Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

April Progress Report

April 28, 2012

Progress? What progress? Well, we’re in restoration mode with all that it entails and it’s difficult, but if I can just get through this year, then maybe next year won’t be so scary. We might actually be able to get new furniture then too :-).

Weight loss progress? Well, I did have this light bulb moment today. Why am I so careful about skin care – the outside of my body – if I’m not taking care of the inside?! I mean, let’s face it, isn’t having a healthy heart better than having good skin? So, with that thought, I crunched some numbers. Lessee, 17 weeks gone by already and that leaves 35 weeks left. Multiply 35 weeks by a 2 pound per week weight loss and that would be…a possible 70lb weight loss by the end of the year. Hey, that’d be pretty good now wouldn’t it! Even a one pound a week loss would be 35 pounds and that’s a darn sight better than where I’m at now. Okay, if we go for middle of the road it would be 50 pounds. Well, I like all of those numbers so what am I waiting for?? I keep making excuses and right now I have none. Zero. Zip. Nada. SO, I’m going to try to start next Monday – really start. Yeah, yeah, how many times have I been saying that. Well, maybe it’s time to get serious and really try and not worry about failing or whatever it is I’m worried about. Ya know? So, I’ll keep you posted on a plan of action – I’m the girl of 100 lists remember? And stick to it the best I can.

I’ve read another book – Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth – and that was really good. It finished off my Amish reading very nicely and gave me a lot to think about.

I pulled together lesson plans and books so we can start school on Monday for our last 3 months of work for this school year. So, we’re ready there.

So, I guess that was April. Here’s hoping I can really get over whatever mental mishmash is going on in my head that’s keeping me from doing what I need to do to lose weight and maybe I can lose some stress once we get over the “humps”.

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Awards and Winnings

April 26, 2012

So, here it is – my post about Steve’s big win in the local writing contest. Only, I’m sneaking a oouple of other winners from our family in here too. Hey, I’m allowed – it’s MY blog and I’ll write whatever I want to :-). Okay, so maybe you really can’t sing those words to that tune. Anyway, I digress….again…

Back at the beginning of the year, the 2012 Annual Writing Contest was announced at our library. Well, Steve kind of hemmed and hawed, but finally decided to write something and enter it. It was a story called “A World Apart” and he let me read it when he was done. I have to say, I was very impressed! I proofread for errors and he tweaked a couple of things and sent it in barely in time for the February 1 deadline. And then he waited and waited. I know he asked at the desk a couple of times about the contest and he may have even called about when the judging was going to be. We waited some more.

Then, on Friday, April 13, a call came in. It was from the library for Steve and I just held my breath.

“Well, wait a minute, are you his mom?”

“Yes”

“Well, Stephen has won an award in the creative writing contest!”

“REALLY?!?!”

“He really did!”

“Oh, then you need to tell him – I know he’d want to hear it from you.”

“Okay.”

“Hold on – STEEEEVVVVVEEEE!”

So, Steve got on the phone and found out that he had won SECOND PLACE in his age category!! The prize was $50 and I know he was thrilled about that too. The award would be presented the following Monday at the library. Only, when we got to the library on Monday, we found out it was being held somewhere else. Luckily, that place was across the street. Here’s the photo of Steve receiving his award:

He has since framed the certificate and cashed the check, but that honor will be with him for his whole life. I think maybe he might have a good chance as a writer as well – you never know.

Now, Chris has also been a winner around here lately. Last December it was announced (and he got a letter in the mail as well) that he had made the President’s Honor Roll. This is an honor bestowed on students who make nothing less than A’s in all their classes – I believe he had a 4.0 grade average that semester. Now, and this is funny, Chris recently found an unopened letter on his desk, and he apparently made the Dean’s honor roll in the spring of 2011! Yay Chris – belated because we just found out – hehe! As I write this, he is enrolled in a local state college and will be entering as a sophomore in the fall.

ALSO, Matt and Chris made apps for a contest Blackberry was running and they both won…wait for it…FREE Blackberry Playbook tablets!! Now for the real kicker – Chris entered again and won a second one!! He says they’re his trophies :0).

Lest I forget about Jeff, I do know he has submitted one of his writings to an actual publisher/magazine and we shall see how that turns out. Even if he gets a rejection slip, it’s not a loss, it’s just another rung on the ladder of working your way up.

