so goes Moes'

received email that Moe's Chicken and Waffles is closing! What! I stopped by there today and had some chicken, beans and rice with a corn muffin. Spoke to Anita for a minute. They'll be around doing catering and such. I'll be looking for their next venture. Lord please let this recession run its course. Moe and Anita are just the nicest folx with the best food! I'm going to miss them!

Their last day is tomorrow and ALL entrees are $7.99. We are going to swing by for some vittles after church tomorrow. The Lord bless you guys and your family! Maybe I'll see you.

Turn'n Headz

Turn'n Headz
Originally uploaded by runz DMC

Last week I took the youngest to get a haircut and, although he often has a sort of frown on his face, he's playing his DS which can't be seen. I actually took this shot through a mirror which captures other mirrors. Count them :-). Whether or not the youngest is frowning, I can always smile at his handsome self when he's sat in the barber's chair.

It's another RDO and I actually, as usual, had my hair done. I've mentioned Turn'n Headz before - but on a day like today when I can go and relax and feel like a new me when I leave; it seemed to bear mentioning again.

Of course I went to Moe's and had my chicken breakfast. Now, I've gone through some pictures recently taken and uploaded some to the computer. Next for this RDO, I've got some work to do, blessing God that I'm employed.

Empirious pearlz of honest to goodness service!

An Honest Mechanic - you can find one, very much so! We've been going to the same one for years! In all reality he resurrected both of our cars from the dead; one by one he returned them to us in working order. We have been with him ever since. If something mysterious is going on, he'll find. He doesn't nickel and dime us. He's up front and he does good work. Even our children will drop their cars by there for a look see. Joe's Stop Brake Shop has been the salvation of our transportation, and he's saved too, letting his walk be his talk.

I'm so comfortable going to Turn 'n Headz to get my hair done - its like a mental vacation and a pleasant walk into the warmth and comraderie of Barber Shop. In reality I'm usually there early in the morning with Lynn, and I've seen her do short hair, long hair, cuts, color and weaves. I relax with a cup of coffee while she restores me, whether its a casual look or to 'the nines', to my best lookin' me - outside and inside . Her hands are gifted and she has an eye for style and her company is a breath of fresh air. I look forward to going. She is not only my stylist, she's a blessing and my friend! My son even goes to the shop to have a barber cut. I like that the stylists have skillz, and especially take particular care about their work and don't just turn around customers. I've seen them give their customers the best hair care advice, whether or not it was to their own profit. More than likely, if there's something you want to achieve, the Shop does it and more! Now if you want to top off your day just right, go next door to Moe's Chicken and Waffles - its a warm and friendly family owned business with some good food!

Finally on the hundred degree day, I am really grateful we found our spa. Today, we needed a part, called them up, and were able to go right over to pick it up. Being me, I had a few what about if this happens questions, and they amiably gave us the answers we needed. In the state of the economy some spa retailers are folding, but the strength of their service and customer feedback keeps them open. And you can pretty much custom order the design of your spa. If you are looking for that massage from a hard day or just the quiet gentle motion of water on a starry night, they have the jacuzzi. We actually saw what we would like to step up to - the swim spa. It was nice and the price was nice. Even if you don't buy there, you'll have the standard from which you'll make your decision. If you buy somewhere else, you'll end up remembering you didn't buy there ;-). Where? Spas Plus in Colton! Go for the warm and informed customer service and the spa you always wanted!

I went to two of these treasures today and felt moved to share all these gems with you. If you're guessing what the second was, let me just say I am not looking my best today. At any rate, if you check any of these Inland Empire businesses out, let them know you heard about these pearlz from Shelz!

TX trippin' - the final stint

Heading out of San Antonio, a week ago Saturday, we stopped for breakfast at the eldest's highly recommended Cracker Barrel - it was a restaurant and store - quaint and folksy. The husband didn't like 100% maple syrup - go figure ;-). I really liked the spicy sausage.

Then we seriously hit the road. We made our way much better than the trip south as we had very nice weather. The eldest pointed out for me in Dallas where the grassy knoll was from the freeway and other sights along the way like where athletes play ball. All and all, however, we were quite tired by the time we reached Denton.

The original plan was to take them home and then start on our way back to California until we made a stop for the night - at one point and time we had hoped to stop at the Grand Canyon the following day. But by this time that hope had faded in fatigue. Instead our stop for the night was once more their home, which was nice and cozy and familiar. It was a good decision.

