I have all the answers .... Part I

First off, thank you all for the great questions [well most of them were great]. It will probably take me a few posts to answer them all, so be patient.

Cathy from Antsy Pants, Nap Warden from The Chronicles of SAHM,  Eternally Distracted, and The Fabulous Bitch at The Joys of My Splintered Life in Smalltown all asked how I came up with the name Vodka Logic. Eternally Distracted also asked what I would name it if not Vodka Logic. Cathy said the name was brilliant... aww shucks. Thanks.

I originally named the blog 'I was a Snickerbar Addict' since I used to be one. I was  a one a day addict..not so much any more but I liked the sound of the name. I changed the name after I wrote a couple of vodka induced poems.  I posted the whole story, and the poems on my anniversary blog here. It's a quick read, promise. An alternate name could perhaps be 'Ameretto Thoughts', 'Gin Logic'... they just don't roll off the tongue quite the same.

Cathy also asked me what is my favorite vodka...hey Cathy have you looked at my banner? I have to say though I have been experimenting lately with other brands. Belvedere is good as is Stoli and Kettle One. It depends on my budget and mood mostly. The one requirement is nothing cheap.. I do have my standards.

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Secretia from Secret Story Time asked the simplest question and the easiest to answer.. 'Do I like to exercise?'

No. Unfortunately I don't and if you have seen a picture of me posted here [rarely] it is obvious. I like to swim, leisurely. I wish I did like to exercise and when the weather improves I would like to start walking. I have an arthritic knee which could use some moving about.

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Joshua asked 'How did your kids survive toddlerhood?'

Not sure how I feel about that question, does he think I have homicidal tendencies? [maybe he knows me too well, damn twitter.] Toodlerhood was easy, God makes little kids adorable for a reason........so they do survive. Now ask me how they/us are surviving the teen years? One down, one to go...

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Well that's enough for this post... I think this will be a regular feature for awhile. Stay tuned for more answers.

picture source

Why is it that............. part 2

A few days ago I did a blog called Why is it that.... and most/all of the why ifs were negative. I mentioined this to Deb at _Web Savvy Mom_ and she said "sounds like you need a part 2". Good idea I said and here it is....

Why is it that.....

• just as your kids are about to drive you crazy they give you a hug and say I Love You.
• my daughter needs a ride when I am sleeping and the older offers to pick her up/drop her off.
• I think I am about to run out of gas and my daughter offers to 'fill 'er up'.
• I get exasperated that the house is a mess and husband/child will vaccum.
• there is nothing planned for dinner and the husband offers to take you out to eat.
• you think you have no money for coffee and you find two dollars  in the bottom of your purse.
• you have nothing for your blog and something pops into the brain.
• I have an easier time thinking of negative 'why is its'
• I think no one is reading my blog and all of a sudden there are comments. :)

Questions.. do you have questions??

I have seen other bloggers do this but recently Cathy from Antsy Pants did it so I am going to steal erm copy borrow her idea. No worries she said it was ok.

So go for it. Ask me questions. Whatever you want to know about me, Vodka Logic. I don't promise to answer them all but I will consider them all.

I want the tough questions, the funny, the serious. Challenge me, make me laugh, make me cry [well not too hard]

Now don't embarrass me and no one ask anything.

Friday 55

I saw my first
Crocus today.
Thought it an illusion,
As I drove away.

Small and graceful,
They sway in the wind.
Subtle and beautiful,
I looked and grinned.

Home at last,
I glance around.
In my yard to see,
All that are found.

Rise me up,
From winters gloom
Crocuses do your thing-
Bloom


Tell a story in 55 words.... or read more at g-man

Why Is It That.........

Why is it that.........

