I Bet It's The Free Candy

Yes!  My 13 year old still wants to go Trick-Or-Treating!  (My youngest asked why it isn't called "Treat-Or-Tricking"?  Since, the story goes, if you don't receive a treat from a house you trick the home owner somehow, either by decorating their trees with toilet paper or raw eggs dripping down the sides of their house.  Not that I've done ANY of these things.  Never ;->  (No really, I haven't)

So back to my excitement.  It seems that many kids in our neighborhood kind of give up on the idea of going house to house for candy around their 8th grade year.  And I get it, the activity can seem geared toward the younger crowd.  But personally, I am so happy because I feel like she still wants to be a "kid". (It's probably the free candy.)

When I see her classmates it stuns me how mature they look. I'm not talking a touch of lip gloss and extra attention to their hair, I'm talkin' full on make-up, low cut shirts and attitudes to go with it.  I know that I'm supposed to be the grown-up here but they intimidate the heck out of me most days!

But not my Katie, at least not today.  She's happy keeping her face make-up free and wearing the baggiest shirts she can find.  I know the change is coming. I remember being that age.  I just relish all the sweet moments when they come along.  Trick or Treat!

Talk About Happy Hour!

I must find this clock

Virtual Girls Night Out - Get Your Halloween On!

We're getting into the Halloween spirit... finally.  We made it to our areas absolutely stunning Sauvie Island, just a few miles from downtown Portland, OR.  It's overwhelming how beautiful this area is and yet you are thisclose to the "big city".  The girls have their pumpkins and I have some decorating to do.  So let's get going with our Virtual Girls Night Out and get the party started! 

*The Virtual Girls Night Out is for those that don't have a chance to get out of the house but still want to "hang with their friends". So, make yourself a cocktail, put on something cozy and have fun. Leave a comment to let us know you stopped by. We'll visit your blog and say "Happy VGNO!"*


Time For Some Tunes!


Cake "Short Skirt/Long Jacket"

These people crack me up!

Time For A Cocktail!

Caramel Apple

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Baileys Caramel Irish Cream (25 oz. per bottle)
• 0.5 oz. Smirnoff Green Apple Flavored Vodka (25 oz. per bottle)
• 1 dash(es) Goldschlager (25 oz. per bottle) 

Directions:

• Pour Baileys® and Smirnoff® Green Apple into an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into a collins glassed filled with ice. Float Goldschlager® on top. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
•  
• I so-o-o-o-o want this drink! 

• Time For The Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Update!
• 
  
• Our dear blog buddy Tracie at From Tracie, has been going through serious family issues so, of course, our little project isn't going to be first and foremost on her mind.  I'm sure I have your full support in saying, lots of love and light to you Tracie and your family.  When you're ready to continue, or not, with the Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Project, it's just fine.

Alrighty then, my super cool, super wonderful blog pals.  Have fun at our Virtual Girls Night Out. Leave a comment if you like and visit those that have left a comment as well. Happy VGNO!   And have a Happy and Safe Halloween :->

Can You Hear Me Now?

I think I speak clearly.  Not always, but for the most part I can enunciate with the best of 'em. ;->

My latest irritation is when I'm having a converstaion with my girls and they don't hear my words correctly.  Some examples:

13 yrs. old:   "Huh? A standrich?" 'No', I reply, 'I asked if you wanted a sand-wich.'

10 yrs. old:  "What's a plumpkin blatch?"  'I said, we're going to the Pumpkin Patch!'

What the hell?

This has been going on a while, and I've had their hearing checked so I know that parts o.k.  I guess they've just found (another) way to irritate mom.  Lucky me

13 yrs. old:  "Why would I go punch my teeth?"  'BRUSH!  Brush your teeth!'

Oh for God's sake

Actor's Spouses Anonymous Anyone?

