Stolen Questions ....

I haven't been blogging lately, because I can't seem to put words to paper.  I have like - five started ... but I can't seem to find the endings I am looking for.  One particular blog is from our recent visit to Story Land - where fantasies do indeed come to life.  I digress ... I can't focus long enough to write ---- however, I thought I'd answer some silly questions, to answer any of yours with regards to me :)

I stole these questions from Jessi ... I'm a thief, but I give credit where credit is due

1. First thing you wash in the shower?

My hands

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?

I don't have one anymore, it doesn't fit me :(

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

I would, and do - every day, numerous times a day.

Wouldn't you??

4.  Do you plan outfits?

Emily's mainly, not so much mine anymore.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?

Pretty crabby .... 

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red?

The covers to some of my new tupperware ... 

(Jealous?   I know, they look like sample jars .. or Shot Glasses .. HA!)

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?

I was at a BBQ and my former BFF sauntered in.  I remember looking at her, my heart constricting .. she looked at me, started to cry, and I - remembering everything ELSE - walked away with my head held high.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?

Not yet - however, the day is still young, and there is supposed to be a new child at the daycare center today!

9. What are you craving right now?

Sleep

10. Do you floss?

Not as much as I should, however, I AM addicted to Wisps.

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?

Cole Slaw!!

12. Are you emotional?

Lately, way too emotional.

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?

I don't really have the much time ... not to mention my attention span usually shuts down around 38.

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?

Depends on the ice cream - usually .. like everything else, I bite.

15. Do you like your hair?

Nope

16. Do you like yourself?

Meh, not all the time, but I'm getting better

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?

I really would.   Happily.

18. What are you listening to right now?

Short Circuit on Hulu.   Great Movie

19. Are your parents strict?

Not really - we knew right from wrong, and generally practiced it 

20. Would you go sky diving?

Yeah, No On THAT Guy.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?

Nope.   I'm not particularly a "cheese" person of any kind - particularly that with curds or chunks

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?

I actually have!

Me and Jimmy Wayne

Me and Chris Young

Oh yeah - Me and David Nail

(you may or may not know who they are ---- they're all up & coming Country Singers (don't judge) - they all also happen to be incredibly sweet, and oh ... Hot)

23. Do you rent movies often?

Nope

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?

My rings ... 

25. How many countries have you visited?

Three - counting The Great USA of course - we've also been to Canada and Bermuda

26. Have you made a prank phone call?

Not that I can recall ... 

27. Ever been on a train

I Have!!!

28. Brown or white eggs?

I actually alternate - that way if there are any left in one carton, you know which are the oldest?  Or something

29. Do you have a cell-phone?

I do.  And I loathe it

30. Do you use chapstick?

SoftLips!  OMG I'm addicted.

31. Do you own a gun?

Yeah, No actually, I am prone to temper tantrums, and I don't care for some of my neighbors driving habits, I fear it wouldn't be a good match ...

32. Can you use chop sticks?

Nope, Not even when I try!

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?

Mike and Emi, not to mention those pooches of mine

34. Are you too forgiving?

I actually really am.  I find myself being hurt more often than not by "friends" ... It's tiring.  Perhaps I need to take a class on learning how to care LESS .. 

35. Ever been in love?

Every day for the past 10.5 years (and counting)

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?

Working - all of them!

37. Ever have cream puffs?

Not that I recall.

38. Last time you cried?

Yesterday .. for things/people I've lost .. whether it be a choice, or forced upon me ..

39. What was the last question you ASKED?

Really?

40. Favorite time of the year?

That's tough .. I LOVE Boating:

but I love Autumn and all it brings ... 

Like Apple Picking

41. Do you have any tattoos?

Not yet.  I'm *tentatively* planning on getting one soon.

42. Are you sarcastic?

Moi? Sarcastic? Never!

(too perfect, I can't think of a better response)

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?

Yes

44. Ever walked into a wall?

Not that I recall 

45. Favorite color?

Yellow

46. Have you ever slapped someone?

Yep, sadly, I have

47. Is your hair curly?

Nope

48. What was the last CD you bought?

Joey & Rory

49. Do looks matter?

It's more personal hygiene - if you look disgusting in the clothes you are wearing, or you don't brush your teeth, or shower, or you know - run a comb through your hair, chances are - I'm not going to attempt a conversation with you.

