Makes me wish I would have went garbage picking

I'm a few weeks late. I should have been hanging out by the book store's dumpsters with a pick up truck.

Read this article and cry with me.

http://www.city-journal.org/2009/eon0212wo.html

Black Bean & Noodle Stoup

Healthy, cheap, comforting, and easy, I decided to make a black bean stoup, (stew like soup.) I had fallen into a food rut and needed to remind myself that healthy meals are attainable. It tastes better than it looks.

Black Bean & Noodle Stoup

1 T olive oil
1 onion, chopped or diced to your liking
baby carrots- a handful chopped or diced
2-3 garlic gloves- chopped, more or less to taste
1 Quart of vegetable broth
Two handfuls of "No Yolk" egg dumpling noodles (about 3 cups)
1 Can of black beans, drained and rinsed
2 plum tomatoes, chopped or diced
1/2 C frozen corn
1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1-2 t cumin (to taste)
1 t pepper (to taste)
2 T fresh cilantro, chopped

Archer Farms Black Bean and Jalapeno tortilla corn chips from Target

In your soup pot, add the oil and chopped onions and dance them, (cook), over a medium heat until the onions sweat it out. Add the chopped carrots and garlic to the pot party. 

Add the veggie broth and make those veggies swim. Stir in the noodles and as the noodles begin to soften, add the beans, tomatoes, corn and jalapeno. Spice it up with the cumin, pepper and cilantro and allow the stoup to thicken.

Circle your stoup with tortilla shark fins! Its so yummy and offers a great variety of textures and flavors.

Do you know what's awesome, cool, annoying.....

I stole this from my son's blog.  His answers were better than mine, but it still inspired me to write my own. (I'll copy his post after mine since his blog isn't public.)

My answers

You know whats awesome? Dove chocolates- I just love the messages inside.

You know whats cool? foam swords - They're only $1 at Target

You know whats annoying? Charity/telemarketer calls that say they don't want your money, just a moment of your time.

You know whats nice? Pink Domos

You know whats bad? Wisconsin roads after winter

You know whats dumb? Institutionalized education

You know what makes you angry? Charter Communications

You know whats awkward? Having to tell a complete stranger she's had a period accident while noticing she's obviously on a date

You know what feels good? Down comforters

You know whats the most Annoying battle ever fought? Trying to keep a plastic garbage bag open enough in order to dump all the waste in

You know whats gross? Public toilets

You know what totally sucks? Being poor

You know what stinks but used to rock? The Fox network

You know what rocks? Blind Melon of course

You know whats frustrating? Trying to use keys with mittens on (Gloves aren't warm enough!)

You know whats entertaining? Children at  play

You know whats funny? My husband

And here is what my son had posted on his blog

You know whats awesome? Metal gear solid 4.

You know whats cool? Shoe boxes.

You know whats annoying? When you are taking a dump and then the toilet water hits your bottom. Its kinda like the toilets revenge for pooping in it.

You know whats nice? When you find a dollar on the ground.

You know whats bad? When you are using a public bathroom and its out of toilet paper.

You know whats dumb? Movie sequel names.

You know what makes you angry? The jerks who run charter(I'm sure my mom will blog about it soon).

You know whats awkward? When you fart in front of people at the bookstore.

You know what feels good? Hot tubs.

You know whats the most Annoying battle ever fought? You vs. the printer.

You know whats gross? Surgery shows.

You know what totally sucks? When you lose your wallet and its totally loaded with cash.

You know what stinks but used to rock? Cartoon network.

You know what rocks? Boomerang.

You know whats frustrating? When you lose all your data on a video game.

You know whats entertaining? Watching your mom play scrabble via facebook against your uncle.

You know whats funny? Watching your grandma play wii fit.

Ice Cream Cake Roll Recipe

As requested- Enjoy!

Ice Cream Cake Roll

3/4 C flour
1/3 C cocoa powder
1 t baking powder
pinch of salt
4 eggs
3/4 C granulated sugar
2 t vanilla
2 T powdered sugar
3 C mint chip ice cream, softened

Chocolate syrup, caramel syrup and whipped cream - Optional

Heat your oven to 350 F. Line a 15 x 10 x 1 jelly roll pan with foil so the ends stick out and spray with non stick spray. (The over hanging foil will serve as a handle to lift the cake out of the pan.)

Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl.

In a separate bowl, beat 4 eggs until creamy yellow. Slowly add in the granulated sugar and vanilla.

Fold in the flour mixture until completely mixed. Spread in the prepared pan.

Bake for 12 minutes or until the cake spring back to your light touch.

Lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it with the powdered sugar. Lift the hot cake out of the pan and turn it onto the powdered towel. Roll up the cake with the towel starting from the short end.

While the cake cools rolled up, remove the ice cream from the freezer to soften.

Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it slowly. Spread the ice cream to within an inch of the edges. Re-roll the cake and ice cream. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and place the log in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before trying to slice it. Serve with chocolate and/or caramel sauce and whipped cream if desired.

Our Valentine's Day

Meet my new baby! How could you not love this face?!

My men got me a Pink Domo for Valentine's Day! I just love her!! I may have to change her name to Doma, or Domolita, or Domola. I'm still trying out names and waiting for her to tell me which one she likes. LOL!

We we blessed to share our day with Grandma. We had lunch at Famous Daves, thinking we'd avoid the evening crowds. It still packed up. I had yummy catfish, but the real treat was the corn bread muffin! YUMMM!!!

MY MIL & I did a little antiquing while the boys hit up the library for books and movies.

We then headed home to play Scrabble and Wii games.  I think I have a serious Scrabble addiction and trying to teach Grandma how to ski jump was hilarious! (Keep at it Grandma! You'll get it!)

I made an ice cream cake roll with chocolate cake and chocolate chip mint ice cream for our dessert. (More YUMMM!!!!)

We watched Underworld, which I was surprised I enjoyed. Maybe it was all the chocolate I'd had by then? DS10 won $10 because he bet his grandmother she couldn't stay awake throughout the entire movie. For someone who watches a lot of movies, I wonder why every time we watch a movie with her, she falls asleep?

Today DH is taking DN to the Motley Crue concert, so its just me and the boys. I think we'll order pizza, and DS10 has requested we watch a scary movie, maybe Clownhouse.

My sister sent me Crapola....

And now I'm full of it!!!! (snicker)

As a thank you gift, my sister sent me Crapola granola from Ely. Its so good!!! I have to discipline myself from eating the entire bag. My sister had a milestone birthday and celebrated in Ely, MN getting fitted for Mukluks. While there, she discovered Crapola.

Yesterday we gathered with our home schooling posse and made Valentines for veterans. For a group of pre & young teen boys, it went amazingly well. (I found ideas that weren't too girly.) We made paper airplane Valentines that said, "You're Plane Awesome", and we used old heart playing cards to make Valentine buddies, ATC's with pipe cleaner arms and legs. I'm kicking myself for not bringing the camera.

I found out that I'll probably be hosting not one, not two, but three workshops at the Wisconsin Parent's Association's home schooling conference! I'm stoked!! Every year, the first weekend in May ends up being a fantastic family weekend away while we get pumped back up for home schooling. We've been attending for years now, and although I no longer need workshops like, "How to start homeschooling","Great math ideas", "How to prevent home schooling burnout" etc., I am finding its a great opportunity to give back.

My family will be hosting, once again the Letterboxing event, and two new workshops, Flat Travelers and Apples to Apples. I'm a bit sorry to see they passed on my offer to host another ATC workshop, but I understand why. They don't want to keep offering the same workshops, year after year, because people will stop attending. You have to mix it up to create interest. I do think I will sneak in a few LTCs, (Letterbox Trading Cards), during the Letterboxing workshop.

I'm thinking long and hard about making a huge lent sacrifice. Last year I gave up carbonated drinks, which turned out to be easy after the first few weeks. This year I'm considering giving up sugar.

This presents a huge challenge for me. Sugar is everywhere! I'm referring to the entire catalog of sweeteners, although I think I may decide to cut myself a break and still use honey. If I can pull this off, I know I'll feel better, but its the detox that has me a little scared. I'll keep praying about it.

