NaBloPoMo 2011, Done!

I am so happy I did it, but I am more happy that it is done (sort of) - National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) through BlogHer is officially over.

In the span of the last 30 days, I have given away some great prizes, made some soup, a pumpkin tiramisu and lost my wedding ring.  Come to think of it - most of that happened in the last week!  The rest of the month was pretty smooth and I learned that I don't like to post on weekends and there is not enough time in the day for me to properly host and promote link ups on a post.

I also learned that I love the little community I belong to in the blogging world and posting daily gave me little time for them.  I missed reading my favorites but more importantly commenting on their posts.

I am learning to look for inspiration in unlikely places and to just write for the sake of writing.  But, not always hitting publish.  I am also getting better at deleting the unnecessary. 

As far as improving my writing, eh, maybe but I decided that creative writing course are in my future.

All in all, this has been a great experience and in case you missed it, here are some of my favorites from the month.

1. My Sweet and Soulful Little Man in 8 Lines

2. Me, at 8:00 AM

3. Holiday Flavor with Torani Flavored Syrups (and a rafflecopter giveaway)

4. Attempting to Write Dialog

5. Sasha Grey Reads?

6. Catholics are not Allowed to Like Gospel

7. FlipFlop Wine's #FlippinGoodDeeds Blogger Challenge Wrap Up - Is it the end of the line for us?

8. Taking a Bite Out of Bullying

9. The Rental Car

You may wonder why only nine and not ten...? Well, my favorite number is the number 9 and that is that.

 

 

 

 

Sharing Cream of Turkey Soup Recipe via Facebook

Remember when sharing a recipe with a friend involved writing in on paper, with a pencil?

Don't forget to enter the 12 Days of Gifts Galore Giveaway Hop!  I have TWO contests going on!!!

I Can't Believe I Did This...

exactly what I have wanted

As I was looking at gift ideas for a friend, I came across something I have wanted for years.  As I was trying to figure out how to let the Husband know he should buy it for me (or you know anyone who has a secret crush on me or just wanted to buy me something in general) I glanced down at my hands, my ring was gone.

I called the Husband to see if he knew where it was.  He has, on occasion, not told me that he found something I lost and will wait to see how long it will take me to notice I lost it before he (eventually) tells me he has it.  Often when I threaten tears.

Me: "My ring is gone."

Husband: "What?"

Me: "My ring is gone."

Husband: "What!"

Me: "My ring is gone."

Husband: "What ring?"

Me: "My wedding ring is missing from my finger and I don't remember taking it off!"



At this point I realized that he thinks I am nuts for thinking someone took it from my finger, while I slept, but not really knowing what ring I was stalking about - sigh.

I honestly don't remember taking it off.

It is nothing but a simple gold claddagh band, no reason to take it off or for anyone to take it, but it is gone.

If you happen to see it...

Maybe a collective prayer to St. Anthony?

Sentimental Sunday - Week 4

I can honestly say I am not feeling very sentimental today.  I think I got it all out in during the week so instead I am just posting a picture this week.


Our first Christmas stamp.  I love Zazzle.com!

Top 5 Christmas Songs of (My) All Time

Top 5 Christmas Songs of (My) All Time

1. Wintersong

2. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

3. O Holy Night

4. Baby, It's Cold Outside

5. A Holly Jolly Christmas




This would be on the list but I downloaded it for free from Target last year but apparently can only find it on YouTube now.



Tiny Tree Christmas - Guster

There is my top 5!  What is yours??

Because You Want to Make Pumpkin Tiramisu

When I was pregnant with my son, my mom's health problems had gotten worse. She even moved in to our apartment building so it would be easier to help her.

I must admit, it was wonderful having her in the same building, even if the reason was not ideal. It certainly made helping her easier and it was nice that she could see the baby whenever she wanted. Not going to lie, in house sitter was a bonus!


She had been encouraging us for some time to get our son baptized. Not that he was not going to be baptized, but I was feeling overwhelmed and there just did not seem to be a rush. At least until it was decided my mom was going to need surgery and she insisted that we have it done so she could be a part of the ceremony. Her surgery was scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving. The. day. before. Thanksgiving.

Since Thanksgiving day was going to be stressful enough we decided to have Corey baptized the Sunday before Thanksgiving and after the ceremony, have our Thanksgiving dinner with all the bells and whistles.  

I spent all of Saturday cooking and cleaning to finally lay down around 2:00 AM to be woken - five minutes later to a screaming, feverish infant who we had to take to the emergency room. We spent SEVEN hours in that emergency room and got home with just enough time for a quick shower and change before going to the church for his baptism. But, you know, whatever - still a HUGE success. It was, by far, one of my favorite Thanksgivings to this day. 

