I've been tagged -- which is nice b/c it gives me something to write about -- so here are the rules I'm following (since I was tagged twice I'll share 14 things -- but still stick with tagging 7 people) If you are one of my lucky 7 below then you need to also do the following:
1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Here are my 14:
1. I have to read before bed....even if it's reading an Time magazine from 2 years ago....gotta read something. I'm a chronic bathroom reader too -- I'll read shampoo bottles if there's nothing else.
2. I have a size 12 foot.....which means I should be tall.....someone forgot to give me that memo.
3. I once bought a carp from the neighborhood traveling fish monger. I thought I was getting something tropical. We put it in the bathtub and tried to convince my mom we should keep it.
4. I only liked FunDip Lickastick because I thought it was a good value for my 50 cents...it made my tongue bleed and didn't really taste good.
5. Whenever I planned to run away I always packed my library card.
6. I stink at math. Really stink. It's a good thing I taught 5th grade math -- because after that...it was all greek to me.
7. I met and lobbied Sen. Kennedy in 1996. His office called me days later to invite me to testify before the Senate about higher education funding -- and when I answered the phone I nearly hung up because I thought it was a joke. (I didn't get to go because a student from the late, great Sen. Wellstone's state went instead)
8. I didn't know Boy George was gay.
9. I don't like true-crime or creepy TV shows. Nope. Not one bit. I do like cheesy reality tv most of the time.
10. But I love following the news. Love love love NPR. I want to work at NPR or at least get a photo taken in front of the headquarters.
11. When I used to petition, I used it as an excuse to talk to all the hot guys that normally wouldn't talk to me. Amazing what a clipboard will do.
12. I've taken the Greyhound across the country twice (Vermont to Seattle, Nevada to Vermont) -- it was long but amazing. I think every 19 year old should do it at least once.
13. I've never been to Europe but I've been to lots of states....but not overseas. Humm. Maybe tomorrow I'll get a scratch ticket.
14. I firmly believe that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and my cup is half full (even when someone knocks it over and the glass breaks) --- but it's through support, love and laughter I can keep my head above water.
14.5 Being honest about the struggles we're facing has amazed me -- so many people are in the same boat or have had something along the same lines come their way -- it's a comfort to know.
Tagged:
Sarah
Helen
TravelGirl
Lisa
CraftyLibrarian
Elise
LisaG
Getting back into the blog habit these days....here's an easy way to get rolling.
1. The last time I lost my temper I said dirty words!
2. My eye twitching....I'm fed up with the twitch!
3. The next book I'd like to read is The Middle Place -- check out Kelly at the Half Full Blog
4. Victor feeling better and more answers for me...that's what I'm looking forward to.
5. If you can't get rid of the skeleton[s] in your closet, you should find creative ways to come clean!
6. The best thing I got in the mail recently was an unexpected promotional copy of Peony in Love .
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the rehearsal dinner for the Felecia's mom's wedding, tomorrow my plans include the actual wedding and Sunday, I want to take a deep breath!
Friday Fill-Ins: Friday Fill In #68
In case you don't remember - I have committed to not buy any new books in 2008.
I've been able to stick to this so far - but I have figured out some ways to keep track of the books I would like to read once the year is wrapped up. I have my librarything and goodreads account that I can toss a title in as a "to-be read". I've also been using WorldCat.org as another way to keep titles -- and so I can see if the book is available in a library. I've been using the library a lot -- I have been using their request system a ton, so I've been able to get to lots of the newer titles people have been talking about (as long as I'm not on a to-be-read timeline).
I did buy 4 books for various book clubs that I'm in --- I did try to find them from the library or from other people first, but a couple of the more off the beaten trail books weren't available. I still read Publisher's Weekly, Entertainment Weekly's book section, and Bookreporter -- but rather than hoping I'll get to an interesting book right away....I have to wait and savor the book I am reading today.
I have also been lucky enough to get 4 books so far this year to review from publishers (Early Reviewers from Librarything and another one just arrived on my doorstep) - perhaps the UPS man will bring me something to read tomorrow.
