Friday, September 18, 2009

40 Things..

I got this in an email from a good friend of mine--it's pretty much all true!!

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40 things in the life of a Portuguese Child


01.You have at least one relative who wore a black dress every day for an entire year after a funeral.

02.You spent your entire childhood thinking what you ate for lunch was pronounced "sanweesha."

03.Your family dog understood Portuguese.

04. Every Sunday afternoon of your childhood was spent visiting your grandparents and extended family.

05. You've experienced the phenomena of 150 people fitting into 50 square feet of yard during a family cookout.


06.You were surprised to discover the FDA recommends you eat three meals a day, not seven.


07.You thought killing the pig each year and having torressmos, morcella,linguica and a hanging dead pig from the ceiling was absolutely normal.

08.You ate sopa de covos for dinner at least three times a week, and every Sunday.

09.You grew up thinking no fruit or vegetable had a fixed price and that the price of everything was negotiable through haggling.

10.You were as tall as your grandmother by the age of seven.

11.You thought everyone's last name ended in a vowel.

12.You thought nylons were supposed to be worn rolled to the ankles.

13.Your mom's main hobby is cleaning.

14.You were surprised to find out that wine was actually sold in stores.

15.You thought that everyone made their own bread.

16.You never ate meat on Christmas Eve or any Friday or that matter.

17.You ate your salad after the main course.

18.You thought Catholic was the only religion in the world.

19. Your were beaten at least once with a wooden spoon or broom.

20.You thought every meal had to be eaten with a hunk of bread in your left hand.

21.You can understand Portuguese but you can't speak it.

22.You have at least one relative who came over on the boat.

23.All of your uncles fled to America to not go to the war in Angola or they went to the war in Angola.

24.You have at least six male relatives named Tony, Luis, Joao, Fernando, Jose or Manel.

25.You have relatives who aren't really your relatives.

26.You have relatives you don't speak to.

27.You drank wine before you were a teenager.

28.You were pinched under the arm in church by your mother.

29.You grew up in a house with a yard that didn't have one patch of dirt that didn't have a flower or a vegetable growing, or a grape vine covering it.

30.Your grandparent's furniture was as comfortable as sitting on plastic. Wait!!!! You were sitting on plastic.

31.You thought that talking loud was normal.

32.You thought sugared almonds were common at all weddings.

33.You thought everyone got pinched on the cheeks and money stuffed in their pockets by their relatives.

34.Your mother is overly protective of the males in the family no matter what their age.

35. There was a crucifix in every room of the house.

36.You couldn't date a boy without getting approval from your father. (oh,and he has to be Portuguese).

37.You called any pasta "shpargett".

38.You dreaded taking out your lunch at school.

39. Going out for a cup of coffee usually meant going out for a cup of coffee over Tia's house.

40 Every condition, ailment, misfortune, memory loss and accident was attributed to the fact that you didn't eat something.


Better Later, than Never--Thankful Thursday


An oldie, but a goodie.. My two older kids with my niece and nephew, circa 1999

Thankful Thursday, a day late..

1. I’m thankful for my three kids—they keep my life exciting, whether it’s driving my oldest out with her friends to a nightclub (I got invited to join them by the way—80’s night—and yes, I was almost tempted—may be next time), listening to my son be-bopping around the house, watching my youngest perform in a school assembly, they choose to include me in their lives, and that is something that I will be forever thankful for.

2. My family van. Not only can I fit the kids in there, but there is always room for a few friends, Avon brochures, and Grandma and her famous lasagna.

3. I’m thankful I can appreciate and recognize the good things in life. A good husband, a secure home, good kids, friends and family. I have been truly blessed.

4. I’m thankful I have the intelligence to know when to acknowledge and respond, and when to keep quiet. There are some things that really aren’t worth my time.

5. I’m thankful that I’m comfortable in my own skin. I realize that there will always be people who may not like me, or may resent me for just being alive. That is just fine. I’m not on this Earth just to please certain people.

6. I’m thankful for my job. I’m thankful I have a job when many have lost their own. I’m thankful for the 22 years of job security, and the medical and dental insurance that covers the entire family. I’m thankful I learned strong work ethics at an early age. I’ve thankful my parents taught me the importance of earning your own money. Yes, and I’m thankful for those years in my life where I found myself working a 65+ hour week when I was a single mother. I learned to rely on myself, and it made me a stronger person. My hats off to all the working single moms out there!

7. I’m thankful I waited a year after my divorce before I started dating. Although, however some of the experience I could have lived without.

8. Yes, and I am thankful for my first marriage-it produced two wonderful kids who I cannot imagine my world without. The whole experience makes me appreciate my life right now so much more.

9. Lastly, but not least, for the good friends in my life who are always there to listen and laugh with.

10. Weekends away! Just booked a weekend away with husband for next month! YAY!

May you all have a wonderful weekend!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Goodbye To A True Cowboy



Just when I thought Mondays couldn't get any worse, last night I heard of the passing of one of my favorite celebrities; a true American hero to many-Patrick Swayze.

He was a beautiful, brave man who fought a good fight, and lived his life with grace and dignity; a true, blue cowboy, and boy did he know how to dance!



