MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Fiestaware

Please go here and enter the Fiestaware give-a-way. A great way to get some cool dishes.

Winter Blahs

I haven't seen the sun in days. Stuck here in the midwest I see snow. I see ice. I see clouds. I see no sun.

One of my school kids asked me today, "The sun is red right?"

"No! It's yellow!" Shouted another.

"Orange! The sun is orange!" offered yet another student.

*Sigh*

The lack of sunlight has effected the young too. Not being able to colour something as simple as the sun. So, so sad.

Let us hope the ice on the ground, the snow now falling leads us to a 2 hour delay in the 'morrow. That would make this weather worth it... well, almost.

Scattagories fun

WHAT IS YOUR "Blog' NAME: Kikilia
BOY NAME: Kieran
4 LETTER WORD: Kelp
GIRL NAME: Keiko
OCCUPATION: Knight
A COLOR: Kelly Green
SOMETHING YOU WEAR: Kilt
BEVERAGE: Kahlua or even Kool-Aid (ick)
FOOD: Kiwi
SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Kaopectate
A PLACE : Keikionga
REASON FOR BEING LATE: Kids
SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: Kowabunga!

Barley Soup

It's cold here. Cold. Light dusting of snow on the ground. Time for Oma's Barley soup. Oma is would be my great- grandmother whom I've never met except through her barley soup.

Hope you enjoy too.

1 pounds beef short ribs or soup bone with lots of meat
1-Tbs shortening -brown ribs on both sides- so meat is brown
When meat is brown add 1 qt liquid-- Water or beef stock/broth. I prefer broth/stock.
Add salt and pepper & garlic clove
Cook until meet is tender 1-1 1/2 hours
When meat is done- remove from broth and take off bones- add back to soup
Add 1/4 cup shredded carrots (or cut fine)
1/4 cup onions cut fine
1/4 cup celery diced very fine
1 potato diced fine
1 Tbs. ketchup
1/4 cup barley

You can also add green beans- though I never have

It takes about 20-25 minutes for barley to cook.

This soup is great the next day.

Hope anyone who tries it enjoys it.

Monday

Can't believe how long it's been since I've posted. Not a whole lot to blog about actually- everyone around here is beyond sick and I'm just getting over it. The child is just getting it, and my mother is in the middle of it.

If awards were given for hacking coughs- I'd say we'd be contenders.

Anyway- hope to post more soon.

I think I've been inspired by the first snow of the season. Yup, snow. It even stuck to the ground. :-)

Trick or Treat and other Halloween things

Our small town decided to have trick or treat tonight, October 30 rather than on Halloween due to the local football sectional. I am miffed to say the least, but Pipsqueak had a good time being a vampire witch this year.

My letter to the town Halloween committee will get done and maybe will have some bearing on next year. I won't hold my breath, but one never knows.

The pictures are this year's Jack O' Lantern and one I call "Thank you- thank you very much"....

Hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!

Oh- and btw- the car- not mine. It's my folks.

Indian clothes!

This is just a touch of the embroidery on Pipsqueak's newest bday gift. A traditional Indian outfit. She looks lovely in it. New outfit and bangles- what a great way to extend the bday.

8!

Good grief! I can't believe it's been near on a month since I've posted. I guess life has been getting away from me and the blog or lack thereof as the case may be has suffered.

Today the Pipsqueak turned 8. Yup, 8. I still can't believe it. Seems like just yesterday this small creature came into my life. She totally turned my world upside down and it's been great (for the most part).

She woke up and celebrated with cake for breakfast, a brand new Nin*tendo DS and accessories a la Hello K*itty... plus a game.

We then went to the zoo (met her G*dmother there), Indian restaurant for lunch- the food was divine, and to wrap it up we hit the mall where a "new furry friend" was made thanks to Build a B*ear. She chose an elephant whom she named Elly. Elly is of course an Asian elephant.

All in all it was a great day and I hope she has many more great days to come.

I'd love to do a thought provoking post on the last 6 years with my child but am too tired. Maybe later this week.

Until then- Happy Birthday Pipsqueak!