An herbalist once told me to try dried fruits when giving up sugar.  I'm discovering dried cranberries usually contain sugar. Same goes for dried blueberries. I'll have to hit the co-op and see what my options may be.

I better get cruising. I'm taking my Crapola on a photo walk. I'm hoping to win the photo contest and win a case of Crapola!

In The Event I Go Into The Witness Protection Program

1. REAL NAME:
Dawn Inger Petersen

2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(mother and fathers middle names)
Catherine Henry (perfect, I love it.)

3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
Helge Charles (Swedes don't have southern boys' names)

4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Petda (Sounds like a pet store to me)

5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)
Indigo Tiger (Wicked cool! Maybe its more James Bond though?)

6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)
Inger Chicago (also cool!)

7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Green Tea (boring, but perhaps my superpower would be anti-oxidants!)

8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Daen (I wouldn't even know how to pronounce it.)

9.STREET NAME:(fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie)
Fox Fudge Freak-out Chocolate Chip

10.SKANK NAME: (1st pet's name, street you grew up on)
Muffin Manchester - (Very skanky but with class! LOL!)

11.GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of first name plus 'izzle')
Dawizzle

12.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Yumi

13. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav scent, fav sweet )
Grass Chocolate - (Doesn't work at all does it!)

What we've been up to...

Everything is melting into muddy messes. I was able to find the lid to our garbage can since the snow bank has been reduced to a crusty, dirt covered mound. Today I'm tempted to open the windows since we will probably break a high temperature record. It may be in the upper 50's!!  Its been great for walking, but I should be careful of the wind.

Something strange is going on with my ear. I can't tell if I'm getting an ear infection or what else could be happening, but it really hurts, and I can't hear out of it too well. I'm not running a fever though. If it doesn't go away in a few days, I'll guess I'll break down and pay for the doctor's visit.

DS10 is doing extra jobs, helping me organize. He wants to save up enough money for the video game, Skate II. Cleaning out the cabinet, he helped me realize we have way too many plastic bags. I like having a few around for cat box presents and to line our smaller trash cans, but we have enough to stuff a bean bag chair!

DS10 has also been into drawing his own comics lately, inspired by the Diary Of A Wimpy Kid series. He drew one of Domo this morning in which his TV wasn't working. Domo ends up grabbing his rabbit friend and placing him on top of the TV to improve the reception. (Get it, rabbit ears!) I thought it was very clever.

I'm reading a really good book, The Language Police by Diane Ravitch. Its about the damage that has been done to the education of our nation due to groups lobbying for censorship in textbooks and curriculum. I've always felt our nation, (the US) has been dumbed down and this book explains how this has happened. The author offers an eye opening list of banned words and phrases and a terrific book list in the appendix.

Reading this book makes me so glad we home school! If I want to read Huckleberry Finn to the boys using the word, "nigger" I can. I can also explain to them how in our history's past, this word was used freely. We can further the discussion by examining the damage this has caused our country's race relations, and how we can make wiser decisions knowing these effects.

In the business of publishing and education, money motivates. You won't sell books if you offend. Whether its removing theories of evolution in textbooks marketed to schools in the bible belt, or banning references to pizza and ice cream to comply with California's ban on junk food. Diversity isn't marketable.

DS10 wanted to know what my dream job would be. When I thought about it realistically, I had no clue. I told him I loved being home and learning with him.

"But what are you going to do when Jake and I don't need you anymore?"  The kid is 10 and he's forcing me to think about an empty nest!

I have no idea really. I love teaching, but schools that last place I'd want to be because my philosophy of learning is so different. I'll have to brain storm it a bit and reflect.

Last week I was asked if I had all the money in the world, what would my dream house be like. My boys were in disbelief when I told them I didn't need a Crib's mansion, but all I would require would be lots and lots of land to grow gardens and forests on. This made me realize I should be doing more with the little lot we do have. If nature is so important to me, why isn't this reflected on my little patch?

