bloggedy blog blog

Happy Birthday "Rambler"

2011-09-23T09:04:00.003-04:00

I haven't been on this blog for almost a year. I am not promising anything, but for today I would like to say Happy Early Birthday to my sister "The Rambler" who has stepped away from her blog also(when I went to visit I saw she posted something!). Lives can be so busy with kids, jobs and school. Hope you all have a wonderful day, week, month, year, life.....

***Warning, there is about 3 uses of the word A$$ in the beginning of the video***

Enjoy the video Sis!
Love
Antibloggedy

Aloha Oe Youtube Song Choice....... goodbye to September Hello October

2010-10-01T22:13:00.002-04:00

Lyrics to ENTIRE SONG (popularized version only uses the Chorus)

Ha`aheo ka ua i nâ pali
Ke nihi a`ela i ka nahele
E hahai (uhai) ana paha i ka liko
Pua `âhihi lehua o uka

Hui:
Aloha `oe, aloha `oe
E ke onaona noho i ka lipo
One fond embrace,
A ho`i a`e au
Until we meet again

`O ka hali`a aloha i hiki mai
Ke hone a`e nei i
Ku`u manawa
`O `oe nô ka`u ipo aloha
A loko e hana nei

Maopopo ku`u `ike i ka nani
Nâ pua rose o Maunawili
I laila hia`ia nâ manu
Miki`ala i ka nani o ka lipo

IN ENGLISH

Proudly swept the rain by the cliffs
As it glided through the trees
Still following ever the bud
The `ahihi lehua of the vale

Chorus:
Farewell to you, farewell to you
The charming one who dwells in the shaded bowers
One fond embrace,
'Ere I depart
Until we meet again Sweet memories come back to me
Bringing fresh remembrances
Of the past
Dearest one, yes, you are mine own
From you, true love shall never depart I have seen and watched your loveliness
The sweet rose of Maunawili
And 'tis there the birds of love dwell
And sip the honey from your lips

Middle School Inspires Reading! Nice Job Ocoee Middle School

2010-09-29T21:16:00.000-04:00

Green

SPACE Tourism.....2015? I see the future!

2010-09-16T10:10:00.005-04:00

From NYT:

Boeing said Wednesday that it was entering the space tourism business, an announcement that could bolster the Obama administration’s efforts to transform the National Aeronautics and Space Administration into an agency that focuses less on building rockets and more on nurturing a commercial space industry.

The flights, which could begin as early as 2015, would most likely launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida to the International Space Station. The Obama administration has proposed turning over to private companies the business of taking NASA astronauts to orbit, and Boeing and Bigelow Aerospace of Las Vegas won an $18 million contract this year for preliminary development and testing of a capsule that could carry seven passengers.

Current NASA plans call for four space station crew members to go up at a time, which would leave up to three seats available for space tourists. The flights would be the first to give nonprofessional astronauts the chance to go into orbit aboard a spacecraft launched from the United States. Seven earlier space tourists have made visits to the space station, riding in Russian Soyuz capsules.

“We’re ready now to start talking to prospective customers,” said Eric C. Anderson, co-founder and chairman of Space Adventures, the space tourism company based in Virginia that would market the seats for Boeing.......read the full article here.

I cannot believe my eyes. I am so glad to finally read about Progress in Space and Aeronautics. When I was very young and living in the Big Island, HAWAII I remember my fascination in Space and the stars that sparkled in it. I would sit on my driveway at night looking to the sky and waiting to see a falling star or trying to catch a cloud. In a world where I talk so much about nonsense and chatter away, when I look to the sky, it is the only thing I know that silences me. I can stare at it for hours without a thought, just taking it all in.

The Challenger flight that took the lives of Michael Smith, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis, and Judith Resnik was devastating. I was in elementary school and remember how sad we all were. The Astronaut Ellison Onizuka was from Hawaii and his nephew Lonn Onizuka was a student in my class.

With this new announcement, I find myself viewing a future that is promising to my children. I see the awe in the sky and dreams my children will see in science and astronomy. I have seen the space program become less important to those that hand out the $$$$ and have seen where we could have been, but couldn't without the right funding. So Congratulations to the future that will allow more dreams of space exploration become reality!

Antibloggedy

I am inclined to say something....

2010-09-11T14:09:00.003-04:00

I am inclined to say something, that may make some of you disagree with me....even be mad at me.....or dare I say HATE ME! I am aware that there are those out there that have been personally affected in the first and second degree by 9/11 and the war in Afghanistan, but before I say anything controversial wanted to address that I am so proud of our men and women that fight for our country and of all the sacrifices of the families, friends and even those caught in the crossfire.
Here it is....
It is hard for me to say out loud the words, "I am proud to be an american"....even though I am really proud to be an American. I am glad my children were born in this great country, although they have lived only with this war going on longer than they have been alive.

I am saddened by the misdirection of hate, the strong belief that the 5 "known" attackers on the twin towers, the pentagon and the flights that carried out the master plan somehow represent the entire nation of the religion they have faith in.

I KNOW that every religion has it's extremist followers that will do ANYTHING to prove their faith, that when they are guided to believe an evil deed will deliver them grand rewards.......does not mean that all followers are of that same guidance.

The hatred directed at the Muslim Religion and it's Mosques, puts us on the path of those same extremists that carried out the terrible plan in 2001.

I wish that on this day we remember that all those beautiful people who have given themselves on a day they did not expect will represent not the war that followed their end, but that they represent the begining of the time of peace between many people of all sorts. That we remember that this country has come to be as great as it is through tolerance, INclusion, acceptance and faith of all sorts.

I hope I do not offend any of you with my words. I just wanted to get this off my chest.

antibloggedy

By the way, I am adding a link to my new blog which is children's book readings. I needed to test the link so I am doing it here. www.withgreeninmind.blogspot.com

Book Reading Video by Me for my little ones!

2010-09-07T07:05:00.003-04:00

My first Video Book reading for my kids. If you happen to watch this, let me know what you think. I am gonna try and make more of them for my kids and my niece. Editing was interesting and fun! I used my voice note from my Blackberry and converted the file to an .amr with a freestar conversion software. It was pretty fun! I have a few voice notes I want to convert to a useable audio program for my movie maker program that came with my HP. Enjoy!

First Day at School

2010-09-03T10:31:00.002-04:00

Today was Kai's very first day of school(Preschool), actually she is still there as I write this. As they say, it is much more difficult for the parents than it is for the child.
The walk to school was great as Kai got to meet the Lovely Ms. F who is her crossing guard from E street and A Ave. Next we walked into the doorway of the school and she got to say hello to all the other children as well as have some picture time with mama, papa, and little Vi. When Kai saw her Assistant Teacher, Ms. B she was excited and said "I get to eat here!".....yes, she is my child. (We told her how the school would feed her breakfast and Lunch.) Off to class at 8:15 and we got to see her Locker with her name on it (It is a big locker for such small children, I have no idea what we will put in it.) Entering the classroom we put her pillow and blanket into her cubby for the resting time they will have daily. Next Kai went over to the carpet to meet her teacher, Mrs. W who sent kai to get a book and wait for circle time. This is when Kai let Mrs. W know about the rules and how she remembered them. "1. Crisscross Applesauce 2. Hands on Knees 3. Eyes on Teacher." I had to hold back the tears as I slowly backed out of the class.

3 poems

2010-09-01T14:58:00.009-04:00

Wanted to share 3 poems that are some of my favorites,
I also have a favorite from college that I shall not share
here, as it is dark and sad. it is called The Girl, by Sharon Olds.
Look it up if you would like, but it is not for all. It is a graphic
depiction of two young girls being raped. This is NOT why I like
it. I like it because it is a graphic look into a event I have feared
my whole life. It tells of strength of survival and in the end is
more about life than death. I would be lying if I did not say that it
took me several times to read the entire poem in school. Shock,
bewilderment and than a final desensitization and I could
than understand it. I have never forgotten it, and because of
that, it is the most powerful poem I have ever read.
I admire Olds for her poetry and her strength of character.
When invited to a dinner by Laura Bush she sent a letter declining
to attend:
"So many Americans who had felt pride in our country now feel anguish and
shame, for the current regime of blood, wounds and fire. I thought of the clean
linens at your table, the shining knives and the flames of the candles,
and I could not stomach it."

Below are 3 tame poems I have also admired.

Something these poems all share are the imagery that I feel,
the emotion that it brings out on me. It reflects the fears,
and joys in life and makes you think. I believe a good piece of writing
will always make you think.

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Edward Estlin Cummings

The Old Astronomer to His Pupil

Reach me down my Tycho Brahe, I would know him when we meet,
When I share my later science, sitting humbly at his feet;
He may know the law of all things, yet be ignorant of how
We are working to completion, working on from then to now.

Pray remember that I leave you all my theory complete,
Lacking only certain data for your adding, as is meet,
And remember men will scorn it, 'tis original and true,
And the obliquy of newness may fall bitterly on you.

But, my pupil, as my pupil you have learned the worth of scorn,
You have laughed with me at pity, we have joyed to be forlorn,
What for us are all distractions of men's fellowship and smiles;
What for us the Goddess Pleasure with her meretricious smiles.

You may tell that German College that their honor comes too late,
But they must not waste repentance on the grizzly savant's fate.
Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light;
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

Sarah Williams

O Captain! My Captain!
by Walt Whitman

1 O CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!	5
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

2 O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills;	10
For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the deck,	15
You’ve fallen cold and dead.

3 My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;	20
Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

Me, today

2010-08-18T15:00:00.004-04:00

I've been selfish. I haven't taken anything from anyone, but I haven't given anything either. I have realized that I haven't been reading as many blogs as I used to. Or I read blogs and don't leave a comment. Today I remembered how I used to do daily check ins with SITS (the secret is in the sauce). I remember enjoying a world of blogging with fantastic bloggy buddies like Martha or my sister The Rambler.

These days my hours consist of the kids, and a lot of crafting. I look online at pictures of different finished crafts for inspirations on projects I would like to take on. Last week I saw some great quilts of houses, and it made me want to make one.....start with something easy and then to do one that is more complex that resembles the city I live in or my own home. I am making a few gifts for upcoming birthdays, weddings and doing some caterings too. Life is busy in a way that I have little to write down, that feels relevant. Most of my thoughts are so serious.

I have been doing crazy research on Alzheimer's because it runs in my family and also because some family on c's side are dealing with it daily. It scares me because it is deep in my family history and I hope that this does not pass to my mother, me or my daughters. It seems to run with the women in my family. The research they just put out there this week is that they pulled some innovating drugs that were meant to help with the disease when the findings showed they actually worsened the symptoms of degeneration. After about 3 hours of research, I feel I know more about the disease than I ever thought I would. This past year UC Irvine recieved a large grant to research the disease using Stem Cell research. In 2004 Alzheimer's Association put out a pdf memo/statement stating that they did not feel stem cell research was a viable option. They declined to go in that direction. I am optimistic that they will find a cure and that the benefits will lead us to understanding better the brain, the body and how we build and retain memory. I just hope that we, or they who are involved in genetics, research, science don't leave a stone unturned.

Our brains are like computers and I feel like we have so much storage space. once the limit is reached we experience Errors, shutdowns, and the dreaded CRASH. We are not so different from the tools we have developed.

Antibloggedy

Make your own lint roller....when in a bind.

2010-08-13T14:24:00.002-04:00

I found myself with out time to go to the store and get a lint roller, yet for work I had to wear all black. YIKES! I did research on the internet and they had many suggestions for tape, and razors. However, I hate using small pieces of tape and putting it on my fingers for what seems like the amount of time it would take to go to the store and buy a roller.

This is the new way to do it!

.....it does involve tape. sorry.

but you wrap it around a rolling pin! you can wrap it as wide as you need to and roll it across the whole out fit!

Yup! Thats it for my Martha Stewart moment.....I couldn't keep my mouth shut about this one. Try it sometime.....and it doesn't take a lot of tape.

antibloggedy

Opinions requested....

2010-07-24T22:57:00.006-04:00

What do you think? Is this an appropriate wedding shower gift?

there are two wedding showers in the up coming month.

There is a napkin set of 4 I made with a keepsake boxes I made in a matching fabric and a silver fork re-purposed into some jewelry (it is the first one I made like these). I crocheted a chain for them and added some beads. I think they are pretty cool, but that's my taste.....what do you think? appropriate for a wedding shower?

Here is the other one:

Old Silver reclaimed

2010-07-23T15:45:00.003-04:00

I have been considering the beauty of simple everyday objects like silverware! I went to the thrift store today and was able to acquire a mixed bag full of silver plated early 1900 spoons, forks, knives as well as some unique picks, ladles, & slotted spoons. I was able to get some of the silver plated stuff from the .25 cent bin. My idea was to attempt to turn some of it into jewelry, while there is a part of me that feels like they are so beautiful as they are. I made them my models in a photo shoot. I will have to practice with some stainless steel pieces first and see the difficulty level of bending metals. I have realized in my early attempts at metal stamping that it is not as easy as it first seems.

There are how-to tutorials online that show you how to do this. and I would especially love to turn this:
Into a beautiful pendant. I have looked this up, and apparently it is a 1940's Bon Bon Spoon Made by Oneida in their Community Collection. ( I have been researching all day and know WAY more about silver sets.). If you have any tips or comments about collecting silverware let me know what you think. I love comments.

Antibloggedy

From Blue Star to Gold Star and what it really means

2010-07-19T16:32:00.004-04:00

I was speaking to my neighbor and friend regarding the article posted in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette on July 11, 2010 by her sister Kathy. Please take the time to read it. Last year her son died while serving in Afghanistan and I wrote a post about that here.

On July 3 I had the honor of representing the Gold Star Mothers in the Brentwood Fourth of July Parade.

As we were en route with the parade, we made numerous stops along the way waiting for others to catch up in the parade. While our car was stopped at one point, a young mother pointed at our car and made the comment "That's the club where I belong," as though it were a "super mom club" or something.

At that point I thought to myself, she had no idea what she had just said. Did she know what a Gold Star Mother was? As we continued on the parade route, the only people in the crowd who saluted us or cheered for us were those who were from the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War era. The younger people had no idea what we represented.

Granted, until my son joined the Marines eight years ago, I too had no idea what a Blue Star Mother or a Gold Star Mother was. Blue Star Mothers have or have had children serving our nation in the military; Gold Star Mothers have lost a son or daughter in the service of the country. Unfortunately, I learned what it was like to become a Gold Star Mother on July 23, 2009, when my son, Sgt. Ryan H. Lane, USMC, was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan.