Before we got there we had dinner at 'Raising Cane' - they have a entirely different spin on Chicken fingers - and were delicious. They had their own sauce which I liked - it was on a peppery bent from other finger sauces. The eldest however always takes her own barbeque sauce, as this is one sauce they don't offer. We really enjoyed the food and we saw the apartments they had lived in before they had bought their house. Then to their house we went with the setting sun. The snow that had chased us away was still upon rooftops and all around.

We awoke with a teary youngest in the pre-dawn of the morning to get on our way. With the earliest glimpses of sunlight, we packed the car and slipped out. Already we had lost an hour - it was daylight savings time Sunday. And so we headed home.

Despite all of our calculations, we didn't complete that trip until 3:30 the following a.m. Still, it was a good trip. I have to apologize to New Mexico - the landscape is b-utte'iful. I really enjoyed the countryside especially after the long flatlands of the Purple Heart Trail in Texas. I had hoped to get pictures of Arizona's landscape but it was becoming dark as we came upon it.

The greatest trooper of them all was the husband - he drove an endless amount of hours during the whole vacation - especially in all directions the drag of the final hours to each destination. He took us, by the grace of God, to and from safely. Thank you dear for a wonderful vacation. At 3:30 in the morning, man our bed looked great! House, we're home!

TX trippin' Giant wise

Well as I continue the Texas saga, we finally connect with the Giant. As the husband kept saying tell me again, why did we make this trip? - all together at last!

He called when he was ready, and the eldest and I set out to get him. Well, did you know there were two AF bases in Lackland - we ended up, of course, at the wrong one. Through some sibling cellphone discussion in which while driving I referreed :-), we finally arrived where he was stationed that Friday evening. Today he is on his way to our direction, before continuing on to new orders in Washington state.

That Friday, he showed us around, introduced us to some of the people he knew, and we took some pictures and then headed with him back to our home away from home so that all of us could go out to dinner. Another sibling conversation insued about what is the best steakhouse in Texas. After picking up the rest of our passengers we went looking for the eldest's recommendation - 1.5 hour wait. So we drove around the area - there were a lot of eaterys - checking time. We left the Giant at the Outback, because they had a .75 hour wait, to check out some more only to find that was our best bet. Outback - it was! We enjoyed ourselves and each other, and the food was delicious. By now it was late and we were all very tired and the giant had a curfew. The men (strange referring to the kids as adults even still) took him back against the odds of extreme traffic and delivered him there on time.

A week ago Saturday morning, as we had arranged, we set out early, after checking out of the hotel, for the base to have breakfast. As it was, we were too late - by a minute or so. Our second plan was to go to the PX to experience military shopping - so we waited for the bus. And on that icy wind morning, we waited and waited and waited. The every half hour bus hadn't shown up in over an hour. It was on that note we had to say our 'goodbyes' as we had to get back to Denton, and then back home before the end of Sunday night. Military life had its effect on the Giant in ways difficult to deliniate, beyond the fact that we needed a dictionary for all the acronyms he spoke. He had worn his military 'dress' that day so we could take pictures. I guess all mothers want to say of their son, he looks a little thin. I'm so glad we made the trip and at least a little time with the oldest son. Love that boy!

So we departed from him and headed north due Denton.

loins and elephants

Larger than life are times you can spend with your kids. The youngest has been awarded many certificates which I've collected, but some of them included certificates for things like free lunch. This week we used one for the Elephant Bar - to which neither of us had been before. Thus that trunked image in the background is none other than an elephant, not living of course. This picture was taken with my HTC mogul phone.

I enjoyed the restaurant's decor and ambiance. The youngest ordered a hamburger sans cheese, lettuce and tomato which came with ample fries with chocolate milk which he loves, (it also came with a chocolate sundae) and I had the chicken fingers. The service was friendly and responsive, and the manager came by to make sure all was well. And it was until the bill which had errors; but they were corrected, and we left unscathed and happy. We enjoyed our day out. The youngest had a haircut earlier, but here he has his head hooded. He was an attractive date underneath, and amusing; but not as engaging as the husband.

Speaking of whom gave me a gps device for my birthday - it sure comes in handy. (This could be marriage saving - can you imagine me not getting us lost any more? - He's really cute when he tries to suck in his frustration for the love of me.) Anyways, the youngest and I, we were able to figure how to leave the Montclair shopping center without getting confused amongst all the after-Christmas shoppers. We call it Garmi.