• I refill a prescription and now can't find the bottle.
• My daughter only needs a ride home when I don't have the car.
• My husband brings  home McDonalds when I decide to make dinner [see yesterdays post].
• I only get a cold when I'm on my period.
• You don't realize there is no toilet paper until you sit down.
• When are finally feeling ok, your kids remind you how old you are.
• You have the waffles toasted and buttered and you have no syrup.
• All the bills are paid and it is the first of the month again.
• The car always needs gas.
• None of my socks ever match
• The house gets picked up and it is a mess again.

I could go on forever........do you have any to add?

I Cooked Dinner Last Night.... A True Story

If you read my blog with any regularity you know that I don't cook very often. I have a few meals that I cook, meatloaf and baked macaroni and cheese, crockpot chicken and spaghetti, but other than that I tapped out. I am great with a menu though, eat in or take out.

Well last night I decided to make a quick and easy dinner. I had some stir fry chicken thawing so I decided to experiment with it, perhaps some of my Chemistry lessons were still giving me flash backs, who knows. Any way I put the half frozen chicken in a pan with some heated oil.

 Ooops

I opened the package and plopped it into the pan and let it start to cook. When I flipped it over I noticed the label still stuck to the meat. Oops... no problem it peeled right off with a fork. I continued to cook until 99% finished. I added some Worcestershire Sauce as it simmered. When it was just about done I added a package of frozen veggies.

Simmering chicken

I lowered the heat and covered the pan and let it all simmer, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile I boiled some Jasmine rice. I use Success Rice as it is fool proof.... most of the time... so I thought.  When the chicken/veg combo was done I took the rice from the boiling water and tasted it and it was still hard-ish. I put the rice in a bowl with a bit of water, covered and microwaved it for a couple of minutes.. voila it was fine.

Boiling "Success" Rice

When everything was just about done my husband comes home and seeing me cook shows me what is in his hand. A bag from McDonald's, seems the kids told him they needed dinner [they didn't know I was upstairs slaving away].

Apparently it was 49 cent cheeseburger day at MickyD's. Yeah ok so I ate one and finished my masterpiece. I plated it [I watch cooking shows] and I must say it tasted pretty good. The chicken was a bit dry but it all tasted fine.

Doesn't that look healthy

One daughter said, no thanks the other did have some later and said it was good [but chicken dry] I took some to work last night and the rest went with the husband to work today..so all is good. 

I'm beat, I think I am going to take tonight off.

PS. I blogged about college and a long lost professor yesterday and the "Old Prof" commented on the blog. I was thrilled... and he is still funny. Go have a read.

A Reconnect.......Biochem 401

 Not my professor but when I googled professor and got Indiana, I couldn't resist

I posted the other day about emailing a professor from college.....well he got in touch with me.  I did a little more stalking investigating and found him on Facebook. I requested to be his friend along with sending a quick note and he accepted. I sent him a message with a bit more detail as to who I was and he responded... He is still as funny as I remember if not a bit more confused. [not that he was confused when he was teaching, at least I never noticed] The whole FB communication thing is baffling him it seems. I have teenagers so I have the clear advantage. He even checked out my blog... how cool is that. I hope he finds me articulate and that I didn't waste my education.

One thing I remember is a lab where we had to extract sugar from potatoes. We were scheduled two lab sessions I believe [we always took longer than was scheduled] and I was in the lab, by myself, finishing up and I had a huge erlenmeyer flask with the sugar starting to crystallize in the solution. He came and said "now you flask is going to break". I set the flask down on the counter and a crack appeared at the bottom and worked its way up, spilling the solution and final product [sugar] all over the counter. I grabbed a pan type metal tray and started sweeping the solution into it with my bare hands and arms. He says "what is the solution?" I say "Potassium Hydroxide" he tells me to stop and wash my hands and arms [bases can burn like acids btw] but I wouldn't stop. "my product" I cried. He forced me to stop and needless to say my final product weight was low. [I didn't have any burns]

The conclusion on my lab report... the professor is a jinx. I don't remember the grade. Hey Prof did you ever finish grading that stack of reports outside your office door?

