This 10 Made Me Hungry

It doesn't take much at all to make me hungry. The mere whiff of something cooking. A commercial. Getting stuck in traffic behind a Krispy Kreme truck.

So it goes without saying that today's 10 on Tuesday got my tummy growling.


1. What is a food that you never thought you would try, but then tried and liked?
Probably goat cheese. The thought of it always freaked me out, but it's yummo.

2. Do you subscribe to any foodie publications? If so, which ones?
Does Martha Stewart's "Living" count as a "foodie" publication? What if I don't really subscribe to it? (It was a freebie with expiring air miles.)

3. What ingredient do you find yourself reaching for the most when you cook?
Garlic, I think.

4. Are there any foods that you hated as a child, but then learned to like as an adult?
Spinach. But I do not like it cooked half-to-death until it's slimy. Then the 8 year-old in me will start gagging again. Oh... and asparagus. When I was little, I hated it. Now I love it.

5. What do you like to eat that others may consider weird?
The ends of the bread are my favorite. The part that most people toss out or dig past... I LOVE. And the harder and crustier bread is, the more I like it.

6. What is the weirdest ingredient you’ve ever cooked with?
Venison. It's not weird where I grew up, and it's not weird in most of the places I've lived. But, I'm sure it's odd to some folks. I just can't think about it too much when cooking or eating. If I think too much, I start seeing Disney's Bambi in my mind. And poor little baby Bambi's momma. Ugh.

7. Do you have any major food allergies?
Thank the Lord, no.

8. Is there an ingredient that you would like to cook with, but are intimidated to try?
There's not a specific ingredient, but there are some dishes I would like to try. I am a scaredy-cat when it comes to some things... I tend to make the same stuff over and over.

9. Do you bake?
I wish. I mean, I bake the occasional cake or pie or goodies, but I am not one of those serious baking types. My sis-in-law? She is a baker. I am jealous.

10. If you could go on any “foodie” show to compete, which one would it be, and why?
"Throw-Down" with Bobby Flay. I don't have a darn thing to compete with, but I love Mr. Flay. Maybe we could have a Pop Tart throw down? His style of cooking is my love language.

If I could just go on any show, it would be triple D. That's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" with Guy Fieri. That show actually makes my mouth water. He knows good food and he has rockin' hair.

Brrrr.

Well just when we thought Spring-ity-Spring-Spring was upon us...

Old Man Winter decided to have one last hurrah. Our high temps were in the low 40's this weekend. Gracious.
It wouldn't have been so bad except for the fact that it went from 80ish to 39ish in about 4 days. Gracious.

We basically hibernated this weekend. We only ventured out to see a movie (Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2... cute flick.) and to eat. Why do we eat so much when it's cold?

We also had the privilege of having Dan/Daddy home from his school all last week.
I made some observations while he was here:
1. When he's home, I get nothing done.
2. When he's home, we have no groceries.

He offered to "run out and grab us a bite" last night for dinner.
Awww... that's so kind, I thought. And then he said,
"There's not really anything to eat in this house."
He was right. But he had a lot to do with that fact.

So the week that lies ahead promises to get a teensy bit warmer. (60 would feel like a heat wave at this point.)
And the week ahead promises to be nuts.
It's a short week at school for the boy, there's a field trip to the aquarium I get to go on, we have family coming into town, I think I have approximately 97 errands to run, there's a PTO meeting, we have plans with friends, and...

There are only 5 more days until a certain cutie patootie someone turns 12.

It's a good thing I'm busy this week. I won't have too much time to mourn and lament the aging of my baby and the fading of my youth.

7 Days, 7 Things

In the week that's passed since I blogged last...
1. I finished our taxes. Yep. Me. Not us. Just me. Go me.

2. I saw a car with a ginormous Playboy Bunny emblem painted on the hood. How long did they contemplate that? Is it a big sticker? Weird.

3. I am one week closer to being the mother of a 12 year-old. Gulp.

4. The tree man working at my parents' house cut their phone line. My sis-in-law and I spent 2 whole days wondering and guessing what was happening because we couldn't get in touch with them. "Why not just call their cell phones?" you ask. Oh. Wait. They don't HAVE cell phones. On purpose.
That, my friends, is a whole other blog post.

5. I realized that sometime between Christmas and Valentine's Day, I stopped making a "To Do" list. Something may be seriously wrong with me. I LIVE by and LOVE a list... if only for the scratching off of items. I don't know what's going on. I think it's my way of avoiding things. If they are not written down, they must not need to be done.

