Today was the day I paid a sitter while I ran errands. I always thought I'd be too cheap to do so but I luckily I am a woman who has come to her senses. While I was at Walmart in line by the auto center (Got an oil change...which by the way have gone up to $30!!!) I actually witnessed a man who requested to only buy tire insurance for one of his four tires he was purchasing. Being one who is lacking the ability to keep her thoughts and feeling far from her sleeve, I burst out laughing. The other 5 people in line turned around to see what I was laughing at to which I replied, "are you seriously only going to do that for one tire?? What kind of driving do you do??" I am not certain as to why the others found no humor in the situation but I thought it was hilarious. And yes, the guy was serious. His reply was, "well...it's worth a gamble isn't it?"
I have found in my experience shopping at Walmart that it is a magnet for rather interesting people. I know this may sound strange but shopping at Target is not nearly exciting as Walmart. People who shop at Target are totally boring. So if you're ever in the mood for humor visit your local Walmart with a new set of eyes and just enjoy:) I also remember as a kid staying in the car while my Mom shopped for groceries.....that too was an enjoyable people watching experience. Of course I always had a list of question in my head for each individual as I made my assumptions about them. Where else do you find good people watching?
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Quote from Ezra Taft Benson
"I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of oursociety. It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and morepowerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting forpower, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeksto overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries isincreasing its evil influence and control over America and the entireworld. "I testify that as the forces of evil increase under Lucifer'sleadership and as the forces of good increase under the leadership ofJesus Christ, there will be growing battles between the two until thefinal confrontation. As the issues become clearer and more obvious, allmankind will eventually be required to align themselves either for thekingdom of God or for the kingdom of the devil. As these conflicts rage,either secretly or openly, the righteous will be tested. God's wrathwill soon shake the nations of the earth and will be poured out on thewicked without measure. But God will provide strength for the righteousand the means of escape; and eventually and finally truth will triumph. "I testify that it is time for every man to put in order his own houseboth temporally and spiritually. It is time for the unbeliever to learnfor himself that this work is true...to walk in all the ways of theLord, to use our influence to make popular that which is sound and tomake unpopular that which is unsound. We have the scriptures, theprophets, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Now we need eyes that willsee, ears that will hear, and hearts that will hearken to God'sdirection." President Ezra T. Benson “I Testify” October 1988
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Where do we stand?
Interesting.....
How long do we have?
About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some2,000 years earlier:"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government.""A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury.""From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship."
"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years""During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. from bondage to spiritual faith;
2. from spiritual faith to great courage;
3. from courage to liberty;
4. from liberty to abundance;
5. from abundance to complacency;
6. from complacency to apathy;
7. from apathy to dependence;
8. from dependence back into bondage
"Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul,Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000Presidential election:Number of States won by: Democrats: 19 Republicans: 29 Square miles of land won by: Democrats: 580,000Republicans: 2,427,000Population of counties won by: Democrats: 127 million Republicans: 143 million Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:Democrats: 13.2 Republicans: 2.1Professor Olson adds:
"In aggregate, the map of the territory Republican won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great country.Democrat territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare..." Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the"complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy,with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.
If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegal's and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years.
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE,ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE HOW LONG DO WE HAVE?
Given the current events, my best guess we are at step 7.
How long do we have?
About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some2,000 years earlier:"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government.""A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury.""From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship."
"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years""During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. from bondage to spiritual faith;
2. from spiritual faith to great courage;
3. from courage to liberty;
4. from liberty to abundance;
5. from abundance to complacency;
6. from complacency to apathy;
7. from apathy to dependence;
8. from dependence back into bondage
"Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul,Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000Presidential election:Number of States won by: Democrats: 19 Republicans: 29 Square miles of land won by: Democrats: 580,000Republicans: 2,427,000Population of counties won by: Democrats: 127 million Republicans: 143 million Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by:Democrats: 13.2 Republicans: 2.1Professor Olson adds:
"In aggregate, the map of the territory Republican won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great country.Democrat territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare..." Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the"complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy,with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.
If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegal's and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years.
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE,ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE HOW LONG DO WE HAVE?
Given the current events, my best guess we are at step 7.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Why we need to Vote yes on Prop 8
On November 4th, YOU will have the opportunity to vote, once again, on the definition of marriage. The deeper I have studied Proposition 8, the more I realize the lasting effects it will have on our families, our societies and our nation. This is why I would like to share five reasons why I AM VOTING YES ON PROPOSITION 8:
1. TO PROTECT MY CHILDREN AND MY PARENTAL RIGHTS - If proposition 8 does not pass, children in public schools will be taught that traditional marriage and homosexual marriage are equal and that marriage is simply between any two adults regardless of gender. Teachers will no longer be able to use the term “Mother and Father” when discussing families. In health and sex education, they will be taught how sexual relationships function between partners. In Massachusetts where same-sex marriage has been legalized, parents are not even allowed to opt their kids out in elementary school when being taught same-sex marriage and lifestyle issues.
2. PARENTS' RIGHTS ARE LOST. Whether you agree or not, parents should have the right to raise their own children according to their own beliefs. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs. Please check out the following link: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageId=77373.
