TTT

1. I got it to snap!! I'm now able to bend my knee and this morning, although its still very sore, I got it to snap back into place! Yeah!!

2. The wasps are back. I didn't get up early enough to apply death spray. DH gave me the ok to call in a professional, but I still want to unload the can of death spray I bought first. I should just stop messing around and call in a pro. There's probably a huge nest in the attic I can't see.

3. Our friendly neighbor has asked us to help her tend her garden in exchange for fresh veg! Such a great deal! She's also offered to pay the boys to water when she's away.

4. I couldn't make it through the Golden Compass movie. Bored me to tears. I asked DS12 if the book was this boring and he said the movie was skipping tons of stuff that's in the book. Still don't know if I want to read it though.

5. Got my mom's Mother's Day card in the mail. It must not be late ever! Several years ago, all 5 of her children neglected to send a card in time. The only card she received was from my cousin! Shame on all of us!

6. Timberdoodle- I got a free catalog at the homeschool conference and only 19 pages in I've spent over $100. As with every purchase I'll mull it over for several days but perhaps I should start Christmas shopping early? www.timberdoodle.com

7. I've been too busy reading magazines to read books. Is this a bad thing?

8. Saying my prayers my van makes it another 40,000. Had the oil change done knowing it was low and still leaking. Oil Change guy says I should still be good to go, but I'm at 190,000 miles. I know it could happen any day. We can't afford a new (used) car right now. If I lose my wheels, I'll lose my job as well. I need to keep looking for a job I can walk to or figure out a home based business

9. My favorite paint is on sale through the end of May. Problem is, I can't choose colors. I stand there like a deer in the headlights, leaving the store with every single swatch stick. The only one that jumped out at me was a green for my kitchen- which is already painted green and doesn't need another coat just yet.

10. My anniversary is in two days! DS12 has offered to babysit if DH & I want to eat out.

 

We're back!

We're back from Oshkosh and the WPA homeschooling conference. I'm going to need a few days to recover. While running around trying to hide the 20 plus Letterboxes early Saturday morning, I took a nasty fall on concrete stairs. Thankfully, we were heading up not down. I fell in such a way that my knees hit directly into the part of the stair that sticks out. My right knee took the worse of it.

The pain at first was so intense I couldn't breathe. I wasn't sure if I'd pass out or throw up. What helped me conquer the pain was the fact we still had 19 boxes to plant in less than 30 minutes. I had no time for emergency rooms. I did my best "cowboy up" and tried to walk it off Frankenstein style.

During the workshop I could feel something running down my leg. It was cold that morning so I had thankfully thrown on jeans. Denim is really pretty good at soaking up blood.

After the workshop, I headed to the ladies' room and discovered I couldn't bend my knee at all. Peeling off my jeans I could see my knee was the size of a grapefruit and I had a red stream down my leg from a stair shaped gash going straight across my patella.

Rather than miss a discussion on the Socrates method of book discussion, I send DH back to the hotel for ice. He meets me back in time to attend the commencement ceremony- the highlight of the conference for me. I love hearing the graduating homeschoolers and their parents speak of their experience. It takes my mind off of the throbbing.

We head to Taco Bell for lunch and I'm pretty pumped from the success of my Letterboxing workshop, the commencement and the fact my knee is now frozen.

We spend the afternoon attending two more workshops- Continuing Unschooling & The Thomas Jefferson Education model. By the time I make it to the WPA membership meeting, I'm coming down from the rush of the conference excitement and I'm noticing more that something is seriously wrong with my knee.

Getting into the car to head home I had to bend my leg. Instantly I felt a burning, tearing, OMG, something is really wrong kind of pain. DH wants to take me to the ER. I'm too embarrassed. At this point I decide to take Advil and just not bend my leg.

Once home I crash big time with a bag of frozen peas and more Advil. I sleep a big sleep and in the morning, thankfully I can bend my leg with only regular pain and soreness, not the scary burning, gushing feeling. The swelling is going down and I figure as long as I can now move it more, nothing must be broken.

I know you probably want to see a blog photo of my knee, but I'm just too embarrassed. I can still hear DH laughing at me before he realized I was really hurt. He says he can still see my fall as if in slow motion. I should search You Tube today. Even though DH didn't catch me, I'd bet a security camera somewhere did.

I fall all the time. I fell while pregnant with both of my boys. While 7 months pregnant with DS12 I was walking down an incline in heals. I landed on my purse rather than my belly and decided it was time to give up fashionable footwear. The second time I slipped on ice and decided to try the splits rather than land on my 9 month baby bulge.

On the 4th of July I always fall after the parade. Our old town has very uneven sidewalks.

One reason I fall so much is my feet are two different sizes. I think this is why I prefer to go barefoot so often. Another problem I have is vertigo. Its been the grace of God I haven't broken anything.

My plan is to continue icing it, taking Advil and gently try to bend and use the knee into recovery. It seems like its doing better each day.

Stole this from Maija

The top photo was taken in 1986. I would flirt with my future Mr. Right when he worked at McDonalds. I'm wearing his army jacket and sporting a great mullet hairstyle influenced by Bono of U2.

The bottom photo was taken in 1993 on our wedding day. We stopped at McDonald's after our reception to visit the place it all started.  (Sorry I can't get the scanner working but the photos aren't that great anyway.)


Go to kindergarten?  My mom used to have to drag me kicking and screaming. I was an unschooler from day one. 

 

Graduate from high school?  Yes,  a month after I started dating DH.

 

Go to college?  Several.

Concordia River Forest- Great school but uber expensive!

Harper College- ok but my parents didn't want me living at home. Wanted me to go away (to school.)

Bemdiji State University- not so bad until my unstable roommate tried to kill me- literally. I was beaten to a purple, swollen mess and had to leave school due to post traumatic stress. Never went back. I will never again live with strangers.

Get straight A's in school?  Not exactly. I was bored. They threw me in a T&G program after I aced high school placement tests. I knew how to play the game but I had no real internal drive to accomplish anything. My natural love of learning was killed in Kindergarten. I was taught to expect to be told what to do and how to do it. I did exactly what others expected of me, never truly taking responsibility for my own path. I didn't break from this conveyor belt until after my near death experience at BSU.

Go to prom? Nope. My boyfriend (DH) and I decided to spend the money on tickets to the Amnesty International concert!! We saw so many great bands including, The Police, U2, & Peter Gabriel!  I don't regret not going to prom at all.
 

Take part in extracurriculars? I was in AFS because I liked meeting cool European kids, but I never traveled abroad.

