Querulous about Sesame St. characters?

quizfarm.com/quizzes/new/Calixta/which-sesame-street-character-are-you-many-outcomes

Too funny, this is a very in depth quiz about your mannerisms and preferences to determine which Sesame St. character you are most similar to. I'm most like Telly monster who is not one of my faves, nor the one I would have predicted. Anyway, it was an interesting way to waste 10 minutes. Enjoy!

You need a what by when?

Homework assignments. Are they more for parents or the kids? Are these teachers demented or just torturing us because they spend 5 hours a day with our kids? Will other kids learn history better because my 10 yo son wears a buckskin trousers? I don't think so, but I digress...

Nick arrived home last week with the announcement that he needs to be transformed into 16th century explorer, Louis Joulliet (travelled the Mississippi River in a canoe exploring for a trade route to China for the spice/silk road - now you know as much as we do) for a wax museum/report for social studies, but he doesn't know when it is. I didn't even know who Joulliet was until we had to get 3 report resources, but that was the task for LAST week.

First stop, mom uttering expletives against the teacher who assigned this task, second stop - the thrift store circuit. After 3 stores and lots of possibilities, including a$25 fake leather Western style jacket with tons of fringe, we ended up with a suede vest, sheepskin lined (all synthetic) for $3.00, some tan velour ladies stretch pants or $3.00 , a thermal top and our piece de resistance for $7.00, killer Eskimo mucklucks with fur and lacings in a mens' size 10. So he looks a little like a Neanderthal clown. Two hours of sewing work at home adding rustic-looking fringe to the top and pants sideseams, they look amazingly like buckskins and even more important Nick is pleased with the result.

What did our moms do without thrift stores and eBay? While I was busy channeling my grandmother and mother-in-law who each were "da bomb" at wacky school assignments, scout activities and costume production. If I had anything my mom couldn't handle, she would send me to my grandmother's house to complete the job. Gigi and I had a great time making diorama book reports, cooking native dishes and finding costumes for all sorts of events. She even rented me a white wig from a costume store to be Dolly Madison in one of mom's old prom dresses and such. She kept lots of my mom's dressy stuff and square dancing costumes to be reprised for use by the next generation.

Thrift stores in my youth were VERY scary places only the marginalized of society went to for purchases. In my 20s and 30s, I was a Goodwill groupie and Value Village vixen - that was my clothes horse stage when found I could afford a lot more on my meager paychecks there than even Ross. Then the pall was removed from Value Village when they became a franchise store and the prices rose with it. Gone were the days of finding a Jones New York outfit for $5 or a black velvet dress for new Years for $15. But by then I was looking for "mom clothes" that would be tragic to have ruined with "kid liquids".

The bidding starts at $50 for the first 4th grade parent with the foresight to call me in preparation for next year. Or maybe I'll start the "save it for the next generation" box...

Peace and Blessings ;-P
Michelle

New Year's Resolution #1

Yes, it's February 3, I figure if I don't make one until now, I won't break it as early. There is a strategy in my procrastination. I resolve to write here more often. At least once a month... if I have anything interesting to say, and even if it's just random rambly ramblings because then I won't have broken my resolution. How's that for circular logic? P/B ;-P

Attitude of Gratitude

I just like the sound of that, and what better time to have an attitude of gratitude than as a chaotic and stressful year comes to a close?! It's the characteristic that most entices me to return to our current place of worship. Every act of cleaning, assistance, fund-raising, charity, etc., that I have participated in at St. Columba's has been rewarded with a sincere thank you from someone not directly benefitting from my actions. Most are just glad that there are fresh folks to offer the many hands to make the work light.

I/we have a great deal of things to express gratitude for - SYMPTOMS!! We live in a country with medical resources to facilitate the early detection of cancers, we have adequate health care provided by our employer (our bill for my whole episode was under $1500). Friends and family were willing to care for the boys, me and my extended family upon request. Medical developments in surgical procedures that allow quick recovery within 2 months of surgery. Boys willing take mom for walks and to push a wheelchair for a few weeks, noticing the reactions of others and aware of challenges faced during that time. A new-found dedication to eating better... well, at least 80% of the time. And mostly, the chance to spend more precious time with my family, friends and raising the boys to be healthy, independent gentlemen - with a totally whacked sense of humor.

We've been trying for the last three days to catch Santa for our annual photo - Sunday he left 1/2 hour before we arrived, last night we just saw him pulling out of the parking lot and today we are going to be in line at the stroke of 5:00. One of those "simply have to's" of the season. Joe's fighting tooth and nail not to be subjected to this commercial display of advertising melee - but don't get me wrong, he TOTALLY wants gifts - and of the impractical variety. Nick is all over the Santa photo thing. It means he doesn't have to shop or spend $ on Mom. Dan would prefer to submit to a Santa photo than any thing else I've requested of him this year. Putting up house lights, making Dr. appts., etc. But he's had a heck of a year too, and been a great partner.

I hope this Season finds you healthy, wealthy in non-material ways, blessed in every way and peaceful as you enjoy the holidays in whatever manner suits your soul, psyche, and spirit.