3. TO PROTECT MY FREEDOM OF RELIGION – If Proposition 8 does not pass, religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children in accordance with their religious beliefs. Catholic Charities in Boston already closed their doors in Massachusetts because courts legalized same-sex marriage there. They were being pressured by the same sex marriage law to grant adoption to same sex couples. It went against their beliefs and their freedom of religion and therefore discontinued their adoption services. Also, the California Supreme Court ruled that fertility doctors and clinics may not refuse treatment to homosexuals based on religious objections. The decision declared that it violates the state's anti-discrimination laws to deny fertility treatment to homosexuals simply because the doctor is Christian. An actual case right here in Southern California involves two lesbians in Oceanside who sought insemination at a local fertility clinic. During their initial meeting with doctors, they were told that the clinic would not be able to assist them. Instead, they were referred to other doctors whose conscience would not be violated by inseminating a homosexual couple. The couple was able to receive treatment from another doctor and gave birth to a child as a result. Despite their successful pregnancy under the care of another doctor, the couple retaliated by suing the Christian doctors, citing California's anti-discrimination laws. The doctors lost. The issue is that our religious and moral beliefs will be stamped out because of this law.
4. TO PROTECT MY FREEDOM OF SPEECH – If Proposition 8 doesn’t pass, minister’s, or any of us for that matter, who preach or speak out against same-sex marriages may be sued for hate speech and risk government fines. It already happened in Canada, a country that legalized gay marriage. A recent California court held that municipal employees may not say: “traditional marriage,” or “family values” because, after the same-sex marriage case, it is considered “hate speech.”
5. TO PROTECT MY TAX DOLLARS - If Proposition 8 doesn’t pass, it will cost ALL of us money. Tax exemption status could be changed for religious groups and charities who do not want to ‘uphold the law’. This change in the definition of marriage will also bring a cascade of changing governmental forms and procedures, school books and curriculum changes, an increase in lawsuits, and changes in the workplace. Think of your hard earned money that will be spent on such legal battles.
6. TO REDEFINE MARRIAGE BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN - Some will try to tell you that Yes on Proposition 8 takes away legal rights of gay domestic partnerships. THAT IS FALSE! YES on Proposition 8 DOES NOT take away ANY of those rights and DOES NOT interfere with homosexuals living the lifestyle they choose. Their rights to have civil unions and live together and have tax breaks, etc. WILL NOT change. Under California law, “domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits” as married spouses. Their union is just not called “marriage.” YES on Proposition 8 is NOT an attack against those who have same gender attraction. It’s about standing up for our own moral beliefs, our freedom of religion, and freedom of speech that this great Nation offers each of us. While homosexuals have the right to their private lives, they do not have the right to redefine marriage for everyone else.
On November 4TH, Please join me in Voting YES ON Proposition 8 which will….
RESTORE the definition of marriage that was approved in 2000 by over 61% of voters “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
Overturn the decision of four activist judges, sending a message to these judges that they can’t take it upon themselves to change the voice of the people!
Protect our children, our freedom of religion and our freedom of speech.
Settle it once and for all! Think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end? What will be next? Who will want to marry who going forward?
For more information about
YES ON PROPOSITION 8
Please go to the following websites:
http://iprotectmarriage.com/
http://www.protectmarriage.com/
On November 4TH, Please join me in Voting YES ON Proposition 8 which will….
RESTORE the definition of marriage that was approved in 2000 by over 61% of voters “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
Overturn the decision of four activist judges, sending a message to these judges that they can’t take it upon themselves to change the voice of the people!
Protect our children, our freedom of religion and our freedom of speech.
Settle it once and for all! Think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end? What will be next? Who will want to marry who going forward?
For more information about
YES ON PROPOSITION 8
Please go to the following websites:
http://iprotectmarriage.com/
http://www.protectmarriage.com/
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Eating your sunscreen
I get these sort of articles every so often and I thought this one was especially interesting:)
My wife and I are unconventional parents. We didn't vaccinate our children. They don't go to public school. We don't let them drink their weight in soda. And we make them eat their sunscreen. Before you report me to Child Protective Services, let me assure you that I'm not talking about the conventional, synthetic sun block that is loaded with poisons. I m talking about edible sun block in the form of carotenoids. Carotenoids are members of a family of nutrients that protect plants and animals from excess sunshine. Just like melanin, they are colorful molecules that reflect UV rays. About 700 different types of carotenoids have been identified. Each of the pigments functions as Mother Nature's sunblock. When humans ingest carotenoids, they are deposited into the skin to prevent sunburn and (ultimately) oxidative stress, which can lead to cancer. Leading sources of carotenoids are eggs, spirulina, chlorella, dark-green leafy vegetables (kale, collards, and spinach), and yellow-orange fruits and vegetables (apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, and squash). The recommended daily intake of carotenoids is 100 to 200 grams per day of these foods. The most potent carotenoid is a red pigment found in algae, salmon, trout, shrimp, and lobsters. It is known as astaxanthin. The algae are normally green. But when subjected to sunshine, they produce the red pigment naturally. Once ingested, astaxanthin is 1,000 times more effective at protecting skin from UV damage than other carotenoids. Edible sunblock is your first line of defense against sunburn, cancer, and prematurely aging skin. So make sure you pack plenty of carotenoids in your kids' lunchboxes this summer.