SO, there you have it – winning kids and I’m proud of them ALL! :-)

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Friday At Last

April 20, 2012

It’s been a busy week and this weekend will be busy too. Here’s what’s going on in my life:

1. Monday Steve received an award in a local writing contest – he came in second! More on that later.

2. Tuesday we had the plumber come out to fix the drain in the laundry room. Again. He found out that a pipe was broken and needed to be replaced and re-routed. So…

3. Wednesday the plumbers came out to fix the pipe and the kids and I went on a field trip! We went to visit the Little House On the Prairie historical site in Kansas. That was awesome! I cried. No pictures (forgot my camera) but the kids and I really enjoyed it. Okay, except for Steve. Fifteen year old boys and Little House on the Prairie don’t usually go together. Came home to a whole new plumbing outlook for the washer – now we’re in “do all the laundry you didn’t get to do for four days” mode.

4. Thursday was beginning the catch up on laundry and finishing birthday shopping for the two birthday boys – Joe and Chris. Yes, their birthdays are only 3 days apart and it’s wild every year. At least this year no one’s birthday landed on or around Easter.

5. Friday (today) is being spent baking and frosting a Cocoa Goodie Cake, wrapping gifts, and celebrating Joe’s birthday. He is 13 today. Happy Birthday Joe!

This weekend will be grocery shopping, clothes shopping for the girls, and celebrating Chris’ birthday. Then on Monday is Chris’ dentist appointment and Maggie goes in to the dentist on Tuesday. The rest of the week will be spent getting ready for the start of school again the following Monday.

Phew! What a wild time we’ve been having lately! I’m ready for things to settle down again. Maybe in 9 years :-).

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Music Monday

April 16, 2012

Today I switched on Pandora for listening music while I made cornbread and decided on the “Bread” channel (ha- ironic no?). You remember the group Bread don’t you? Songs like “Aubrey”, “Diary”? Yeah, of course you remember them! It’s just been a long time since you’ve heard anything by them! Don’t feel bad – I don’t often hear their music either. Except today I was feeling 70’s-ish I suppose. Anyway, the song “Everything I Own” came on and as I listened to the lyrics I realized that it was not a love song at all – not in the sense that we typically think. Nope, it was a tribute to a parent! At first I thought maybe David Gates wrote it for his mother, but it was for his father. As I listened, the words seemed more profound now that I am older and have lost my own father. I’ve also seen the passing of other precious people in my life and this song is a good reminder to not waste the time we have on this earth and to tell people how much we love them and care for them while we can. And if you can’t tell them show them. Pick up the phone, email them, send a card, whatever you can do with what you have. I need this reminder most of all.

So, here, read the words, go listen, and see how big of a kleenex pile you have afterwards.

You sheltered me from harm
Kept me warm, kept me warm
You gave my life to me
Set me free, set me free
The finest years I ever knew
Were all the years I had with you

And I would give anything I own
And give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again

You taught me how to love
What it’s of, what it’s of
You never said too much but still you showed the way
And I knew from watching you
Nobody else could ever know
The part of me that can’t let go

And I would give anything I own
Would give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again

Is there someone you know?
You’re loving them so
But taking them all for granted
You may lose them one day
Someone takes them away
And they don’t hear the words you long to say

And I would give anything I own
Will give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
Just to touch you once again

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What I’ve Been Reading

April 9, 2012

Yes, I am the Crazy Book Lady remember? And, not only that, but I’m also Frugal Mom too. What do we get if we add them together? The Crazy Frugal Book Lady Mom! Oh yeah baby, that’s me all right. SO, here are the frugal book finds I’ve found this year and it also serves to let you know what I’ve been reading as well.

1. Amish Peace and Amish Values For Your Family by Suzanne Woods Fisher – I have finished both of these and they were very good (and easy) reads. I may go back and re-read, however, because she has questions at the end of each “chapter” which help lead the reader into a deeper investigation in their life and see if there are changes they could make for a simpler more meaningful life. Those are worth investigating! Price? I bought the bargain books at $5.20 each!

2. Wear This Toss That by Amy Goodman – I may have said before, but if I haven’t, I loved What Not To Wear with Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. However, I’ve not been able to watch it for the last 3 years since we downgraded our Dish and haven’t re-upgraded it again. BUT I’ll save that post for another day (What Not To Wear that is). So, when I saw this book pretty much doing the same thing I couldn’t resist! She uses visual cues – like showing a picture of a good blouse and a bad blouse – to let you know what to keep in your closet (or buy at the store) and what to toss and why. I also like her little “age alert”(s) because there are certain things a woman of a certain age shouldn’t wear anymore and I do fit some of those rules now. It’s not just clothes but shoes, bags, skin care, and makeup too. Bonus? My girls love looking at it too :-). Price? Again, a bargain price of $10.80!