A couple books have been given to me as well - 2 so far this year. (Thank YOU!). I guess I could have put them on a shelf until 09...but that just seems silly. They are in my house - they will be read.
I have tried hard to make GO! part of my daily and weekly routine - this was part of my 2oo8 commitments. My had a goal to try to fit activity into my life as a way to get fit and hopefully find myself a little smaller by the end of the year.
Like most things, it's about getting into a routine. Getting used to a new way of feeling and spending time. So far, I have made it to the gym at least once a week most weeks...which isn't going to get me a gold star.... Part of our progress that has been exciting -- Victor enjoys going to "gym-playground", so I don't feel sad when I leave him there screaming and grabbing for us. We have been going to the park and outside more (with sir moves a lot it's just the way we have to be) and I try to play with little man as much as possible (which also keeps him from launching himself off the top decks of the play structure).
I need to recommit myself to this - try to go twice a week and go for a walk at least 4 other times. I don't expect or need to be on an alternate on the Olympic track team, but I would like to be able to keep up with Victor even better.
I'm going to a Run/Stroll/Walk 5K with Victor that will help the YWCA of Greensboro in a couple weeks....one step in front of the other...I'll GO!
The other day on my drive home I heard a reviewer on NPR talking about the best music for kids. Often when I hear about music for kids, I cringe at hearing the same lame song over and over again. I think about having to hear "Who Built the Ark" repeatedly on a 6 hour drive and wonder how I can prevent this from happening to me (I can still sing most of the song on comand, and it's been nearly 20 years since that drive).
So far my approach to music has been to let Victor listen to music I like - figuring between Yuri, Momma Hedy & I, he'll be exposed to a wide range of music and musical styles. At the same time, part of me wants him to be able to know some of the classic kids songs that should be a part of childhood. With Kindergarten as a SAT-Prep course now a days - I thought I should figure out something that works for both of us.
Lucky me I heard Stephan Shepard's reviews, which led me to his blog, Zooglobble. The mother load of awesome children's music. Yaa hooo.
His approach to kids music makes sense to me -- it's not bad to expose them to adult music - but if there is great music that both parents and kids can enjoy -- all the better. The reviews have helped me to make some great playlists and today when I grocery shopped - I actually brought the MP3 player w/me and listened to awesome kids music - I think I walked around the grocery store w/a silly smile on my face listening to awesome renditions of classic kids music and songs I've never heard before. Yaaaaaa hooooo! Simple pleasures for me.
If you have some good kids music that you enjoy listening to - please share. :)
This juggling business gets hard sometimes - and you have to let a couple things go here and there -- so posting has a little slow. But luckly for you, I have a bunch of photos to share.
Toddlerhood is a funny thing. Victor is a pretty good kid overall - of course he's a nuge here and there, but generally pretty fun. We've really come to understand that he needs a healthy dose of outside time each day. At night, after dinner and before bath, we've been going for a walk -- looking at the holiday lights and burning off any left over energy he has stored up. It seems like it's been a good routine for him. We have him on his kiddie leash so we can snatch him up easily when there are cars -- it's so dark and there are some chances I'm not willing to take. So kiddie leash it is. We look at the stars and the moon. Tonight we were trying to spot the international space station which was visible for 1 minute in our southern sky at 6:59 -- but if we saw it..we didn't know.
Victor loves to cook. He uses the pumpkin carving knives to chop bread, veggies or whatever he can get his hands on. He'll sneak over to the coffee maker and try to get coffee started too. Of course, coffee ends up more on the counter and floor - but his heart is in a good place. He did help me make the pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving - which was tons of fun. The hard part now is he wants to cook all the time -- and sometimes I don't need help or we're not cooking...we're trying to get ready for bed. I know before long, he'll understand there are times to cook and times we won't be doing that. I also know how important it was for me to be included in cooking when I was a kid -- I'm grateful for the extra effort my mom and grandma put out so that I could take part in cooking. I think we'll make cookies (slice and bake -- maybe homemade...maybe not) and I think he'll enjoy decorating them.
