Acts of Kindness

Friday afternoon I was on my way to pick up Kate when I heard the news about Newtown, CT. I pulled into Starbucks to get a hot chocolate to bring to my girl. At the drive-thru window I was handed a gift card and some candy along with a note explaining that this "random act of Christmas kindness" had been done in honor of a loved one. Included was a second note for me to use when I "paid it forward" with a random act of kindness of my own. I cried at the goodness still in the world, and am thankful again today for the inspiration to perform a couple of random acts of kindness of my own. What a gift.


That is what I posted on facebook. I didn't explain how I contemplated what would be the best thing to do with my little note or how much I wanted it to make a difference to someone, like it had to me. I couldn't figure out how to describe the strong emotions I felt as I made my decision, prepared the gift and dropped it off with the note and walked away. I am not sure why this giving felt different. But it did.

Rather than leave a gift card at a store or restaurant, I had decided to get a Walmart gift card and bring it with some candy to the emergency room at the hospital. I figured it could be used there for any number of things, including pharmacy needs. While I was purchasing the gift card I spotted someone who looked like he might be homeless; on the way out of the store I handed him a Subway card and wished him a Merry Christmas. 

At the hospital I told the nurses what I was doing, and why. I asked them to give the gift to someone who was maybe there already, who might need something to brighten their day - or - to save it for someone later who they thought could really use it. They smiled and commented, and I noticed how this activity blessed everyone involved.

As I shared these experiences with my sisters they each spontaneously gave me examples of the acts of kindness they had seen, memories of acts done for them, and some "random acts of kindness" they had performed for others. It felt good. 

Tomorrow is our last class day alone for Seminary. I am still working on it, but someone is going to get a gift card. The main message will be what Jesus said during the Last Supper, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."  

I'm going to invite my students to spend the "12 days of Christmas" (and then some) of our break performing random acts of kindness. I hope they will come back and share some of their experiences. 

How about you?

All The Awesome Aunties

For Jenne, Mirjam, Karissa, Kristen, and Karen

Baby, It's Cold...

The mercury has dipped into the 30s and now my house is officially cold.
High ceilings and an open flow help keep it cool in the summer. And, unfortunately, in winter. Brrrr!

Tummy Torture & Treats

I have been sick with a little stomach bug... it started last night. But I went to my inservice meeting this morning like a good soldier and drove the kids to school. Then I spent the day in bed hazing in and out of wakefulness. Michele, my lovely friend, agreed to get Anna after drama. At some point I dragged myself downstairs to eat a banana, applesauce, and some crackers. When Anna got home she brought me apple juice, although I guess that is not the best choice. I felt better after a soak in the tub and I stopped falling asleep. It felt like maybe I was turning a corner.

Then out of the blue, two of my former seminary students called and said they wanted to bring me lemon cake. Homemade, light-as-air cake with lemon curd and whipped cream. Torture! I told them I was not really eating today, that I was sick, that I love lemon curd and they were killing me. They offered to bring a slice anyway, that maybe I could eat it when I felt better. So I got dressed and before long, Thomas and Savannah were visiting with me in the front room. They ate cake; we chatted; Anna put a huge slice of cake for me in the fridge.

When they left I changed back into my polka dot pjs and got back into bed. My tummy is still a bit off, so the cake will have to wait. It stinks to be sick. But it was such a treat to be visited!

Update: Tummy better, still a bit off. But now my girl is sick... so I checked on my cute visitors. And yes, one of them is sick. Not such a treat.

When It's Good...

This post is direct from the weekly email I send seminary parents.

I LOVED this week in seminary! On Monday we enjoyed a reader's theater featuring Herod (Ethan) Herodias (Claire) and John the Baptist (Chris) and talked about heroes and having courage. The next morning were reports about the heroes noticed during the previous day, then everyone got missionary name tags and an assigned scripture block. We practiced teaching, within their table "district" like you do in the MTC. On Wednesday we talked about the miracle(s) of the loaves and fishes and the symbolism of each seen in the scriptures, and then searched for and shared other scriptures about bread and fish. Thursday was Shaylee's birthday, which was very convenient as we talked about gifts and wish lists and what it is we desire. We are all very much like the rich young man in circumstance; I shared an email from my aunt that described the life of one of the young missionaries in Liberia and we thought about our lives and what we have and what we really want.

