Setting: The front desk at my office. The phone rings around 4:30pm as it is beginning to get dark and the rain is pouring down.
Me: ABC Chiropractic. This is Michelle. How may I help you?
Isaac: Yo, Mom, I turned in all my work this week, can I go bicycling with the guys? (Understand in recent weeks we've enacted the rule that we check his grades online each week and if there are any zeroes for work not turned in there are no social activities for the following week, including biking with the guys.)
Me: I am not at home to check the website and verify the homework situation, plus it's raining, plus it's nearly dark.
Isaac: Pleeeeaaaase....
(At this moment patient steps to the desk to checkout.)
Me: I need to put you on hold, I have a patient to take care of, okay?.....Okay? (hearing no reply I opt not to push the hold button in case he thinks he's been disconnected. I turn to the patient) Ok, When do you need to see the doctor again?
Patient: Thursday evening, please.
Me: No problem.
(I turn to the computer to make the appointment and hear a muffled voice in my ear)
Isaac: (thinking he is on hold) Dude, my mom is so ridiculous! She doesn't want me to bike in the rain, like I'm going to melt. Oh and you know we haven't had white bread in the house for like TWO YEARS! And we always have to eat fruit and vegetables and they are all organic. She makes me go to the chiropractor all the time and if I get hit in a game she wants me adjusted because (in mocking voice) "Your spine is going to get messed up." And this whole homework rule is really pissing me off. Can you believe I'm not allowed to go mountain biking tonight because I didn't turn in a 5 point assignment last week?
(I stifle guffaws as I schedule the patient and take payment)
Patient: (smiling quizzically) What's so funny?
Me: My kid thinks he is on hold. I am hearing him tell his friend how mean I am making him eat right and turn in school work and generally awful things like that.
Patient: (laughing) You're terrible.
Me: (nodding) Call me the Great Oppressor.
Isaac: (demandingly) Mom? Mom? So I can go right?
Me: (excessively sweetly) What's that, darling son who hates to eat well, get adjusted, and who thinks my rules are so unfair?
Isaac: (stunned) Uh..what?
Me: Well, it seems you're somewhat unhappy about something.
Isaac: (worried) How much did you hear?
Me: (with great relish and stifling chuckles) Every single word.
Isaac: (suddenly conciliatory) Uh, ok, so I guess I won't be biking. See you at home.
Me: (smugly) Glad we have that all sorted out.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Running for Research
I've been amazed over and over again by how great my blog pals are. You are talented, thinking, generous people who have been such a network of support and encouragement to me and to others in our own spheres of influence. I've been so encouraged and amazed by the kindness shown me in the last year I wanted to try to pay it forward a bit by trying to help another blog pal in some of his efforts.
Van Kapeghian and his fiancee Abbe Meck have been in training to run in the Disney Marathon on January 8, 2012 and the Goofy Challenge the day after. They are doing this in order to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to support research and treatment of blood cancers.
Now don't let the names Disney and Goofy make you think this is an easy thing. A marathon is 26.2 miles...and any marathoner will get all over your case if you round down to a mere 26 miles. I know. Mr. Lime has run two marathons. After the first one he said, "If I ever say I want to do that again, shoot me." When he said he wanted to do it again I asked, "Where is your ammo?" It's no small matter to run a race like that. MONTHS of training go into it. Oh, and the Goofy challenge....that's another half marathon, 13.1 miles for the math impaired, the VERY NEXT DAY. Are you kidding me???? The thought of that much running makes me want to cry....like a baby....for hours...sucking my thumb....rocking in the corner.
Why are Van and Abbe doing this? Well, Abbe's cousin Alayna was diagnosed with Leukemia almost an year and a half ago. She's been going through treatment all that time and is now in remission. Better than that, she has been inspired to start running and swimming to keep up with Abbe. Here's a half minute thank-you video she posted for Abbe and Van.
How cool is that girl? Does she not rock the known world?
Now Van and Abbe already impress me for being willing to train hard, run hard, and work hard to raise the money for research. They are caring people who give to their family and community in so many ways. In case you still don't think they are cool enough to consider, last year they ran just the marathon and Van dyed his hair purple (his whole head, not just a stripe like I did!) because it's Alayna's favorite color. Oh yeah...and at the end of the marathon he dropped to his knee and proposed to Abbe who accepted. Here's the evidence.
Van and Abbe run for Alayna. Van wrote her name on his running shoes. There are people in my world who have also been touched by leukemia and lymphoma. A dear friend and coworker lost her son to lymphoma. You may recall how our office banded together to get her through an anniversary of his death. Perhaps you recall one of my Aunt Bee stories or recipes, well...she was diagnosed with Lymphoma about a year ago as well. She has opted not to treat it because she is 89 and would prefer to live her remaining days feeling reasonably well rather than undergoing treatments which will make her feel completely rotten. Van has very kindly said he'd write Aunt Bee's name on his shoes this year and carry her along in spirit. I also have a blog pal Phaedrous who has been fighting Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for over 15 years. He's got a zest for life that puts most folks I know to absolute shame. These are all people who matter to me. I would not be surprised to learn several of you have been touched by someone in your lives who has had Leukemia or Lymphoma.