Where Have All The Cowboys Gone
Paula Cole

Oh you get me ready in your 56 Chevy
Why don't we go sit down in the shade?
Take shelter on my front porch
The dandy lion sun scorching,
Like a glass of cold lemonade?
I will do laundry if you pay all the bills.

Where is my John Wayne?
Where is my prairie son?
Where is my happy ending?
Where have all the Cowboys gone?

Why don't you stay the evening
Kick back and watch the TV
And I'll fix a little somethin' to eat?
Oh I know your back hurts from working on the tractor
How do you take your coffee my sweet?
I will raise the children if you pay all the bills?

(Chorus)

I am wearing my new dress tonight
But you don't even notice me.
Say our goodbyes
Say our goodbyes
Say our goodbyes

We finally sold the Chevy
When we had another baby
And you took that job in Tennessee
You made friends at the farm
And you joined them at the bar
Almost every single day of the week
I will wash the dishes while you go have a beer.

Where is my John Wayne?
Where is my prairie son?
Where is my happy ending?
Where have all the Cowboys gone?
Where is my Marlboro Man?
Where is my shiny gun?
Where is my lonely ranger?
Where have all the cowboys gone?

Yippee Aw, Yippee Yea
Yippee Aw, Yippee Yea
Yippee Aw, Yippee Yea




May you rest in internal peace. You shall be missed.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Basket Case

It finally rained last night! The weather all weekend was balmy and sticky—thank God for the rain!

I’m having a dilemma! Should I buy a booth at the Christmas Boutique at church, or should I skip it this year? I did it last year with some success—I did get 3 recruitments from the booth, and some sales-but I think between the cost of the booth, the time and energy and sales, I generally broke even. If I do decide to do it this year, I will definitely do some things differently. If I have a demo, I’ll have to buy a few of each so I can sell it right there and then. I had a few Christmas animated demos that the kids really liked to look at—you know the little Christmas tree that lights up, and the dancing penguins, and I wish I could have had a few on hand to sell right then and there. People don’t like to be told, “you can order it and get it later.” I will also have to charge tax—I didn’t do it last time, and I think that was a mistake. It’s a whole weekend project, from 8 to 5 pm. Last year I was sicker than a dog, and I was new at it, and didn’t know what to expect. I dragged myself over there, and I know I sounded, and felt like a two pack smoker, and whiskey guzzling ole’ woman. That alone may have scared a few potential customers. “Hhhello---would yer like to buy some Avvoon?” At the same time, it was kind of fun—I mean if I had felt better it would have gone better. I met a few nice people there, and I was warned right away by the lady at the booth next to mine, to whom not to accept checks from—something you wouldn’t think to be a concern at a church boutique, huh? Another issue is the time. By the end of the week, after working, my daily commute, the kids, my mom, and keeping up with the house, etc., I really don’t have the time. The weekend is the only time basically I have. I’ll have to make the time if I do decide to commit to it. I went to a craft store over the weekend, and I left the building inspired, but I’m I haven’t decided yet. Over the weekend I did assemble a gift basket that I was asked to donate. It was fun to make—I could easily make 50 more. We shall see it’s in November! What’s in November: my son’s birthday, a cousin’s wedding, and Thanksgiving. It’s going to be a busy month either way, but what month isn’t, right?

I still have some fixing to do at this site---was not able to get to it and update anything. May have to wait until the end of the week, the way things are going.

I came across the book the other day, it’s called: 14,000 Things To Be Happy About, by Barbara Kipfer. The way the world is today, and all the negativity, I think it’s important to be happy, and grateful. I think it’s easy to forget to be happy. Here are a few:

1. Racing a bike
2. Saving money on almost everything
3. Sailboat sails
4. Babies burping
5. Leftover flower children
6. Echoes in a cave
7. African violets
8. Bread factories
9. Grand slams
10. The little store on the corner
11. Fireworks
12. Decorated Christmas trees
13. Beach Umbrellas
14. Love that lasts and lasts
15. Antique pop-up books
16. Last summer’s seashells from the beach
17. Tooth fairies
18. Santa’s kitchen
19. Dr Seuss Books
20. Falling asleep on the lawn

I hope you week includes at least one of these. Have a good one!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Fixing Things

It's come to my attention that I need some cleaning up to do in regards to this Blog site----I am "following" blogs that no longer exist, or there are new ones from that list that no longer exist... So, I will start cleaning up this place soon. SO... I know there are a few of you that have NEW blog sites that are not updated on my side bar.. Sorry! Please give me you new links! Por favor! Please! Thanks. Oh, and how do I edit and delete again? If you know, please let me know.. Lately I have had little time to think too much. I've been busy.

The other morning, my teenage son called to me with a dilemna: "Mom! Look at this! This is so wrong!" Andrew comes down the stairs in the kitchen pointing to a new pimple sprouting on the corner of his mouth. What is a mom to do? I explained to him that he needs to put his acne ointment on it, and he has to CLEAN his face everyday...etc.. But that didn't go well with Andrew-no he wanted a quick fix to his problem. How I wish I had a magic wand to fix it all, or have the powers of one of my favorite childhood heroines from Bewtiched, Samantha. If only I could just wiggle my nose and fix it all! Still, it was still sweet for Andrew to think I could "fix it".



