First Monday in May

The WPA conference was great. Our workshops were very well attended, and I did receive compliments and gratitude from several participants. I didn't sleep well in the hotel, but other than that, everything went well. I didn't trip and fall down cement stairs this year so that was a plus!

My family was on the tail end of their colds, so they were well enough to enjoy the weekend, and I never did get sick. It must have been all the Life Water I was drinking, a vice I must wean myself from. (My favorites pictured.) Now that I don't have to get up in front of a room full of 100 strangers and speak, I can allow myself to get sick.

We saw X-Men Origins: Wolverine. It was enjoyable, but I could have waited for the DVD. I'm just not a movie theater gal anymore, but every once in a awhile the husband NEEDS movie theater popcorn. We probably go to the movies 3-4 times a year. Its just so expensive, even the matinee show. Why not wait and buy the DVD?

After the movie, we were going to visit a favorite botanical garden that we hadn't been to in a long while and to my shock, they now charge admission. It used to be donations only. I had expected to donate $5, not be required to pay $15 so we left, feeling badly for the community. The city where this garden is located is suffering from very high unemployment. I just can't see how families can afford to take their children to the garden to learn about the importance and beauty of nature. Its such a shame, but I guess the garden must be financially struggling as well. We'll plan on visiting Olbrich Gardens in Madison, where its still thankfully, a donation offering admission.

Speaking of gardens, we have to get to work on our Square Foot one. I am having trouble locating vermiculite for the Mel's Mix. I'm going to give it one last try today, and if we can't find it, use something else. We should get our seeds in the ground this week. It looks like the frost risk has lessened.

Also on my agenda is returning library books and researching more about Mind Mapping. Do any of you use this technique? I attended a workshop, introducing me to it, and it looks intriguing. DH said they used to have the software at work but someone walked off with it. Mind Mapping uses radiant thinking, rather than lineal. It is supposedly, I better way to learn things, because its how your brain is naturally created.

Well, I better get moving. I promised I wouldn't waste this day away.

"Crunchies"

Description:
DS10 calls these crunchies, but others would say they are croutons. In our house, they never make it to salads. We eat them as a snack, warmly toasted right out of the oven.

Ingredients:
Old french bread
Olive oil
Italian seasonings
Garlic Powder
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Slice up your old bread into chunky cubes.
Toss the bread cubes with just enough olive oil to coat them but not make them soggy.
Toss in Italian seasonings, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese.

Toast them in a 375 oven 7-10 minutes or until lightly browned. We like to dip ours in ranch dressing.

Kool Aid Playdough

Description:
This home made play dough smells really yummy!

When DS10 was playing with it, he reminded me of the Blog from Gigglesnort Hotel. DH10 loves to make sound effects, voices and other noises when he's in a creative mood.

Ingredients:
2 Cups of water
3 T oil
2 packets of Kool Aid, your choice of flavor/color
1 C salt
2 1/2 C flour

Directions:
Over low heat, mix water, oil and Kool Aid. Stir in the salt and flour and continue to stir over low heat until dough begins to form.

Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

*I've also used a recipe similar to this one where you add a spoonful of cream of tartar as a preservative.

Monday Morning Tea Break notes

I was cleaning up the yard but another storm is rolling in. Too bad because I was really enjoying the blooming Creeping Charlies. Some people see Creeping Charlie as a grass enemy weed, but I love them. I think they are better ground cover than grass. They smell excellent when mowed too, kind of minty. 

I've got lots I could do indoors today. I need to finish up our workshop plans for next weekend's home school conference. Preliminary numbers are much higher than I thought they would be. I was expecting around 25 participants in each workshop, but it looks like we'll have 40 for our Apples to Apples game workshop, 80 for our Letterboxing workshop and 95 for our Flat Travelers workshop. I'm not panicking because my family has no choice but to help me out! LOL! I also believe those numbers will go down. People may have registered for the workshops, but I'm guessing not everyone will actually show up. Especially with this Swine Flu scare.

The men in my nest all have sore throats, probably just from a cold virus, but DS10 was worried he was getting Swine Flu. I took that teachable moment to explain to him that he does not have Swine Flu and most likelly will not catch it. We talked about how to prevent getting sick and how every few years, its natural for flu cases to spike up. I just hope they are all feeling better by this upcoming weekend. I also hope I don't catch what they've got just in time for the conference! Its one thing to ask DH to help me cut out an army of paper dolls, but another to ask him to get up in front of a room full of strangers and talk!

Well, I better get moving. I want to get everything done today so I can chillax and stay well the rest of the week.

Wolf River Cam

http://wolfrivercam.com
Watch the fishies! They're spawning!

My Take Your Kid To Work Day...

Its been a not so typical day. I subbed for someone at work this morning so I'm a bit late getting to blog world and Facebook. The boys rode in with me so they could take advantage of the swimming. I was surprised because DS13 is very congested, but he still wanted to go. They had the pool all to themselves. Its too beautiful outside today to be swimming inside I guess.

I would love to open windows now that I'm home, but ironically, its too warm outside. The temperature inside is a nice cool 70 but outside its already in the 80's. Crazy Wisconsin weather.

This weekend we may take a road trip to scout out hiding spots for our Letterboxing workshop next week. If we decide not to go, I'll just use last year's hiding spots and hope most of the attendees are new to the workshop. Its crazy to think a week from today is the home schooling conference already! Where has April gone?

I somehow managed to muster up enough desire to watch this week's Survivor. After Brandon was voted off last week in Coach's "Dragon Slayer" plan, I swore I'd never watch the show again. I'm glad I did because even though Coach wasn't voted off, his side kick was. It was an excellent blindside!  I'm hoping its only a matter of time now for Coach's demise. I can't stand him! He thinks he's such an honorable player, but he's a sneaky snake just like most of them. I love watching Karma come back to bite him!

DS10 came upstairs and said, "Mom, I have some bad news. NO ONE HAS DIED OR ANYTHING AND THE GAME SYSTEMS ARE FINE, but my tooth came out and I lost it in the couch."  So now between the cushions its not just loose change and crumbs, but also a baby tooth.
 
Well, I'm heading back outside. Sorry to ditch you but its just too nice to be inside for long. Have a great weekend!

Am I Crazy Enough To Try This?

We picked up a cool book from the library, Survival Handbook- The Official U.S. Army Guide by the department of the Army. I grabbed it because I know DS13 is into wilderness survival, but I'm really enjoying the book myself. I think I'll have to add this book to our back pack.

I do find the information about creating a flotation device out of your pants hilarious though. I just can't see that tip really working out. Has anyone tried this? You are suppose to remove your pants, tie the legs shut, and while treading water, parachute your pants over and around your head while holding open the waist, trapping air in the legs. You then tie off the waist and wrap the inflated legs around your neck to keep your head upright and floating. I may just have to freak out my co-workers and give this a try at the pool. (I'll probably just make my kids try it to keep my pride intact!)

Weekend recipes

I decided to bake pretzels on our rainy Sunday. They came out more like bagels, but they still tasted so good! DH took two before I could get this snap. Next time I probably will just shape them into bagel shapes. It would be faster than boiling and baking real bagels, and they would make excellent sandwich alternatives.

I also created a new meatball recipe inspired by a recipe from Giada which I modified to suit my family's tastes. Her secret, shred rather than chop the onion. The pain was worth the gain! I don't think my eyes ever welled up that badly before but shredding the onion really helped infuse the flavor throughout the meatball. I also used her tip, mixing in the meat last, so it doesn't over mix. They were the perfect compliment to our spaghetti supper.

I've also discovered I love honey lemonade. I needed an alternative to just drinking water and this is a better option than sugar sweetened. I'm using local honey with the hopes it will help my seasonal allergies. A spoonful a day hopefully will keep the hay fever away?

Honey Lemonade - Add equal parts of fresh lemon juice and locally produced honey into a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake the honey and lemon juice together, and add a spoonful or two, to your glass of water. Keep the jar refrigerated and it should last a week or two. (Honey will keep forever, but lemon juice needs the refrigeration.) This mixture also tastes really good when added to a mug of hot water.

Meatballs
1 small onion, grated not sliced
1/3 C Italian bread crumbs
2/3 C Parmesan cheese
1 t Italian seasons
1 t garlic powder
1 egg
1/2 pound of ground beef
1/2 pound ground Italian pork sausage

-Preheat oven to 400
- In a large bowl, add everything except the meat. Mix very well together and then add meat last, taking care to not over mix. 
- Roll into balls and place on a foil lined baking sheet
-Bake for 15-20 minutes

Like Bagel Pretzels

1 package of active dry yeast (1 T)
1 1/2 C warm water
1 T brown sugar
4 C flour (a little more may be needed to get the dough just right depending on your humidity)
1 beaten egg
coarse salt

-In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar and flour and knead until the dough is more soft than sticky. You may have to add a little more flour but do so slowly.
- Allow the dough to rest and rise 30 minutes.
-Preheat oven to 425
-Cut the dough into 12 pieces and roll each one into a rope, curving and twisting to form your desired pretzel shape.
-Brush on egg wash and add coarse salt if desired.
-Bake for 12-15 minutes until browned.
Serve with cream cheese or mustard! Yum!