6. I have ENTIRELY too much to do to stop making lists.

7. My friend from back home, a.k.a. "The Person Who's Known Me Since Kindergarten," Facebooked (Don't you love that verb? "facebooked") me to tell me she had tickets to see Prince. Hello 1987. She says she wishes I lived closer so we could go together. Yes, T, I do too. Two grown women re-living their Junior Year of high school. Prince wouldn't know what hit him.

I hope and pray you all are well.
That green monster we call Pollen has taken over around here, but his friend Nice Weather came by, too. Fair trade, I suppose.

Obsessions And A Kiss From This Irish Girl

I aim to be crafty.
Sometimes I hit the mark, but most of the time I just aim.

I love all things handmade... paper things, fabric things, felt things, decorate-y things, and anything with polka dots. Or stripes.
Etsy is like a drug to me.
I love repurposed furniture, renovated spaces, thrift store re-dos, and ribbon.

I have an obsession with being crafty, and I am OBSESSED with crafty blogs.
I read them. I send links of them to my crafty obsessed sis-in-law.
I dream I am one of those talented crafty bloggers.

Sometimes I try a few of the projects I see. Sometimes I just buy the supplies and let them collect dust.
If I spent a fraction of the time actually creating the things I think about...
I would amaze myself.

For St. Patrick's Day, I made a little something for the boy's teachers.





It's a small gift bag of gum tied with green ribbons and decked out with a free printable tag.
It was just a tiny little thing to say "thanks" and "you rock" and "I have the most respect for people who choose to spend their day in a room of 11 and 12 year-olds."

I got the idea from here...



One of the MANY places I haunt in my pursuit of all things crafty.

So Happy St. Patrick's Day from me. Your green-eyed, fair-skinned friend.
Consider yourself kissed.
Watch out for pinching people, and if you see a Leprechaun, catch him for me.
I'm too busy looking at craft blogs.

Miracle at the Mart

A really cool thing happened yesterday while I was feeling ticked off and a bit insignificant.
Let me start over...
I had to run into the Mart for 4 things. Just 4. I don't particularly enjoy the Mart on the side of town I was in; I feel the need to be packin' heat.

I zoomed into the superstore and soon realized:
1. They did not have 2 of the 4 things I came for.
2. My $1.50 coupon for one of the items was in the car, and I was not going back out for it.
3. I was ticked.

On my way across the store to get the last thing, I cut through the clothing to see if they had any cute plain T-shirts out for Spring. I may dislike the Mart, but I am not above a cheap T.

I was starting to look at the stacks of shirts when I saw it.
A wallet.
More of a zippered change purse, really.
It was just lying there in the T-shirts. I reached to pick it up, and looked around quickly, thinking,
"If the person who put this here is still shopping nearby, I am going to be accused of stealing. And I may be shot."
There was not a single person anywhere near me. I could tell from the feel of the wallet that it wasn't empty, and I checked the side pocket for an ID. I found a shopping list; no ID.
When I unzipped it, I know I made an audible gasp. It was LOADED with money. A pretty thick wad of money. All I could make out were $50 bills.

Again, in a panic for my own life, I zoomed over to the customer service person near the fitting rooms and asked her if anyone had reported a lost wallet.
"OH MY WORD YES!" she said. "And she just left!"
"And she was very upset."
I asked the sales clerk to describe the lady so I could help look for her. We were both about to take off on a search when she found us.

She came wandering up the aisle looking everywhere... up and down and in the floor and under racks.
She looked up, and I asked,
"Did you lose a wallet?"
I think I heard the breath go out of her.
"YES!" she practically yelled, and we handed it to her.
She immediately opened it up and began rummaging in it and said,
"Here... let me pay you for turning it in."
"Oh my word! No way!" I said, and I started to walk away to avoid her stuffing money in my hand.
"It was the right thing to do," I said. "I'm just glad to be able to return it to you."
"You have no idea how much money..." she started to say.
"Ha! Yes... I do! I looked!" I said.
Then we both laughed and she grabbed me and hugged me.

It was the biggest squeeze I've ever received from a total stranger, and I could feel her gratitude.
As I walked away she yelled,
"Thank you! You are an angel!"

Well. I wouldn't go that far, honey. You have no idea how peeved I was to even be in here.
And then I realized... I wasn't in there to be peeved. I wasn't even in there to buy my 4 puny items. I was in there to find that wallet.