More zoo pictures

The first picture is of course, the sea lion balancing her ball while doing a handstand. The second is just a neat photo (I thought) of the Black footed penguins from Africa.

Feeding time at the Zoo

The Pipsqueak and I spent the afternoon at the zoo. We signed up for a program and for a nominal fee were able to prepare lunch for 2 zoo animals. In our case the Red Panda and a Tortise.

The zoo kitchen smelled awful- but it was neat making the food. The other class participants made food for animals like River Otters and Bobcats to Scarlet Macaws and Rabbits.

After making the food we got to walk around part of the zoo to feed our animals. Feeding the Red Panda had to be one of the neatest experiences ever. The Pipsqueak got to hand feed her and I was able to get one good picture of the event.

We also saw the Sea Lion feeding/show and I have a great picture of a Sea Lion balancing a ball on her nose while doing a handstand. Was great and hopefully I'll get it posted later.

Anyway- after the zoo we grabbed a late lunch and headed home via the country roads in order to stop and pick our pumpkins from some kind farmers front yard.

All in all, a great day.

School and Sickness

New school, new kids, new germs = me having my first major cold of the season. It turned into some type of sinus/allergy thing too- so this past week has been rough. I feel a bit better today and hope this week will go much better breathing wise.

I'm enjoying the new job. I have kids from grades 1-5 and am enjoying them as well. Never was sure if I'd do okay with the bigger kids- but they are a lot of fun too.

Spent part of the day at the zoo yesterday for a class for the Pipsqueak in horse care. She even made the local news for another zoo event and was thrilled to see herself on TV last night.

I can't believe it's a little over a month before she turns 8. Seems like yesterday I was celebrating her 2nd bday (1st party) a few months after she came home. She wants a 'real' party this year- so we're going to have it a week early so it can be outside.

I think some sort of 'pin the hat on the witch' or the 'mole on the troll' depending on the poster I can find, decorating small pumpkins with markers, ice cream and cupcakes and we'll be finished. Oh and gift opening of course. She won't let me forget that.

She wants a cake on her actual bday- so that will be a family party and I think will be very low-keyed and laid back.

Best get going - am going to make jalapeno poppers and then must find bread and soup for my lunches for school this week.

A break

Okay- I'm needing to take a small break from the blog... nothing major just a week or so.

I start a new F/T job this next week and need to get my head wrapped around teaching f/t again.

I'm thrilled, but nervous too. It seems so long ago that I had my own room. That, coupled with the fact that this is a situation I've never taught before - a pull out program- I really need my focus to be at school.

Okay- gotta run- many errands to run today.

Be back soon.

Wordless Wednesday

Untitled

Summer is flying by way to fast for my liking. I haven't been doing too much. The lake, the zoo, a promising job interview, laundry, bike riding, and the usual stuff.

Still- I can't believe we're already mid-July and I must start back to school shopping soon.

The Pipsqueak has outgrown all her long pants. Not around the waist- length wise. Ugh. Ah well- let's hope I find some great sales.

Not much to report- just thought I'd post since it's been awhile.

Wordless Wednesday

Ode to Sliders

First is this



Then this


Finally- there is this



We don't have a White C*astle near where I live. The closest one is 90 minutes or so away. We went to a cousin's baby shower 2 hours away today. There was a White C*astle. The lovely Slider establishment. We saw. We ordered. We brought the goods home and were hailed as heros. Alas the feast ended.

Until next time my friend, until next time.

Now- if I can only find a Church*s Chicken less than 2 hours away......or a W*ing Stop.......

Hungry?

Another web site got me thinking of a family favorite, beef stroganoff. We usually had it at Christmas at my grandma's house. Brings back lots of memories. Think I may have to make it sometime soon.

We usually double this recipe and serve over white rice. It's an easy recipe to double or even triple.

Enjoy.

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless beef sirloin tip, cut into strips
stick of butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 sliced green onions (white part only)
5 TBS flour
1 can condensed beef broth
1 tsp Dijon mustard
6-8 oz of sliced mushrooms (canned is fine)
1/3 C sour cream
1/3 C red wine
salt/pepper/garlic to taste

What to do:

1. Remove fat and gristle from sirloin and sprinkle with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper.

2. Heat skillet and add the stick of butter. When butter is melted add the mean and saute quickly, browning the meat evenly.