So anyway, now that I've run a marathon with words, which is about the only kind or marathon I am capable of, I'd like to ask a favor. As of the writing of this post, Van and Abbe are only at 58% of their fundraising goal. They have until December 16 to reach their goal or they wind up paying it out of their pockets. Abbe recently found out the store where she is employed will be closing permanently. So that kind of hits the wallet hard by itself. Van works like a dog as a self-employed computer/coding/webpage designing guru. These are terrific people who have a wonderful sense of community and service and generosity. If you are able and willing I'd be ever so grateful if you'd consider making some small donation to their cause, even if it's only $5 because it all adds up (but hey, I know no one will mind more than $5) You can do so here. It's easy and painless, unlike running a marathon. If you're not able but still want to do something I'd love if you'd spread the word and share their link. If you're not able or willing, well that's your choice and I'm not here to guilt anyone. I still thank you for taking the time to read this post.
Van Kapeghian and his fiancee Abbe Meck have been in training to run in the Disney Marathon on January 8, 2012 and the Goofy Challenge the day after. They are doing this in order to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to support research and treatment of blood cancers.
Now don't let the names Disney and Goofy make you think this is an easy thing. A marathon is 26.2 miles...and any marathoner will get all over your case if you round down to a mere 26 miles. I know. Mr. Lime has run two marathons. After the first one he said, "If I ever say I want to do that again, shoot me." When he said he wanted to do it again I asked, "Where is your ammo?" It's no small matter to run a race like that. MONTHS of training go into it. Oh, and the Goofy challenge....that's another half marathon, 13.1 miles for the math impaired, the VERY NEXT DAY. Are you kidding me???? The thought of that much running makes me want to cry....like a baby....for hours...sucking my thumb....rocking in the corner.
Why are Van and Abbe doing this? Well, Abbe's cousin Alayna was diagnosed with Leukemia almost an year and a half ago. She's been going through treatment all that time and is now in remission. Better than that, she has been inspired to start running and swimming to keep up with Abbe. Here's a half minute thank-you video she posted for Abbe and Van.
How cool is that girl? Does she not rock the known world?
Now Van and Abbe already impress me for being willing to train hard, run hard, and work hard to raise the money for research. They are caring people who give to their family and community in so many ways. In case you still don't think they are cool enough to consider, last year they ran just the marathon and Van dyed his hair purple (his whole head, not just a stripe like I did!) because it's Alayna's favorite color. Oh yeah...and at the end of the marathon he dropped to his knee and proposed to Abbe who accepted. Here's the evidence.
 |
| All kinds of awesome in action |
Van and Abbe run for Alayna. Van wrote her name on his running shoes. There are people in my world who have also been touched by leukemia and lymphoma. A dear friend and coworker lost her son to lymphoma. You may recall how our office banded together to get her through an anniversary of his death. Perhaps you recall one of my Aunt Bee stories or recipes, well...she was diagnosed with Lymphoma about a year ago as well. She has opted not to treat it because she is 89 and would prefer to live her remaining days feeling reasonably well rather than undergoing treatments which will make her feel completely rotten. Van has very kindly said he'd write Aunt Bee's name on his shoes this year and carry her along in spirit. I also have a blog pal Phaedrous who has been fighting Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for over 15 years. He's got a zest for life that puts most folks I know to absolute shame. These are all people who matter to me. I would not be surprised to learn several of you have been touched by someone in your lives who has had Leukemia or Lymphoma.
So anyway, now that I've run a marathon with words, which is about the only kind or marathon I am capable of, I'd like to ask a favor. As of the writing of this post, Van and Abbe are only at 58% of their fundraising goal. They have until December 16 to reach their goal or they wind up paying it out of their pockets. Abbe recently found out the store where she is employed will be closing permanently. So that kind of hits the wallet hard by itself. Van works like a dog as a self-employed computer/coding/webpage designing guru. These are terrific people who have a wonderful sense of community and service and generosity. If you are able and willing I'd be ever so grateful if you'd consider making some small donation to their cause, even if it's only $5 because it all adds up (but hey, I know no one will mind more than $5) You can do so here. It's easy and painless, unlike running a marathon. If you're not able but still want to do something I'd love if you'd spread the word and share their link. If you're not able or willing, well that's your choice and I'm not here to guilt anyone. I still thank you for taking the time to read this post.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Oh Deer!
