Lunch @ Home

Spinch, tomato and avacado ... Yum! Emi wasn't impressed, so she had grilled cheese and apple slices. Poor kid, but more for me!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Quick Update

#1: Emi has my cold. Oh joy.

#2: The trip is back on! Whoooooo-hooooo! (More details when I can sit at the computer longer.)

#3: A very special and wonderful friend is going to join us for the first half.

#4: Trying to talk my mom into joining us for the second.

#5: The issue that I can't talk about, that was supposed to be resolved this week ... won't be. But we have it on good authority that it is going to work out better than we thought. We shall see. And when we do, I promise to blog about it.

#6: It was sunny and 60 this morning at 7am. It's almost 1pm and it's 45 and sleeting. If it starts snowing I am canceling my trip, selling the house and moving to Bermuda. Let Jeff worry about the details. (I need a cute little devil face here.)

#7: I am only mostly kidding about #6.

#8: My mood has improved even more than yesterday (see #'s 2, 3 and 4 with 5 also helping).

#9: The sick child is napping. Since the sick mama got little-to-no sleep last night because of sick child, sick mama is heading for nap time too.


P.S. Thanks to all who left comments and sent kind emails. It's rare that I get into funks, and its darned tootin' wonderful to know I have friends out there that care.

Spread the Word to End the Word

What I can't believe is that the word is still being used today. When I was in grade school (yes, the dark ages) I remember there being a movement to end this. It's still being used? Let's stamp it out, for once and for all.

Click above to sign the petition - Here's what it says:

I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

But don't stop there. If you hear it, say something! Don't just ignore it, don't just walk away shaking your head.

Here is more from the web site:

Most people don't think of this word as hate speech, but that's exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends. Using "retard" as a tern of derision is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur.

I have met the most amazing kids, in my early college days volunteering as both a swimming instructor and craft instructor to those with physical and mental disabilities and later, I got the amazing chance to with the kids at Special Olympics functions. I hope to have that opportunity again, and hope to share that experience with Emi.

I look at this in the same way as making any other derogatory comment about someone; any and all disabilities, race, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, etc, etc, etc.

Hair

Okay, I've dragged my feet long enough. I am posting this picture. Against my will. I am really bummed that the (expensive) highlights did not show in any of the photos. But they are there. Also, I looked and looked for a 'recent' before photo and could not find a thing. So picture in your mind hair down my back, past my bra strap (there's a visual!). That's how long it was. Oh, and basically one length, pulled into a ponytail. Mom hair. :) Not that this isn't and frankly, looking at my hair this morning I'd love to be able to pull it into a ponytail right now. Oh my, a rat's nest!

Please note a few things:

1. I take a crappy photo. No, really I do. Even my wedding photos are yuck.
2. Yes, I really am that white and pasty.
3. Yes, I was really wearing makeup. Imagine how white and pasty I am without it!
4. And lastly, this is a self portrait, in the kid bathroom. All the spots you see in the photo are actually on the mirror. The one that Emi cannot seem to keep her grubby little hands off. Yes, I could wash them off but it's funny, they make me happy. Someday I will wash them off. Maybe.
(Oh, and the the photo Jeff took did NOT turn out).

Okay, look away now, you've been warned. I don't promise to keep this up here forever. Yikes.

Hair Update and Menu for the Week

Okay, first. Gosh you guys are brutal! lol On the hair front, Emi and I have a lunch thing to go to at Jeff's office tomorrow so I will have to do it - and do it well! If it turns out, I will try to remember to have Jeff take our picture. IF the picture turns out, I will post it.

On to the menu planning. Well, needless to say menu planning didn't happen yesterday. I wish weekends would slow down! First, the crock pot fish chowder was so-so at best. Not sure if it was the fish I used or if we had different expectations but Emi was indifferent to it (she drank the broth), I didn't care for it at all and Jeff liked it well enough. So, I am moving that recipe to my so-so category and will keep looking. If anyone has a great (easy) crock pot recipe for clam/fish/corn chowder please share it with me!

I didn't get to the Balsamic Chicken & Mushrooms, that's my plan for tonight. The Spinach-Artichoke Cheesy Tortellini as always, was totally wonderful. I do use fresh spinach that I chop, and use half the cheese and fat-free half and half for the cream and it is wonderful. Now that I've made it a few times, it takes about 20 minutes tops. Easy and yummy. If you haven't tried it, it's a keeper for us. (Well, except for Emi. It's a bit too much for her, so I leave some tortellini's out for her and usually give her a vege and/or fruit to go with it.)