I would like people to know that for every soldier who is killed in war, he or she is someone's son, daughter, husband, wife, brother or sister. People today need to be educated on the cost of their freedom -- the freedom they have to sit and watch a parade go by.

As for the woman who wanted to be in my "club," I would gladly trade places with her.

KATHY HANLEY
Baldwin Borough

What this article and this family has taught me is about the families we take for granted. How we may show support and thanks but not really educate ourselves or our youngest generation WHO we are supporting. We say we show thanks to the family of all those serving, but do we know that this is a BLUE STAR family? We say we show our sympathies to those who have lost family while serving, but do we know this is a GOLD STAR family? I know that I never realized who they were and what one meant from the other and how when someone from these clubs asks for our support, they are asking on behalf of those that have sacrificed much and continue to sacrifice every day.

Dear Kathy,

I still want to say how much I really do appreciate you, and your family for teaching me HOW to really SEE the war. Before Ryan I never knew. I never knew what it really meant for someone to serve. I also want to say how much I wish I could take away the loss and the grief. I would give much to take that away for you. Bless you and the many families that stand beside you in your experience.

Love and Aloha,

Kalei

Affinity for all things Hayao Miyazaki

2010-07-10T19:03:00.003-04:00

I have been a fan of the Hayao Miyazaki films, like Princess Mononoke, Totoro, Kiki's Delivery service, Spirited away. I am starting to bridge the gap between the things in life I enjoy. For instance my love of crafting and my love of the characters from the animation film. Is it wrong to be wasteful with my time like that?

here is the newest craft project I have done. A little twist on an old favorite, using applique and sewable bond. This is the forest spirits in the Princess Mononoke Anime.

Next up: Totoro and the little fuzzy sout spirits from Spirited away.

Peace Out.
Antibloggedy

The Lost Lady Bug Project......

2010-06-29T01:14:00.003-04:00

The Lost Lady Bug Project is now in its 3rd year and they have just put out their first annual newsletter. This is a great campaign of science trying to find the lost lady bugs out in the world and classify them and figure out which ones are becoming extinct or being pushed out of their natural habitats. or which ones are doing just fine where they belong. Check the page out!

Its a fun project for the kids! All you need to do is photograph your local ladybugs where-ever they may be; on a leaf, a shoulder, or in the hand of your little munchkin.....better yet, let your little one capture the photograph for you. You can go in groups on a day hike or just on your lonesome for a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood. The point is to get that picture and download it for science sake! They will tell you what your lady bug species is and you might even get your picture featured on the site! (no promises.) All they ask is where your location is and the time and date and year. Voila! Done!

There is an entire page devoted to the kids and how to find the bugs. so have a great summer and happy fourth of July! Hoorah for independence!

http://www.lostladybug.org/

Crafting....be back soon.

2010-06-27T02:51:00.003-04:00

Wish me luck! I've been crafting and am about to do my first craft fair. I did some posters of my kids for the booth wearing the wrap tops I am making for the craft fair. Check it out:

The cost for the booth was low, and C's mom is an organizer so I know and trust the people running the fair. It has a good turn out each year. I don't know that I will want to do this again, but I need to get it out of my system. I made things that if it doesn't sell than either my kids can use it, or I can gift them to my family and friends kids.

Be back after the 4th of July weekend. Enjoy your Independence!

Antibloggedy

From a Crank Call .....to.....Cyberstalking

2010-06-23T01:53:00.004-04:00

The First Call:

It was late on Thursday evening and I received a call from an unknown caller. I let it go, but listened soon after to the voice mail left behind. The initial shock value is actually quite ridiculous and goes from "no way" to "OMG, is this really happening to me?" , "is this a joke?", "Do I know this person?", "Does this person know me?". I thought the call would be a one time thing but after about 6 voice mails(all sex related) and 5 texts (two trying to get my name and information, 3 asking me about my underwear over and over within 5 minutes) in just this weekend. I realized things were/are getting out of hand. The calls are about 3 minutes long and in the call the caller breathes heavily while committing a sexual act upon himself. The follow up text was with a phone number that was listed, (my paranoia prevents me from posting it here, for fear the person will do a search on their own number and find my blog, and begin harassing me here!)

What I have done:
I have searched the internet to see if this number is calling others, listed as a business number or to find any information about the number. What I do know is that the call number resides in the area I am in, and that it is a Cricket number. What I still don't know is who this is.

The Police:
I take my information to the police station. I had a lovely conversation with an officer behind a glass wall who pretty much told me they could not do anything for me without physical harm being in placed upon me. If I knew who it was and if it is an ex then I could file a PFA (Protection From Abuse order). What I have found out since this interaction with the police is that the State of Pennsylvania has a Cyberstalking law that states:

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5504 —- Harassment by communication or address:

(A) A person commits the crime of harassment by communication or address when, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another, that person:

(1) Communicates to or about such other person any lewd, lascivious, threatening or obscene words, language, drawings or caricatures; or

(2) Communicates repeatedly in an anonymous manner;

(3) Communicates repeatedly at extremely inconvenient hours;

(4) Communicates repeatedly in a manner not covered by paragraph (2) or (3).

(F) Definitions: "Communicates." Conveys, without intent of legitimate communication or address, by written or electronic means, including telephone, electronic mail, Internet, facsimile, telex and similar transmission.

If this continues, I will have to take this back to the Police with my new knowledge of Cyberlaws as this communication on my mobile phone constitutes Cyberstalking.

The Phone Company:
I called my mobile provider and they placed a block with the known number which should stop the text messages, unless the person switches numbers or phones. This will not stop the caller from leaving me voice mails, though. I looked into having all unknown numbers blocked to my number and this can be done (for a nominal fee: sucks!) The suggestion though was to change my number (which is the direction I am leaning). The phone company cannot give you the name of the number that is harassing you (privacy laws!) BTW: I think it bites that the harasser is protected under a law they are currently breaking! I will have to contact CRICKET to see what they can do since the number is a CRICKET number.

No Call Lists: I put myself on the National Do Not Call registry and filed a complaint with this number in the event it belongs to a business then they can discuss a halt on this action to myself or others and possibly institute a fine.

I have saved the voice mails and text messages and am looking into having the messages recorded as evidence in the event this is from someone who is a future danger to me.

Beyond this horror I don't understand why someone is compelled to perform this type of act of harassment. What is the draw to me or is this a random act. Where did the person receive my number from? was it written on a wall somewhere? I also have a similar number to a popular local pizza joint and wonder if the caller accidentally called me while dialing them and that is the coincidence or initial cause. I DO NOT KNOW. The not knowing is the most frustrating part of the whole ordeal. I am in the early stages and do not want to agitate the caller as I do not know how much of my personal information this person has. From this point forward I will have to be more careful of all my personal info.

I wish this upon no one, for the feelings of insecurity it leaves is terribly unpleasant.

Go Hawaii!

2010-06-09T14:55:00.001-04:00

Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation

2010-06-07T18:23:00.002-04:00

I was web surfing today and found myself reading the Pepsi REFRESH project page. This started as an idea to put charitable funds into the hands of the people who drink pepsi and to give those people the power to vote on recipients of large dollar gift. The idea is genius! One such recipient of $250,000 was awarded to someone here in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania (Erie, PA) based Foundation is Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation. John Kanzius, the Founder of the invention that uses Radio Wave technology combined with nano particles to attack cancer cells without use of surgery, chemotherapy, Radiation, and other invasive techniques and medication. Watch the video below to see the full explanation yourself.
With Cancer being something that has effected my family closely I am awed by the innovations that are currently being investigated. While the Radio Wave project is in its early process the preliminary findings are promising. The more we allow ourselves to support these projects to the degree that they can become fully funded the more we can eliminate the diseases that we are passionate about. I am hopeful about this research. I am hopeful that since the family medical history I have also gives a higher risk to my children I want them to find choices and options out there that do not leave one feeling defeated before starting to fight.

If you find yourself wanting to gift a donation, donate in memory of or to leave a general donation you can do so here.

Deep Fried Ice Cream! Yummy!

2010-05-26T12:50:00.004-04:00

Today I decided I would attempt to make some deep fried Ice Cream! It is a bit of a heat wave (wave because it is 5 whole days without rain with temps in the high 80's! Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all of you and I hope that you are able to make this hot yet cool treat!

Scoop of Ice Cream (preferable a vanilla, french vanilla variation)
Mixture of Cinnamon and Sugar (equal parts) in bowl
1/2 to 1 cup of crushed corn flakes (variations use cookies or other crushed treats)
Oil in pot deep enough to submerge ice cream or Deep Fryer

Scoop your Ice Cream and Roll in the Cinnamon Sugar then roll in the crushed corn flakes (make sure the ice cream is coated thoroughly (no ice cream showing) then put back in freezer to harden. Heat Oil to around 375 degrees. or Medium-low Heat (not too hot). Dip Ice Cream in Oil for about 5 seconds, Drain and Place in Bowl to begin eating! Top with Whip Cream or Honey or Chocolate or Caramel if desired! Enjoy this Recipe! The cold core of the Ice cream keeps it from melting as you fry it.

Warning! Make sure the Ice cream is coated thoroughly and that you have the ice cream re-freezed to drop the core temperature. This is important as to keep the oil from reacting to the cold ice cream and causing flames. I just wanted to make sure this was mentioned. Be really cautious anytime you fry anything. In the event of flames keep a large lid nearby and make sure you do not have anything flamable next to the stove.

There are variations that include egg. I for one like to keep my eggs and Ice Cream separate.

Thanks for reading!
Antibloggedy

The picture above is borrowed from another site, since my camera is missing (yikes!), but the image is about the same.

Sisters

2010-05-25T11:49:00.005-04:00

I was reading the book "Limu the Blue Turtle" By Kimo Armitage and Illustrated by Scott Kaneshiro. It is a cute Hawaiian story about being different and finding your way in spite of those differences. One of the Illustrations reminded me of my sisters...It is of Nani and Lani who are O'pihi friends of The Blue Turtle.

Cute, yeah?!

Antibloggedy

My Idea is to take a bunch of my favorites illustrations from the kid's books and have them framed for the house....=)

Jordan Romero.....

2010-05-22T07:40:00.005-04:00

Jordan Romero has just become the youngest climber to reach the summit of Mt Everest! Wow! Of course there are controversies to this attempt (and now it's success). The controversy being that Jordan is only 13. He is on a journey to do the seven continents and it's tallest mountain with a team that includes his father. I first read about this on NY times here. NYTimes also just mentioned this morning that Jordan has reached the top and is now on his way down here. You can follow Jordan Romero's journey here.

What do you think?

I think that again it depends on his height, weight (5'10- 160 lbs) and prior training. If he hadn't already scaled 6 other mountain peaks on six of the seven continents, such as Kilimanjaro, Kosciuszko, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Denali, and Carstensz Pyramid, then I might find the task a little absurd.

In the end I envy the young man and am proud of his accomplishments. In the end he is part of an elite group of around 200 who have made it to the top including his father, how many of us can say that!?

Jordan's Climbs:

Africa- Kilimanjaro – July 22, 2006

Australia- Kosciuszko – April, 2007

Europe/Russia- Elbrus – July 11, 2007

South America- Aconcagua – December 30, 2007

North America- Denali – June 18, 2008

Oceana- Carstensz Pyramid – September 1, 2009

Asia- Mt. Everest - May 21, 2010

NYT: California's 3 strike law in question....

2010-05-22T07:09:00.002-04:00

After being a California Resident for 7 years I have had nightmares of this law putting someone I knew or loved behind bars for a lengthy amount of time for silly misdemeanors. I feel there should be some room for interpretation to the law and an allowance for review from case to case and type of crime. Instead of 3 strikes make it a repeat offender law. I knew people who were addicted to drugs when I worked in the restaurant industry and this is the group that worries me. People who are addicted don't have a sensible thoughts about what the law is or how many strikes they might have. I don't actually know anyone arrested in California.....but what if it was someone you knew? It seems that the law is made by people towards individuals they know nothing about. Its okay if you put Jane Doe in prison for life, because you don't know her. There is a sense that this may fall under "cruel and unusual punishment". What's your thoughts on this law?

antibloggedy

Nasty Dancing.....a scared moms tale....

2010-05-18T00:48:00.004-04:00

I was privy to work a catering assignment for a 18th Birthday Party Last night. The Party was for a group of 250-300 High School Seniors and a few older teens. To our knowledge most or all of them were 18 and over......(not really sure about that). The party took place in a world famous Museum that I will not name here. To the parent of the Birthday girl I believed they had a vision of how this would go and that mark was missed in so many ways.

*****Disclaimer: Adult Content is listed below******* Please only read if you are 18+ *****

The first amazement and dare I show my age and say it: "SHOCK" I had was that this group of young adults were wearing "barely there" "clubbing" clothing on.

When I say barely there, I am talking 40% of the body is covered and not in the places it should. One girl had a string bikini with a skirt on and another had a dress with a zipper the full length of the front of the dress and had it unzipped so her bra was partially exposed....and on and on.

The next shock to my system was the immediate realization that they were sneaking sums of alcohol into the location and we were working with the security and the staff of the space to confiscate the contraband in record time while still trying to facilitate our own assignments.

The most Shocking was the fact that upon arrival many of the youth were already really messed up, I am talking drunk, high, and on hard substances. The level of danger associated with this party just kept getting more and more disturbing.

The Club music that began to play with the live D.J. had the kids locate to the dance floor. (By the way, at this age kids tend to stay in "Schools" like fish.) They were all on the dance floor or all at the beverage station.....and then a few would try to sneak off to do "bad" things. The parents chaperoning the event shocked the staff as they turned a blind eye to much of the goings ons until the evening was almost over! Back to the Dancing....

I came around the corner to collect glasses and saw a flash of skin in the corner of my eye.....a young man had is hands wrapped around the hips of a young girl who was grinding her back side into the front side of the young male as he continued to lift her dress up so I could see her underwear. This was a common occurrence in the large group of dancers, some with a much higher degree of violation. I felt like there was a car accident I was witnessing in slow motion only the two parties who knew they would crash had no clue as to the degree of damage that might be done nor did they care. They were 18 and my job was with the food not the security. I wanted to go over there so badly and take them by the ear to a chair and lecture them on discreet behavior! And I am only 32!