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?

Have you ever heard the song Cheater, Cheater?

If we're talking Love - Cheat - nope.  Not a chance.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?

No!

52. Do you like your life right now?

very much.   I've recently re-learned to spend my time with those who love me for me, and to surround myself with more - positive minded people who don't dwell on the drama and douchebaggery of life.

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?

Nope - I have been known to fall asleep on the couch with it on - but not for a night, maybe a quick nap

54. Can you handle the truth?

better than most people believe.

55. Do you have good vision?

Not so much anymore - I just got new contacts (yay!) and I Loathe my glasses.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?

I do not hate anyone - the opposite of LOVE is not hate, it is indifference.   I dislike a few more than 3 people

57. How often do you talk on the phone?

Personally?  Maybe 10 minutes a day.

Professionally?  Way too much

58. The last person you held hands with?

Emi-Pants

59. What are you wearing?

Light linen pants, tank top, short sleeved shirt, black boots.  proper under garments

60. What is your favorite animal?

Mine <3

61. Where was your default picture taken at?

On facebook? Story Land
(OOppps sorry Jessi, I really stole that answer! LMAO)

62. Can you hula hoop?

I can

63. Do you have a job?

I do

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?

Tupperware!

65. Have you ever crawled through a window

I have!

Dear Emily ...

I had hoped to write you something, from my heart - for only you - and unfortunately, words escape me.  However, they can be found in this song .. it suits my wishes for you perfectly.  

SO ..

Dear Emily

Follow your dreams, don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something.

Keep your head up, and know you are special.

I Love You MonkeyFace

Love,

Momma

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,

And each road leads you where you want to go,

And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,

I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

And if one door opens to another door closed,

I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,

If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,

All the ones who love you, in the place you left,

I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,

And you help somebody every chance you get,

Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,

And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

This is my wish

I hope you know somebody loves you

May all your dreams stay big 

I Love You MonkeyFace.
Never Give Up On Your Dreams <3

Go Away Mr. Shadow Man

I need help!   Which is unbelievably hard for me to say out loud .. not that I'm embarrassed to ask for it, just that it's hard for me to admit I need it - So, don't judge me - but here it is:

Recently, for the past month or more, Emily has been having a hard time falling asleep.   Not just that, it's more than that actually - she's been waking up, crying - throughout the night that a "shadow man" or "the guy" is in her room.   We've turned on lights, walked her through her room asking where she sees him, what he looks like, etc.

Let me go back ... the first night that this happened - she woke up - bawling her eyes out, there was a guy in her room.  Terrified, absolutely beyond control, terrified ... I calmed her down, had her walk me over to where "he" was standing ...

Momma:   Emi - can you tell me where you see him?  I don't see anyone, there isn't anyone here - can you show me?

Emi:  He's right there momma, can't you see him?  He's right *THERE*

(at this point she takes my hand and walks me over to the small corner and points to her curtains on the furthest window in her room)

Emi:  There are his feet, they're right *THERE*

Becoming increasingly agitated, she was persistent that there was someone in her room - pointing, gesturing, flailing her arms and damn near hyperventilating ...

M:  Okay, baby - calm down .. look ...

I take her by her hand and show her the curtains are just landing on her toys, and that it's a play of the light.

E:  No Momma, it's his feet.  There's a GUY in my ROOM!

M:  Okay, shhhh breathe, it's okay.

I sat with her on her bed, rocked her, read her stories, sang to her, rocked her some more - until she finally feel asleep in my lap.  I tucked her in, and then kept vigil in her room - all night long.   It was a very long night for me, and her.

The second time it happened, Daddy took her to bed, read her stories, turned her lights on, snuggled her a bit, and tucked her in before heading back downstairs to let her fall asleep.  (Now, keep in mind - we had re-decorated her room - she told us where she wanted us to put her furniture and generally making her room look different - casting shadows in a different way.   Hung up all her new Princess stuff that Daddy bought her for her birthday.)