And on that note, I'm going outside. The sun is high in the sky and I need to feel the wind on my skin. 

The Dining Divas

I went out with my Divas last night. We try to get together every month or so for a girl's night out. This outing included my sister, SIL, cousin and aunt. We dined at the 5 Forks and then saw, He's Just Not That Into You.

The photo is my sister's Chilpotle and Turkey pizza. It had blueberries on it! I would never think blueberries on a pizza, but it was so good! I had crab cakes with citrus salsa, red pepper aioli and a mustard remoulade. They were also very tasty, but I'm paying for the salt consumption today. I'll have to drink lots of water. 

The movie was Divalicious. Yes, its a chic flick, but it also makes a great date movie. Its packed with strong, female actors, but no one over powers it. Its a great ensemble piece.

We had such a great time its inspired me to pitch a reality show idea to Food Network or the Travel channel based on our fun, "The Dining Divas!" It would be 5 women, 5 different palates, dining out at restaurants all over the world. The Divas would dish on the dining experience, but they would also dish on each others lives.

Of course I'm hoping we're all chosen to be the 5 Dining Divas. We've got our endorsements all planned out! LOL! There will be cookware, fashion, jewelry, even luggage- "Diva cases", since we of course will be traveling all over the world! We'll be so much more fun to watch than Anthony Bourdain! LOL!!

Did you know I AM a Superhero

Find the superhero in you at http://www.cpbintegrated.com/theherofactory/

I couldn't choose  my name. If I could have, I would be Jedi Kitten.

Scattergories

I forgot how much I love this game. Want to play with me? Consider yourself "tagged" if you do.

Rules: Copy to your own blog, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag 10 people. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real . . . nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.

1. What is your name: Dawning

2. A four Letter Word: deep

3. A boy's Name: Daniel

4. A girl's Name: Daria

5. An occupation: doctor

6. A color: dark blue

7. Something you wear: Domo t-shirt

8. A hobby: doll making

9. A food: doughnuts

10. Something found in the bathroom: duck

11. A place: Dodgeville, WI

12. A reason for being late: Don't have anything to wear

13. Something you shout: DUDE!

14. A movie title: Do The Right Thing

15. Something you drink: Diet Rite

16. A musical group: Blind Melon - (Ok I cheated, but there is no other for me!)

17. An animal: dog

18. A street name: Doty

19. A type of car: Datsun

20. The title of a song: Dumptruck (yes its a Blind Melon song)

I should wake them up.

I can't believe they are still sleeping. They talked it up big last night that they wanted to get up at 5:00am in order to get to Denny's by 6:00am. Denny's is offering free Grand Slams breakfasts today.

I'm sure when they do get up, they will give me a hard time for not waking them. What can I say? I preferred to stay in my warm house, with my hot mug of Sangria tea, cozy slippers on my feet, munching on Trader Joe's Anti-OXidant Nut & Berry mix.

Did you know my cat like's dried blueberries?

I'll make it up to them. Maybe we'll go out for lunch.

Death cold is back. Wind chills in the negatives once again. Crazy thing is, by the end of the week, we'll be in the 40's! It will feel so good, I bet we'll put on shorts!

I've discovered I really like punching! Who would have thought a pacifist like me would find such gratification from socking it to a punching bag? Maybe you do have to watch out for us quiet types?

We bought a heavy bag for DS10's birthday and hung it in the basement. I had no idea what a workout it could be! I can feel myself being more relaxed and calm throughout the day, and I know its because I've sent all my stress into "Everlast" land. After my first session, my arms felt really weak the following day. Now I'm doing better. I have to remember to dress appropriately though. DS13 broke out in laughter when he caught me trying to kick box with fuzzy slippers on.

Ok, they're up now, and I'm in trouble. They are asking for breakfast which is strange because usually they take awhile to wake up first. How can they be hungry after eating so much for supper last night?

I made a pound of hamburger, "crumbly" style, along with pasta and broccoli. DH and I didn't eat any of the crumbly meat. Our offspring polished it off all on their own. I guess I'm not cooking right for growing teen boys. Have we really become a more than a pound of burger family?  Where's the recipe book for teen boys? I'm not understanding the portion requirements.