It's been a while -- but here are some things he loves -- and other things he would be happy to skip.
Loves --
Paci - also known as Baba
Going on top of grandma's bunk bed
Going to sleep with Daddy
Oatmeal that Mamma Hedy makes
Quesadillas -- also known as "dia"
Trains
Airplanes
Helicopters
Trucks
School buses
Climbing (after nap today he climbed out of the crib and opened the door to his room -- that was a surprise)
Flushing
Reading his airplane book (which is a guide to commercial aircraft -- with a photograph and a description of various airplanes - it's an adult book, but he looks at it every night)
Reading books in general
The poopy corner
Riding the car past the airport
Going to the park
Being outside
Being in the garage
Coffee (with milk and no sugar)
Screaming -- more like a dolphin call it's so high pitched.
Squeezing as much diaper creme as possible from the tube
French fries
Green beans from a can - not heated
Cranberry juice - also known as Dada milk
Dislikes
Having the diaper creme tube taken away
Going inside
Not be able to go outside
Being told no
Not being able to cook
Going to sleep without Daddy
Being put on the porch so he can scream if he feels like it outside
When his buddy Michael isn't home on our nightly walks
Well -- it seems like photos will be coming soon. Blogger is grumpy right now -- next post.
Sorry LeadBaby readers I have been so slow to post lately --- when we returned from New York our house was a dusty, empty mess, so most of the week was spent getting everything in order (and trying to organize/reduce/let go at the same time) so that week was a little crazy. Touch up painting...going through boxes.....lifting & moving -- all while trying to be a grad student and take care of my little guy. It didn't leave much energy for much else.
Now things are in order -- what a delight! Of course, like most home projects, it makes you realize some other thing you haven't completed but meant to -- so we have a new list of to-do's to tackle -- but none of them involve emptying our entire downstairs and covering it all with a thick layer of dust! :)
Victor was a real trooper through the whole process, and calling on help from friends also really helped (learning to ask for help when I need it) Rather than having Victor underfoot, he got to have adventures with Felecia & Kevin or Emma & Sarah that he talked about for days after. Yaa hoo!
Victor has become a little parrot -- which we have just loved. Of course, there are a few phrases that would have been better to not repeat....but we'll hope those get forgotten before too long.
He even says some of my mom's favorite Spanish phrases -- and in context too!
I've learned something about this speech business -- that is -- yes they will all get it at their own pace --- but getting support helps you know that you aren't missing the boat on something he needs. The phrase "I wish we knew about this earlier" isn't something I want to have to say. Regret is not an emotion I like. So -- he's been evaluated and gets speech services from the county. I don't know if Miss Carla will come for long, but the activities are helpful.
It seems like a lot of things in the world -- you loose the library book, you get the replacement -- the missing one turns up. You worry about bug's speech, you get him evaluated and then he starts talking. Something about putting the energy out into the universe I suppose.
More to come ---- it's time to shower....thanks for your patience in my slow posting!
I was putting Victor to bed tonight (normally a Daddy and V event) but gave Daddy a night off -- so after reading some stories, talking about the day (train, big truck, Emma, tooot tooot, train) and some snuggles -- there was some wait while he settles into sleep time. Curled next to me, he was cozy but figety until sleep took over. I got to just lay in the dark, awake but relaxed and think. You forget how nice that is to do every now and again.
I love how during that time thoughts can string together -- from one thing to an other -- Britney....Iran....homework.....need to find something to wear.....did I mail that off....what will I read next.... So wonderfully random.
We've been waiting for Victor to talk - and we had hints here and there that he does have something to say -- so I wanted to stop and document the words he has now (some more clear than others of course)
- Train
- Toot toot
- Bus
- Emma
- Bye (which he also uses when he would like us to stop something - like giving him medicine that doesn't taste good -- he turns his head and says Bye -- bless his little heart)
- Annie (Felecia & Kevin's dog who visited for a couple days)
- ANNIEWHEREAREYOU?