Speaking of fixing, and cleaning, I'm happy to report that my wonderful hubby, who just about can FIX, anything is almost finished with the "attic project". Soon we will be able to go through the garage and clean and discard or save the stuff we put in there since we moved in six years ago. Who knows what we will find.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Catch Up With Me Life! (Playing Catch Up, yet AGAIN)


Lizzy & me in Disneyland

I know, it’s been like forever since I last posted. Let it be known that I feel extremely guilty about this. I don’t know why I should feel guilty, but I do. I am so far behind with everything that is going on! It’s frustrating! Let it be known that the mouse on my computer is not working, so I that is part of my excuse for not submitting an entry earlier. I don't really have another excuse besides life has been just busy. School is back in session, and it's tough going back to the old routine. So much has gone on, but let me go back a few weeks...

A couple of weeks ago, my cousin, Tania asked me out for dinner. She called late on a Tuesday evening to ask me if I was free that Friday night. She wanted to go out to dinner with me alone, but did not say why. Well, I immediately went into my "worried mother hen" mode. She reassured me that nothing was wrong, nor was she pregnant..(ha ha ha)but she kept me guessing on what this dinner was about until the very end. It just sounded a bit mysterious. Sure, we hadn’t seen each other for awhile since she moved into her own apartment, but she was busy with work, and studying, so poor girl didn’t have time to visit often, but why didn't she just come over to our house for dinner so she could talk to me and Rich if it was important? Rich was a little suspicious, so was I. Lizzy and I had a brainstorm session with Andrew, as we thought of different scenarios. Was she going back to the Azores? Did she or Ruben get a job offer? Were she and Ruben moving up the wedding date?

Well, Ruben drove us to a nice Mexican restaurant, and it wasn't until we had sat down and had our first margarita did Tania finally tell me what dinner was all about. Tania had a proposal for me; she asked me to be her Maid of Honor---it was totally unexpected! I was so speechless, but happy! I got up and gave her a big hug, and I think I almost cried. Some of the patrons of the restaurant took notice, and I think they may have thought we were a lesbian couple getting married or something, or may be they thought I had a few too many, but no matter. I’m thrilled, and honored to be chosen, and I vow to be the best Maid of Honor I can be. I kept on asking her if she was sure. I mean, I’m 43 years old—no spring chicken. The last time I was a Maid of Honor was at my sister’s wedding, and I was 17. Oh well, I guess I will do.




As previously mentioned in my earlier entry, my daughter Lizzy is now officially 21! My daughter is now an adult! I’m happy to report that she and her friends did not over do it on her birthday. I dropped them off downtown around 11 pm, and went back to fetch them a little past 1 am. I would have gotten there quicker if I had better instructions, (okay, she was a little tipsy) but no one threw up, and no one lost their shoes or bra or anything else for that matter. All I can say is thank God for cell phones. Right when I dropped them off at the curb in front of a bar (what every mom dreams of doing for their daughter) I get a frantic call from the birthday girl:

"Mom! I left my wallet in the front seat of the car!"

I was just around the corner, and drove back to meet her. To the delight of my daughter, and her group of cheering friends, and the young men gathered at the front entrance to the bar, I passed over her wallet through the open window. I was amazed on how many people were out and about bar hopping on a Wednesday night. I was also surprised to later learn that newly 21 year olds get free drinking privileges. I did not know this! Apparently, she didn’t have to pay for one drink, nor did her friends have to pay for her. All of drinks were “on the house” and she got to dance the night away to the late, Michael Jackson. Damn… I wish I had known this when I was 21. Wait, what did I do when I was 21? Did I go out with friends and dance to Michael Jackson at a nightclub? No fricken way! If I remember correctly I was in San Diego having my first margarita at restaurant on a golf course with my ex-husband, amoung a lot of older people. I think it was senior citizen night. Thrilling, I know. I’m so glad Lizzy had a better time; we all want better for our kids, right? I gave Lizzy her MAIN birthday present--tickets to see Elton John. She was so thrilled that she totally embarrassed herself in front of her friends.


9/2/09 Lizzy and her girl crew before heading to the bars.

Did I mention that on the ride over to the bar, the SPICE GIRLS CD was blasting in the car? OH, if only she was 12 again, and not 21. Or should I rather say, "Oh to be 34 again... (SIGH)

Saturday we had a big barbecue at the house, and thanks to my niece, Tara, the margaritas flowed. It was a good time with a lot of friends and family. Pictures to come later..


Yes, that's a Belle cake--one of my daughter's favorite princesses as a child.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

21 years ago...



21 years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful, baby girl named Elizabeth.. It just blows me away how this little baby, who changed my life forever, is now an adult. Perhaps an adult, but she'll always be my baby Lizzy. It's been years of ups and downs--but more ups than I could ever hope for. She's has grown to be a beautiful, caring and loving person, and I couldn't be prouder.

Happy Birthday, Lizzy!! We love you!!