In light of the events happening in our world, I have been struggling with the "whys" lately.
I do not understand everything that happens. I won't dare try to explain things.
Yesterday, however, I received the gift of understanding the "why" of my ill-fated trip to the Mart.
And the gift of a big hug from a happy stranger.

His and Hers Flu

The blessed flu recently descended upon our home. And by recently, I mean... I am still coughing.
After our weekend trip to see bro, sis-in-law and nephew, Dan/Daddy and I both got hit hard with the flu. He got sick on a Tuesday; I got sick a few hours later.
Good times.
Since we are sorta not really living all together at the moment, it was interesting to be sick together... but separated. And I don't mind telling you I was grateful. It's enough fun to be wallowing in my own germs and misery. I didn't need to share his.
Our phone calls were short and few... neither of us felt like talking. But the texts were exciting.

Me: How r u?
Him: Same. Fever still high.

Him: U ok?
Me: Head splitting.


We were pathetic. Like 2 old people (no comment) comparing our ailments. The truth is, he was sicker than me. He felt really bad, and he had more aches and pains. I did have the highest fever, and my cough is worse. Yes, it is a contest.
He wasn't able to do anything; sadly, I still had to function... and take care of the hungry 11 year-old that lives with me.

Want to know what's interesting to me? The things people don't tell you about the flu. You hear all about the chills and fever and body aches. What you don't hear about is the mental stuff.

At one point, Dan/Daddy's fever was so high, he was having kooky dreams and hallucinations. He dreamed he was a Jedi. It's the truth.
I think I may have dreamed my sis-in-law's sister was in a police chase... ala O.J. Simpson. I never figured out what she did.

The highlight of my week happened while driving the boy to school. He looked over at me, and he said,
"Why don't you fix yourself up a little? Maybe put on some makeup."

What? You don't like these pajamas? The ones I've had on for 3 days? Is it my hair? Standing straight up? Or could it be the black circles under my eyes? I know... it's the way I smell, right? I call it "Ode de Robitussin" mixed with a little sweat.

Just in case you're wondering, I did not get my flu shot in the Fall. I know, I know. I get it EVERY stinking year; I didn't get it this year. Lesson learned.

But... Dan/Daddy DID get his. And he still got the blessed flu. I know, I know. There's no guarantee that the shot will prevent all strains of the flu.

Well I hope and pray that this particular "flu strain" is done with our household.
Because we are more than done with him.
Have a wonderful Wednesday, all. I'm going to spray more Lysol.

10 on T

I have missed the last 438 Ten on Tuesdays,
and I tend to exaggerate.
It's nice to be back, and the questions are fun this week!


1. How did your parents decide on your name?
Every time I asked my mom, she'd simply say, "I just liked the name." It tends to confuse people because they assume I was born in September, October, or November. Nope - December. Before the 1st day of Winter. So, technically speaking, I am an Autumn.
And you would not believe how many people CANNOT spell Autumn. Even when you say, "The Season... Fall... Autumn." They just stare at me like I'm speaking German with a big piece of lettuce in my teeth.

2. Do your initials (First, Middle, Last) spell out anything fun/funny?
A.R.U.
Nope.
Before I was married, it was A.R.R. Always made me think of a pirate. "Arrrr..."

3. Did you take your middle name from childhood or did you take your maiden name as your middle name? (If unmarried, what do you plan to do?)
I use my maiden name. I think it honors your birth family. But I do like my middle name.

4. Are you or will you name your children thematically (ie. same first letter, all of same origin…)
Ummm... no. I have one, and I don't see any extras in the near future. (Sorry, Nana.) But I do like the origin idea. I like old names... family names and names from way back when.

5. Did you decide on baby names as a little girl? Did you stick to them or change your mind?
Oh my word, yes. They were pretty trendy and horrible. I definitely did not stick to them.

6. Does your family have any names that have been passed down through generations?
"Daniel" (and its variations) is one. I had no clue there was another "E" on Dan/Daddy's side of the family until way after we'd decided what to name the boy. I think that's pretty cool.

7. Do you look at the meaning of the name or just the name itself?
Most certainly the meaning. But, there are names I like whose meaning I don't like... So, I guess both.

8. Do you name pets with human names (Sally, Henry) or with pet names (Fluffy, Mr. Bo Bo)?
Yes and yes. One cat had a human name, and one cat has the name of the restaurant where we found her. We're clever like that. I have always wanted a goat I could name Nigel, so I think I lean more towards the human-type names.