- Momma
- Da-da
- Big truck
- See ya
- See you guys
- All right
- Shoes -- saying like my grandma does -- more like cheews
- Help
- Moon
- Pervez Musharraf (are you paying attention?) :)
- Juice -- which sounds a lot like shoes
- Motorcycle
- Helicopter
This has been a huge area of growth for him who just 8 weeks ago figured out Momma. YEAH VICTOR!
Want to see a cute picture? Check out what Sarah posted!
Edited to add:
- Bye Girl or Bye Girls
- Baba (for his paci)
Summer is clicking along -- most days involving getting soaked while watering the plants, pulling off the diaper and then running around the house laughing...but enough about me (ha!)
Victor continues to transform before our eyes -- growing taller -- looking more and more like a little boy -- but still needing the tenderness of being little. (don't we all still want that really?)
We've all been working hard on being good at discipline -- like anticipating his needs, drawing a line & sticking to it (easier said than done at times) and being consistent with it all (as best you can with 3 adults coming in and out of the day).
Here's what we've learned so far.....
- Be calm -- remember not to take part in the childish behavior yourself by getting wild, angry, yelling, etc -- basically acting a lot like you would like him not to.
- Give him space -- if he's having a hard time -- sometimes I just leave him be. He can cry and kick and grump -- and I'm going to leave him alone. I've even walked him to the other room & said, you can be angry over here (vs. in the middle of the kitchen, in front of the stove, while I'm cooking dinner).
- He likes a dark room -- yesterday he came home in a grumpy mood. Nothing made him happy - and we tried it all. So I held his hand and walked him over to the half-bath we have downstairs & let him cry in there. Lights off, no one there to watch. Listening outside the door, once I heard the crying slow, I asked if he wanted to come out -- he looked at me and closed the door. I opened it for him and for the next 20 minutes he would come out and when he got overwhelmed (maybe all that news about the conflicts in Pakistan), he would walk himself back into the bathroom, shut the door and cry some more. Perhaps he really just wanted to have the plunger all to him self (some of the cool toddler-contra-band found the bathroom) but after a little while he seemed better.
- Pressure -- we learned from his early education teacher that he likes deep pressure -- so if he's having a hard time to give his legs and arms nice gentle but hard squeezes. Another suggestion was to make a Victor sandwich -- putting him between 2 large pillows and squish them together a bit. We tried it tonight and he did seem more relaxed. She said it helps to give them physical feedback & since he isn't really chatting it up yet, it helps give all that energy that might go into talking a place to go.
The pressure thing also made me think about the fact that we weened him in May and that when he was at long last completely weened -- he lost a lot of holding, snuggling and body contact time. Even if towards the end it wasn't a lot -- he still was getting a lot of touch time breastfeeding. Ah-ha -- even if we're not breastfeeding we still need to snuggle -- not rocket science but important for sure.
In other news -- I took the GRE last week (again -- last time was 1998) and I did ok -- good enough hopefully to go to library school. Getting the application together.....it's online...it's in-state....It will take me a long time, once class at a time....but it's all good!
Really....can it be true? It isn't too far now & it will be 22 months, and the official start of 2 is right around the corner (believe me, we've already had a good taste of it)
It was 2 years ago this July, I was swollen, asked to be restful and hanging out in the recliner. It was 2 years ago July 1st that I was having preterm labor at 30 weeks, scared that I was going to have a three pound baby. It was 2 years ago that I was pretty sure if you told me I would grow a tail as just another aspect of pregnancy not everyone experiences, I would have believed you.
And now, 2 years later we have found a place for a the gear we were overwhelmed with at the time, mastered the 5 minute bath and found the real potential for love our hearts hold.
I wouldn't trade it for anything for sure.
Are there days that are hard --- uh, without a doubt.
But as one mom said when we were in Hawaii, the times it's the hardest are when you have a task that you want to do, and can't get to it (float on the raft alone, read on the beach, take a nap in the sun, make a dinner that doesn't come out of a box & involve orange dust) so just understand that those things won't happen (for now) and enjoy what you are doing.