It was, also, the first time that I ever made tiramisu and the last time, until this year. 

What does any of this have to do with anything this fine day of Thanksgiving?

Absolutely nothing!

But, I made Super-Simple Pumpkin Tiramisu and want to share the recipe.

Super-Simple Pumpkin Tiramisu

1 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream
3/4 cup sugar
1 (8-ounce) container mascarpone cheese
1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 teaspoon each cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg)
2 (3-ounce) packages halved ladyfingers
1/4 cup rum (Captain Morgan is best)
2 ounces crushed amaretti cookies

Beat whipping cream and sugar until peaks form. Add mascarpone cheese, pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice; beat just until filling is smooth.

Line bottom of 9-inch-diameter spring-form pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides with 1 package ladyfingers, overlapping and crowding to fit. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons rum. Spread half of filling over ladyfingers.

Repeat with second package ladyfingers, remaining 2 tablespoons rum, and remaining filling. Smooth. Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil. Chill overnight.

To un-mold, run knife around inside edge of pan. Release pan sides; sprinkle with amaretti cookies.

Writing Prompts:

1.) Share a Thanksgiving recipe you will be cooking up this week.

The Dreaded Holidays

I have a confession - I dread Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Easter.

I am filled with utter, sometimes debilitating, dread at the approach of each and every holiday.  It has gotten better since the Husband and I got hitched and as our family and extended family grows but, I still have a sense of dread and probably just as much sadness as a holiday approaches.

Growing up, I remember big, wonderful feasts with a big, beautifully set table using the good silver and a kid table.  I remember watching the Macy's Day parade and munching on stolen black olives.  There was marathon cooking and cleaning, there was homemade pies and real stuffing and just so much food.  And, then just when you thought you could eat no more there was ginormous leftover sandwiches eaten while adults played cards at the kitchen table way past our bedtimes.  It was such an active and hectic occasion and it was wonderful.  Just wonderful.

It was a time when my uncles, aunts and cousins gathered at my Grandparents' house to celebrate, together.  I was ensconced in my mother's family traditions, until my grandmother died.  The dinners continued for a few years but the people eating together became fewer as the family grew apart, other traditions were started and others just moved away or died.  Finally, it was just my mom, brother, uncle and me at dinner time.

I miss those family gatherings and prayed to be part of a big family again.

It makes me a little sad to think how we once gathered, as a family, to share a meal for the holidays and then it stopped.  It makes me sad that because everything revolved around the one family, we never got the opportunity to really get to know the rest of the family growing up. And, I am more then a little sad when it comes to not being able to have those wonderful family gatherings to share.  I know that there is more to it then not spending holidays together or why dinner attendees thinned out, but, I see the cycle being repeated.


I do have a deeper appreciation for the dinners we do host or attend.  And, I do realize that I am very lucky and blessed to have such a wonderful family and to have an even more amazing extended family but I can't help wishing, sometimes, for the way things were - only now with the whole family participating.

Sentimental Sunday - Week 3

Here we are, week three of NaBloMoPo and I am still going!

I almost did not complete Friday's post but, inspiration hit me late in the day to complete the Red Writing Hood prompt as I was driving to pick the baby up from the sitters.  Lucky for me, she feel asleep shortly after coming home and the Husband had dinner waiting so banging out 300 words before the first grader got in bed to watch a movie seemed like the easiest thing to do on a Friday night.

At this time last year, I was posting sporadically.  I had given up on NaBloMoPo and was finally to adjusting to having a kindergartener and baby girl who was right around 7 months. 

I was also yelling a lot and wrote about here.  It is amazing the amount of guilt that seems to come with being a parent. Spank or not spank?  Helicopter parent or free range parenting? Are we making the right decisions?  Can we do something better?  Can I get him to eat something other then corn and applesauce?  I feel like I am always doubting myself and at the same time I have never been so sure of anything in my life.  I love my kids, I love my family and as we head into Thanksgiving week I will just say it - I am thankful that I have every bit of it.

My Top 5 Favorite Posts

My Top 5 Posts (that few read)

1. When my son's friends wondered if he was adopted.
2. My son's "big break" appearing on a record.
3. My rant on rude people.
4. The first lie I ever told.
5. My first honest to goodness heartbreak.

Feel free to link your Top 5 post!

The Rental Car

As soon as she got to her desk, she saw it.

A small, white box with a ribbon tied around it. She did not have to guess who it was from but she had no idea why it was there.

Cautiously, she picked up the box. “Too small for a bomb,” she though, giggling at her own joke.