I am going to dig up some old photo albums, remember them, and see what pictures I can find. I will probably need a drink going through them. I have trouble coping with too many flashbacks at once... getting old sucks.

I have read some great flashback stories on other blogs, any more you care to share?

Music Monday - My Favorite

Today I am excited to introduce my favorite band to you. Stereophonics was formed in 1992 in Cwmaman, Wales. They have released seven studio albums and one greatest hits over the years and yes I own them all. Well except for the most recent, Keep Calm and Carry On which as far as I can tell has not been released in the US, not even on itunes. This annoys and worries me because by not releasing it here it makes me think they won't tour the US. I am lucky enough to have the songs from the cd, thanks to an Aussie friend that passed them along to me via the internet.

I did hear in an interview several months ago that they may add Australia and the US to their tour and so far Australia is planned. On September 5, 2008 [my initial blog of the concert] my daughter and I were fortunate enough to see the band play at The Paradise Rock Club and Lounge. It was A-MAZING and without a doubt my favorite gig to date. We arrived early and were able to get right to the front and center of the crowd. I was in Kelly Jones heaven. Kelly Jones is the lead singer, guitarist and principle writer for the band. I also happen to think he is completely adorable.

photog credit MINE :-)

Jones' vocals are strong and raspy. I do admit to having trouble understanding everything he sings [or says for that matter, the Welsh accent is distinct] but regardless I love the music, the sound the whole package. His lyrics are deep, humorous and sometimes unusual. 

There are so many songs I could post, but here is a sample. I also love Mr. Writer, My Friend, Drowning [more amazing lyrics]. Have a Nice Day............

Rewind- this is my all time favorite song.. listen to the words.



Maybe Tomorrow- give it a chance to start.. enjoy the view while you wait. :-)


Climbing the Wall- a friend of mine saw them in concert and Kelly said, "have you ever just wanted to shove you hands in your pants and have a wank?" and then this is the song they played... listen.

Source
lead picture source

Sunday Rerun - Senses

Damon Winter The Dallas Morning News  [picture credit]

Poem originally posted Thursday,  February 12, 2009

Senses

With eyes wide open,
How blind can you be.
Or is it an act,
You've perfected for me.

I speak my mind,
With a silent voice.
Your ears are closed,
I have no choice.

Your hands grown cold,
And no longer touch.
Reaching out, why bother,
Doesn't get me much.

Lips that speak sharp,
No understanding or grace.
The kisses quick,
Contempt in your face.

My senses are crisp,
And unfortunately see.
The things that are no longer,
Between you and me.

Is it too late,
To reconnect our hearts.
Or do we live our lives,
As seperate parts.

Is it up to you?
Do you open your eyes?
And see the senses,
That tell no lies.

Ok, ok so it wasn't my best............

Ok so yesterdays post wasn't my best, but I am trying. I have had a bit of a dry spell lately on posting and I couldn't even come up with a "Friday 55" this week.. so disappointing as it is my favorite meme. When I get in these "spells" I tend not to read and comment on as many blogs either. I am not sure if that affects the comments I get or not, but I think so to some extent. It seems when I do more commenting I get more comments, fair enough. Some bloggers seem to comment after I have been to their blog. Perhaps they see my "name" and say, "oh yeah, wonder what VL is up to today" forgetting about me until they see my name. I may not be on their blog rolls [shame on them,  you should all be grabbing my button. See it over there ----> ]

Anyway, Mimi asked in a comment yesterday, why I don't use my real name on Facebook. Good question.

There are several reasons actually. The main one is I don't want people to "find" me just because they can type my name in the search. I want to be "friends" with people I want to be friends with, on my terms. Call me selfish, but it is what it is. My family knows what my "name" is and where to find me. My RL friends, for the most part, don't have FB and the ones that do I work with. I don't want work friends on my FB, and most of them know that. My supervisors are on FB, uhh no thanks I don't care to share with them. I don't do or say anything I am embarassed about, usually, but I don't feel it is wise or fun to have bosses on FB.