I passed through a group of boys 2 of which were telling a 3rd that one of the girls said she would "nasty dance" with him. So they went over to her and she did. The girls weren't doing this dancing style with one guy they would shift from dancer to dancer not having any respect for themselves or realization that they were in view of so many others that could see this lack of respect upon their own parents, the establishment (which has a high reputation), and each other.

As the night drew to an end there were many that were escorted to the safety of their parents(who were called) throughout the night as they were kicked out for intoxication or illegal behavior. Then to the final shut down with a couple of kids becoming agitated that the booty shaking came to an end so quickly that they KICKED OUT THE FRONT GLASS DOORS TO THE MUSEUM!!!! I wouldn't be surprised if the damage makes the morning news! Yikes! The mother is mortified by the behavior and could not wait to get out of there. I believe she is in the "art community" and will have her dirty dance party blasted through out the rumor mill for months to come.

I am most disgusted by the lack of planning that went on by the parental groups and the lack of monitoring that happened early on. Much of the behavior could have been managed had the people who were in charge made a stronger stand to do the right thing by these young kids. I wanted to share this as I feel I have had an unwelcome witnessing to something that is more common then we allow ourselves to believe. These kids are part of a very high society group with parents that are very respectable and hold very good jobs. These are the kids that will be our architects, doctors, and Role models. These kids are the popular kids. I am not saying every party will be like this, but many parties are like this one with secret stashes of alcohol, drugs, and a desire to bring boys to a sexual frenzy. Beware and make sure you are talking to your kids about this. Half the kids there, looked so cute and sweet, they were polite.....but in the "school" they followed the leader and the leader had a lot of bad ideas. I only hope that each one made it home safely tonight.

I also didn't want this post to turn into a preaching session or a judgmental post. I only feel that the sex, drugs and alcohol problem has begun much sooner and with kids that are more vulnerable to be taken advantage of.

I am a worried mom hoping that the discreet victorian age will become the new fad of my kids generation (who are now 2 and 3). Could you imagine the teens saying to you "I wouldn't be caught dead in that half dress, I will only wear a full length dress with a chastity belt please." ...."and thank you" I can dream can't I?! *sigh*

Antibloggedy

chocolate covered pretzel clusters

2010-05-15T11:18:00.003-04:00

So since I figured out that I could make the chocolate covered strawberries easily and cheaply I have been wondering what else I could chocolate cover.......Hello!

PRETZELS!!!!!!

So for mothers day the kids and I made chocolate half dipped pretzels ("half" so we would not get our fingers too messy). We placed them in the freezer to harden for about 10 minutes and then wrapped them up and delivered them to the neighborhood moms. They loved it. Since my family is 6000 miles from me I have turned my neighbors into my family away from home.

After that charming day of fun I looked over at the little bits of pretzels and wondered if I should throw it out.....then the light bulb went off (I know I didn't invent them....but for me this is rocket science) Why not toss those pretzel pieces in the bowl with the left over chocolate! so that is what I did. And Voila! Chocolate covered pretzel clusters!

YUMMY!

EAT ONLY ONE! Please.......save some for the rest of the neighbors.

Enjoy!

Recipe:

1-2 cups of chocolate semi-sweet morsels
about 2 cups of pretzels pieces (the broken stuff) you can crush them "lightly"

melt chocolate chips in a bowl for about 30 second intervals for a total of 2-2.5 minutes. stir the chocolate at the intervals. Do not burn

Place pretzel pieces in a medium bowl and pour the melted chocolate over the pretzels stirring the chocolate evenly throughout the pretzels.

spoon the pretzel pieces into desired size clusters onto wax paper-on a cookie tray or plate. (use the wax paper it helps)

place the tray in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes for yummy harden-ness. Enjoy!

Variations:

1.You can also drizzle white chocolate over the clusters to add a pretty and yummy options
You can melt the white chocolate chips in the same way as the semi-sweet and drizzle at any time. You could also use white chocolate to make the clusters and drizzle the semi-sweet!

2.while still melted sprinkle the clusters with "sprinkles" of any color

3.Add also nuts, m&ms, mini marshmallows (Another epiphany!-Chocolate covered marshmallow lollipops!.....with sprinkles!) Go Wild!

*Great for gifts during the holidays (use red and green sprinkles)
*Treats for kids parties

The best thing about this recipe is the kids can have all of the fun of making them and delivering them!......okay, who are we kidding, they'll probably eat them up. So monitor them closely. =)

Groupie to Kids Bands here!!!!

2010-05-13T12:05:00.004-04:00

I am so excited! Today I met the band Kelsey Friday and The Rest of the Week! OMG! I feel like such a groupie. You'll never guess where I met them. I had a meeting with a facilitator for the Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Childhood Program and I was being shown one of their current sites. Today they had an In-Class Field Trip, which included the band playing their music and dancing with the 3-5 year olds. I feel as though my giddy as a school girl reactions towards New Kids on the Block has been renewed and directed to these fantastic Musicians. Can You Believe IT!!!!!!!! I made the facilitator take our pictures because I was having trouble focusing on the task of observing the structure of the program! Helllllloooooooo! I met Kelsey Friday and the Rest of the week!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Okay now that I am calm I will show you the pic:

Also, the band can be available for gigs by going to KelseyFriday.net (they reside in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area) You can also buy their music on their website.....DO IT! It is totally worth it! For all the money spent on silly things like dolls and plastic throw aways....this is definitely worth the moolah! (only 12.97 on Cdbaby)

Fun Kid friendly music....I love love Kelsey Friday and The Rest of the Week
check them out here
Just press play to watch the video....super great music video for the kids!

Are you Scared? Join the Afraid Parade! from Kelsey Friday on Vimeo.

Enjoy.....

Tumble Tower

2010-05-12T17:21:00.005-04:00

I recently read a book to my two children called Tumble Tower. While I read this book I was humoured by the fact that the book teaches the polar opposite of what the girls at Motivation Station try to teach us and the skills I would like to have my own children pick up. Its cute and completely ridiculous.....Martha may kill me for saying this, but maybe we need clutter in our lives or at least need those who are clutter-bugs to make the world go round......thought I would share the quick and untidy thought....Martha, don't kill me! =).....at least the dirty ones make the clean ones look better, right!

p.s. Thanks Georgie: My 2 and 3 year old girls love me reading this to them, however I believe it could be enjoyed through 7 yr old girls (more so than boys).
They enjoyed the concept of a messy room as we deal with that often.
I feel the book is short enough for young kids to remain entertained while you read to them, and long enough that a 7 year old will enjoy reading it to themselves.

hot malasadas-Easy at home version

2010-05-06T12:17:00.007-04:00

Malasadas are a treat offered through out the Hawaiian island chain. They are Filipino style donuts. Don't let the ethnic connections scare you though because this is one of the easiest and tastiest desserts you will ever make.

First you will need:
some plain white bread, I use the 99 cent bread.
pancake batter, your own recipe or the store bought stuff.
Oil.
pot to heat oil, unless you have a fryer at home(lucky you!)
sugar in separate bowl to dip finished Malasadas in.

Heat oil on stove to about medium heat let set till evenly heated
take plain white bread and cut into 4 pieces
place each piece of bread and dip into pancake batter than dip into hot oil
let fry in oil for about 30 sec or until a golden brown. DO NOT LET BURN.
Take out of oil and immediately dip both sides into the sugar.

Done! Yum!

Enjoy.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

2010-05-01T09:34:00.005-04:00

Just wanted to say happy Lei Day! I was reminded of todays date and importance when perusing Pen and Paper who put all sorts of May Day History and origin on todays blog post. for me I will simply give you song:

Lyrics & Music: Leonard Hawk
Enjoy!
clicking below you will have to watch on you tube, but it is worth it! Mahalo for visiting!

Yum! Strawberry edition!

2010-04-27T11:54:00.006-04:00

My friend Heather runs a webpage YUMPITTSBURGH through the Penn State University Systems "which strives to strengthen the local food infrastructure in Western Pa by connecting the supply and demand sides of our foodshed" In Antibloggedy speak this means she plays the dating game with farmers/growers and the people who sell the stuff! I am inspired by her site to go in search of some strawberry fields to pick and create some "YUM"-my chocolate covered strawberries:

I think that this would make one of the best gifts to bring to a cocktail party, or to give as a gift on a birthday or helloooooooo, Valentines day! Maybe even at the next bake sale for a charity at the local church or school! Sell um for a $.50-2.50 depending on the size and the cost as well as the clientele.

Heres the very easy recipe: cost ($2.00 for a dozen strawberries at grocery store/or Farm will probably be cheaper and more delicious) ($7.00 for a HUGE bag of choc chips at costco with probably enough to do about 144 strawberries (no joke). I would say 1 dozen strawberries dipped in chocolate is about $3.00 or less but looks like a million!

12 Strawberries Large or a few more small ones
1 cup semi-sweet morsels of chocolate chips
(or broken pieces of the semi-sweet bakers chocolate)
12 skewers (I have metal ones that are reusable- but you can get some olive pics or wooden ones for barbecuing- be creative depending on the event)

In some recipes there is a call to add shortening/milk and other stuff, but
honestly-why not keep this as simple as possible? Besides, this recipe is
super delicious without the other stuff.

Take your 12 strawberries and pick the skewers through the middle of the leafy end till through the strawberry up to the tip (do not have the skewer sticking out or someone might bite it!). place upside down in a tall glass or glass slightly shorter than the skewer. I used a 12 oz beer glass.

Melt the chocolate in a microwavable container at 1/2 power for 30 second increments for approx 2 minutes. You are stopping every 30 seconds to stir the chocolate and making sure you do not burn the chocolate. add more or subtract time to desired level of melt.

Take each strawberry skewer and dip the tip in the chocolate. Once dipped place back in the glass with the strawberry side up to let the chocolate harden. Let sit for about 20 minutes and you can remove from the skewers and place on a platter or you can leave on the skewer and place in the middle of a table to create a bouquet like arrangement.

You can also melt some white chocolate chips and drizzle over the berries for a fancier look and tasty option.

I might also add that you don't need to use a skewer, you can use your hands to dip each strawberry and place on a piece of wax paper. My only tiff with this way is that there is a "flat" side to the strawberry.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

2010-04-23T02:42:00.000-04:00

It is my mothers Umptheenth birthday! I hope you have the best Chinese food ever! Also, I hope you didn't forget to put a picture at the table of me in a frame.

Love you Mom!

Hau'oli Lahanau!

antibloggedy-anne

My First Kiss

2010-04-07T00:35:00.008-04:00

I have always been a bit of a realistic and practical person. I don't take too many chances, but I let life go where it leads me. I like to plan ahead but change is not impossible or something I frown upon, I just need to "reassess" the plan and calculate the outcome

.....except when a challenge is presented.

I can't stand it when someone tells me "it can't be done" or "you can't do that" or beware of the "your such a party pooper". That last line was the words spoken to me from my bff at the age of 18. (yes 18, I held on for a reason, read on). I was at her house and she wanted to go out "cruising" for guys. I thought that was so LAME but then she said it: "YOU ARE SUCH A PARTY POOPER!"

So we got in my mothers Honda civic and I drove us into Waikiki. we went around the block once, and I saw a beautiful man on a mountain bike. He rode past close enough and smiled. His eyes were bright and beautifully colored blueish green....Mesmerized, I honked the horn(something I never do), and laughed toward my friend. I kept driving. Stopped at a light, and requesting to go home from sheer ridiculousness of the task of driving in circles, a mans arm grabbed onto the side of my window and leaned up to the car with that captivating smile and beautiful eyes. He said "hi" and had a sort of "smirky-confidence" about him. He asked my name and my friend tried to answer and he said "I was talking to your friend." This I might add only guaranteed my affection as she had never been "dissed" by a guy so quickly. (that, and I am ubber competitive...ask rambler)He asked me to meet him and his friend for dinner and I said yes. My friend decided to walk with me to meet him and his friend but decided not to stay. The guys name was Jake. Jake and I decided to go walking along the beach, he holding onto his bike. He had an idea and wanted me to jump on his handle bars and drive me around to "sight-see" it was a Friday night. Imagine that this guy was 6 ft 4? and I 5'9 1/2. Bikes should not have 2 tall people on a bike. Jake drove me around Waikiki and we just had a blast. we ended on the end of "Walls" which was a wall that jutted out in Waikiki into the ocean.

At the time there was no pagoda at the end of it, but they have since renovated and it is no longer the same. We stood together at the end of the wall and for the first time I looked up at someone so much taller than I and we kissed. The fireworks that blast in Waikiki on Friday nights went off at that moment (literally!) and the moon was full on a clear night sending that reflective light across the waves in front of us. If I could have dreamed a more perfect first kiss, it would not have stood a chance against the real thing.

Jake and I enjoyed the week together on fun little dates to the beach or to the movies and then it ended as he was in Hawaii for a short time and was returning to California. All these years I kept this memory close and always wondered, "What ever happened to Jake?". Last night I decided to look him up on the internet.....you all know you do that with peeps from the past, it wasn't to contact him or anything like that. It was out of pure curiosity. This person was a major memory of my past....a really good memory. Anyhow I saw he became a really big deal in the Mountain Biking world, Top of the world leader in his field and apparently was already a big deal when we met.

Jake died in 1999. He died in a tragic mountain bike accident in California. It is all so crazy to me that this happened. And I found myself shedding a tear. I was so proud of all he accomplished and saw through a website his family had for him that he died doing what he loved. I saw that he had become a firefighter, had lots of friends and a large loving family. That is probably one of the most surreal experience to have, looking someone up and finding out they have been gone for a long time....

I will always have this memory of my first kiss.

Game Night

2010-03-11T13:13:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-24T00:36:00.001-05:00

I Won. Points 298.

C, Bring it on!

K (2 wins)
C(0 wins) hahahaha!

I can't keep myself wordless!

Antibloggedy

snow days

2010-02-10T16:25:00.006-05:00

I have been blessed with the oppurtunity to experience some record setting snowfall. In one night we recieved 21 inches or more!