The Giant called. He's officially a navy seaman and soon will be off to master of arms A-school in Texas for a couple of months. He'll be spending a few more days in Chicago before he goes. It was the first time we've had to talk since he left for boot camp. It was good to hear his voice. His boot camp stores were original with dental nightmares and a temperature above 104. He's graduated. He sounds good. He'll be in the same hemisphere as the eldest - afterall TX is more than an state - it's huge!

I have eight kids, mutual or not, I love them all. They are varied in gifts and personality -- each a unique treasure. These 3 came from my loins.

Friends and Birthdays

Good friends are like cake and ice cream - something you like to have on your birthday :-). Our December birthdays we've been sharing the past couple of years. Mine was Tuesday and we were at Red Robins. Remember those coupons I get. They do coupons too! Well at Red Robins I got a free hamburger. I was soooo stuffed. And last night was the ace's husband's day. We shared that one at Black Angus. The coupon for was for a free steak dinner up to $19.99. I had peppered steak with mushrooms and mashed potatoes.

It's nice hanging out with our friends. Ace was explaining the the youngest the other day why we are all family - because as children of God we are. It's like that - good friends are like close family. You can be yourself and you like who you are and who you are with. They are good people. They are good friends. They are good family.

What a wonderful start to the weekend ...

the husband and I spent time together, both having Friday off. I left early in the morning to have my hair coiffed for Saturday's party. My hairdresser is a blessing and a gem. I don't trust just any ol' body with my hair and hate to get it cut. I actually asked her cut it to a style - shocked my own self! If you wanna feel that way about your hair, hit me up for Lynn. Plus some hairdressers stagger their clients making what the process twice as long - I don't have that kind of time. The person in Lynn's chair is her #1 customer! I feel at home in the shop itself; even take my son there for barbering. Riddled with curls, I called the husband so we could breakfast together. We dawdled over vittles and conversation at a favorite local restaurant. We did a little shopping together and then went to the show.

We were toying between the choices of This Christmas and The Golden Compass , and finally settled on Compass. We were fully aware of the controversy surrounding Compass - and opted to be informed and equipped to be a credible witness with regard to it. I must say we thoroughly enjoyed the movie. There is nothing in this film (I have no interest in the book) I wouldn't allow the youngest to see; not sure if there will be a sequel if their box office sales weren't sufficient - but it came in first place this weekend. It's been a long time since we went to the show; I remember why, when with no more than 20 people in the theater, those two guys had to sit right behind us with sporadic commentary. We do have great theater room at home. However, our date was a lovely cuddly day together.

e're we drove out of sight ...

Merry Christmas to all! To all, a Good Night!

The husband's company knows how to put on a party - this year, it was at Paramount Studios which was all dressed in holiday lights for the season. There was a casino theme with gift raffles, a delicious meal and truly decadent desert. I'm not much for bread pudding - but this chocolate sensation with was it wild turkey sauce was sumptuous. The dinner fare was tri-tip roast, turkey and salmon with an assortment of appropriate accompaniments, as the beverages flowed. Once again, the floral candlelight centerpieces were oh so utterly beautiful. The holiday music was irresistibly toe-tapping. My hats off to the planners. I had a lovely time.

I played blackjack and the husband, dashingly dapper and blithely debonair, mingled and photographed. It was great to see Anna again, Stella, and Susan, and very nice to see Jillian and Debra. I miss the Jarvis' this year; we had such a good time with them the last. All around, though, remembering the harbor cruise when we almost missed the boat (thank you for the lifesaver Susan), and the Dodger Clubhouse, I chalk it up to yet another wonderful holiday season celebration! Thank you!


Was that too fast for you - peruse the album. Looking ahead, my office will have the usual Christmas lunch next Friday. The memories of this night will linger on with the anticipation for the next event.

Oh and we were a raffle prize winner. WooHoo!

Cast die; but dye not cast ...hmmm ... and more

Okay, to the side is a depiction of my fire roasted creation. I made it again - it is a hit in the household.

We are watching closing episodes of Stargate Atlantis. The other night we lost a beloved member of the Atlantis team. I was loathed that should happen while I was not quite yet dealing with real personal loss, but at least - my reality was not death. Yeah, I know, clear as mud and morbid. Okay, but the good news is that there has been a outcry from the fans, and they are going to bring the beloved team member back from what was beyond next to impossible odds. Remember the tune "I Write the Songs..." - well this is more "we write the words, that make the characters we love live" LOL.