But it was our activity today that still has me grinning! Because we had been so good all week, because it is midterms and because I felt like we needed to laugh together, we played my all-time favorite scripture mastery game: Scripture Mastery Scavenger Hunt. In this game, I give a clue and then two teams scripture chase as usual. The first team to have every member find the correct scripture gets 1 point and then chooses a number from 1-50. From that number I read from a set of listed items and both teams race to produce an item and place it on a center table. Then we start with another clue and scripture chase. The hilarity is in seeing kids jump up, searching pockets, bags, the room (we had a few venture to the parking lot and next door -- next time we'll be clearer about keeping it in the room) and lunging for the table with shoes, phones, etc. Kristy ended up sitting on the table (hair tie) and Mackay joined her a few rounds later (BSA anything). At the end of the game the teams were tied with the item left to read: a quarter. While Ethan made a mad dash to his car, Brad searched his pockets and quietly placed a quarter just as Ethan returned triumphantly. So fun to play, so very funny to watch.

This week I received several more requests for the online recommendation for BYU. It has been a completely enjoyable endeavor to submit these recommendations. Thinking of each student and how to convey how great they are has not been a chore but a blessing. Thank you for sending your kids to seminary!

Senior Moments

I've got 24 seniors in seminary this year. And they are just delightful. I am especially enjoying the slightly more energetic boys -- you know, "we don't have any boys at our house." I have it on good authority that some of the early-morning shenanigans are less appreciated by a few of the girls. Because boys are so immature.

Anyway, this morning one of the tables was occupied exclusively by boys, specifically, the boys most-likely-to-entertain-themselves. As our discussion progressed, I noticed that when I looked away to the two side tables, the center table of boys inched backward toward the door. So each time I came back to them, they were farther away. (This, of course, made me think of the weeping angels on Dr. Who, only the opposite direction and not scary.) I ignored the creeping table until I realized that Andrew, on the end, was backed against the door, and it was slightly ajar.

Does this sound awful? I was not at all bothered... I told them yes, how funny they were and scooted the table back up. I realize some of the behavior I see might not occur in other classes. But I try not to dwell on it too much. I embrace a wide range of participation styles and prefer almost anything to vacant stares. I have no problem letting someone know when they've gone too far. These are good kids who mostly pay attention. Usually. A creeping table is less distracting to me than the recurring, non-class related chatting that defines one particular corner.

And as you know, I am not soft-spoken or particularly sweet. I'm a goof! My natural "exuberance" has occasionally been misinterpreted in the past, but I like to think it's a harmless kind of crazy. It hasn't kept me from living the gospel fully or teaching it. Maybe that's why I am not bothered by the sometimes silly. Or maybe it's because I still get antsy in Sunday School.

So, a while back we talked about the Laborers In The Vineyard. In this parable, the master of the vineyard hires day laborers at several points throughout the day but at the end pays them all the same. Those hired first, who worked longest, protest. We discussed service, about not envying others' blessings, and how the Lord looks at our efforts. At the end of class we have an "on the spot" moment where I let the students tell me what their take away for the day is. On this day when I asked about what we'd learned about serving the Lord, Tom's quick response was, "you only have to work an hour." Very clever.

This morning was Jessica's birthday. I found out that one of her favorite treats was red velvet cake. So I made those cupcakes for her birthday treat. They were unrecognizable at first, under the crushed Oreo "dirt" and other toppings that were to illustrate the four kinds of soil mentioned in the Parable of the Sower. When she saw hers up close, she asked, "are these red velvet?... did I know that is her favorite?" Yes and yes. She was so pleased, and came up after class to give me a hug. This is the same girl who was the first to class yesterday, which was so impressive to herself that she told each subsequent arrival. Very cute!

It's early. We're all tired. Some days are better than others. But I do enjoy these kids.

Karen's Pumpkin Bars

Soft, moist, most-delicious bars ever...

1 15 oz. can pumpkin
2 c. sugar
1 c. oil
4 eggs

Mix, then add:

2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt

Pour batter into a 1/2 sheet pan and bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Cool, freeze to make easier to frost.

Frosting (usually doubled):

3 oz. cream cheese, softened
6 T. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. powdered sugar

Mix until creamy. Frost.

Enjoy.

Facebook is Dumb. Except When It Isn't.