I have my blog listed on NetworkedBlogs [something else you should all be clicking on. It's over there too. ----> ] so all my blogger friends can find me.

Most of the friends I have on FB I have met on the internet and the only way to keep contact is through sites such as FB and the forums where I met them in the first place. [See my favorite sites, to the top left] These friends are as real as any I have in RL...as most bloggers are internet savvy you probably know what I mean. A lot of my blogger friends are becoming great friends I can confide in and have a laugh with. This is a concept many of my RL friends and aquaintances just don't get. When I travel to meet some of these friends I am often met with, "are these those on-line friends" said with a confused or doubtful tone. Whatever.....

So, that's my story and I 'm sticking to it.... I hope to catch up this weekend but it may be difficult as my beloved MacBook is in the repair shop getting a new cover and keyboard, some cracks are appearing and I want it spruced up while it is still under warranty. [it's not like there are 3 other laptops and a desktop in the house]...

So what's your story?

College Flashback

 Alumni Hall

I went to Nasson College in Springvale, Maine. It was a small liberal arts college in southern Maine that unfortunately closed its doors in 1983 or so. There is still a core of dedicated allumni that keep the rest of us informed about reunions and activities.
I received a newsletter from the college today and it said there was a Facebook group so I found it and joined, thing is I don't use my real last name on FB so I am not sure if it was worth it. There are only a few people from college I want to connect with and they aren't in the group so I guess it's ok. I'll  check from time to time and I can message them.

Anyway I perused the Nasson College website for a bit and listed was my favorite professor with his email address. I sent off a quick email and hope I hear from him. He was a mentor, teacher and even my boss while in college. I worked as his lab assistant my senior year. I learned a lot from him, some of which I still use today. [I was a Chemistry major]

I don't remember what year it was but he invited me to go to Acadia National Park with him and his wife and said I could bring some friends.  I invited Joan, her boyfriend David and Roger who was dating a good friend of mine. Since I had no desire to share a tent with Roger it was girls with girls and guys with guys. We had a blast. We hiked to the top of Cadillac Mountain and despite the fact there is a parking lot on top, it was beautiful. We cooked over the fire and had lots of laughs. I will blog some day about the trip. There has to be pictures around somewhere.

I was in Joan and David's wedding, sadly they have since divorced but she is remarried and has two adorable children. Joan and I still have lunch together once in awhile. Roger married my girlfriend and I have not talked to them in years. I hope to change that. Old friends are important. Rogers email address was listed on the website and I am hoping it is current.

Do you still keep in touch with your college/high school friends? How far do you go to keep in contact with them.

Follow up

As I said yesterday I was tweeting to Train and Butch Walker for a couple of days trying to find out who was opening for the Train gig. I never got a reply, not surprisingly, they are rock stars after all and I am nobody.  After the gig and finding out there was an opening act for Train's Sunday show I got annoyed and tweeted again... only more pissy. Yeah it wasn't all that mature but I wanted to know.

@train answer me please why Foxwoods had no opening band. Loved Train but would have liked to see Butch too

@butchwalker and again, why answer a puney fan but why no opening bands at Foxwood. Just curious..

Like I said mature... but it worked I got this reply from Train:

@LauraBlue24 Casino resorts limit the length of a show. They would rather you gamble! So, openers at casinos are rare.

Interesting that Train answered the tweet to Butch. I buy the answer but Rob Thomas had two opening band at Mohegan Sun, also a casino. Mohegan Sun has an arena, bigger and more set up for bands. Foxwoods has a theater, or should I say theatre. Don't know if that is the difference just a thought.

So I replied:

@train thanks for the reply, thought it might be that....something to remember. You rocked for sure 

Just thought I would let you all know what I found out since I am sure you were on the edge of your seats wondering.