9. Are there any names that you have an affinity or dislike for based on a childhood experience/someone you once knew?
Yes. Yes. And yes. The "dislike" much more than the "affinity." It's strange how you can grow up and move on and forgive, but even just the mention of a hurtful person's name takes you zooming right back.

10. What are some of your favorite names? Why?
I have always said that IF we had another, I liked the name Moses. But then Gweneth Paltrow stole it.
I also like Israel and Judah. Do you sense a trend here?
I have no girl names picked out as favorites, because little girls scare me a teeny bit. So if I don't pick out a girly name, then there's no chance I'll ever end up with one, right?

2 Liter Love

The boy had a project due this week. The students had to choose an explorer and write a report about their choices. Then they had to make a "model" of their explorer out of an empty 2 liter soda bottle.

My friend's daughter had done one before, so I knew what it needed to include.

The boy came home and announced he'd chosen Robert Ballard.

I asked, "Isn't an explorer someone like Ponce de Leon or Magellan?"

He said, "Mom... modern-day people can be explorers, too." (eye roll)

Do I need to go back to 5th grade or what?

Anywho... Robert Ballard is one cool dude. He's a deep sea explorer, and he discovered the Titanic wreckage.



So for the last week or so, a tiny man has been taking shape on our table.

When the boy was making his hair, I offered another suggestion. (I'll never learn.) I thought his hair should be smooth, like in the pictures we'd seen.

The boy made his hair all crazy. Sticking up crazy. And when I asked why, he said,
"Everyone's hair is a mess when they've been swimming."

Touche'

Here he is all ready for his close-up...





So Robert went to school Wednesday. All decked out in his scuba gear and goggles and freakazoid hair.



On the way I gave him (the 2 liter man) some motherly advice. I said,

"Now Robert. Be good at school. Listen to Mrs. G. And do not bother any of the girl bottle projects."

The boy leaned tiny Dr. Ballard in close and said,

"Hey Robert... There's a Sacajawea on the table."



My son, the 2 liter matchmaker of the 5th grade.
If that tiny man comes home dragging a 6-pack of grand kids, I am not raising them.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is my dad's birthday, and I thought I'd take us all on a walk down memory lane.
But as I went digging through 35+ years of clippings, pictures, and keepsakes...
All I got was an asthma attack from the dust.

You see, my dad was the unofficial photographer in the family. I guess that's where I get my love of photography from.
There are tons of pictures of me. At birthdays, at school events, on family vacations, at celebrations, and hanging out in the backyard with my dirty bare feet.

It's just that my dad was usually the one taking the picture.

Darn.

I did manage to find some. This one made me laugh out loud.



He's every bit the stylin' 70's man... probably the ripe old age of 25.
And me... what a goofball.
We look exactly the same now. Except he has less hair and I have more. (A few strands more.)

So thanks to my dad I learned to love to capture moments in time. Now I am going to remind myself to actually pass the camera off to someone else and get in there with my boy.

Happy Birthday Daddy!!
You were a rockstar back in the day,and you still are!!

Falling Behind and Dog Girlfriends

I am so far behind that now I'm in front.
That happens to be one of my favorite things to say. Usually because it's true.

Things that have happened since I last blogged:
1. We went to visit bro, sis-in-law and nephew in Atlanta and had the most awesome time.

2. I had some sort of rib pain/pinched nerve issue. Loads of fun.

3. Charlie Sheen took a bath in the crazy tub and drank up all the water while he was in there.

4. American Idol the Remix will be trimming the contestants from 12 to 5. Mercy. With 2 Judges' Wild Cards thrown in. That seems quick and painful.

For anyone who was interested, here is the picture that Dan/Daddy took with his phone and sent to me last week...



It's just all kinds of strange, isn't it?

He was at his friend's house.
The friend has a brother who owns this enormous dog.
Dan/Daddy adores the enormous dog.
Dan/Daddy was reading on the back porch. In the dark. That's why he's wearing the headlamp.
Dan/Daddy was apparently so absorbed in his required reading that he decided to take a picture of the dog. Who was keeping him company.
The light from the phone was scaring the dog, so Dan/Daddy made the dog look at him instead of the camera.

The text that came with the picture has long since been erased, but I recall it saying something about the dog being my replacement while he's away at school.

After seeing this picture, I'm thinking she can have him.