I have had some fun with it as I sort of let my neighbors know I "like" shoveling......I should say now I "liked" shoveling. After 3 days of trying and on the final day, 3 total hours of shoveling, salting, melting ice surrounding my vehicle, I was able to free it from the clutches of my driveway. Ouch to the back and my arms. I am getting tons of exercise though.
The snowfall stopped for a few days, and then yesterday the heavy snow began again. They are predicting 10-18 inches more in many parts of pittsburgh. They still haven't cleared up the snow from friday-Sunday. Loads are without power (sucks, cause no power means no furnace to heat the house!) pipes are freezing and cable/internet is going out. I only lost cable and internet for friday-sunday when it came on shortly before the superbowl.
I still had 4 vehicles that I helped push down the street as they got stuck in front of my house. The city has sold out on snow shovels and many grocery stores are without milk, and meat products as well as major shopping supplies. I went to the store on tuesday after the 3 hour shoveling ordeal and they were packed with survival mode peeps. I had gone shopping on friday and HAD to go to get diapers for my little one. My neighbors and I shared what we had left till we could make it to the store. Never again!
this is my street "after" they plowed it......The firetruck couldn't make it to the house fire down the street because of the snow caused by a fireplace fire that was made in a non-fireplace ready fire place. they had no power! State of Emergency placed on our county.
punxsutawney phil says we get 6 more weeks to deal with. Damn ginney pig! (just kidding, I know its a gopher).............(groundhog)

I have some sewing projects to finish, but need supplies to complete the tasks....not possible with the roads as they are. so I can't complete them. Start a bunch....not finished. wish me luck!

Creature Crafts project

2010-02-02T14:09:00.005-05:00

I have decided to try and learn how to make a few creature crafts. I love animals of all types and have decided to partake in a month of creatures to be loved.

I will post the blogs randomly, but am really excited about my project ambitions. As this is the idea stage I have a few must have ambitious projects that I will list, however the finished products won't come till the end of this week. One by one. I will post the links to them when I finish each blog.

Thanks!

OWL PILLOW.-
I always love seeing these guys and don't get tired of them. something special about the owl. In Hawaiian Mythology the white owl can protect you and guide you out of trouble. So as this is my inspiration I will do the White Owl with my daughters initials on each wing. Here is the Initial drawing inspiration that I drew based on a project in the craft book:

"One Yard Wonders" by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins. This book is awesome! there are 101 sewing projects that all use 1 yard or less of fabric. I know I have a lot of one yard "what do I do with this" fabric. Anywhooo.....back to my project

Monkey Blanket:

I made this one already, but I will show you all the fun stuff close up as well as the finished product. Hope you like what you see.

The 3 Toed Sloth:

I did some browsing on the internet for the inspiration to my project. It's still undetermined, but there were some fantastic artists, cartoonists and doodlers out there with the ability to inspire me. work in progress. I have to remember to keep it simple otherwise I don't know if I can't get it done. Probably a blanket, towel or pillow. wait and see!

Maybe I'll write a book titled: All the animals you can make with fabric from A-Z.....I think it would only take about 10 years to write. =)

More coming:
Elephants
Giraffes
Fish
Cat
Dog
Insects
Gecko
Lion
Zebra

I would be more then excited if I get 3 of the creature crafts done. keep watch this month!

Antibloggedy

EBay

2010-01-30T12:26:00.003-05:00

"did you do it?"
"yeah, I did"
"how much"
"I don't know yet, but I think some people are "watching" me"
"Oh, that's a good thing"
"is it?, I don't know who they are."
"Thats okay, that's how the bidding starts."
"Ohhhhhh. I get it. "

See. It looks like an illegal deal is going down. =)

I actually finally succumbed to the beast. It's fun......but man, it is slow waiting for the days and hours to go by. Right now I am 3 for 4 on sells. Whoo hoo!

Some things I learned and a few tips about Ebay:

You can sell the first five things every 30 days for free insertion fees. This means, you can sell the items at whatever cost and ebay takes a 8.75% cut of the sell price (not the shipping) up to a certain amount.

You get to post the item with 1 picture (however you could create a collage with picasa or another photo program and post a few pictures as one.)
Take Clear Pictures, with the intent to make the item look its best. Drape a cloth over a table if you have to. Make sure you take pictures that do not have an attempt to deceive. You want to sell your item to someone who really needs or wants it, not trick someone. If you have to be tricky.....I say give it to charity. I am only selling stuff that I like and would buy myself. Be Honest.

You get to write as much about the product as possible. Be Honest and Use FACTS. I have been bullet pointing the Facts at the top and then details.

Shipping:
Ha! This is the part where it gets tricky. You can sell things using the post office flat rate, however I realize (after lengthy talking with postal lady) if you get your own boxes or have boxes lying around then the cost is usually much cheaper to ship the item, by as much as 50%. Now if you are shipping lead weights, then go with the flat rate. Factor in cost of materials(boxes, envelopes) before you do it.

Returns:
I think it is only fair to allow returns for something as long as someone is willing to pay for the return shipping. If the item ends up not being that great to the buyer, then why not allow returns? I pretty much feel it is a good faith buy and sell so lets all be fair. =)

Wish me luck in the Ebay spring cleaning and selling-a-thon!

Antibloggedy

Thank God Its Friday....Aloha friday

2010-01-29T15:10:00.004-05:00

Here's a little music to tide you Over The Rainbow to next week. ;0)

Web cams and Chatting

2010-01-27T23:24:00.005-05:00

that's my niece, totally into web chatting.....wonder what technology they have in store for them when they are my age? I remember when desktop computers were "tandy's" and the idea of a laptop was still a decade away from being available....now its reality.

For the first time I have exposed myself to the web cam and video chat. I will only do so with my family and close friends, but wonder now, "why didn't I do it sooner?" It wasn't hard. In fact my grandmother went ahead and joined Skype and has been chatting it up with my mom, sisters, aunts and uncles. If she can do it....you can definitely do it. seriously.....she isn't really computer/tech savvy. I don't think she knows what a blog is....she might...but I don't think so.

For those of you who don't know, SKYPE is a free online video chat program that hooks with your computers or separate video camera to connect with others either on a similar free chat or they have other options of calling to mobile phones (for a nominal fee) Google has Google Video Chatting (from gmail to gmail accounts) and works in the same way (all free) I am sure there are more, these are the ones that I use. (you can check it out with skype.com or gmail.com there are tutorials through out the internet to troubleshoot.

There are great benefits to video chatting:

Its like you are in the same room as the person you are chatting with!
I love...LOVE....looking into the face of my sister, mom, niece and seeing their expressions as we talk. It is like being face to face.....It IS being face to face. With us being 6000 miles apart and having to wait a year or more to see each other, this allows us the ability to say, "I just saw her yesterday", "she looks good" or "man, that boo boo looks painful." The kids get to know my family and when we finally see them for real, they won't feel like strangers!

The kids love it:
My two girls were in front of the camera for 30 minutes the first time I hooked up the camera....just staring at themselves in the screen, making faces, and laughing at each other. Its better than a mirror!

Longer, more valuable conversations:
When video chatting it seems as though the conversations are less "blah". I mean, when I talk to some people we typically stay on the whats new...nothing, nice day, etc. But with video chat you can say hey! I got this new shirt "what do you think of it?" Let me try it on for you! or look at this crazy thing my kid is doing!

I can only say that there are probably times that video cams can overstep their bounds, but I haven't found it yet. Maybe because I am kind of a boring person who doesn't have much going on except the kids, hot meals, normal routines and the occasional stop at fabric store.

Tuesday Tunes

2010-01-19T20:29:00.004-05:00

Something about Tuesday tunes.....just following Ramblers post suggestion.

Enjoy a little 80's. I was totally into what ever she was into.....sad, but I was the little sister so she controlled the "cassette tapes" and radio stations.

Heres another one:

and the end to fake-ness....I must say though, who ever did sing this, did a good job worthy of some fame.....

And if you made it this far into the past: I love this animation to go with this song. I had a boy sing this song to me on the phone once while wooing me...."weirdo" he even said something about nylon ropes being the only thing to tie someone up with because they couldn't get free?! yup, weirdo!

Top 3 Gifts for Kids.....

2010-01-18T13:39:00.005-05:00

So every time I have to get a gift for kids I am always completely torn into a tatter from lack of uniqueness and from lack of understanding of what people really want.

I realized that there are gift standards that in today's world is better choice.

Challenge:
Keep away from bulky plastic toys!
Think Green!
Keep away from video games!

Benefits to staying within challenge perimeters:
Planet Earth lives a fraction longer. The breakdown of plastics is a big problem for health and for the landspace in landfills.
Children are stimulated with things that keep them active and they are more willing to enjoy time with family and nature.

With those things out of the way, here goes.

#1 on my list for any age:
a really good set of books, classics, or activity related books. Think about the books that are most treasured, or most useful....such as an Atlas for boys, with maps or a hard backed Dictionary that the whole family can use. Also of interest is the Book sets: Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Winnie the Pooh, E.B. White(charlottes web) or as mentioned in the movie "You've Got Mail" Noel Streatfeild's Shoe Books. Think about Books that are of interest to you and it will probably be a good buy for them too!

#2 Family oriented gifts:
Think about things that involve people to spend time together like a gift from an inside rock climbing company(like REI) you could even think about finding a museum membership for the family with multiple kids. Board games of challenge (my favorites are Connect Four, Battleship, Monopoly, and Scrabble (I know, I know I said no plastic.....they are still my favorites, but for challenge sake...stay away! except if you find it used...than its okay for Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose!). Also loads of fun are Yahtzee and Uno!
Sports items: soccer balls, volleyballs, footballs, basketballs, bowling balls! you get the drift!

#3 Learning toys:
Flash cards, Music that is stimulating or allows activity or sing-a-long. Books about colors, numbers, states, continents or the sport favorite....you get the drift.

Other options:
Gifts that keep on giving: Donate in the name of a family toward a charity, buy a tree, or purchase a star (I got this once from my sister and I totally cried). Sometimes you can make a basket of unique gifts that are food based like favorite jams, olives, maple syrups...etc. and still add a tree on top of this! Purchase an application for an upcoming run to include an entire group of friends (you of course can't force them, but if this is your thing?! why not!)

Personal Art: If you have kids sometimes the nicest gift can be a large good quality paper with the art combonation of the whole family in form of watercolor abstract. I did this a few years ago framed for all the Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles from my 2 year old. It was a big hit!
Also there are the photo books you can buy from places like Shutterfly and Snapfish that are very good quality. I suggest the hard cover book. One year I got the siblings of the significant other to give me all their art work, prof photography, and writings. I scanned it and had the book made in time for christmas....(warning, it is very difficult to get a group of 5 people motivated enough to send you their personal art in a timely fashion....start with plenty of time) I also did one of my 3 year olds arts and under her pictures I put famous quotes and sayings relevant to the theme of the image.....just ordered:

I have been busy, but you can watch this while I get my groove back

2009-12-07T10:26:00.015-05:00

First up: Jake Shimabukuro, Rambler and I went to High School with this guy. So proud of him.

Some Hawaiian Hula from the Merrie Monarch Festivals.....enjoy!

If you have a cat, you'll crack up at this......

2009-11-11T19:44:00.004-05:00

Check this out......ha ha ha larious!

Anti

Home Made Note Cards, perfect for the holidays!

2009-11-11T17:20:00.001-05:00

A project you and your kids can do!

Take the beautiful finger paintings from your kids and copy them and cut them to fit a note card. Here is my tutorial on a Tuesday tip jar that you can follow to make your own.
The tutorial is from Feb. for my daughters bday cards.

Supplies:
1.Pack of Blank Cards w/envelopes (50 pack for 5.00)

2.Wallet size prints from Costco: 13 cents each(4 on each page) (for 50qty)=$1.25
(added note about costco: you can upload your pics online to the warehouse and pic it up in the hour.....time saver!!!!I do this before every Costco trip.)and of course you can get this done at any photo print place like W-Mart, but I like Costco better, better service, cheaper, and better quality prints.
Or......you can take those fingerpaintings and have them copied in color at your local printer for 29 cents a page cut those into smaller unique croppings.

3. Glue stick (50 cents for 1 stick) this is a regular craft glue stick the one I got said
"Really Sticky Glue Stick" and is Non-toxic

4. Scissors or Paper cutter(you should already have this) to cut the wallet pics for the front of each card=free or cost of scissors....but you really should have this in your home anyway. =)

Total time to cut, and stick the pictures to the cards: 30 minutes
(because I have a slide cutter, add probably another 30 minutes for scissors)

Total cost for 50 personal cards: $6.75!!!!!
I also spent an additional 2.95 on getting personal stickers with Violets picture on it to seal the envelope(I hate licking the backs....due to an episode of Seinfeld....).
The stickers are super cute and make a nice touch.

*There is additional time in making your special messages for the inside of the card:
* You can print on special paper, cut and paste to inside of card
*Write your own special messages on the inside(this is what I did)
*You can also glue little bows and confetti pieces if you want......(to be honest: its cute, but people who aren't prepared for it when they open the card, hate the clean up if you don't glue it down....I hate glitter myself, so I won't do that either.)

I went to a craft store called Pat Catans in Pittsburgh, but you can find these items in most craft stores. I also used these same blank cards to make my daughters Gifts from the Charity Blog for Cancer back in December using color printed copies of her artwork.

*I found that after I did this with the wallet print pictures that people peeled them from the cards and put them on their fridge, so it made some use after the event.

Ta Da!!!!! My first Tip...of my own
You may have a better faster cheaper Tip on Creating your own cards...share it in a tip jar and don't forget to let me know about it.

Thanks, and Your Welcome!
Antibloggedy

P.S. It really is pretty fast and cheap
I keep a bunch of the blank cards w/envelopes on hand all the time so when an unexpected or expected occassion comes up I can whip up a card without carting the kids off to the store to buy one!

Unfinished Project #1 Monkey, Tulips, and a Tree Branch

2009-11-03T10:51:00.002-05:00

Monkey's and Tulips. I have been working on this project for at least a year. Most of that time was not devoted to the project but to the procrastination in me. I find that I have been much more motivated since I left my job. Yes, I left. No, they didn't fire me, or lay me off. That's all I will say. Either way, I have had a lot of opportunities to make the right decisions and finish some things I have been meaning to complete, but "did not have the time to do it". What I have learned from all this time is that, I had the time to do it all along, I just did not have the motivation. Procrastination keeps me from completing the really important things and now I have no excuse (except money.....haha, don't we all).

So now. With help from the Motivation Station as one of my inspirations. I am cleaning up my life, my house and my unfinished projects. I think I will have to note the unfinished projects in my life, share them with you, and learn along the way. Maybe on Tuesdays.......Cause today is Tuesday and I am posting today. =)....."probably once a week on a non specific day".....(says the procrastinator in me).