3. Menopause Sucks by Joanne Kimes and Elaine Ambrose – Couldn’t resist simply because of the title :-). It is a good informational book on the Change O’Life, but there is a good dose of humor throughout as well. Let’s face it ladies, it’s what we need at this point in our lives! I’m not into tomes on the subject, just good basic info and this fits the bill. I’m not done reading it yet, but so far I’m loving it! Price? Bargain price of $5.18.

4. The Winter of Our Disconnect by Susan Maushart – Does the title sound familiar? It’s a play on Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck, however she was actually inspired by Walden (Thoreau). Maushart decided to disconnect herself and her kids from technology for six months and this is a diary of sorts of how she did it and what happened during that time. I’ve only read the first chapter or two so far (up to the point where she is cutting the power to the tech toys) so I can’t really review it. However, I do like the idea of a tech diet and am trying to keep it minimalized these days. She also throws in some interesting statistics on modern connectivity and how much time the average child (and adults) spends on these devices. I’m hoping to get back to it this month. Price? Well, I got a super bargain on this one as the bargain price kept going down until I snagged it for $3.32!! Woot!

5. Geisha: A Life by Mineko Iwasaki – I read this book (took it out of the library) in 2010 and loved it. I was hoping to get it for myself, but forgot about it. Until I saw it at Amazon at a bargain price and then I snatched it up in a heartbeat! This is the true story of a real geisha in Japan. Iwasaki was also the most popular and highly paid geisha of her time (1960’s). She tells how she came to be at the geisha house and all the training she had in classical Japanese arts (dance and music) to be a geisha. It is a fascinating read and to be honest, I’d recommend it before I’d recommend Memoirs of A Geisha which has more untruth in it than truth. And that’s also why Mineko Iwasaki wrote this book, because she had helped Arthur Golden on Memoirs and then he twisted the facts to Hollywoodize it. So, read this first if you want to know what a real geisha’s life is about – or was about. It’s getting to be a lost art and it always makes me sad when cultural things start passing into obscurity. Price? Bargain price of $5.78!

6. The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays by Maika Drucker – No we’re not Jewish, but I had originally taken this book out of the library at Christmas time to read to the kids about Hanukkah. It is a beautiful book in word and picture that tells of all the holy days of the Jewish faith. I read about Passover last week and it served to strengthen my own faith as I read about the Seder. So, this is a good book for Jews and Gentiles alike and even if you don’t have kids. I know we’ll be referring to it throughout the year. Price? Bargain Price of $6.80!

So there you have it – my frugal book finds so far this year! Do I ever pay full price for books? Yes I do when it’s a book I really want (or need as in the case of books for school) and there is no bargain price, but I generally try to find used or bargains first. Here’s to being a Crazy Frugal Book Lady Mom!

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Happy Easter!

April 8, 2012

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,

Radiant in the brightness of your King

Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!

Darkness vanishes forever!

This is our Passover feast,

When Christ, the true Lamb, is slain

Whose blood consecrates the homes of all believers

This is the night when first you saved our fathers;

You freed the people of Israel from their slavery

And led them dry-shod through the sea

This is the night when Jesus Christ

Broke the chains of death

And rose triumphant from the grave.

What good would life have been to us

Had not Christ come as our Redeemer?

O happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam,

Which gained for us so great a Redeermer!

The power of this holy night

Dispels all evil, washes guilt away

Restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy.

Night truly blessed when heaven is wedded to earth

And man is reconciled with God.

–From the Exultet – Mass of Holy Saturday

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What I’ve Been Watching

April 7, 2012

So, yesterday it was music, today it is music! Don’t worry the book list is coming too :-). Anywho – here’s what I’ve been watching for the last 3 months or so.

1. “My So-Called Life” – I watched this on Netflix Instant back in December, and then I bought the set (I think I mentioned that) and watched it again along with the commentaries too. Fine, fine writing and also memories of a time gone by.

2. “Hey Boo: Harper Lee and To Kill A Mockingbird” – This is a documentary of Harper Lee’s life and her writing of To Kill A Mockingbird. It also goes into reactions when the book came out and the climate at the time it was published. Many interviews with writers and teachers which add to the beauty of this “film”. If you love To Kill A Mockingbird then this is a must for you.

3. “Temple Grandin” – This is a fantastic movie about a woman named Temple Grandin who has lived with her autism and made it work for her instead of running against it. Clare Danes does a beautiful job of portraying Miss Grandin and the movie portrays autism in a way that the rest of us can understand. You cannot go wrong with this one.