Latest Cover Photo on Facebook

I guess you've noticed I haven't been blogging much. Maybe it is because I haven't felt like sharing. Or maybe I am tired and the effort to produce something beyond a meaningless ramble prevents me. Or maybe I just feel like the most boring person on the planet.

I know I miss my bloggers when they don't write, but haven't been feeling like anyone would miss me here. But one comment too many has prompted me to tell you a little story about facebook, that huge time-sucking monster of dubious value that has wedged its way into my life again.

Here it is: as I was procrastinating the final stage of the second rock cookie recipe for Seminary (it seemed like a fun idea at the time) I popped onto facebook for the umpteenth time today. Nothing new (drat!) so I followed a daisy chain of photos and updates that made me smile and think fondly of friends. The real kind.

Today on facebook: It's Angela's birthday. Megan & Marc had a nice dinner with John's cousins in China. Jen is on condo row, where Kristin lived 20 years ago and Mary does now. Carol friended me (she's on facebook?!) and I found out she didn't get my text with the Doris Day star, but liked the photo when I tagged her in it. John's comp Aaron is speaking at BYU Homecoming so I tagged all the student friends I could think of to recommend him. Miss Megan looks cute even in the ER. Michele's got her little girls in pink curlers for bed. The Smiths in Hungary had a blast tripping to Austria. Linda's baby boy is so sweet. Corinne is still so funny. The Benacs really suck the marrow out of life. Cute cute girls are having fun at BYU...

Still procrastinating, I sat and thought about how blessed I am to know and have known so many smart, talented, hilarious, wonderful people. Which reminded me to check Fairbournes' Guatemala blog, where Peggy related a story about shoes for the shoeless that made me feel grateful for her, for good people, for blessings they bring, and for answers to prayer. I feel grateful. I am blessed to know so many good people.

And facebook helped me remember that today.

Payphone In My Head

This is the radio (clean) version of the Maroon 5 song that you may have seen on my facebook page already. This is for she-who-doesn't-do-facebook and comments,  "Remember when you had a blog?"

Friday Night Lights

Kate's 1st halftime show ever. She's the cute clarinet player.
(100+ degrees means summer uniforms.)

SUMMER LOVIN'

We haven't been on vacation for a few years, but we're more than making up for it this summer. Right now I'm finishing up preparations for the big Kirkham family reunion cruise (pirate night! beach time!) and pulling things together for seminary. Here's a mixed-up run of fun things to remember:

Costa Vida Multiple times -- whether trekking in Texas or just down the street in Utah. I'm a little obsessed with the sweet pork salad. Sue's pool Oh, how I love floating in the pool. (I'm so glad Scott built one for me!) Speaking of pools: the Lindon pool in Utah has the best view and lazy river of any public pool I've seen. They also have a surfing deal, if that floats your boat board. I couldn't resist the urge to Photobomb a large group of tourists on Hollywood Boulevard. Oh, yes I did. Heard the best rendition of You Don't Know You're Beautiful from my two lovelies in the lobby of our LosAngeles hotel. Karaoke, good and bad, came from the party on the lawn beneath the pool at said hotel: excellent "Sweet Caroline" but painfully awful "Bye Bye Miss American Pie." The Flour Shop Bakery makes good cupcakes. My favorites have fruity fillings with cream topping rather than icing: Key Lime  Pie (lime curd!), Lemon Drop (lemon curd!), Peach Melba (raspberry & peach!). First-time Blokus with Aunt Karen on the Scera outdoor theater lawn. It was so fun we headed straight for Target the first day back and bought our own game. Summer nights in Utah... sigh. My favorite Grahams welcomed us and Texas-turned-Utah friends the Hiatts, Copes, and Hardys in their lovely back garden, with a surprise appearance by Gina Hema! We loved laughing and playing with my college friends Ken & Susan and their boys. Kind of eerie, though, how the apple doesn't fall far: a few times I turned at Ken's voice, only to realize it was actually Grant speaking! We loved singing with Mamacita -- at 98 -- the standard "Home on the Range" but also "You Are My Sunshine" and "Daisy, Daisy." Lots of hand holding and kisses -  each time it was hard to leave her. Kelly Adams worked his magic again on my hair. Not sure how he managed, but several people have said it looks like I've lost weight?! Driving up to Ruth's Diner in the canyon is my favorite new tradition with Mom and Dad. We did Family History, sort of, and shared lots of giggles with Tanya and Gavin Barkdull. We're third cousins, don't ya know? I managed to squeeze in Pedicures and a Costco run with Erika and Tami. My "Minnie Mouse" toes are hanging on for the cruise. Kate, Anna, and I got into the pilot taping for Kids Do The Darnedest Things. I'm actually afraid to see myself in the audience some time this fall. Spiderman with Karen. Batman with John. Chicken Tikka Masala with the Andersens. Monster Sack ridiculousness with Anna and Liz. BYU Museum of Art cafe (shawarma!) and exhibit on Muslim art. Skirts at Down East Outfitters, jewelry and tops at Forever 21 at City Creek, and a Beautifully Modest dress for Katie at Alysse's Bridal -- and a few gowns tried, just for fun. Family Photos with Madison and breakfast on the 4th in Grandma's backyard. Giggling girls in Kate's big new bed. Coming home again.