There seems to be a support group for just about everything these days.  You've got your tried-and-true AA and your NA (Narcotics Anonymous).  You can find support for parenting and even for vegetarianism.  (It's true.  I went to a site and it seems that some feel nagged a lot by their parents for possibly being anemic.  Hmmm.)

I think I need to start a support group.  Nothing heavy, nothing worth bringing a box of tissues to, it's just that my husband is an actor and I feel like I need to talk to other spouses of actors.  Watching your husband kiss other women isn't always easy.

I've heard enough actors tell me "But he's "acting".  He's not being himself, he's his character."  Right, right.  I get that. But can't I just hear one person honestly tell me, "I get it.  It is weird.  And I understand why it can be hard to balance between your brain and your heart." 

When he leaves for the theater my inner voice is saying "Enjoy kissing so-and-so while I... well... don't kiss anyone but you".  My actual words come out 'Break a leg'.  A much better choice all around.

What Did You Say?

I try to let my girls, ages 13 & 10,  resolve their "issues"with each other alone. Well, kind of alone. I stand quietly by around the corner, perhaps in another room, until I feel it's reached a point where it needs to be brought back to reality and I step in.  They're still pretty kind to each other, from what I've heard in comparison, but I just don't get the need for arguments and just want it to stop. 

Sometimes it's harsh and sometimes it's funny.  (It's mostly funny.) 

Today while occupying myself with the laundry, I hear my girls do their best to annoy each other singing ridiculous commercial jingles & pop music.  This little gem was heard:

10 yr old.  "How could you not know I didn't like Justin Bieber???  I tell you that All.The.Time!"

13 yr. old. "How am I supposed to know? I don't pay attention. I'm not tele-pathetic!"

I ducked around the corner to see the look on my girls face. I could tell she was certain this was the correct pronunciation.  I decided to let it pass.  There is some truth in that expression after all, when your 13.

Hating On Justin?

I always chime in when I hear one of my children say "I hate so-and-so".  This comment is usually aimed at a celebrity.  I usually start with 'You don't even know that person' or the 'Hate is a very strong word' speech.  The word 'hate' is interesting because an excuse can be made of "I was just kidding" and many accept that.  It can have the intention of over the top humor, but I take it at face value.  It's not a kind word.

This morning I hear my 10 y/o comment on a commercial for a Justin Bieber doll. "Ugh! This is the worst commercial ever.  I hate him!", she screamed.  Now, I've said enough's 'You-don't-even-know-him's' so I went another direction.  I said, 'OK, what if, while you were singing and dancing around the house you asked me to videotape you.  That tape goes up on YouTube and people really enjoy what you're doing.  People share the video with their friends who also enjoy what you're doing. You get a call asking you to sing and dance on your favorite t.v. show and you become famous.  You're doing something that makes you so happy and makes other people happy as well.  Now that's pretty much what happened to Justin Bieber so why in the world would you hate him?  Enough with this!'

She turns to her older sister, who's on the computer, and says "Look for the video"Justin Bieber Eats Poo".  It's funny".

Ugh 

Did I Lie To My Child?

Me:  'Would you like a smoothie?'

10 y/o: "Yes"

(Upon receiving smoothie)

10 y/o:  "Is there tofu in it?"

Me:  'Now why would I do that when you say you don't like tofu?  I wouldn't give you something that's bad for you.  Just have some sips and tell me if you like it.'

10 y/o:  "It's good. But is there tofu in it?"

Do you think I would fess up to adding tofu?  No.  Did I lie to my child?  Not exactly, I just didn't answer.  Did she drink the smoothie that was much healthier by having added the tofu rather than just sipping natural fruit sugars and natural fiber?  Yes.

Now, the question is, should I tell her about the tofu, or not?

Hippies & Rudeness Don't Make Sense

I don't know why I didn't walk away.

I was at my neighborhood farmer's market, supporting my community and local farmer.  I chose one booth, out of many, that was selling vegetables.  The dude in the front was very helpful in offering tips on how to serve the leeks I had my eye on but had never cooked.  He was a great salesman and very into sharing stories.  Very cool.  However...

