't afford to purchase an arrangement from either one but I love the photos they post online. Oops I went off on a tangent.

This entry is about not falling back on flowers. I love getting flowers (the ones I'm not allergic to anyway.) What I do not want it flowers in lieu of a thoughtful gift. I like flowers because, just because. I don't want flowers, for my birthday, anniversary, mother's day, Christmas, Easter or any other 'special' day and especially not on my grave. Please do not visit my grave and lay a bunch of cut flowers there. I'm not there. I have moved on to hopefully gather with others who have passed on and are waiting to reunite.

If you love me you will give me the cash or buy me a thoughtful gift on gift giving occasions. I don't want something to look at, that I am probably allergic to and will be dead in a few days. What a waste of money! Sorry Bobby and Jenny but it is how I feel.

Seriously if you insist on flora then give me a plant or a tree. Not some flowering bush but something that will give back. Give me some herbs, fruit or veggie plant or tree. I love grapes... Or how about berries, they have lovely flowers then I get to eat sweet berries! There is no waste and I will love it until it dies or I do.

I am practical. I love practical gifts. But every once in a while just for the heck of it I like flowers.

Politics Is Like The Bible

Blog post #171 of 365

When I lived in Oklahoma in the middle of the Bible belt I attended a very cool non denominational Bible study group. We were going through the Bible one chapter at a time. When I joined we were on the new testament. It was interesting to me to see how everyone was reading the same text yet have very different interpretations of it and would back up their view using other parts of the Bible. I felt my job was often to stir the pot and get people thinking so we had some lively conversations. I loved every moment. The funny part was we all agreed that we were entitled to our own view or interpretation and yet the arguments continued. Each week these women would come armed with back up scripture to prove they were right.

It is like that with politics. Everyone has their own view. The way they interpret the politician or policy and yet nobody can seem to agree. All through the election process we see the worst in people come right up to the surface. It sickens me. At the end of a political term both sides tear each other down as if there an absolute right and wrong way to do everything. There isn't. The system is broken and could be fixed but to fix it the people running the show would have to give up some power, take a few cuts and I don't see that ever happening. It is a job to the politician with a fairly good retirement if you go far enough in the ladder of power so why would anything change?

For the record I don't claim to be an expert on either politics or the Bible.

Oh My Goodness Enough Already!

Blog post #170 of 365

I was looking at Facebook this morning and I can't tell you how disgusted I am. There were about twelve or thirteen posts of 'shared' photos of abused children and animals. Many claimed that somehow by sharing or liking these awful images money would be donated to stop this kind of abuse. Well I don't see how. Facebook doesn't give money to these causes and who else does. I mean there is no corporate sponsor of any kind.

Passing on these images only stirs emotions and not all of those emotions are good or productive.

The people who do these kinds of things are not affected by sharing the photos. They aren't going to stop. The money wouldn't be going to the care of abused child or animal. So what is the point? Why exploit the already damaged child or animal?

Some of them aren't asking for money but state if you are against child/animal abuse share or like this image. Really who is for animal or child abuse. Those who perpetrate these crimes usually don't consider themselves criminals anyway. How does this help anyone?

I guess for me I have seen enough of this crap in my world. I do not need more shoved in my face. I get these people think they are advocates by pushing the share/like buttons. For crying out loud if you want to make a difference get off the couch and volunteer at a domestic violence shelter, animal shelter, child abuse hotline or some other worthwhile productive place.

Whining isn't helping anybody. Exploiting the exploited isn't helpful. Enough already.

Apple Crisp

Blog post #169 of 365

Very easy to make. Apple Crisp

You'll need

8 inch casserole dish sprayed with non stick cooking spray
4 cups of apples peeled and sliced thin
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup self rising flour
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/3 stick softened butter
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Layer apple slices on the bottom of the prepared pan.
Mix the rest of the ingredients together and crumble over the top of the apples
Bake for 30 minutes or until apples are soft and crumble is lightly browned.
Serve plain or top with ice cream or whipped topping.

Easy Quick Snack

Blog post #168 of 365

Yup, one more easy snack. Only about 60 calories too!

Baked Apples in a Bag:

You'll need
a zipper bag
1 sliced/peeled/cored apple
1 teaspoon sugar (white or brown, I did half and half because the recipe didn't state which one)
1 teaspoon water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch

Put all dry ingredients  in the bag and shake it up a little. Add water and apple slices. Zip closed but leave a small vent for steam. Microwave for 2 minutes. Leave in microwave for a minute to rest. So easy but be careful because it will still be hot.

Route 66

Blog post #167 of 365

I never realized the fame of route 66. I've always lived near it.I know the United States has celebrated it. There are car shows centered around it. I mean it is a cool part of American transportation history.

My new Aussie brother in law made his first trip to the states and one of the things he wanted to do was see and ride down a part of route 66. The first day here just hours after arriving we were on our way to another brother in laws funeral and we for about a mile drove down route 66. Who knew how easy it would be to fulfill an American goal. We later hit other areas of route 66. I'm not sure he realized the next few brief drives on the historic route.

Anyhow after he left my sister and I went to Outback Steakhouse and while out front noticed this...













Then while waiting in line for a ride at California Adventure I took this photo of my sister.

I'll be sure to take her husband to these hot spots when he returns one day!

Mama K and Mr. Condom

Blog post #166 of 365

Totally stolen from my friend but she understands and frankly so should you. Worth passing along.
http://karendelafuente.blogspot.com/2013_05_01_archive.html

Mr. Condom is Our Friend...

Hello again!
Interestingly, I've been getting "letters..."  Well, emails and Facebook messages with questions, a la "Dear Abby."  Kind of fun, really, but totally unexpected.
And... we're off to the races!