Pulling at the ribbon she wondered what she was doing. Opening the lid, her heart did a small flip. It was a key for a rental car. A slight sigh escaped her lips, thankful it was not jewelery she would have to explain.

There was a note.

Call off tomorrow.

She figured he was letting her decide if and where they would go. She forced a cough, “Maybe, I don’t feel well.”

Leaving work, she spotted the rental car parked next to her old reliable. The company’s logo was proudly displayed on the bumper. Taking out the key, she pushed a button. Sure enough, the red convertible blinked its headlights at her.

“I guess I’m sick.”

Excitedly she drove to work the next morning. She had already called off and anticipated beating him to the car, but she did not anticipate how thrilling it would feel.

Parking her car next to the rental, she smoothly slipped behind the wheel. The smell of leather was intoxicating. “This is what impulse feels like.” She pushed the button and it started. The radio started as well, "Rumor has it, Rumor has it."

“Ugh,” she thought.

She imagined the open road, driving with him, laughing and singing with him. The radio sang, "Bless your soul, you got your head in the clouds."

She sent a text when she got to work, avoiding the looks of her co-workers who thought she was suppose to be sick.

Sorry.

This week we asked you to take us on a road trip. So much can happen within the confines of a car, from fraught confessions to detours for ice cream, so we’re looking forward to seeing where you take us.

Remember, your characters can drive as many miles as they want, but they should do it in less than 300 words.

To read others take on this prompt go here.

Taking a Bite Out of Bullying

As we were driving home from the sitters last night, my usually chatty first grader (aka Goofy) was kinda quiet and when he did talk, he mumbled.  It was driving me nuts.  I finally got him to tell me what was wrong but I could not, for the life of me, figure out what he was saying. 

It was so mumbled that I could only make out "bite" and "Mruruhfa."  So I asked him, "What in the world is a Mruruhfa?!?!" (confession: I may have been more colorful and he did pronounce the boy's name right it is just one of those that sounds like someone made it up.)

"A boy in my class."

"Oh."

Apparently, a boy in his class was making fun of Goofy for mixing up she with he.  He has had a problem with using he when he meant she since he started talking.  He has gotten much better but forgets when he is excited.

However, the process of teasing my first grader, included the boy shaking his finger in my Goofy's face.

So, Goofy bit him.

He was so ashamed he could hardly get the words out to tell me what he did wrong.

I laughed.

There was no note from the teacher.  He said, she must have forgot.

On one hand, I wish he would have not bit him because, A.) it's gross, who knows where that finger was and B.) I would prefer he find a better solution to the boy's teasing then physically assaulting the boy.

On the other hand, I am glad he has finally stood up for himself AND he felt bad for doing what he did and how he did it.  He promised he would not bite again.

Dad's response?

Ice cream for dinner!

FlipFlop Wine's #FlippinGoodDeeds Blogger Challenge Wrap Up - Is it the end of the line for us?

So here we are, coming to the end of the Flippin' Good Deeds Challenge.

It seems like just yesterday that ADHicken (Clue into Cleveland) and I announced our involvement and launched the challenge to our friends, family, blogs and community.

We have tweeted and wrote posts begging for shoes.  We shared the growing number of shoes that we were accumulating in pictures and in video.  And, we had a small party to end it all at Mullen's on Madison.

Speaking of the party ... It was great!  Special thanks to Heather Adams, Scentsy Independent Consultant and The Cuyahoga Group for their donations to our raffle and, of course, to the wonderful Mike Mercer for letting us gather at Mullen's.

Top right:  Amanda and her Husband, Directly below them: me and my Husband, Top right: Me and Chrissy from MyGotFam.  Bottom left:  Amanda and Julie from WearingMascara.  Bottom right: various awesome friends who brought shoes.

I would post a picture or two of all the boxes and boxes and boxes of shoes that were packed up and shipped to the Soles4Souls warehouse. But, I was up against a deadline and the UPS gal was taking eight fairly heavy boxes away.  (Our second shipment of shoes, by the way.)  I needed to be sure they were ready to go so - I forgot to document the occasion.

I did, however, reach out to the brilliant Chrissy (yes, the same as above from MyGotFam) who happens to be an amazing graphic designer and asked her to recreate the scene for me to share.

Here I am, sorting, counting,  tying laces, rubber banding and pairing shoes together from seven very full bags that were donated by those who work in the Penton Media Building as well as many boxes and bags from the office we work and the party, of course!   I also happened to collect dozens of shoes from my super amazing PSR class as well as other classroom.
 

Jennifer Aniston is playing me in this reenactment

So many, many shoes were collected!