Copyright © 2008 The Peoples Chemist.com
Shane Ellison's entire career has been dedicated to the study of molecules; how they give life and how they take from it. He was a two-time recipient of the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Grant for his research in biochemistry and physiology. He is a bestselling author, holds a master's degree in organic chemistry and has first-hand experience in drug design.
Chemist Forces Children to Eat Sunscreen By Shane Ellison
My wife and I are unconventional parents. We didn't vaccinate our children. They don't go to public school. We don't let them drink their weight in soda. And we make them eat their sunscreen. Before you report me to Child Protective Services, let me assure you that I'm not talking about the conventional, synthetic sun block that is loaded with poisons. I m talking about edible sun block in the form of carotenoids. Carotenoids are members of a family of nutrients that protect plants and animals from excess sunshine. Just like melanin, they are colorful molecules that reflect UV rays. About 700 different types of carotenoids have been identified. Each of the pigments functions as Mother Nature's sunblock. When humans ingest carotenoids, they are deposited into the skin to prevent sunburn and (ultimately) oxidative stress, which can lead to cancer. Leading sources of carotenoids are eggs, spirulina, chlorella, dark-green leafy vegetables (kale, collards, and spinach), and yellow-orange fruits and vegetables (apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, and squash). The recommended daily intake of carotenoids is 100 to 200 grams per day of these foods. The most potent carotenoid is a red pigment found in algae, salmon, trout, shrimp, and lobsters. It is known as astaxanthin. The algae are normally green. But when subjected to sunshine, they produce the red pigment naturally. Once ingested, astaxanthin is 1,000 times more effective at protecting skin from UV damage than other carotenoids. Edible sunblock is your first line of defense against sunburn, cancer, and prematurely aging skin. So make sure you pack plenty of carotenoids in your kids' lunchboxes this summer.
Copyright © 2008 The Peoples Chemist.com
Shane Ellison's entire career has been dedicated to the study of molecules; how they give life and how they take from it. He was a two-time recipient of the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Grant for his research in biochemistry and physiology. He is a bestselling author, holds a master's degree in organic chemistry and has first-hand experience in drug design.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
All for a bagel
I cried over a bagel yesterday. Really, I did.
I had just finished up an acupuncture appt. and stopped at Einstein Bagels yesterday. Every fall they have pumpkin bagels and if that's not enough, they also sell pumpkin cream cheese. Yes....pumpkin cream cheese....I know. It is definitely one of my seasonal favorites. So after anticipating this experience all day, I finally got there at 4:15. But guess what time they close? 4:00!!!! Who the heck closes at 4:00???? In my moment of desperation, I did what any child would have done, I broke out the puppy dog eyes. One of the employees who took pity was actually kind enough to open the door and gently let me know they were in fact closed. I pleaded my case....I just needed ONE pumpkin bagel....and pumpkin cream cheese. He explained how they throw everything out and it was too late.....noticing that I was on the edge he mentioned he would see what he could do and closed the door. So I waited. Then the nasty manager came out and firmly said they were closed and he legally could not do anything for me. What's up with this legally crap? I am a desperate woman just looking for a pumpkin bagel and he pulls this legally thing on me. What is wrong with humanity? I again pleaded my case and he had not one sensitive or compassionate bone in his body.
So I got in my car....and cried. I always made fun of those silly pregnant women who claim to be extra emotional during commercials etc. Well....it caught up with me. I was legitimately distraught all over a bagel. I must be pregnant.
I had just finished up an acupuncture appt. and stopped at Einstein Bagels yesterday. Every fall they have pumpkin bagels and if that's not enough, they also sell pumpkin cream cheese. Yes....pumpkin cream cheese....I know. It is definitely one of my seasonal favorites. So after anticipating this experience all day, I finally got there at 4:15. But guess what time they close? 4:00!!!! Who the heck closes at 4:00???? In my moment of desperation, I did what any child would have done, I broke out the puppy dog eyes. One of the employees who took pity was actually kind enough to open the door and gently let me know they were in fact closed. I pleaded my case....I just needed ONE pumpkin bagel....and pumpkin cream cheese. He explained how they throw everything out and it was too late.....noticing that I was on the edge he mentioned he would see what he could do and closed the door. So I waited. Then the nasty manager came out and firmly said they were closed and he legally could not do anything for me. What's up with this legally crap? I am a desperate woman just looking for a pumpkin bagel and he pulls this legally thing on me. What is wrong with humanity? I again pleaded my case and he had not one sensitive or compassionate bone in his body.
So I got in my car....and cried. I always made fun of those silly pregnant women who claim to be extra emotional during commercials etc. Well....it caught up with me. I was legitimately distraught all over a bagel. I must be pregnant.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Mother Bear
So it finally happened. We've all had our mother bear instinct take over once in a while but once in a blue moon do we really feel the anger brought about when someone wrongs your child. Yesterday was the day and it took my 4 year old to call me out on my unforgiving moment. It was an afternoon like all the others. Chaos crowding our street with children running barefoot and riding bikes with a nonchalant glance for cars when they remembered. Well...it just so happened that I was the only parent out as all the others had left for back to school night leaving their 10 and 11 year-olds to watch the younger siblings...complete with lists of instructions for the hour long duration they would not be present.