4. “Fahrenheit 451” – Yes, the movie from 1966 that is based on the book by Ray Bradbury. It is a good interpretation of the book, but it does fall short in my opinion. I usually read the book first and then watch the movie and alot of times it helps to fill in gaps that movies just can’t get to. All in all though a great movie and Ray Bradbury was definitely ahead of his time and a bit of a prophet of our modern age as well.

5. “The Muppets” – A great family movie although it really is more for the generation that grew up on the original Muppet Show in my opinion. My only caveat is that Frank Oz does not do Miss Piggy which I think is a travesty. He made that character – he IS that character – and only he can do her justice. Overall though, it’s a good movie that’s fun for everyone.

6. “Bridesmaids” – Fair warning – this is a vulgar chick flick. That’s right a chick flick written by girls and for girls, but it’s vulgar. Kind of a weird combo to be sure but it kind of works. I saw scenes of it on the Oscars and thought it looked funny so that’s what made me try it. Although overall I thought it fell flat in a lot of places, some of it was good. The bits about friendship are great. One thing that stood out for me is how women go out of their way to compare themselves to others and this tendency is brought out in one brilliant scene. Also, it has something to say about relationships with the wrong kind of men and how they make us feel if we are honest with ourselves. So, watch it if you dare, but like I said, it’s vulgar and some of it I just didn’t like. I think only women will get alot of it as well.

7. “Catholicism” – Yes, I’m following up my review of a vulgar movie with one that is the opposite :-). This is a great commentary on the Catholic faith by Fr. Robert Barron. There is just so much meat and potatoes in this that you can watch and watch and get more to think about each time you watch it. So, if you want to learn more about the Catholic faith or strengthen your faith if you are already Catholic you cannot go wrong here. If you can’t afford the dvd set, get the book by Fr. Barron by the same name – it’s going to be about the same except without the scenery.

8. “Out of Africa” – Here’s an oldie from way back when! I thought it looked wonderful when I was younger and it is lush and beautiful. But without information behind the story I think it doesn’t make sense. I had no idea it was a true story! So, do watch the commentary after the film. Otherwise, I liked it.

9. “The Way” – This is a movie that Emilo Estevez made and the lead character was made for his dad, Martin Sheen. It is also a collaberation between the two film makers – father and son. The movie is about 4 people who make the Way of St James – El Camino de Santiago – and find things out about themselves and each other along The Way. It was actually filmed on the pilgrimage road and the pilgrims are not extras but real pilgrims. They Way is 500 miles long and for the film they actually walked 300-350 miles of it and it took 40 days to film. A wonderful, powerful not to be missed movie and, again, watch the movie with the commentary – lots of good stuff there.

So, there you have it – what I’ve been watching for the last 3 months or so. Maybe you’ll find something to pique your interest too.

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What I Am Listening To

April 5, 2012

I’ve recently bought a few new mp3’s AND a new cd – yeah a REAL one people – so I thought I’d talk about it. I’ve bought a lot of new books too – big surprise there – and I’ll talk about those later. Anywho – here’s my new music (that yes I do burn onto cd’s for music mixes):

1. “Boys of Summer” – Don Henley

2. “Thank U” – Alanis Morissette

3. “Daydream Believer” – The Monkees (RIP Davy Jones – *tears*)

4. “Hang On Now” – Kajagoogoo

5. “Vogue” – Madonna

6. “The Next Time Around” – Roger Voudouris (The B side to the popular “Get Used to It” – I like this one better)

7. “Waiting For A Star To Fall” – Boy Meets Girl

8. “Get Outta My Way” – Kylie Minogue

9. “All For You” – Sister Hazel

10. “The Circle Game” – Joni Mitchell (featured in the thirtysomething episode about Michael and Hope’s housewarming party)

11. “River” – Joni Mitchell (featured in the Christmas episode – season 1 – of thirtysomething)

12. “Breathless” – the Corrs

Those are the mp3’s I’ve bought from Amazon. I used to do the Napster thing, but Amazon is easier and Napster went under. Here’s the album I bought:

1. “Gloryland” – Anonymous 4

This is their second album of what I would call classical American music and really it’s music of many cultures that have come together in a unique sound. I really like it and even better – I only paid $6.50 for it! Yeah – you can find bargains galore if you’re looking for them :-).

I still haven’t made strides to buy any 70’s music yet to start that collection – it’s so hard to choose sometimes. The 80’s music was so much of an ingrained part of my life that it has been much easier to pick music out from that decade. Happy listening!

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Oy vey – kids!

April 4, 2012

So tonight I made a broccoli chicken casserole and, of course, Chris turned his nose up at it because he can’t stand broccoli. “My hand swells up like a microwaved peep when I touch it at work!” he says. “Are you serious??” I ask. “Nope” he says. What an ass :-).

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