Sleepyhouse Gardening Projects

Next year plant more...way more!

A spot for snaps of our gardening projects.

Thoughts to jot down before I forget....

I've got a case of spring fever big time. So much going on, and making so many plans, I can't sit still for long.

Yesterday we had Nerf gun wars in the yard with the Posse. Now I need to hit up Target for a new supply of darts. It was so beautiful outside!

One of the families in our Homeschool Posse closed on their new house, just a short walk from ours! We are so excited to have them so much closer. It will be wonderful for the boys to be able to see them more often than once a week.

Hooked up my new little lion head fountain on the back deck. The running water is so relaxing, DS10 and I almost fell asleep out there this afternoon. I'm hoping next month to find a water plant to grow in it. Its so warm and sun shiny its very tempting to till and plant but I have to remember this is Wisconsin. It could still snow.

Baked a batch of chocolate cookies with white chips. Now I need to bag them up and pass them around so I don't end up eating them all. Since I still love to bake, this is my new plan. Bake it and then take it somewhere else.

The boys are really into playing Earth Bound. Its a very cool RPG, (role playing game) where you need to collect different songs from different places in order to battle the aliens who are "earth bound". My favorite part is the fact the boys' character must call his mother from time to time in the game, or he gets homesick and comes down with the sniffles! TOO CUTE- but don't tell them I said this or they will stop playing it!

I got a wonderful, twenty five percent raise at work!! Twenty Five Percent!!  I'm so grateful and have the best boss in the world! She really does appreciate all I do and understands my commitment to the company. It wasn't like I was being under paid before either. I'm stunned, but I also know I'm worth it. DH pointed out to me that I didn't even make this much hourly as I did when I worked full time as an assistant supervisor on a fraud investigation team. I am so blessed.

Farmer's Market on the Square moves outside tomorrow! I can't wait! I know there isn't any produce yet, but its still fun to stroll around enjoying the bakery carts, honey stands, beef jerky and nursery plants. We'll probably pick up some popcorn too.

Our movie stash is ready for when the rains come later tomorrow. DH rented The Spirit, Sharks in Venice, The Man With The Golden Gun, The Black Hole, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes and so it isn't all cheese and guy movies, The Reader. I'm really looking forward to a weekend where we don't have to go anywhere, unless we want to, or do anything unless we want to.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Procrastination...

I don't understand why people procrastinate important, big deal stuff. I spent a great deal of my shift last night fielding phone calls from a frantic past employee who was trying to file his taxes with the deadline just hours away. He worked for us last summer and then moved out of state. We mailed his W2 to the address he left us, but they came back. We tried the new forwarding address and they came back again. We tried to reach him via cell phone, Facebook, you name it. We didn't hear back from him until 6 hours before the April 15th midnight deadline. In between his panicked phone calls I made every effort I could to fax him his W2s. They weren't going through so he kept calling me all night. How did this suddenly become my problem?

You would think if you didn't receive your W2s you would make an effort to contact your past employer before April 15th, 6:00pm! He turned his stress on us, claiming it was our fault he didn't have his W2s. Hmmm.... you moved at least three times since you left our employment and you waited until April 15th to contact us. How is that our fault?!  Grow up kid. Oh wait, he's almost 30. He's just a procrastinator who chooses to point fingers instead of own up to responsibility. Its like my Sunday School teacher taught me, point your finger at someone else and 3 fingers point back at you.

I can't see how all the stress is worth the procrastination. A close family member has been procrastinating a living situation, and I find myself dangerously getting stressed out for her. A wise woman once told me, "Don't pay taxes on what you don't owe, " but I love this family member and its hard not to be concerned. I want to help her, but at what point am I crossing that line of enabling her to not stand up to her own responsibilities?

I am guilty of procrastination myself. I put off making doctor appointments only to find the wait list is over 6 months long. I will tell myself I'm being a hypocondriact, but then worry I've let something go for too long without a check.

I guess I need to look more closely at why I delay the inevitable. I should be vacuuming right now, since company is arriving soon, but Yumi is sleeping in the green chair, and I haven't had the chance to blog in awhile. (Boys are taking over this computer.) I will most likely end up vacuuming just moments before they arrive.

I know its all about choice. Choosing to do the right thing, even if you don't want to do it. Is it related to maturity or is it about comfort?

appliance repair, hoarding, trying to be healthy

7:30am- Appliance works calls. They have the part needed for my washing machine. Yesterday they came out and fixed the dryer. This time it was the igniter, but he didn't have the hose needed for the washing machine. Yes, both machines needed a little TLC. He didn't have a record of coming out previously, but by some miracle, I found the receipt as he was standing there in my kitchen. They were here mid-January. I guess I'm more organized than I realize. He agreed to take half off the service charge. I thought this was doable since it had been over 3 months and he did work on both machines.

It was painful to write that check, but at least it didn't go on a credit card. (I'm really trying Dave, I really am!) I treated myself to a Diet Dr. Pepper after the appliance guy left.

DS10 freaked out. "Dad's going to be mad at you for drinking his Diet Dr. Pepper!" I took the opportunity to explain to him that Wisconsin is a martial property state. Half of what is dad's is mine! LOL!

Family members, recently having visited at Easter, know of DH's Diet Dr. Pepper tower in our kitchen. He buys several cases every time it goes on sale, thinking he will run out before it goes on sale again. It goes on sale every two or three weeks though, so he usually doesn't end up drinking it all. I can't complain. I'm just happy DH doesn't drink anything harder!

I'm purging my closet, trying to be merciless. If I haven't worn it, out it goes. If I wear it, but it doesn't look good on me, out it goes. If it has a stain, out it goes. If its faded or lost it's shape, out it goes. I found myself often thinking I had nothing to wear and despite the overflowing mass in my closet, it was true. I had hoarded tons of junk clothing, but had nothing decent to wear. It makes more sense to have fewer pieces that fit well, and look flattering, rather than a closet full of clothing that doesn't work. I deserve to feel good about myself. I'm not a house elf!

New walking shoes need to be a part of my new wardrobe as well. I've been trying to walk more frequently, and I think my shoes have decided to give out on me. My feet are hurting and if my feet hurt, I won't walk. If I don't walk, I won't get any exercise. I owe it to myself to stop being such a penny pincher when it comes to my health.

I'm dealing with the fear of not being healthy enough to be here for my family. I'm trying to take steps every day to living more healthy, but I'm still stressing out. I discovered the lymph nodes on one side of my neck are swollen, but I don't have any other symptoms. Last week, I thought I may be getting a UTI or that my kidney stones were on the move, but that went away.

Trying to eat healthy, exercise, stay away from poor choices, its all such a delicate balance. Emergen-C may have gotten me through the cold and flu season, but have I ticked off my kidney stones? Deep down I have an irrational fear of getting cancer and not finding out until its too late. I know this stems from my cousin's death.

I need to stop worrying and focus on the positive. Recently I made a new friend who has 4th stage cancer. She's an inspiration, battling cancer while homeschooling her children, but it also reminds me not to take anything for granted. She sought out alternative therapies to battling her cancer and so far, it seem to have paid off for her. Could I be so strong?  

I had this dream I'm still trying to figure out. A tsunami hit, and I was diving into the water, trying to rescue people and animals. In my hand I already had rescued a cat. I thought, if I tried to rescue the bird, the cat would only eat it. The bird looked drowned already as well, but I reached down, plucked the bird from the water and began rescue breaths. (I know this in itself is crazy!) The bird came back to life, and the cat did not try to eat it. Once returned to the shore, the cat had a litter of kittens.

I also rescued two children doing rescue breathing while swimming (impossible in real life), but I couldn't find and rescue their aunt. I remember trying to dig through the sand at the bottom of the water, thinking she was buried.  I became distressed and woke up.

I always try to analyse dreams like this, thinking there is something  I need to learn.

Well, this is enough babbling for today. Lunch break is over and its time to get back to work.

Piles of food, laundry and clutter

I almost wish I was heading into work today so I could bring all these leftover goodies to the starving college students. We have brownies, lemon bars, cupcakes, and tons of candy I will have to try and avoid now that Easter is over. Next time I host a party and people ask if they can bring something, I'll say, yes, bring veggies and fruit!

We had a great time visiting with family including my parents, but as always, I didn't take enough photos. I just get too busy and when everything is over, I realize I've forgotten. I think I need to give it up and delegate that responsibility to someone else.

Today we need to get things back in order in our nest. Our dryer stopped working just before the weekend started, and I now have a laundry mountain. It seems like we just had that bugger fixed! I'll haul off baskets of wet clothes to dry at the laundry mat, and I hope my dryer can be fixed soon. Its going to rain the next couple of days or I would have tried a clothesline.