I spoke to the Giant. He's fine. His room looks awfully empty.

Halloween is the worst traffic night of the year! Left work at 4:30 pm and got home near 7 pm. Set up to give candy out at the parsonage and Prayed Until Something Happened.

But the dish looks great doesn't it!

Okay so I rambled! I'll meander some more soon. Goodbye October. Night!

Fire Roasted Veggie Sausage & Meatball Yumm

Let me capture this while I can remember it. I made a dish tonight that was a grand success. I'm going to suggest it for an intimate dinner of 4; but use it as you like. I bought a little while back from Trader Joe's a 16 oz. frozen package of Fire Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic Butter sauce - sounds good, huh? It consists of red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, haricots vert (green beans LOL), onions and whole mushrooms with a roasted garlic, peppercorn, spice infused balsamic butter sauce. I was moved by the description and so I bought them. Tonight it came to me - this is what you could do with them.... I actually made an intimate dinner for two, but I've adjusted this for four because it was too much food. Do the math if you just have two.

Okay, so what I did is I took four italian sausauge which we happen to keep around because we love it. But for this recipe here's the deal - use 1.5 to 2 sausage per person. What we had was frozen so I thawed it in the microwave. In a skillet I heated up some canola oil (use olive oil if you prefer) for stir frying. When it was hot I added the sausage. I seasoned the sausage shaking over the meat McCormick Grill Mates Garlic & Onion medley seasoning along with their Barbeque seasoning (we had picked these up in Hawaii), and a dash of powdered cayenne pepper. As the sausage begins to cook, I cut them in about 5 slices per link.

Then I added frozen meatballs (2-3 per person - I used the frozen italian-style heat & serve beef meatballs we get from Costco, continuing to stir fry. Near done, I add some chopped onion. With that I add 2 packages of the fire roasted vegetables. As it stir fries on high flame and nothing is no longer frozen, if you like add a tad of wine and, I sprinkled some white flour over the mixture and stirred. All the while, I'm covering with a lid in intervals to insure thorough though flash stir fry cooking. You should end up with a vegetable sausage and meatball masterpiece in a wonderfully tasty sauce.

Add to this some rice - I used left over chicken-flavored rice; you can use plain rice even; it should be fairly neutral as the dish is quite tasty, letting it simmer till warm. Serve in attractive bowls and you have a deliciously quick meal to delight the taste buds. The husband loved it and so did I! This was simply flavorably veggie yumm! The vegetables were equisitely delectable and the meat succulent. A Norman two thumbs up!

Requires:
Canola or Olive oil for stir frying
1.5-2 Italian Sausage per person
2-3 italian-style heat & serve meatballs per person
1/3 cup chopped onions
2 16-oz packages fire roasted vegetables with Balsamic Butter sauce
optional wine
1/3 cup flour
optional rice (up to approx. 1 cooked cup per person) - can be mixed in or served on top of.

Oh my goodness, did I come up with a winning recipe? Awww! What was I thinking? If I were the dahli, I would of captured it on film; sorry! It was a lovely sight as well - worthy of a potluck or special events. Me, I'm thinking finger food mid-eastern style with the husband over candlelight - yeah! Fire-side fire-roasted frivolity!

Weighing in on stuff

I've settled on FitDay.com - it fits where I am on my wellness program right now. It is easy to use, provides the feedback I want and what sealed it is that the calorie database of DietFacts.com feeds right into it. So, if I eat at McDonald's and had the new Angus Burger with mushrooms and cheese (why did I?) I can not only confirm that I shouldn't have eaten what amounted to 810 calories, but also it puts the data right into FitDay so I didn't have to input all the gory details, making foods to be added an easier proposition.

Since I see value in all the other programs I've checked out, I hope to some day do a comparison showing the differences in what they offer. I really think it depends on what you want to get from it - high to low maintenance, being informed, support/accountability, types of reports, and high on my list is what is available for free.

My best weight was last week. I've had people noticing - once last Tuesday by a lady I see ocassionally in a restaurant I a frequent weekly. It is beyond words to be aware of actual progress. The proof is not only in the scale but in the measuring tape, and former clothes I can wear, and feeling so much better physically and mentally. So it goes.