'Why Women Still Can't Have It All' = Sad

I want the world...

I've pasted excerpts from the original article. You can find the full version of Anne Marie Slaughter's article here.


"How could anyone voluntarily leave the circles of power for the responsibilities of parenthood? Depending on one’s vantage point, it is either ironic or maddening that this view abides in the nation’s capital, despite the ritual commitments to “family values” that are part of every political campaign. "


..."And although women as a group have made substantial gains in wages, educational attainment, and prestige over the past three decades, the economists Justin Wolfers and Betsey Stevenson have shown that women are less happy today than their predecessors were in 1972, both in absolute terms and relative to men."


...the proposition that women can have high-powered careers as long as their husbands or partners are willing to share the parenting load equally (or disproportionately) assumes that most women willfeel as comfortable as men do about being away from their children, as long as their partner is home with them. In my experience, that is simply not the case."


"Ultimately, it is society that must change, coming to value choices to put family ahead of work just as much as those to put work ahead of family. If we really valued those choices, we would value the people who make them; if we valued the people who make them, we would do everything possible to hire and retain them; if we did everything possible to allow them to combine work and family equally over time, then the choices would get a lot easier."


"Young women should be wary of the assertion “You can have it all; you just can’t have it all at once....To the extent that it means, in the words of one working mother, “I’m going to do my best and I’m going to keep the long term in mind and know that it’s not always going to be this hard to balance,” it is sound advice. But to the extent that it means that women can have it all if they just find the right sequence of career and family, it’s cheerfully wrong."


"Given the way our work culture is oriented today, I recommend establishing yourself in your career first but still trying to have kids before you are 35—or else freeze your eggs, whether you are married or not. You may well be a more mature and less frustrated parent in your 30s or 40s; you are also more likely to have found a lasting life partner. But the truth is, neither sequence is optimal, and both involve trade-offs that men do not have to make."   


 You should be able to have a family if you want one—however and whenever your life circumstances allow—and still have the career you desire. If more women could strike this balance, more women would reach leadership positions. And if more women were in leadership positions, they could make it easier for more women to stay in the workforce."


"In commenting on a draft of this article, Martha Minow, the dean of the Harvard Law School, wrote me that one change she has observed during 30 years of teaching law at Harvard is that today many young men are asking questions about how they can manage a work-life balance. And more systematic research on Generation Y confirms that many more men than in the past are asking questions about how they are going to integrate active parenthood with their professional lives."


"These women are extraordinary role models. If I had a daughter, I would encourage her to look to them, and I want a world in which they are extraordinary but not unusual. Yet I also want a world in which, in Lisa Jackson’s words, “to be a strong woman, you don’t have to give up on the things that define you as a woman.” That means respecting, enabling, and indeed celebrating the full range of women’s choices. “Empowering yourself,” Jackson said in her speech at Princeton, “doesn’t have to mean rejecting motherhood, or eliminating the nurturing or feminine aspects of who you are.”


"We’ll create a better society in the process, for all women. We may need to put a woman in the White House before we are able to change the conditions of the women working at Walmart. But when we do, we will stop talking about whether women can have it all. We will properly focus on how we can help all Americans have healthy, happy, productive lives, valuing the people they love as much as the success they seek."


This article is getting lots of buzz. It is very interesting, and makes some fair points. But it also makes me sad.