Something I that I was seriously bummed about, was the pork loin. I actually remembered to take it out of the freezer and pop it into the fridge (too many years spent in the restaurant biz - I am crazed about thawing meats, I never ever ever thaw on the kitchen counter). So Monday I make the stuffing and while it's cooling down I take the pork loin from the fridge, open the package and .... yuck! Eight dollars worth of pork loin had gone bad at some point. All we can think of is that it happened at the store, before I bought it. I am also crazed about meat handling. I buy it last when shopping, even though it requires backtracking. I always put it away first. So, I know it wasn't me. But, when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter, my dinner was trashed. Jeff ran back to the store and picked up some ready-made chicken (yum), I tossed a vege in the nuker and with the stuffing, that was dinner. But, at least we didn't scrap it totally and call out for pizza. Although I am not sure where running out for rotisserie chicken falls into 'not eating out'. But, it worked in a pinch.

Meals for this week:
Balsamic Chicken & Mushrooms
Udon-Beef Noodle Bowl (with chicken)
Quiche (yes, it's that easy)
Breakfast (grits, eggs and turkey or chicken sausage most likely)


Only four meals planned as we have a birthday to celebrate this week. Jeff's! I still haven't decided exactly what to make and since I want it to be a surprise - I can't post it! Nope, not duck again. I am hoping for something different.

Pi Day

I forgot to post last night (actually, just fell into bed exhausted ... saving the world from Emi is a full time job!). So too all the math geeks out there (my sweet hubby tops the list), I want to wish everyone a Happy Pi Day (3/14)! A day late but better late than never.

In other news, I finally broke down and spent four glorious non-mom hours. First time since the first part of October! I went and had my hair done (got rid of the gray ... that I can already feel sprouting again, Emi is teaching herself to walk on the back of the sofa, sigh). And ... (big BIG news) ... I had my pony tail chopped off!

Oh my.

I didn't realize it was so long until yesterday. But I have been unhappy with my hair for quite awhile. What's the use of having long hair if I just pull it into a rubber band and call it done? I don't have the time, or patience, to dry it so I just let it air dry and then pull it back. Yuck. Also, I love the look of straight hair, which I don't have but that I kept wanting. So I told the gal that does my hair I needed something that would work with what I have - curly hair. Darling cut! It's not quite touching my shoulders, and she cut back in all the layers it took me ten years to grow out (yikes!). But, she said that my hair really shouldn't be one length as then it's just too heavy and all it does is frizz instead of curl. Now, I can just scrunch it after getting out of the shower and either let it air dry or use the hair blower. I am so excited!

Last thing about the hair, she said she cut off between six and seven inches! Wow, I really didn't realize it was that long. I forgot to have Jeff take a picture yesterday, so you all will have to use your imagination. The next time I do it well (it will take a bit of practice) I will try to remember to grab a photo.

And, that's it. I am hoping to put up a menu plan for this week. I am so uninspired though, it may not happen.

Grace Notes - March

Small Graces: March

Grace Notes is again having one of her auctions (begins March 9th) for the above. After last month's auction I realized there is no possible way we can afford these right now (cry!) but I love them so. My way of seeing them is to post about them here! Also, for those that want to bid here's your reminder!

BTW, I forgot to post February's Small Graces. Opps, but this link will take you to the site talking about her auctions. What an awesome thing she's doing. And one of my fav new authors!

Our 44th President

This will be quick, Emi is watching one of her shows (24 minutes!), but I wanted to post this while everything was still fresh in my mind. Mainly the reason is, someday I hope Emi is able to look back at this blog and read this.

I made a point of turning on the television at 0830 PST this morning. I knew the oath was scheduled for 12:00 EST so wanted to see a bit of the pomp and excitement. I made sure Emi had had breakfast and was there to see it. Not that I expected her to actually watch it, just wanted it to be on and available. Interestingly enough, she watched quite a bit of it.

I have to say, I was moved. More than I expected to be. I haven't mentioned politics or the race for President much on this blog. I did this intentionally as I feel my views vary from many of my friends and most likely much of my family. But I will say this, I am proud of who I voted for, and was proud to see him take his oath.

This is a special day. Not just because we have a new president, but because we as Americans made a choice. We were able to safely make that choice and see it through. I can't even begin to explain all the emotions that ran through me today as I sat watching all that went on today.

So much of what Mr. Obama said today really hit me. But one thing, that I am sure we will hear in sound bites forever, hit me hard. Sixty years ago Mr. Obama's father would not have been served in a local restaurant. Imagine, how far we've come, in just sixty year. I have to stop and wonder, how far will we come in the next? Is it possible, should my daughter choose to, for her to actually run for president? A little girl not born in America, but is an American? Who will grow up loving two countries, who will have everything at her fingertips as an American except ONE THING. Just imagine. Just hope.

Even twenty years ago, did anyone really believe we'd be here today? I don't think so. But we are. And with Mr. Obama making history, he has opened doors to many. But really, while he had the guts and vision to run for president, it took a nation to elect him. It still amazes me that this happened. And makes me proud, prouder than I have been in a long time, to be an American.

And with this, my political posting is over. But I don't really look at this as a political post. It's one of hopes, of dreams, of change. I am looking forward to watching the next few years unfold.