Unfinished project #1. The Tapestry of Monkey over Tulips.
To Heather and Sophie with Love!

The Tulips and the Tree:

I used Blanket stitching through out the piece and am considering going over it all again with a machine stitch to give it strength. Tell me what you think. I didn't use a pattern, just my imagination and some scissors. I had a lot of scrap material and decided to use it this way. I started with the tulips and then I wanted to add more. I had no idea what I would do with it or what I would add to it. After makin the tulips, I wanted more. I added the tree branch the circles for the leaves and than found a large empty space between the two. If I dedicated time, this probably would have only taken about 20 total hours.

The Monkey:

I made a pattern that started from this picture of the monkey I drew. I did this by selecting a proportionate size to the amount of space left in my tapestry. I drew this image larger on a piece of thick brown paper I had in the house and made sure to make each part of the monkey very simple. Cut out each piece of the monkey in parts (tail, arms, hands, legs, feet, bottom half of head, top half of head, ears, body making sur to lable the top side and also noting ends like right arm, top side, this side attached to hand, or this side attached to body.) Than I pinned the paper parts to the tapestry to make sure it looked right. Once that was done, I pinned the parts to the fabrics that were going to be used for the final piece. Once all were cut, pin the cloth parts back onto the Tapestry and place all the paper pattern parts in a plastic ziploc, in case I wanna do this again.....But lets finish one project at a time, right Martha? =)

Violet and Hummus

2009-11-02T15:45:00.003-05:00

You will need:

1. $4 mini food processor bought during black friday sales at Walmart in 2008.
2. bread that will be going bad any day now from "sitting too long on the shelf disease"
3. Toaster Oven for #2 Bread
4. A Daughter named Violet
5. Knife to cut toast
6. About 10-25 minutes (depending on distractions from small children)Recipe Like this one taken from here.

1 16 oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans
1/4 cup liquid from can of chickpeas
3-5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on taste)
1 1/2 tablespoons tahini
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation:

Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of liquid from chickpeas. Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth.

Place in serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus.

Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with parsley (optional).

She Loves It!

Antibloggedy

Google lied to me.....

2009-10-29T15:38:00.002-04:00

I have been visiting family in Boston. Really great time with little munchkins and their cousin B. Drive from Pittsburgh to Boston.....BTW, Google lied to me. They said the trip would only take 9hrs and 26 minutes. It actually took 13 hours. The hour of stops still left me with an extra 3 hours of trip time that Google lied to me about. Shame on you Google.

Antibloggedy

Touched

2009-10-27T10:12:00.000-04:00

I wanted so badly to tell you all about this amazing moment I had a few weeks back. My life was touched by the action of others. I will start with a picture:

Her name is Sophia.

On September 24th, 2009 we received a knock on our side door. It was a friend of ours Dave. He said he had run into a couple of bike riders from NY and that he invited them to come to our house for a nice bonfire in the city. We have a great view and a cozy backyard with plenty of seating. So this became an impromptu gathering of friends to welcome two strangers. When they arrived it was just a nice sit down and chatting, then they told us the story of Sophia.

"Sophia has Spinal Muscular Atrophy"

What is this we asked?

In her case she has a form of SMA that is diagnosed to be terminal in the first 2 years of her life.

They are riding from NY to California to raise money for a clinical trial being done in California. As they ride for a cure for Sophia they are also sending off Ryan as he readies himself for the Marine Corp which he reports to in November.

These two are making an impact in the lives of this family and their friends and ultimately have shared with us their experience and their journey. I am touched and inspired.

I didn't know anything about this disease, I had never heard of it before this encounter.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease. The motor neurons affect the voluntary muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control, and swallowing. It is a relatively common "rare disorder": approximately 1 in 6000 babies born are affected, and about 1 in 40 people are genetic carriers.

SMA affects muscles throughout the body, although the proximal muscles (those closest to the trunk of one’s body - i.e. shoulders, hips, and back) are often most severely affected. Weakness in the legs is generally greater than in the arms. Sometimes feeding and swallowing can be affected. Involvement of respiratory muscles (muscles involved in breathing and coughing) can lead to an increased tendency for pneumonia and other lung problems. Sensation and the ability to feel are not affected. Intellectual activity is normal and it is often observed that patients with SMA are unusually bright and sociable. Patients are generally grouped into one of four categories, based on certain key motor function milestones.

Sophias Story can be read here: http://sophiascure.com

The journey of the two riders can be read here: or linked to through the main site above. I wanted to write this to ask to spread the word. Maybe someone can help them more than the few dollars I have to offer, Maybe I can spread the word to those who stop by here. Maybe by writing this someone will become inspired to say something to others that can make a difference and Maybe, just Maybe they can find a cure for Sophia.

Ryan and Dennis, May you find a grand adventure on your journey to California!

Antibloggedy

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T14:12:00.007-04:00

I finally have something to contribute to Wordless Wednesday!

Yes, that is MY hand! =)

GOOD MORNING

2009-10-16T09:56:00.000-04:00

Giuseppe's Homemade Eggplant Parmesan

2009-10-14T14:34:00.002-04:00

Decided to make this, and decided to follow this guys tutorial. =) I myself am lucky to have bought "C" a Mandolin for xmas one year....however, I decided to cut it up with a knife. I was always too intimidated by the awesome eggplant, as it doesn't resemble anything we ever made when I was a kid. It was extremely easy, and it was totally Yum. I would like you to enjoy the fantastic editing and music used in this video. =) No matter what the food it delicious!

Next I need to work on my cooking of the Butternut Squash. I hear you need to skin it, cube it and roast it. What is your suggestions for this dynamic gourd. I am used to seeing gourds dried out and made into some sort of musical instrument, like the "ipu":

Maybe you have a really great recipe also, let me know what it is.

I would show you the yummy result of my eggplant cooking, but we ate the evidence with friends before I remembered to document it. =) Haha, it really was yummy.

Antibloggedy

How do you like the new header? =)

Rant: I have to get something off my chest....

2009-10-12T17:04:00.002-04:00

I am an avid reader of The New York Times. Mostly I try to inform myself on the world news from them and keep up on some politics. I am not the most informed person, but feel as though I am not a misinformed one. Today there was a topic of discussion regarding the loss being felt in families involved in IVF and other forms of Infertility treatment. First off, I must say that I will not voice my direct opinions here regarding Infertility, Reductions, Abortion, or other strongly viewed topics. It is not the place for that. What I do want to mention is that in reading the article a family was mentioned and along with the name of the family was the announcement that they have a blog. Through a form of infertility treatments this family found themselves with 6 formed fetuses. The doctors recommendation was to reduce the numbers of fetuses through selective reduction and allow a more probable full term for those selected to remain. Now again, I am not stating this to debate here any of the many debatable issues raised, I am sincere in that. The family lost 3 of their 6 children after preterm labor. Had the funeral for these children, and then found themselves on the NYT. They lost yet another child yesterday and so the debate began....sadly it began on the blog of the mothers announcement that she shared with her readers that little Ashlyn had lost her fight with Yeast Pneumonia.

Here is my angst. I feel so disgusted with people that find it is an appropriate place to make statements of "look what you've done" and "this is all your fault" and "Are you happy now" or "you just want to be on Reality TV". The Stansel family is grieving for their four young children and I find it appauling that this is the moment someone feels inclined to throw their grief in their faces. Of course ALL of the negative comments came anonymously with no allowable way of responding to them. This I feel makes for cowardice actions. If you can so proudly speak your views then why hide them from the public on who is saying them?

Why do people feel as though through anonymoty it is okay to voice inappropriate comments to anyone. What if this were your own family, your friends or yourself.

Regardless of my own views I stopped by to give the family my condollences as they grieve a great loss. There is no question that this family loved these children. They were not specimens to them with letter designations of Baby "A" "B" "C"....and so on. They had names, hearts, a family, a mother, father and siblings.

In Blog land, I think it would be nice to realize that there should still be respect for each other, each others views, and realize that this still falls under social protocol. You don't have to agree with those that you pass, but that doesn't mean "free for all" to tear them to the smallest pieces. Arguments can be made intelligently and with great respect for others. If you wouldn't say it directly to someone face to face, then don't say it at all.

Thats my Rant,
Sorry if I offended anyone, I just needed to get this off my chest.

Squeel! We have a winner!

2009-10-12T09:29:00.005-04:00

I want to say thank you for the visitors this last week, also for those of you that have stopped by over the last year.....can you believe it, I correspond with some of you more than I do some family and friends. That reminds me, I have to call my grandma!

So here is the winner:

You may recognize her from my sidebar. I am so excited she is a winner! yippey!
A Duck in Her Pond is a fantastically unique blog that includes stories and happenings from the published writer Miranda Koerner. I stop by there to read such neverending stories as Twirl, The Old House on Elm Street, The Gift and The Coconut Queen. But that's not all! She writes of Waffles, Peanut Butter and Ribs...BBQ that is! She is worth the follow. So props to her win, and I humbly will send her the prize wondering if she will use it to warm her Bitty and Bear during the cold winter months after they have a long day of adventures. Congratulations Queen of the Pond, you deserve it!

Antibloggedy

My email address to give me the place to mail it is antibloggedy (at) gmail (dot) com I hear this is how you must put your contact email now as there are computer programs that seek out the email links on peoples pages and automatically use them to send spam (no, not the meat in the can!) and other non-interesting emails!

Sudoku Puzzle for you today....Get your Brain Muscles a work out.

2009-10-09T20:45:00.003-04:00

Before you play, If you wanna win the rice warming pad, go Here and post a comment.

Sudoku Park - Billions of Free Sudoku Puzzlesgreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Giveaway A warming thought

2009-10-06T12:00:00.007-04:00

I want to show my appreciation to my blog buddy readers and what better appreciation than the gift of warmth! Its a warming pad (homemade of course!).

Winner announced next week Monday 10/12/09. I will choose my winner randomly by scientific elimination (name on paper, placed in box, shaken around, kid pulls out name, winner announced) I am not fancy but it gets the job done. Promise to be fair.

Please Place your comment and say hello, that's all! Comments left on this post prior to Mondays drawing will be given an entry. One entry per blogger. =)

Heres the quick tutorial (by no means am I a pro):

(supplies I used) I used cotton Fabrics because they work best with mild heat.

8x4 approximate fabric cut of corduroy

9x5 approximate fabric cut of your choice patterned/plain fabric

Sewing Machine, Scissors, 1/2 cup-1 cup rice.

You can make this in any size, but as you make it bigger you will need more rice.

Step 1-3 Making the bag that holds the rice
Step One:
Make a fabric pocket to hold the rice. Take your corduroy or other cotton material, fold over and stitch close two of the three open sides. You should have one opening for the rice to be poured into.

Step Two:
With your pocket, fill the pocket with approx 1/2 cup to 1 cup rice so the pocket is filled less than half full. You don't want the bag to be filled all the way for several reasons.
A> You want the bag to lay flat and the rice should be able to extend throughout so it is comfortable and as flat as possible
B> Your bag will distribute a better heat source when it is not as full, providing you with more comfort and using less time in the microwave.

Step Three:
Stitch your sides closed. I make sure to do a double stitch (meaning I used the reverse setting on my sewing machine and go back over my first line of stitching). There might be a sewing technical term for this, but I don't know it the way pro's know it, I guess.

Step 4-5 Making the "pillow case":
*NOTE: The pillow case is there to provide a washable cover.*

Step Four:
Take your 9x5 cotton Fabric (use your favorite pattern or plain color for design). You will stitch on all four sides to create a hem.

Step Five: Fold over the two sides to where they meet and have a slight overlap and stitch this on both sides so you create a case that has an opening for your heat pad.

You are done! All you have to do now is put your rice bag and place it in your pillow case!

For a mild moist heat, place this in the microwave for approximately 1 minute. DO NOT GET WET!!! The Moist heat is natural. Be careful, due to different microwaves you may need to increase this time or decrease this time. Please be careful not to make the bag to hot, because when you put it on your skin it could be too hot! (you know all that It's common sense stuff)....here is more: Don't place this on young children...Use COMMON SENSE! Make sure it is not TOO HOT! let cool down if you think it is too hot, before use.

For me, the bag creates a perfectly nice warm heat that feels great on my muscles after a tense day with the kids.

Another Use:
AT ROOM TEMPERATURE/DO NOT HEAT You can use to make a weighted eye and forehead mask that creates that small amount of pressure. For this you would need to play around with the size of the pocket and the amount of rice. If you have basic sewing skills, then you should be able to do this in no time!

Changes- Be back soon

2009-09-22T16:57:00.003-04:00

I have always been a level headed and healthy minded person. I believe some of my strongest traits are empathy and loyalty. I have had to make some changes in my life this past week in order for me to stay or become healthy minded again. The decisions I am making will effect those two traits. I am breaking my loyalty and ignoring my empathy in order to make a change. That does not sit well with me. So......I will take a small break while I figure things out and hope you will visit me again soon....probably a couple weeks. I will still be reading some blogs out there, but need my focus to be on my choices and my decisions moving forward as I clear my head and my life.

Love and Aloha,
Antibloggedy

I will have to host a contest when I return to lighten up the mood around here.........something perfect for winter!!!!! I already know what it is. Tell me your favorite colors and I will take a look at these to make my prize (homemade of course). Keep up with Rambler at My Rambling Thoughts (thats my big sis).

Visit back in 2 weeks. That means October 6th -ish =)

Happy Birthday Kai

2009-09-19T08:39:00.003-04:00

Dear Kai,
I remember the day I found out about you. How I was smiling and scared. I knew it would be okay. I remember going to the doctor and hearing your heart beats in the little scanner and saying "is that my baby" bringing myself and the doctor to tears. I remember thinking you were gonna be a boy until I had a dream you were a girl.....that came true. I remember the day you first "really" kicked me in the tummy and turned my sides all over. I remember the day you were born and changed my life forever. I remember the days of your firsts seconds and thirds. I remember the day you became a big sister. I am so very proud of you and how big you are getting. Never lose that spirit and smile. I love you more than words can describe and our bond is forever.

Love,
Mama

Sisters and Phones

2009-09-17T16:47:00.004-04:00

I have to say that my sister(Rambler from My Rambling Thoughts) and I are very much a like, and very much different. We want the same things, but I like it one way and she likes it another way.....Sisters.

This is Rambler and I. I am a Blackberry Storm and She is an I Phone.