 

Play any sports? I was on the Badminton team and although my dad was proud I "lettered", I thought- What's the big deal? I had really wanted to play softball but didn't make the second cut. It did help having a few varsity players come up to me afterwards telling me they thought I should have made the team.

Graduate in the top ten of your class? I think I made 13%, but again, I could have cared less.

 

Miss a lot of school? Yes. I hated going and every chance I got, I tried to stay home. I was blessed with mononucleosis sophomore year and stayed home an entire semester! I finished all my course work for the semester in 2 weeks with an at home tutor.

 

Have a favorite teacher? My first is Mrs. Rachel- 3rd grade. She would sit me on her lap and tell me she wished she had an entire 3rd grade class of Dawns. :) I bet she told every kid this.  My second was Ms. Healy in high school. She was suppose to teach Language Arts but all you had to do was ask her to tell a story and she'd drop the lesson plan and entertain you with her amazing storytelling abilities. She was an old lady with lots of life experience!

Go to football games?  Before I had a driver's license, yes. It was something to do on a  Friday night. Once we had wheels- ARE YOU KIDDING- we were off to CHICAGO!! What suburban kid would choose football games over cruising the big city looking for trouble!

Enjoy pep rallies? Hey, it wasn't class.

 

Know what you wanted to be when you grew up?  No. They told me to be a teacher. I didn't really hear God's plan for me until I became a mom. 

Pack your lunch or buy? I don't remember eating in high school. LOL! Maybe that's why I was not fat! Of course I thought I was back then. I think I've had body image issues from the age of 12 and developed a chest before my friends did.

Like gym class? Not until my senior year. By then they had decided to test our physical abilities and group us accordingly. My friends and I decided to fail the tests on purpose so we'd be in the same gym class together. It worked brilliantly! We were all together and we had the best teacher, Ms. Betts. We played softball or volleyball everyday and never had to do stupid mile runs or fitness achievement tests again! The downside- the class did end up with 2 geeky boys, one of which became my own personal stalker. I thought he was nice until I discovered he was letting his friends listen into our phone calls. How immature! LOL!!

Have a bunch of friends in school? Yes. 

Fit into a clique like jock, stoner, geek, etc? I thought I was in the "unclique." We weren't the Popular crowd, the Jocks, the Stoners or Geeks. We were the "normal" kids who enjoyed alternative music and diversity.  DH will tell you differently saying I was in the "In" crowd. He thought of himself as a loner. I thought he was just too cool for high school! 

 

Have a nickname in school? No

Get picked on in school? A boy named "DANA" called me fat. I had to really resist the urge to say, "AT LEAST I'M NOT A BOY WITH A GIRL's NAME!" I think he was jealous of my bootylicious curves.   

 

Have a favorite subject? Ms. Healy's classes and chemistry

 

Have a least favorite subject? gym class- up until Senior year- and Mr. Lawrence's Spanish class. He was the type who would only use Spanish and pretend to not understand you if you used English. I now understand why he taught this way, but at first it was very frustrating. I hated speech-debate class too. 

 

Go to graduation? Yes. Awkward moment- when Dave wanted a hug and kiss goodbye. I dated this guy for like two minutes. (He was only after one thing.)

 

Have a crush on anyone in school? I married him! For years I thought he was an upper classman and didn't get up my nerve to flirt with him until my senior year. He was always too manly looking to be a high school boy! Meow!!

Go To Any Class Reunions? No. The 10 year mark I was very pregnant, ready to pop. The 20 year mark was too expensive and I had other plans for my birthday.

Ok. I don't know why the text got all strange on me. That's what I get for copy and paste I guess. Feel free to rip me off. Thanks to Maija for the blog post idea!

Another reason to find a new line of work...

The boss is planning a Swim-A-Thon and she's asked me to participate. I'll need to ask for pledges for every lap I can swim in 15 minutes. Grrrrr.....

A part of me says quit whining and start training. My mother once swam across a lake. I've got to have the DNA to pull this off.

Another part of me is freaking out. I already have issues with germs. Have you ever seen a pool's backwash system?

Plus the idea of swimming while people watch- not for me! They will understand why I work in administration and not the water!

However, it is for charity and the swimming would do my body good. I haven't really made up my mind yet. Maybe once I can put my fears behind me I'll dive in and go for it.

Letterbox gathering

Start:	Jun 21, '08 09:00a
Location:	Kirkland,IL

Birds Of A Feather gathering -MacQueen Forest Preserve - Boone County, IL
3640 Scout Road, Kirkland, IL

(bring cookies!)

Blind Melon Concert!

Start:	May 16, '08 7:00p
Location:	Madison,WI

Whoo hoo!!! I'm going to see Blind Melon again!!!

.33 cents can buy fun

We picked up a laser light on sale for only .33 hoping our kitty Yumi would chase it around for some exercise. So far she's only worked out her neck, preferring to stay put and just watch the red light bounce around.

We've also managed to irritate DH, "Would you stop doing that! I'm trying to watch TV."

And terrorize others, "Don't shine that in my eye! You'll blind me!!"

Today we discovered something really cool. You can play with the light in the bathroom with the light off and watch the symmetry in the mirror.

We also experimented with taking photos. Very cool! I really liked this eyeball looking shot.

How to make a Letterbox

They don't have to be fancy pantzy. A Letterbox need only contain a stamp and logbook. Here I've used an airtight, watertight box, (Lock and Lock brand), my sun carved stamp and sheets of paper folded accordion style.

I think my initial investment when we began Letterboxing was under $10. I bought a kit from Nasco that had two Speedball carving tools and a set of Linoleum steel cutters. A bought a few Saftey Kut blocks that were very easy to carve into for beginners.

After DS12 sliced open his finger directly underneath his fingernail- OUCH!- I bought a special board that helps hold the stamp while you carve- AWAY FROM EXPOSED FLESH! You could make one yourself with scrap wood. I've learned how to keep my hand away from the direction the blade is sliding. There's a how to video on You Tube I just cringe at when I watch it because the artist is carving towards her skin not thinking about what could happen if her carving knife slips.

I'm not a great carver. I do draw and carve my stamps free hand, but for me the fun of Letterboxing is in the hunt!  I like finding the hiding spots and writing the clues. I've found some stamps that were real works of art. I can only imagine how long it took the artists to carve out such detail. Maybe I'll get better over time.

I tried to find inexpensive log books in stores and wasn't happy with any I could find. They were either too big, or had lined paper. I finally decided its only paper. Who cares if my log books don't have a binding? Maybe someday I'll try to make more official log books, but Letterboxes occasionally do walk off. I'd hate to invest all that time into sewing together log books to have them disappear.