3. Push meat to one side and add the green onions and cook slowly until transparent.

4. Push onions aside and stir flour into drippings.

5. Add the beef broth. Bring to boiling then turn heat down, stir in the mustard and cover pan. Simmer for about 1 hour or until meat is tender.

6. Five minutes before serving add the mushrooms, sour cream and red wine. Heat through and season to taste with salt/pepper/garlic.

7. Serve over steamed rice (or noodles)

Let's Pretend

Let's pretend shall we?

Let's pretend that there's a woman who has spent 8 years in a Midwestern senate. She's of mixed race. Seen as black by this country. She has two small children and seems to have a ton of charisma and personality. Would she be your pick for president? Would she have enough experience in your eyes to be able to hold the job?

What about a white man with the same qualifications. Eight years in the senate, seems to be able to hold a crowd. Can give a great speech. Would you want him- with that lack of experience in the white house?

If you answered no- you wouldn't be alone. So why is it that Barak Obama is now the Democratic nominee for president?

Is it because sexism is still more prevalent in this country than we like to believe? Is it because folks were afraid of being called racist if they pointed out Obama's shortfalls?

If a white man or a woman of any race had tried to run with the experience Obama brings, they would have been laughed out of the race before it even began. Why the difference for Obama?

Don't get me wrong- I would like to feel as if the Democrats can clean up the mess left in the white house under the Bush administration. I just don't think the presidential nominee has the experience to get the things done that he can so wonderfully speak of doing.

So, come election time, I'll be one of "those" people that chooses not to vote. I'll choose not to vote because I can not, in good conscious back either presidential candidate.

Why??

80 applications for four job openings. I guess this is why I don't yet have a teaching job in my home state.

I know it could be worse- but allow me a moment to pity myself as I know I'm a damned good teacher who can't even get an interview!

Yesterday was Zoo Day Field Trip

Mr. Peacock strutting his stuff for the local ladies.

Easiest White Chili Ever

Today is the first time I've tried to make or have eaten white chili. Typically made from chicken or turkey and white beans it never seemed all that appetizing to me.

Today has changed that. I made what had to be the easiest white chili and it was also very tasty. Let me know if anyone out there tries this and enjoys it.

1 lbs. cooked chicken shredded- I used a rotisserie chicken

48 oz of white beans. I used a combo of cannelloni and navy beans- but feel free to use northern beans, all cannelloni, all navy, etc... whatever you like best

1 jar of salsa mild - I used P*ace. Again use what you like

1 small can mild green chilies

80z Mexican blend shredded cheese- I used Sar*gento's. Feel free to use all Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack or whatever you like

1 TBS. cumin

6 small shakes Texas*Pete hot sauce

Put all ingredients in your pan. Heat through on the stove.

Everyone enjoyed this chili. I was amazed.

This is a very mild chili so if you want it with a bit more of a kick use medium or hot salsa &/or add hotter peppers.

Enjoy.

He Mei

It seems that Anna Mae He (Baker) is now being called He Mei in her school in China. I can't imagine having my name taken away after losing so much already. I suppose it may be easier for her to blend in this way. Or perhaps the Chinese teachers will only call her by her Chinese name. Still, it must be hard.

The article states that at home she is probably still being called Anna Mae and spoken to in English. However, I guess folks wouldn't know this for certain unless they were there.

Just wondering

After reading about the earthquake in China I began to wonder if Anna Mae He (Baker) was okay. If she was touched by the earthquake, if she's in school yet. Last I read, she couldn't go to school because it was too expensive. I believe she is living in Changsha w/Jack & Casey He her biological parents.

I still find myself thinking of this child I've never met at times simply due to the circumstances surrounding her adoption and then being returned to her biological family.

I hope she is doing well and can one day understand all the fuss which surrounds her.

Humanity

Irena Sendler managed to keep her humanity during a time when man's humanity to man was forgotten has died in Poland. Her life is documented in the play "Life in a Jar".

Please take a moment to read about this remarkable woman.