The activity moved further up the culdesac as a I followed. One of the more energetic kids on our street whom exudes more confidence than any normal first grader ever displays was riding his bike faster than his ability to maneuver. That's when it happened 3 feet in front of me. In his lack of 6 year old logic in neglecting to anticipate Amy's move 6 inches to the right he mowed her over sending her skidding across the asphalt with a final smack to her right temple.
I immediately yelled "oh my gosh!" (not sure why "what the hell!" didn't come out but it seems my Mormon mouth is well established) and swooped her up running her home while she let out the piercing scream after the 4 second gasping breath....the kind that babies make in sacrament before their mothers can usher them out to the foyer...only this was worse.
At that point I feared two things. First was whether or not Amy split her head open and the second was if I could really keep myself from berating the 6 year old who clearly lacked every kind of judgement a teenage driver learns in drivers ed. Deep down I knew it really wouldn't help and I would forever been known and the evil mother on the street with red eyes and a foaming mouth. So I took Amy upstairs with both of us in tears by now...her from the pain and me from the emotions bubbling up from the mother bear inside me.
After we brought the crying down to a mere sob and sniffle here and there in the bath Jamison came upstairs telling me everyone was at the door to see if Amy was ok. Inside I was saying..."NO! of course she's not ok...some idiot kid just sent her flying across the asphalt giving her road rash up the side of her body and face," but of course I again amazed myself and firmly said it was time for everyone to go home and for Jamison to get in the bath. Sensing my anger he sat on the stairs with his back to me while I was still in the bathroom helping Amy. I asked if he was ok and he immediately starting sobbing...of course me rolling my eyes thinking, "why are you crying, you're not the one who just got rammed into the asphalt?" He walked over head down, shoulders slumped with his alligator tears already falling and said, "Mommy, I don't want you to be upset with my friend."
So now I feel mother bear anger, fear, AND guilt from my 4 year-old because I can't demonstrate forgiveness on top of restraint. Not to mention Greg had left right before this because he had a "rough" day and just needed to leave. Can't I just catch a break here?
So we all calmed down after I explained how Mommy was upset because so and so wasn't being careful and how I was worried Amy could have been seriously hurt but everything was going to be ok. Thank goodness that was all he needed to hear because I wasn't sure at the point whether I could dig deeper for anymore self control.
So the phone calls came in from the other kids parents which Greg answered at my request and gave the expected..."oh she's ok....it just happens....they're just kids." I of course still fuming.
This morning I was mostly calmed down and by the afternoon all was well. The cute kid came over to give Amy a card that said "I love you" with a 1st grader rendition of them holding hands. Amy loved it and I felt resolved.
I hope I can demonstrate the same restraint the next time mother bear rages within. So pin a ribbon on me:)
The activity moved further up the culdesac as a I followed. One of the more energetic kids on our street whom exudes more confidence than any normal first grader ever displays was riding his bike faster than his ability to maneuver. That's when it happened 3 feet in front of me. In his lack of 6 year old logic in neglecting to anticipate Amy's move 6 inches to the right he mowed her over sending her skidding across the asphalt with a final smack to her right temple.
I immediately yelled "oh my gosh!" (not sure why "what the hell!" didn't come out but it seems my Mormon mouth is well established) and swooped her up running her home while she let out the piercing scream after the 4 second gasping breath....the kind that babies make in sacrament before their mothers can usher them out to the foyer...only this was worse.
At that point I feared two things. First was whether or not Amy split her head open and the second was if I could really keep myself from berating the 6 year old who clearly lacked every kind of judgement a teenage driver learns in drivers ed. Deep down I knew it really wouldn't help and I would forever been known and the evil mother on the street with red eyes and a foaming mouth. So I took Amy upstairs with both of us in tears by now...her from the pain and me from the emotions bubbling up from the mother bear inside me.
After we brought the crying down to a mere sob and sniffle here and there in the bath Jamison came upstairs telling me everyone was at the door to see if Amy was ok. Inside I was saying..."NO! of course she's not ok...some idiot kid just sent her flying across the asphalt giving her road rash up the side of her body and face," but of course I again amazed myself and firmly said it was time for everyone to go home and for Jamison to get in the bath. Sensing my anger he sat on the stairs with his back to me while I was still in the bathroom helping Amy. I asked if he was ok and he immediately starting sobbing...of course me rolling my eyes thinking, "why are you crying, you're not the one who just got rammed into the asphalt?" He walked over head down, shoulders slumped with his alligator tears already falling and said, "Mommy, I don't want you to be upset with my friend."
So now I feel mother bear anger, fear, AND guilt from my 4 year-old because I can't demonstrate forgiveness on top of restraint. Not to mention Greg had left right before this because he had a "rough" day and just needed to leave. Can't I just catch a break here?
So we all calmed down after I explained how Mommy was upset because so and so wasn't being careful and how I was worried Amy could have been seriously hurt but everything was going to be ok. Thank goodness that was all he needed to hear because I wasn't sure at the point whether I could dig deeper for anymore self control.
So the phone calls came in from the other kids parents which Greg answered at my request and gave the expected..."oh she's ok....it just happens....they're just kids." I of course still fuming.