It's hard to be a sport about this year's NBA season - the Warriors are gone and too the Suns; this requires the label 'kleenex'. Who am I to root for. I'd root for the current underdogs but they've got to muster up what now seems like a miracle. If they don't its going to leave me with teams I don't like and won't care who wins! Worst case scenario the Spurs win? I've probably jinxed the whole thing now. *sigh*

I have a four-day weekend. To the extent possible, I'm including in my holiday celebration vacationing at the Spa of Normandy - a holiday weekend getaway at home. It'll begin with getting the hair done (with a side trip to the AAA for a car registration), acquiring some ribs, the makings for the famous beans and other delicacies (will have to work those into the food program), and then being jacuzzi bound. I'll work in appropriate mood music, watch some movies (watching Sleepless in Seattle - yes, again - right now) - there'll be no crowds or traffic! See you on the other side!

Oh, on another divergent note - have a friend that has been looking into his family history. When I have the time, which is rare, I dabble at this myself - to date unable to make that connection into the slavery/plantation time period. However he has been able to trace his latino heritage to someone who ran with Pancho Villa. He found too that the name changed to be safe from the authorities. Interesting to find your surname changes back in history. The giant will encounter that - his last name is not the same as his father's which changes everything for his future lineage. Of course in this day and age there are hyphenated names too - it's a whole new game!

Okay, well leaving Seattle to get the hair done!

Woman On the Move Across the Nation

At WomensHealthGov, I joined the Women's Challenge starting NationalWomen's Health Week, May 13-19, 2007 virtually walking across the pacific coast from Alaska to Hawaii - received a free pedometer too! The Challenge goes through the 4th of July weekend. Today, Mother's Day was a great day to start. I've lost 15 pounds and wore for the Day a teal summer dress with jacket I bought online about a year ago and I wasn't able to squeeze my hips into it, much less my bust. Well, today I wore it and I was looking sharp!

I'm four months away from my Hawaii vacation, and I'm just thanking God and looking forward to the me who will be going on that trip with the husband. I'm truly grateful not only for the husband's support, but also his encouragement and participation.

You may have noticed my walking tracker down at the bottom with my weight loss tracker - it is from when I first got the pedometer. I haven't done much yet, but will do my utmost starting tomorrow. The website itself is very informative about women's health replete with tools and information.

Let me list a couple of places to develop nutrition/fitness tracking and meal planning Lean Cuisine's Wellness and Kraft's Healthy Living (neither program dependent upon their food and some supportive of other programs like WeightWatchers and South Beach Diet) - the beauty of these tools is that they are free and are highly informative of the nutrients lacking and over abundant in your intake; its an eye opener into eating habits and food quality AND your overall daily and weekly progress - tracking weight measurements as well. The difference between them and Sparkpeople.com is these are less inclusive of 'forum' activity although that and journaling is available. I love the christian and overall support found on Sparx.

I took a day off today to enjoy the husband's barbeque ribs - oh and he made the most delicious smoothie! I'll be back on program first thing in the morning! I've had a great weekend - took care of a traffic ticket and was enabled to go to traffic school and spent Friday afternoon in the jacuzzi, where I was also Saturday after some gardening.

And now, if I have found favor in Your eyes, please make me see Your ways, and let me know You, so that I may find favor in Your eyes; and consider that this nation is Your people. And He said, My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. And they said to Him, If Your presence does not go, do not cause us to go up from here. Ex. 33:13-15

Salud!

Look at the time...

Came back from vacation all rested and my mind and body totally rejects the idea of going into drive. This did not bode well with the workload waiting for me which was only exacerbated by an abrupt absence of #1, me being #2, this now made me 1.5 - where upon I was forced into overdrive.

However, having been summarily chastised by my huge (ha ha) following or as it is said 'back due to popular demand,’ I am here to blog.

• Celebrations - My dear ‘dahli'ng friend had her birthday and I hope she was blessed with a wonderful celebration. My brother's son had a birthday as well. He's a senior in high school. I'm very proud of him.
• Speaking of relatives! a cousin and her daughter, both of whom I haven’t seen in over 10 years, came from NJ for a visit. Her two brothers live out here, the youngest of which was getting married! She and her daughter, my youngest, and I spent a lovely day in Palm Springs. They and her brothers, the groom's son, and I spent another day traipsing around Victoria Garden's having lunch at Lucille's. Speaking of which! It is impossible to be nutrition conscious there! I enjoyed a hot link and ribs with greens. Yeah, I could have had chicken but c'mon!
• Second Chance - have you seen that movie? It is well worth the watch! It will make you think about how you walk with Jesus.
• I've been praying for a lot of people, of course including of course Virginia Tech and Johnson Space Center - and online especially. The weight of people’s woes seems particularly heavy right now. Please pray endurance for me.
• In case you haven't noticed I've lost 10 pounds!
• The giant had a car accident but he is okay; however the car was ‘put to sleep’.
• Sunday the 22nd was Earth Day – check this out ‘Gen 1: 26-31

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day.