 I am sad that long work hours for men and women, put in at the expense of home life and families, are acceptable and even admirable. That they are normal and necessary to career success. I am sad that even as more people talk about work-life balance, work hours keep rising. Many people I know work ridiculous hours. Some of them are paid very well to do so, and others aren't. I am sad when the families of highly paid road warriors lament work hours... because a lot of hard working people make sacrifices without the big paychecks.


I am sad because I feel conflicted about work and family. In my younger years, I pictured myself with an interesting career. Guess what? I don't have an interesting career. Somewhere along the line my future family started to factor into my choices... and the limitations I put on myself affected my choices. I wonder what might have been had I been brave enough to pursue my course rather than choose what seemed like a safer one. Please don't misunderstand me, I did this to myself. 


But that is neither here nor there. Regardless of my career path, my eventual decison to quit work to stay home with my daughter was also wholly mine. It came at a time when I had  fantastic child care, and when we could have used the money I was making. In fact, I surprised myself. But I have no doubt that it was the right decision. Twelve years later, I am still a stay-at-home Mom. I recognize that I am lucky to continue to be able to choose this path. But I still feel conflicted about work and family. I'd like to think that I am as smart, creative, and capable as the working men and women of the world. But I don't get the same respect. And it bothers me.


Recently I have contemplated going back to work. (Again, I realize I am lucky to have the choice). I would like to contribute financially to our bottom line --  we have college expenses looming on the horizon, savings accounts to be filled, and dreams of travel that could be.  I have started to evaluate different work scenarios, and it is not promising. Figuring out how to work and maintain a family at the start is ridiculous, and attempting it at this stage of the game is just as tricky. I feel sad about working. I feel sad about not working.


But do you want to know what makes me the most sad? That working moms feel judged. That stay-at-home moms feel unappreciated. That my choice, to stay at home for more than just an intermission, was not even discussed in this article. We all make choices. We all make sacrifices. 


I don't think you can have it all. If you are among the privileged in the world to have enough, what that means will be different for every person. I'd like to see less discussion of what must happen before women can "have it all" and more true acceptance of the choices men and women make and the lives they lead. 


That's all I have to say about that.

Wild Wild West

What would you do in Los Angeles or Utah this summer? After 2 years of staying home, we're planning on heading West this summer.

Suggestion, please!

4 Score

The Inspiration 

I found this "cleaning game" via Pinterest. The idea is that you fill in a grid with chores and then your kids can choose "four in a row." I figured, why not try it out? Because the current level of complaining EVERY TIME I ask for something to be done could not get any worse.

And because I know how she-who-shall-not-be-named likes to be the master of her own destiny.

So, I made a grid on our chalkboard door in the laundry room. Mine is just 4x4, so you choose an entire line. This makes it possible for me to have a bit more control over the variety of things done each day.

Possible rewards are screen time, swim, playdate, etc. Yesterday it took someone a mere 20 minutes to finish her 4 chores. Which is usually about how long I have to deal with push-back for one. So, I counted that as an immediate success.

Hope it continues.

Bet You're Wondering How I Knew...

"Seriously. Don't do bad things. The world is becoming more and more interconnected and transparent every single day, and someone will catch you." 

 -- Cheryl Rice, Hartford Online Marketing Examiner

A long time ago a man's word was his bond. Then the world got bigger and more impersonal and integrity seemed to suffer. But have you noticed how that's swung back around -- the world has become smaller again, and personal accountability is increasing? Click on the following links to read about "social accountability" and "accountability based influence" or how, "when reputation is wealth, only those who do good and well unto others are the richest." 

Boring / Exciting

It's been a long, seminary-dominated school year. My blog has suffered. My house has suffered. And I'm pretty sure my family has suffered. But we're down to 16 days... of seminary, that is.

Just thought I'd share the news. It's pretty exciting.

Veddy Pinteresting

I pin a lot. And I have used many ideas already. Mostly, I find the whole process very relaxing and strangely rejuvenating. I often take a Pinterest break while prepping seminary, when I feel the need to "step away from the Old Testament."

I have lots of boards and lots of pins. Here are a few pinworthy examples:

Grilled Cheese For A Crowd
http://lifehacker.com/5900569/make-perfect-grilled-cheese-sandwiches-with-a-pair-of-baking-sheets

Advice For The Lovelorn

Playing With Food Is Fun

About  Teens & Trust
http://middle-agedmormonman.blogspot.com/2011/07/still-curfewsing-speech.html

Jealous Much?