About .. 20 minutes after he left her, she started yelling that she loved us, and needed to be protected.   That conversation went something like this - before Momma stepped in.

Emi: Daddy, you need to tect me!   I need to be safe, I'm not safe.

Daddy: Emi, you ARE safe, we're right here - no one can get you, no one is going to try - you have me, mommy, the dogs, even Sera.   You are safe, we're protecting you.

E:  No dada, you need to be HERE with me, UPSTAIRS.  Where are you?

D: Oh Emi, it's okay.  

Right about now, he goes upstairs, calms her down (he thinks) and heads back down to the living room.

E: DADDY!    I need you to 'tect me!!!! DADDY!!

Damn near hysterical.

D: EMI!

Getting increasingly angrier .. frustrated that he can't calm her down - decides to yell her name, and ignore her.

This goes on for 10 minutes, at this time I'm outside with the dogs.

E:  DADDY PLEASE!

M: Okay, I'll handle it .. ::Deep Breath::.. Emi, honey - you need to take a deep breath.

E: ::Panting:: Momma, I need, I need .. Momma .. ::Gasp:: .. ::Sniffle::

M: Okay, Okay, shhhh shhhhh ... calm down .. 

again rocking her and calming her down - finally got her to tell me what was so scary to her.

E:  The guy, he's back - I'm .. I need you to tect me.  I need Daddy, where is daddy?  He's stronger.

M: Shhhhh Okay.    Daddy?  can you come up here for a minute?

E: Yeah, Daddy, can you come here a minute?

D: What's the matter?  She just keeps yelling!

M:  Yes, Daddy, she does - she's terrified, and needs us to be calm, and help her through this.

D: She's really scared, huh?   

(feeling bad because he thought she was just trying to get out of bed ... )

M:  She wants you - to hold her, and calm her down - can you do that?

D: Come here Pumpkin, Let's Snuggle a bit ....

About a half hour later, she was asleep, and he was back downstairs ... She has 2 lamps (not even night-lights - real lamps) she listens to a radio at night, she has special stuffed animals that she keeps with her when she sleeps ... We read stories every night, snuggle before bed ... I don't know what else to do to stop this.

Last night, she woke up around 3am, no - not even woke up, just - cried (bawled damn near hysterically) in her sleep .. it went like this:

E:  I'm packing this up so my mommy doesn't have to ....

Pause

E:  I think you should leave now ...

Pause

E:  I don't like you anymore, I don't want you here.

At this time, I went to her room - snuggled her back into her bed, (without waking her), made sure she was asleep and - calm - then I went back to my room, where I stayed up for the rest of the night listening for the next "attack".

What do I do?

We've moved her room, she has a radio, she has her animals ... What else can we do?

I'm hesitant to take this "Shadow Guy" by the and and leave the room with him, while saying good night to Emily.

I'm hesitant to try the "shadow-be-gone" spray idea ... 

I don't want to "validate" her fears ... I need a rational way to explain to her, a three year old, that there isn't anything there .. OR give her a way to fight these fears herself, without keeping her up most of the night.

I leave it to you, my faithful readers .. to help me out.   Any advice is welcome!

Dr. Seuss .. a Wise Man

All Alone! 

Whether You Like It Or Not,

Alone Is Something You'll 

Be Quite A Lot

I'm Afraid Sometimes

You'll Play Lonely Games Too

Games You Can't Win

Because You'll Play Against You!

Today You are You

That Is Truer Than True

There Is No One Alive

That Is Youer Than You!

You Are You, Now, Isn't that Pleasant?

You know you're in love, when you can't fall asleep

Because Reality, is Finally Better than your Dreams.

Be Who You Are And Say How You Feel

Because Those Who Mind Don't Matter

And Those Who Matter Don't Mind

Don't Cry Because It's Over

Smile - Because It Happened

Sometimes, the Questions Are Complicated

And the Answers, Are Simple

A Person's A Person - No Matter How Small

You Have Brains In Your Head

You Have Feet In Your Shoes

You Can Steer Yourself, In Any Direction You Choose.

You're On Your Own

And You Know What To Do.

You Are the Guy, Who'll Decide Where to Go.

And Will You Succeed?