I understood exactly what she was saying.
I get itchy the most when I want to do X, Y or Z and keep getting interrupted and stopped -- and V just wants to throw the ball -- he doesn't understand that mom just wants to send an email or read an article.
My to-be read pile is larger than it was 2 years ago - but I am a happier mom for that -- and that is a little slice of wonder for sure.
for those wondering when will she post a dang picture already!.....new lens have arrived, pictures should not be far off.
I was going through my cabinet under the kitchen island, and mashed amoung the pots & pans was the card to the place where Yuri & I were engaged.
It gave me chills.
Very cool to find the early connections to our little man.
Tag.....I'm it! LondonBoundTravelGirl tagged me...so I'll play!
1. I HATE not feeling respected or listened to -- totally makes me get angry -- like throw glasses angry. Grrrr.
2. I can get scared of dogs that are wild, running around and seem like they could bite. I love dogs - but wild, aggressive ones -- nope -- not for me.
3. My favorite book ever......this is hard for sure. I think the Secret Life of Bees is one of my favorite books -- it was one of those books that I read so slowly because I didn't want to finish. But already I have a list at least 5 others that are knocking on my brain door.
4. I love world music -- I love the way I can learn about different cultures and how you can feel the connection through the different geographic areas -- there are so many similarities among all the differences.
5. I can't fall asleep without a fan running -- gotta have the white noise.
6. I was somewhat bold as a child -- at 3 I sat down with my mom's friends and outlined my plan for Sacramento, California when I became mayor. I don't know how I knew about what the problems facing the city were or how I knew that I should be elected as mayor -- but I had a plan.
7. I sincerely hope to travel to Europe -- I would love to see France & Italy, the art, the food, the landscape -- I think it would be terrific. It would be fantastic to stay in Tuscany or Provence. But basically -- I would love to go anywhere. Yep. Anywhere!
Tag Sarah...you're it!
Still no pictures to share -- my camera is sick but hopefully we'll get it operational before long. Anyone with suggestions for camera lens -- please share!
We've continued to enjoy the island life.
Last night one of Yuri's work vendors had a party at the Hard Rock Cafe for its customers -- so open bar....food & loud music -- it was great. Victor came too -- which was perfect because the music was so loud that if he hooted & hollered, no one noticed -- phew. Hurricanes are easy to drink...Blue Hawaiians aren't as smooth.....and gin & tonic isn't for me. The whole place was closed off for the party -- and it was full of engineers. He he. I love seeing this culture of people because it's so diverse --- there are people who hardly speak a speck of English....to loud frat boy types -- wide range of people. A few women thrown in but it is a overwhelmingly male dominated group.
We waited until the end of the party to see if we could win the cool geeky door prizes -- (handheld PS system...BOSE earphones....a digital picture frame) -- walking home after 8pm (I know we're such rebels) -the street was alive with music, performances of all types and people. A relaxed parade of sorts.
Today we went to the Kialua beach park on the windward side of the island -- it's a great beach. Victor wasn't interested in the water or the sand at first....all he wanted to do was watch the back-ho that was moving sand to open a river to the ocean (the sand fills it in). We sat for at least an hour in various positions watching the sand scooped and moved to a new home. Victor has really become interested in trucks, dirt movers, planes and the like. If it makes a lot of noise --- he likes it.
Yesterday he wasn't interested in the beach as much as he was interested in watching the trash truck.
Traveling with a toddler has me thinking......
- Why don't hotels have family floors set aside as needed -- so that no one is worried about early morning screams or naked kids running down the hallway...