I like to write imaginative clues, and DH thinks I get a little carried away role playing. I can't help it. I like to play pretend, especially in an enchanted grove of trees! I've seen others write really cryptic clues that takes the fun out of it for kids. Some clues are written so there's no challenge what so ever. I hope I'm landing somewhere in the middle.

Two great websites to check out for more info on Letterboxing are:
www.letterboxing.org
www.atlasquest.com

Our family's trail name is the Frog-A-Nobies after a beloved Jedi frog we once shared our home with before he joined Yodi and Obi-Wan. The boys have their own personal stamps as well, but I don't post their trail names for privacy concerns. (Heck, I've never posted their real names online either!) We're always Letterboxing as a family anyway. Its safer that way.

The worse experience we've ever had Letterboxing was a serious wood tick attack. We were out for only 20 minutes before we ran back to the van and stripped! We had dozens of wood ticks underneath our clothes in such a short time. A week later they closed this particular state park because the ticks were so bad.

Not all Letterboxes are hidden in woods. I just prefer the ones that are. I have a thing for trees you see. I just have to decide if its worth it to duct tape my clothes to my body so the ticks can't crawl underneath!

Busy weekend in progress

Sorry I've been MIA. I've been working on getting my workshops ready for our homeschooling conference next weekend. I'm so excited!

We took a road trip to Oshkosh yesterday to finalize hiding spots for around 20 boxes. The weather turned out to be freezing cold! I should have worn my winter coat and mittens. What happened to spring?! I hope next weekend the sun comes out, but it will probably rain on my Letterboxing fun.

The boys rode back and forth really well even though we crammed into the Cavalier to save gas. The drive isn't too bad, around 1 1/2 hours. Speaking of gas, we witnessed a crime almost committed. There was a jerk of a driver who said he was at a different gas pump. He paid the $20 bill and then tried to drive off. The station clerk ran outside to stop him as soon as they realized his bill was for over $60. It was pretty exciting as the store clerk threw his body in front of the guy's truck!

On the roadtrip we saw huge windmills south of Fond Du Lac. They looked kind of scary actually. I'm for earth friendly energy, but I've been reading more about the controversy. I guess these huge windmills can cast strobe effect shadows and cause neurological problems for the families who have to live nearby. The turbines can get noisy too. They may be building these 4 story windmills just south of our township.

It hasn't been a good weekend for movies for me. Its been all guy movies and I guess I'm just not in the mood. DH and DS12 enjoyed Cloverfield, but I thought this movie stunk big time! I can't stand shaky camera shots and an entire movie of them is beyond nauseating. (Maija- stay clear of Cloverfield!) I thought the monster was weak. Last night we settled in after the road trip to watch Alien Vs Predator II. I just rolled over and tried to fall asleep. Some nights I wish I had given birth to girls rather than boys.

To bring a fantastic close to our weekend, I'm ordering Falbo's. I haven't had good pizza in over a month. I've eaten good for days but now I need to feed my soul! Thin crust cheesy goodness is needed!

DS13

Low fat granola recipe

Yes I wear Birkenstocks and make my own granola. Here's my inexpensive, low fat version.

Easy, very basic, homemade low fat Granola

4 1/2 C old fashioned oats
1/3 C chopped almonds
2 t cinnamon
1/4 C apple juice
1/4 C brown sugar
1 T olive oil

Toss the above together and place on a large cookie sheet or jelly roll pan

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes

Stir granola

Bake for another 15 minutes

Allow the granola to cool and then add your favorite dried fruits. Today I had on hand dried blueberries, orange flavored cranberries and raisins. This tastes great with cold vanilla soy milk or yogurt.

Thursday 13 Purge

Once again, it really didn't take very long to round up at least 13 things to purge from my home.

1. Hungry Hungry Hippos- I have no idea where the marbles are but perhaps some other kid can round up enough marbles to play this game. Its noisy, rowdy and won't be missed!

2. Mr. Coffee- I hope my mother isn't reading this. Every time my parents visit after their Arizona adventure they bring me a coffee maker. I'm not really a big time coffee drinker. Maybe once a week I'll brew a cup- mixed with 1/2 soy milk. I have a tiny 4 cup coffee maker that works just fine. Mr. Coffee was last year's hand me down coffee maker.

3. Ms. Braun Coffee maker- This year's hand me down coffee maker which made its appearance after my parent's return. They must have forgotten they had given me a coffee maker last year.  She and Mr. C are parting ways, to set up shop in separate coffee drinking homes. 

Mom, if you are reading this. I love you, but it doesn't make sense for me to store 3 different coffee makers in my basement. Two other families will now be blessed with coffee makers.

4. & 5. two pair of shorts too short for DS9 who's growing like a weed!

6. Matthew 5:5 bear drawing "Blessed are the gentle for they shall inherit the earth." Personally I prefer the "meek" translation. I think an old neighbor gave us this when DS12 was born. It no longer goes with our decor.

7.& 8. plastic drinking bottles- These are just not functional for someone like me. I worry about being able to get them absolutely clean. I hate plastic too. I can taste it.

9. A set of pillow cases- I have no sheets to match these, plus DH and the boys would prefer to not rest their manly heads on flowers.

10.11.& 12. Towels- We have more than enough of these. My linen closet would shock you.

13. Trick or Treat bowl- This used to have a scary hand that would grab you as you reached for candy. It still works but the hand has decayed away. That's what you get for latex. I didn't throw it out because while the hand was decaying, it actually added to the creep factor. Maybe someone will find it at Goodwill and stick a stuffed glove over it.

The concert was great!

I have such admiration for Joe Jackson's piano playing. It always makes me want to try lessons again. To be able to sit at the piano and bring songs to life is such a gift!

My big complaint is that he didn't play my song. My favorite song is Rush Across The Road from his most recent album, Rain. I was looking forward to it and he never gave it to me. He thanked the crowd for being flexible and understanding because they changed the set list. DH told me in all the previous shows he has played it. For some reason last night in Milwaukee he didn't. I did at least get to hear my second favorite, A Place In The Rain.

We had gotten there early to be sure our tickets were at will call. They were! Yeah! To kill time, we walked along the river running through downtown Milwaukee. I shouldn't have worn heels but it was date night! Its better to look good than to feel good on date night right?!

The Pabst Theater is gorgeous. I would definitely see another show there. After entering the theater and taking our prime 6th row seats, a waitress came to our seats to see if we needed anything to drink. This was unexpected. Its a theater seating 1700 people, like a movie theater, and here was a waitress delivering drinks. I guess I'm not used to grown up concerts!

The downside to the alcohol service is there are always people who don't know when to say when, even at a Joe Jackson concert! After the show, I caught a drunk lady who couldn't maneuver the incline back to the theater doors. Her man had to carry her out.