Wishing you lasting Peace and MANY Blessings!
Michelle ;-P

Tampa Trip

All is well, travelling with my sister in Tampa (85 and HUMID, my bra's clammy) and this has been the Just in Time trip so far. Just in time for my connecting flight from O'Hare to Tampa, just in time for her class Monday after getting lost 3 times en route, just in time for a dolphin spotting cruise while I was getting lost going elsewhere. But it's great weather, somewhat relaxing and we have a convertible we can actually use here. What a concept. It has also cured me of desiring to purchase a convertible - no trunk room, two-doors with a 6' 13 yo would not work (I would be the one in the back seat). Among other things. Sun roof, may be a more reasonable adjustment! Left my photo transfer materials in room, will post photos including blurry dolphin shots later.

Peace and Blessings ;-P
Michelle

41 and olding... I mean holding.

Turned 41 today and survived it. I found a saying recently that was timely, "Don't complain about growing older, it is a privilege denied to many." Of unknown origin, but it makes sense. Had we been born at any other time, in any other country, to other parents our chances of mere survival would be vastly different. The last year has been trying, frustrating, greatly clarifying, and has provided some new priorities like exercise and eating correctly - at least 50% of the time. Also clarified what is truly important and what can be trimmed away from my stress factors. Thanks for hanging with me and being my BRA Chix this year, here's to more good times, great memories and adventures that await us in the coming year(s)!

Peace and Blessings ;-P
Michelle

What to do when we don't know what to do...

So many times we hear someone is ill or has a challenge in their lives and we call to say let me know how I can help. When I received these calls, I was like "OK, but I don't even know what to do myself right now let alone what to ask anyone else to do..." I saw this article on the CarePages.com website and think it's a good one to keep with our condolence cards and such to remind us of positive steps and simple things to really make a difference. My usual MO was "they are so busy right now, I'll leave them alone." My new MO is at least to check in and let them know I'm thinking about them, I also give a time in the next week that I can help with housework, meals or errands. Our pals and family members aren't getting any younger and the sooner we learn to comfort the better comforters we will be.

27 ways to comfort a sick friend

We all want to be there when a friend or loved one needs us most. Why not step outside the box and use these creative ways to offer help, a boost or just some much-needed distractions?

Provide a dose of delight. Take a sick friend on an excursion to a “delightful place,” such as a botanical garden, nature trail, beach or forest preserve. It can be a soul-soothing experience.

For a friend who is seriously ill and housebound, drop off some food, books or videos, but keep your visit short so as not to tire them out.

Burn a CD of your friend’s favorite songs or a selection of soothing, tranquil music.

Organize a group care network for a sick loved one. Email a group of close friends and set up a rotating system for coming over and helping with household chores or caregiving.

Offer to help with the day-to-day stuff that needs to be done, such as a grocery trip, a Target run, doing a load of laundry, bringing home cooked food or walking the dog.

When you’re at the grocery store call your sick friend and say “I'm here what do you need?” Or, “I have the kids after school... don't worry.”

Be a stable, reliable presence in your friend's life. Speaking calmly and checking in regularly can be a huge comfort to someone whose life has been turned upside down by a health challenge.

Keep in touch through regular emails or CarePages website postings. Say something. Say anything. Let him or her know they are not alone.

Send a weekly care package to a sick co-worker. Set up a drop box on your desk and ask co-workers to “lend” their favorite magazines, DVDs, and/or CDs to help your colleague pass the time.

A plant or a small bouquet of flowers is always appreciated--even after the healing process of surgery, chemo or other illnesses has begun.

Offer to arrange child care at no cost to the family when an illness happens that involves small children.

A health crisis can create chaos in so many ways. Send over a cleaning service to clean the house and restore a sense of serenity and order.

Create a gift basket with fruits, granola bars, magazines, a deck of cards, candies, a package of thank you cards, stamps, a notebook and a pen.

Donate your frequent flyer miles or give an airline gift certificate to a family member of a sick friend who lives far away.

Send books, DVDs or CDs through Amazon to help a sick friend pass the time.

Send a box of seasonal fresh fruit through Harry and David to a friend who is recovering from illness or surgery.

Hire a manicurist/pedicurist to do a house call for a sick friend.

Buy a gift membership to an online DVD rental service so your recovering friend can receive movies through the mail. Gift memberships can be purchased for one month up to a year.

If your friend is bed-bound or in the hospital for a while, send or drop off some soft, fluffy slippers, a soft bed pillow, lavender scented linen spray, wonderful pajamas, comfy socks, or foot massage cream to make them feel pampered.

Throw a feel-good get-together. Shower a friend with practical and meaningful gifts to help him or her get through a tough time, such as surgery or chemo.

Provide food for the soul. Organize a pool of cooks to whip up comfort food to give and share, and make sure you've got a team in place to create your own meals-on-wheels network.

Become the wheels. Offer to accompany your friend to his or her medical appointment.

Put together a get-well kit. Include bottled water, green tea, Kleenex, fruits, vitamin C, and a bundle of healthy remedies.

Provide healing hands. Massage can be a powerful tool for calming our psyches. Get your friend a gift certificate for a massage that can be redeemed when he or she feels up to it.

Empower your friend or loved one by providing them with a box filled with inspirational books, inspiring quotes and music.

Provide entertainment. Offer to take a sick friend to the movies. Or bring over a DVD, make some popcorn and watch a funny movie together.

Laugh, chat, and share as you normally would. Remember that a person is not defined by illness. They are still the same friend to you and want to continue to do their part in the give and take of friendship.

Peace and Blessings ;-P
Michelle

FL Trip in 3 weeks and counting...