- What about the family airline -- with a ball pit for kids to play in, wider aisles so kids could play on the floor, kid friendly food & movies and a common understanding that kids are a pain on long plane rides and we're all doing the best we can
- Japanese people really seemed drawn to children and really pay attention to Victor -- they will squat down and ruffle his hair, give him a kiss, make silly faces, and talk to him in Japanese with excitement -- I think their culture values children differently perhaps. People who were sternly taking photographs 5 seconds ago will be kneeling eye level with Victor getting silly. Not something I expected! And then there are the teen-age boys who are too cool to make eye contact with Victor, even when he's saying 'hey hey....hi hi hi' to them when we're the only ones in the elevator. No one else is even around to see them be not 101% coo. Oh well.
- Beach time = sleep time = Mom's chance to read.
It won't be long before we're back home and back into our 'normal' routine. But getting out, even if it is with a wrangly one in tow is still good. It isn't the same as a sans baby trip -- but it is still a ton of fun and getting knee deep in sand is more fun than I remember.
Victor is on the mend I believe -- phew. He seems to have a smile now & again and doesn't just want to be held all the time. I did enjoy he cuddly needs but when it was coupled with crying that got kinda old after a while.
Today during a lap session we watched an interesting program about snakes. He was totally into it -- this kid loves animals without a doubt. He has a marvelous sound he makes when he sees an animal -- it's on the high pitched side of things and he'll often say "Hi" at the same time.
He also loves music -- today we were walking to the oil change place & a car passed with a thumping bass --- he stopped walking, started swinging his arms and bouncing up & down on his little legs. So far I would say he likes hip-hop, bluegrass, classic rock & roll and jingles on TV. More than once he's stopped what he's doing when a particularly good jingle is on to bust a move toddler style. Yuri asked today what instrument should we get for him -- drums, keyboard, guitar. After Lynn heard a brief Victor harmonica concert - she mentioned that John Lennon started with the harmonica.....those are big shoes to even consider -- but it's nice to know what these music musings are good for the little guy.
Speaking of musical musings -- does anyone want to join us at a Dan Zanes concert in July ? I think we're going to do the pajama party on Friday night since somehow I'm signed up for the GRE the following morning (WTF...I mean really)
When I heard someone say their child was 20 months (or so) I would cringe -- kids seemed so ucky at that stage -- ornery, dripping and running in 101 different directions. And, yes the boy is ornery, dripping and runs like the wind -- but as I stand knee deep in toddlerhood -- it really isn't so bad after all.
I think what toddlerhood has been like so far reminds me a lot of listening to the radio -- even when there's a bad song, don't stress about it because something good will come on before long.
I could stress, and spend all day changing the channel, getting my panties in a bundle-- but I would never really find that one song I really wanted to hear.
This way -- I'm pleasantly surprised when an old favorite comes on and come to find new songs that get my grove on.
Moods change quickly in toddler world, so I just have to ride out the grumps and whines -- because before long, smiles will emerge. I try to give him a wide berth of opportunities in the house -- today he was happy to mix crackers with several wooden spoons & mashed some crackers to smithereens. He's figured out how to turn the TV on/off, change the channel. He's called 911 and hung up -- they called back...
Taking the radio station metaphor to the next level -- I was thinking about how much I loved the TOP 40 shows on Sundays when I was a kid -- I wonder what the top 40 of toddlerhood would be. Ideas? Thoughts? Please share....I'll have to figure that one out.
Need a diverson -- try this, that and the other thing
Cute moments:
- Emma says "bye-bye Victie" when Victor leaves the babysitter's house.
- He learned about blinking -- and was entralled with my blinking quickly & would laugh and then give me a big hug -- this went on for several minutes.
- Did I mention that Victor hugs are pretty much the coolest thing ever -- we still have the urge to live in his ear because we love him so much -- but we'll have to settle for hugs instead.
- Yuri passed his motorcycle class - so he can ride his Vespa with confidence that he knows safety -- today Victor had pulled off his diaper, so running around comando style at the front door - he watched Yuri zip up the street.
Try these from the June/July 2007 issue of Cook's Country -- they are good.