I am off to watch The 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on my DVR.  Rob Thomas and Pat Monahan are both on the show. :-)

Music Monday

First of all I can't believe I have reached 300 followers on my little 'ole blog. It started as a lark for my poetry and now people actually read it... amazing. Now how many of those 300 actually come back and read  I'll never know but it is still fun to watch the numbers grow.

I must admit I did do a little soliciting for the last couple of followers on Facebook and twitter, and it worked. My 300th follower was my blogger friend Jules from Just Jules. Go check out her blog, it's great. She speaks her mind and has funny, thoughtful and beautiful posts. She is also a great photographer.

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Now for the musical part of the program... I know I have already highlighted Train but I wanted to let you all know about the concert. The gig was at the MGM Grand at the Foxwoods Resort Casino.  What a lovely venue for a concert. I has plush seats, carpeting and a great view. Any seats would allow a superb view of the band. I am used to standing room only bars or huge venues so this was a treat

We originally went to the upper tier, as instructed, but we were actually on the lower level in better seats. Of course up front is always best but there were big screens and the sound system was awesome.

I have been following Train on twitter [@train ] trying to figure out who was opening for them and at one point I thought it was Lifehouse and then realized it was most likely Butch Walker [twitter @butchwalker ] I have a couple of Butch Walker cds so was excited to see him as well..... but when the show started it was none other than Train.

They were great and started with a new song, Parachute, and continued with their big hits and several from the new cd. They even played a Led Zepplin song....[can't remember the name at the moment but Pat's voice has the high range for it]

They had some of the audience come up on the stage a couple of times and he changed his shirt at one point revealing he works out. He did tease about his diminutive size. He was animated and interactive which lends to the enjoyment of the show for me.

I have no complaints about Train's performance just the lack of an openning act. I like to either see a couple of bands I like or listen to one I don't know and hopefully find some new music. Butch Walker played in Boston on Saturday so when he tweeted Friday he was in Boston I figured he would be in Foxwoods as well... no such luck. Train also played in Northampton, Massachusetts Sunday night, we chose not to go to that show since it was a work/school night........guess what? Train tweeted on Sunday night that Northampton rocked along with................ Butch Walker and Black Widow. Not just one opening act but two. Sorry but I can't help but feel a bit ripped off. The tickets were not expensive, as concerts go, but it is always nice to get more for your money.

Would I see Train again? In a heart beat. Both my daughters loved the show and it was a good night.

Pictures thanks to my daughter @ Something about nothing and everything else
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And in closing, if you are interested in a fun spring swap click on the button below and visit Family of Shorts for details.

Sunday Rerun - Secrets

Originally posted: Thursday October 9, 2008


Secrets


Secrets that we keep inside,
Aren't necessarily things we want to hide.
But thoughts kept in our own mind,
Put away for no one else to find.

Some are treasures,
And some are pleasures.
And a few are buried down so far,
But part of what make us who we are.

Only shared,
With those who dared.
To be a part
Of lifes flowchart.

After all of my miles,
And additions to the files.
I have come to accept what's mine,
The secrets of my minds byline.

I no longer feel the need to give,
To everyone, all about how I live.
About how it is that I feel,
Or what it is that makes me real.

Follow Me.....

As some of you know a while back I accidentally deleted my twitter account. I have slowly been regaining my previous followers and the ones I followed.. gets confusing, sorry, but I am still missing a lot. I think some of the ones I have lost are the bots, which is fine with me but if you are wondering where I have been on twitter [or not, I'm telling you anyway] I have been looking for you.

My previous twitter handle was, LauraBlue58 and it is now LauraBlue24. Got it?

Good, follow me.

Friday Flash 55

It builds,
It builds.
Waiting for relief.

Momentarily the feeling
ends.
Only to build again.

Greater, greater
As your eyes grow larger.

The tingle.
The twitch.
Waiting,
Waiting.

Look into the light.
The brightest light.

Hold your breath,
Close your eyes,
Here it comes.

The relief,
Eyes shut,
Tighter,
The sound.

Achooo
Achooo

God Bless..