I better stop babbling now and get them fed before things turn ugly and they remember our Denny's plans.

Groundhog was set up....

DS10 pointed out perhaps they shouldn't hold that groundhog up so high and his shadow won't appear that big. You think people would learn to erect a tent over him so the sun's rays miss him entirely.

I so need spring. This past weekend it did warm up enough for an outdoor walk without a cold air induced asthma attack. That was a blessing. It felt good to stroll and stretch my legs, but I still had to watch for melting ice and snow.

DH fought with setting up computers and convincing the cable guy we needed wireless. "But you aren't hooking up a laptop?" Dude, with two computers, and two game consoles, we don't want wires everywhere tripping people. We're still having reliability issues with the online gaming.

Now that the new computer is up and running, DH confessed to me that our old computer's fan has gone completely out and its a matter of time before we lose the hard drive if we don't replace it. I have to make a point to get all my photos burned and uploaded to a backup site. For now, I use Winkflash.com because prints are only .6 cents each. DH may ask our nephew to help him install a new fan so we don't lose our old computer.

For months now, DS10 has been a tad bit envious of DS13 because we decided DS13 is old enough he doesn't need to be told when to go to bed. I told DS10 he could stay up and read if he wanted to, but he had to do it in his bed for now. He was ecstatic. He thought that was the coolest thing, to be able to read all night if he wanted.

Since we home school, I don't have to wake them at any certain time. They can sleep until they feel rested, and they are learning to listen to their bodies and go to sleep when they are tired. I actually read last week that there are physiological changes that happen to the teen body that prevents them from getting tired before 11:00pm. Unfortunately, teens in school have to get up early, so they are not getting enough sleep. A high school in Minnesota pushed back the morning start time and grades started improving.

We watched the Superbowl and I had to remind DH, although we were rooting for the Cardinals, we're used to losing because we're Bear fans. "Settle down and take it like a Bear Fan!"

I made guacamole and discovered I have no diminishing returns when it comes to creamy green heaven! I can't have avocados in the house. As if that wasn't enough of a calorie nightmare, I made brownies too. Hopefully the weather cooperates and I can keep walking outside. I get too bored on the treadmill just watching TV.

I have to go. Yumi is freaking out. With the little bit of snow that has melted, the stray cats are once again on the prowl. She sees them in the yard and goes bizerko. I should look into getting her those kitty happiness pheromones. 

Smooth Away Hair Removal

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Other

After having a nightmare my face was covered with white fur, I was motivated by subconscious fear to try Smooth Away, that "European hair removal secret". I didn't have to order it online but instead our Walgreens carries it for $10. I thought for $10, it was worth a try.

It does really work. Yes, you're basically sand papering your skin, but if you don't push too hard, it not only removes hair but exfoliates your skin. I rinsed and moisturized my skin afterward and it felt great. No nicks from razors, no painful waxing or tweezing.

I was afraid my skin would end up all red and swollen but it didn't. I don't know how long the pads will last, but the kit came with several replacements. There's also a travel case so I can bring it to the pool with me in case of "Opps, I missed a spot."

Now I'll be super quick swimming those laps! LOL!

Trying not to fry my brain this Friday.

Woke up with a headache. I don't want to get sick!

Last night a co-worker told me she was feeling stomach sick and had a really bad headache. I'm hoping my investment of trying to eat better and get rest will pay off, and I won't fall ill this weekend. I'm worried though because I haven't been walking as much.

I broke down and took Advil because I couldn't function. As understanding as my children are, I feel badly when I can't be there for them. Even if I could call in a substitute, their interest in my children's explorations would only be minimal compared to mine. The only real substitute I could tag team would be my husband, but his schedule is limited since he's our bread winner.

So taking DS10's advice, I laid back down to rest and waited for the Advil to take the edge off.

I think it may have worked.

I got up to check emails, risking the effects of staring at a glaring monitor. I had to beat DS13 to this new computer DH hooked up last night!