Texas Pink Grapfruit Bars
Crust:
1 1/3 c all-purpose flour
1/3 c packed light brown sugar
1/8 tsp ground cardomon (don't buy too much - it looses it's flavor quickly)
1/8 tsp salt
8 tbsp unsalted butter cut into 8 pieces (or so)
Filling
4 large eggs
1 1/4 c sugar
2 tsp grated zest plus 2/3 c juice from 1 large pink grapefruit -- I think it's good to have an extra on hand because some just aren't so juicy -- if you have extra juice a little 7-up, vodka & a people magazine -- you are all set!
2 tsp grated zest plus 1 tbsp juice from 1 lime
1/8 tsp salt
3 drops food coloring (optional but helpful)
Confectioner's sugar for dusting
1. For the crust -
Preheat oven to 350 - make sure rack is in the middle of the oven.
Prep 8 X 8 inch baking pan -- they say spray baking pan w/cooking spray & line w/foil to overhang edges -- I didn't do that -- I just cooking sprayed & floured, all seems well at this point.
Combine all the crust ingrediants in a food processor & pulse until looks like a coarse meal -- or until Victor gets bored pressing the buttons on the food processor (about 2 minutes)
Press mixture into prepped pan & bake until golden brown -- about 30-35 minutes (or until you feel like it's getting too hot in the kitchen & it's crazy to run the air & the oven at the same time, so you figure it's good enough)
2. For the filling:
Meanwhile (I think it's funny they used this word) cook all other ingrediants except confectioner's sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until puddling like -- about 6-8 minutes. (I think it took us more like 10 or 15) Strain over warm crust & spread to an even layer.
3. Bake until filling is set (you know I'm just reading that part now) Cool to room tempature & refrigerate until chilled -- at least 4 hours. Cut into 2 inch squares & dust w/confectioner's sugar just before serving.
Well -- even though evidently I totally missed this last step....the cookie I had was good.....oops. I guess I'll throw them in the fridge & bake them tomorrow.
I guess I'll pick up some ice cream for book club afterall.......and I thought I was getting my cooking grove on here too......maybe since we really cooked the filling, that's why it's set up so nicely......that must be it.
Yep -- we're here on the home front once more. Settling back into what looks like normal to us (at least.) My mom and grandma had a terrific time with Victor and he had a fantastic time with them too! Lots of walks, carrying of sticks, having basically the world in your hands. I really love how much fun, caring, attention and silliness took place while we were away. Victor learned to seeing the "E I E I O" part of Old MacDonald and loves to sing it as much as he can now -- his little baby voice is just so sweet it hurts. He says something that passes as thank you and can point to his nose if he sees one in a picture. It must have been some sort of grandmother educational training camp.
It was terrific to have time away, which makes the time together really great. I have been recharged -- and given our wading through the toddler years -- I'm sure that was a good thing.
I learned a few things during our travels -- ya' know I'll share....
1. Travel is good: Enjoying the different pace of exploring, seeing a new place with an earnest interest & excitement -- seeing the differences and the similarities that we all share.
2. Outdoor seating is good: There were lots of families traveling with toddlers and young children (most older kids were in school) at the place we were staying -- and the ones that seemed to eat a multi-course meal without breaking a sweat were the ones eating outside -- because there weren't roads to run into -- the kids could eat and once they got ants in their pants they could play in the area around the table. They had toys and could chase lizards. Because of the little mysterious biting insects that came out after dark there weren't a ton of outdoor diners -- so the system worked well. Note to self taken.
3. You worry less when you know all is well: calling home or emailing helps to be able to put the 'what ifs' that creep into your head to rest. Hearing that everything is boring old normal is a comfort without a doubt.
4. Some peoples' cups are never full even when it's overflowing: I love to eavesdrop when I'm out in public and it's so easy because the average (mostly American) traveler talks as loud as a used car ad. In listening to these snippets -- I remembered that I am an optimistic person - Yuri is a realistic person -- a little yin and yang. As I heard people critical of just about everything - I felt sad for them somehow. I know there are things to be grumpy about in this world - but if all you look for is the bad, you miss the good that is happening to you at this very moment. If you always look for the bad, then even when the best of things happens....well it could have been better. If you have a terrific meal.....well the room was a little warm. If you stay at an awesome resort....well the beach was washed away by a Hurricane Wilma. I'll take looking on the sunny side of things, even when I'm wading through the crap that gets slung my way.