For more Friday Flash 55 see G-man ....

I have a new Collection

As you can see I have a new badge thanks to The Chronicles of SAHM (nap warden), my go to gal for all things technical. She was kind enough to stop the snow as well, no need to jinx the weather. Maybe she can make flowers fall on my blog or some lovely sunshine....

I have also started to collect badges from other blogs. It seems prettier and easier to read than my printed blog list. Have a look at the side bar -----> I am not sure yet how I am going to display them, I may do something like I have done with my fab awards, see side bar <------ , or put some on both sides. Any suggestions?

If you have a badge and I am not displaying it, let me know and I will grab one. If you don't have a badge I will keep your blog listed on my blogroll.. all boring like. [so get one made].

Now grab a badge ---->, who doesn't want a nice martini on their blog, and display it. Let's share the love.

The Happiness Project

Leigh vs Laundry is doing a photography project and posting pictures of what makes her wildly happy, click the button above to visit her blog

I will probably be more random about it but I wasn't up to my own meme, Justifable Homicidal Tuesday, a bit different than hers to say the least.

I was going to start by posting a picture of my daughters but that seems too cliche. Not that what I have chosen is any surprise but I does make me happy.

Sushi from Haiku in Worcester, MA.

Go visit Leigh vs Laundry for more things that make us happy.

Music Monday-James Morrison

Todays spotlight is on one of my favorite artists, James Morrison. He is a young Bristish singer/songwriter. I am always amazed at the depth of his lyrics considering how young he is. He has two studio albums, Undiscovered and Songs for You, Truths for Me. Both are must haves but the first is my favorite. My favorite song of his, and one of my all time favorites is Undiscovered. The first time I heard it, it touched my soul and "spoke to me". It brings tears to my eyes.

I was lucky enough to see him when he was promoting his first cd. It was in a small dive club called TT and the Bears in Boston. I dragged along my friend Joan, whom I have known for over 30 years since the kids couldn't go. [Oldest wasn't 18 yet and it was a requirement.] Joan was unfamiliar with him so I sent her a cd before we went. It is a standing only club and we got second row.. which was better as he is a bit of a spitter.

There was a meet and greet after the show and not to miss out I bought another copy of his cd and stood in line. He was gracious and took time to personalize all the cds he signed and allowed pictures as well.. Here's another glimpse of me and my friend Joan.

I didn't get to see him on his last tour because we were in the middle of the ICE STORM that left us without power for 4 days...so I didn't get on a computer. I was disappointed. Hopefully next time.

He has so many great songs I could post them all but here are a few of my favorites...enjoy and let me know what you think.

All picture credits are my own. :)

Undiscovered


The Pieces Don't Fit Anymore


Please Don't Stop the Rain

Sunday Special

Again I have been honored with several awards from some great bloggers. I have been lucky enough to receive many awards over the months and I am continually amazed that people are reading and responding.  [I have kids so I'm not used to it] Since it Sunday I won't require any fancy dress.. just grab a coffee and enjoy.

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The award comes from one of my favorite bloggers The Bewildered Brit. If you like candy and interesting and unusual roadside attractions across the US this is the place to be. I have learned so many things from Richard. 

Rules are to "List 7 things about yourself that most don't know"

1. A customer I was waiting on at McDonald's, where I worked during college, was arrested when a joint fell out of his pocket onto the counter. A policeman just happened to be standing there. The cop took his friend to the back of the store and he was allowed to wait for the food.
2. I color my hair and will continue to do so as long as I am able.
3. My newest guilty pleasure is RuPaul's Drag Race.  It is a cross between Project Runway and America's Next Top Model... for drag queens
4. I bought a Nickelback cd.
5. My favorite food is peanut butter.
6. Breakfast is my favorite meal to eat out.
7. Sometimes I don't mind cooking. shhhh

 WaystationOne is one of the most creative bloggers I read. He writes the most visual and insightful poetry. He has inspired me to explore different ways of writing poetry and to write outside my comfort zone.