Grace Notes

It's rare for me to point out a new blog that I've found, but this is a great find! I am excited to find a new author, her paintings look amazing, and I expect to learn a lot too.

Grace Lin is an author and illustrator of children's book, seems to be mainly on China and Chinese adoption (which, of course, hits me right in my heart!). Her auction idea is very cool and such a wonderful thing, I really want to share this. She is auctioning (through ebay) a small painting a month for a year! Here is the direct link to that post. Worth looking into, if you are into this kind of thing (which I am). Here is the direct link to the blog that she set up for this project with all the details. Oh, this is going to be a fun year ... and potentially pricey, eek!

Above is the artwork that she will be auctioning off for the month of January (week of January 12 - 16). Oh my, does it just call out to me. I wonder what our checkbook looks like? :)

Resolutions

Seems everyone is making them and posting them, so I thought I would too. Except that I don't usually make resolutions so this is a stretch for me. My good friend Barbara *really* went all out (she says she didn't but whoa!), but I am not going to go crazy.

I am making one.

Yep, that's it. Don't get blown away.

I am NOT going on a diet. But then what am I going to do? I am changing my diet. And really, that's a big distinction right there. A very good friend is getting married in October (see this post) so I'd really like to look nice in my dress. No, don't get me wrong, I don't have the dress yet but I'd love to look nicer in whatever dress I do get than I would look in it today. But, this change is not all about looks. I need to get healthier, seriously healthier. I was on a great track last year but by summer had started sliding. I need to get back to that place, back to eating healthy, making better food choices and (gasp) working out.

My new rule: If I am watching a reality show (my big not-so-secret vice) I must be on the recumbent bike. That could seriously add up to big minutes, if I hold myself to it. I really do like to ride it. It's fun, you can program it for different rides or just ride along doing whatever speed you want. There is no reason I haven't been riding it, except pure laziness and the fact that there are still nights when I go to bed shortly after Emi does. I think if I were to lose more of this weight and get the exercise I need, I wouldn't be exhausted at the end of the day. Win win all the way around.

I am also really enjoying the Wii, but the only game I like on the cd that comes with it is the bowling (and, those that know me know how I loathe bowling - but it's actually FUN on the Wii! And no ugly shoes, bonus!). Gina and Jill gave me some ideas for get-your-butt-off-the-couch games, but I'd love to hear if anyone has more ideas! Please, email me or leave them in the comments. The Wii is going to be a big part of this lifestyle change. Oh, and we don't have WiiFit yet, mainly as you can't find it anywhere. That and we'd have to wring the checkbook something fierce right now, but in a couple of months I bet it's doable on both fronts. So, suggestions for both Wii and WiiFit would rock! (Or, um, do you not need games for WiiFit? I am a newb!)

I haven't really outlined yet exactly what I am going to do. Make small changes that add up to larger ones. Do things and make changes that I can (and will) really live with because if I don't, I won't follow through. I will probably start addressing these changes in my weekly menu plans as that will keep me focused and on track.

Jeff and Emi will also be on this new changing of the diet thing. Emi not so much, as I am pretty careful about her diet. And really, why is it I can pull this off for her and not for me? Jeff says he could stand to loose a few pounds, so he's on board. I have tried WW in the past, but the whole counting points thing just ticks me off. Takes too much time and I blow it off. That and the fact that Emi is never going to sit through a meeting. But I did learn some good things when I was in WW, and that is what I am taking with me.

• Write everything down, everything
• Drink 6-8 oz of water a day (I pretty much do this already)
• Cut out soda (did this over a year ago, soda is now a big treat for me)
• More fruits and vege's
• Less red meat (this is a change we made last year and it's stuck, red meat is a rare occurrence now)
• Portion control
• Let me repeat that ... portion control

The last point is an important one. It's one I struggle with and probably my biggest stumbling block. I also love sweets, but I am going to watch those much more carefully too. I am not cutting them out, or that will last a week or so and then I will be back to what I was doing before. Small changes, small steps. I think that will be my phrase this year.

Small changes, small steps.

Profile Email

Is anyone else have problems with Blogger and Yahoo? First, it was my comments. I had had it set up so that when I received a comment, I would get the notification through my (preferred) yahoo email. Except, all of a sudden that stopped. That was several weeks ago. I figured there was a problem, so gave it another email to use but kept the yahoo one there too, hoping that whatever was going on would be fixed and I would start getting the notices again. Still hasn't happened.

Recently two very kind people left me comments on posts telling me that they have been trying to contact me via the email that I have in my profile (the same yahoo email). They have not heard back from me. What's up with that? I love winning stuff, no way would I ignore those emails! :)

So, for now, I have changed my email to a non-yahoo email account. If anyone out there has been trying to contact me and have been ignored .... please try the new (different) email.

UPDATED 11-23-2008
I have set up a new (and hopefully improved) email that will be solely used for my blog. Keeping my fingers crossed that this works better than yahoo did!

kiy AT inbox DOT com