What a Sunday/Mother's Day

I've discovered an interesting way to loose weight before the summer fully hits us. The steps are listed below for those who want to read them. I've lost 5 pounds in 3 days thus far.

1. Get a deep tissue massage on Wednesday.
2. Wake up on Thursday with flu like soreness and symptoms.
3. Decide you're too nausious to really eat on Thursday, so you lay around most of the day sleeping.
4. Wake up Friday feeling a bit better. Try a touch of egg drop soup. Realize anything that goes in comes out rather quickly. In a not so pleasant way.
5. Decide eating isn't worth the outcome (literally) and stick to water and bouillon.
6. Wake up hungry on Saturday. Think the worst of the stomach issues are over. Drink a lot of water.
7. Continue feeling good. Try bouillon. Success! Decide you can now try "real" food.
8. Try "real" food. Two bites or three bites of boiled chicken fill you up and you decide goldfish crackers are great.
9. Have a pretty nice day. Eat a goldfish cracker here or there. Some more egg drop soup.
10. Think the worst of it's over. Head to bed.
11. Wake up at 3:30 a.m. remain in bathroom until 4:30 a.m. due to stomach doing loopty loops.
12. Again decide eating isn't worth it.
13. Go back to bed.
14. Wake up.
15. Have child wish you a Happy Mother's Day with a homemade card.
16. Hug child.
17. Head to kitchen to find rice and bouillon.
18. Bribe somebody to go buy a sports drink.
19. Lay down on couch with small child- not even caring that said child is watching SpongeBob Stupid Pants.
20. Hopefully end cycle on Sunday as the week begins again on Monday.

Ouch!

Okay- I love massages. Usually. They get out the knots, get the blood flowing, and followed by an adjustment from the chiropractor- are usually very helpful.

Not the one I had Wednesday though. OMG! Deep tissue massage is deep tissue massage no matter how lightly it's done or how little it hurt at the time. I feel a bit better today than yesterday.... but still feel like I could sleep another two days straight through.

Have felt achy, nauseous and like I was hit by a truck.... am hoping it's over tomorrow. Who knew getting one's blood flowing could be such an ordeal?

Politics

I rarely discuss politics with anyone. I find that I don't enjoy the eventual hurt feelings and disbelief that seem to come from both sides when folks "debate" opposite candidates.

A lot of shouting has been heard recently about the Democratic Superdelegates giving Clinton the nomitation even if Obama wins popular vote. Me, I'm fine with that if it happens. What? Some may say. How can you be okay with that? Well, there are a couple of reasons.

First, anyone remember Al Gore? Yup. The man won the popular vote for President, but not enough in the electorial college. Ooops. I voted for Gore. I was one of the voters who was ignored.

Secondly, I don't want McCain in the White House. Excuse me if I think that our current economic condition and the war in Iraq are reasons to vote for something a bit new.

I think if the superdelegates hand the nomination to Clinton, they do so because they feel that she can win the White House. Not because of some 'race baiting' that folks see in this campaign.

I have seen many problems with Obama as well. Things that he has said about folks in my part of the country, not seeming to care that he's no longer mixed race in this election process, playing campaign ads that make it seem like he's not "in" with the oil companies. It is against the law for candidates to take any money from oil companies. However, both camps have taken contributions from folks in the oil industry.

When my vote is counted, it will be for the person who I think has the experience and background to get things done. A person who doesn't support the current No Child Left Behind laws, someone who supports a woman's choice over what happens to her body, a person who has played hardball in Washington before- as a senator and a first lady. Yup. I'm in the Clinton camp.

I only hope she gets a chance to prove that she can change things for the better in this country. That we aren't left with McCain in office, or floundering with someone who is marvelous at speaking, but has no idea on how to get things accomplished.

Wordless Wednesday

Alone

I would love some alone time right about now.

Am still sick and would like one day just to sleep allllll day.

Ah- to be on that deserted island-

Finished!

The Pipsqueak is officially done with Vision Therapy! Yeah! She really worked her tail off this past year and the progress is amazing.

We go back for a recheck in 3 months. If that's okay- we're done.