Monday was opening day for deer season in Pennsylvania. As always, Diana, Isaac, and Mr. Lime were in the woods looking to put meat in the freezer for the year. Diana has had an amazing record from the first year she went hunting at age 13. Her first year out she bagged an 8 point buck in the first two hours of opening day. Every year but one since then she has gotten a deer first thing in the morning on opening day. The one year she did not, she had a shot but passed it because the deer was heading toward Isaac and it was his first year out. She wanted him to have the opportunity to take the shot. She has had well-seasoned lifelong hunters praise her prowess and bow in admiration.
This year was different.
She didn't even see a deer until late in the afternoon. She says it was between 100-150 yards away and she saw the butt first. In her words, "It was a deer ass as big as a cow's! It was the size of Jamaica!" She waited for it to turn so she could get a chest shot and was rewarded with seeing it had a rack every bit as impressive as its rear. She took a shot and saw the buck drop.
Then it got up and ran.
Moments later it appeared behind her. She took another shot and watched the buck flail around. Then it walked under her stand. It was driven out. She shot it a third time and it dropped like a stone. She waited a few minutes and as she began to walk up to it the thing popped up and ran off into a deep thicket and through a swamp through a private yard, across a road, into the next thicket, and over a hill. She and Mr. Lime tracked it until dark and never found it.
The freezer remains empty and the huntress is bemoaning the one that got away...as she has a taste of how frustrating a process hunting can be.
This year was different.
She didn't even see a deer until late in the afternoon. She says it was between 100-150 yards away and she saw the butt first. In her words, "It was a deer ass as big as a cow's! It was the size of Jamaica!" She waited for it to turn so she could get a chest shot and was rewarded with seeing it had a rack every bit as impressive as its rear. She took a shot and saw the buck drop.
Then it got up and ran.
Moments later it appeared behind her. She took another shot and watched the buck flail around. Then it walked under her stand. It was driven out. She shot it a third time and it dropped like a stone. She waited a few minutes and as she began to walk up to it the thing popped up and ran off into a deep thicket and through a swamp through a private yard, across a road, into the next thicket, and over a hill. She and Mr. Lime tracked it until dark and never found it.
The freezer remains empty and the huntress is bemoaning the one that got away...as she has a taste of how frustrating a process hunting can be.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
That's My Girl
*image from here
Calypso and I were watching TV over the holiday break when a Kay Jewelers ad came on and ended with the annoying jingle, "Every kiss begins with Kay." Calypso then began a bit of a rant. "Every kiss begins with blood diamonds. I don't ever want a diamond, not even when I get engaged. I'll know I have the right guy when he proposes with a cuckoo clock in his hands!" Yep, my girl wants a cuckoo clock as a promise of future wedded bliss. Yep, this makes me smile inwardly with pride.
Diana stated her intention of going out on Black Friday and asked if I wanted to come along. I gave a very emphatic NO because told her no bargain exists that could make me want to brave the insanity and greed that is the retail feeding frenzy of Black Friday. She hastened to explain she had no intention of shopping. She just wanted to mess with people by finding scarce items at WallyMart to load her cart with and drive people out of their minds while she paraded the items before eventually returning them to shelves in the wrong department. I have to admit I was tempted by that.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
Monday, November 21, 2011
Da Big Count
It's almost time for my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving! The last year and a half or more has at times seemed like an unending series of trials but in the last couple of months the winds have changed, for which I am very grateful. Either way though I have so much to be thankful for and even though I try to regularly engage in Da Count (counting the good stuff I've got rather than bemoaning what I lack) I think it's good to put together a list of things from the past year as a way to look back and remind myself. Even in a year of trials I find there is just so much to be grateful for so here goes.... It is by no means exhaustive and it's in no particular order.
1. The current physical health of my family. There are no broken bones, mystery illnesses, debilitating conditions. That all by itself is just HUGE and I am breathing a very grateful sigh of relief.
2. A stronger, healthier relationship with my dad then I would have dared hope for even a few short years ago.
3. A mom and stepmom who give generously of themselves in different ways to support their kids and grandkids when it matters most.
4. Truly amazing friends, both in 3D life and online. I am overwhelmed by the love sometimes.
5. Medicine to make my kid better, dispensed by a professional, compassionate, capable doctor after strong of incompetencies and abuses by so many others.
6. A new clothes dryer that plays a sweet little tune at the end of the cycle instead of sounding like it's tumbling around a pack of rabid cats for and entire cycle.
7. A husband who is handy enough to be able to fix a lot of things around the house so we don't have to be paying repairmen all the time.
8. A son who is discovering he can be competent in the kitchen.
9. Daughters who are striving to make wise choices now that they are out of the nest.
10. The chance to meet Susie and Logo and to see Seattle.
11. Having a job. Big bonus that I feel like I contribute to people's well-being, have bosses who provide a decent environment, and have coworkers who mostly work well together and look out for each other.