I've got "piles" to go through too. Its not the best way to tidy up before company visits, but sometimes its just easier to quickly grab all that stuff and pile it out of sight. I'm now opening up the closed doors and realizing we need to clear out those piles. How does all of this pile up so easily?

Some notes on our past few days...

Thursday- Homeschool Posse!

Our friend brought over a crayfish for dissection. The weather cooperated and we set up our science fun on the back deck. DS13 took some great photos as our friend cut the already formaldehyded crustacean up. "Yard schooling" is always a better option than "home kitchen schooling" isn't it?! LOL!

Friday- K-town Road Trip!

We visited with Grandma and of course, ate at Kaiser's for thin crust. We met Uncle B's fiance and Grandma spoiled us as usual with Easter treats. The weather was a little too chilly for a hike, so we did a little shopping and picked up some movies. The car time was great for all of us to catch up with conversation.

Saturday (today)- Pre- Easter Family Open House

Extended family will be popping in and out for much of the day. We'll enjoy lunch together and celebrate Grandpa's birthday a little early. (I should have gotten him a dusting wand.)

All this visiting means we're not getting housework done but that's ok. I'd rather be Mary not Martha. Plus our dryer is broken again!  It seems like we just had it fixed not too long ago. I really don't want to buy a new one. Hopefully its an easy fix.
 

Mounds Pet Food Warehouse

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

I'd love this store even if they didn't give you a free chocolate with every purchase. This pet supply chain in our area is locally owned and partners with local pet shelters.

Their prices are reasonable but more importantly, the staff seem like they care. When Yumi was so sick, our vet put her on a prescription diet. I was worried we would have to fork over the expense, but the helpful staff at Mounds recommended a grain free diet that was friendly to our budget. Yumi's been loving, "Taste Of The Wild" ever since.

I bought our bird feeder, made from recycled materials at Mounds and its stood up to fickle Wisconsin weather rather well. They also carry a brand of caged bird food our parakeets don't toss out. For some reason our birds push out seed that is dyed to resemble fruity colors.

Our favorite part of Mounds is the adoption center. At the Mounds in Janesville, I don't know why cats would even want to go home with permanent families. They have it so good there, with platforms and play areas. Its wonderful to be able to see adoptable cats being able to climb and play instead of stuck in small cages.

They really do know how to treat their human customers just as well as the animals they host from shelters. With every purchase, they give you a bite sized Mounds candy bar. When the boys are with me, they even give us three! Lucky for me, the boys don't like dark chocolate with coconut! :)

On my rambling mind today...fear, frustration and understanding what matters most

Watching the news this morning I almost caved into the fear. I know way better than to fall for that. I must have been half asleep still.

China and Russia, having paid hackers to do so, could now shut down our power plants.

Wait a second....brain waking up...that's not news! We've actually been living with this threat for decades. Hmmm... didn't they also just tell us Russia and China didn't choose our side when we got upset with North Korea?

North Korea- yes the man is messed up- but why is this about being the bully with the biggest stick?

The Taliban is beating and torturing women because it feeds their need to feel powerful and superior. I don't get it. Don't they have mothers and sisters? Are they incapable of love and respect?

This craptastic world we have to share only motivates me to point out the idiocracy to my children. I'm sure it confuses them as well.

"Yes, Japan was our enemy. They bombed Pearl Harbor when your Grandfather was your age, but we dropped two atomic bombs and now they are our friends, bringing us video games."  Don't you just love teaching history?

I can't ring up the global leaders and tell them to play nice, but I can ask my children to try and do better. Its very easy to see how a little kindness and love can work wonders instead of trying to shove back.

DS13 is beginning to wonder if one day the radiation from nuclear fall out will make even clean air a commodity to be bought and sold. I can remember being his age and worrying about Russian nuclear attack. I told him we can't live in fear because then we aren't living.

Its not our finger on the switch. If doomsday comes, go outside, take a deep breath and enjoy that last moment. Maybe even rejoice that you'll soon be heading to our peaceful, perfect home. At least you'll be able to show God you loved every gift he gave you and you tried your best.   

My father and ceiling fans.....

If you know me, you may remember the story of my parents as they were leaving after one of their visits, my dad said not goodbye but rather, "You have some dust on your ceiling fan." I thought it was very strange at the time. Who says this to someone as they leave their home? Who notices dust on a ceiling fan? Maybe if you're looking for it I guess. It wasn't like I had stalactites hanging down!

Anyway it happened again, only this time, 5 minutes before he left, he decided to get on a chair and actually wipe off my ceiling fan.

I love my parents and at this point, I'm choosing to love their odd behavior rather than stress about how clean my house is. I've always taken the approach my house is "clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy." It doesn't smell, you won't get sick, but you will find cobwebs and clutter here and there. Our Sleepyhouse is lived in and loved.

My parents will be back next weekend to share Easter with us. Any suggestions for keeping my father busy and away from climbing on my furniture?
 

Divas, Chocolate, Dining, & Yes, I'm Eccentric

My Diva night was Divine! We went to Chocolat by Daniel. I can't live in Rockford, IL because I would see Daniel on a daily basis. Daniel makes special dark chocolates. Its like comparing fine wine to grape flavored Kool Aid. Do yourself a favor and at least once in your life, be a chocolate snob. Yes, paying $4 for one piece of chocolate shocks the penny pincher in me, but we're not talking M&Ms. Chocolat by Daniel is a whole different chocolate universe.

My sister embarrassed me a little, but I guess if I were single, I'd be flirting with a gourmet chocolate maker too. Daniel is very friendly, loves his chocolate and is very eager to educate you in the true art of chocolate. I knew things had gone a little too far though when he offered my sister the bowl to lick. (Diva Sister Maija- you MUST join us next time to help me control her!)

We had supper at Pearl, which is a hip, new restaurant. The decor is all white, with white marble table tops. The wait staff is all dressed in black and white and the feeling is cool and futuristic. If you are female, you must be sure to visit the first stall in the ladies' room. That's all I'll say!

DH & the boys had their boys' night out too, dining at Famous Dave's BBQ. I'm just not a rib girl but DS13 loves them.

Sunday we had to change our plans thinking a snow/ice storm was headed out way. Turns out we didn't get much at all, but it sure was windy and brutally cold. We ended up doing a little spring cleaning.

I was frustrated with toilet seat options at the hardware store. Everything is made in China. After driving home, I opened up the package only to discover the screws on one side already stripped. I'll have to bring it back and try another, but you know, the unschooler in me has me wondering if we could build our own toilet seat?

I know, I've gone off the deep end into full blown eccentric now. Who builds their own toilet seat? But this is what unschooling has done to me. I'm always asking, "Can we do this ourselves?" "Can we do it better?"

Of course full blown, means I'm researching which trees grow the fastest, since I'll need wood for the seat. But of course, I soon discover bamboo, which is a grass, is the best choice.

Don't worry. I already know I can't grow bamboo in Zone 4/5. I'm heading back to the hardware store, receipt in hand.

Welcome To My Garden! | Square Foot Gardening

http://www.squarefootgardening.com/
I also recommend Mel Bartholowmew's books, Square Foot Gardening and All New Square Foot Gardening.

I can't wait to get our garden started this year!

Thursday 13 - "Its the little things..."

There doesn't seem to be anything exciting going on, but I'm finding its the little things that are bringing me joy these days.

1. Saw several pairs of Sandhill Cranes back in the neighborhood. Thanks for returning guys! I hope things green up soon for you!

2. Bunnies in the yard are frisky. Yumi and I both could watch them bounce around all day.

3. I shouldn't count chickens, but I may be getting a raise!

4. My mom and dad are coming for an Easter visit! Haven't seen them since Christmas.

5. Diva Day is only two days away! We're going to a garden show, gourmet chocolate shop and out for supper.

6. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worse head cold you've ever had, the cold I presently am fighting off only made it to a 3!  Broccoli slaw, I love you.

7. Piggly Wiggly has all the food I need to buy for our Easter feast on sale!!

8. Its going to be a homeschool posse afternoon!

9. Mocha BK Joes- the best way to spend $2.31 before my shift.

10. Mel Bartholomew- I'm loving your books, Square Foot Gardening and All New Square Foot Gardening. Thanks for showing how easy it can be to grow your own food.

11. Deja Vu, a new consignment store in our small town, is opening this Saturday! I hope it succeeds. Its great to see small businesses return to our empty main street.

12. Pathwords- I'd addicted to this game application on Facebook, but half the time its my children playing. What a fun way to unschool spelling!

13. I'm making a date to go shopping for a new pair of glasses with my husband. Since I'm blind without glasses on, its difficult to shop for new frames not knowing how they look on me. DH will help me pick out a sexy new pair! How romantic!

April Fools Day

Help me get through this day.

It started with no joke at all, a disturbing call from work, an ex-employee committing felonies. What a moron! Everything can be tracked on computers! It was creepy knowing that someone you thought you could trust turns out to be a criminal.