The ladies at the payment table seemed too involved in their discussion to pay me any mind when what was on my mind was to pay and to pay them!  

For years I have had a deep grievance with those that stand by banners displaying a symbol of the earth in the shape of a peace sign, who give the illusion of being peaceful and earth-friendly, yet are so completely rude if you aren't wearing the "uniform" of hand knit hats, fingerless gloves and layers of hemp clothing.  Not even meeting my eyes when I speak to you?  Really?

I don't get rude hippie-types.  I just don't.

Peace & Love ya'll

Virtual Girls Night Out - Have You Been In A Blog Rut?

Do I still blog?  It doesn't seem like it, does it.  I have many thoughts swirling in my head but I just haven't figured them out enough to share.  What do you do to get out of a blogging rut? Please share at this week's Virtual Girls Night Out :->

*The Virtual Girls Night Out is for those that don't have a chance to get out of the house but still want to "hang with their friends". So, make yourself a cocktail, put on something cozy and have fun. Leave a comment to let us know you stopped by. We'll visit your blog and say "Happy VGNO!"*

Time For Some Tunes!


Mayer Hawthorne "Maybe So Maybe No"

I'm a sucker for this music.  Groove baby, groove.

Time For A Cocktail!

OK now, this is a bit of a departure regarding the kind of recipes I share but I figure, with all the tomatoes that are on my counter and the kitchen counters of my neighbors, that we are looking for different ways to use these little gems.  So here's a cocktail recipe for tomato lovers.  Give it a try!

Heirloom Martini
Ingredients:

• 1/4 piece heirloom tomato
• Small sprig fresh basil plus more leaves, for garnish
• Ice
• 2 ounces premium gin
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/2-ounce orange flavored liqueur (recommended: Cointreau

Directions:

In a pint glass or a Boston shaker, muddle the tomato and basil. Add ice, the gin, lemon juice and orange liqueur. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a basil leaf. 

I see a new fall favorite cocktail in my incredibly near future   Cheers!

Time For A Question!

Now, as I said, I'm in a blogging rut.  Have you been in one?  And if so, what did you do to get out of it?  Please share!

Have fun dear blog pals.  Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by and include your blog link.  Those that hang out at our Virtual Girls Night Out visit each other and say "Happy VGNO"!

Virtual Girls Night Out - It's Protest Time

Hey Hey!  It's revolution time!  The Occupy Wall Street movement has made it to Portland and yesterday began the peaceful solidarity movement Occupy Portland. I'm glad I read up on what this is really all about.  (I thought it was just about the banks.)  After I pick up my girls from school we're going downtown to check it out.  My 13 y/o wants to hold up a sign but the only sign we have in the garage says "Lemonade 25 cents".  Not what she had in mind, I'm sure.  Let's get our Virtual Girls Night Out started.  Peace Baby!

*The Virtual Girls Night Out is for those that don't have a chance to get out of the house but still want to "hang with their friends". So, make yourself a cocktail, put on something cozy and have fun. Leave a comment to let us know you stopped by. We'll visit your blog and say "Happy VGNO!"*

Time For Some Tunes! 

Dave Matthews Band "Funny The Way It Is"

Not my favorite video, but it's all about the music

Time For A Cocktail!

Rosemary Lemon Margaritta

Ingredients:

*8 Lemons (juice only)

*24 ounces Club Soda

*4 Rosemary Sprigs

*4 ounces Sauzat Blanco Tequila

Directions:

Combine lemons, club soda, sugar and tequila in pitcher. Mix well. Refrigerate until cold. Place 1 rosemary sprig in each of the 4 serving cups. Pour margarita and drink cold or iced.

~Rosemary is a symbol of loyalty.  Seems perfect for today some how :-> 

Time For The Traveling Heart-Shaped Rock Update!