12. Flannel sheets. What? It's been cold lately.
13. A free, used refrigerator so now I don't have to deal with puddles on the kitchen floor or disgusting mold around the door seal.
14. An invite from Diana to come visit for the weekend, just so we can spend time together.
15. My camera. It was a long year and then some saving up for a new one. I thoroughly enjoy having Boom-boom at my disposal.
16. The promise that beloved friends will be here in less than a month.
17. Music and books. They provide a place to escape and imagine.
18. This space where I get to create whatever I want and that so many of you come visit and share the ride with me. Thanks you for whatever you've shared here, whether it's been a few kind words, some laughs, some tears, or some desperately needed support in a variety of forms during dark days.
I am blessed. I am grateful.
I'd love to know what would make your lists this year.
1. The current physical health of my family. There are no broken bones, mystery illnesses, debilitating conditions. That all by itself is just HUGE and I am breathing a very grateful sigh of relief.
2. A stronger, healthier relationship with my dad then I would have dared hope for even a few short years ago.
3. A mom and stepmom who give generously of themselves in different ways to support their kids and grandkids when it matters most.
4. Truly amazing friends, both in 3D life and online. I am overwhelmed by the love sometimes.
5. Medicine to make my kid better, dispensed by a professional, compassionate, capable doctor after strong of incompetencies and abuses by so many others.
6. A new clothes dryer that plays a sweet little tune at the end of the cycle instead of sounding like it's tumbling around a pack of rabid cats for and entire cycle.
7. A husband who is handy enough to be able to fix a lot of things around the house so we don't have to be paying repairmen all the time.
8. A son who is discovering he can be competent in the kitchen.
9. Daughters who are striving to make wise choices now that they are out of the nest.
10. The chance to meet Susie and Logo and to see Seattle.
11. Having a job. Big bonus that I feel like I contribute to people's well-being, have bosses who provide a decent environment, and have coworkers who mostly work well together and look out for each other.
12. Flannel sheets. What? It's been cold lately.
13. A free, used refrigerator so now I don't have to deal with puddles on the kitchen floor or disgusting mold around the door seal.
14. An invite from Diana to come visit for the weekend, just so we can spend time together.
15. My camera. It was a long year and then some saving up for a new one. I thoroughly enjoy having Boom-boom at my disposal.
16. The promise that beloved friends will be here in less than a month.
17. Music and books. They provide a place to escape and imagine.
18. This space where I get to create whatever I want and that so many of you come visit and share the ride with me. Thanks you for whatever you've shared here, whether it's been a few kind words, some laughs, some tears, or some desperately needed support in a variety of forms during dark days.
I am blessed. I am grateful.
I'd love to know what would make your lists this year.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Secret Santa
Again, I asked Suldog to forgive me. I am not advertising for the other holiday that comes AFTER our mutual favorite of Thanksgiving. However, Mr. Lime was handed an envelope last week at work. He was told it was from his Secret Santa. He protested that names hadn't been exchanged yet. The person giving the envelope repeated firmly, "This...is...from...your...Secret...Santa." He brought it home and we found tucked inside two tickets to Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular and a gift card with some spending money. We were both quite surprised by this generous gift. The tickets were for the show yesterday....so ya know, since it was a gift generously given by an anonymous benefactor we didn't really have any say in the date and we are not ones to look a gift horse in the mouth we took the tickets and headed off to NYC to see the show. We had perfect late November weather so the walk from Penn Station to Radio City Music Hall was quite nice. Of course Boom-boom came along with me.
After the show we were hungry. Mr. Lime was ready to start chewing buildings and would have eaten just about anywhere but was nice enough to tell me to pick the restaurant. I have no interest in eating at some chain that has the same food in 150 locations across the US. We also needed it to be reasonably priced. This place looked interesting and affordable for two...as far as NYC prices go. So in we went.
The Stardust Diner has singing wait staff. Given that it's located in Times Square just off Broadway it makes sense. It also makes for a lot of fun. Each of the wait staff takes turns singing a song in between waiting tables. They are really hopping in there so there's no rest. The non-performing busboys are no slouches either. It may be a touristy sort of thing but it seemed uniquely Broadway and I'd recommend it. They do pass around a bucket and request tips for the wait staff to be able to continue taking voice and acting classes as they all aspire to leave the restaurant and make it to Broadway. Yep, we threw a tip in the bucket. I couldn't resist, they gave good service, with a smile, and they entertained us too. 
On the way back to Penn Station we wandered across this street performer. We caught the very last bit in his act. He and his partner had a big build-up to it and were very funny guys. So what do you think, will he clear all seven people?