The keyboard is identical to the new one we just started using at work, and unfortunately, its not my favorite. It feels like the keys are squooshed together, and I keep hitting Cap lock unintentionally. I'm sure I'll eventually get used to it. When I do, and my brain is fully recovered, I believe I'll be heading over to Facebook to deliver servings of smack down.

Last night I realized, people don't know how to relax. Waiting for the female members of his family to change and dress, this dad paced our lobby like he was going to lose it. It reminded me of old style animal cages before zoos had habitats, where the big cats would just pace back and forth along the bars, hating life, ready to pounce.

I'm trying to learn to chill out more. I know I have a tendency to run high strung, and I know it affects my son. He is hyper sensitive and often confuses emotions. He's been better about asking me what's going on, but I have to remember frustration can look a lot like anger. I need to focus on staying calm.

Calm, peaceful people help those around them also feel calm and peaceful. This is the environment I want to live in. Plus its so much easier to learn and explore when this is the dominant vibe in the tribe.

So I'm going to chill out, go with the flow, learn to reflect rather than react. If more people would do this, imagine how less stressed everyone would be.

Now that blogging has awoken my brain and the cloud is lifting, I'm craving cherries. Time to go make some smoothies! Have a great Friday!

Sonic is here and Lefties Rock!

Those of you in the south, I'm sure, won't understand my excitement. After years of being tortured by commercials, I have learned a Sonic Drive In has opened near where I work! (Madison,WI)

It will probably be awhile before I can check it out. DH, (who also works near it), told me they have police directing traffic on the street where its located. Forget about trying to get into the parking lot. They are lining up cars along a side street and shuffling in cars as they can.  Culvers, (Wisconsin's home grown frozen custard and butter burger franchise) is shaking in their boots I'm sure. Mind you its still very cold here in Wisconsin, yet people crazed by seeing years of Sonic commercials, are lining up for slushies!

DS10 just finished up writing his thank you cards for the birthday gifts he received. He handed them to me to look over, and there's no denying this kid is a lefty! To our family about to receive these cards, you'll see what I mean!!

I just finished reading an article on how a large percentage of US presidents have been lefties, President Obama included. Read it here.

I know we have a cousin, born just 3 weeks after DS10, that is also a lefty, and I know my mom is. I know my mother's mother was suppose to be, but growing up in Sweden a hundred years ago, they tied down her arm forcing her to use her right.

Sometimes I think my DS10 is actually ambidextrous, but I suppose that could be an effect of living in a righty world. I don't try to force him one way or the other, but just ask him to do whatever feels right.

He'll begin writing with his left hand and then sometimes switch over to his right hand as he works across the page or chalkboard. I've even caught him working on two drawings at the same time, using both of his hands simultaneously. I don't care as long as his writing is legible and he's comfortable.

Personally, although I'm probably a righty, there are some things I prefer to do with my left hand such as cut meat or swing a golf club. When I drive, I find myself favoring my left hand, (having to remind myself to use two hands on the steering wheel, especially these days!)

Well, I better get moving. I have to start work early this afternoon and before that, I have to help find the answer to the question of the day in our house-  What is the world record for the longest hug? Hmm... I wonder if anyone wants to break it with me! LOL!

Cabin fever

I've not only been messing with my Multiply blog's look, but my need to redecorate has spread to our Sleepyhouse as well. DH has the bug too and we've started to rearrange furniture and move computers in anticipation for the new PC arriving. (Nesting for a new computer baby?)

I knew something was up when DH called me at work and asked, "Would you mind if I drilled a hole in the floor?" Sure, why not.

We decided to move our futon frame and mattress back downstairs to the man cave. We did this after I got home, at 11:00pm at night! Just a few nicks I'll have to touch up with paint, along the stairs.

Of course the idea of moving furniture around always sounds like a cool idea to freshen things up, but you forget about all the little, piddly stuff you also have to move. So this morning my nest is in desperate need of sprucing.

I think its cabin fever making me want to change my surroundings. I also think I've finally grown used to the bitter cold or lost my mind. During the car's oil change bright and early this morning, rather than wait inside, I walked the lot, looking at cars we can't afford. It was -16 F. This doesn't make any logical sense does it. I must have cabin fever.