This morning I was mostly calmed down and by the afternoon all was well. The cute kid came over to give Amy a card that said "I love you" with a 1st grader rendition of them holding hands. Amy loved it and I felt resolved.
I hope I can demonstrate the same restraint the next time mother bear rages within. So pin a ribbon on me:)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Something to practice in your spare time
With a couple days of practice...or a couple of life times, you too can be part of Swan Lake. Just be sure to hang in there until the clapping. I think I could do the frog part....minus the upper body strength.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Queen of Freeze
Tonight while I was in the process of boycotting my role as the preparer of dinner, Greg pulled up a chair in front of the freezer accepting the fact that unless he wanted stale cheerios, the dinner mantle was upon his shoulders. I rarely go to the freezer for meals because usually it is too late for the selected item to be defrosted. Greg knew he would hit some jackpot....he just needed to invest some frosty finger time in the search (hence the chair.)
At any rate, dinner was prepared we all ate and our crankiness dissipated. Food is an easy solution to alleviating moodiness in our house.
It wasn't until later we laughed about the fact that the only frozen food items that didn't come in a Trader Joe's box or a plastic wrapped ditty from Costco was originally frozen by my mother-in-law. Lynn Davis is truly the "Queen of Freeze." She is pretty much the most amazingly resourceful woman I know and tonight she received an award in the area of frozen food. Among the items in my freezer which were from her kitchen was: chocolate cake (which I would usually throw out because I am too lazy to package it up,) shredded beef (fairly old to have been consumed tonight but so far there have not been any serious repercussions,) minestrone soup, etc.
The fact of the matter is I don't understand the language of freezer speak. If we didn't eat all of one particular meal, it goes in the fridge. If it hasn't been consumed by day three or if we find it in the fridge and don't remember the last time we actually ate it, the trash receives a new friend. Often times the tupperware containing the lively specimen is thrown out with it because neither Greg or I have the nose to deal with the aroma that would ensue. Lynn Davis on the other hand goes straight to the freezer with it in the proper freezer bag, sharpied with date and name. I need to learn freezer speak!
All in all, thanks to Queen of Freeze ala Lynn Davis, we were spared stale cheerios and had a delicious dinner. Lynn has way more to offer than Martha Stewart.
At any rate, dinner was prepared we all ate and our crankiness dissipated. Food is an easy solution to alleviating moodiness in our house.
It wasn't until later we laughed about the fact that the only frozen food items that didn't come in a Trader Joe's box or a plastic wrapped ditty from Costco was originally frozen by my mother-in-law. Lynn Davis is truly the "Queen of Freeze." She is pretty much the most amazingly resourceful woman I know and tonight she received an award in the area of frozen food. Among the items in my freezer which were from her kitchen was: chocolate cake (which I would usually throw out because I am too lazy to package it up,) shredded beef (fairly old to have been consumed tonight but so far there have not been any serious repercussions,) minestrone soup, etc.
The fact of the matter is I don't understand the language of freezer speak. If we didn't eat all of one particular meal, it goes in the fridge. If it hasn't been consumed by day three or if we find it in the fridge and don't remember the last time we actually ate it, the trash receives a new friend. Often times the tupperware containing the lively specimen is thrown out with it because neither Greg or I have the nose to deal with the aroma that would ensue. Lynn Davis on the other hand goes straight to the freezer with it in the proper freezer bag, sharpied with date and name. I need to learn freezer speak!
All in all, thanks to Queen of Freeze ala Lynn Davis, we were spared stale cheerios and had a delicious dinner. Lynn has way more to offer than Martha Stewart.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Superhero status
Yesterday while I was making dinner, a tearful Jamison came running down the stairs with an urgent message.
"Mom, my superhero fell in the toilet and is covered in poo." sniff sniff....watery eyes.
Apparently, this superhero was not so super enough that he could rescue himself from his current dirty dilemma so I sarcastically exclaimed, "Well, reach in a get him out and then wash your hands."
"I can't, I'll get poo on me!!" sniff sniff sniff.
At this point, I knew I was going to have to dive in as the size of this particular superhero would clog the toilet if it were flushed...not to mention Jamison would take a week to recover if his superhero joined the depths of the San Diego sewer.
Thanks to a "super" spoon with a long handle, the incredible hulk was rescued and bathed in bleach.
Who's the superhero now?
"Mom, my superhero fell in the toilet and is covered in poo." sniff sniff....watery eyes.
Apparently, this superhero was not so super enough that he could rescue himself from his current dirty dilemma so I sarcastically exclaimed, "Well, reach in a get him out and then wash your hands."
"I can't, I'll get poo on me!!" sniff sniff sniff.
At this point, I knew I was going to have to dive in as the size of this particular superhero would clog the toilet if it were flushed...not to mention Jamison would take a week to recover if his superhero joined the depths of the San Diego sewer.
Thanks to a "super" spoon with a long handle, the incredible hulk was rescued and bathed in bleach.
Who's the superhero now?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
obligatory cute kid photos
Sometimes I just want to look at a picture book and not have to read anything....so here's a short "picture book."