• Err of Imus – I think the issue here that stands out above all most common obnoxious speech aired is this was directed at specific people who came to hear and their families and friends hear this awful talk – a total lack of concern about these ladies’ feelings.
• NBA Playoffs – I love this game!

Oooo, look at the time! There is just not enough time in a day! I'm going to try to get back here real soon; the month ain't hardly wrapped up yet!

Thanks to all of you who actually read this stuff and blessings to you all.

He's eight!

Our little man turned eight Sunday. Has it been that long? Where have the years gone? Every child's birthday I wonder, reminiscing on Sunrise Sunset. But I think we still have many years of growing up to look forward too! :-)

At church, Elder Mike said his gift to him was a prayer; that was indeed very special. He received presents from the family and was quite delighted. And ...we used his birthday coupon at Red Robin's! He got a free entree and dessert. He was full to bustin'!


Happy Birthday! We love you!

into February ...

A week into February - where did the time go? Life has been a many splendored thing!

• Well, thank you Brown, the package has finally arrived to stay - today! It wasn't in the best of condition, this delivery; but workable - so it gets to stay. The husband is at home and maybe the giant too - I wonder if it'll be put together by the time I get home. The giant didn't get the job from the last interview, but has some more set up - keep him in prayer. The floor is matted. The exercise bike is in place. And today I am a pound less than last week. It's time to step up the program!
• The 9/80 work week started and is going pretty well. I had my first Friday off last week. I used it to wait for people like housecleaners, service people, and school principals - oh joy. But more progress was made on the garage - and more things given to Goodwill and the Agape House. The next day off will be a 4-day weekend as the following Monday is a holiday - how kewl!
• The husband has wooed me to dinner a few times - we have patronized Tony Roma's again and also went to Chili's. At Tony's my eyes were so much larger than my stomach. I brought half of those ribs home.
  At Chili's I just love their Chicken Crispers. Again, I think the effects of working toward weight loss was reflected, as I couldn't begin to consume all of the food. But this time maybe it was because I over-ordered ;-). With a main course you can get a side of ribs for $5.99. Who could resist that? And then those onion blossoms! I couldn't even order their delicious mexican eggrolls sigh. But the good news is I dutifully packed up a lot of my meal for take home and dined on it over the rest of the week. Still maybe those bump ups on my weight loss progress chart are for a reason ...
  
• We had our annual superbowl party complete with tossing penalty flags into the middle of the floor and replete with food. And yet again, I did very well - one small plate of food even though I, yes me, made a dish myself - chicken nachos (recipe forthcoming). I was for the Colts, so very happy with the day's outcome.
• We must give homage to the youngest's godfather (picturing Marlon Brando in my head), a dear friend of ours - Happy Birthday Andre!
• Other dear friends of ours had an anniversary - Congratulations Aaron and Jody!
• The husband and I sensed a need to request a change for the youngest one's teacher. He had and absolutely wonderful teacher, Mrs. Zappe, in kindergarten. In 1st grade, Mr. Ferguson continued to challenge and stimulate him. But we are noticing signs of discouragement in the 2nd grade and not because the work is too hard. So after the principal did not return my 2 phone calls and a subsequent conversation I did have with the teacher (after 2 emails), dad took over the reigns and carried the baton from mom. They met today and if there is no improvement for the youngest, it'll be pressed even without relenting.
• The family room is getting a face lift - along with the TV the husband has been long wanting (no not a plasma!), I on the other had was able to adorn it with a lovely entertainment center. He was able to take advantage of 'after the bowl savings' and I snagged a no longer to be carried item before it disappeared into oblivion for a remarkable price that was only available until midnight the evening I spotted it. The wonders of the internet - I could still snatch it up even though the hour was late. It is now scheduled for delivery.

That's enough for a week into February; isn't it?

The week wrap up

Highlights (or the high life :-) - as opposed to low life); hmmm.... I'm reminded of Madea's Family Reunion when the character Carlos (Blair Underwood) references "the highs and lows of me".

• The husband and I decided last night to go to Tony Roma's. It's a favorite of ours - we've become Roma Rib Experts - their birthday club. For starters, we had a half of their signature Onion Loaf 'giant hand-cut Spanish onions, breaded, deep fried and served with house BBQ dipping sauce. For the main course he had their Beef Ribsters while I had the St. Louis Ribs - mine were accompanied by Loaded Mashed Potatoes while his were surrounded by Ranch Style Beans and French Fries. It wasn't very veggie; but yumm! We accummulated two more doggy containers - a total of 7 now (remember Red Robin's and Denny's?). It's really nice to get off on our own sometime - but I guess we'll need to eat these delicious leftovers some time. But there's another Black Angus trip next week!
  
  
• Okay now that might be working against our newest endeavor - to exercise at home. We want to get a Weider Max Resistance System Gym - this puppy even has rowing; its on order and arriving in a few weeks. If there's another word for stoked, that'd be me. This is a project we'll both enjoy. I've never been much to stick to clubs, or diet programs, or aerobic stuff - but I've always enjoyed strength training and with its rower, its gotta be a great workout.
  
  
• The other thing that we have been doing is on the edge-of-our-seats watching the television series 24, a not so highly aerobic activity unless you count heart racing. We've become addicts, owning a dvd set for every season. We watched last season just in time to be ready for the season opener - two nights/two hours - but we were able to record it on our DVR and watch it at our convenience. And now we wait with baited breath... what of Jack Bauer now? - the man's even has a full blown history.

Another year for the husband

Wednesday was the husband's birthday. In celebration both of us had taken the day off (I like these kinds of celebrations) and both of us were taken out to Denny's for eats by a ministry mentor/friend (I really like these kinds of celebrations) who wanted to celebrate the ocassion and get to know us better.

This person is so genuinely genial and wise, it is always a pleasure to be in his presence. As he talked with us, inquiring as to how we met, how we are doing with each other, and who we are, it was so 'safe' (a word he liked) talking with him. Within the conversation, he suggested the husband be 'my pastor' and all that entails which he left undefined - isn't that an interesting concept. Too, he suggested we focus on what things we could do to make things better for the other (not what we think we would like to do, but what we are capable within ourselves that would be effective). He also helped us with a difficult conversation we needed to have with one of the kids. As a result that later conversation went far better than originally expected; I was really dreading having it. The husband and I both enjoyed sharing the meal with him - we talked for several hours. I walked away feeling peaceful, hopeful, and more ably armed.

Several of the kids, friends, and family remembered the husband's birthday - he had a lot of phone calls from in state and out of state in which he was sung to among other things. Overall we had a relaxing day together and were the better for it.


Because he is always so hard to surprise, I planned Monday to kickoff birthday celebrations; he thought I was scheming for Wednesday. Our the Ace family friends and we went to lunch at Red Robins. We extracted him from maintenance he was doing at the church with another elder and pre-empted his Costco run. Boy, did we get stuffed - had the tower of onion rings and the chicken crisper appetizer followed by me having fish and chips and he having one of their delicious burgers. (No, I didn't eat it all - we left with 3 doggy boxes!)

Then at their house (which is like being at home) we watched the movie Idlewild with André Benjamin and Paula Patton amongst the stars and the likes of favorites Ben Vereen, Cicely Tyson, Patti LaBelle, Ving Rhames, and Bill Nunn too. It's a very good speakeasy period piece and it wonderfully speaks to a little bit about how God operates. I enjoyed it. We had such a good time we nearly forgot to pick up the youngest on time!

peace & mental pieces

It used to be that with Christmas around the corner, the work days became slower. But that isn't the case this year. Meanwhile activities on the homefront are at their height as well. Top that off with a child that is having trouble focusing in class, and peace and good will toward men is hard to find. But it must be made a priority, especially these days. Isn't it odd, that one has to fight for their peace this time of year - that it is an actual battle - which is an irony in and of itself. I've had to cancel plans and postpone others to not get carried away by the intensity of the season's activities. Have a joyous and peaceful Merry Christmas!

---

Saw WTC (World Trade Center) with Nicolas Cage this weekend - I was expecting a different type of story more along the line of a disaster film - this had similarities to Ladder 49 or maybe that type of flavor, and yet still different. While what actually occurred is beyond imagination, the event in this movie although bold and glaring, seemed not quite capturing the outright extent of appalling horror in this tragedy (as I recollect it being reported); not that I can conceive of how to achieve it. The movie is good, however, keeping your attention throughout. It's worth seeing and using to not forget this day in the history of the United States. I suppose December 7th's Pearl Harbor is the only thing we know comparable, and that movie (Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and more) is a good, dramatized, portrayal of that day.