So I was spending my morning reviewing our computer program's security when I hear screams coming from the bathroom. Out runs DS13 with fake blood on his face. I needed that laugh!!

We're watching the Scare Tactics marathon on the Sci Fi channel. Too funny! Some of these pranks are down right mean, but others are so stupid you wonder how people fall for them.

I'm not going to get anything done today, but I've decided that's ok. Its ok to take a day off, rest, recover.

Colds, Swedish Vampires, Books that match my kitchen, Pizza and a Meth addict

I think I'm winning the war on the virus trying to set up shop. I know you've all heard me preach it before, but I LOVE MY EMERGEN-C!!! Of course rest, tea and raw veg has helped a great deal as well.

Since I couldn't sleep all day, DH and I watched a Swedish vampire movie. I think it was called, Let The Right One In, but I'll have to check on that. It was very well done, and my mom would be happy I'm training my ear on the grandparents' native tongue. I may get more practice in the near future, there's a rumor Swedish cousins may be coming for a visit soon! 

After the movie, we forced the kids out of the basement and headed to the used book store to use our 50% off coupon. Boy, I don't do crowds well, especially when I'm trying to beat a cold. 50% off already half priced books brings out the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to book shopping.

I did manage to find myself one book, surprisingly not on gardening. It must have been because I'm craving healthy, fresh fruit and veg. Juices and Smoothies, Live life, Be Healthy,  Love Life not only has terrific recipes, but it has recommendations on which fruits and veg are beneficial for specific health concerns. I also loved how the cover colors went well in my green kitchen! LOL! I'm going to set up a book area in my kitchen to show off cool books like this and to inspire us to eat more healthy. I could live on smoothies.

After book shopping, we didn't eat healthy though. We did pizza. Why does salty, cheesy pizza feel so good on a sore throat?

Outside the pizza place, DS13 and I were approached by a man asking for $12. He said his daughter had just been hit by a bus, he had walked from a shopping area 5 miles away, he wasn't looking for a ride but needed $12 bucks or he was going to, "pawn my old lady's wedding ring, I swear to God!"

Now I'm all for helping people, but this guy seemed to have his pitch all wrong. Opening with the bus accident was a good one, but why the 5 mile walk and why $12? I would think being hit by a bus would cost more than $12 in medical bills. Why would you walk 5 miles to a pizza restaurant to solicit $12? Why not solicit the $12 at the shopping mall rather than walk 5 miles? I'm sure you could get way more than $12 for a pawned wedding band.

A better pitch would have been, "See my teeth. I'm addicted to meth. I need $12 for another hit."

My son was rattled but this was a valuable life lesson. Our faith teaches us to help those less fortunate, but would it really be helping to give this man money for more drugs? The hospital was less of a walk from the shopping center than the pizza restaurant. If he indeed had a daughter who was hit by a bus, why didn't he walk there?

Well, I better go and brew another cup of cami tea and keep the warm fluids flowing.

Going Out Like A Lion

It is the end of March, not the beginning correct?

We were slammed with an ice and snow storm last night. We thankfully didn't have to work so we stayed home, watching movies, making brownies and playing Scrabble. I also spent a great deal of time with my nose stuck in gardening books, trying not to look outside.

I had this really strange dream two women posing as police officers came to my door. I was suspicious and didn't open the door. I told DS10 to hide, and I called 911. A third female officer came to the door, scaring off the other two. I thought it was safe to invite her inside, however once in my living room, she pulled out a pistol and aimed at my head! I tried to grab for the gun, but it went off. The shot hit my neck and I could feel my artery burst open. I could also hear the blood pooling and gushing around.

She fled thinking she had killed me. DS10 came out of hiding and was obviously upset. I told him I loved him and to call Dad. I remember applying pressure to my neck and thinking I don't want to die! I can't leave my children!

I woke up with a sore throat! And the tonsil that hurts is the one where I was shot!!! LOL!! Think I'm a little stressed when it comes to getting sick?

I'm using my conscious thought today to realize its ok to get sick. I'll get better. I've fought off numerous colds and flu this season, I may beat this one as well. Hot tea and Emergen-C are on order and I have plenty of raw veg in the fridgy. I just have to remember to push those brownies away and choose broccoli instead.

Allowing passions to lead us to distractions

I'm trying to redirect my focus so I don't freak out over life's little hiccups. Lately I've been dreaming big, finding all kinds of garden inspiration from the Garden Girl. I keep telling my husband he won't have any lawn to mow this year. He'll have to help us weed instead.

I was going to try and make seed starter pots out of newspaper, but then I found how to make them out of used toilet paper rolls! ("You Grow Girl" is another cool gardening blog.) I'm thinking even if I dream big, starting more gardening projects than we can finish, we'll still end up accomplishing something, learn lots in the process and have fun doing it!

DS10 has discovered he can customize his Lego figures with Sharpies. This was driving DS13 crazy. I was all for allowing the creative juices to flow, but he was concerned little brother was ruining our Legos. I suppose its like when your sister cut Barbie's hair or painted her face with nail polish. DS10 has learned Sharpie isn't permanent on Lego plastic if he uses our fingernail scrub brush under running water.

Never say never, I found myself watching the Military channel yesterday. We saw Weapon Masters, where they analyze ancient weapons and try to use modern technology to duplicate or improve them. One of the show's host, Chad, is infectious to watch. He looks and acts like a crazy man, but it's a good crazy! He is one of these rare, creative, passionate individuals, who is enjoying himself too much to care what others may think of him, like Steve Erwin was about crocs.

Yesterday's show featured the Roman's Scorpion, a freestanding crossbow. I'm so glad I don't live under threat of Roman attack!!

I suppose the boys love these shows because to a boy weapons are cool. As a unschooling mom, I can see these shows offer a more interesting way to learn about history and science.  I'm just surprised they've captured my attention, but I suppose its the attraction of watching someone so passionate about what they do.

For example, were you really that interested in crocodiles or was it more fun to learn about them watching Steve because he was so passionate and didn't care if he was offbeat?

I hope my boys can take this approach in life, not caring what others may think, but allowing their passions to propel them forward.

She didn't stay gone very long...

Its not even 8:00am yet, and I already need a do over day. I'm grumpy troll today! I'm going to spew and then try to turn this day around.

-Woke up with a brain cloud headache

-Received a letter from our credit union, "Visa debit card may have been compromised, here's new cards."

-I try to log in to check our account, I CAN'T GET IN!! (I'm sure everyone is trying.)

-I told DH he needed to swap out his card before he left today. He picked up mine and signed the back of it with his name!!! GRRRRRR!! WEAR YOUR GLASSES!!!!

-My eyes are achy and with a bit of sting. I can only hope I'm getting pink eye or some other highly contagious disease which would force me to withdraw from society and be the hermit I long to be.

-We've had so much rain, our yard is now a swamp. Our basketball pole is now leaning dangerously, ready to fall over. 

- I have to start work early again today. I'm really noticing these extra hours and how they are spoiling my mood. I miss my Sleepyhouse.

I'm going to go eat my cookie now. (I made peanut butter whole spelt so they aren't completely evil.)

Our first days of spring...

Its going to be a soggy week. Its not even a good rain either. Its cold and there's too much of it.

We're stocked up on library books and movies to get us through. DS10 found the book, 300 Frogs, a visual reference to frogs and toads from around the world. His favorite is the European tree frog. I also checked out Amphibians Of Wisconsin hoping he'd find a local favorite to hunt for, once weather allows us. Maybe we'll have to foster tadpoles again this year.

DS13 is looking over a book on small engine repair. I've told him the old lawn mower from Grandpa we can't get started is fair game. He's also expressed interest in taking apart our combination lock. Why not?

I was grateful I found Bite at the library for DH. For Christmas I had given him the Sookie Stackhouse series, only knowing them from True Blood on HBO. I didn't know that halfway through the series, you were expected to have read Bite to be able to understand what is going on. He's ticked off at the author for this stunt, but I think he'll keep reading them. I've only made it through the first novel and quickly discovered how different they are from the HBO series. I've promised to catch up to DH, but I struggle with reading fiction when there seems to be so much to learn from reading non-fiction books.

I'm still dreaming my way through garden books and catalogs. I'm researching the idea of building tee pees to grow my butternut squash on. (My neighbors are going to hate me!) I'm torn between growing a veggie patch or flower garden. I may just do both. 

I think I had my husband scared. He kept telling me I looked really good, like I was "glowing". Then I began waking up at 4:30am with an urge to clean the kitchen because I smelled something funky.  It was just crazy hormones, not true nesting. My bloodhound nose is so developed because I'm going deaf and without my glasses, I'm blind. My nose is the only thing working well these days!

This is a great week to spring clean, because being outside is no fun. I'm picking off little tasks, one by one, because if I think about everything that should be cleaned, its overwhelming. I wonder how much it would cost to have a super cleaning crew come in for one day and power clean my house? Probably more than I'd be willing to pay. Plus I'm going to need the money for my blueberry bushes!!