Dear facebook, I just need some space.
Interesting reads on "facebook depression"
here and here

Did you notice how several of the speakers at General Conference spoke about envying others, and about being grateful? Thanks, I needed that! Because I realized that I have been comparing myself / my family / my vacations / my relationships / my fitness / my day's work. And the fabulousness others portray sometimes outshines the ordinariness of my daily existance. There's nothing wrong, is there, with seeing so much great news, adventure, and accomplishment? Only, sometimes afterward I don't feel so great about my ordinary.

And it's ridiculous (riddikulus!) for me not to feel good or even great about my self / family / vacations / relationships / day's work. Admittedly, the fitness part needs work...

So, this morning I decided to make facebook less accessible. Because I blame facebook, yes I do. Although I don't spend a lot of time per visit, way too much easy access by phone (just banished shortcut from screen) and laptop (bookmark now banished from top sites) has allowed me to pop in for 2-3 minute spurts several times a day. It's too much. I suspect that less facebook, more face time would make me happier. Because I don't feel envious when friends tell me about their day / trip / family / fitness. I think when it comes down to social networking I actually need to see other people. Dear facebook, I just need some space.

So, I'm going to try to cut back to a daily visit, although I will probably "share" articles more often than that. Don't misunderstand,  I don't think I am all virtue when it comes to screen time. See, there's this thing called Pinterest...

Random Reunion Ruminations

Romy & Michelle? Not so much.

I skipped my 10-year high school reunion because they planned it for Katie's exact due date -- rude! I went to the 20th with my sister Karen, since we were conveniently in the same graduating class. We didn't have to worry about anyone becoming roadkill on the trip down memory lane. That was good, because to our soda-sober eyes it seemed like a lot of the non-classmates at the reunion (spouses, etc.) were efficiently drinking the boredom away.

Anyway, tooling around Minneapolis on a brief nostalgia tour was fun, but the reunion itself was a disappointment. Here is why:

One of our high school friends was getting married the week after the reunion, so several of the guys from our group were flying in for that and had decided against both. The groom actually lived in town, but declined to attend since he was seeing his best buddies the next week anyway. So, half of the people we hoped for were out. Boo!

The invite said casual.  I knew some people want to dress up a bit for these things (who you trying to impress?) but wasn't feeling the dress myself.  The invite mentioned hotel bar and patio, so I wanted to believe the casual part. It was Minnesota - muggy - hot summer so I opted for capri pants, sandals, and a ruffled linen wrap shirt and a bit of jewelry. Karen was a little more casual in linen shirt and pants. Turns out most of the women ignored the casual and were in dresses or shiny outfits -- of course, the men were casual. LAME call on the dress code, people.

I am not sure who came up with the brilliant plan of holding the reunion in a hotel bar? I blame the event planner, not our friend the class president. Crowded, hot, LOUD. Not a great place to hold a reunion for people who may want to reminisce/catch up on 20 years of stuff. Did I mention our graduating class had almost 800 people in it? Of course, only a fraction of that attended. Meeting in the cafeteria at the school would have been more accomodating, kitschy fun.

The people watching was good. There were just enough characters and accompanying commentary to make it interesting. We got to see some of our favorites, and there were few awkward moments. I was happy to find some mellowed and improved with age, and sad to see an obviously angry man whose high school experience must have been harder than I realized. But for the most part, people seemed to be pretty much the same people they were in high school.

I don't know what I was expecting, but next time I hope to expect less and enjoy more.

Smash Cover

We caught part of that new show, Smash, earlier this week. Not sure about the show, but I LOVED this cover Katharine McPhee did of Colbie Caillat's Brighter Than the Sun. All I could find was the bit they did on the show...

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Karen Crafts Carrots

My sis signed up to bring cupcakes for Relief Society... so she brought cupcakes.

Cute, huh?

42, Spring Break & Tokyo

Gotcha! We're here at home for Spring Break.

Yesterday I heard a vaguely familiar song while shopping at a teeny-bopper store with my girls, so I asked the fresh-faced shop girl who it was. "Neon Trees." Oh, yeah! I sang along inside my head and for a moment didn't feel so much like 42.