Dear Mama K~
I have a hard time bringing up the topic of using protection when faced with the option of sleeping with someone new. I mean, once we are in the heat of the moment, it's kind of hard to say "Wait a minute - did you bring 'anything'?"  And if I bring it up beforehand, I feel like it's putting the cart before the horse. And if I bring them, am I bringing the right size, brand, etc.? It's so confusing!
How do I handle this?

~Awkward

Okay, Ms. Awkward. First off - if you're having physical relations before you're even comfortable TALKING, I can't help but think "WTH?" 
I'm not being judgmental, just practical. It's hard for me to imagine getting naked with someone I can't even have a good conversation with. BUT... that's me. I'm old. My hormones don't shout at me all day, like yours do at you. 
So, in a general sense, my response to EVERYONE who asks about this is pretty much the same:

Mr. Condom is Your Friend

Now, ladies and gentlemen, we've had this conversation before.
If I'm not mistaken, you had it somewhere between Sixth and Ninth grades. So, let's not pretend
that this is the first time the idea has ever occurred to you. So, WHY, my dears, is it such a difficult
concept to grasp? No glove, no love. Period. I've heard the lame excuses...

I don't like it.  (Oooo!  That's so "fresh" and "new!")
It's expensive. (Do you have ANY idea how expensive a crib and diapers are?)
I'm not comfortable. (Pregnancy and STDs are REALLY not comfortable. And they're the Gift that keeps on giving!)
I'm awkward. I don't like to bring it up. (Seriously, if you're not ready to talk about condoms, you're not ready to take off your clothes with someone.)

On and on the excuses go.
I say, and quite emphatically, "RIDICULOUS!"

When you wind up becoming a parent, or going to a clinic for diagnosis of your weeping, irritated genitals, it's not only going to be a  LOT more "uncomfortable" and "awkward," it's going to be "humiliating." And, if you've had multiple partners, I can't imagine that somehow making that call to let them know that you've exposed them to heaven knows what, THAT is going to be a breezy conversation. "Yeah, um, John. About that time we... Well, I wanted to tell you--well, I didn't really WANT to tell you, but I have to..."

Or that conversation with the girl you met three weeks ago, when she calls to say "Um... Jason? I don't know how to tell you this, but, you're... we're... I'm... yeah. Pregnant. I don't know your middle name yet, or where you're from, or if you're actually a closet serial killer, but, you're the father of a child neither one of  us wanted."

Uncomfortable? Awkward? Don't like it?

When my clients confront these issues--even when it turns out that there is a final "negative" result, I see them going through so many phases of guilt, fear, anxiety, and just plain being overwhelmed, that I can't figure out why they left that particular door open in the first place! Seriously, birth control does NOT protect against STDs. It isn't even infallible in preventing pregnancy; but it's a lot more dependable than, say, crossing your fingers and wishing.

Man up, all of you. Whether you're male or female, respect yourself. INSIST on using protection.
That's why it's called protection.

"But I'm on The Pill, and Mark is such a nice guy. He told me that there's no chance that he's been exposed to anything.
If he is not a virgin, there's a chance, even if he doesn't know about it, himself, yet.
"But, Kathy is a lovely person, and she assured me that she's on the The Pill, and there is NO WAY she's been promiscuous."
Uh huh. And you, being the charismatic guy that you are, are the ONLY man ever to persuade her to be intimate within 48 hours of meeting you.
"But we've been seeing each other for weeks, now. I'm sure we're safe."
Didja get tested?

Now that there are myriad STDs that are difficult, or impossible, to cure, EVERYONE needs to be careful. Even those of us who are "over the hill." Do you have any idea how many STDs are running rampant in group homes for the elderly?
According to the Orlando Sentinel, "Reportings of syphilis and chlamydia among those 55 and older jumped 43% between 2005 and 2009, the Orlando Sentinel finds in a study of CDC data. Syphilis climbed faster than the national average among those 55 to 64: Older adults saw a 70% rise in reported cases, 10 percentage points higher than the average for all age groups.
Meanwhile, chlamydia rose some 54% among seniors, twice the all-ages average."

And you were worried about Grandma or Grandpa making new friends when they went to that retirement community. Right.

People, people, people...
I care about you. I urge you to really care about yourselves. This isn't rocket science (no pun intended, guys). This is basic health.
Wash fruit before you eat it. Wash your hands. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Shower and brush your teeth. Wear protective gear when hiking, rock climbing, paintballing, biking, and playing football. Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
Don't eat off of strangers' plates in a restaurant. Don't share needles. (I hope I don't have clients that need that one!) Wear sunscreen. Wear mosquito repellant in the woods. Don't eat 3-day-old unrefrigerated pizza leftovers. DO wear your seal belts.

And, for the sake of your reproductive organs (not to mention the rest of your body's organs), which I assume you want to have and use for the rest of your life, USE PROTECTION.

My best advice is to not have "casual sex" at all. There's nothing "casual" about it. It's a lot riskier than riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
Since I understand biology, and I understand "that connected feeling," and I understand that biology insists that we hurry up and reproduce; and once we have a drink or two under our belts our defenses drop dramatically, I know that Abstinence is merely good advice.
But it's not likely to be the first thought in your mind when your body is crying out to do its basic job. Reproduce.

So, when your pituitary gland is on fire, and hence, your genitalia, try to engage your brain long enough to consider the possible repercussions of obeying their urging. USE SOME FREAKING PROTECTION.

If you actually have a latent dream to end up on the Maury Povich Show, then I don't suppose you really care about these things.
But I do.
I care deeply. About you. About the men and women you might get to know in a Biblical fashion. About your unborn children.

Please, my friends.
Be wise.

You know I love ya.
Mama K