Amazing what VT can do for a kid and their learning.

Story-courtesy of Pipsqueak

Once their was a woman who was getting married. Her sister married her husband though and it made the woman very mad. She put on her wedding dress and headed upstairs to where her sister was with a knife.

Suddenly there was a "thud!"

The police came. The woman was rocking in her rocking chair and jumped out the window.

Now, every April 19th she comes back to haunt the people that made her mad.

It's the Ghost of the Bride who's sister married her boyfriend.

You do believe in her, don't you?

Ugh

Woke up with sore throat and sneezes. Lousy cold &/or allergies. Am taking it easy and have eaten quite a bit of egg drop soup.

I work tomorrow and hope I'll survive. It's kindergarten and they have too much energy for someone fighting a cold. I hope the air*orne and other cold type products work.

I stand corrected

"You get more love in a heart than with bees."

That is the Pipsqueak's most recent expression.

Poet Laureate?

"You can get more love with a heart than with bees." so has the Pipsqueak been saying all weekend.

She loves to make up stories and sayings and songs. Now that reading and writing have really "clicked" with her, I love imagining where she'll be able to take her talents.

Her best friend, Shortstuff came over today and they played all day. From about 11:20-4pm. Most of the time outside. Thank the weather for spring! At least for today. It was sunny, and warm and a great day for chalk pictures on the driveway. They had a blast and it was a nice day.

Now, to get ready for the week.

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Anniversary

Today marks the 6th anniversary of the Pipsqueak coming home. Today also marks the 5th anniversary of the Pipsqueak's adoption becoming finalized. March 28th is a big day in our family. I can't believe my 7 1/2 year old has been home that long.

We celebrated by going out for Indian food. Is there something wrong in that my Indian born child would rather eat American, Mexican, Italian, or Chinese food than Indian? She ate rice, cantaloupe, lettuce, 1/2 a piece of naan, one bite of tandoori chicken, and 2 bites of chicken curry.

My veggie loving kid wouldn't touch the spinich, chickpeas, eggplant, or veggie mix (normally she'd try all of them) due to the sauces they were in. I, on the other hand, enjoyed the restaurant and ate enough Saag Paneer (Spinich w/cheese) for both of us.

The Pipsqueak has always avoided beans and lentils of any type as well as anything of an oatmeal or pudding texture. While other kids adopted at her age (17 months) seemed to enjoy eating familiar foods- she has always avoided anything similiar to what she was fed in the orphange. I hope that as she gets older, she may develop a taste for Indian cuisine.

Looking back on the past 6 years, I can't believe how time has flown. The 25" tall and 17 1/2 lbs toddler has grown into a 50lb/50in little girl. She has gone from speaking only Marathi to baby sign to English with a rapidness that I didn't know possible. She is reading. She is forever writing and creating books. She loves to make up songs and write the music for them.

I have been challenged in ways never imagined by becoming this little girl's mother. There are more challenges to come. Of that I am certain. I will do the best I can with the challenges and love the child all the more.

As the Pipsqueak has taken to saying before leaving a room "I haven't heard an 'I love you Pipsqueak".... It always causes a grin, and yes, "I love you Pipsqueak".

Unbelievable

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ap-wi-prayerdeath,0,5766258.story

These "parents" let their daughter 11 year old daughter die of diabetes because they wanted to pray instead of giving her insulin.

Faith is one thing. Stupidity is another. For whatever you may believe- God, Allah, The Creator- made people smart enough to become doctors and scientists to create medications for illnesses such as this. Faith with treatment. Not Faith AS treatment. Not in the case of diabetes.

I can't even imagine watching as my child suffered in such a death. Parents should protect their kids. Not kill them.

I hope these folks are charged with involuntary manslaughter. There is absolutely no reason to allow anyone- let alone their 11 year old die such a horrible death.

My younger sibling has Type 1 or Juvenile Diabetes. He's had to give shots since age 3. Not once, did my folks say- oh let's not give the insulin and see what happens. They knew what would happen. He would die. Slowly and painfully.

This, to me, is just unf*ckingbelievable. Insulin is readily and easily available. To know that this poor girl lay in a coma for who knows how long and was allowed to die that way- it's just awful.