Just a quick note....

I haven't had much time to blog and today won't be any different. (Its busy time at the pool.)

I just wanted to wish everyone a great weekend! I'm only getting 1/2 of one, but 1/2 is better than none. (Darkside Dawn is back in her cave.)

DS13 left us for a last minute sleep over, so DS10 had solo time with us. We watched the end of Jaws and Frighteners. We always seem to watch whatever is on TV rather than watch the movies we've borrowed from the library or rented from Blockbuster. Why do we do that??!

We stopped at the Goodwill store and found The Worse Case Scenario Survival Card Game and Big Brain Academy Board Game, all for under $2!! (I love Goodwill!) I'll leave you all with a question from the Worse Case Survival Game, which really grossed out the men in my nest.

How To Urinate In The Woods (For Women)

Do you;

A. Take off all clothing below the waist and wade into a stream.

B. Dig a trench, pad it with leaves and squat over it.

C. Find two logs or rocks close to one another.Lean your back on one and lift your feet on to the other.

I'll post the answer tomorrow.

Darkside Dawn Returns...

Last night at work, I almost got into a shouting match with an EMT/Firefighter. I normally have great respect for first responders, but let's just say, there is always that bad apple in the bushel.

One of our guests was having a bad night. He was in full out melt down, temper tantrum mode, although I've witnessed worse. Mom ended up bringing him into the lobby where she safely pinned him down on the floor so he could ride it out and calm down. This poor little guy was really agitated and was trying to punch and kick. He is only 5 years old.

I asked Mom what we could do to help her. I was a bit shocked when she asked me to call 911 to request an ambulance. She believed her son was having a bad reaction to his ADHD medicine.

I did as she asked and again offered to help her in anyway we could. I offered to call her husband or someone else, but she refused, telling us she had it under control, and that she had called an ambulance last week for a similar episode.

She seemed like she was doing an excellent job, he was stable on the ground, she had his legs and arms restrained. He seemed to be calming down. He actually asked for his mother to cancel the EMT request. I asked her if she wanted me to call 911 back, and she said no. She wanted their assistance.

The 911 operator instructed me to go to the door to greet the EMT and bring them to the patient. While I was at the door, I guess the mother chose to release her hold on the boy and he instantly became combative again, punching and kicking her.

As soon as he saw the EMTs he stopped. The female EMT tended to the mom while the younger male EMT tended to the little boy, helping him calm down, checking his breathing etc.

The third EMT didn't know what to do with himself I guess, because he walked up to my co-worker and myself and began to chew us out. He reprimanded us for not helping the mom.

"I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WALK IN HERE AND SEE WHAT I SAW! DON'T BE AFRAID TO ACT AND HELP SOMEONE IN NEED!"

Before we could say anything in our defense, the mom stopped him and told him we had indeed offered help. She didn't want us to put our hands on her son, and that she felt she had it under control. She began to apologize to us profusely, and I assured her she didn't have to.

I felt so bad because as if this mom wasn't stressed enough, she was feeling bad the EMT was chewing us out. Mr. Insensitive had no clue. He happened to walk in at the exact moment mom had let go and the little boy began swinging away again. Up until that point, she had him pinned on the ground and in a calm submissive position.

After everything calmed down, the little boy left with his mom and the male EMTs headed outside. The female EMT then came up to my co-worker and I and said, "I'm really sorry my partner went off on you two like that. Please don't think you did anything wrong."

I was still fuming. In hindsight, there wasn't anything else we could have done. Mom had him on the ground, under control. I went to the door to escort the EMTs in and all heck broke loose.

My heart is breaking for this little boy. Mom said his doctors just put him on a new medication for his ADHD and anxiety disorder. Its obviously not supporting him. Although I personally wouldn't have chosen to call an ambulance, (his breathing was fine, no swelling, looked like a typical temper tantrum to me), I understood why mom wanted us to. I heard her say to her little boy, "This is the last time I can call the EMTs. Next time they will want me to call the police." My heart breaks for her too.

Why is it doctors are so quick to medicate our children? Why does it seem like alternatives are not considered? Why do they think medication alone is the answer?

This little boy has come to our pool for years and this was the first time I'd seen him act out. Previously he seemed like a typical little boy. He's suppose to be bouncing off the walls. He's 5! It's fun to come swimming. Mom told me he has problems in school because he doesn't want to sit still for very long. I have to wonder if she felt pressured into the ADHD drugs.

Although I do believe some individuals could have brain chemical mix ups, requiring medication, I am alarmed at how many kids these days are drugged up at what seems to be such a young age. Their little bodies are still growing. What are the long term effects?

Cranberry Almond Granola

I improvised a recipe I saw from Giada. It came out really good, but really sweet! Its a sweet snack granola rather than a breakfast cereal. I didn't use any salt and the only fat in the recipe comes from the almonds.

Crannyberry Almond Granola

1/3 C real maple syrup
2/3 C brown sugar
1/2 C cranberry juice- not sweetened with high fructose corn crap, I used juice sweetened only.
1 1/2 t cinnamon
2 C oats, old fashioned
1/2 C sliced almonds
1/2 C sliced pitted dates
1 C dried cranberries

In a small saucepan, on low heat, stir together maple syrup, brown sugar, cranberry juice and cinnamon until the liquid thickens and sugar is all dissolved.

In a large mixing bowl, add oats, chopped almonds and dates. Add in the warmed juice syrup mixture and stir to coat.

Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 325 for 20 minutes.

Add the cup of dried cranberries and bake for additional 10 minutes.

Allow to cool and then enjoy! Its chewy and crunchy! 

(Giada's recipe didn't use dates and had pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. I didn't have those on hand, plus I was trying to cut the salt out. )

Instructables - Make, How To, and DIY

http://www.instructables.com/
There are not enough hours in my day to fully take advantage of this website but I love it!

Quick babble for St. Patricks

I'm much too busy to organize my thoughts. Just be thankful I made it here!

Yesterday I went a bit nuts with wishful, warm weather, thinking. It was the first day it was warm enough to go without a jacket and even though I was going to order from Burpee, I caved at  Farm & Fleet and bought seeds. I picked out Buttercrunch lettuce, butternut squash, garlic chives, watermelon, cantaloupe and Roma tomatoes. I tried to buy things I knew my family would eat. Don't ask me where they are all going!! I hadn't planned on turning my entire small yard into a garden, but this morning I thought, why not? From "Melonhead" to "Melon Farmer"? It could happen.

I'm going to try and make our own seed starters using newspaper. I saw a tool at Burpee, but I don't want to pay for it. I'm going to brainstorm my own version. I have no southern windows so I'll have to set up a light table in the basement. We can't transplant here until mid to late May. 

I found a clearanced water cistern fountain for $24. I couldn't pass it up. It has a spitting lion head. I'm not sure where I'll put it, but its just large enough I may be able to grow a water plant in it. I may try a water lily, but we'll see what I can find at the nursery in a few months.

I'm a little jealous the birds are not using my homemade bird bath, but rather the abandoned turtle sand box for their bathing pleasure. Our neighbors, driven out by foreclosure, left the sandbox last November and it filled with snow. Now its all melted and created a mini-beach for the birds. I think it won't last though. I've seen someone stopping by every now and then, taking pictures of the property and doing improvements. I'm guessing the bank is getting ready to sell it. I hope someone nice moves in.

Speaking of moving, we're excited one of the families in our homeschool posse is moving just down the street from us!! I can't tell you how awesome this is, knowing the boys can see their "hs" friends more than once a week. Of course this does mean world's will have to colide. To date, we've never mixed our neighborhood posse rats with our homeschool posse at the request of my son. I think he's worried about everyone getting along.

Well, I better get moving. I want to make a new granola today that uses cranberry juice. (Giada recipe.) I'll let you know how it goes.

American Heart Association National Start Walking Day

Start:	Apr 8, '09
Location:	Anywhere you are!

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3064287

Join in the American Heart Association's National Start Walking Day event!

Free Writing Practice 3

This entry is for me, for my free writing practice, but you're welcome to read it if you want.