I'm praying for a new vehicle. I know the van's on borrowed time only now I'll know why I'm crashing when the wheel falls off. Our concerned mechanic showed me. We did get over 200,000 miles out of it. We've had it for 11 years and now we'll most likely, LITERALLY, run it into the ground. Hopefully I'm not driving 55 on the highway when this happens.

I have no clue how we can afford a car payment. Maybe we'll be blessed and we can find a decent used car for a few grand. We can't make it with one vehicle when both of us need to work. There is no public transportation option.

The work from home I was doing for the pool is drying up. We are up and running with our new software and I've begun to threaten those I work with- use it or I'll personally get you! I spent much of December setting it up only to discover no one used it. I had to re-do much of it during January because of this, and now that its complete and ready to roll, I'm not giving the other staff any choice but to use it. I've told the boss she needs to hide the old, paper files and books, and force staff to use the computers.

We are so conditioned that change is scary aren't we? I'm realizing change is what keeps you alert, alive. You need to adapt or you'll become a fossil.

I think I'll go and make more adaptations to our Sleepyhouse right now. Happy Hump Day!

10 For Tuesday

Life has been keeping me away from the computer. Here's ten quick updates.

1. DS9 turned into DS10 over the weekend! YEAH! His party was great fun. We had 10 feet of submarine sandwich and 10 feet of cupcakes. We made ATCs and he scored some great gifts from our generous family.

2. A new computer is coming! Although its scary making such a big purchase in this economy, my friend reminded me its really an investment in my children. Having a decent home computer does make home schooling much easier. It will be wonderful to have two PCs up and running, making it easier for the 4 of us to share.

3. I'm wondering if Yumi is dry heaving because she keeps licking the windows. I'm thinking that really isn't a clean source of water for her. I also think she's been trying to drink the water coming from the furnace as well. I've covered up that drain and I've been trying to dry the windows. We change her water dish daily and I often allow her to drink from the faucet. Too bad those water fountains for cats are so expensive.

4. Our cleaning and purging project is coming along nicely. We still have miles to go, but its been a relief knowing everyone is on board with this process. I'm getting tempted to have a garage sale this spring, but I'll have to talk myself out of it. Its just not worth the effort it takes. Plus I appreciate the instant gratification knowing the clutter is gone for good. After a garage sale, it seems there are always boxes that linger in my garage waiting for ride to Goodwill.

5. I'm a tad disapointed we aren't going to the Unschoolers Winter Gathering at the Kalahari in Ohio. It would have been so awesome to be in a resort filled with unschoolers like us. When it came down to it, we wanted a new computer instead of a week's vacation. Plus, its difficult for DH to take the time away from work. It wouldn't have been any fun without him.

6. Its time to paint! We've lived like college students long enough and we deserve a grown up bedroom. My problem is, I can never pick a color. I always thought I wanted romantic jewel tones, but the room is small and I don't want dark paint making it seem smaller. Although I've never stayed at the Sundara spa, I like the room photos. I'm thinking we need something nuetral, but then I also want some color. I'm leaning towards chocolate milkshake brown, with cranberry accents. The windows are strangely placed, according to my symetrical needs, so I may just drape an entire wall in cranberry curtains.

7. I'm trying to convince DS13 to build a cat tree for Yumi. He keeps eyeballing them at the pet store, but I point out how expensive they are. I know he could probably build one if he wanted to. I keep dropping hints hoping he'll take the bait.

8. Got any Superbowl plans? I'm thinking we need to have a party. Now that Christmas has come and gone, and DS10's birthday has passed, I need another excuse to make party food. Its what you do to get through the winter. Create reasons to celebrate! I don't think I want to stand outside and grill. Got any ideas?

9. I know how to kill someone with my bare hands. The boys and I watched a self defense video. I told DH it also qualifies as science because they went into the physics and physiology. Don't mess with us now. LOL! 