P.S. I just got my phone yesterday after 2 weeks, no phone. I wonder how many text messages I missed?

Antibloggedy

Turning 3....again

2009-09-14T16:04:00.002-04:00

I know, I am not actually turning 3 again, however I am living vicariously through my daughter this week. Here are the things I am doing this week as I try to live up to "fun times" on Saturday.
1. Cake-gotta have cake. I am trying to be simple, as I have to make the kids happy, but really, they just want the sugar. So lets give it to them.....in small sizes. I have to get a small cupcake pan to make the tiny cupcakes.....with a sweet pretty hawaiian topping. I got a recipe idea online for a topper made from marshmallows cut into five slices. These slices resemble petals of a flower and when fanned out, look just like a plumeria! Beautiful. I am also going to practice piping this week.....we will see!

2. Food-what do they want? well they are gonna get some tasty lasagna, bite size pizza's on bagels, there will be meat and veggie skewers......veggies......I am a little crazy with food, so there will probably be way more than we need.

3. Fun- I am planning a kiddie race and obsticle course, painting fun, and play time. Swimming in the pool if weather permits.

4. Gifts.....I am trying to get the word out for my friends to save their money and get only things Kai can use, and fun simple non plastic large toys she can play with....but really clothes, books, personal homemade art, non-plastic toys, are the theme.

5. Adult fun- We will be in hang out mode, kids can play we can eat chat and drink some drinks (I will probably be on kid duty so none for me till around 9pm when kids go down!

I am starting to craft again, so watch out Etsy, I may actually start you up!

Antibloggedy.

MIY....Make it Yourself!

2009-09-12T12:14:00.003-04:00

I was looking for a craft site that would tell me how to make the stacking rings for a little baby made fully out of cloth and ribbon scraps. I found one...sort of and had to elaborate on the center of the ring. I ended up with just one ring and stopped because it is not how I wanted it to come out. I kept perusing the pages of google and stopped at so many blogs that were helpful but none that showed me My Project Idea.....oh, well....I will have to do it myself.

Some good news though!

I found Make it and Love it. a craft blog that provides you with "sew" many ideas you will be busy with crafts for ever! I can't wait to get started on some of her fab suggestions using her descriptions. I don't know how she finds the time, and her models are ADORABLE.....click on my pic above to see some of my favorites (small summary) of her ENTIRE archive of blog posts. I spent about 1 hour scrolling through......become an expert gifter or buy something from her.....either way BUY HOMEMADE!

Antibloggedy

September 11th

2009-09-11T10:56:00.002-04:00

It is one of those moments that we can all remember where we exactly were when we got the call to turn on the television, radio, or just got a call.

I remember the fear and concern I felt that day and the horror that something so tragic was actually occurring.

My heart goes out to all those that lost that day.

We all lost.

Much aloha,

Antibloggedy

The Hair Cut

2009-09-10T14:51:00.005-04:00

Chas has finally cut his hair.

He looks really handsome.

I love the new cut.

I love The Chas!

Before:

After:

You look good, baby!

Antibloggedy

What to do in Honolulu, Hawaii? Food

2009-08-30T23:47:00.003-04:00

There is a song that makes me smile called Honolulu City Lights by Keola Beamer. It represents a moment for me when I am flying away from "home" and watching the lights as my plane takes off for the "main land". I now live in Pittsburgh, PA and whenever possible love to fly in or out in the middle of the night so I can see this type of beautiful.

Get a pair of Slippahs as by the time you leave you will get a sign like this as a souvenir:

I was speaking to a friend of mine from Canada and he is not the first person to say to me: "I am going to Hawaii, will you tell me some places to go?" I thought about it and decided I would post a Cheers to his luckiness to go to my hometown,....a little jealousy also. =) "Cheers"

Tip:
If you are in Waikiki and are staying in Waikiki....Walk around, don't drive. Everything is walking distance....some further than others, but its not a horrible walk. If you are leaving Waikiki than it might be a little further than you expected. Take a hotel shuttle, drive or even the bus system. It was rated number 1 in the US...how bad can you be if you are on an island? Called "The Bus". (click for link to their website) Decide what you want out of your trip.....you might not need a car at all. Write down your musts and your goals for the trip and you can call your hotel and usually they are pretty helpful with giving you tips.....also check out the goHawaii.org as they are the visitors bureau site and can have links to things I don't mention.

Food
(my top 10)
By the way, you should go on a diet before and after the trip. During your trip....wear some elastic. =)

1. Dukes in Waikiki/or Hula Grill Waikiki
Best Pupus

Dukes is downstairs and has a more laid back "slippahs" atmosphere and Hula Grill is directly upstairs from them, with a little more of a dressed up atmosphere, I believe they would not turn you away though, if you had on the slippahs. If you are in Waikiki anyway, then by all means this is where you will have a good time, enjoy good food, and walk back to where you wanna go, or take a cab (parking is expensive). Hula Grill has a memorable

My Menu Picks:
Dukes:CHINESE STYLE BEEF SHORT RIBS in a Ginger braised with fresh pineapple relish 18.95....Your on Vacation so your gonna spend a little money on a dinner, might as well be this one. =) Okay, so maybe this isn't a pupu, but go ahead and share it and don't get anything else....you'll be okay with that.

Hula Grill: SCALLOP AND LOBSTER POT STICKERS w/ a Guava Plum Sauce 10.50
"I would pay 10.50 for just the guava plum sauce!" I don't care for lobster, but this is the best representation of lobster I have ever had....don't share it! =)

2. Top Sushi Pick: Genki Sushi
This is my favorite for someplace local, laid back and reasonably priced. I always went to the one on Kapahulu Ave (even though it was a fight for parking.)....But it is worth it. This location is an old bank so you will see little left overs from its earlier business, like the bank vault doors.
When you go you will be given a table and along the side of the table there is a conveyer belt. The conveyer has your favorite "fast food sushi" already made up. Pick up your plates and stack them on the table when done. Each color plate has a price associated with it, so when done you might have 10 plates at 1.10 per plate, but you are totally satisfied. Don't worry you will have a picture menu to match what you want to eat, and if you don't see it, ask and they will get it for you. It is good sushi, so don't worry about getting sick! My favorite is pretty simple: the tuna sushi (rice, nori and tuna like in a tuna salad sandwich)believe me, it is yum!

3. Top Local Style Plate Lunch (two picks)
Irifune: Totally slamming Garlic Ahi(Tuna fish) Fried Rice! But you can only get it at lunch time (at least that is the way I remember it) Give them a call and tell them you want to know when they are making it. Sorry, no website.....yes it is totally local. Get it to-go and take it to the beach or beach park down the road (Kapiolani Park)....If my friend Pete is still cooking there, tell him I said "howzit!"

(808) 737-1141

563 Kapahulu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815

L&L Drive in (pull up, go inside, pick your item at the counter, pay and sit or go)....I know I know, this is so popular if you are anywhere in California they are popping up as Hawaiians migrated and HAD to take it with them. These are all over the island so you won't have too much trouble getting to one. I would suggest the one at Ala Moana Shopping Center if you are doing a day of shopping, if you are in Waikiki, there is one there too on the main beach front.

I ALWAYS order the Chicken Katsu Mini plate (not so mini) Scoop Rice, Scoop Mac Salad, and lots of Katsu style chix deep fried......and don't forget the secret recipe Katsu Sauce! this is under $5.00 and the tasty yum yum yummiest straight to your waistline type food....I did say to where elastic, right?

4. Best Shave Ice: (Two Picks)
Matsuyamas Shave Ice, Haleiwa

If you take a drive to the North Shore, than you might as well head over to Haleiwa (pronounced: Hah-Lei-Eve-Ah) because you are already there. The Shave Ice is light and melts to the touch, topped with your favorite flavors......I need a shave Ice machine! You will head here if you are looking for some surf action......to watch. These are big waves people so unless you are a pro, check with your nearest lifeguard on whether you are clear to get in, you will see the "Don't go beyond this point" "Dangerous Waves" all over the beaches here. Its nice to sun bathe and check out some hotties (girls and guys). Check with the local papers to find out if there is a surf competition going on while you are in town. You may want to see it, or avoid the crazy parking situations. (I think its worth it to go)

Island Snow, Kailua Seriously, You have to get Shave Ice. If you don't make it to the North Shore, than you gotta go to the Windward side. Island Snow is the best place to get it over this way. My family all lives in Kailua and it is my favorite place to go. Relaxing, Welcoming, Beautiful. Go to Kailua Beach (boat ramp or Lanikai-Mokulua Isles).

5. Best Breakfast spots: all second to Moms cooking of course! One for the Tourists and one for traveling to my favorite neck of the woods:

In Kailua: Boots and Kimo's

...My favorite and the reason to go: Macadamia Nut Pancakes....not just any mac nut pancake, the vanilla cream butter topping and mac nut chunks throughout are to die for. This place is small so be willing to wait cause its a local favorite and worth it.

Waikiki or "Waiks" as we like to call it:

Wailana Coffee House
(24 hour-better than most)
Address: 1860 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815 808.955.1764
Close enough to Waiks between Waiks and Ala Moana Shopping Center. I used to live a couple blocks from here. Super good at any hour. For my friend, you can walk here from where you are staying.

6. Best Burgers:
Teddy's Bigger Burgers Kapahulu (Waikiki)

Check out the website. These are definitely bigger and better then the norm. Tastier too......get the sauce!

7. Best Bakery:

Leonard's Bakery
933 Kapahulu Ave., 737-5591

This Bakery is a family MUST. You have to get the tasty donuts called "Malasada's". This place is so good, it even made it on the Food Network for top ten Donuts in the U.S. Yup Top Ten. And it wasn't the bottom of that list either. Hawaii, Represent!

8. Best Desserts:
Don't get this mixed up with Leonard's and the Malasada's...Malasada's aren't counted as desserts in my book....its a staple. If you want to celebrate with a nice flavorful Island style cake, get it from them.

Liliha Bakery
515 N. Kuakini St., 531-1651

The famous Coco Puffs (yum) or the Guava Chiffon(favorite) or the Chocolate Haupia Chiffon(other favorite) or....you get my drift. go to this place. I don't care if you are visiting, you can take it to your conference or meeting to share with a couple of friends.......seriously, you'll get a promotion! (Will, I mean YOU!)....or eat between the two of you and slice it up and give the rest to the Front Desk Staff at your Hotel....they will appreciate it, really....tourists don't usually do that and it is a customary thing us Hawaiians often do for each other.

9. Best Alcoholic Beverage with a smile
.....Now...this depends. Are you looking for a late night party scene or a quaint sit down talk to each other setting?

Packed-young crowd
Kelley O'Neills
(packed with people-college crowd):
311 Lewers St
Honolulu, HI 96815-2344
(808) 926-1777
I decided not to link to their website as it wasn't the best type of organized

I have a few stories NOT to tell you about Kelley's but mostly, its a lot of fun if you are going later like after 11pm. Before than, its laid back and chill(not many people) after that Whoa! you better not give stink eye to the door person and be patient for your favorite beer. If you think this is cool, look across the street at Moose's Bar, and they are pretty packed also. Sometimes, you can't get in. As for me, I am into Kelley's over Moose's, but that was my crowd.

Chill with beach side:
The Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian (The Pink Hotel)

. Although it may seem uptight at first, in the hours around sunset this is a local favorite to go to. You can't take your drinks off property (but remember you are in the US and there are still liquor laws in Hawaii)

Overall, drinks are drinks. You can get a good drink with a good atmosphere just walking around and finding something close to where you are staying. walk along Waikiki beach and you will see about 20 beach bars that catch your eye.

10. If you checked out all of the above and you are still looking for number 10, then you are probably going to need another dress size before you go home, or go on the poor diet from spending all your money in Hawaii.

Best Manapua (A.K.A: Pork filled steam buns or baked):
Char Hung Sut-
this link is to another blog called ONO Kind Grindz.....best description of the place....
64 N. Pauahi St., 808-538-3335 Downtown area.

Call ahead and order for pick up early....I mean early, they usually sell out by 6-7 am of the favorites. Be prepared, if you call, they speak quick and "Diner-Like" you better figure out what you want. ask around if you don't know. not typical restaurant or bakery like setting. This place is a whole in the wall "Warehouse" type place. You walk in and think you are in the wrong place. Go to the counter (be aggressive-but don't cut in line) and tell them you want 6 steam manapua's and 10 pork hash, this will feed you and your tag a longs as well as those new friends you met at the hotel. Look at the wall for the full menu, but if you want what I get....order the Manapua & pork hash and ditch out. Filled with Sweet Red Pork. It is delicious! reminds me of a sweat shop.(Chinese food) By the way, if you have befriended people at the hotel you might be able to get them to freeze the left over food, this is often brought over the water to California by my family to those craving the tasty treat.....might be too far for trip to Pittsburgh...sorry!

Hope you liked my food picks....I miss it!

Antibloggedy

Phone Blues

2009-08-27T17:04:00.004-04:00

bah bah da da dum

I got the phone blues

bah bah da da dum

Its broken in three ways

bah bah da da hum

It won't let me receive calls, see incoming calls from my friends or search my current list

bah bah da da dum

OHHHHH, I got the phone blues!

I know it's time, the darn thing is ancient.

Antibloggedy

Dream Big and Magical things will happen to you....

2009-08-23T12:24:00.002-04:00

I just love this commercial. This commercial should be the metaphor for all of our lives.

Antibloggedy

I'm washing dishes right now......and random stuff

2009-08-23T00:33:00.003-04:00

Did you all know they have those new gadgets called "Dish Washers". And by gadget, I am referring to a machine, not a human being...a.k.a. "Antibloggedy". Actually, It has been 3 years since I have had one on in my home! OUch! The much needed handy dandy scrubbing cleaning unit is my most "precious". it's MINE! Don't touch it, unless you want to fill it with MY dirty dishes and go ahead and press "sanitize" while you are at it.

Love it.

We decided not to take the white plastic cover off the front steel finish until we are closer to the end of renovations (so....I'm thinking 2-3 years?!.....not kidding)

_______________________

Other News:
Kai is holding a good long term memory. She just brought up a "fall in the pool" incident from May when we were in California. Also, when the California Cow contest/auditions commercials come on she asks when we are going to California....and she says California correctly! I think she loved hangin with her cousin's: Lil Rambler and Cousin N. I think she also loved hangin with Nana and Papa.