Free Writing Exercise 3

Ouch, ouch, ouch. My back still hurts. I think I hurt it weeks ago trying to life a case of DH's Diet dr. pepper out of the shopping cart and into the back of hte car. I keep re-hurting it, forgetting I need to take it easy. I may lift and twist the laundry, a box of books, my own body. It usually goes away and gets better if I walk, but fo rsome reason, thsi time, it gets better only to then find me wakin gup to it being worse. Maybe its my bed, but we can't afford a new one. I shoudl go to a chiroprator but it would hurt me worse to pay all that money! DS prayed for me lat night! How sweet! he is so senesative. He knows when something's not right and he wants you to feel better. he  doesn't miss anything. Sometimes he does misinterpet though, thinking we're upset when we aren't. Robins outside my window are so fiesty! Must be looking for mates. I did see one old bird drinking at our make shift bird bath. i need to get out there and clean it out today. Should be warm up and feel like spring today> Wish my back wasn't bothering me so I could enjoy it more. I should still keep walking and hope for the best. Maybe after a few more weeks, if it isn't getting better, I'll break down adn pay the chiroc price. I found relief there in the past. Wagon walkers going by. I remember pulling my boys in the wagon. seem slike yesterday, they grow so fast. i need to wash blankets today. didnt' get to it on Friday. I'm grateful to have a washing machine and dryer, but the laundry mountain never goes away. Breathe in,k breahte out, spongebob is on in teh background. Sandy is hybernating. Wish I could have slept last night. I kept waking up with  back pain. Probably woke up Dh a few times, although he didnt' complain. That's probably wehN i shoudl draw the line and go to teh chiro. When this back problem of mine is interferring with sleep and the sleep of my loved ones. Why am I such a tight wad when it comes to me>? If my family felt this way, I would be telling tehm everyday to go to the doctor  but when it come sto me, I feel like I should just shut up and take it like a mom. Just another example of how mom's dont' take care of themselves. DS just put away his waffle plate in the sink. I love that they put away their used dishes in the sink, but is it too much to ask for them to load them into the dishwasher. Of course that means the dishwashermust be empty. Clean dishes don't come out unless I remind him to unload. He wants a bowl of tositoes! First I guess he craved sweet sryupy waffles and now he wants salt. Uggg. why is it such a challenge to get nutrition into this family? I think I'll take of the plastic toda. I would love to open window and freshen up the air in here. OF course then I'lls ee how dirty they are and feel the desire to clean  them. One thing at a time, don't be overwhelmed Dawn. It gets doen when it gets done. Cat hair on the floor...

times up.

Hobo Sock

"What is on your foot!! You need to throw that away. You have new socks in your drawer!"

"But this is my Hobo Sock!!"

"And you love your Hobo Sock?"

"Yes, I do."

"Ok, keep your Hobo Sock, but only wear him around the house ok?"

"YEAH! I CAN KEEP MY HOBO SOCK!!!"

"Fridays Are Fresh Days"

I'm relieved its Friday. Its the one day I plan nothing so I can catch up. Its the one day I know I will be with my family for "Friday Family Fun Night." Its the day before I have my husband home all weekend so its like Christmas Eve in spirit, waiting for that gift! 

Today's Friday will be great because its also going to warm up to above freezing temps! I need spring so badly, I cannot tell you! DH asked if we should take the plastic off the windows, but I'm scared if I do that, we'll drop back down into another cold snap. I'd take out my spring clothes, but I'm worried that too will curse the warming trend heading our way hopefully.

Yumi just reminded me its Friday the 13th. She threw up on the floor vent! Like I really want to dismantle that and try to clean out the vent now?! UGH! Why the floor vent cat??!! You had the entire kitchen floor!!

No, I will stay positive. Even about Supper. If you read my free writing 2 exercise, you know I'm stressing over preparing healthy, tasty meals my entire family will enjoy. I don't feel like playing short order cook, and I've discovered when I stress over a meal's preparation, I can't sit and enjoy it. Menu planning is one of the few things I don't enjoy about being a Domestic Diva.

I don't want to eat out though either. The food really doesn't taste that good to me, eating out. I'm really trying to taste, enjoy and connect with the food I eat. Its part of my learning process working through Karen Koenig's Rules of Normal Eating and The Food & Feelings Workbook.

DH mentioned we should try stir fry at home, only I don't own a wok. I'll be really tempted to look for one at Goodwill when I drop off this week's purge load. I could make stir fry in a regular pan right? I wish I knew how to make homemade stir fry sauces though. Add that one to my autodidact list.

I keep a list of things I want to learn more about. Challenging myself helps me to continue to learn and grow. Plus I'm hoping that my boys will be inspired and model my actions. I saw part of a show on PBS, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, with Dr. Amen. He pointed out each time you learn something new your brain makes another neuro connection, keeping your brain healthy and active. I really believe it.

Becoming an autodidact- a self directed, self taught, person has really helped me in so many ways. Gone are my depression, anxiety attacks and low self esteem. Its freed me to find the path I need to be on, not where someone else thinks I need to be.

"Fridays Are Fresh Days" is a favorite lyric of mine. I hope you all have a Fresh Friday today and a fab weekend!

Free Writing Practice 2

The following is more for me than you. I'm using free writing to try and improve my writing skills. (See previous post.)

Fridays are fresh days. I'm loving that is Friday. I find myseld getting stressed over little things but then if I take the time to stop and think, i can calm down. I think Fridays allow me to do this. Its my sabbath. yesterday i stresed out disagreeing with a freind. I lve her but some of hher views are so different than my own. I hope she isn't regretting our visit yesterday. I think we are brought ttogether for the purpose to learn from each other. I'm stressing over what to make for supper. I want to cook adn eat at home but find that often I'm not enjoying supper because of the stress of haiving to create it. Why does food taste better when someone else prepars it? even toast or a drink? I think my stresssing over the food is effecting how it tastes. family says they enjoy it, but I will not sit and relax and eat it well beacuse Im' still fryed over from making it. I worry about making something eveeryone will enjoy. somethign that is healthy for everyone. I want my family to help me more in the kitchen. i know that will help. I feel like we are in a food rut, but even when we eat out, the food doesn't taste that great to me. everythign i wand to try doesn't soudn good to DH: He tells me to make it anyway and he'll make something else but I hate the lack of unity then. I hate cooking meat basically. I gravitate towards veg. I foudn this really tasty looking recipe for veggie pot pie, but my family would never eat it. What woudl I do with an entire pan of pot pie? I don't want to throw away food. Its awful howmuch food goes done the dipsoal or into the bin. my face itches. why do I itch when I type? I can hear the bathroom door, ds10 is probably up. slept in today. probably because we wer up late watching survivor and hell's kitchen. I love that my family tpaes the shows and waits for me to come home to watch thtem, but htat makes for late nights. I wonde3r if free writing really would hurt if i stopped and make typo corrections. I better not chance ti. Robins are squawkign out there. The ground may still be frozen but its suppose to warm up. YEAH for warmer weather!! I need it. I haven't been walking. I prefer to walk outside than the treadmill. breathe in, breathe out. has it been 10 minutes yet, I'm starting to feel it. Head itches now. My skin's too dry. Bro thinks we need a humidifier but he doesnt' see the mildew on my windows! I probably just need to eat better oils and remember to use lotion righ tout of the shower. Fingers are cold, but not my toes. Strange. Good morning Jared., i'm doing my free writing---- there 's  the timer!! I'm done!! 

Free Writing Practice

"Think of writing then not as a way to transmit a message, but as a way to grow and cook a message. Writing is a way to end up thinking something you couldn't have started thinking."

"Treat words as though they are potentially able to grow. Learn to stand out of the way and provide the energy or force the words need to find their growth process." - Peter Elbow

I'm currently reading Peter Elbow's Writing Without Teachers and part of the process to become a better writer is practicing free writing. For 10 minutes each day, I will write non-stop. I will not make any edits or corrections as I write. It may seem like garbage, but the exercise is to help me learn to write freely. When we edit and proof while we write, we stop the flow. Free writing practice will help loosen up and stretch out my writing muscle. 

I thought I would use my blog to free write and the following exercise is more for me than for you. If you want to read it, feel welcome to. Remember its my crazy brain spewing out of control though!

Free Writing exercise- day 1,  time 10 minutes

Knuckles cracked, here I go. be ready for tons of typos, I can't beleive I can't stop. This is going to be so difficult. Why is that kid watchign me do this> he wont' let me stop. Why did i tell him what I was goign to do? Pink domo staring at me, clock ticking behind me. my nose itches. birds just chirped, opps, i went back there. I bet this is easier if you are using a pencil or pen and paper, than tyring to type it. there i had to itch my nose. It was driving me crazy.  much like this exercise. I dont' want to use punctionation. it slows me down. deep breath in, deep breath out, i hate this so sunny outside but so cold. i froze my fingers off trying to gas up the car. i wonder what the ladies think of me at the piggly wiggly, i'm in there everyday buying grocories. That's the beauty of living so close to the store though. He's going downstaris. I guess watching me isn't entertaining enough anymore. tomorrow I hope to see my friends. i will have to ask them if they want to plant a live wreath with me. I saw how to make live wreaths using flowers and herbs in a magazine. I wish i could do more gardening. It looks like so much fun and i love getting my hands dirty. of course I find I have to wash my hands too often. I can't seem to have enough lotion on hand. Hand lotion, on hand, ahhhhhh i'm stopping and I can't! Must keep writing, must keep writing. nose itched again. domo still staring. I can hear them downstairs. I know they can't hear me. blah, blah, blah, I should just think of a topic and write about it rather than listening to the voices in my head and trying to keep up with them. lets see, topics, topics, I can't think of one that isn't a downer. Debbie Downer that's me. My family thinks I am too quick to point out bad news. I have to work on that. I am excited I found a group of beleivers like me. Christian universalists! I thought i was the only one. I want to order the book and really study up. I feel like i've been in the closet but finding this group makes me want to come out. I have to be able to defend my beleifs though and I dont' know if I'm ready for that. I suppose this is why I've stayed away from organized religion. Too many judges, judging me. Yumi is sleeping in her chair, i can't believe how much fur is flying from her. I brushed her this morning and it came off constantly. I should shave her but she'd freak out I'm sure. No wonder why her tummy hurts her. Too much fur in there. I let her play in the garage for a bit. Boy do we need to clean up in there. Winter's worth of clutter and garbage. We need for it to warm up. When its cold like today, all I want to do is sit inside and drink tea and watch cooking shows. OH! I saw a cool recipe for veggie pot pie. I must remember to go check that out when I finish with this exercise. She also made a butternut squash rosota that looked good.....

time's up

Boy that sucked!! Why did I decide to post these??? I hope after a few weeks, I can see progress in my writing. After reading the above I feel like a terrible writer!! That's part of the process though, getting rid of the garbage to free up your mind. Of course I believe the author intended for us to throw away our free writing. I'm posting it on my blog for all eternity!! LOL!!