Even better- the "parents" aren't the ones who called 911- it was friends of the family who had the sense to call when they realized the girl wasn't breathing. Even the aunt who lived in another state called police to report the girl was in a coma and needed help.


Unbelievable.

Wordless Wednesday

Spring Break

As you can see, Easter was enjoyed by all.

Today was the first day of spring break and we decided to go for it full force. The Pipsqueak had 10 inches cut from her hair. Yup. Ten. Inches.

The ponytail was kept and will be sent to Locks of Love to help make a wig for a child with cancer. Still, I'm in shock to see the Pipsqueak's hair so short. So. Short.

She loves it of course. It is a cute cut. She still looks adorable. I just know that I will miss braiding it and pulling it up, etc. So. Short.

Ah well, it's just hair- it will grow back.

Back... I think

Well, after about 2 weeks of computer issues, I think I'm back to being able to post and check email. The internet provider has been changed and all problems seem to have stopped.

The Pipsqueak and I enjoyed colouring eggs today and I am trying to get things ready before the Easter Bunny comes by tonight.

Hope everyone has a Happy Easter weekend.

Easy Peasy Trifle

This recipe was brought into our family by an in law whose mother happens to be British. This has become a family favourite desert at gatherings. If you try it, let me know if you like it too.

Trifle
- 1 frozen Sara Lee pound cake (16 oz)
- 2 cans of strawberry or raspberry pie filling
- 2 cans of Devon custard
-2 jars of clotted cream
- 1 container of cool whip (medium or small size should do)
- 1/2 or 3/4 cup of sherry (this is optional,)
- fresh strawberries, raspberries, or mixed berries

- let the pound cake thaw out enough to cut it into finger size strips

-use a deep container or bowl to layer everything

- 1st layer is the pound cake strips (just pack them in close together) then drizzle sherry over the pound cake if you include it

- 2nd layer is one can of your pie filling spread on top of the pound cake

- 3rd layer spread the 2 jars of clotted cream on top

- 4th layer pour the Devon cream on top of the clotted cream

- repeat all the layers except the clotted cream

- spread the cool whip on the very top

- put fresh strawberries or raspberries (or mixed berries) on top of the cool whip - I usually go with strawberries

- cover with some plastic wrap and refrigerate

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

FAME

The Pipsqueak had a painting chosen to be in the annual Arts and Music Elementary Festival in our neck of the woods. About 6 kids per grade level are chosen and about 10 school districts are involved so it's a big deal to get chosen.

We went to the "big city" to look at her painting today and had a great time seeing all the arts our local community has to offer. Here are a couple photos of her painting. Not bad for a first grader.

Women's History Month

In honour of women's history month- please check out this site 10 amazing women you've never heard of. They are truly remarkable.

Wordless Wednesday-Snowday Again

Do we see a pattern here? Another snowday.

Wordless Wednesday-Snowday

Not so wordless Wednesday

The Pipsqueak is still sick. She didn't go to school again today- though I thought she might try this afternoon. Lunch buddies are there today and she still didn't go. I know she's sick when this happens as she doesn't ever want to miss her lunch buddy.

Okay- off to check on the Pipsqueak.

Jump Start on Wordless Wednesday

Illness

The Pipsqueak has been out of school since last Friday. She also missed Wednesday last week, but went Thursday because of V-Day. Not sure if she'll make it all day tomorrow. Am thinking of sending her in the afternoon only.

Let's hope she's feeling better soon. This is her first 'big' illness ever. The kid has had about 3 colds in her entire life- nothing else.

Dog Diary vs. Cat Diary

I got this in an email today and decided to post it tonight. It is so true....

DOG DIARY

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

11:45 - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:30 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomited on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, Icould hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the Guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...

Anna Mae Custody update

http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=4269986&page=1

I just read a news article that said Anna Mae Baker/He has returned to China with her biological family. Seeing as she was born in the U.S. and is a U.S. citizen, I don't know how the press are seeing her as returning to a country she's never been to.