One thing these movies touch upon is man's response in times such as these. Do we predominantly rise to the occasion or fall to the basest of natures? What would we, ourselves, do in like circumstances? Will I save my own neck, give up in despair or fear, or risk helping another? There will be a time on earth where those realities will be faced by all upon it. It bears some thought.

---

I have new toys for computing - I have to tear myself away at times. I don't have to use my desktop upstairs, but can wireless connect from my notebook, and its fully loaded with all the software I prefer. It makes it easier to blog, to quickly access online activities, and even divert myself with music, movies, or games. And being portable, I can even take it on the road. The husband made Christmas come early by extending his Thanksgiving; God bless him.

---

Spent the weekend remembering birthdays - mine and the Ace's Ace (her husband). We enjoyed a dinner at Black Angus. It was nice to relax with good friends and chill with a delicious meal. At the end, instead of singing happy birthday, we received a beautiful dish of ice cream and chocolate brownie with carmel and happy birthday written in chocolate syrup decor. It was yummy! I sure need to post some pictures up in here.

I discovered a great way to enhance my birthday - join birthday clubs! Doing so I have coupons for free meals/desserts at Black Angus, Friday's, Red Robin, Red Lobster , Tony Roma's; free ice cream at Cold Stone and Baskin Robbins, free smoothie at Juice it Up. Happy Birthday Me! Yes, my birthday was last week, but I'm still celebrating!

---

Well tomorrow's another workday; goodnight. Three days to vacation after that - woohoo!

Sleepers

Sleepers is a dark movie with an all star cast (including Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Patric, Brad Pitt) that deals with circumstances around a group of boys who are sentenced together to a boys facility to serve time for a crime they committed - another movie that just tears at the heart. One particular scene that never leaves my mind, even after many years, is the crime, itself. They, as a general habit, used to harrass a hotdog vendor by giving him a hard time and stealing his goods to eat for themselves. On this occasion they caused him to fall down a flight of stairs, his cumbersome, heavy metal cart careening after him. The man dies. They are shocked and horrified about what has transpired, but there is no turning back the hands of time. One of them says, I believe during their trial, something along the lines of "I never thought of him as a man before". They had caused the death of a man who supported his wife and children by selling hot dogs, a man who had a life.

UPDATE 10/9/2006:
Story Line Correction! I watched the movie last night - the boys teasing the vendor held his cart teetering over a flight of stairs. When they couldn't hold onto it, it careened down the stairs killing a man below who happens to step out into the way. They knew that the one man died because of what they were doing to the vendor. The quote wasn't at the trial, but shortly after the incident.

I was reminded of this scene Sunday when I happened to be watching a 60 Minutes segment on the current craze teenagers call "bum-hunting" of torturing, at times to death, the homeless. What kind of mind/soul does such a thing?!? Obviously these boys who thrill to do such a thing do not see their victim as a person with a life, even such as it is. What is that saying told to bullies -"why don't you pick on somebody your own size?" Well come to find out that this concept was most likely made popular by a show called BumFights, the maker of which has made a lot of money and professed no responsibilty for the fallout or collateral damage from his program. This is all truly, truly horrifying.

While I would never do anything even remotely like this, I was again reminded of the movie last night. The husband, being a former planning commissioner, and I (spouse) were asked to have dinner and with the developer of a nearby commercial shopping center. We want to have a nice caliber sit-down restaurant there (none exist near by) which was part of their agreement. His company felt they might not be able to do that. Okay, so I was all prepared to fight for my restaurant - had the game face on and wasn't going to like him one bit. Only to leave Juanchos, a smaller place to dine in the self-same center, having met a person with like faith, a nice family, who has gone to great lengths to get a such a restaurant in there and hadn't given up - but given the dynamics of the demographics, didn't expect to be successful.

He became a person; a person to discuss an issue with - not the issue itself. I didn't have it in perspective. How often do we put on our proverbial sunglasses armed to dim the glare of what we choose not to see. It was such a small thing, but sounds to me like hardening the heart. I can't imagine the hardening and whatever other process that makes teenagers like those above. If it is not a person we interface with, our witness is diminished.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph 6:12

Lord help me to trust your protection and see things as they are and act according to your will rather than sleep-walk through life according to this world.