Yes!  You Will Indeed!

(98 3/4 percent guaranteed)

Today is YOUR Day

Your Mountain Is Waiting 

So ... Get On Your Way!

And the Turtles of Course, All The Turtles Are Free!  As Turtles, and Maybe, All Creatures Should Be

Adults are just obsolete children, and to hell with them!

Unless Someone Like You Cares a Whole Awful Lot,

Nothing is Going to Get Better, It's Not!

Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves here

It amuses me slightly that I am cooking ... not just open a box, boil water, mix - sort of cooking .. but following recipes, and starting from scratch cooking.   You know, the kind of stuff your mother, or grandmother, did ... or continues to do (as the case may be).   Yep.  That sort of cooking.

In the past I've posted a few recipes, things I've made from online recipes that just - sounded good - or my favorites (the green beans) ... this is a little different.   This recipe is from an actual Chef - whom I happen to know - personally - and nope, Not Mike! 

In downtown Boston {on Fleet Street to be precise} (Jessi - take note) there is a small restaurant that is only open for dinner.   The Chef, as I've noted, is a friend of ours - and not just any friend - a Boating Friend.  They're a special breed.

A few weeks ago, he did an online interview segment for a website called Behind The Burner - they meet with Chefs from different restaurants and have them do a short video instructional, complete with recipe, of some of their favorite meals.   Chef Anthony - made Gnocchi look simple - beyond simple actually.  And in reality, when I made it last night - it was pretty dang easy!  (not saying Chef Anthony (or any Chef) has an easy job - just saying his way, was easy for me, the uninformed "home chef")

Here's what I did - step by step:

The ingredients (minus the oil & tomatoes)

You'll need:

Gnocchi:

2 Cups of Drained Ricotta (drain your ricotta while you're measuring the rest, to save time)

2 Cups of All Purpose Flour

1 Tablespoon of Salt

Sauce:

1 Quart Crushed Tomatoes

1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Clove Garlic - Minced (this equals about a teaspoon if you're not using fresh garlic)

3 Fresh Basil Leaves (we didn't have fresh, so we used about 1 Tablespoon of dried, and it seemed to work okay)

Grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino cheese

On a non-stick surface (I used my baking mat lightly floured) - make a small "well" with your flour/salt mixture - that means leave a hole in the middle (I had no idea what this meant, and would have been lost without Mike LMAO)  In the middle of this "well" place your Ricotta - then, slowly add the flour to the Ricotta, making sure not to over mix - you'll know you over mixed if your dough becomes glue-y and sticky ... you don't want any stickiness.

Cut your dough into four pieces, and roll out into 3/4 inch thick "logs"

Cut each one into 1/2 inch thick pieces, roll into a ball and gently roll over the tines of a fork to imprint ridges

Boil them in salted water for 5-7 minutes, or until they all float.  (Be careful and make sure you use the right size pot, they are dense - that may cause them to slightly stick to the bottom of the pan)

While they're boiling, start your sauce.

In a large sauté pan - heat your oil - when you see swirls, add your garlic - but pay attention, if it gets too hot your garlic WILL burn,  and you'll have to start over (hence no photos of this step - Mike was "helping" and didn't pay attention .. LOL)

Once you've added your garlic, and it's slightly browned - add your crushed tomatoes.  Simmer for 10 minutes.

(our sauté pan was dirty, so I had to use our braising pan .. it worked very well - plus, the higher sides kept splashing and sputtering to a minimum)

Once all of your gnocchi is floating, gently remove from the water with a slotted spoon - add them to your sauce, toss to coat them completely and simmer for a few minutes.

Remove them from the sauce, and place on a platter (or plate if you're not serving family style), add Grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino cheese to the top and serve.

This recipe makes enough for two heaping plates, and Emily's little one.  They are very filling little dumplings, and taste amazing.   I doctored the sauce a little to our own tastes - added a little sugar to combat the bitterness of the tomatoes and a few other Italian Seasonings.

There is one small serving left over - and I'm willing to bet there will be a fight over it!

