And by super serious, I totally mean random things I think about while I retreat to my "other brain space" when my kids are in meltdown mode. Either way, they entertain me, and it's been a while since I have shared with the free world, which doesn't really give a hoot, what's going on in my head.
Summer is freaking amazing. I LOVE IT. I am a complete heliophile and while I have no "guns" to speak of, if the sun's out, my flabby batwing upper arms are out! Even with a crazy thick SPF 30 mineral based sunscreen, I am TAN. So are my kids. Well, aside from just above their thighs through their torso, to just above the elbow (I LOVE SPF RASHGUARDS- even though ours now look a bit like tye dye from popsicles, ketchup, paint, sunblock and the like). Again, honestly earned color. When I put sunblock on us we all look purple I apply it so thickly- some days, when J has his goggles on, he looks like that evil purple minion. It makes me giggle.
Second thing I love? VACATION. And by vacation I mean a trip WITH. MY. FREAKING. AMAZING. NANNY. She's epically awesome and has both the boys on behavior systems and oodles of positive reinforcement schedules. When she's with us, I am actually on vacation too, for some of the time. If I want to have dinner with just my mom, I can. If my bestie joins us, we can go out at night and go to fancy bars in Cape May- drink Pimm's cocktails seaside, and blood orange martinis at hip bars. Yup. It's that awesome. I got to have dinner with both my mom and my dad sans kids, separately. It was wonderful. As I get older, and more busy, those opportunities grow more and more special.
Another awesome aspect of summer? Getting to be totally goofy and spontaneous. Sometimes it works out great- going to a town concert, picnic in tow, with dear friends- craziness ensued with hand stands, a few tackles, and running barefoot in the grass. A wonderful night all around. Other nights, like tonight, total fail. Decided to be all cray-cray and take my kids to a 6:45 pm showing of the hot kid's movie- the movie theater is a mile away, I was like wahoo we are ON THIS! Until I went upstairs to get dressed (not lazy in jammies- still in the swimsuit from the day's festivities) and came down four minutes later to find Mr. M out cold on the couch and J-bird not far behind. So much for that adventure!!!
In all seriousness though, when I try to put the first half of the summer into words, it's hard- because it's been that wonderful. I am enjoying all of it. From Mr. M swimming on his own for the first time, to J dancing in the grass, to picking crabs, to seeing a dolphin crest, to lazy moments at a winery, to porch time at the Virginia with my mama- it's all been amazing. I can't wait for what the rest of the summer brings, and a little piece of me is mourning the impending fall. I can't even go there yet. One thing I am surprised that I enjoy? A separation from social media- my every move isn't posted; although I still share pics of our adventures, because it is a great way to connect with family near and far- but I don't care how many likes, or retweets, or what not occur. If someone needs me, they call me. And for once, I actually answer, because I have time to connect. It's splendiferous.
For now, I want splashing, dirt, sand, and sun.
Friday, July 24, 2015
Friday, June 5, 2015
GRADUATION DAY!!!
Perhaps I should have titled this post graduation day PART ONE, as I have two this year. Today was the graduation at my school, and in two short weeks, my nugget graduates from Kindergarten Prep. Since it's still today, I'll keep my thoughts there, as I have already cried ENOUGH.
I work in a therapeutic alternative school, with an eclectic, awesome, talented group of kids. We have rigorous academics as well as a huge focus on therapeutic groups, art, and music. The path these kids walk is one where they learn who they are, and how to love their true selves. I adore my job. I think the kids are awesome, and my team- well, we're a TEAM. Today we unleashed the graduating class of 2015 upon the world. It's a small class- six students- and their statistics rock. Three headed to four year colleges or universities, two already gainfully employed, one furthering their education elsewhere. Those are pretty amazing statistics. However, they say nothing about these kids- and what we do from 7:45 to 1:50 every day. One of our ninth graders painted a canvas for our front entry- "We're not just a school, we're a family". This sentiment is never more true than when we celebrate.
One of ourseniors graduates has been with us for four years- her entire high school career. There is no staff in the building, no student in the halls, that doesn't know her. There will be a palpable void on Monday, as we all resume classes for another TWO AND A HALF WEEKS. These kiddos were an integral part of our world and today. POOF, they are done. While I shed many tears today, I know that they are ready for the next challenge, in no small part due to the hard work of our team. I wish them well, and look forward to hearing about their next steps in the future.