Here is Amanda (played by Courteney Cox) bringing even more shoes!

And the grand total of shoes collected for the Flippin' Good Deeds Challenge sponsored by FlipFlop Wines is.... 

wait. for. it...

473 shoes that have been shipped off to Soles4Souls.

That came to 14 boxes ranging in weight from 8 pounds to 30 pounds of every type of shoe imaginable from new shoes to dirty old shoes and from baby shoes to very high, very pink pumps.


I bet you are wondering if we won?  Or, if not won, at least made the top 5?  Is this the true end to the blogger challenge...

You will have to hop over to Clue into Cleveland to find out.

Catholics are not Allowed to Like Gospel

“What do you have against Gospel music?” he said, shocked that I would actually admit to not liking Gospel music.

“I have nothing against it,” I explained with a shrug, “I just don’t care for Gospel music. Why are you surprised by this?”

“Well, you know, isn't your husband… Baptist?” he said, with that overly casual tone. 

He shifted uneasily in his seat, trying not to appear as uncomfortable as he clearly was as our conversation took on a more serious tone.

“No.”

“Oh.”

“Besides, being Catholic, we are not allowed to listen to Gospel music.”

“What!”

“Yep, it is written in the bylaws. It is right on the list of things not to do like attend a church that is not Catholic and committing suicide.”

(source)

I could see the wheels of his Catholic educated mind turning, trying to recall that moment in school where one of the nuns or maybe a priest may have told him that we, as Catholics, don't listen to Gospel.

I was trying so hard not to laugh out loud.  Trying to stay as solemn as I could, I
stifled my giggles. Honestly, how can he not see I was not being serious?

“You're kidding?” he replied, still trying to figure out if I was really serious.

“Yes,” I said. “Yes, I am.”








Link up for RemembeRED.

This week, we’re writing about pivotal conversations. The goal was to focus on body language, word choices, and the pauses between the words to create meaningful, powerful dialogue.

And remember, this is memoir-so as tempting as it is, don’t write what you wish you said.

Sasha Grey Reads?

Sasha Grey, Porn Star, Reads To Elementary School, Parents Outraged - now that is a headline. But, this is a better one: Porn Legend Sasha Grey Reads to 1st Graders, School Attempts Cover-Up.


Clearly, from the photo of the young adult reading to a group of kids, I can TELL that she is the porn star, Sasha Grey, and not Sasha Grey from Entourage or for that matter just a volunteer who is taking time out of her busy acting schedule to read to a group of kids as part of the Read Across America campaign.

And, because I am sure many of the children's parents are active in their kid's classrooms, I am certain that they were there to witness this atrocious and not see it on TMZ after the fact; then get mad. Maybe it was how provocative she was dressed as she was reading to the children that raised the porn flag?

Oh, the horror! Someone taking an interest in those kids and they have a shady past! Wait, why would anyone there know she was a porn start unless they saw her in one of the movies? hmmm... Maybe it was the promise of free school supplies that made them turn a blind eye at the time?

The harlot had this to say about the whole scandal:

"I committed to this program with the understanding that people would have their own opinions about what I have done, who I am and what I represent," she says (via TMZ). "I am an actor. I am an artist. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a partner. I have a past that some people may not agree with, but it does not define who I am... I believe in the future of our children, and I will remain an active supporter and participant in education-focused initiatives." (source)

The nerve of this young lady! Forget that she has "retired" from the adult film industry and has several mainstream acting rolls. Forget that she is in a band, never been molested or arrested and she is cute as a button. Forget that she attend college, published a book of her photos and is active in various charities. Let's focus instead that she appeared, acted, whatever, in a bunch of adult films that none of these parents have ever watched. Or do we now get all our education news from TMZ and Huffington Post?

I am appalled, as a woman, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a wife - who likes sex - that this young actress would be chastised for her past, when really it is society's hang ups about sex but more importantly woman who have sex and like it and get paid for it.

Screw them.

Kudos to Sasha Grey for making money having sex. Kudos to her for cashing in on others (or her) freak side. Kudos to Sasha Grey for going mainstream. Kudos to Ms.Grey for reading to kids and kudos to her for doing exactly what she wants to do.

We are so judgmental. I know I am. It stems from my own insecurities. I am not proud that I do it, but I do and I have no right to judge others.

I am probably being judged right now. I flirt like crazy, I wear semi-low cut shirts that shows off my well earned cleavage and I enjoy sex (when I can get it). I am not in the best of shape but I feel sexy. I don't wear a shit ton of makeup or feel the need to spend an hour on my hair but that does not stop anyone from flirting back that finds me attractive as well. Who are we to judge those who don't fall within our norm? Should our past deeds solely define who are future self becomes?