Ta-da!!! He made it. Yeah, I put some money in...erm....well.....uh....when they walked around with their bag for collecting I waved a couple bills from inside the crowd and the partner instead pulled out his waistband for me to tuck it in there. I laughed like a loon, tucked it in there, and was treated to....ahem...an unexpected dance.
So yeah, it was a terrific day all the way around. A very early Secret Santa simply gave us one more thing we will be giving thanks for this week.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Friday 55 & Da Count-They're Dreaming of a White Christmas
FRIDAY 55
Meesh, we coming from Trinidad in December,
we could stay by you?
YES!!!!!!!
What do you want to do while you're here?
We want to see a white Christmas...
I'll put in my order!
Sit by a fireplace...
It will crackle!
And shoot guns.
After I got done giggling
I promised plenty of ammo and targets.
DA COUNT
With apologies to Suldog for talking about Christmas before Thanksgiving is here. This week I am counting the blessing of having dear friends I haven't seen in 9 years come visit us next month. Dean has come to see us alone before but this time his entire family will come as well. In truth they are more than friends. They are our family. Any doubt on that matter should be allayed if you recall the post where I gave tribute to our Trini Mum when she left this world and the one where Dean made it possible for me see her funeral. I am just overjoyed to have the chance to have them all visit us and try to lavish back on them in some small measure the love they gave us when we lived in Trinidad. I can't wait to throw my arms around each one of them.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Overheard at Work
I've been at my current job at a chiropractor's office for over a year and a half. Before that I was a patient there for MANY years. In all that time I've heard certain phrases over and over but until I was speaking to the coworker who is the Barry to my Jeff (our respective inner 12 yr old boys) I didn't really consider the double entendres I hear multiple times a day. Consider with me...
Don't let me pull out/Don't let me push in. (When the doc is performing musculoskeletal and neurological tests by asking the patient to resist pressure applied to limbs to determine areas of weakness.)
Let me have you face down. (Telling the patient which way to lay on the table to be adjusted.)
That was juicy! (The doc's interjection for when a patient's joints are especially locked up and finally release during an adjustment....though locked up joints sounds like someone had their contraband confiscated.)
I want you to start working on the balls today. (We offer therapeutic exercises using big exercise balls.)
Tell me when it starts to tingle. (We also offer electro-muscle stimulation for pain reduction. The patient has to tell us when they feel things so we know how to adjust the settings for them.)
Of course just when I got my own immature sense of humor under control at the end of the night I had to go looking for the doctor. I almost burst out laughing when he walked out of the therapy area with his shirt half off (understand he is always impeccably groomed and well-dressed and maintaining a professional demeanor...he's rolls his eyes at the crazy women in his employ and walks away when we start acting up) and giving himself therapy on his shoulder.
Don't let me pull out/Don't let me push in. (When the doc is performing musculoskeletal and neurological tests by asking the patient to resist pressure applied to limbs to determine areas of weakness.)
Let me have you face down. (Telling the patient which way to lay on the table to be adjusted.)
That was juicy! (The doc's interjection for when a patient's joints are especially locked up and finally release during an adjustment....though locked up joints sounds like someone had their contraband confiscated.)
I want you to start working on the balls today. (We offer therapeutic exercises using big exercise balls.)
Tell me when it starts to tingle. (We also offer electro-muscle stimulation for pain reduction. The patient has to tell us when they feel things so we know how to adjust the settings for them.)
Of course just when I got my own immature sense of humor under control at the end of the night I had to go looking for the doctor. I almost burst out laughing when he walked out of the therapy area with his shirt half off (understand he is always impeccably groomed and well-dressed and maintaining a professional demeanor...he's rolls his eyes at the crazy women in his employ and walks away when we start acting up) and giving himself therapy on his shoulder.
Monday, November 14, 2011
On the Hunt
I went grocery shopping on Sunday because my cupboards resembled Old Mother Hubbard's. I thought the house was now well-stocked with food. Isaac had no school today so I left directions that he make spaghetti and meatballs for dinner to be ready by the time I return from work (after 8pm tonight so PLENTY of time).
I returned home to find Mr. Lime sitting with a bowl smeared with spaghetti sauce remnants, which was a good sign. He informed me Isaac was out with friends and that I should not expect the spaghetti to impress me. Hey, I was impressed that the boy made dinner with out me being present to coach him through it. As long as it was not a burnt offering or only half-cooked I was not going to become a food critic. I warmed up a bowl and ate his first attempt at a solo dinner.