Why would people do this? Why pay all that money for tickets only to get trashed? Can she even remember the concert? I'm not a drinker. I don't get it.

In an Alternate Universe, DH and I are rich enough to not have to work and we have tickets for Joe's concert in Chicago this Thursday. I could listen to him play all night long. He may not be easy on the eyes, (sorry Joe), but this man sings and plays with such conviction you can't take your eyes off him!

There Will Be Blood

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

After watching this movie, I felt like I needed a shower.

I'm only giving this movie 3 stars instead of 2 because of the music and Daniel's performance. The music is what kept me invested in this movie for 2/3rds of it.

It was interesting to see how oil drilling was done back then. Not a job I would want for myself, my husband or my children no matter how much money it paid.

I made a hat!

Despite having serious internet outages (Curse you Charter!) we had a great weekend. My parents stopped in for a quick visit on their way back from Arizona. Unfortunately, for medical reasons, they had to head back to Minnesota early.

They brought us a Knifty Knitter, and I cranked out a new knit cap. It came together rather quickly and now I'm hooked- no pun intended!

We had beautiful weather, and I'm sorry to report I have my first sunburn of the season. I always forget to use sunscreen until after a painful reminder! Its mostly on my forearms so I have this wonderful trucker sunburn look going.

I'm bummed because I was going to wear my shiny shirt for our date night tonight. We're going to see Joe Jackson- (still crossing my fingers tickets will be at will call.) If I wear this blouse, you'll see my burn lines against my bone white skin. Not very sexy for date night. Hmmm...I wonder what coverup would look like on my arms? Or should I try blush on my upper arms to make them look pink to match? I should just pick another top, I know.

I have a new mission to research Gooseberry bushes and plant one after summer. My mom shared some Gooseberry jam she had, and now I'm craving it. I think Gooseberry Jam is more of a European thing. I know you can buy it in Sweden,
 and the jar my mom had was from Poland. My mom wants to grow her own bushes and make her own jam. I'll have to copy this idea!

Well, its time to start baking corn bread. We have more company coming in today, DMIL. I'm going to have black bean soup ready and corn bread goes perfect with it. Hope you have a great Monday!

Juno

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Independent

I loved the writing and definitely see why she won the Oscar! The ending was beautiful and perfect!

Darkside Dawn is back

I know I should be happy. The weekend is almost here. My parents will be visiting tomorrow. I may be seeing Joe in concert on Monday night. However, Darkside Dawn is here. I'll let her vent and then hopefully she'll go away.

1. The debt monkey monster- The "good" car broke down yesterday. We just put $200 into it in March. Today's bill- $800! I hate cars. The car is one payment away from being paid off. I guess we could look at the repair costs as just another year's worth of car payments. WHERE'S MY REBATE CHECK SO I CAN STIMULATE OUR MECHANIC? Hey...is the government pimping me out? Looking at our piling debt and the inflation nightmare we're all in right now, I can't see this monkey ever climbing off my back.

2. The job search is stalling and last night the pool owner dropped the bombshell news- she may sell the pool I work at! This is yet another sign I need to develop my own business, but I'm at a loss as to what to do. (If I had more time I'd insert the clip from "Say Anything" here. "I don't want to sell anything manufactured, bought or sold...")

Okay wait. Stop! Dawnside Dawn realizes all these worries she's about to list are financial. I'm slapping her across the face and telling her to SNAP OUT OF IT, Cher in Moonstruck style! (Again if I had more time, I'd insert clip here.)

Here's what the real Dawn will do today rather than dwell on financial stress;

1. Pray
2. Clean the nest.
3. Exchange DH's shoes
4. Drop off the bags of stuff at Goodwill
5. Return library stuff
6. Buzz DS9's hair- As much as we love it longer, he doesn't like it. He wants to go short.
7. Its cookie Friday at the corner gas station. 3 for a buck. Hey, Darkside Dawn's okay with it?
8. Count my blessings!

Thursday 13

My first "Purge", Thursday 13! I know its mostly clothes. Actually I have a huge bag of clothes, more than 13 items, but the object of this blog post is to make sure every Thursday, I'm purging at least 13 things from my cluttered home.

1. Light fleece yellow blankie

2. My spare pair of eyeglasses

3. My spare, spare pair of eyeglasses
  (Now I'll have to buy new glasses since I won't have any spare pairs left! The ones on my head right now are so outdated, they need to become the spare, and I need to update my look.)

4. Lands End Swim trunks- made it through 2 boys and they still are in great shape!

5. A pair of navy pants

6. orange t-shirt

7. pair of shorts my children never wore

8. black t-shirt

9. gray polo shirt

10. burgundy shirt

11. Lands End polar fleece pullover- again this went through 2 boys and its like brand new. I hate getting rid of it, but the fact is it doesn't fit anyone living in my house!

12. Baby gate - My baby is 9. I don't think I need a baby gate anymore!

13. Cereal container - This is one of my moron purchases. Cereal already comes in bags & boxes. Why did I think keeping it in a "space saving" container was a good idea?

The Whipping Boy

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Books
Genre:	Childrens Books
Author:	Sid Fleischman

DS12 - The book's too short. I guess I'd give it 3.5. I kind of recommend it.

DS9- I give it 2 stars. There's these bandits and Prince Brat who is very selfish.

Me- It was a challenge for me to read out loud because of Jemmy's accent, but I enjoyed it. I had to make baked potatoes after reading chapter 18!

Here's a website with activities and questions to go along with the book

http://www.mce.k12tn.net/reading8/whipping_boy.htm

I'm having a love affair...

with my HUSBAND!!! He called me at work last night and told me Blind Melon is coming to Madison. I wanted to scream and yaaaa hooo it up, but I had to remain composed. The lobby was full of pool guests.

"That's great news dear. Did you get us tickets?" Inside I'm screaming and jumping like a kid. He's going to try and order tickets online for us today. I'm hoping they are not sold out.

The concert will be just two weeks after our 15th wedding anniversary. It also will mark 21 years we've been a couple. I like to say we got hitched on our 7 year itch! LOL!

I can't imagine my life without my husband, and recently I've learned of the sudden deaths of two homeschooling husbands, only in their 50's.  They weren't friends of ours, but it's still scary to think, what would I do? I can't see myself as a widow and single parent. I'm too much of a wimp! He's my best friend too! Its so unthinkable to me!!

We have insurance and extended family, but I can only imagine the void left would be colossal. If not for my children, I don't know where I'd find the will to go on.