5. You learn the essentials in a different language: My Spanish is a bit rusty but I could still attempt conversation -- Spanlish is a good thing too. I learned to say "Me vive es en tu manos. No quiedo muerta ahora." My life is in your hands, I don't want death today -- I had to figure out how to tell people to be careful with the nuts - to not include them.
It worked out well until the last day. I went to bed itchy and saw I had some hives. I woke up and my bottom lip (only) was swollen, puffy, enlarged (whatever) at least twice it's normal size. It wasn't a cute look really. I walked around most of the day biting my lower lip and trying to look quizzical -- like I was trying to figure something out (like what the heck happened?!) Yuri sang "Mommy's got a fat bottom lip" to the AC/DC song "Stiff Upper lip". We concocted a story about how a beach vendor was giving collegian injections for $5 -- and we didn't know it was $5 per lip...until it was too late...and we only had $5 cash -- but by the time we arrived home, it was getting towards normal.
Can't wait to go again -- can't wait to take the boy -- can't wait to get back into what normal is for us (organized chaos) -- can't wait for my bottom lip to be symmetrical with the top one.
Because we were at the spa -- and it creeps people out if you're in their snapping away. :) So I didn't take any pictures (if you can believe it)
We listened to the membership information (basically pre-paying for the hotel portion of the visit for 40 weeks at a discount) and we got a nice credit to use in the spa.
Love the spa.
Yuri was happy to visit the hydrotherapy area for a little while and then go lay on the beach. He was earnestly surprised when he realized he was in the topless portion of the beach. I think by the end of the afternoon he said "ya know boobs are boobs" But I still think he was surprised at the boldness of the topless ladies because he would poke me and say "oh there's another one".
I enjoyed the hydrotherapy area -- steam room, mineral tubs, a foot bath and a cold shower from every direction (yikes!). All the services were great. (massage, body scrub & pedicure) and it was super relaxing. One area by the treatment rooms had a terrific view of the pool area and ocean -- so it was neat to watch everyone bustling about while I was puddy.
As for Victor -- my mom and grandma report that he is doing well and having a great time. Now of course, they are going to leave out any sad parts -- but they sound positive, so I think that most of the time it's good stuff. My grandma said that he is keeping them in stitches laughing all the time -- which I believe because my grandma and mom love to laugh -- once one gets started the other one can't help it. If I'm there, I catch it too and it's a whole group of ladies trying not to pee their pants. It's so nice to have them with Victor -- even though I miss him and we talk about him all the time, or see things we know he would enjoy -- I am relaxed knowing that he's in loving hands.
We're going to an eco-park today -- so I'm sure there will be pictures to share before long.
My buddy Lynn sent this one to me....I figured sharing was good. Plus, sometimes, filling in the blanks is a nice thing, especially on a Friday.
Do you want to play too? Add your fours to the comments or post a link to your entry -- you can do it!
A.Four jobs I have had in my life
- Library Associate
- Classroom teacher
- Office manager for an Animal Hosptial
- Environmental organizer for the Sierra Club & Washington PIRG
B. Four movies I could watch over and over
- The Big Lebowski
- Pee Wee's Big Adventure
- Edward Scissorhands
- Holiday Vacation
C.Four places I have lived
- Seattle
- Ancorage
- Honolulu
- Cambridge, MA
D. Four TV shows I love to watch
- America's Next Top Model
- America's Funniest Home Videos
- Entertainment Tonight
- Good Eats
E. Four places I have been on vacation
- Key West
- Puerto Rico
- Palm Springs
- Arizona
F. Four of my favorite foods (it can be drinks)
- Peanut butter & chocolate
- Iced coffee
- Cosmos
- Pad Thai
G. Four places I'd rather be right now (in no particular order)
- Asleep
- Sandy beach
- At my lotto winning's press conference
- African safari