Now, I have to focus on the next class years- the kids that will grace the chairs in my classroom for another year- or with some of them, five or six years (we've got some really great middle schoolers too)! However, the graduates of 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are never far from my mind- it's the lessons I've learned with them that will allow me to continue to support and advocate for my future classes. We don't forget- and our resolve to continue to be agents of change in the lives of kids doesn't wane.
Today though? Today I cry happy tears with students, families, and coworkers- celebrating the progress, drive, and determination of six wonderful kids. I reaffirm my dedication to being a teacher, and guide, on their path.
I work in a therapeutic alternative school, with an eclectic, awesome, talented group of kids. We have rigorous academics as well as a huge focus on therapeutic groups, art, and music. The path these kids walk is one where they learn who they are, and how to love their true selves. I adore my job. I think the kids are awesome, and my team- well, we're a TEAM. Today we unleashed the graduating class of 2015 upon the world. It's a small class- six students- and their statistics rock. Three headed to four year colleges or universities, two already gainfully employed, one furthering their education elsewhere. Those are pretty amazing statistics. However, they say nothing about these kids- and what we do from 7:45 to 1:50 every day. One of our ninth graders painted a canvas for our front entry- "We're not just a school, we're a family". This sentiment is never more true than when we celebrate.
One of our
Now, I have to focus on the next class years- the kids that will grace the chairs in my classroom for another year- or with some of them, five or six years (we've got some really great middle schoolers too)! However, the graduates of 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are never far from my mind- it's the lessons I've learned with them that will allow me to continue to support and advocate for my future classes. We don't forget- and our resolve to continue to be agents of change in the lives of kids doesn't wane.
Today though? Today I cry happy tears with students, families, and coworkers- celebrating the progress, drive, and determination of six wonderful kids. I reaffirm my dedication to being a teacher, and guide, on their path.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Cape May Vacations- episode one...
It's no secret that I am a Cape May girl- I spent all of my summers there, and a tremendous amount of time off season. It's the place that my soul is peaceful. Luckily, my children react the same way. There is something about that magical tiny city that transforms us as soon as we cross the bridge. Having moved to Massachusetts after college, my time in Cape May has been unfortunately reduces to a few days here and there- NO LONGER! This summer, the boys and I will be able to spend two weeks in July, and one week in August, just BEING. The extra awesome part is that this is the summer that a college friend will also be there with her family, and my bestie is also coming with us, and wait for it- it gets better- my NANNY IS COMING TOO! So that's three people that I really want to fall in love with Cape May. In preparation, I am whipping together a few "must do" blog posts.
Today, I start with food. Duh. Have you met me??? I am all about the nom-nom-noms. So here, in my totally biased opinion, are the must EATS of Cape May (and West Cape May, and Cape May Point).
Family Friendly
1. The Lobster House- skip the fancy inside part- order at the take out window or the raw bar out on the docks. Table stalk. Enjoy a fabulous meal right on the water. There is even a Lobster House tour which is really, really awesome!!! My kids love watching the boats, and I LOVE THE FOOD. Warning: Wine selection to eat on the docks is limited to mini bottles of Sutter Home- it does the trick but don't get all excited about a fabulous glass of wine to accompany your meal. Get there early, it's worth it.
2. The Red Store- Cape May Point's newest, and really only, venue for dining. Super fresh, farm to table food. You want the Avocado Toast, trust me.
3. The Blue Pig Tavern- located at the top of the mall, in the fabulous Congress Hall Hotel, the Blue Pig relies heavily on produce from Beach Plum Farm- just down Sunset Avenue. Get the deviled eggs, the crab cakes, or the scallops. And lots of other yummy things- they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And as a side note, you can sit in the rockers on the ocean side of Congress Hall and order from their menu. That's lovely for a no-kid, I want a nice cocktail, kind of evening.
4. Louie's Pizza- Louie's will also appear in a "night out" post but it deserves multiple mentions. White pizza with tomato, garlic, spinach and ricotta. Slices the size of your head for a few dollars. Enough said. No tables available? No problem- grab it to go and walk across the street and eat on the boardwalk.
5. McGlade's Backstreet- farm fresh, super local, and FREE PARKING. Yeah, it's amazing. McGlade's Backstreet has an ever rotating menu of what's fresh, local, and delicious. Their cobbler is mind blowing- and you need to order dessert with your dinner because it's all made fresh, to order. McGlade's is BYOB so stop by Collier's before you go.
6. Depot Market- it's so awesome, they don't even need a website. Located at 409 Elmira Street, Depot is the place to get fresh muffins, breakfast sandwiches, COFFEE, cookies, and other delicious things that are dreamed up daily.
7. For breakfast, there are really two games in town- Dock Mike's at 110 N. Broadway, and Uncle Bill's by Congress Hall. Dock Mike's is awesome. Their pancakes with bananas and pecans make me drool. Uncle Bill's is an institution in the city of Cape May. You can snag an outside table and have mediocre pancakes. However, their kid cups are shaped like crayons. Needless to say, my kids love it.
8. There are some nights or days where you don't want to deal with the fuss of "dining"- that's when you hit up BIg Wave Burritos and Empanada Mama's. DEEEEE-licious. If you hit Big Wave, get a Rio Bowl, and send me a thank you note after. There's also Duckie's Farm Stand in West Cape May where you can grab super fresh produce (um, hello, Jersey corn and peaches) and an amazing assortment of jams, jellies, and pickled thingies. And don't think I forgot Hot Dog Tommy's. Yeah, you will get in line at 10 am to get one of his dogs. Tom will be wearing a hot dog hat, and you will go back. Tell Tom I sent you.
Wahoo I Have No Kids and No Curfew Dining
I may love this category a little too much...no reflection on my awesome kids, but sometimes mama wants adult food and adult drinks!
1. The Ebbitt Room- really, I am all about the front porch and the bar at the Virginia Hotel- farm to table deliciousness, super creative cocktails- upscale, beautiful- and cross your fingers Leo is your bartender. They make a daily popcorn blend for patrons at the bar and it's pretty much always amazing. I'm not so into the I-made-a-reservation-eight-months-ago scene, but I can get that feel in the bar. Valet, thankfully!
2. The Mad Batter- now, I have not eaten here in donkey's years, but it was flipping delicious the last time I was there, and there's ALWAYS a line outside. Next door to the Virginia Hotel on Jackson Street, if you have to wait, there's the aforementioned fabulous bar in the Virginia.
3. The Washington Inn- this is the standard for fantastic cuisine in Cape May. It's impeccable, delicious, and quite a bit fou-fou. The have valet. That makes me happy. They also have a wine bar that is WAY less fou-fou, and doesn't require reservations. You can order just as delicious small plates and meals in the wine bar as you could in the restaurant. However, if you are a Sauvignon Blanc gal, their selection is mediocre. I say go the martini route!
These are my all time favorites- it's not to say that there aren't other great places, like George's Place, 301 Beach Avenue- which is a Guy Fieri approved Diner, Drive-In, or Dive- for Greek food- if you go there, make sure you walk around the corner and see the Guy Graffiti. It's pretty cool. Next up in my installment of Cape May Vacations- things to DO!
Today, I start with food. Duh. Have you met me??? I am all about the nom-nom-noms. So here, in my totally biased opinion, are the must EATS of Cape May (and West Cape May, and Cape May Point).
Family Friendly
1. The Lobster House- skip the fancy inside part- order at the take out window or the raw bar out on the docks. Table stalk. Enjoy a fabulous meal right on the water. There is even a Lobster House tour which is really, really awesome!!! My kids love watching the boats, and I LOVE THE FOOD. Warning: Wine selection to eat on the docks is limited to mini bottles of Sutter Home- it does the trick but don't get all excited about a fabulous glass of wine to accompany your meal. Get there early, it's worth it.
2. The Red Store- Cape May Point's newest, and really only, venue for dining. Super fresh, farm to table food. You want the Avocado Toast, trust me.
3. The Blue Pig Tavern- located at the top of the mall, in the fabulous Congress Hall Hotel, the Blue Pig relies heavily on produce from Beach Plum Farm- just down Sunset Avenue. Get the deviled eggs, the crab cakes, or the scallops. And lots of other yummy things- they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And as a side note, you can sit in the rockers on the ocean side of Congress Hall and order from their menu. That's lovely for a no-kid, I want a nice cocktail, kind of evening.
4. Louie's Pizza- Louie's will also appear in a "night out" post but it deserves multiple mentions. White pizza with tomato, garlic, spinach and ricotta. Slices the size of your head for a few dollars. Enough said. No tables available? No problem- grab it to go and walk across the street and eat on the boardwalk.
5. McGlade's Backstreet- farm fresh, super local, and FREE PARKING. Yeah, it's amazing. McGlade's Backstreet has an ever rotating menu of what's fresh, local, and delicious. Their cobbler is mind blowing- and you need to order dessert with your dinner because it's all made fresh, to order. McGlade's is BYOB so stop by Collier's before you go.
6. Depot Market- it's so awesome, they don't even need a website. Located at 409 Elmira Street, Depot is the place to get fresh muffins, breakfast sandwiches, COFFEE, cookies, and other delicious things that are dreamed up daily.
7. For breakfast, there are really two games in town- Dock Mike's at 110 N. Broadway, and Uncle Bill's by Congress Hall. Dock Mike's is awesome. Their pancakes with bananas and pecans make me drool. Uncle Bill's is an institution in the city of Cape May. You can snag an outside table and have mediocre pancakes. However, their kid cups are shaped like crayons. Needless to say, my kids love it.
8. There are some nights or days where you don't want to deal with the fuss of "dining"- that's when you hit up BIg Wave Burritos and Empanada Mama's. DEEEEE-licious. If you hit Big Wave, get a Rio Bowl, and send me a thank you note after. There's also Duckie's Farm Stand in West Cape May where you can grab super fresh produce (um, hello, Jersey corn and peaches) and an amazing assortment of jams, jellies, and pickled thingies. And don't think I forgot Hot Dog Tommy's. Yeah, you will get in line at 10 am to get one of his dogs. Tom will be wearing a hot dog hat, and you will go back. Tell Tom I sent you.
Wahoo I Have No Kids and No Curfew Dining
I may love this category a little too much...no reflection on my awesome kids, but sometimes mama wants adult food and adult drinks!
1. The Ebbitt Room- really, I am all about the front porch and the bar at the Virginia Hotel- farm to table deliciousness, super creative cocktails- upscale, beautiful- and cross your fingers Leo is your bartender. They make a daily popcorn blend for patrons at the bar and it's pretty much always amazing. I'm not so into the I-made-a-reservation-eight-months-ago scene, but I can get that feel in the bar. Valet, thankfully!
2. The Mad Batter- now, I have not eaten here in donkey's years, but it was flipping delicious the last time I was there, and there's ALWAYS a line outside. Next door to the Virginia Hotel on Jackson Street, if you have to wait, there's the aforementioned fabulous bar in the Virginia.
3. The Washington Inn- this is the standard for fantastic cuisine in Cape May. It's impeccable, delicious, and quite a bit fou-fou. The have valet. That makes me happy. They also have a wine bar that is WAY less fou-fou, and doesn't require reservations. You can order just as delicious small plates and meals in the wine bar as you could in the restaurant. However, if you are a Sauvignon Blanc gal, their selection is mediocre. I say go the martini route!
These are my all time favorites- it's not to say that there aren't other great places, like George's Place, 301 Beach Avenue- which is a Guy Fieri approved Diner, Drive-In, or Dive- for Greek food- if you go there, make sure you walk around the corner and see the Guy Graffiti. It's pretty cool. Next up in my installment of Cape May Vacations- things to DO!
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Mother's Day, and other such things...
Today is MOTHER'S DAY!!!!! Otherwise known as soccer Sunday, laundry day, pack lunches for the week day, and a general day of misery that the weekend is almost over. I think we should move Mother's Day to Saturday, personally- but that's just me. As an avid FB'er, I was trying to figure out what moving tribute I could post to recognize my mom, and I just couldn't come up with anything that truly encompasses what I want to say. So I'll resort to the extra long "status update" AKA my blog.
So, my mom:
She's stunningly beautiful, obviously, and unfortunately, I look nothing like her. Damnit. She's the best friend I will ever have, and the most amazing Lali my children could ever dream of.
Most importantly, she taught me how to be a mother- y'all know how much I love my lists, so here is a list, obviously not all-inclusive, of things I have learned.
1. Aprons are your friend, wear them.
2. It's never too late to change your path.
3. If you're going to sweat, look good doing it.
4. Recognize the beauty around you, in the everyday.
5. It's ok to make a mess, but make sure you clean it up.
6. Always have a really fabulous lip gloss in your purse, just in case.
7. It's always better to do for others than for yourself.
8. Kindness is more important than pretty much anything else.
9. Wallpaper can be amazing, if it's the right one.
10. Don't touch the white couch.
I think the most important thing is that family doesn't have to be blood- you get to choose who holds special places in your life- sometimes they're family, sometimes they are friends, but family is what you decide it should be.
Oh yeah, and that even though it's not always pretty, it's always amazing to be a mom!
Happy Mother's Day to my mom, and my mamas- and Kelly Clarkson is correct- my life would suck without you.
So, my mom:
She's stunningly beautiful, obviously, and unfortunately, I look nothing like her. Damnit. She's the best friend I will ever have, and the most amazing Lali my children could ever dream of.
Most importantly, she taught me how to be a mother- y'all know how much I love my lists, so here is a list, obviously not all-inclusive, of things I have learned.
1. Aprons are your friend, wear them.
2. It's never too late to change your path.
3. If you're going to sweat, look good doing it.
4. Recognize the beauty around you, in the everyday.
5. It's ok to make a mess, but make sure you clean it up.
6. Always have a really fabulous lip gloss in your purse, just in case.
7. It's always better to do for others than for yourself.
8. Kindness is more important than pretty much anything else.
9. Wallpaper can be amazing, if it's the right one.
10. Don't touch the white couch.
I think the most important thing is that family doesn't have to be blood- you get to choose who holds special places in your life- sometimes they're family, sometimes they are friends, but family is what you decide it should be.
Oh yeah, and that even though it's not always pretty, it's always amazing to be a mom!
Happy Mother's Day to my mom, and my mamas- and Kelly Clarkson is correct- my life would suck without you.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Oh Lilly...that I shall never have...
Today was the launch of the Lilly + Target line. I was so excited. EPICALLY EXCITED. I adore Lilly Pulitzer prints, dresses, shoes, purses- I just love the way the colors are used to create a fun, intricate pattern. Until now, I have had to relegate my Lilly love to purses, calendars, and frankly, home screen backgrounds. Lilly is beautiful. Lilly is SKINNY.
(Let me preface all of this rant by acknowledging that I recognize this entire post is ridiculous, and it's not a big deal- however, today, I am the epitome of "first world problems". I get that. That said, I can still be ticked.)
I am not skinny. I am supple, round, curvaceous- squishing according to my kids. Really, I'm effing fat. Enough said. No Lilly shift would ever fit me, unless I ripped out all the seams and added a lot of elastic. A LOT.
So this Lilly + Target thing was my chance to actually own clothing that both fit me and delight my soul. I was one of those weirdos that woke up at 1 am, 2 am, 3 am, waiting for that "early morning launch". Launch it did- and website? It did crash. I had a cart of fabulous shifts, some towels, and mugs. I have been SAVING MONEY for this day. I suck at saving for anything, so that alone was pretty epic. I also RARELY buy anything for myself. Well, Site crashed. And more crashed. And nothing. By the time it was back online it was 5 am and NOT ONE ITEM was available. I tried multiple sizes, patterns, items- nothing. The only thing left for a girl to do was to pack her squawking children into the car and go the store. I live within 10 miles of THREE TARGETS. Number one- nothing. I got there at 8:15 am. FIFTEEN minutes after opening. There were no displays left, no clothes left, NOTHING. Only a few sobbing sales associates, and some women in the checkout with five carts. Second store- saw a friend in the parking lot nursing a few scrapes who told me not to bother. Third Target- saw an actual brawl in the parking lot. Got out of there VERY quickly. I get that my desire for an adorable shift dress and maybe a beach towel or two isn't very important- but if you're only going to release a certain amount, and NOT going to limit purchases, just call it what it is- a flash sale. I would have reacted accordingly, and hired a baby sitter so I could line up. Wait, no, I wouldn't, because the plus sizes AREN'T AVAILABLE IN STORE. At least, that's what the "look book" and pre-sale propaganda informed me. Bottom line? I'm crossing my fingers that Target offers Employee Assistance Programs- that include psychological counseling for PTSD. Pretty sure most associates need that after today! Everyone looked totally shell-shocked.
According to the social media world though, I could be the proud owner of a plus size shift dress in green and white- IF I DRIVE TO KANSAS.
Target, you've pissed me off. Quite a bit. You will be getting NO LOVE from me, or my debit card.
(Let me preface all of this rant by acknowledging that I recognize this entire post is ridiculous, and it's not a big deal- however, today, I am the epitome of "first world problems". I get that. That said, I can still be ticked.)
I am not skinny. I am supple, round, curvaceous- squishing according to my kids. Really, I'm effing fat. Enough said. No Lilly shift would ever fit me, unless I ripped out all the seams and added a lot of elastic. A LOT.
So this Lilly + Target thing was my chance to actually own clothing that both fit me and delight my soul. I was one of those weirdos that woke up at 1 am, 2 am, 3 am, waiting for that "early morning launch". Launch it did- and website? It did crash. I had a cart of fabulous shifts, some towels, and mugs. I have been SAVING MONEY for this day. I suck at saving for anything, so that alone was pretty epic. I also RARELY buy anything for myself. Well, Site crashed. And more crashed. And nothing. By the time it was back online it was 5 am and NOT ONE ITEM was available. I tried multiple sizes, patterns, items- nothing. The only thing left for a girl to do was to pack her squawking children into the car and go the store. I live within 10 miles of THREE TARGETS. Number one- nothing. I got there at 8:15 am. FIFTEEN minutes after opening. There were no displays left, no clothes left, NOTHING. Only a few sobbing sales associates, and some women in the checkout with five carts. Second store- saw a friend in the parking lot nursing a few scrapes who told me not to bother. Third Target- saw an actual brawl in the parking lot. Got out of there VERY quickly. I get that my desire for an adorable shift dress and maybe a beach towel or two isn't very important- but if you're only going to release a certain amount, and NOT going to limit purchases, just call it what it is- a flash sale. I would have reacted accordingly, and hired a baby sitter so I could line up. Wait, no, I wouldn't, because the plus sizes AREN'T AVAILABLE IN STORE. At least, that's what the "look book" and pre-sale propaganda informed me. Bottom line? I'm crossing my fingers that Target offers Employee Assistance Programs- that include psychological counseling for PTSD. Pretty sure most associates need that after today! Everyone looked totally shell-shocked.
According to the social media world though, I could be the proud owner of a plus size shift dress in green and white- IF I DRIVE TO KANSAS.
Target, you've pissed me off. Quite a bit. You will be getting NO LOVE from me, or my debit card.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Food, glorious food!!
I love food. Y'all know that. I cater, and bake, and am, in general, a crazy foodie. I just bought tickets for a farm to table dinner that isn't happening until the END OF JULY. I was so nuts to get them I harassed my friends via social media, texts, pictures, and phone calls to see if they wanted to go- I drew the line at sexting images of cabbages though...
Either way, I really, really, enjoy good food. I have recently embraced golden beets- and I totally blame my mother, and the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort in Disney World for this new addiction. I can't get enough of them. I roasted 12 last weekend, and they were gone by Wednesday. Some goat cheese, candied kumquats, and pecans? OH HELL YES. Amazing. California Grill blew my mind. I learned that I don't like pork rillettes even though I really should, considering the ingredients- and that I would probably throw someone into traffic for duck liver pate with black sea salt. Yup. I would. Hate me. I'm clearly a horrific person. If you've had it, you would probably do the same. I can also cook- I can whip up some pretty damn good fare. This weekend, however has been all about cakes. I had a Bar Mitzvah cake and cupcakes, and a third birthday to get done. Thankfully, I have friends that help me in a pinch! Love the way the Bar Mitzvah cake turned out... even though I had to make it twice because I dropped it. Stupid matchbox cars!!!
Either way, I really, really, enjoy good food. I have recently embraced golden beets- and I totally blame my mother, and the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort in Disney World for this new addiction. I can't get enough of them. I roasted 12 last weekend, and they were gone by Wednesday. Some goat cheese, candied kumquats, and pecans? OH HELL YES. Amazing. California Grill blew my mind. I learned that I don't like pork rillettes even though I really should, considering the ingredients- and that I would probably throw someone into traffic for duck liver pate with black sea salt. Yup. I would. Hate me. I'm clearly a horrific person. If you've had it, you would probably do the same. I can also cook- I can whip up some pretty damn good fare. This weekend, however has been all about cakes. I had a Bar Mitzvah cake and cupcakes, and a third birthday to get done. Thankfully, I have friends that help me in a pinch! Love the way the Bar Mitzvah cake turned out... even though I had to make it twice because I dropped it. Stupid matchbox cars!!!
All of this deliciousness aside, let's get real. We need food to sustain us- our bodies need healthy foods to make them work (thanks to all of the Curious Kids teachers that have taught my kids this!!!!) There are millions of people in the United States alone that can't afford to just jet into the market and spend five dollars on a container of organic raspberries (hell, myself included- it seems like such an extravagance). If you are reliant on food stamps, or SNAP, benefits, your daily food allotment boils down to FOUR. DOLLARS. A. DAY. Yes, stop and absorb that. That includes drinks, etc. If you're a bottled water snob, guess what??? NO FOOD FOR YOU. I am a very, VERY, lucky mama. I can afford to provide my kiddos with healthy foods (but no freaking raspberries- I mean C'MON!!!) and occasional dinners out. If I had to rely on a SNAP or food stamp ration, we'd be eating chicken nuggets and canned corn every single day.
It's Lent. I'm not a Catholic, so I'm not up on the specifics- but I do know that people give up stuff, and grow stronger spiritually, and what not. I am all for strengthening yourselves (as long as no weight training is actually involved, of course), so I have enjoyed hearing what people are "giving up" for Lent. I have a college friend, Stephanie Jussaume Peddicord (no relation to Nana Hannah and Pepe next door BTW!) who has adopted a rather unique Lenten challenge. She's going to eat only what someone reliant on food stamps, pantries, and SNAP would be able to eat. Four dollars a day. She's blogging this, and it is incredibly eye opening. Stephanie has partnered with HungerworX- and her goal is to raise fund to help people that are hungry. Not that "oh geez I really want that Wegman's chocolate tarte but it's eight bucks" hungry, but for families and individuals that are truly struggling. I can sit here in my nice warm house, in suburban Massachusetts, and wax and wane about my issues (umm, my toilet did explode this morning!) but bottom line? My children have food. I have food (have you seen my ass? Food is NOT my problem). So yeah, I made a donation. It's not going to shatter records for philanthropic giving, but it's something. I challenge you ALL to do something to make a difference in someone's life- you want to be hands on? AWESOME. Email me. I'll give you an organization to cook for. Donate food you've bought but won't get to. THINK about what you buy, and the waste we so often create.
And if you are so inclined? PLEASE consider making a monetary donation to HungerworX.
I'll climb off my soap box now, and go stuff my face with roasted beets.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Guilt...the worst kind...MOMMY GUILT!
Admit it. If you're a mom, or hell, a parent in general, you have THE GUILT. The "my kid is wearing pajamas to school AGAIN" guilt. The "ummm, yeah, they ate Doritos in the car on the way to school but you would never know except for that orange mouth" guilt. The "I was SURE he brushed his teeth well" guilt. We all have it. If you are one of the lucky ones who doesn't hang on to it, I HAVE YOURS. I feel guilty over freaking EVERYTHING. Today little J wanted mac and cheese in his lunchbox, and even got it out of the pantry for me. I sent him to the playroom to pick his show and tell toy, and promptly shoved something else, which was already cooked, in his lunchbox.
And then worried about it. ALL. DAY. Almost nauseous. Yeah, my kid is fine. He doesn't really need the mac and cheese in his lunch box. For flip's sake, I would have felt MORE guilty had I made it for him, because the only one he eats is Wegman's Spirals. Surely it has no nutritional value, AND red dye, or yellow dye, or orange dye number five million in it. I would have bitten my finger nails to the nubs over the permanent damage I was causing. I would have even put it in a non-glass tupperware that would be swarming with BPA, or PPD, or BPD, or whatever it is that would SURELY be destroying his intestines.
Sigh. The real guilt though? I bought myself a new pair of shoes. Not any shoes, but a new pair of patent leather (with polka dots!) Dansko XP clogs. Yeah. They're not cheap. Never mind the fact that I have not purchased myself a pair of shoes other than clearance sneaks in THREE YEARS. I'm a teacher, and my little VivoFit screams at me daily, accusing me of falsifying the steps I take each day. Yeah, um, watch thingy? I'm a TEACHER. I hustle during the day! It happens! And my feet suck. Plantar fasciitis like CRAZY. I need good shoes. I can rock Crocs, which make me look like a Smurf, or Danskos. The Danskos I wear every day were a Christmas gift- in 2009. Oiled Patent Leather. I love them. They're adorable. THEY ARE FIVE YEARS OLD. They are showing their age. It was time. Still, I debated the purchase for almost a week. They sat in my beautiful little Amazon cart for AGES. Today, I got a notification that there was ONE. PAIR. LEFT. It was my time to ACT! To be DECISIVE! I clicked "checkout", and actually went through with it. Since then, however, the guilt has been in overdrive. That's five cases of pull-ups. A week of groceries. Three days of yogurt.
Then I had a little reality check. I have to GET. THE. FUCK. OVER. THIS. SHIT. I have ENOUGH guilt. I still feel awful that I didn't stand in line myself to register my kid for kindergarten (even though it was literally JUST paper pushing)! Me feeling guilty changes absolutely nothing. I will be empowered to OWN my choices! I AM MAMA HEAR ME ROAR!
Snort. Who am I kidding? I'll still feel guilty, but wearing super adorable, new, orthopedic clogs.
And then worried about it. ALL. DAY. Almost nauseous. Yeah, my kid is fine. He doesn't really need the mac and cheese in his lunch box. For flip's sake, I would have felt MORE guilty had I made it for him, because the only one he eats is Wegman's Spirals. Surely it has no nutritional value, AND red dye, or yellow dye, or orange dye number five million in it. I would have bitten my finger nails to the nubs over the permanent damage I was causing. I would have even put it in a non-glass tupperware that would be swarming with BPA, or PPD, or BPD, or whatever it is that would SURELY be destroying his intestines.
Sigh. The real guilt though? I bought myself a new pair of shoes. Not any shoes, but a new pair of patent leather (with polka dots!) Dansko XP clogs. Yeah. They're not cheap. Never mind the fact that I have not purchased myself a pair of shoes other than clearance sneaks in THREE YEARS. I'm a teacher, and my little VivoFit screams at me daily, accusing me of falsifying the steps I take each day. Yeah, um, watch thingy? I'm a TEACHER. I hustle during the day! It happens! And my feet suck. Plantar fasciitis like CRAZY. I need good shoes. I can rock Crocs, which make me look like a Smurf, or Danskos. The Danskos I wear every day were a Christmas gift- in 2009. Oiled Patent Leather. I love them. They're adorable. THEY ARE FIVE YEARS OLD. They are showing their age. It was time. Still, I debated the purchase for almost a week. They sat in my beautiful little Amazon cart for AGES. Today, I got a notification that there was ONE. PAIR. LEFT. It was my time to ACT! To be DECISIVE! I clicked "checkout", and actually went through with it. Since then, however, the guilt has been in overdrive. That's five cases of pull-ups. A week of groceries. Three days of yogurt.
Then I had a little reality check. I have to GET. THE. FUCK. OVER. THIS. SHIT. I have ENOUGH guilt. I still feel awful that I didn't stand in line myself to register my kid for kindergarten (even though it was literally JUST paper pushing)! Me feeling guilty changes absolutely nothing. I will be empowered to OWN my choices! I AM MAMA HEAR ME ROAR!
Snort. Who am I kidding? I'll still feel guilty, but wearing super adorable, new, orthopedic clogs.
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