Violet pulls off her diaper and walks over to the potty chair and sits down. She hasn't gone into IT yet as there was some confusion between the potty chair and the green ikea kids chair that was in the living room. Thank goodness for wipe-able surfaces!

I tried to assist in installing a deadbolt on our front door.......the thing is a hollow door! anyway, I went to the construction junction after destroying part of the stupid door to find another one that was more secure.....(by the way, if I wanted one hollow like mine, it costs $5.00 there). I was frozen with indecision and ended up without anything. I am going back tomorrow for the $55.00 Metal Door that will keep out the honest people. By the way, "Construction Junction" is Pittsburgh’s only non-profit building material reuse retailer. They take old materials when people are deconstructing homes, businesses and churches and sell what they can to the public, keeping a ton of building materials from the landfills. Super Awesome if you are in Pittsburgh or the nearby area, they have a cool concept to model after. The stuff there is unique and hard to find. Check out the webpage, its worth it: www.constructionjunction.org

That's all for my weekend tales.

TTFN
Antibloggedy

Just a New Post

2009-08-17T22:36:00.003-04:00

I haven't had much to say the past week. With the "changes" I am attempting to make I have had nothing in my mind except for the current affairs.

I did get a chance to go to a beautiful wedding in West Virginia. We stayed at Oglebay Country Club and boy is that place "F.A.N.C.Y."! Nice Hotel Room, surrounded by beautiful Country Club views, all I was missing was someone to fan me with a big banana leaf poolside.

Here is a picture of almost 3 year old Kai walking into the middle of the dance off in the Sikh Wedding Reception....talk about inclusive, our friends had a top floor reception that was on the fourth floor of an old Brew House, on the first floor, with an open center view from above they had a magician for the 20+ children, and they had a Kids food section, kids this, kids that.....can you say make us all feel at home?!! The kids had a blast, everyone loved the children and we felt like we could let our guard down.

Antibloggedy

A Military Funeral

2009-08-04T16:53:00.006-04:00

Sgt. Ryan H. Lane of Castle Shannon, PA.
Laid to Rest at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville PA
Services at Bethany Presbyterian Church, Bridgeville PA

I have never attended a Military Funeral. This one, in particular was Incredible and Unique, I mean that respectfully. It was fitting to someone who sacrificed for so many. He left behind his wife Valerie, his 3 brothers, his Parents and Grandmother Ruth as well as a church full of family and friends. Ryan was the son of a former Police Chief, Harold Lane. In this connection to the Police Department and the Marines there was great respect and honor everywhere. As I drove off the freeway exit, toward the church, I could see the American Flags and the Lights of the Police vehicles. I approached the church Parking Lot and there was a police officer stationed to stop traffic. Anyone there to attend the funeral had right of way. The traffic was stopped to let any of us pass through with out halt. I have to say that I was moved to tears by every bit of it: The Police Officers that stood there to pay respect to their former Police Chiefs son. The Patriot Guards whom stood guard for our fallen soldier, that stood tall for hours in the hot sun in their leather gear holding their flags tall, who kept the media at bay, who held back the protesters, who saluted and gave honor to a fine young man. The Soloist that sang Danny Boy, The Priest that gave comfort. His Brother who spoke for his lost brother. His Aunt that gave Eulogy. His Marine Brother who shared with us who he was to them as a Soldier, a Sergeant, a Brother, and a Friend. The people who came to show support, Standing on the roadside in the route of the 200+ car procession from the Church to the cemetery, A woman standing solo with a hand written sign with the words "Thank you" or the one who stood with a flag with her hand over her heart saluting the procession that took 40 minutes to pass the 3.3 miles. Through and the daycare center that had their kids stand with their flags waving at us passing by. The many districts that sent a representing Police Car to escort the Soldier to the Cemetery. The Marines that stood tall for long periods of time, unmoving, in full Marine Uniform, did so with so much pride and honor to themselves and to Sgt. Lane, their brother. Bridgeville shut down the town for the time it took us to go from the Church to the Cemetery, their fire department had 2 Firetrucks with their ladders to full extension and an American Flag at the center linking the two trucks this was at the Church and their was another 2 at the cemetery for the procession of cars to pass under on the path to his resting place.

There was a full Military Salute, The Shooting of the Guns, The Fly Over, and his Casket Pulled by white horses through the Cemetery to his resting place at the top of the hill.....his final goodbye with the Man playing the bagpipes walking off into the distance, his sirens fading off, till silence. I was touched and have so much more pride in our Military Men and Women, their families that stand vigil waiting for them to come home.

I only took these four images, nothing with the flagged draped casket, or of the mourning family, I only wanted to remember the things that were done in his honor.

Hair Cuts by a 2 year old....

2009-08-02T15:23:00.002-04:00

Yes, thats right, a hair cut BY a 2 year old.

Kai found a pair of kids safety scissors in the living room...I don't know exactly where.

She came up to me a handed me a curl from her head.

The end.

We had a little talk.

Antibloggedy

Life with a Sunflower

2009-07-30T17:56:00.003-04:00

Every morning I stop and take notice of my sunflowers we planted in our front garden. They have grown to be around 11 feet tall and the flowers have bloomed to be a foot in diameter. They are so tall and the stalks so thick that I cannot get close enough to touch their bloom. I see the bees that orbit them and the lady bugs that shade themselves by them. I often lift their leaves to look at the life under them. Our Tomato Plants are shaded just enough by them to keep from drying out in the hot sun, but benefit from the "green house" effect they produce. I take a moment to pick the cherry tomatoes with the two kids, our harvest is often a handful each, some red, some yellow. We pull back the gigantic Sunflower leaves that hide our harvest and throw the split tomatoes back to the soil so they can produce healthier soil. I water the Sunflower and realize the daily routine with a smile. I feel like one of those bees that are doing their own harvesting of the pollen in the Sunflower, enjoying The Life with a Sunflower.

Antibloggedy

Some sad news....

2009-07-23T16:37:00.002-04:00

My neighbor is like family to us. When they have something happen to them, it effects me very much. I know much of their immediate family as well as extended family. My neighbor, has a godson/nephew that was killed in Iraq. They found out the news today. We were just putting a care package together for his battalion/troop and we were so excited to get all those magazines, baby wipes, flea collars, and other needs to them ASAP. We were going to call the different companies in the area to get some sponsorship to make it a BIG care package. It is very difficult for me to see those close to me in such despair. Her Nephew gave the "ultimate sacrifice", and not just for them, but for me, and my family and you and your family. This is probably the closest degree of separation I will be from someone who is in Iraq. I am not sure what to say, what to expect. I want to continue to fill the contents of that box, send it to his battalion in his honor and to send them condolences for their loss, and thank them for continuing to fight, while mourning. They have not released the names to the press yet, and they are still investigating the incident, I can only hope that he suffered little and knowing how much he was loved.

This has touched me. I see more now and feel more now about that war than I did reading the news, or watching the politics play out. I always want them to be safe and to come home, but beyond that I was ignorant of the "real life" scenario. The one where you see the family who loses...next door.

My heart goes out to all those fighting for us, for their families at home, and till they are home safe in your arms...I pray for their safe return. Beyond that I don't know about what you feel. I can say that the amount of honor they bestow upon you and your family cannot be matched by anything I will ever do, but that I hope that my life can emulate their purpose.

With Much Love and Aloha,
Kalei-a.k.a.-Antibloggedy

Sunsets in Pittsburgh

2009-07-12T16:21:00.002-04:00

I have to tell you, coming from Hawai'i to a place like Pittsburgh wouldn't seem like an upgrade, but there are times that even in Pittsburgh, Hawaii gets a run for its money on beauty.

This is from our back yard looking into the city. It is the reason we bought our house. I truly love pittsburgh, especially since it gave me my two favorite moments in life, Kai and Violet.

Aloha,

Antibloggedy

The Moving Wall....and some 4th of July Highlights

2009-07-06T22:46:00.002-04:00

We were extremely fortunate to witness the Moving Wall in the small town of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. It was at the Ellwood City Festival a huge "small" town Festival to celebrate the 4th of July and this year they got to celebrate the independence brought to us from the sacrifices of the men and women who died at the Vietnam war. I am no expert, so I will tell you what I remember, and in the way I remember it.

The Vietnam war left many casualties. This wall records the deaths and sacrifices of

58,261 (9 of which include women). The wall is in Chronological order and starts with the first name casualty and ends with the final single casualty. It is quite a sight.

I have to tell you that I had a really great time. C's Mom was headed the committee that brought the Wall to the Town and his sister sang the Star Spangle Banner at the opening and closing ceremony....with the finale of fireworks. We went on Sunday for the finale, but We also had the 4th of July Celebration at our house in the city, where we had a great view of the city scape from our back yard. Kids had fun, Violet loved Corn on the cob and a few people enjoyed themselves a little "too" much. =)

My Mom and the Opihi

2009-07-02T18:43:00.001-04:00

Opihi is one of the nicknames my mother has gifted to my youngest daughter Violet. The Opihi is a type of Mollusk that clings to the cliffs and rocks on the shores of the islands in Hawai'i. It's her way of saying my daughter is clingy to me, I agree. I am working on her independence and she should be out of that phase shortly.....i hope.

Dear Mom,
SHOUT out! WASSUP!
love you!

your fave daughter,
Antibloggedy

By the way, here is a picture of an Opihi,
I don't see the resemblance.....

antibloggedy

Kai and Violet in Black and White

2009-07-01T22:28:00.001-04:00

I recently took these two photographs of my kids. I can't get over how much I enjoy a photo in Black and White. Something about the lack of color that brings out the beauty in the content and detracts from the things unimportant. I loved these two photos so much I wanted to blog about them. Kai's hair should be in a shampoo commercial! and Violet......well, she will get hair soon enough. =)

antibloggedy

tweet tweet.....I can't....I won't......

2009-06-11T22:13:00.004-04:00

I can't tweet. I am the type of person that:
#1 doesn't like people knowing what I am doing all the time.
#2 doesn't know how to make short restrictive witty comments about myself, or the things around me without being repetitive.....I have been telling the same joke for 10 years: "a man walks into a bar.....ouch!" Yeah, I know....I'm sick of it too. =)

But....

On the other hand, I feel like if I don't do it, I will be left behind, like those boomers that missed out on the technology that flew through. (I still have a cell phone without a camera on it.)

To tweet or not to tweet....that is the question....
Damn technology for forcing me to evolve.

Anti-tweet-bloggedy

I will open up a twitter this weekend. =(

The Value of the Human Being...what is your appeal?

2009-06-09T19:03:00.002-04:00

I have a good friend that asked me a good question:

Why can’t I see what you see, when I am trying to find someone for myself.

What she was talking about was the fact that she had made choices that lead her heart in a different direction from what one would smartly call “the perfect one”. Dating the one who has it together may not be as interesting as the free-spirit who likes to take chances, dramatic pitfalls included. She would often decide against someone with all the traits of perfection toward someone that is almost guaranteed to break her heart.........I came up with this little question that one should ask themselves.

If I removed each of my senses (sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste) would this person in front of me still appeal to me? Without sight is the gorgeous person that stands before me nothing more than that? Am I only attracted to the smell of his/her perfume or cologne….or if removed would this person be perfect. if the feel of their hand on mine were removed would I be smitten. I went over this in my head including my own partner and me. I was interested to see what senses would improve his appeal or make him less appealing….or would he be the same? And when I say taste, I don't mean the taste of the person, I am talking about eating with them.

I wondered what senses make me appealing, or less appealing. Is the sound of my voice just a little to high?

That’s all. I wanted to pose the question for you all to ponder. Let me know your thoughts. By all means this is not meant to start any fights only provoke insightful conversation and self reflection......and God knows we can not control who our heart will follow.

Aloha,

Antibloggedy

Adetti Quash

2009-06-08T06:03:00.001-04:00

We just planted it. My Daughter renamed the Spaghetti Squash. I like the new name, so I will keep it.

Gotta Love the 2 year olds.

Aloha,
Antibloggedy

The Fog

2009-06-06T20:50:00.005-04:00

Today I awoke with a wonderful embrace of fog all around our home in the city. It had crept to our place through the night and laid a blanket over Pittsburgh. Kai and I were standing in just the right spot that we could see it creeping in through one of the windows. So we placed our hands to the window screen and let the mist wash over us. Kai said it was "cool" and I agreed. It was really cool and it was a really great moment with my 2 year old.
That was also a wonderful start to the most perfect day. I decided to take Kai to Breakfast and to do some errands. We left Violet at home with her Papa, since they were still asleep. We shared an Orange Juice had some eggs and pancakes and headed home.
The rest of the day we spent with Violet and C playing, eating, and hanging out with the neighbors.

I know it isn't Monday, but this is truly one for Lori's Perfect Moment Monday......=)

Aloha,
Antibloggedy

Blogging For a Cause- ISurvive

2009-06-05T13:28:00.002-04:00

I am writing a post today to support a charity called Isurvive.org. Isurvive is a message board that offers free on-line support 24/7 for people who were abused as children. Isurvive is hoping to win $1200 by being one of the Top 5 most blogged-about charities in a contest. They can now add one more blog to the tally.

This blog post is part of Zemanta's "Blogging For a Cause" campaign to raise awareness and funds for worthy causes that bloggers care about.

Please feel free to copy this post on your own blog to help Isurvive. If you do so, please email your link to Faith to faith_amom at hotmail dot com. Each posting gets them one step closer to a win.

They cry in the dark, so you cant see their tears
They hide in the light, so you cant see their fears
Forgive and forget, all the while
Love and pain become one and the same
In the eyes of a wounded child
Because hell
Hell is for children
And you know that their little lives can become such a mess
Hell
Hell is for children
And you shouldnt have to pay for your love with your bones and your flesh.
Excerpt from Pat Benatar, "Hell is for Children"

Delicious Dishes...Not made by me...and that's a good thing

2009-06-03T18:31:00.003-04:00

I am not normally the "critic", but today I felt I found something I should share with you: I was Perusing the Blog-sphere and found one of the most awesome recipe sites. It is for Vegan Dad. He has a unique set of vegan recipes that look appetizing even to us meat eaters. Honestly, I used to be a vegetarian for years......I would like to return to the produce side of things if not exclusively at least make it the primary role in my dining. After looking through Vegan Dad's Dishes I think I am headed to the grocer to get myself some stuff to make his Crispy Cajun Chickpea Cake....And Yummmmmmmmmy they do look. Hope you will head over to his neck of the woods to check out his delicious dines. If you have some leftover produce you don't know what to do with, check out his side bar and find a recipe with it included so it doesn't go to waste. peruse, eat healthy and say hello when you get there. He seems like a pretty cool guy.

with Aloha,
Antibloggedy

I'm leaving....on a jet plane, only I will be back in 2 weeks

2009-05-13T09:15:00.002-04:00

I'm off! I will have loads to tell you when I return. I can feel the tears welling up inside......