As of this writing the rock is supposed to be at Tracie's place "From Tracie" in Orlando, FL  After Tracie's then it's on to Nicki's at "Diary of a Neurotic Non-Trad" in Webster, NY.  I'll update when I hear more :->   Do you want to participate?  Click HERE for all the information.

Alright pals, have a great Virtual Girls Night Out. Cheers!

Delicious Zucchini Bread Recipe

This is different for me but I just had to share this recipe that has been consistently the best recipe I have found for Zucchini Bread.  Give it a try!

Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups white sugar
2 cups grated zucchini
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
*optional*
*1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
1)  Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour two 8x4 inch loaf pans.

2)  In a large bowl, beat eggs until light and frothy.  Mix in oil and sugar.  Stir in zucchini and vanilla.  In a separate bowl combine flour, cinnamon, soda, baking powder, salt (*and nuts); stir dry ingredients into the egg mixture.  Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.

3)  Bake for 60 to 70 minutes.  (Check bread with toothpick after 60 minutes. If it comes out clean, remove bread from oven.)

4)  Cool in pans for 15 minutes.  Remove from pans and enjoy!

Let me know what you think.


(~~~AllRecipes.com = Kirsten~~~)

Oh No You DIDN'T! Time To Rant

Time to rant!

While I was so happy with the progress I had made with my daily errands and projects I was slugged right in the gut when I went to pick-up my girls from school.  Gone was my "Happiest Place On Earth" vacation daze.  Welcome back to "MOM!  How could you?? I don't want to speak to you!" daughter's mantra.

Ugh.

O.K. now.  I empathize with not wanting to care and feed for your recent brood of kittens that your cat surprised you with.  I get being done with the sleepless nights and constant caring of the tiny 'meows'.  But dear fellow parent at our child's school, I honestly have to say, what the hell were you thinking by bringing your box full of kittens with a "Free" sign to the pick-up area at school today?  How could you???

I left my parked car and walked down the sidewalk to see my girls jumping all over the place, screaming for me to "hurry up!".  Ahhh.  Isn't that nice?  They've missed me on their first day back from vacation.

When I met up with them I am attacked with the cuteness of kittens and the teary eyes of my daughters saying "Please mom?  Ple-e-e-e-ase???"  'What the hell?'  And, 'Where's the parent that's done this?' are my thoughts.  Then, I see it.  'Is that an orange kitty I see?'  "YES!" scream my girls, knowing that I've been wanting an orange tabby for quiet some time.

Now the thing is, we already have 2 cats.  Yes they are almost 16 years old, but they are here, they need food, and cleaning-up after and vet visits.  None of these things are cheap and the last thing we need are more kittens in the house.  Not now, not yet.

After my Cute-Kitty-Hypnosis wore off I told my girls that this just wasn't the right time to get a kitten.  Oh LORD!  Did I just tell them that their World has ended?  You would have thought so if you had been there.  And it lasted for hours and hours.  (It's still not over, I'm sure.)

So, dear fellow parent at our children's school, if you ever need anything... go ask somebody else.  (And I will gladly share what I know of Santa Claus and The Tooth Fairy with your children if given the chance.)

Happiest Place On Earth

We have returned from our first family vacation to Disneyland.

For the first time in many years I allowed myself to smile - not concerned if I looked slightly crazy, scream at the top of my lungs - not worrying if I'm bothering anyone and run myself and my kids ragged until we plopped into our beds exhausted, knowing we could muster the energy for the next day.

I now understand why people do scream therapy.  Letting it all out feels fantastic, even days later. (Is scream therapy still around?  Or am I reminiscing about Tears For Fears "Shout" ?)

What I would really like to do is throw a huge temper tantrum, kick and scream and say 'Take me back to Disneyland right now!'  But, I'm a grown-up. I know that's not logical. I have responsibilities.  However, if I ever run away from home, you'll know where to find me.