McDonald's Filet O' Fish Commercial w/Talking Fish

We can't stop singing this song in our house. Curse you McDonalds!!!!

Emergen-C Blue

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

You all know I love the Tangerine flavor, but I saw this Blue flavor offered at Target. Since I'm such a berry fan, I thought what the heck, I'll give it a try.

It rocks!!! I swear its been Emergen-C that has helped keep me stay well this season. I usually drink one a day, and if I think I'm getting sick, I bump that up to 2-3 packets a day.

Cheap, Easy, Window Cleaner

I'm never buying window cleaner again. I just reused the old spray bottle and added the following;

2 cups water
3 TBS white, distilled vinegar
1/2 tsp dish detergent (liquid)

It worked as good as store bought expensive stuff. I also used old newspapers to wipe my windows dry. Cheaper than paper towels, and no streaks!

Weekend Update 3/9/09

My camera's not that good, and I still haven't figured out my computer's new photo editing software, but I love this shot. We started our weekend off at the zoo, and I got a kick out of these birds. I love how the middle bird is doing the splits, trying to claim perch possession of both branches!! I find it a perfect metaphor for greed.

After our super quick zoo visit, (forgot about winter hours still being in effect), we met DH for pizza. Shamefully we ate out way too much this weekend, but its sort of a last hurrah. Car payments begin this month!

Saturday DH & I had our date. We had Lupper out, (late lunch, early supper). It was suppose to be romantic. I wore a new purple top and was feeling pretty good until the hostess said to me, "All you need is a red hat." Way to deflate my balloon.  DH tried to help by telling me I looked good, but I was feeling old and gray at that point.

I think if the hostess would have been younger than me, I would have thought she was just a beeatch. I guess since she was older than me, she was just trying to acknowledge one of her own. I wanted to scream at her, "LOOK LADY! I'M 1O YEARS AWAY FROM BEING ELIBLE TO WEAR YOUR RED HAT!" I think my purple top is heading to Goodwill even though I've only worn it once.

After our meal, we decided to do books for dessert.  I was really discouraged to see prices on used books are up, but I suppose everyone is hurting. Why should I complain about spending $4.98 for a book that new cost $10.95? I'm still getting it for less than half price.

Maybe dumping all those classic children's books because of the fear of being prosecuted for selling items which may or may not contain lead in them has forced our used book sellers to increase their prices? But hey, I guess its now okay if I allow my 10 and 13 year old to lick and suck their reading materials!

Okay, off my soapbox.

The book I did pick up for $4.95 was Writing Without Teachers by Peter Elbow. Yes, being an unschooler I was sucked in by the title. I'm still on the first chapter but his thoughts on free writing seem dead on. Schools have taught us to edit while we write, being aware of spelling and grammar. We also edit our unacceptable thoughts and feelings while writing.

"The habit of compulsive, premature editing doesn't just make writing hard. It also makes writing dead. Your voice is damped out by all the interruptions, changes, and hesitations between the consciousness and the page." - Peter Elbow.

My goal is to exercise my free writing. Editing comes later, but the idea is to become used to allowing whatever needs to come out, come out. Let go of restrictions and loosen it up- Next time blogger's block rolls around, I may even free write a post. Want to join me?

Moving forward...

I ripped this from a comment posted on my friend's Facebook page. I liked it so much, I wanted to keep it somewhere I could go back and re-read it as needed.

Why we need to always remember to move forward-

"Our eyes see forward, our ears are tuned forward, our arms reach forward, our legs walk forward. The only thing that comes from behind us is, well..."

Now its too nice outside to be on the computer. Stay positive, keep moving forward and have a great weekend!

My A, B, Cs ( I'm procrastinating this morning.)

Give it a try, but you have to do it right. Copy this whole thing, go to your profile/notes/new note, right click and paste, put the subject back in the title line.
Then comes the hard part. Replace my answers with your own!
Come on, you're already here, what else have you got to do? :)

A
- Available: off the market since 1986
- Age: Four Tea
- Annoyance: A- hole drivers
- Animal: Yumi (Cats rule, dogs drool)

B
- Beer: No thanks
- Birthday: August - the month with no holidays!
- Best Friend: husband
- Blind or Deaf: I'm already losing my hearing, so I'll say deaf.
- Best weather: Fog, not too thick though. I need to see Mr. Darcy walking towards me.
- Been in Love: Yes
- Believe in Magic: Only the kind we can create ourselves
- Believe in Santa: He always scared me. I prefer Tomten.

C
- Candy: Right now: chocolate covered dried cranberries!!!!
- Color: Indigo
- Chocolate/Vanilla: BOTH! I'll have a Zebra twist cone please!
- Chinese/Mexican Food: Mexican!!! Its the guacamole that determined this answer!
- Cake or pie: cake
- Continent to visit: North America would do it for me- I'd like to see mountains, the canyon, the forests, the deserts, the oceans. There is so much of my continent I've only seen in photos.
- Cheese: cheddar

D
- Day or Night: Either works for me. I just don't like 4:00pm.
- Dancing in the rain: OH YEAH!! Throw in some mud too. I'm a hippie chickie melon head!

E
- Eyes: gray blue
- Everyone's got: to laugh
- Ever failed a class: I must have, but I don't remember because I probably didn't care about it in the first place.

F
- First thoughts waking up: Please let this not be a sinus headache. I don't want to be sick today.
- Food: Berries, berries, berries

G
- Greatest Fear: Death of my family
- Goals: to de-clutter my nest & grow stuff
- Gum: My teeth don't like it anymore
- Get along with your parents: yes

H
- Hair Color: don't know what to call it, light brown,"real" blond, gray
- Height: 5’5”
- Happy: Most days
- Holiday: Christmas
- How do you want to die: In my sleep - When my family no longer needs me.

I
- Ice Cream: Fox Fudge Freak Out
- Instrument: a little bit of piano left. We should get a keyboard so I can re-learn it.

J
- Jewelry: The one piece that never comes off is a gold ring in my left ear. DH and I got them when we were 17 and we've never taken them off.
- Job: home schooling mom, part-time administrator at a swimming pool

K
- Kids: I have two here with me now. Wish I could have shared my life with 2 more, but it wasn't meant to be.
- Kickboxing or karate: Karate
- Keep a journal: Blogging

L
- Love: Is what its all about.
- Laughed so hard you cried: I can't remember the movie. Probably because I was laughing so hard, I couldn't breathe, and the lack of oxygen killed those brain cells that would have remembered what movie I was watching.

M
- Milk: vanilla soy
- Movies: I love everything except torture movies. DH and DS can watch Saw without me!
- Motion sickness: Only when I was preggers
- McD’s or BK: NOODLES! Pesto Cavatappi noodles rock.

N
- Number: 22 - I've always liked this number.

O
- One wish: to be healthy

P
- Pepsi/Coke: - Tea, iced or hot, sweet or not!
- Perfect Pizza: Thin crust from Pizza Oven or Kaiser's- Pizza crust needs to be cracker thin and crispy, bubbles are a bonus!
- Piercings: My ears only. If I had the body, I would definitely have my navel pierced.

Q
- Quail: ???? What about it? Its a bird. Would I eat it? Probably not. Do I like them? Ehh... its a bird but its not a crane.

R
- Reality T.V.:I think my husband would rock on Survivor! Project Runway makes me want to sew.
- Radio Station: WXRT in Chicago, perhaps the one and only reason I could be convinced to move back to flatland.
- Roll your tongue in a circle: Yes
- Ring size: When I married, I told the woman I wanted a 7. She insisted I was a 6.5. Years later, pregnant, I couldn't wear my wedding band. I took it off before my midwife warned it may have to be cut off, but then tragically, I lost it!! DH ended up buying me a new one, along with two special thin gold bands to wear alongside of it, one from each son. I plan on giving those thin gold rings to my future daughter in laws.

S
- Song: Its always a Blind Melon song, today its Soul One
- Shoe size: left foot 9, right foot 8.5
- Salad Dressing: I made a blackberry one to die for. Blend a pint of Blackberries with 1/4 C of Red wine vinegar and 1/4 cup olive oil. Add a spoonful of sugar if needed. SO GOOD!!!
- Sushi: Its on my 40 firsts list, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. I had fake sushi in high school.
- Shower: A morning must! I don't know how people can stand not showering in the morning. I feel like I can't get grooving without one.
- Strawberries/Blueberries: Blueberries- buckets of them!!!!

T
- Tattoos: Not yet, but I haven't ruled them out. I wish they weren't so permanent. Maybe henna is a better option for me.
- Time for bed: When I'm sleepy.
- Thunderstorms: Few and far between. I love thunderstorms but hate tornadoes.

U
-Unpredictable: What to make for supper.

V
- Vacation spot(s): Anything having to do with nature is fine with me. Someday I do hope to see Sequoia trees.

W
- Weakness: I worry too much.
- Which one of your friends acts the most like you: Only my imaginary one
- Worst feeling: When I can't take care of those I love.
- Worst Weather: Death cold

X
- X-Rays: I'm sure they'll give me cancer one day.

Y
-Year it is now:2009
-Yellow: my living room

Z
- Zoo animal: I wish large animals didn't have to live in them, buy my favorite is the tiger.

Feeling Much Better Today....

It worked. I stopped worrying and started focusing on being engaged. Worry seems to be a character flaw of mine, but I'm evolving.

Since physical digging was an impossibility, I dug head first into gardening books. I discovered the names of two perennials in my yard, and how I can spread them. One of them is Tickweed, pictured. I started my garden plan notebook and am researching how I can start plants indoors.

I've read somewhere that our children are so nature deprived, they don't even know the names of the plants in their own yards. I'm guilty of this myself, so my goal is to learn what is growing in my yard, and pass on that info. Last year the boys seem to enjoy helping out our neighbor with her garden, and I hope we can cultivate our own plot this year. Growing suburban grass is not that thrilling after all. (Hey! I don't even know the name of the grass species under that snow!)

As for connecting with the boys, DS13 and I have been playing Scrabble with each other and our extended family through Facebook. (Man that is addicting!!) We're also loving Pathwords and Scramble. Need to waste time, open up a Facebook account! LOL! (Actually, the word games aren't a waste of time. Its one way how unschoolers learn language arts.)

We made Mancakes together. Make the biggest pancake that will fit in your pan and that's a "mancake." Of course mine was more of a "womancake", loaded with fresh sliced strawberries.

We had a great discussion about rabies. (Yes, I just transitioned from pancakes to a hideous disease.)  We may have gotten a little too into it, because we began to spook DS10. I think he has my worry gene.

Today may prove to be another stressful one for me.  I have to work more hours away from our Sleepyhouse, but I'm more calm knowing this is temporary.
 

I tripped up....

I should be calm, at peace but I'm not. I don't feel focused. Am I still going through post traumatic car buying stress? Is it the constant doom and gloom news thrown in our faces, or has my brain finally succumbed to the freezing temperatures?

I know I'm having one of those, "Am I doing the best by my children" modes. It began with a conversation with my husband about stuff happening at my work. DH feels I have the expertise and talent to really make a difference if only I could work full time. DS10 over heard us and misinterpreted this to mean I was going back to work full time, meaning he would then have to go to school. I had to assure him I wasn't leaving him. Family is my first priority and allowing my children the freedom to learn and grow in their own way goes along with that.

I tried to explain to him that I would always be around when he needed me, but that someday, he would be older and wouldn't need me as much. This seemed to calm him down, but for some reason, the whole thing really shook me.

I guess I was upset that we upset him, but I also felt the event hatched a little worry bug. Am I doing everything I should to prepare them for THAT day?

Now I've learned, when I start doubting the unschooling process, its really about me not fostering my own learning. (Thomas Jefferson Education taught me that.) I am a mentor and if they aren't able to witness me learning and growing, they won't be inspired to learn and grow. I've lost sight of this recently, probably due to stress.

I'm sure its also because I feel out of touch with them. I've been busy with other crap, and I haven't been able to share in their daily lives as much. If I would have, I'm sure I would see they are learning and growing.

I did trip up and started asking them, "Are you guys bored? Do we need to start doing something else? Should we make some goals? Take some trips? Get out of this Sleepyhouse?" I need to remember the look on their faces. Silence speaks.

My kids never use the B word. Boredom is an affliction that rarely visits here. Its more about Mom's insecurities fueling these questions.

I regret it today. It didn't take long before DS13 began to say things like, "I guess I should study medicine so I could always have being a doctor as my fall back."

WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lord, help me to not screw them up!!!! Bring me back to focus and help me relax. I need to remember my passions and take time to share theirs as well. Unschooling does work if I don't allow stress to get in the way of your plan!

First Road Trip With The New Car

Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we went. DH had to work half the weekend away, but we managed to stretch our new car's wheels and took a road trip to Kenosha yesterday.

After enjoying real thin crust ZA, only found in K-town, we stopped at Tenuta's Deli. This is another reason why I can't live in Kenosha. Too many yummy foods!

DH has not so fond memories of having to go into Tenuta's as a child. He's told us it was then a very smelly place, probably from all of the stinky cheeses. Now it has expanded to a fine specialty store with not only cheeses and meats, but all kinds of ethnic baking goodies.

Their chocolate covered candy collection is to die for. No where else have I discovered a chocolate covered almond covered in as much chocolate goodness as at Tenuta's. Don't get me started on the chocolate covered dried cranberries! (Seriously, don't get me started because I won't stop.)

The boys got a kick out of discovering cans of sliced octopus and conch. Hmmm.. Christmas stocking stuffers? LOL! Actually DS13 has requested a huge block of white chocolate for his stocking this year. What is it about bulk food that is so appealing?

Vampire Salad

"Doesn't this salad look yummy?"

"Maybe if you're a vampire."  - DS10

I made a Black Berry Chicken salad, inspired by the best meal I've ever eaten in my life and a recipe I found in this month's Better Homes and Gardens. It was so good, I ate two bowls! DS10 just decided to eat his chicken in a separate bowl with a side of baby carrots. He really missed out!

I had to start with frozen, boneless, skinless chicken, so into the slower cooker I placed 1/4 C of OJ, and the juice from one lemon. After the chicken was cooked, I dumped it into a fry pan to brown up and cook off the marinade.

I chopped up Romaine, English cucumber (seedless), sliced red seedless grapes, strawberries and threw in whole washed Black Berries.

For the dressing I blended 1 pint of washed black berries, 1/4 C Red Wine Vinegar, and 1/4 C olive oil. The Black Berries were expensive, two pints for $5, but I figured I'd treat myself to something really healthy and tasty since I'm no longer eating cookies or candy. It was definitely worth it and cheaper than eating out.

13 for Thursday

Life's been a tad bit nutzo, but I thought I could crank off 13 for ya today.....

1. Spent much of last night fixing stuff at work that would have been fine if my co-workers would just use the software program I set up. I understand learning new things can be scary, but if they'd just calm their anxieties, they'd realize they are more than capable.

2. We have a Vibe, now let's hope its a good one!

3. Is it stalkerish if I contact a complete stranger who's name I found in the car manual in the glove box to ask them if they have the extra key?

4. $129.85 to replace a car key?? I can live without a key fob, but is there really a tiny microchip in the key itself that "communicates" with the engine? Do I believe Mr. Satan Spawn when he tells me Ace Hardware can't cut me one?

5. I can't believe I made it an entire day without candy, cookies or chocolate chips. One day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time..... I can do this!

6. Ice rain today - Is this necessary? Haven't we suffered long enough?

7. Mourning Dove I'm glad you're back. Was worried that bird seed was going to get pretty stale. Hope you plan on hanging around.

8. Did you know one could be a "Professional CONTAINER Gardener"? How can I land this gig? Is it a step up from florist, but not quite a landscape architect? This month's Better Homes And Gardens features a woman who turned her garage into her workshop. I guess she meets with clients and designs container gardens for them. I'm stunned one could make a living doing this.

9. Project Purge needs to change course direction and the next few days are all about paper. I need to find the van title so I can get that rusting bio-hazard off my driveway.

10. "No, you can't have the van to turn into a clubhouse for the Posse Rats. Our neighbors would not appreciate it. I know, I know, it sucks living in suburban sub-division uniformity."

11. The birds on our Audubon bird clock have personality disorders. The Kingfisher hoots thinking its a Horned Owl. (Or maybe I better check the battery.) Time is correct though.

12. DH told me I was crying out in my sleep last night. I guess I have him to blame for not stopping the aliens taking over my kitchen.

13. Why does my life these past few days feel like the last 10 minutes of pretty much any movie on the LMN channel? (Lifetime Movie Network)