C-ya!

Hrts: Antibloggedy

The San Francisco Treat

2009-05-11T19:30:00.006-04:00

It was in San Francisco that Chas and I met. Then, he was "Chuck" (funny story): Chuck and I met while working at a restaurant together. I was the cute hostess, and he was one of the waiters. We were thrown together by two men, a father and son. The two men were of an older generation (the son was in his 50's). They would come in regularly and have me seat them in "Chucks" section. The father would say, "That guy really likes you...." in a whisper and a wink. The son would smile and nod..."yes, he really does.". "You're quite a catch!". I would always reply: "Awe, thanks guys!....you're sweet, and our best customers!" turn to leave and go back and say "I think he's a pretty good catch too!" (not too loud).

Little did I know these two guys were working on him too: "you know if I were half my age, I would pay $30,000 to be in your shoes! That girl is a catch and you should snatch her up quick!" Later, Chas told me this is when he really thought about asking me out. We started hanging out as friends and he would invite me to bbq's and parties. We ended up getting together 11 years ago this month.

When my Gramma met him as "Chuck" she only met him for a short second. She didn't really get to know him. After a 1 1/2 of dating Chuck stated he never liked the name "Chuck". It was something friends started calling him, he preferred Chas (the name his mom called him). He didn't like the "Banana Name Game" "Chuck Chuck Bo Buck Banana Nana Bo Buck....." or the "Whats up Chuck!" (get it: UPCHUCK). So I started calling him Chas. It took a while, but we all took to it well and when we got together with my gramma for a dinner at my Aunts and Uncles house she was floored with him. He brought his guitar and played a little for her. She thought he was sweet.
Later she told me: "I am so glad you got rid of that Chuck fellow and got with that Chad.....I like him better!"

I then replied: "GRAMMA! Chuck and CHAS are the same guy! AND it's Chas NOT Chad!"

Gotta luv the Grams!

Here's some SF Pics for you:

Kai's Art is Evolving!

2009-05-11T19:26:00.004-04:00

I am in awe of her random acts of beauty....on paper, and in life. =)
We'll have to work on her signature for her paintings...

Proud mama,
Antibloggedy

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-10T09:07:00.008-04:00

I want to say how lucky I have always been. I come from a family filled with love. I have never needed or wanted for any of that. The moms (and dads) have always made me feel pretty special. I am confident, smart, and in life I am happy. I have a family I can be proud of. This is something that can not be bought and wrapped in a box with a bow on top. .....

Happy Mothers Day to "My Mothers":

My mommy:

My Sister (AKA: The Rambler):.....Thats her bending over

And if it weren't for these two, I couldn't call myself a mommy:

Thanks to my "moms" and especially to the kids that make it possible and fill my life with a joy and happiness unmatched. I love you all.

Antibloggedy

anticipation and me....

2009-05-02T11:42:00.003-04:00

I am anti-cipating (haha-"anti"bloggedy) my visit to California. There are a couple things that are on my mind as the date approaches.

One is the whole thing with the "swine" flu....which by the way, everyone is now supposed to call influenza A(H1N1)...yeah right?! I can't remember the scientific name of my cat......I had a bit of a sore throat due to the allergy season, but it perfectly coincided with the swine flu.......People look at you like your a freak. I have been holding the germ-x with me and the kids love washing their hands with the purell type substance. I sent emails to the airlines and the TSA people with what is appropriate for the travel in terms of cleaning supplies...."I want to sanitize my section" I told them. "can I bring alcohol wipes? and purell?"

Of coarse you can...."in 3 oz rule size bottles".

One check mark on my list.

two: Two children, one mother. I am so freakin crazed about traveling with two children....that are 1 and 2 years old. They are both in that "I want my mom, and my space" stage. At least I scheduled an evening flight that is non-stop!

Mantra: please be sleepy, please be sleepy......repeat 1000 times and breathe

Last, Not enough time to do all the things I want to do:
Visit old friends
Visit with all the family
Visit with my lil sis in Tahoe
Go to all the places I want to go...

But these are all pleasant challenges. I am always thankful for what I have and the joys in my life.

Antibloggedy

Ohhh Crap! Literally....

2009-05-01T13:50:00.003-04:00

The Sewar backed up into our basement. Thankfully, it was not too extreme. We had it contained to a corner that had dirt to "soak" up the stuff. C dug it all out and we will have to snake it sometime today. Wish us luck! I hope the damn thing is easily resolved....fingers crossed......

Mantra: Please be toilet paper, please be toilet paper....repeat 500 times and breathe!

antibloggedy

Wahsssuuuuup?

2009-04-29T22:59:00.002-04:00

I know you all remember this gem! Felt like saying " Wassssuuuuuup!"

love antibloggedy

Proud Mama.....

2009-04-27T21:34:00.002-04:00

Okay so can I tell you how proud I am of my little 2 year old artist!?

First she said: Look Mama it Me Kai~

Then she said: Its you! Its you and me, Kai!
Gotta love a girl who's in love with her mama!
And look!
We are holding hands in the picture! .
....and.....
we are smiling!
Yippey!
She ended up drawing her papa and her sister too!.....but I wanted to show just her and I. =)

And check out her trace of her hand! Pretty cool stuff!

Okay! I am done Showing off........ =)

Kids are AWESOME!

Antibloggedy.

guest posting at Ramblers House.......and a little fitness friday update.

2009-04-24T11:59:00.003-04:00

Happy Fitness Friday.....

This is a picture from the walk. Its the Youth Center around the block from my house. It reads, "Behind every great kid, is a great community".....so true. =)

I have been doing really well with the weekly excercises. In fact, everyday I go on a walk with the kids. Yesterday we went around our neighborhood with my neighbor and her dog. Probably about 2 miles (uphill both ways, in the snow)...(not really).....its my goal, to take them(my kids) out. (wow! That sounds like I have pets! hahaha)....I am thinking about the kid leash.....

check out my inner monologue this week....

What do you think about that?

What?

The kid leash.

Well I think that people will look at you like you are walking a dog, but you are walking a kid. Why do you want the leash.

Well I want to give my daughter (kai) the freedom to walk with out holding my hand, but have the security that she can be stopped from entering a busy street without getting hit by a car.

Can't you just take responsibility and hold her hand and tell her to stay with you.

Were you not paying attention on the walk?! She bolted and I had the baby attached to my chest! Luckily there were no cars, but what if it was the main road?!

So get the leash.

really?!

No.

Why NOT!

Because.

Because why?

Okay, you should get the leash. But you won't use it.

Yes i will.

No you won't.

your right. I won't get the leash.

See.

Shut up.

Antibloggedy.

By the way, Check out my guest post at my sisters place in Hawaii.......go here.....Hi Rambler!!

Friends...under the cherry blossom tree

2009-04-20T18:19:00.007-04:00

I started to write a post about how all my old current and new friends were converging in one space and time, then I realized it was boring. So I will just say how excited I am to be in a place in my life where the value of all of my friends, old and new, are realized. I am truly blessed with some great friends, healthy families and true happiness. (and when I say friends, I mean you too.)

With that said, here is some pics of my kids in a small photo shoot (with a little digi cam-not professional) called "under the cherry blossom tree" at my next door neighbors.

Much Aloha,

Antibloggedy

Quick! Go HERE.....!!!!! Don't Pass Go...Go Directly to:

2009-04-17T06:39:00.002-04:00

SITS!!!! They are having the MomITForward Auction!!!!! I have an item in there also. bid on it! The cause supports moms around the planet earth =).

There are some really cool bid items too! go to it!

Hearts!
Antibloggedy

Why are you still here? Go go go! =) Have fun! I know you are a shoppaholic!

I rummaged through some old photos.......

2009-04-13T19:24:00.005-04:00

I was rummaging through some old negatives from when I was in college and was emmersed in photography and "that" way of life. Back then, the equipment was still heavy, the film cheap and the room and chemicles to develope at the school was free. I loved what I found:

Here are a three of my Favorites:

These Tulips were from "C" (yes, this was almost 11 years ago)...ouch!

I think the Golden Gate Bridge is the most Beautiful Bridge I have ever seen. It is truly Grand.

I wanted to show how diverse I was at the time. I did beautiful flowers, City-Scapes, People, Old Barns, tattoos... I even did a series of nudes that made a conservative student run out of the room.
Time for a Tangent?
No choice, here it is: The Series was Celestial and you could not tell the images were of the body.....the student raised his hand to volunteer to critique my work and kept talking about the one that had a "male-part" in it........called it his favorite from my series.........then the prof. asked me to share the details. that's when Mr. conservative stood up and walked out, never to be seen again!
-True story.
I felt horrible.
I will not be showing "that" photo here.
I was young and liked to make people squirm. =)

But I was still pretty sweet, innocent, and fun to be around....still am. =)

Enjoy!
Antibloggedy

How curiosity killed my nostrils.

2009-04-12T15:15:00.000-04:00

How curiosity killed my nostrils.

P.U.

One day a mother was cleaning her house. She went up
and down stairs. Picking up the dirty clothes, the toys
and the what-nots. She had picked up everything
in her sight and was excited to finalize the cleaning
with a little sit down.
....
Then
.....
in the corner of the room sat a lone pair of blue fleece
pants. Pants she has not seen in weeks. "I don't remember
putting those pants there" They are right next to the clean clothes
bin....but the have that "I just pulled them off my bumm" look to them.

.....
sniff
.....

Oh sweet mother of G! wholey canoli!

That pungeant order tells the tale
of the little one that wore it.

so here is the question I ask you:
Why the heck do us mothers feel the need to "see" if the item is dirty, I mean,
It wouldn't hurt me to just toss it into the pile of soon to be washed....

I assure you, I have NOT learned my lesson.

Happy Easter.
Antibloggedy

SITS Charity Auction for MOM IT FORWARD

2009-04-10T17:08:00.002-04:00

Here is the details:....well go here, I don't have enough energy to re-type it (kids are jumping on me and setting off explosions throughout the house). April 17th and 18th (friday, saturday)

I have an auction item that I am putting in the pot. If you remember back in december I did a Pack of Note Cards for prizes. I am again including this HOMEMADE item in for the MOM IT FORWARD non-profit (go here to check them out at http://momitforward.com). I am thinking about adding it to the Etsy shop, which is a little behind schedule. =) you can check out what I got started at www.homemadeforbaby.etsy.com. The actual grand opening will happen once I have about 10 items to post. There will be a few different crafty items on there, but wait for that coming up soon.

Thanks to SITS for doing something to encourage giving and for giving me the oppurtunity to help with this worthy cause. MOM IT FORWARD is really an inspiration....(that is my word of the year, BTW)

Mahalo Nui Loa,

Antibloggedy

Dear Antibloggedy, from Winter

2009-04-08T16:22:00.002-04:00

Dear Antibloggedy,

In reviewing your Dear Winter letter you sent back in November I am sorry to say I was not able to meet all of your requests. There were a few "strong and anger filled days" and that could not be helped....I could have been worse. I appreciate that your daughter likes to play with me.....I don't often get kind compliments like that. However, your request to play with Spring is one that makes me a little disappointed and envious of Springs popularity. I do receive many letters of requests from all around the world and they are all normally asking me to leave. Unfortunately this can put a damper on things and I often get a little depressed and teary-eyed (or Teary-clouded) due to all of the hate mail and the lack of interest in MY season, especially from people in your area. This is why I felt it necessary to dump a few extra feet of snow on you after Spring came in with a few weeks of "nice" weather.... "Whatever-it was worth it!". I feel that I was more than fair this season and did go easy on YOU. I look forward to meeting with you again in about 9 months time. I hope that your willingness to hang out with me changes to one of excitement rather than contempt. As for your daughter, she was fun to play with and I enjoyed the snow fight and snow Angel.

Winter.

My Letter to Winter, November 2008:

Dear Winter,
Okay, so I know we had it easy the last 3 years, but that is no excuse for making it harder on us, or for increasing the volume of your snow storms. I know Kai would love to play with you, but only for a little while, she might catch Pneumonia. I was wondering if you would invite spring to come play with us in January or early February? Also, those Icy roads are killers to my drive to and from work, so maybe you wanna make a deal? I say we nix the icy and stay with fluffy. This would be the happy compromise. don't you think? We will see. thanks for reading my request.

the antibloggedy

T mobile ain't my phone service

2009-04-04T21:35:00.001-04:00

T Mobile ain't my phone service.....but it makes one think about switching at the end of a contract.

great commercial (train station in England)

antibloggedy

How Sweet it is.....

2009-04-04T16:28:00.002-04:00

I was walking down my steps to the living room when little Violet called me "Mama" yesterday, as oppossed to saying "Mah mah", my heart skipped. I picked her up, twirled her around and violet, kai and I said Mama too many times to count:

Antibloggedy

A Childrens Book Drive

2009-04-01T11:46:00.000-04:00

Inspired by Asa Yamashita with thanks to Pseudonymous High School Teacher for writing the article that gave me that inspiration to do so.

Asa Yamashita was a High School Teacher at Waianae H.S. In Honolulu, Hawaii who was tragically murdered. She was eating noodles at a park bench waiting for her husband to pick her up when a 25 yr old man knocked the noodles from her hands and began to stab her.........no reason. Asa was known by her friends and students as "The Book Lady". She inspired her students to read. It was her Passion. Her husband Bryan asked the mourners to honor Asa's memory and "pick up a book and read. ... Read to learn something, read to enjoy. ... Just maybe you're reading for a better world." She leaves behind 4 and 7 year old daughters.

My Spring Charity Event will be "A Childrens Book Drive". If you would like to participate I am going to collect books for the Childrens Hospital here in Pittsburgh. If you are interested in participating Please email me your interest to: antibloggedy@gmail.com and I will send you the address to mail your book.

more pictures....3 of them

2009-03-30T21:14:00.004-04:00

More Pictures! only 3....I didn't have time to post more than that.....sorry.

Here is somemore of my kids, which I cannot get enough of.....you on the otherhand, just have to stay for a second.....Enjoy!