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This award really surprised me since I was mostly unfamiliar with  Blackberry Jam Cafe. How flattering to be given this Beautiful Blogger Award. Apparently I am supposed to list things that people don't know about me... see above. :)

*uncorked is a smart blogger who always has interesting things to write about because she has an interesting life. Enviable most of the time. Fun and smart what could be better.

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I love this colorful award, what a great way to brighten up my blog. It was given to me by The Scholastic Scribe. She said I "consistantly brighten her day" how flattering is that. Mrs. Scribe was one of my first followers and I have learned a lot about blogging from her.

I am giving this Sunshine Award to Adventures of a Yankee Girl who along with her husband Leland write a great blog. No topic is off limits and they are written with openness and humor.

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This cool award was given to me by The Joys of My Splintered Life in Smalltown. She said I was "damn fabulous find. She writes the most amazing poetry, soulful and absolutely creative." She calls herself a "Fabulous Bitch", what a cool tribe. Her great series "A Picture for every Story",  is a must read for anyone who likes poetry.

As part of receiving this award I have to list six things I master, I don't master, I bitch... hmm wonder why I got this award.. ;-)

1. I have mastered bitching about the weather we have been having this winter [can this count as two?]
2. I am a master at getting out of cooking and cleaning. My husband cooks and my kids are paid to clean.. mostly. [they like nice things]
3. The thing I seem to have mastered the most is procrastination.. as proven by the time it has taken me to post this awards post..
4. Loyalty is very important to me, piss me off or disparage one of my friends and you will see how bitchtastic I can be. 
5. One thing I am a big failure in mastering is sticking to a diet. Maybe this is my year..
6. I would also like to master sleeping and not fighting going to bed then maybe I can quit bitching about being tired all the time.

 I would like to give this award to my friend at Just Jules . She is a great photographer and an open and honest blogger.

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Bucket List

I picked up this list from  Joanne Moving Forward - half speed and it looked fun so I thought I would play too... Help yourself you want to play, just let me know so I can go look.

(X) Shot a gun.

( ) Gone on a blind date


(X) Skipped school

( ) Watched someone die

(X) Been on a plane

( ) Been on a cruise ship

( ) Served on a jury - almost though

(X) Been lost - in my car like a million times

(X) Gone to Washington , DC ...

(X) Swam in the ocean

( ) Been to Niagara Falls

(X) Cried yourself to sleep

(X) Played cops and robbers

(X) Played cowboys/girls and Indians

( ) Recently coloured with crayons

( ) Sang Karaoke with friends

(X) Paid for a meal with coins only

(X) Remember when McDonald's was 15 cents?

(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?

(X) Made prank phone calls

(X) Laughed until you cried or peed in your pants.

(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue

(X) Danced in the rain

(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus

(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe

(X) Watched the sunrise with someone

(X) Blown bubbles

(X) Gone ice-skating

(X) Gone snow skiing

(X) Camped out under the stars

(X) Seen something so beautiful that it took your breath away

(X) Are or have been married

(X) Have Child

(X) Have a pet had a pet

( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors

(X) Been fishing - I am a fishermans widow

(X) Been boating

( X) Been water skiing/tubing

(X) Been hiking

( ) Been camping in a trailer/RV

( ) Flown in a small 4 seat airplane

( )Flown in a glider

( ) Been flying in a hot air balloon

( ) Been bungee-jumping or sky-diving - and never will

(X) Gone to a drive-in movie

(X) Done something that should have killed you - I rolled my car

(X) Done something that you WILL regret for the rest of your life - not sure about the rest of my life....


Not the most adventurous list but fun..

Some things I would like to do are:

See the Pyramids
Go to the Grand Canyon
See more major cities in the US
Go to Japan
Basically travel.

Be in a movie
Write a song
Learn to play the drums

Be skinny... lol
Have a maid.. the kids will move eventually

I am sure there is more but why be greedy

Most of all see my kids grow up and be happy and successful.