Favorite things
I have many favorite things. I keep telling myself to make a list so I can break out in song to the tune of "Raindrops on Roses" with a list of the things that make my days great. So thing #1 just so happened to save my life today. Have you heard of the beach caddy? Apparently, almost everyone I have talked to about my "new" discovery has previously heard of this amazing contraption thus lacking the enthusiasm I feel about it. My question to them is....why didn't you tell me?!! This life saving device has not only made it possible for me to brave the beach with my two small children who can't even carry a bag of sand toys because they're "too heavy," but it has made going to the beach a joy and we go with ease. It carries up to 75 pounds of beach paraphernalia and it conveniently has a place to hang your chairs instead of piling them high and losing one every 5 steps as it slides off the clumsily placed beach bucket and sand truck. At any rate, everyone should own this fine contraption even if you don't go to the beach. As we were bidding farewell to the waves today, I loaded up the cart, plopped Amy on top of it all because she was officially "toast" and Jamison claimed he was too tired to walk. So I had him on my back.... this scene caused a truck driving by to pull over at which point the gentleman rolled down his window and said "Ma'am, I think you need a permit for that." Need I say more. I love my beach caddy.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Costco benefits
Today it hit me. As a member of Costco, not only do I get to carry a cool credit card with a very attractive picture of me on the back but apparently, I have extended rights as a pedestrian. I have yet to take advantage of these extended little benefits and it still may take a while for me to get with the program. As I was leaving Costco's parking lot this morning I almost ran over 12 shoppers. At first I was put off.... I even issued a few "what the crap" looks towards the offenders but then I realized.. "wait!" this is a Costco right. As a pedestrian walking to or from the pearly slide up warehouse doors, you have the right to walk in front of any oncoming vehicle no matter what their speed happens to be. Honestly, I must have skipped that fine print. It may be because we load so many "needed" items into our cart that once moving...there's no stopping it. So that explains it for the departing offenders but what of the entering ones? Just wondering:)
Monday, June 2, 2008
Can't we all just have a bowl of cereal?
Tonight as I was about to put my armor on for the dinnertime battle when I realized that no matter how hard I try to make my kids eat healthy all they really want for dinner is a bowl of cereal. Greg is out of town again....I couldn't find my sword and shield. So we had cereal for dinner and it was the most peaceful dinner ever. I highly recommend it. Now if the whole world can follow that model and just have cereal for dinner, wouldn't everyone be that much happier? What do Arabs have as their cereal....we should order some and send it to them. I think they might like it.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A princess for a profession
Today as I allowed my kids to watch "The Little Mermaid" for the umteenth time because I was desperate to actually accomplish something for the day, I was thinking about our experience at Disneyland and how my kids just looked at the princesses in awe. How cool would it be to get paid to be a princess?? Of course there are the worries of am I pretty enough? Is my boss going to notice if I've gained wait etc. But all of that aside, could you imagine spending the day dressed up as a princess while 3 to 7 year-olds wait in line for over an hour and a half to just come and say hello. And of course, they are just in awe over the fact that they really are talking with Cinderella.....if only I could really capture the expression on their faces. We could have spent $66 just to capture that moment, go home.....and it would be worth it. So not only would these kids be enamored by you but you have "guards" at your side ....well men in tights that couldn't land the light saber instructor job but still. You just get to sit there all day and pretty much make the day of each of these kids that comes through. In fact, it is a moment that they will remember for the rest of their lives. So which princess would you choose to be?
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Adventures in Disneyland
Time it took to enter the gates of Disneyland after exiting the 5 freeway: 90 minutes
Waiting time for the Dumbo ride: 30 minutes
Time it took to weave through the 1 1/2 foot wide isles to ride our sailing ship in Peter Pan: 40 minutes
Number of parents threatening their children to behave: 67
Number of strollers parked at various rides in Fantasyland: 837
Number of meltdowns I personally quelled: 9
Minutes spent waiting for Buzz Lightyear to emerge: 36
Minutes spent in line to say hello to Arial: 22
Most priceless moments:
Watching Amy talk with Ariel
Listening to Jamison explain to me why Buzz was late coming out. "Mom, he is saving people right now! Be patient."
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
It's been a day
Do you ever stop and think in the middle of your day...."today is the day I wish my husband was stay at home dad and I was the working mom?" Well....today, I thought that....until I heard about my husbands day.
My day
1. Woke up....
2. Both kids conspired against me in the middle of the night to make sure they both were in their rarest form.
3. Went crazy
4. Attempted to clean little girl dress up lipstick off 4 walls of my daughter's bedroom. She said, "does this make you happy mommy?"
5. Listened to every possible version of whining available to a 2 and 4 year old.
6. Make yummy dinner....kids say it's not so yummy
7. Do dishes
His day
1. Woke up
2. Drove to Anaheim in a moving truck to take supplies to construction site took 4 hours
3. Pulled over due to a blown hose.
4. Wait for grease monkey to fix engine
5. Pulled over by a cop....got a ticket for not stopping at weigh station
6. Arrive at site to meet stressed and impatient co-workers
7. Compile endless lists of what needs to be done before grand opening
Our day
8. Tucked smiling kids into bed
9. He goes to play basketball to work off stress of the day
10. I blog to work off stress of the day
And tonight we sleep to start the day all over again tomorrow:)
My day
1. Woke up....
2. Both kids conspired against me in the middle of the night to make sure they both were in their rarest form.
3. Went crazy
4. Attempted to clean little girl dress up lipstick off 4 walls of my daughter's bedroom. She said, "does this make you happy mommy?"