Isaac and his pals soon returned noisily. The crew of boys immediately began to look for food. There is something both amusing and comforting in the predictability of their motivations. Isaac found the carton of kumquats I left on the table and asked his buddies if they wanted some. Yes, we had kumquats. I never had one before. Heck, I never even saw one before so when I found a small carton of them at the store I decided we'd try them. Last night I couldn't convince anyone to taste them with me and half the fun is trying something new with other people. Tonight, the three boys and I munched the kumquats and declared them weird but edible. I get a kick out of being the mom who has the "weird foods." These guys have tried all sorts of food they never had before when they've come over to visit. Venison, quinoa, kale chips, all sorts of ethnic foods, and now kumquats.
Kumquats were no match for adolescent male hunger though so they began scouting for more food immediately, not unlike sharks on the prowl. They went through a bag of corn chips and a jar of salsa in minutes and still the empty space was not filled. Then one lifted the lid on the spaghetti pot and brightened as he asked, "Can we have some?" I smiled as I handed them all bowls and forks. They each inhaled one bowlful. The first guy lifted the lid after the first round of snarfage and gave the excitedly spoken quote of the night, which made me split a gut laughing.
"Dude, it's perfect. We each can have a third of what's left and then they don't have to put any in the fridge!"
As if somehow leftovers are contrary to universal law and they'd be doing me a great favor.
I think I need to go grocery shopping again...
I returned home to find Mr. Lime sitting with a bowl smeared with spaghetti sauce remnants, which was a good sign. He informed me Isaac was out with friends and that I should not expect the spaghetti to impress me. Hey, I was impressed that the boy made dinner with out me being present to coach him through it. As long as it was not a burnt offering or only half-cooked I was not going to become a food critic. I warmed up a bowl and ate his first attempt at a solo dinner.
Isaac and his pals soon returned noisily. The crew of boys immediately began to look for food. There is something both amusing and comforting in the predictability of their motivations. Isaac found the carton of kumquats I left on the table and asked his buddies if they wanted some. Yes, we had kumquats. I never had one before. Heck, I never even saw one before so when I found a small carton of them at the store I decided we'd try them. Last night I couldn't convince anyone to taste them with me and half the fun is trying something new with other people. Tonight, the three boys and I munched the kumquats and declared them weird but edible. I get a kick out of being the mom who has the "weird foods." These guys have tried all sorts of food they never had before when they've come over to visit. Venison, quinoa, kale chips, all sorts of ethnic foods, and now kumquats.
Kumquats were no match for adolescent male hunger though so they began scouting for more food immediately, not unlike sharks on the prowl. They went through a bag of corn chips and a jar of salsa in minutes and still the empty space was not filled. Then one lifted the lid on the spaghetti pot and brightened as he asked, "Can we have some?" I smiled as I handed them all bowls and forks. They each inhaled one bowlful. The first guy lifted the lid after the first round of snarfage and gave the excitedly spoken quote of the night, which made me split a gut laughing.
"Dude, it's perfect. We each can have a third of what's left and then they don't have to put any in the fridge!"
As if somehow leftovers are contrary to universal law and they'd be doing me a great favor.
I think I need to go grocery shopping again...
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Friday 55-A Veteran's Solace
*Today's 55 was first published 4 years ago but I'm posting it and the explanation again with a few edits. Thank you to all who have served with honor. It is my deepest desire that you all are at peace, that our leaders more carefully consider in which arenas you are engaged, and that those deployed may return to the arms of their family sooner rather than later.
FRIDAY 55
Haunted by the beaches of Normandy,
he seeks solace in the familiar woods.
The currents in his life flow unchangeably
as the footpath beckons another way.
The breeze whispers through the treetops
like a mother soothing her child after a nightmare.
Away from the world's wickedness,
no evil molests him.
Peace descends
with falling leaves.
My maternal grandfather was drafted near the end of World War II. He was married and had two very young children at the time. His service was ended when he was wounded in combat and he lost part of a foot. At times he sought solace in the woods. At other times he sought it in alcohol.
My grandparents owned a little vacation place "in the mountains" about an hour north of where I live now. That place was Grampop's refuge. He and Nana often took my brother and me there on weekends, giving my single mother some time to herself, especially in the immediate aftermath of my parents' divorce.
On the hikes we took together, my shattered little girl heart found peace as Grampop pointed out wildlife, geographical features, and spun tales of the Lenni Lenapes who once lived in the area. Nana and I often giggled along the paths lined by wild berry bushes as we filled our caps full of the ripe fruit. When Grampop's health deteriorated to the point that he could not walk more than a short distance he sat still as a statue on the back deck, hands extended and palms up in zenlike repose, as songbirds came to take seeds from his hand. He had taught me very young how to get a chipmunk to eat from my hand but only he could coax the wild birds.
I know he was broken by the things he experienced after being drafted for WW2. I know he searched for healing in a whiskey bottle and I know people he loved suffered as a result. I know he had a need to create and dream and he suffered when he was derided for spending time on pursuits no one saw as gainful. I know he found peace in the woods and he led me to it when he took me by the hand on long walks. I know he fed my soul when he encouraged me to create and dream whether it was gainful or not.