My heart goes out to this little girl. I can't imagine trying to adjust to school life in a country so different than the U.S. Her biological parents have said they want her to go to an international school, but the fact is, they don't have the money to send her to one.

As a U.S. citizen, what will happen to her? Will she be treated differently because of this?

So many questions and an innocent little girl in the middle of the mess.

Here's hoping Anna Mae is able to grow into a productive adult despite her childhood traumas.

EDITED TO ADD:

I just looked at the photos of Anna through the years from the link above... There is one photo that stands out for me. It's of Jack He, her bio siblings, Louise Baker, and her adopted sister Aimee Baker. Anna is on Louise's lap and all body language is clearly indicating where she would like to be. Anna is leaning toward her sister Aimee, leaned into Louise and not even close to being with her biosiblings.

Another photo- this one of Anna on Mrs. He's lap at her 9th bday party at their church. It's so different. Anna isn't relaxed into Mrs. He, rather she's leaning forward onto the table and does not look comfortable at all.

Maybe it's just the way I'm "reading" the pictures, but after reading Anna Mae's answers to news media when she landed in China, my heart breaks for her again. I hope she can adapt to China. However, if she can't adapt, I hope the Hes will do what is best for her.

Have a Picnic

Here's a story that Pipsqueak wrote today.

Have a Picnic

Piggy went to Bunny's house to have a picnic. They had fun. Piggy brought the basket. Bunny brought the food. They had fun. They had games. They played tag. It was fun.

The End.

Wordless Wednesday- Lake Dreamin'

Snow Day 2

We had another snow day here. Started with a 2 hour delay- with only 1/2 a day of school.... Guess they figured a cancellation made more sense.

The Pipsqueak built a lovely snowman and enjoyed her day off.

Snow Play

The Pipsqueak loves the snow. School was cancelled Friday due to snow and the Pipsqueak played outside for about an hour yesterday and today. In the picture, she's using a sand shovel to attempt to build a snowman.... the snow is very hard and more icy than soft- not good packing snow, but she's doing her best.

Ideas Please

Does anyone out there know how to make a chicken wing that tastes similiar, if not identical to, Wingstop's garlic & parmesean wings? I was able to treat myself to these about once a month in Texas.

There are no Wingstop restaurants in my current state.

I tried to make them today. I fried them. Dipped them in 2 sticks of melted butter with garlic powder in it. Tossed them in parmesean cheese from the green container.... they were close- but something wasn't quite right.

Also- advice on frying wings where: the grease doesn't end up everywhere including the backsplash. Is this possible?

On the up side- I used the leftover garlic butter and made killer garlic bread.

Read a Banned Book

I've decided that I can do my karma some good by reading a Challenged or banned book. Here's the list of the ALA's top 100 challenged books from 1990- 2000. Read a banned book

Anyway- some of the books on the list such as "How to eat Fried Worms", "The Goosebumps Series", "A Wrinkle in Time", The Judy Blume books, & "James and the Giant Peach" just to name a few really surprised me. I can't for the life of me figure out why "How to Eat Fried Worms" would be challenged.

Looking at the list, I saw that I'd read all the Judy Blume books, The JK Rowling books, The Madeline L'Engle books, as well as the Goosebumps series and "To Kill Mockingbird" which is my favorite book btw. I've read many of the others as well.... I don't think I've suffered for it. In fact, I think it's probably helped keep my love of learning going. They made me question ideas, see beyond what is expected or allowed or believed in right now- after all "what is real?" (anyone know which challenged author wrote that in one of her books?)

I'm thinking some of the folks who challenge these books should a) actually read the books, and b) just don't read them if you don't like them... sheesh. Talk about too much time on your hands.

So I'm off- to read a challenged or banned book over the weekend. After all, I figure that should shift my karma back toward the right direction.

Karmic Rant

Why oh why oh why is it that when I'm available to sub there are no jobs and when I am not available to sub the jobs are raining down?

What in the world have I done to have such sucky karma as of late?

Was it the time I tackled the kid while playing football in 2nd grade just a bit too hard?

Or maybe the day I took the dog for a longer walk than I was supposed to... nah- I got dragged by that dog on my belly when he saw a rabbit and chased it as I was walking him. Sidewalk burn is awful btw. I was 8 he was a Siberian Husky/ wolf mix.