5. Listened to every possible version of whining available to a 2 and 4 year old.
6. Make yummy dinner....kids say it's not so yummy
7. Do dishes
His day
1. Woke up
2. Drove to Anaheim in a moving truck to take supplies to construction site took 4 hours
3. Pulled over due to a blown hose.
4. Wait for grease monkey to fix engine
5. Pulled over by a cop....got a ticket for not stopping at weigh station
6. Arrive at site to meet stressed and impatient co-workers
7. Compile endless lists of what needs to be done before grand opening
Our day
8. Tucked smiling kids into bed
9. He goes to play basketball to work off stress of the day
10. I blog to work off stress of the day
And tonight we sleep to start the day all over again tomorrow:)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Doesn't everyone have a debit card?
The other day while shopping at Costco to pick up the basics such as eggs, milk, bread, rotisserie chicken, flip flops, unnecessary bath towels, a kayak, car squeegees and a new set of bowls that have lids which I don't need but they nest AND have lids, I then chose a checkout line. There in lies the problem, I....chose the checkout line. It was of course the shortest which therefore with any logical deduction of reasoning meant it would take the least amount of time to get through. Now, having been an expert my entire life in the department of choosing the shortest lines which take the most amount of time to get through, you'd think I would venture off into another venue of reasoning...but no, I haven't evolved that way. I STILL choose the shortest line that takes the longest.
Unless you arrive at Costco when it first opens it's floodgates signaling, "you may now fill your cart with everything you didn't come for and leave without spending less then $300," and of course doing this all in five minutes so you're the first one to say good morning to Robert the cashier, you are always destined to wait in a long checkout line.
Now, having laid the foundation, I chose the shortest line of 3 people who each had an average of 4 items. Even though other lines are always longer and I am always confident that I will be out of their before the last person in the neighboring line, I still keep track of who leaves first. Disappointingly enough, I leave frustrated and recommitted to choose a better line next time. Would you believe me if I said that each of those three people in front of me attempted to purchase an item that caused Robert the cashier to call for Cindy the floor manager to come over and resolve the mystery of the unidentifiable skew? Yes, this happened.
The last person in front of me however had overcome the manipulative selling tactics of Costco and really did only have eggs, bread, chips and salsa in his cart. Finally! Having painfully watched three people in the next lane leave before me even though they got in line well after I did, I was glad to finally greet Robert the cashier. So I thought.
The items were scanned, the total announced and a CHECKBOOK brought forth. A checkbook people! Ok ok....so he has a checkbook, but do you know how long it takes an old man to write a check? And then to carefully tear it from its lousy perforated binding??? FOREVER (said in slow motion.)
I tried to go over in my mind why this nice gentleman was convinced the checkbook was still an accepted form of payment....many reasons came forth...the main one being, technology is not really a thing for older people....and maybe he likes "balancing his checkbook." Regardless of my attempt to think kind thoughts about this person ahead of me writing a check I still came to the conclusion that he should NOT be.
Now, one thing that factors into the equation is that I was late in picking my son up from school. However regardless I still think I would have been irritated. So can we all please just get along and use our debit cards or credit cards when others are waiting in line behind you?
Unless you arrive at Costco when it first opens it's floodgates signaling, "you may now fill your cart with everything you didn't come for and leave without spending less then $300," and of course doing this all in five minutes so you're the first one to say good morning to Robert the cashier, you are always destined to wait in a long checkout line.
Now, having laid the foundation, I chose the shortest line of 3 people who each had an average of 4 items. Even though other lines are always longer and I am always confident that I will be out of their before the last person in the neighboring line, I still keep track of who leaves first. Disappointingly enough, I leave frustrated and recommitted to choose a better line next time. Would you believe me if I said that each of those three people in front of me attempted to purchase an item that caused Robert the cashier to call for Cindy the floor manager to come over and resolve the mystery of the unidentifiable skew? Yes, this happened.
The last person in front of me however had overcome the manipulative selling tactics of Costco and really did only have eggs, bread, chips and salsa in his cart. Finally! Having painfully watched three people in the next lane leave before me even though they got in line well after I did, I was glad to finally greet Robert the cashier. So I thought.
The items were scanned, the total announced and a CHECKBOOK brought forth. A checkbook people! Ok ok....so he has a checkbook, but do you know how long it takes an old man to write a check? And then to carefully tear it from its lousy perforated binding??? FOREVER (said in slow motion.)
I tried to go over in my mind why this nice gentleman was convinced the checkbook was still an accepted form of payment....many reasons came forth...the main one being, technology is not really a thing for older people....and maybe he likes "balancing his checkbook." Regardless of my attempt to think kind thoughts about this person ahead of me writing a check I still came to the conclusion that he should NOT be.