The image that reminds me to Just. Be. Enough? Me.

It took me a long time to okay with me and Sasha Grey did it way before I did. Good for her.

I am linking up with Just. Be. Enough. (for the first time and the prompt is:

What image or symbol reminds you to Just.Be.Enough?

Sentimental Sunday - Week 2

At this time, last year, I threw in the towel on NaBloPoMo.

I did not announce it until a few weeks later but none the less - I "failed."

I will not fail this year.

I will succeed.

Today I will remember my dad.

My dad was a quiet man with an easy smile and so quick with a laugh or a joke.

He took long walks and would sit for hours staring at the lake.

I miss the way his hand felt holding mine, I miss the way he smelled of after shave and cigarette smoke.  But, most of all, I miss him.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't wonder how life would be different without him in it.

Especially, now.

I miss my dad.

Link up your special memory (current or past posy, but please to a post).

Top 5 Parenting Rules for Your Baby in the Real World and not Reality TV World

Top 5

Parenting Rules for Your Baby in the Real World and not Reality TV World 

(inspired by Bethenny Frankel's list in November 2011 Parenting Magazine. PS It is not her list I mock but what she writes about each rule that makes me want to gag on my generic spoon)

1. Don't compete with other moms - Although I don't have "haters" there are those moms who want to compare every little detail of your child vs theirs and it is exhausting to do that!  No child will ever compare to how amazing mine are so why even bother comparing yours with mine? 
2. You are your child's best parent - unless you are a dead beat but that is a different post and probably a different blog.  But, in all seriousness, you know your child the best and if you listen to your instincts you can not go wrong.
3. Remember to put your mask on first - In other words, if you are not taking care of yourself, how are you suppose to take care of your family?  I think this is the hardest thing to do and I fail at it all the time and I regret my actions afterwards which leads me to...
4. Forgiveness is key to being a good parent - This goes not just for the little ankle biters but for yourself, your parents and your significant other.  Be quick about it, too, life is short and time with them is even shorter.
5. Laugh! - This is completely self explanatory!

Feel free to link up your list (past or present) or if you are a NaBloPoMo participant link up your Saturday post!

Next week - Top 5 Blog Posts That You are Most Proud to Have Written or Read.  Can be yours, a favorite blogger or a combination of both.

Attempting to Write Dialog

“It is mocking me.”

Watching the little black line blink on and off, tapping the keys lightly. The sound is oddly comforting even though no words are appearing on the blank screen.

“What?”

“The cursor; it’s mocking me.”

The light from the screen is blinding in contrast to the rest of the room but I refuse to turn on a light for fear of letting the rest of the house know the failure that the darkness was hiding.

“I really don't think that the cursor is mocking you,” the reply came laced with condescension.

“Why is it so hard to write dialog?”

“Dunno.”

Sitting, hunched over the keyboard, no one could tell if the words where meant for anyone to hear, but that did not stop them from coming.

“It should be easy. I have conversations everyday. Why can't I put it down on paper?”

“Paper?” Openly mocking me now as I sit at the computer.

Tap, tap, tap. Delete, delete, delete.

I rolled my eyes, “This should not so difficult.”

“Yep.”

“Don't do that,” I spat.

“Okay.”

“Stop it.”

“What?”

“You are just agreeing and saying things to shut me up.” Anger was rising as was my agitation.

“That's wrong?” I could hear the sneer.

“It's not helpful. I have a real issue here and you know it.”

Trying to suppress the giggles I hear, “Yep, you certainly have issues.”

“I want to write a great dialog between two people...” I stopped; it was no use to continue with conversation. “Why am I doing this to myself?”

“Because you are masochistic?”

Write a conversation. But not just any conversation…Using surroundings, body language, visual cues and blocking, in addition to the spoken words, show us who they are and what their relationship is without coming out and telling us!

All that, in 300 words or less.  Read what others wrote here.

Pictures from Lego KidsFest Cleveland 2011

We received tickets to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own.

This past weekend the Hubs took the kids to the Lego KidsFest and all I got were these pictures, and more Legos! 

Just kidding, sort of, because I had to work the Hubs did take the kids and they did return with more Legos to add to their growing collections but I'll never complain about more photos! My only complaint is that I could not go with them - they had so much fun. 

Jumping into a pile of Legos to a life-size version of Spongebob, Batman and Lightning McQueen, there was something for everyone and nothing they didn't like. I'll let the photos tell the rest.

For more information or to see when it is coming to your city go check out legokidsfest.com.