I am grateful that he performed his duty when asked. My mother prevented me from seeing the worst ways he grasped for peace. I am so glad she made room for me to be exposed to the healthy ways he searched for it.
Again, thank you to those who have served honorably. I wish you all peace in your daily lives.
I am grateful that he performed his duty when asked. My mother prevented me from seeing the worst ways he grasped for peace. I am so glad she made room for me to be exposed to the healthy ways he searched for it.
Again, thank you to those who have served honorably. I wish you all peace in your daily lives.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Slice of Lime-Slice of Pizza
Perhaps you recall this series of especially flattering shots from February when I went through a 10 day nutritional detox. If you don't, heck, even if you do, take a second to remind yourself of what I look like when forcing a powdered sewage shake down my own gullet. It's a great look. I'm sure all the supermodels will soon be working this look.
Believe it or not I subjected myself to this process and all the attendant liquid horror again. Voluntarily. Yeah, some people are gluttons for punishment but if you didn't already figure that out about me then I guess I should thank you for holding onto delusions which paint me as being somehow sane.
Wednesday was the first day I could anything I wanted. I made a beeline for this 12" onion and green pepper pizza. It was done to perfection. It made me very happy.
So very happy. (I'm easy that way. Especially after gagging down the swill shakes. Honestly, the only way I could do it was to mix the swill and chug the whole thing in one long continuous gulp. It was determined by observers that I had missed my calling as a competitive beer chugger. They found it vastly entertaining to watch me slug a pint of this crap back as quickly as I did and then chase it with a pint of water after it, all in under 10 seconds. They're easy that way. But I digress...)
I did not share my pizza. It was my reward. I took my time and savored every last bite of it.
Believe it or not I subjected myself to this process and all the attendant liquid horror again. Voluntarily. Yeah, some people are gluttons for punishment but if you didn't already figure that out about me then I guess I should thank you for holding onto delusions which paint me as being somehow sane.
Wednesday was the first day I could anything I wanted. I made a beeline for this 12" onion and green pepper pizza. It was done to perfection. It made me very happy.
So very happy. (I'm easy that way. Especially after gagging down the swill shakes. Honestly, the only way I could do it was to mix the swill and chug the whole thing in one long continuous gulp. It was determined by observers that I had missed my calling as a competitive beer chugger. They found it vastly entertaining to watch me slug a pint of this crap back as quickly as I did and then chase it with a pint of water after it, all in under 10 seconds. They're easy that way. But I digress...)
I did not share my pizza. It was my reward. I took my time and savored every last bite of it.
Monday, November 07, 2011
Memescellany
It's been a while since I twisted a meme so Queen Mimi and Empress Lime are allying again to bring you...
The Queen's Meme
7 Royal Questions on Tuesday
The Queen's Meme #101 ~
The Miscellaneous-Queen-Needs-Sleep Meme
1. All your dominoes just fell down. Who pushed them?
This guy
2. Have you ever danced in a car?
Is that what the kids are calling it these days?
According to Madam Lime's Chocolate Zodiac M&Ms are in the second house of Chocolate Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips rising so it's a great day for a sundae.
4. The iPhone just gave birth to the next generation of phones. What would you call them? The i______
iDon'tcare
5. Do you believe Justin Bieber should take a paternity test?
A test??? He didn't know about the test. Good thing he has a study hall right beforehand so he can cram for it. Wait. Cramming may have caused the problem....ya know, when he was "dancing in the car."
6. Occupy Wall Street. Occupy this. Occupy that. What would you most like to occupy?
Hugh Jackman....duh!
7. What is the last groovy thing you did?
Put the needle in the groove and shook my groove thang!
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Thanksgiving Comes First
Now Suldog made his plea for holiday orderliness and folks to join him back in October. Part of me wants to say I was waiting for Halloween to pass first because really Halloween comes before Thanksgiving but mainly I am just way behind on all manner of things. (The dust bunnies in my house have evolved into dust gorillas and the stack of ironing....Lord have mercy...) If memory serves, he also tagged me in some sort of meme thing way back in September. I'll get there eventually. One can't rush things.
Which brings me to my point, and I do have one. To everything there is a season. September is for getting back in the school groove. October is for my birthday, changing leaves, and Halloween. (And may I just say I don't mind snow in its proper season but when we get 8 inches dumped on us BEFORE Halloween it's enough to make me want to petition whoever is in charge of that. Not that I think it will get me any more than perhaps a thunderbolt at my impertinence.) November is for Thanksgiving and December...D-E-C-E-M-B-E-R...is for Christmas.