Its just a reminder I need to cherish every day and cherish every pet peeve! I may get frustrated knocking over the stack of CDs I just hit with my foot under the computer desk, but that toppled stack is there because DH is! I'm grateful I have laundry and dishes waiting for me everyday because it means my loved ones are here with me making the mess!

I have to remember to take better care of myself to be able to really enjoy the days I've been given to be with my family. DH has been doing awesome with his fitness goals, but I continue to slip up. For example, although I walked to and from the grocery store yesterday, I stupidly decided to drink the last of the chocolate milk so I could fit the new gallon into the fridge. Now I'm wheezing. Dairy triggers my asthma.

I skipped the fresh baked cookies at work and ate my apple, but when I got home, I dove into the ones at home. At least my home baked ones are the new low fat recipe I've been using. I have to recognize my weakness and learn to overcome them. I think that's a big deal for me.

I need to love myself as much as I love my husband. I need to love myself enough to want to get healthy so I can continue to share my life with those I love! 

Crunchies Recipe

Crunchie Recipe

Slice day old French bread into cubes

Toss the cubes with olive oil, lightly coating the bread cubes

Shake seasonings onto the cubes, stirring to coat the cubes
    We use Garlic powder, Italian seasons & Parmesan cheese, but feel free to flavor as you wish. We coat our cubes pretty well, shaking lots of spice onto them!

Spread the cubes out evenly on a cookie sheet

Bake the cubes in a 375 degree oven for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted

They taste amazing right out of the oven. Storing airtight they will last weeks in the pantry- if you don't eat them first!
 

What Unschooling looked like 4/14 for DS9

Many people wonder what a typical unschooling day looks like. There really isn't a typical day, but to give you an idea of what one day could look like, I recorded everything the boys did yesterday. I have permission from DS9 to post his day on the blog. (DS12 is still thinking about it.)

DS9's Unschooling Day for April 14th, 2008

Woke up around 8:00am

Read game guide books

Ate breakfast- waffles & milk

Played with Magnetics (He knows not to put them in his mouth!)

Laundry chores with mom

Went outside to garden with mom
    Pulled up last year's annuals and examined root structure
    Found a new ground squirrel hole
    We heard a woodpecker but couldn't find him!
    Helped mom move the patio furniture

First Aid! -Mom got a bad splinter

Made "Crunchies"- (These are homemade croutons. We use old bread, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasons and parmesan cheese.)

Created his own Wacky Packages- DS9 designs trading cards like the Wacky Package cards. By doing this, he practiced writing, spelling, rhyming words and alliteration.

Discussed the 3 second rule with mom! (health)

Lunch - crunchies, carrots, ranch dressing, milk

Magnetics

Studied booby traps (Should I be concerned?)LOL!

More reading on his own

Helped Mom clean up the guest room

Got cozy in the newly cleaned guest room and listened to mom read out loud from the Whipping Boy

Checked the mail

Had a long talk with mom about feeling frustrated and disappointed when a package you expect doesn't come in the mail. Discussed what a business day is and how mail moves across the country. Discussed how to help yourself feel better after being disappointed.

Outside play with Posse Rats home from school- rode bikes, tag, skateboarding, 500 catch

Sorted and organized his trading cards

Hunted for his lost wallet

After finding the wallet, decided to count his money

Chilled out with Spongebob

Turned off Spongebob after 15 minutes and decided to play his SP (hand held video game)

Dad's home! Time for supper!

Worked a math riddle that DS12 shared with the family at supper- Would you rather, starting with a penny, double your money every day for 30 days or receive $10,000 every day for 30 days? Which do you think is a better deal?!  Try it out!

7:00pm - DS9 tells me he's been counting the hours he's awake (14). He notices he has about 3 hours left!

Sorted out cards he wants to sell at Grandma's upcoming garage sale- Counting chickens before they hatch, he figures he can make over $200!

TV- watched Cat Scratch for 30 minutes

Played Wii while dad ran on the treadmill

TV- watched a little of Smokey and the Bandit with dad- DS9 discussed how people would have been killed if trucks and police cars really played chicken!

10:00pm Bed

To translate this into education-ese- DS9 practiced math, language arts, science, physical education, social studies and health. We learn by living it!

Startling Lives

http://startlinglives.blogspot.com/
Melissa's unschooling blog

Minute Musings (mi-nute, not min-ute)

http://mi-nutemusings.blogspot.com/
Paige's unschooling blog

Living is Learning

http://livingislearninglearningisliving.blogspot.com/
Heather's fantastic unschooling blog

Letterboxing North America

http://www.letterboxing.org
Everything you need to know to get started Letterboxing!

Atlas Quest: International Letterboxing

http://www.atlasquest.com
Another great Letterboxing site

DS15

Clog warning

Our grass is finally starting to green up. Spring has taken its sweet time arriving here. We may finally reach the 60's for a few days in a row this week. I can't wait to open up my windows. The House Wren's didn't take long to find the Nyger seed, and Yumi is enjoying making her little cat squawks to let us know there is prey on the deck. I'm hoping we can head out to search for wildflowers in the woods soon. I'm sure it will be soggy though.

I scored a cheap rate at the hotel we stayed at last year for our spring homeschooling conference. Now I just have to finish carving stamps and making log books for our Letterboxing workshop!

Letterboxing is sort of like Geocaching only you don't trade trinkets. You trade stamped images instead. You follow clues to a hidden box which contains a stamp, usually hand carved, and a log book. You carry with you your own stamp and log book. You exchange stamped images and then re-hide the box for other Letterboxers to find. Clues can be found online at www.letterboxing.org or www.atlasquest.com. You don't need an expensive GPS.

One thing I'd like to start doing is making Letterbox Artist Trading Cards. Regular ATCs are art cards artists trade one for one. They measure 3.5 by 2.5 like a baseball trading card. Letterbox trading cards are cards you've made with your hand carved stamps. You leave them in Letterboxes to share rather than trading directly with other artists. I've made RAK cards, (random acts of kindness) where you don't expect to receive an art card in return. I often leave these with tips at restaurants. The idea of leaving them in Letterboxes sounds like fun!

Last night we were bored. We didn't want to read out loud. We didn't want to watch TV. We decided to pose for silly pictures. (What I did before having a digital camera I don't know! Not having to worry about wasting film rocks!) We tried making angry faces but we'd always crack each other up before we'd get the photo snapped. I'll have to post them to my blog.

I have a new goal to get rid of 13 things every week. (Hmm... maybe I should post them on my Thursday 13?) I don't purge stuff as much as I like to, and I hope this helps me. Want to join in? I'll show you my 13 things if you show me yours! LOL!

This time next week, my parents should be rolling through on their way back from Arizona. I've got to get the guest room ready! I'm hoping my mom brings me another giant bottle of Mexican vanilla. Hopefully they'll bring some Arizona warmth with them too!

DS12 has been thinking about getting a hermit crab. DS9 wants a turtle. A turtle habitat seems like it would be more difficult to maintain. I'm leaning towards the hermit crab, but do they need lots of attention? One of the Posse Rats told us his mom threatened to give away his hermit crab because he didn't spend enough time with it. How much time do you have to spend with a hermit crab? They are hermits right?

Okay. I've sat here and rambled long enough. Time to get moving. Hope your Monday is a good one!

Death At A Funeral

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Comedy

Ahhh... British humor! This movie entertained me. It is the kind of movie you have to tell yourself, "Its a movie," and just sit back and enjoy it. Of course its ridiculous. Of course this would never happen in real life.

Its a grown up movie; lots of swearing, mature subject matter, backside nudity and drug use. I did have to scream and gag during the scene where Grandpa has to use the bathroom. Maybe I am cured of my chocolate addiction after all!

Out with the old, in with the new....

Its official. I'm becoming an old person. You know, the kind of person who doesn't bother to follow technological advances. Remember how your parents never bothered to figure out how to set the clock on the VCR and your grandparents couldn't figure out how to use a TV remote?

DH bought a new cell phone. The old one worked fine, but it wasn't cool. It didn't flip open. LOL! We gave DS12, DH's old phone.

Now I've had this same old phone for a year now. You would think I knew everything about this phone and how to use it right? DS12 had DH's old phone for about 5 minutes and he discovered it has a voice recording feature. I had no idea it could do this!

Maybe its because I'm just not a gadget person? Maybe its because DS12 is? How did this kid figure out this phone so quickly without an instruction manual? (BTW- I did read the manual and don't recall the voice recording feature.)

If DS12 wants to actually make calls & text, he will have to purchase his own prepaid units. For now he's just enjoying the games and voice recording feature.

I have to admit, once I saw DH's new phone, I did get a bit jealous. I don't really use a cell phone that often so my cheapo TracFone works for me, but once I tried DH's, mine didn't seem very satisfactory. I reminded him we live in a marital property state! :) What's his is mine! LOL!

I should go back to bed...

I could just bury myself under my down comforter and sleep until Friday. Its cold, dark and rainy outside. I stayed up too late watching a brilliant, but NOT FEEL GOOD movie. I'm trying to go through the motions and get myself moving, but its not working. Head hurts! Eyelids must close!

DS12 has a great idea. He wants to write a story, post half of it online, and ask people for $1 if they want to read the story's end. He wants to donate .50 of every dollar to the Red Cross.

I have to figure out a way to make this work. First off, I explained to him that the Red Cross may want the entire $1. They may not like the idea of him making .50. Second, I have to figure out the Paypal/online payment thing. Third, I need to help him develop his own website and finally, how to promote it. But for right now, I'm making him waffles for breakfast, taking a long shower, putting on comfy clothes and staying under my blankie until its time to get ready for work.

Tonight, I must sleep and not watch movies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sleep- good. Late night movies- bad!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Into The Wild

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

Be sure to watch this movie when you are not currently depressed and when you have an entire box of tissues nearby! I think I'm going to see if my boys want to watch this one. I know its rated R but the story's message is very powerful in the end.

I did find myself getting very frustrated with this young man, but at least his lesson learned is now being shared by all who watch the film and read the book.

Happiness must be shared!

Its Firefox

Although I haven't found the cure, I have figured out its my Firefox browser my Multiply page doesn't like. Apparently, you could still see my background photo, while I could not. I couldn't customize anything either. I logged on with Internet Explorer (blah), and now I can manipulate my page again.  I hope I do hear back from Multiply though. I would rather use Firefox.

Last night DH and I had a great conversation about how people refer to time periods. We noticed that while you do hear people say, "That's so 70's," or "Remember the 80's?" you don't hear people say, "Its the one's," and will people refer to the decade from 2010 to 2019 as the tens or teens?

We wondered if around 1803 people had this same experience. Did they refer to the years of 1790-1799 as the 90's? Will we in 2032 look back at the 20's and not think of 1920's but the 2020's?

I'm thinking people before 1900 referred to centuries rather than decades. My reasoning is that within the latest hundred years or so, technology has advanced so quickly. You have inventions unheard of just 10 years prior. The world communicates much more quickly and on a global basis now. With all this comes constant, rapid changes. Time periods have more crunched into them. KWIM?

For weeks now I've felt the weeks and days go by too quickly. I feel like the world is literally spinning faster, the earth cruising around the sun even more quickly. If this was really happening all throughout the universe would we even be able to measure it?

Maybe its because I'm reaching the big 40 this August. Maybe its because my babies are becoming young men, seemingly overnight. Maybe its because overall, I'm loving my life and can't get enough of the blessings God has given me. I don't want the fun to end!

At the same time I do feel like I can't keep up the pace. Every day there are things I don't get to that I wish I could. Last night, I fought off the droopy eyelids because I just had to keep reading. As much as I do share with my children, I have so many other things I wish we could do while we can. I feel like Sandy in the episode of Spongebob. You know the one, she wants to get it all in before hybernation.

Its comes down to making good choices with the time we have. I know this. I'm just not a great decision maker. You do not want to be behind me in line when I'm trying to figure out what to order!

I'm dreading the phone call I know is coming. As I had feared, the library can't offer a very good wage. Gas money included, its much, much less than what I currently bring home. I feel badly, but I think I'm going to turn it down. I would really enjoy working there and all the perks, but the fact remains we need the income. This is probably just another sign that I need to develop my own business.

Well, time's a wasting. Got lots to do and never enough time!

Have you written a book?

Everyone in their lifetime should at the very least, write one book. Don't you think? Even if no one reads it. Just write it for yourself.

I mentioned this to my boys, since one of them is into writing recently, and they asked me what books I had written. I've written many letters, blogs, term papers, reports, procedures, lists and cards, but I can't say I've really written a book. Maybe when I was a young child I wrote something that my teacher would have asked me to color pictures for and then call a book, but I've never really written a real book.

One of my children then mentioned how difficult it was to get a book published. (He's worried no one will read his book, "The Zone.")

I think it doesn't matter if your book gets published. I think just working through the process of writing and finishing it, is worth it alone. Maybe only your family will read it, but it will still be out there, in written form. As they say, "Don't die with your story still in you."

I think this is going to be my next thing I'm into. I'm going to start writing a book. I have no idea what kind. I tend to read non-fiction, but I have this rich fantasy life in my head! LOL!!

I'm bummed my Multiply page is not working the way I want it too. I really hope this is temporary. I seem to be able to post a blog entry but not insert photos, links, change the font etc. I've just tried to edit the post and to my horror, its all one giant paragraph. BLAH!!!!! I hope this gets fixed!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think my blog is feeling well....

Having technical difficulties. I'll give it some time and check back.

Its official. I'm a coffee drinker.....

I blame my sister for corrupting me. For years, although I enjoyed the smell of coffee brewing, I didn't like the taste. Tea was the hot beverage of my choice. Then last year she bought me my first mocha from Starbucks. Chocolate does make everything better doesn't it?

I became an occasional drinker of lattes, although I pinched my pennies and steered clear of Starbucks, stopping at Kwik Trip gas stations instead. I've now taken another step down this dark, java path. I brewed my own pot!

My mom had bought me a little coffee pot to keep on hand for when she visits. I brought it out while DMIL was here and this morning she made herself a little pot of French Caramel Cream Decaf. It smelled so good. She wasn't gone an hour before I decided to brew another pot and give it a try. I added a shot of soy milk and wallah, for around the price of .25, hug in a cup!

DMIL was here babysitting the boys. Last night DH and I headed to Milwaukee to catch the Kids In The Hall show. It was a good time although the experience was marred by the shock of stopping at the box office to pick up our Joe Jackson tickets come to find out they weren't there! We checked when we got home and yes, our Visa card was charged. DH also has the email confirming the ticket sale including seat numbers. I'm really hoping there are tickets waiting for us at will call or we'll both be very disappointed. I'm worried they screwed up and gave our tickets away! I don't want a refund. I want my 6th row seat in front of Joe's Piano!!  DH will call tomorrow to try and straighten it all out. The show's on the 21st.

I did a little "saleing", (not sailing), with DMIL before the date night. We scored at the first garage sale open for the season.  I found a dozen Tupperware containers that will make excellent Letterboxes, and DMIL bought for us an early anniversary present, really nice patio chairs and cushions. I'm on the hunt for a patio table now!

Unfortunately, DH is working again this weekend. Sure we squeezed in a date night, but the poor man has worked 15 straight days now. It stinks!

Well, I can't sit here any longer. We're breaking the 60 degree mark today! I have to get out, even though its windy, and soak this up. Its been a long winter, and I can't get the Beatles tune out of my head- "Here comes the sun....na, na, na, na.... Here comes the sun and I say.... ITS ALL RIGHT!!"

Burr Ball

Who needs paint pellets and paint ball guns?

1. Find a few sticky burr balls and stick them together.
2. Find someone to chase!
3. Throw the burr ball at your victim.
4. Run away quickly!
5. If you are hit, remove the burr ball and seek revenge!

Tips:

Hitting your opponent where they can't reach the burr ball buys you more time to run away.

If you can't run very fast, HIDE!
       
Wear a hat!!!

We are thinking of trying another version of homemade paint ball soon. I just read a great use for old baby socks is to fill them with flour or baby powder and sew them shut. Then chase each other throwing the flour filled baby socks. When you are hit, you'll have a white mark to prove it. We're going to try this outside, when its warm enough to use the hose for washing off.

p.s. We did manage to get half our cleaning done today but the sunshine and 50 degrees called us outside. Here in Wisconsin, you have to take full advantage of any nice day.

Spring Cleaning

Look out dust bunnies! Here I come! I'm gearing up to do some serious spring sprucing. My MIL may be visiting tomorrow as well so I have to get cracking.

Yesterday I bought microfiber towels to use instead of paper towels. Not wanting to pay a high price, I skipped the cleaning products aisle at Target and hit up the automotive care aisle. I found a really great set of premium detailing microfiber towels for $6! I know any old towel cut into pieces would have worked but once you've tried microfiber, you know why I spent $6 on cleaning rags!

After work last night I did something I rarely do. I went out for drinks with my co-workers! I don't drink alcohol, but with my manager friend leaving, I wanted to wish her well. My naive coworkers almost all barely aged 21, decided to gather at the worst Mexican restaurant in Madison, Pedros. Anyone experienced with true Mexican cuisine knows this place is a joke. I think they choose it for the giant margaritas.

My manager friend is my age, and she doesn't really do the bar thing either. We did have a good time though. I realized I missed being 22, but I'm really glad I'm actually not!

I have a job interview scheduled already. I just started looking yesterday and my first interview is Monday. With my friend leaving, I began to think I too should look for something else. I want to stop driving so far. Our local library is hiring. Would this not be a homeschooling mom's dream come true? Actually I'm not getting my hopes up because I'm guessing the wage will be really low. Don't you wish you could just ask,"How much would this job pay?"  I will go through the protocol, ace the interview and then find out the wage is unrealistic for my family's needs. If anything else it will reaffirm that we need to develop a home business.

Alright. Enough talk. Time for action. I want to play infomercial with my new microfiber friends! LOL! Have a great Friday!

Goofy Girl!

Yumi wants spring as badly as I do. I cracked the patio door to get a little fresh air, and she managed to wedge herself between the door and the screen. I just hope the screen holds! She's suppose to be an inside kitty.

DS9 has turned the corner and he's less goopy. DS12 says he now has a sore throat. I guess it wouldn't be spring if we didn't have one last blast of cold virus running through the house.

This is motivating me to spring clean and disinfect. My back is feeling better so I'm doing a little more, but the thought of how much there is to do overwhelms me. I have to remind myself to take baby steps.

I not doing so well with this week's tip from the "I Can Make You Thin show." We were suppose to visualize what we crave covered in something disgusting while pinching our thumb and forefinger together on our left hand. I tried to visual cookies and chocolate with worms but that didn't work. I went further and put the cookies and chocolate in a truck stop toilet in my mind's eye. This did gross me out, but it only worked for me that first day.

I think I need to take more time to visualize and meditate, really training my brain not to crave sweets.  I always thought I was a visual person, but maybe I should actually take cookies and mini chocolate bars into a public restroom? It actually does gross me out thinking about it. Should I take a picture for the blog? Maybe that will cure me from my cravings? (Sorry if I've grossed you out.)

Gotta run now and cut more card stock. DS9 has just asked for 55 cards. He has an ambitious ATC project in mind.

I'm a Poplar.

WHAT TREE DID YOU FALL FROM

 
Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is really cool and somewhat accurate. Then send it to your friends, including the one that sent it to you, so they can find out what tree they fell from, but don't forget to change the subject line to your tree. Find your tree below and see what you are like...

Dec 23 to Jan 01	Apple Tree
Jan 01 to Jan 11	Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24	Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03	Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08	Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18	Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28	Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10	Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20	Lime Tree
Mar 21 (only)	Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31	Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10	Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20	Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30	Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14	Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24	Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03	Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13	Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23	Fig Tree
Jun 24 (only)	Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04	Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14	Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25	Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04	Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13	Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23	Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02	Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12	Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22	Lime Tree
Sep 23 (only)	Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03	Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13	Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23	Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11	Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21	Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01	Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11	Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21	Fig Tree
Dec 22 (only)	Beech Tree

TREES (in alphabetical order)

Apple Tree (Love) -- quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal, And attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous, sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs affectionate partner.

Ash Tree (Ambition) -- extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable, restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs love and much emotional support.

Beech Tree (Creative) -- has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).

Birch Tree (Inspiration) -- vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

Cedar Tree (Confidence ) -- of rare strength, knows how to adapt, Likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

Chestnut Tree (Honesty) -- of unusual stature, impressive, well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard worker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.

Cypress Tree (Faithfulness) -- strong, muscular, adaptable, takes What life has to give but doesn't necessarily like it, strives to be content, optimistic, wants to be financially in dependent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be needed.

Elm Tree (Noble-mindedness ) -- pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, Modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but Not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

Fig Tree (Sensibility ) -- very strong minded, a bit self-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard worker when wants to be, loves life and friends, enjoys children and animals, sexually oriented, great sense of humor, has artistic talent and great intelligence.

Fir tree (Mysterious) -- extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish, many friends, very reliable. Extremely intelligent. Loves life.

Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary ) -- charming, sense of humor, very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics, popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.

Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) -- of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, is strong, loyal, very independent and serious, self-confidence,mistrusts most people, very conscientious.

Lime Tree (Doubt) - intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal.

Maple Tree (Independence of Mind ) -- no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

Oak Tree (Brave) -- robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

Olive Tree (Wisdom) -- loves sun, warmth and kind  feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

Pine Tree (Peacemaker) -- loves agreeable company, craves peace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes to write poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to, emotionally soft, low self-esteem, needs affection and reassurance.

Poplar Tree (Uncertainty) -- looks very decorative, talented, not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

Rowan Tree (Sensitivity) -- full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

Walnut Tree (Passion) -- unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

Weeping Willow (Melancholy) - likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh

Bummer

Bummer #1

I'm hoping I go into work tonight and find out it was an April Fool's joke. My manager gave her two weeks notice. I am seriously bumming because she is the best person I've ever worked under. She listened and respected you. She did anything within her power to help you. If you could design the perfect boss, she is it.

She is moving on towards a health field career rather than HR/office management. I'm happy for her because her dreams are coming true, but I'm going to really miss her. I'd like to say we'll keep in touch, but I've been down this road before. Its very easy to lose touch with work friends. New jobs and families take up time.

My fear is the company owner will move over the manager from the other pool. She's the complete polar opposite of my current manager. If this happens, it will motivate me to move on. This is probably a good thing though. When I think about the price of gas, the fact this job is a cake walk, and how I want to show my children how to be entrepreneurs, I know I have to move on. Its just such an easy paycheck right now. I suppose I've grown soft.

Bummer #2

My son is in goopy misery. Its beginning to remind me of the book, The Stand! He isn't running a fever so I can't warrant taking him to see the doctor. Or can I? Are 4 straight days of congestion and dripping with no improvement reason to see a doctor? Or will they simply tell me, "Virus"? I hate giving my highly allergic boy medications, but maybe I should look into that Musinex stuff?

What's really frustrating is that so many children's medications have artificial color. When DS9 is sick, his immune system reacts to artificial colors. He breaks out in hives if he ingests them. Why does medicine have to look pretty? There is dye free Motrin now, but that's it. We've even run into problems with prescription meds when he had strep last year. The doctor's great advice- give him Benydrill with the prescription. This infuriates me. Why give my child more drugs because a drug has unnecessary colors? The best medicine is really to stay well and not get sick!

Bummer #3

My yard is the last one to have a glacier still in it. Does this confirm all the snow blew over into our yard? The glacier has southern exposure. Why is it hanging around? To taunt me of course!!! Every day its here I resolve to plant one more flower come May!

All these bummers mean I need a little retail therapy. I'm stopping by Target to buy "Sweeney Todd"- special edition!

April Fools Day

We told DS12 that DS9 had dripped Popsicle into the Wii and now it was broken. He bought it hook, line and sinker. DS9 and I yelled out, "April Fools!"

DS12 said we were cruel. We're still waiting for our payback.

I think I want to look for a really good bento box, no surprise since our family is fasinated with all things Japanese. I came across a cool website showing you how to pack awesome bento lunches. We don't have the need to pack a daily lunch since we are at home, but there is something artistic in packing a bento box that appeals to me. I think I get from my mother the need to make food fun.

Also like my mother, I have unfinished art projects everywhere. I know this is a sign of genius, (Davinci did as well), but right now I think its because I'm feeling insecure. This is probably stemming from my spine being out of alignment. I made ATCs yesterday and almost threw them out. I stopped and told myself work on them again another day. I know its all attitude. I began carving stamps for the Letterbox workshop and stopped dead in my tracks worrying I'd screw them up. I don't know whether to continue looking for inspiration or just go with the flow. I should have married a chiropractor. I truly believe when your back is screwed up, it messes with your energy.

Well, I better lace up the shoes and get moving.

Today's hot lunch

I decided if I couldn't have any sunshine outside my door, I'd cook some up in a pot. I adapted a black bean soup recipe my MIL sent me. Its very tasty! I also baked up corn muffins to go with it.

Black Bean Soup

1-2 T olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 celery ribs with tops, chopped
1 Jalapeño pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
large handful of baby carrots, chopped
1 Quart of veggie broth
2 T cumin
1 Garni bouquet *(see recipe below or use a bay leaf)
1 15 oz can of chopped tomatoes- I used the kind with chopped chilies in them.
3 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed, (reserve one can for mashing)

Heat the oil in a soup pot and add in chopped veggies, starting first with onions, garlic and celery. Add the rest of the veg, broth, seasons and tomatoes. Mash one can's worth of black beans and add with the 2 other cans of beans. This will thicken things up a bit. Remove Garni bouquet before serving. It freezes really well. 

Garni Bouquets
(makes 12 for use in making soups/stews)
-12 dried bay leaves
-1/4 C dried thyme
-1/4 C dried parsley
2 T dried celery leaves
Crush the dried herbs with a rolling pin and mix together.
Cut a double layer of cheesecloth into 3 inch squares.
Put 1 T of herb mixture on each square and tie up tightly into a little bag using string.
Store in airtight jars.