** On one of my groups today - there was a silly quiz --- this is my result ... Let's not get ahead of ourselves here! **

You Are a Full-time Foodie

Food is an important part of your life, and there's no denying it. You're probably at least a decent cook, and you have a very sophisticated palette. You're up on food trends, and you're always looking to sample something new and different. You figure that if you're going to eat three meals a day, you might as well make them an adventure.

Are You A Foodie?

Funtown - Splashtown .. USA!

This is the summer of discontent . wait . no, that's not any where near right.

This is the summer of different experiences - new experiences - fun experiences ... and it continues ... Emi's daycare recently took a field trip to a local amusement park called "Funtown Splashtown USA" it's a combination amusement park and water park ... there are over 45 rides, of varying sizes, degree of intensity - from the Dragon's Decent (a 225 drop) to the standard and ever present Carousel ... I had never been there before, and neither had Emi.  Daddy couldn't get the day off from work, so he missed this experience.  No worries, we'll be going back.

Our group consisted of 31 people.  9 adults, 22 kids .. of varying ages .. from 2 through 13.  At any given time I had no less than 4 children in my care, and they were all amazing.  Minimal meltdowns, and no tantrums or fighting to speak of.  They each got to ride every ride at least 3 times (well, their age/height/weight appropriate rides) with the exception of the Flume ride, bumper cars and the Antique cars, the lines for those 3 rides were insane ... We did only the "Funtown" portion, with 22 kids it was easier to keep track of them in smaller groups - away from the water park.  They didn't seem to mind.

Here are a few of the pictures I took .. there weren't many taken (maybe 85 I think) I had too much to look at and take care of to stop and shoot as much as I wanted too:

"We're at Funtown Mom, let's play!"

Waiting for the big kids to be done with the "Dragon's Decent"

Carousel Time!! 

The Frog Hopper - a small child's version of the dragon's decent .. they loved it.

See!?!?!

Emi and her BFF from School Kyrie .. they were inseparable all day!

The Antique Cars - Kyrie was a great driver!

Emi and Kyrie waiting for the big kids to be done with Excalibur, the roller coaster

These are my favorite pictures from that day:

Emily, Kyler, Kyrie and Brayden .. waiting for the big kids .. 

Emily, Kyrie and Sadie

snack time, at the end of a long - fantastic - day ... 

If you know anyone in the local area looking for child care?  I highly, highly, HIGHLY suggest Emi's daycare .. this field trip could have been chaos ... 31 people - 22 CHILDREN - loose in an amusement park?  We knew where everyone was, what everyone was doing, lunch was scheduled, snacks and bathroom breaks were scheduled.   Sue is an amazing woman, and if you know me, really well, you know I am not quick to trust people with the care of my child .. I would never hesitate to trust Sue.  If ever I needed anything, she'd be there for me, and I love her for that - and for what she's done for Emily.

I'm a hiker?

I recently enjoyed a hike up Mount Agamenticus in York, Maine.  To be honest, I didn't even know there was a mountain there, let alone a hike-able one.  To be even more honest?  I doubted, sincerely, that I would make it to the top, alive, under my own power - even though, barely 4 days before my hike - my 3 year old daughter made it to the top - with no whining, no stopping (except to read the little store posted at certain points) and smiling the entire way.

I made it.  Barely.  Apparently, I may have to build up my endurance before I even think of attempting this again .. no, no, that's not right - I WILL build up my endurance and I WILL hike again .. maybe not Mount Major, or anything strenuous like that - but Blue Job?  I'll own you!  ;)

The ride to the mountain was just as enjoyable as the hike up (and down) ... Sonya and Sue (a fellow parent, and Emi's teacher) listen to the same station as each other - a station I was unaware of.  I think it was 95.3 (A Boston/Portland station) - they have this "bit" called a "Phone Tap" where they call unsuspecting people, and mess with them - on the radio, for all to hear, laugh at, make fun of and enjoy -- It's amazing, and my new addiction.    More on that later ........

For now, here are some of the pictures I took (I didn't take nearly as many as I wanted to - I couldn't seem to focus ... )

Funky Mushrooms

A Spider web, suspended in midair

The Old Ski Lift - and it's history

The sunlight through the trees 

My foot . . . I was really there!

And the view - or what would have been the view - from the top: