Little Bits of this and that

I haven’t abandoned this blog. Although from the looks of it, one might argue otherwise.

Where have I been? Well, besides hiding from my February curse, which is now officially over, I’ve betrayed my own sand box by playing in a new sandbox! Possibly revealing yet another symptom of my imaginary ADD. It’s time again, to add balance to my blogging time, while remembering to post here on occasion.

This new sandbox is part of the Arizona Republic’s website called Plugged In - SE Valley.  For those who live in the Southeast Valley, it’s worth having a look-see. I’ve learned some about my community, and participated in a few discussions.

Plugged In is the umbrella name for the AZ Republic newspaper’s online blogs; and they have a set for each area of Maricopa County. So you may take your pick, depending upon where you live.

I promise to post more often, now that some of the newness of Plugged In has worn off. Being easily distracted has benefits that I do enjoy. I discover what’s new, or new to me anyway. The downside is it makes for flakey and sporadic blog posts. I’m OK with that. 

On a Personal Note:

I have had some fun time with my children. From playing Yahtzee to roasting marshmallows over a bonfire, Tayler and Riley have been a complete joy to hang out with. Taking time to really listen to what your children have to say is not only rewarding for them, but for parents as well. For me, I’ve discovered qualities in them I genuinely enjoy. From their sense of humor to what is on their minds, they are enjoyable individuals.

Tayler, Kevin & Riley enjoying the crab legs.

Kevin and I had a crab feast with the kids, that besides being delicious was fun! It gave the hubby and I a chance to cook together in the kitchen as well. One of our favorites of all-time dishes, which as far as we know is only served at Houston’s, is their grilled artichokes served with a “secret sauce.”

Well Houston’s, I’m here to say eat your artichoke heart out! We (the hubby and I) have mastered the grilled artichoke and their secret sauce, for which they refused to give us the recipe. Houston’s in Scottsdale has been a favorite restaurant now for years. One of the reasons has been their grilled artichokes which are only on the menu for the season.

We have watched out favorite restaurant cut their quality little by little over the last couple of years. Albeit subtly, but nonetheless cutting away at the little touches that had made them a favorite to begin with. Their prime rib, once a HUGE slab of meat that literally melted in your mouth, has been sliced in half, and although I cannot say for sure, I’d be willing to bet the grade of meat is no longer the quality of years past.

Their $9.00 salad, that we willingly ordered and payed the price for, has replaced their boiled eggs with kernels of corn. Their smoked, freshly made bacon bits, are now maybe three or four on the salad, and again, the quality lacking what it once was.

Although they were small changes that the sporadic patron may not notice, those of us who were regular and devoted patrons not only noticed but relegated their restaurant to sporadic visits. One reason that has kept us coming back was their grilled artichokes with that special sauce. No more.

While the hubby scoured the internet and cookbooks, looking for a recipe for grilled artichokes, I played mad scientist in the kitchen with spices to re-create the sauce that was served with it. Mission accomplished. Although my sauce may not be exact, it comes very close to what is served at Houston’s. The only draw left to the Scottsdale Houston’s is their perfectly mixed Cosmopolitan, and the friendly bartender who mixed it. One more trip, and watching her mix my Cosmo, and the Scottsdale Houstons will be scratched from our list of date night restaurants.

If there is a lesson for restaurant managers to learn, it would be that cutting out to save a few pennies here and there in the end will lose you a customer base that has been devoted and spent far more than the few pennies you saved tweaking your menu. (Just my two cents worth)

And now I have to get back to some spring cleaning. My girlfriend Delta, from Washington state will be here this next week, and she deserves to sleep in a room that doesn’t look like a tornado hit it. Tayler has a spring orchestra concert tonight that I need to prepare for, so it doesn’t look like a tornado hit me.

Hope everyone is having a great start to the week!

Love,

3T

This weekend will be all about packing away the last remnants of the 2006 Holiday Season. Although I am a little wistful seeing everything bright and glittery packed away, I won’t waste energy begrudging the passage of time. Besides, the beginning of a new and what I believe will be a wonderful year is hardly reason to be sad.

December was a whirlwind of different activities, and with it I know each of us takes some wonderful memories.

For the first time EVER, I volunteered to be a chaperone for one of the rugrats’ school field trips. As Riley is my baby, the chances to do this are quickly coming to an end; I thought it was time to experience Momhood as a chaperone. Riley’s class took a trip to Polar Ice Skating rink, to ice skate and have a pizza party. Riley and I worked out the rules for Mom, including what I’m allowed to say and not say while in the presence of his classmates. No “I love yous” and no hugs. He did allow me to sit next to him on the bus, and to eat pizza with him and his buddies.

I found the experience rewarding. A chance to observe Riley and how he interacts with his classmates; I was actually surprised to see how low key he is around his classmates. Riley’s teacher has a special gift and bond with kids, and maintains control of the class with relative ease. Which meant what I mainly did was snap photos of the kids having a good time.

This month brought Tayler’s Holiday Orchestra concert as well. It amazed me at the amount of improvement in their music, just from the Fall concert. Watching her play beautiful music brought tears to my eyes. Of the good kind of course.

The hubby and I took the kids to MAC (Mesa Arts Center) to see the Mesa Symphony perform Handel’s Mesiah. A new experience for Riley, not-so-much for Tayler, who is in her school’s orchestra. Honestly, I have to admit that listening to classical music is something I would rather do in the privacy of my own home. Sitting for more than a couple of hours, even in the beautiful MAC was, well, torture. I’m getting old, and sitting in the same position is more than a little uncomfortable. Had it been a musical play, possibly it would have kept my interest more. How Riley got through it is beyond me. Overall I’m glad we went and had the opportunity to expose Riley to the Arts.

Kevin’s brother Jim, and his family, sent us a gift card to the Broadway Palms Theatre that we’ll use to take the kids to see a musical or play. I think this will be a much more enjoyable experience for the kids. (OK, as well as me) It was a wonderful idea and thoughtful gift. We have been talking about taking the kids to a play now for a couple of years. Now we just need to pick one. Tayler will love it. Riley? We’ll see. I’m thinking since his first experience was a symphony, seeing a play will be far more interesting and fun for him. (I know it will be for me.)

Close to Christmas I had a Christmas brunch for the girlfriends that I have met through blogging. We had a wonderful and relaxing time, visiting, eating and drinking. I want to thank Rhonda, Rachel and Jade for taking time out of their busy holiday schedules to come out to our house for a visit. I put together stockings for each of the ladies, stuffing them with different goodies I thought they would like. (I love playing Santa!) Kevin played bartender, and I don’t believe anyone could have done a better job at it! I am really amazed at what wonderful friends came from this hobby. I love each of these ladies as if we had known each other for years!

Christmas Eve, we went to my X-husband’s house for a little celebration with the kids, and their grandmother. (The X’s Mom) They had a wide variety of appetizers and champagne, and Tayler and her Dad put on a little Christmas concert for all of us. Her Dad played the guitar and Tayler her violin. Robby, my oldest, and his grandmother provided vocals. It was enjoyable, if not a little Norman Rockwell-ish. After all, my kids were performing, and they did my favorite Chritmas song, Oh Holy Night. As odd as it might sound, socializing with my X and his Mom, the joy in my kids’ faces, having all of their loved ones together is worth any slight discomfort there might be. I thank my understanding and confident husband for handling this situation as well as he does. I know if the tables were turned, well....I don’t see myself handling it quite as well as he does. (That may be putting it extremely mildly)

We didn’t end up making the turkey Christmas dinner as we had tentatively planned. It’t just so easy to make a reservation at a close resort for their Christmas buffet and let the kids eat themselves into a stuffed state of contentment. And it meant that the hubby and I could take off for Laughlin earlier in the day, not having the mass clean-up and prep a Holiday dinner carries.

Now it’s time to pack it all away, and look towards the first half of 2007.
I hope it’s a good one for us - and you!

Love,

3T

3T Tree 2006

I haven’t posted in two weeks. Although I have tried reading some of my faves hit and miss during that time. As I have a few minutes before the day really get’s going, I thought I’d put up a quick post.

First, let me say, that Ira Blecker, MD, was correct in his reading of my sonogram. “Probably benign” = Definitely benign. That’s behind me and my family and now I’d like to forget that whole losing-a-breast scare. (OK, losing a breast was only in MY mind, but since it’s my breast, I’m thinking this was an understandable melodramatic reaction to the uncerntainty of it all. Don’t argue, this is how I see it.)

Not that it slowed down the usual holiday scramble to complete all the chores that are on my and my husband’s holiday to-do lists. I will not be dwelling on my fondled, battered and flattened breast for another 6 months. This mammogram flattening of the breast can’t be condusive for maintaining firm breasts. But, I can’t think about that right now; that’s a lament for another day.

I could go through my grocery list of activities over the last two weeks, but I’m sure it’s similar to everyone else’s. Besides, doing so would exhaust me before I start today. Today, I brave the malls for what I hope will be the last time before Christmas. With two kids in tow, no less.

The day started around 5 as usual, getting Riley up and nagged into school readiness, to pull into an empty school parking lot.  Winter break started today, not tomorrow. It’s only 8:45 AM and already I have received the first “I’m bored” from Riley Rugrat. It’s going to be a long two weeks. But at least it will start at around 8 each morning versus the normal 5:00 AM.

After the Holidays wind down, I’m hoping to post a little more consistently. Right now, any spare time has been all about photos, and my flickr photo album.  I’m not allowing for a build-up, but uploading them as I go. Hey, it’s what I’m enjoying at the moment, so I’m going with it.

Hope all of your prep work for the Holidays is winding down and we’re all able to take some relaxing breaths and enjoy the reason for the season.

Back to the grind.

Love,

3T

Can’t sleep. Went to bed at 10:00 PM and tossed and turned for an hour and a half before I just got up. Laying in bed when you can’t sleep is irritating torture. My limbs and hips are throbbing, making it impossible to get comfortable. And that was after a kama sutra oil foot rub, from my wonderful husband.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’ve no doubt everyone ran around like chickens turkeys with their heads cut off as well. (I like to think so anyway)

This next post was to tell everyone about the wonderful christmas present that Rachel gave me! My blog is sporting it. This beautiful new Christmas template designed by Rachel of Weblog Design Studios. I love it! And as always, she did a creative and beautiful job on it!!!  Thank you Rachel. As usual your generosity is humbling. (And very much appreciated!)

We survived all the prep-work for the Thanksgiving Day feast, and it went off without a hitch. Kevin prepared two turkeys this year. One he put together in the traditional manner, with the bird stuffed with stuffing, and the other turkey was deep fried. If you enjoy your turkey crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle, deep-fried turkey delivers.

I have yet to watch Kevin prepare his stuffing, as he starts it well before any of us get up in the morning. I love his stuffing completely! Riley, who rarely eats anything he can’t completely recognize, loves Kevin’s stuffing! I usually will have the table laid out and ready for the silverware and plates to be laid out, the night before.

We relaxed quite a bit on Thanksgiving Day. Three of our dinner party were not able to make it, due to a nasty case of the flu. (I’m a firm believer in the flu vaccine) But then Tayler was busy being an extra in a movie on the day Riley and I went in to get vaccinated. Kevin got his at work. So it was good Tayler wasn’t around Roxanne and the kids this weekend. I take her in this Thursday to get the flu vaccination.

The house was cleaned thoroughly days before Thanksgiving, so there wasn’t any cleaning and odds and ends rushing around. Kevin and I split the different dishes for Thanksgiving. Although I did have the X bring a fruit platter and green bean casserole. The kids’ grandmother brought the desserts. She made a scrumptious pumpkin pie, apple pie and a pudding dessert that I don’t remember the name of. I was in charge of making a shrimp salad, the candied yams and the whipped garlic and sour cream mashed potatoes with gravy. We cheat on the gravy. We buy the Boston Market jarred turkey gravy and combine the turkey giblets with it, bringing it to a boil and then sticking it in a miniature crock pot to simmer for an hour. Very tasty.

My potatoes and candied yams were a little different this year. Like most of my recipes, I’ll take someone else’s recipe and tweak it to my own tastes. This is basically what I did with the potatoes and candied yams. I stole a few ideas from Stephanie Klein’s recipes she had posted on her blog. For the whipped garlic potatoes I took the horse radish from her recipe and added it to my own. With a wonderful outcome. The candied yams, the same thing. This year the sauce received a splash of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, (the usual brown sugar and butter) and my special secret ingredient, Kahlua. (Stephanie uses bourbon, I think.) Which led me to believe my Kahlua would work well too. And it did! They were the best I’ve ever made. We were so thrilled with the outcome, that instead of going to a Resort this year for Christmas brunch, we’re going to do this meal all over again. Kevin baked the rolls, since 8 times out of 10 I burn them.


We have eaten various combinations of Thanksgiving dinner Thursday through Sunday. The upside of cancelled company is the amount of leftovers are mind boggling. Even with sending some home with Randy and Margie. And we’ve loved every meal out of it!

Friday was a full day of pulling out the Christmas decorations, organizing them, and then we start to assemble the Christmas tree. We literally double the amount of lights put on the Christmas tree this year, much to the husbands chagrin. It WAS an ALL DAY project. Kevin started the Christmas decor for our front yard about an hour before sunset. Then we collapsed in front of the TV with the kids and watched Ice Age 2 and Cars. We loved Ice Age, and both Kevin and I dozed off during Cars.

Saturday Kevin spent all of it outside preparing our Christmas light display. He is making noises about wanting to put something big ON THE ROOF. His footing is not the surest, as the few chores he gets on a step-ladder for have proven. I’ll be doing some fancy distracting, to keep him from pursuing this goal. The house is bright and pretty, the roof is fine as is. I’ve tweaked the tree a little, but haven’t gotten in to REALLY decorating it yet. When it was dark, we had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows and sat around it staring at the flames, while the kids did their best to set the backyard on fire playing with sticks and fire. Today we did nothing but sit in the hot tub and lay around in between plates full of turkey dinner and pies.

And now here I am, not even slightly closer to sleep, and it’s well after midnight. I know what is finally coming up this week. And although I have willed myself not to worry about it during the busy time of Thanksgiving, I think it’s creeping back in, since I have to fill out all the medical forms every doctor’s office requires you to do. (Why can’t they just send a copy of my medical reports from the referring doctor?)

I want to thank DB and Christine for the beautiful bouquet of flowers they sent to me, and for the well wishes and zen that was sent with the flowers. They brought smiles to my face and heart. Thank-you DB and Christine, you’re special friends!


And now, I’m suffering through a hot flash, peeling off clothes in between typing. Damn if this is any indication of what’s to come, I’m really not looking forward to this. (this=menopause) So Wednesday is it. I will finally be moving towards a more definitive diagnosis. I feel confident that it’s fibroadenomas, even so, after all I’ve read I think I want them removed. Having them does predispose one to cancer. But my thinking is, remove them, and leave a better view for anything else that might pop out in future mammograms. (always the optimist)

The fact is, I am afraid. Just the thought of a needle going into my breast, makes me weak at my knees. Let alone actually cutting into them! Well I’m not going to be able to psycho-babble myself out of my fears, but I can at least express them.

Well I’m tired of typing, so I’ll close now. And if I still can’t sleep, I’ll read a few blogs. Hope everyone has recovered from the turkey haze and is ready for a new week!

Love,

3T

BLOGTOBERFEST:

Arizona Bloggers will be gathering for Blogtoberfest on October 7th, and I would love the opportunity to meet more bloggers from our area! Vox is organizing this event, so go check out the latest at her place.

The Basics:

Date: October 7
Time: 3:00 PM to...?
Place: Sonoran Brewing Company,
322 E. Camelback, Phoenix

Vox has a list of attendees on her site. Go add your name and come meet bloggers from all over the Valley.

Sidenote: If you don’t have a blog, but just enjoy reading them, you are invited too! Come meet those you read, at this year’s Blogertoberfest.

Special “Thank-you’s” regarding my Birthday week

Thank you to Jade and OhGirl for taking me out to lunch, and gifting me with some cool new sunglasses and personalized coasters from the Wine Valley in California. Oh Girl, I never publicly thanked you for the Coach hand bag you gave me a while back. I love it! And appreciate your generosity. And of course, Rachel, whose talent and generosity never ceases to amaze me. A special thank you to the rest of my internet friends for the birthday wishes in the form of posts and emails. I love all of you!

To my husband’s siblings who remembered my birthday with cards and gifts. Jim and Barb, I was very touched by what you wrote in the card (I’m saving this one for times when I’m depressed) And a Starbucks gift card is always the perfect gift! Thank you.  Margie and Mike, thank you so much for the card and the “mad money” to spend gambling in Laughlin! You two are always so thoughtful.  And Mike, thank you for the card. You are always so thoughtful and sending your brother and me cards throughout the year. They are very much appreciated, and never fail to touch our hearts.

Gin and Rishel, my homegirls, who managed to track me down in Laughlin to wish me a Happy Birthday. I love you both dearly! I know this wasn’t an easy task, since we were supposed to stay at the Colorado Belle and instead changed hotels after one night. Long story short, I didn’t get my balcony room, as promised. As spoiled as this may sound, I was willing to try and make the best of it. That is until I realized there was NO. ROOM. SERVICE. other than a continental breakfast in the mornings. I’m sorry, but HOTEL ROOM = ROOM SERVICE to me. Otherwise I classify the hotel as camping out.

And of course, a big thank you to my family, who always remembers birthdays. Mom and Dad, I know you lead very busy lives, and always appreciate the time you take out to make my birthday special. Tawni and Tara, thank you for the email and phone calls! It is nice to be remembered, even though we now live over a thousand miles apart.

From writing out these Thank-you’s I see very clearly how blessed I am with wonderful family and friends.

A special thank you to my husband, who got me the Coach bag I have been drooling over for months and months! You know I love it!

Our trip went well. Although gambling winnings were not in the cards this time around, we found new and special ways to make this trip unique and treasured. I know I’ve said it before, but to all couples out there, get away with your mate alone. As often as you can!

I know money and finances seem to play a role in this for most of us. It takes some ingenuity and creativity to put together special weekends or weeks together. But it is possible if you search out ways that fit into your budget.

For us, Laughlin became our place, due to the usually cheap hotel rooms and inexpensive food. Every dollar spent gambling is accounted for by getting the Player’s Cards, that are always free at the casinos. With card in hand, they know what we spend on gambling,(which really doesn’t add up to that much) and usually send us free hotel room deals, and free meal money that adds up with the points on the Player cards. We had a lovely steak dinner on the hotel we stayed at this trip!

This just affords us the opportunity to step outside of our daily routines, relax and concentrate on “us.” Those with kids know how difficult it can be to carve out time for just husband and wife. It is just as important to us as, say, spending quality time with the kids. You want insurance on your marriage?  Find time to play with your spouse, doing things you both enjoy doing, together. Don’t ever give up dating your spouse.

The kids will be back in a couple of hours, ending our alone time for now. But we take these memories with us, until we can break away again. We start out in the daily rountine, refreshed and ready to take on the world!

Hope everyone’s weekend was a good one!

Love,

3T

Ruled By My Emotions

I haven’t been “into” posting lately. I’m not offering up an excuse really. I’m ruled by my emotions in a lot of different areas of my life. Blogging is one of them. I love running around reading my favorites, and putting my two cents in when the spirit moves me. But there are times I’m just not moved to post. Laziness? Partly I’m sure. The other part is when life seems hectic and/or busy, I just can’t settle down enough to put together a post.

Broken Printer

OK, it isn’t really broken, although it’s not printing so it might as well be. Something to do with cleaning some part. I need my printer in order to put together and write the posts on Fibromyalgia. So these posts will happen down the line as soon as the printer is back up and running, or we buy another one. Whichever comes first.

Life of Riley

Meet the teacher night was Thursday. Like every year to date, all of us start out optimistic and hopeful. This will be the year Riley puts it together! The teacher smiles at him, hugs him, and smiles at us. Assuring all that this will be a good year! We revel in these precious moments, as all too soon, we see a guarded look on her face. Masking???  Is that hostility? But for now, we are hopeful and optimistic.

New Beginings

My beautiful Tayler starts Jr. High School this year. Dressed meticulously in a pretty khacki-colored skirt and brown knit-striped top with a pair of casual heels, she heads for the car for Orientation Friday. She is assigned her very first locker, and listens intently to directions for her new school. I gaze at this young lady and instantly see my newborn baby girl, with tiny fingers that appear translucent. Where did the last twelve years go?

He & She

The air last night was comfortable, so we sat next to the pool and took in the sunset and dusk. My favorite time of the day, it eases all tension and calm spreads thru me. Shedding all chothes, we sink into the pool for a dip in the lukewarm crystal waters. Soaking in its warmth, floating and quietly discussing the week. I always feel so connected to him, even when we’re wordless.

Loving Friends

Thursday was lunch with the homegirls. Gin, Jackie and Rishelle. A one hour lunch turns into two without realizing it. Laughing and catching up on our families, work and life. They add to my sense of belonging, and feeling grounded, with hugs, laughter and pasta. And a Happy Birthday to Gin, this time.

School Supplies

The big trip into Target, hunting for the school supplies, guessing what may be on the list, since the schools didn’t get their lists out in time. And Target’s “lists” stand empty from early supply shoppers. This is my downfall from the budget. I love office supplies, and aquire for myself a white/wipe board for daily reminders. A desktop calendar with plenty of room to write the many errands and activities I need to run the kids to each day, mentally preparing myself for the start of 3T’s taxi service.

The Minivan has a nickname

I have named the new minivan finally. Although I still am not emotionally attached to it like the ol’ dirty white dodge minivan, I’m enjoying my new ride. And 3TSTAXI is now proclaimed right on the license plate. Ready to cart kids to football practices, basketball practices, and drama classes.

Date Night

Tonight is at Pointe South Mountain at the Latitude 30 degrees restuarant, fine dining at it’s best, I guess. Where the cuisine is fusion something-or-other, with rich sauces, and a chinese flavor to the dishes. My stomach doesn’t do well with rich foods, my eyes and heart are already set for the dessert, creme brulee.(A leftover from the winning bid on the silent auction from The Governors Ball) He wants to see Miami Vice, and so we will. I have procured the promise that the next two movies will be the proverbial “chick flicks” in leui of one testosterone filled Miami Vice. And then the best part of date night, some skinny dipping in the dark.

And now it’s time for a short nap, to prepare myself for a late night. I hope the rest of your weekend is fabulous, relaxing and enjoyable.

Love,

3T

With bad grammar, sentence structure and possibly mispelled words. I’m OK with that today. I’m headed out in an hour for a massage, facial and pedicure. It will take up a good three hours, and it couldn’t come at a more perfect time. My thoughts are disjointed and hopping to and fro.

I do believe it is due to the million and one interuptions today. Ever have one of those days, where you don’t complete one task or one thought before it is interrupted by another demand or favor or what-have-you? That’s today. The X showed up mumbling about his broken AC system. And of course wanted the name of the company I used last year.

Anyone who knows me, knows I save every freaking receipt and business card and phone number. The problem is I am so scatter-brained and unorganized that actually accessing this information can take hours. An hour later, still no reciept in hand, but I did find a business card magnet with an AC repair number on it. I think I actually used them for cleaning the ducts. This is the number he received. Fingers crossed that they aren’t crooks. But I was done hunting!

In the meantime the phone has rang on average of every half hour since I got up. With my imaginary ADD this does not bode well with accomplishing much, or completing a thought. The X showed up with the kids, to pick up Riley’s skateboard, and descended on the house creating chaos as they went. Just in time for the hubby to show up for lunch. Calgon take me away! or someone give me a valuim. This has to be PMS.

Now that I’m done bitching, I would like everyone who has stopped by here and actually made it this far into this post, to stop by Chatty’s place and wish her a Happy 40th Birthday! This is a special one, and I hope she has nothing but a wonderful time during her Birthday week!

Happy Happy Birthday Chatty! May it be your best celebration to date!

Love,

3T