Oh I know- it was the time I glued down all of my first ex-college roommate's desk supplies to her desk with goofy glue. (I had my reasons) That must be it. Karma is being a *itch because I used some goofy glue in an unprofessional manner. Sheesh.

Work with me universe will ya? Just for once?

Diversity

Pepsi has been my drink of choice- when it comes to soft drinks for a while now. This commercial helps me feel okay about that occasional caffeine jolt.

http://www.pepsiusa.com/bobshouse/

Unacceptable

Some of you may have already read about the incident that took place at Steak n' Shake with Karen Putz, a hearing impaired woman who writes "A Deaf Mom Shares her World" blog. The manager denied her service when she pulled to the window rather than ordering at the drive through speaker because she is deaf and can't hear at the speaker.

As the child of a hearing impaired parent, I find it unacceptable in this day and age that anyone would even think it was okay not to serve somebody because they couldn't order at the speaker due to a disability.

Anyway- here's a link to the story ABCnews I hope S & S gets their act together and apologies publicly.

Wordless Wednesday

Another wordless Wednesday post as the rest of the week seemed to get away from me.

Wordless Wednesday

Better late than never, right?

Car Time

This post has been floating around in my mind a lot lately. I've started it and reworked it and it never seems to leave my brain in the way in which I have wanted it to. Therefore, I say c'est la vie and am just going to post it and however it ends up, it ends up.

The Pipsqueak is in vision therapy (of which I'll post more later). Anyway, we do the drive thing once a week. It's about 45 minutes one way, so we are in the car with each other for a big expanse of time each week.

As much as I find myself not wanting to drive each week in the late afternoon, I am blessed for these drives. It is in the car where my Pipsqueak opens up and tells me about her day, how she is really feeling about things, and what's going on in her life.

Yes, she's only 7 and let's face it, there isn't much in her life that I don't know about. However, she is at school 7 hours 5 days a week. I'm not there then. I don't know when a friend hurts her feelings, or she feels proud for getting the math question right. I don't know if she's laughing with her friends, at her friends, or if they are laughing at her. I don't know any of her school life unless she tells me.

She tells me in the car. I hear about the insecurities of computer lab, the love of P.E., and how much confidence her wonderful teacher has given her this year. I learn about the newest playground games, the boys who 'like' her... eghads, she's only 7! I learn that her principal is becoming much more handsome in his attempts to grow a beard this semester, that her teacher's father is my daughter's newest crush (he comes to help out in the class sometimes), and that having a brown skinned student teacher meant more to her than I can possibly know as a white woman.

As much as I look forward to the end of VT, I will miss this time in the car. The "Mommy & Pipsqueak" time as she calls it. I will miss having her solely to myself with no outside influences. No phones ringing, no dinner to be cooked, no grandparents to voice their opinions, no dog that needs attention.

Just us. Mommy & Pipsqueak. What a wonderful gift I've been given. I'm just glad I was smart enough to enjoy it while it's lasted.

Wordless Wednesday

Retro-Kick

Have been reading the Better H*omes and G*ardens Junior Cookbook that was reprinted from the 1955 original.

This thing is a hoot! It has recipes for things such as hot dogs wrapped in bacon to making a house out of fig newtons and oreos. I'm enjoying the retro photos- all in b&w along with reading the recipes.

What is really interesting though is to see how far we have really come from 1955. This book was written for girls only, that is more than obvious. From paragraphs about how pretty she'll look in her apron with her hair tied back neatly with a ribbon, to how glad father will be when she allows him the first bite of a certain dish.....It's fun to read, but so glad the expectations have changed when it comes to cooking and kids.

Reading

I interrupt your blog reading to bring you this announcement:

To the few folks out there that read my blog- I know I haven't posted lately. A rather large book order came in the mail and as I was in the middle of reading Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows again- I decided to do a marathon read to finish it and start a few new books.

Hope everyone has been enjoying the unseasonably warm weather (at least where I am) in this new year.

Now- back to your regularly scheduled blog reading.

Wordless Wednesday