There is a rhythm to the year and November is for raking up the last leaves from the yard, making sure everyone is ready for the cold weather, and giving thanks. (Unless you're Canadian, then you do all this in October. Nonetheless, Thanksgiving still comes BEFORE Christmas.) The clocks have changed so the evenings get darker earlier and they shorten throughout the month. The various critters that hibernate are getting ready to do so. Life slows down. The slowing pace should allow for some contemplation and give an opportunity to pause and be grateful for whatever good the year has brought or if it was full of trial and tribulation at least to be glad for having survived it. (I believe that gratitude for mere survival was an element present in the first Thanksgiving.)
So allow me to say it along with Suldog and all the other folks who have joined him in his effort. When you see displays in stores or hear music on the radio or see specials on TV (I nearly had a conniption when I saw the Grinch Who Stole Christmas being aired the other night and my family knows I just won't tolerate Christmas movies until after Thanksgiving.) I'm not being a Grinch about Christmas. I just don't want Thanksgiving stolen away from me, especially this year. It was a hellacious year but 1)we survived and 2)the blessings we've received are so worthy of being noted and savored in gratitude.
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Dona Nobis Pacem
No doubt there will be lots of reasons people give today for participating. Aside from the obvious desire for a more peaceful world, which seems like such a broad, general, Miss America sort of thing sometimes, I want to put a face to why I want peace. Though we could touch on wars that are occurring all across the globe and how to end them I think we are better served by preventing them in the first place. Consider the quote in the graphic above as you read.
As you know I went to Seattle back in September. I did all the typical touristy things and had a wonderful time. I bought a bunch of stuff, some of it was for me and some was for other people. As I was looking for some small thing for my girls I came across a gentleman who etches names on grains of rice and then places them in small glass vials with colored liquid to magnify the rice so it can be read. The vials are turned into pendants or key chains. I thought they were kind of cool and unique little souvenirs and the price was right so I decided to get one for each of my girls. When I wrote down their names for the man he immediately looked at me with a sly grin and remarked, "Greek names." (I don't actually use their real names here on the blog) I smiled back and said yes because we are Greek. We continued to chat pleasantly. I paid and bid him a good day before leaving. Later I decided I wanted one for myself and that it would read Lime on one side and Michelle on the other.
I returned to the shop where this gentleman works and made my request. We greeted each other and talked a bit during which he revealed he was Turkish and had come to the US 13 years ago not knowing any English at the time. As he worked I asked how exactly he got into doing such tiny work, noting he did it without a magnifying glass or even glasses on his face. He smiled and said he had been an electronics engineer in Turkey. I asked if he hoped to return to that field one day. He nodded and said he had tried but since 9/11/01 it had become impossible because his specialty was electronics engineering as it related to air traffic control. He shared how, once he had learned English, he had applied for a job and progressed in the hiring process only to be told he should withdraw his application due to being from a Muslim country. As he told his story it was related without any trace of bitterness, just very matter of fact.
At this point I began to well up as I considered how bright a mind he must possess to be in that field and how he had been reduced to carving the names of tourists on grains of rice. I said I was so very sorry for the discrimination he had faced in this country. He shrugged and replied, "I did not come here for myself. I came for my daughters." Then he beamed as he told me the eldest was now in medical school. I was dabbing my eyes quite a lot by then.
We continued to talk as he worked. When he was done and I had paid I took him by the hand, looked into his eye as I told him, "I wish only blessings, prosperity, and peace for you and your family. I am sorry again for the discrimination you've had here but at the very least, in this place Greeks and Turks can be at peace with each other."
I participate today because no one who is willing to transplant themselves for the well-being of their family and then work hard to learn a new language in order to apply his or her skills should be met automatically with suspicion. Greeting a stranger with immediate suspicion is no way to build understanding which leads to peace, but it is the way to create bitterness which leads to conflict. To this man's credit he seemed to have none but one could understand if he did.
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
It's an Emergency!
It's been an interesting informal psychological experiment watching the various reactions to this emergency button before people know what it will do. I get as much of a kick out of seeing who reacts in which way as the brave patients get when they push the button. It's daily entertainment.
So are you dying to know what happens?
Are you?
.
.
.
.
.
.
It makes a sound like this.
Now..how many of you hesitated before clicking the link and how many forged ahead boldly?
I'm pretty sure I didn't have to ask how many of you laughed. I'd like to think that would be unanimous because if you've been coming here any length of time you must have some sort of appreciation for absurdity. Watching patient reaction has been another interesting set of observations as well. The overwhelming majority laugh or smile, some push it every time they come in, but there are a few who look at me as if I am not quite right and ask what it means. I just tell them it's for all their yodeling emergencies because you never know when you need a good yodel....or a chuckle.
If you need one of your own you can get it here. I'm hoping they soon come out with a Tarzan yell model.
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