Fab Find Friday and Flash 55

It is my honor today to be the featured blogger on Mrs. M's blog I've Changed My Name To Mommy. She has a feature called Fab Find Friday and she seems to think I am fab. I am totally surprised and thrilled to say the least. Go peruse her great blog, which I have been following for awhile now...and stop and read my interview.... thanks again Mrs. M. xx

***************************************

Flash 55

Children, two
Daughters both.

Beautiful girls,
Biased? Nope!

Different people
Like night and day.

Have they been challenges
Each in their own way.

Growing up
Incredibly fast.

How long can I hope
Being a mommy can last.

Forever, I know
Because even at my age.

I often go to my mom
For wisdom and sage.


What can you say in 55 words, give it a try and go see G-man  at Mr. KnowItAll for more. 

Always there.........

Nothing better than girl friends,
They listen without judgement,
Always their, ears to lend.

Don't know what I'd ever do,
If not for the girls
Always there to look after you.

Need to shop or just  talk,
If there's a will there's a way
Always there for a walk.

Friends, I don't have a lot
Just support each other,
Always there, on the spot.

It matters not, a laugh or cry,
Cheering up and consoling
Always there to try.

My advice, often not great,
But count on me,
Always there to give it to you straight.

Nurture those, dearest to you.
Never let girl friends go.
Always there, tried and true blue



image source

My [miss]Adventures in the Midwest the Awesome Conclusion

  Should say welcome back... [click on pictures to enlarge]

After our great night at The Slippery Noodle I had a nice sleep in the next morning and when I finally got up I had another nice midwest homemade breakfast. Eggs and bacon never fails.

We lounged around most of the morning, and after a quick but important errand Rush and I swapped a lot of music we had stored on our laptops. I burned Powderfinger and Muse and Kings of Leon and Rush uploaded them. I uploaded some old Elton John and Rush [go figure] and some other oldies. It was nice to relax and sharing music is certainly a great way to spend a morning.

Later we went to see Avatar, and I have no idea what the big deal is about that movie. Rush loved it. That night we decided to stay home and had a lovely roast that had been cooking in the crock pot all day. [have I mentioned I know who to stay with on my trips].  Rush had to shovel the driveway and I greeted her with a ............... lemon drop  and that pretty much set the mood for the rest of the evening. A Skype chat with a friend in Australia was funny as he watched us do shots and we watched him laugh, not at us of course... he would have joined us but it was 9 am over there.. Our plan after that was to relax in Rush's huge bed and watch I Love You, Man but we were both asleep before the end of the credits and I was sent off to my little bed in her daughters room.

Monday was another lazy day and I packed for my flight that evening and then we finally settled in the huge bed and watched the movie. If you haven't seen I love you, Man watch it, it is hysterical.

We eventually made our way to the airport in the snow. The driving was horrible and after dinner in a retro restaurant, with the worst drinks ever. Rush left and I made my way through security. [another travel tip. wear slip on shoes for ease and speed and if you see a sign that says Expert Traveler enter it takes you to the head of the line waiting to have their boarding passes checked before they enter security. I entered by mistake and almost left and the man ahead of me said "follow me" apparently it is for "special" people, I don't remember who, but they can't tell others they can't use the entrance. I told the man I loved him as I cut about 30+ people in line]

In this case hurrying did me no good since my flight to Boston via Chicago had to be changed and I took a direct to Boston bright and early the next day. I was able to get my luggage off the Chicago bound plane and headed to a hotel for the short night. Rush was home safe and sound by now and I didn't want her out in the weather again to get me. The plane did leave in the morning, on time but with a layover in Baltimore that almost didn't leave because of a flight attendant/passenger altercation.. I'll share that one later.

Despite the travel mishaps I had a great time with Adam and his family [check out his blog] and with Rush [check out her website]. I will be heading back to the midwest but plan on waiting until the weather is better.... much better.