It was a beautiful day. We had enjoyed lunch on the patio at Patrizio, then hit Justice for Anna before we walked over to Delia's for Kate. Nothing glamourous, just a little outing for our staycation.

Today I spent part of the afternoon reading this impossibly charming blog written (well-written!) by a cute young mom in New York City. It was fun to live vicariously, but it did make me feel very settled, suburban, and 42.

So I set off to find the music. Online, of course.

The blog and the music both hit my radar thanks to CJane, a favorite blogger of mine. As I searched CJane's archives for Neon Trees, I stumbled across "Tokyo" by Imagine Dragons. It's the perfect feel-good song for Spring Break. (Especially if you happen to be there for Spring Break.)

Check out the video. It is completely goofy:



42? No way.

Running On Empty

This week I am particularly tired. I usually take advantage of the weekend to "catch up" on sleep, and that didn't happen so I'm running on fumes. Maybe that's why I've been fuming?

I should just keep my mouth shut after 3pm because that's when the crankies really set in. That's when I just want to nap. Of course, that's when a nap becomes impossible.

To sleep, the chance, a dream...

Aggressively Inarticulate

"...join me on the bandwagon of my own uncertainty."
I know, right?

Downton Abbey & You

Cast of characters... I'm there in front.

When I left the Seminary Centennial Broadcast last night I had three texts from John. They contained a play-by-play of the action on Downton Abbey. That made me smile. Real men aren't threatened by costume drama. (Got a reluctant fella? Tell him this season is all about the ravages of war -- very manly.)

Have you ever thought about which character you are most like? But are you thinking about it now? You can take the Downton Abbey Personality Quiz here.

Apparently, I am the Earl of Grantham. Not too bad, if I had to come out as one of the men. Matthew wouldn't be too bad, and Mr. Bates is lovely -- but what was he thinking with his horrid wife? Of course, Thomas would be disturbing.

You are watching, right?

Pinterested?

Roasted Cabbage with Lemon
Follow the recipe here.

Pinterest helps me find all sorts of yummy things to make. But despite good culinary intentions, most of the recipes I pin are just food board eye candy. Today, with the chilling rain that has been falling steadily since last night, I decided to fire up the oven and warm things up. I had a head of cabbage languishing in the bottom drawer of the outside refrigerator, so Roasted Cabbage with Lemon seemed like a good idea. I pulled up the recipe and was happy to see it was super easy.

Except for the part about cutting the cabbage into 8 wedges. I accidentally cut that many out of the first half alone. I put the uncut half back into the fridge, brushed my skinny wedges with olive oil and lemon, and stuck them in the oven. It wan not an issue until I had to flip the wedges midway through the roasting time, when it all fell apart. Don't be like me.

I popped the no-longer-wedges back into the oven and congratulated myself on making a trial run without witnesses. Twelve minutes later I got a face-blast when I leaned down too quickly after opening the oven door. Don't be like me.

Pinterest success? I think so. Although my tray of cabbage casualties isn't pretty like the picture, it is pretty good.

Oh, Bother!

Family of Pooh*

From left: Jon, Kristin, Karen, Sharon & Ben 

Tigger

Bouncey trouncey flouncey pouncey fun fun fun fun fun. 

Confident, loyal, sometimes misunderstood. 

Loves a party. 

(Jon)

 Kanga 

Beautiful, loving. Practical.

Carries family in her pocket. 

Focuses on what matters.
(Kristin)

Owl

Larger-than-life. 

Cool home. Likes to tell stories.

Knows stuff.

(Karen)

Rabbit

Expressive, sometimes pushy.

Loves to take charge/make a plan.

Has garden trauma.

(Me)

Eeeyore 

Does his own thing.

Loveable, funny old man. 

Oh, well.

(Ben) 

...no Pooh?! 

Anna says she is Pooh, because she likes honey.

*I shamelessly stole this idea from one of my favorite bloggers. You know me, "use your friends wisely." Facebook friends totally count.

Fortunately/Unfortunately

It's time to play again:

Fortunately I seem to have turned the corner with my cold.
Unfortunately, I just noticed Anna working through a box of Kleenex.

Not healthy

How is it that feeling sick makes me crave the most awful things? I was good and had chicken soup for lunch and clementines for a snack.  My girls are making me tomato soup and grilled cheese for dinner. But a big burger and fries sounds really good...