10. I might be able to fix our washing machine myself, thanks to my brother's advice. This should be a service available. Instead of a repairman coming to do it for you, it would be better to have someone who would show you what the problem is and how to fix it yourself, for less money. I'm sure there are some people who don't want to do the labor themselves, but being able bodied, if we knew how to do it, we would. Hmmm... home repair coaching. Maybe that's the business to start? Or a home repair co-op?

No time to blog! How crazy fast can I type this babble?

Watch out. Random ADHD blog post ahead.

I need these shoes. (I'm sure Blind Melon fans will understand why.) Unfortunately, I think I need to go to Venezuela to get them.

I must bake and decorate 10 feet of birthday cupcakes for my decade old dude.

My family thinks I'm being too mean if I hang the banner I painted. It says, "NO MORE WIMPY SINGLE DIGITS!" (We'll have single digit aged guests in attendance.) Kind of reminds me of the time my then future MIL made me a birthday cake that said, "You're not a crummy teenager anymore.." only I was turning 19.

I cranked out a bunch of work for my job this morning and because our CD surround player stopped working, I listened to WXRT via the internet. How I miss some things about living in Chicago! WXRT is the best radio station on the planet!

Why must it get death cold again? Just to spite me because I was feeling naturally high this morning?

It was weird. I had this rush of euphoria just looking forward to the upcoming weekend, being with my family, knowing spring has to come, finishing a project. Of course when "our" song came on the radio, (Little Wings), that helped tremendously. It was followed by No Rain, which even thought that's not my favorite Blind Melon song, just the fact Blind Melon gets play time on the radio is a plus.

I suppose because my dryer is now fixed, my washing machine had to go. Makes sense. She's crying because she's jealous the dryer was getting all the attention from Mr. Appliance Repairman. There is a nice little stream running across my basement floor whenever I try to wash clothes now. Sigh... Must wait for next paycheck to invite back Mr. Appliance Repairman.

Holy Cold Cows! I opened up my gas bill yesterday. Highest its ever been. Last January I paid $130 something. This bill was $175. During the months we don't have to run the heat, its only around $30. My friend said hers was over $400!! She lives in a 2 story, one hundred plus year old home though. I so need Spring! (Or those shoes!)

My parents may run away to Arizona after all. I wish I could stow away.

Excitement at the pool last night! Our lifeguard had to jump in because a guest with special needs had a seizure. His therapist was right there with him, but our lifeguard jumped in to help. It only lasted a few minutes and he never lost consciousness. I guess this poor fella has them all the time, thus his need for a therapist to swim with. Strange thing was, our life guard told me after wards, he could feel, only the part of the guy's body that was out of the water, his head and shoulders, was seizing. From the chest down, what was under the water didn't seize up. I have to wonder if the warm water had something to do with this? (We keep our water at 88 degrees.) After about 15 minutes, the young man could walk and talk again like nothing had happened. His father thanked us and promised they would be back next week to work with their therapist once again.

I'm not sure how our lifeguard liked hearing this! He seemed pretty shook up, but that's what happens with your first rescue. Your adrenaline starts racing and even after the guest is safe and secure, you're pumped up.

Ok. I'm getting too cold sitting by the window here. Time for hot cocoa! I probably won't be able to check back in until after our birthday party bash weekend. Have a great one yourselves!

Mini babble on Thursday

It was such a beautiful dawn this morning. Our temperatures are up so fog covered everything. The fog froze on the trees and everything looks likes its covered in frosting. The sun eventually rose higher and burned off the fog, but for now, branches are still covered in crystals. I did wake up grumpy, but after seeing all the beauty around me, I can't stay this way. 

DS13 is super stoked because his letter was chosen for Game Pro magazine. He had emailed them a question and although they basically re-wrote his letter, he was still excited they chose to answer it. If you have this month's issue, turn to page 88. He used his screen name, Quickfoo. I'm sure this will encourage him to continue writing.

We're worried about Yumi. She keeps dry heaving. We've given her hairball medicine daily, but no such luck. I suppose its that time of year, as she's spending more time sun bathing in the window. She doesn't seem sick otherwise.

Well, I better keep today's check in short. I've got so much to do along with having to start work early.