Now, one thing that factors into the equation is that I was late in picking my son up from school. However regardless I still think I would have been irritated. So can we all please just get along and use our debit cards or credit cards when others are waiting in line behind you?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Efforts in Parenting
Last night I took my children to our community jacuzzi. This of course because Greg was gone and those last few hours of the day when tempted alone can be somewhat daunting when your children are under the age of five. I've often pondered whether or not it would be easier to just run a 10k rather than go through the rigors of bedtime with small children. I would at least get the benefits of cardio with the same amount of effort. At any rate, our jacuzzi time went rather smoothly with an occasional splashing of the other two people who were there as well, hoping we would leave soon of course. Knowing the five minute warning always helps my kids cope with the inevitable truth that their delight in their current circumstances is in fact not everlasting I gave the necessary "warning"....I think our toes would in fact shrivel off if that were the case of living in a jacuzzi. As I delivered the daunting news that our "5 minutes" was in fact up...and it was time to go, Amy obligingly got out and headed towards the shower. "That, was easy," I thought to myself as Amy is the hardest to persuade in such situations. Jamison however was the opposite. In fact he was worse than opposite. As a four year old, past tantrums are exactly that, past. Well, last night they once again became a thing of the present. Complete with tears, screaming and pleading, he made it clear to everyone at the park, pool and meeting room which was at the time occupied by about 40 men who looked to be having an important meeting complete with PowerPoint. This was immediately added to the list of times where I wish I had Harry Potter's magic invisible cloak. I could have averted about 60 pairs of eyeballs. The next ten minutes of showering, drying, and jamification (jammies) seemed endless. Jamison of course refused jamification because he probably thought that if he refused clothing I wouldn't dare make him walk naked out of the community center in front of all those people. I couldn't in exactly force him to put clothing on....mainly because I was afraid someone would come into the bathroom to make sure the wailing and gnashing was not because a mother was losing it on her child....when in truth it would just be a mother trying to put clothes on her naked cold and wet child. So I did what I thought was the right thing to do. Let him walk out naked. Well...naked and crying. The 400 yards to the car never seemed so far away but again....if only I had that magic cloak. I was impressed by my own ability to remain calm throughout the entire experience only to burst into tears that evening after saying my prayers. Had I done the right thing?
Well, this morning at 7am Jamison burst into my room with a big smile saying, "Good morning Mom!" followed by a big hug. How could I still be mad at the event which took place not even 12 hours previous? Well....I wasn't....kind of, but I still wish I had a magic cloak for our next visit to the jacuzzi.
Well, this morning at 7am Jamison burst into my room with a big smile saying, "Good morning Mom!" followed by a big hug. How could I still be mad at the event which took place not even 12 hours previous? Well....I wasn't....kind of, but I still wish I had a magic cloak for our next visit to the jacuzzi.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The Bird Feeder
Throughout my married life, I have always had in storage some sort of bird feeder. I am not so certain as to why the bird feeder was never filled and placed high in a tree somewhere but good intentions always ensued. After a year or two, the existing bird feeder would be carelessly disposed of by my husband who in his eyes was doing both of us a favor by cleaning out the garage which meant: throwing out all of my things he deemed useless. So another spring sprung upon us this year which meant.....time to buy another bird feeder. Of course, with the assumption that this was indeed the year the seed would be bought, the bird feeder hung and all would rejoice.
As my husband arrived home he passed by the walmart bags containing not only our new $3.95 bird feeder but adjacent was the $9.99 bag of house finch seed. We embraced as is custom for the days of the work week when the husband arrives home from his hard day at work. We ate dinner, exchanged notes on the events of the day and then I was off to yet another "mini" enrichment activity. When I arrived home I noticed that the walmart bags were no longer where I had originally placed them. Without saying a word I snooped around to see if the bird feeder made it's way straight to the trash can. To my amazement, I saw that it not only was hanging in our mini gazebo (not where I would put it) out back and filled with seed!! I gave my husband a smile of approval to which he replied......"how many of those freaking things do I have to throw out?"
I then realized that I had not properly communicated to him why I persist in waisting money on such trivial items. The truth is, birds make me happy. I love nature, and in my not so shining moments of motherhood I know I can go sit next to the bird feeder and watch them make a mess of my yard. It somehow brings my blood pressure down and fixes whatever the previous problem was that caused me to lock the children inside while I escaped out the back. So for $3.95 plus the cost of seed I find myself rather inexpensive therapy.
As my husband arrived home he passed by the walmart bags containing not only our new $3.95 bird feeder but adjacent was the $9.99 bag of house finch seed. We embraced as is custom for the days of the work week when the husband arrives home from his hard day at work. We ate dinner, exchanged notes on the events of the day and then I was off to yet another "mini" enrichment activity. When I arrived home I noticed that the walmart bags were no longer where I had originally placed them. Without saying a word I snooped around to see if the bird feeder made it's way straight to the trash can. To my amazement, I saw that it not only was hanging in our mini gazebo (not where I would put it) out back and filled with seed!! I gave my husband a smile of approval to which he replied......"how many of those freaking things do I have to throw out?"
I then realized that I had not properly communicated to him why I persist in waisting money on such trivial items. The truth is, birds make me happy. I love nature, and in my not so shining moments of motherhood I know I can go sit next to the bird feeder and watch them make a mess of my yard. It somehow brings my blood pressure down and fixes whatever the previous problem was that caused me to lock the children inside while I escaped out the back. So for $3.95 plus the cost of seed I find myself rather inexpensive therapy.
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