Once A Year...

Once in a young lifetime one should be allowed to have as much sweetness as one can possibly want and hold.
~ Judith Olney

Or more to the point, once a year in a young lifetime, Halloween allows a child to have more candy then they could dream of.

Tonight is the night when neighborhoods will be filled with children running from house to house, yelling trick or treat, and getting enough candy to make them, their families and their pets sick for the next two months.

This is the final year of costumes in the Hinterlands. Bugaboo has hit the magic year and Mr. A hit it two years ago. I'm both sorry and not sorry to see it end. I'm sorry, becuase it means that the boys are getting older than I want them to be. I'm not sorry, because the chaos of finding just the right costume, getting them fed, walking around the neighborhood, is just more than I think it is worth sometimes for a bag of candy.

We'll still celebrate to a point. Maybe with special treats like I made this year. Bugaboo tapped me to make treats for his classroom, and after finding this recipe in a magazine at the ortho's office, this is what I came up with...



Isn't it cute? I hope the kids in Bugaboo's class enjoy them!

Have a safe and exciting Halloween!

Until later...

What You Can Do

Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.
~ John F. Kennedy

I picked up the mail today to find a jury questionnaire. It appears that for the first time in my adult life, I may be called to jury duty soon.

As I filled out the questionnaire - which really shouldn't be called a questionnaire, because they were only looking for verification of my address, my DOB and a few other minor items - I realized that it would be the first of two things I did in the next five days for my country.

We all know - how could we not - that next Tuesday we will be choosing a new president. This has to be the most divisive campaign that comes to mind since I've been paying attention to the campaigns.

The first campaign I remember was in 1984 when Reagan and Mondale duked it out. The first that I was eligible to vote in was in 1992 when Clinton won over Bush 41. So granted, that doesn't mean I've been paying attention all that long, but of all those elections, this one seems to have brought out the rabid on each side.

Voting - like jury duty - is a right and an obligation to make sure that you do for your country what it has done for you. Your country can't continue to do for you, if you don't exercise your right to vote and put the best people into office. By the People only works when the People do their duty.

So make sure that on November 4th, you take the time to vote. Without you doing your part - just like answering a jury summons - this country can't continue to thrive as we have come to know it can. I know I'll be at the polls bright and early that day.

Until later...

Fall Bloggy Giveaway Carnival

Don't forget that this week is the fall Bloggy Giveaway Carnival! As of right now there are over 1200 opportunities to get stuff. Lots of stuff, so make sure you check it out! Just make sure you stay away from the giveaways I've entered!

Until later...

Goals Not Met

I didn't make it.

My goal was to keep the heat off until the first of November. We were almost there, but last night temps dropped to the teens here in the Hinterlands and I caved.

I figured that it was better that the monsters didn't wake up with frost on their eyelashes. Plus, I was too cold to sleep when I went to bed, so I knew it was turn it on or suffer all night.

As goals go, I'm not too upset that this one wasn't accomplished.

Until later...

Reward

The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.
~ Jonas Salk

I had not been at work today for more than an hour, when I received a call from someone asking me if I'd be interested in joining a different team within the company. My first thought (and the next fifty to be honest), was "Hell NO!".

I immediately went and talked to my boss. I trust him and value his counsel. To my surprise he already knew about the possibility, and at that point, he felt that it was going to be a "only one possible decision" sort of an issue. There was a meeting scheduled later this morning, and he'd let me know what he found out.

What he found out, is that my choice as the addition causes serious repercussions to many teams and wasn't made lightly. It was also made known by my current director, that he wanted me to have an out, if things went south. This team has gobbled up new members and spit them out so many times, that he felt the out was necessary. Should I not be able to push back and integrate myself into the team the way they expect (the main reason for picking me...I guess having a pair can be a good thing.), he wanted me to know I could come back to my current team without it being a detriment to my personell folder.

My boss feels that it is the best move for me and part of me agrees. There is more of a chance of career and knowledge base development with this move. The part that doesn't agree, likes her comfortable, well worn job, where she knows exactly how to do everything and where to go for answers.

I'll certainly miss my current boss. I know going in that my new boss will NOT be easy to work for, as I currently work with her on a few projects. And that's where the out my current director required made all the difference in my decision to take the job.

So starting November 10th, I'll be reporting to a different boss, a different director and have an entirely new job.

I hope I made the right decision.

Until later...

Primal Food

Food is so primal, so essential a part of our lives, often the mere sharing of recipes with strangers turns them into good friends.
~ Jasmine Heiler

And isn't that a little bit of what MPM is about?

So...last week's recap. Grilled Spicy Chicken Sandwiches is something we have off and on...always a hit.

This week's menu is as follows:

Monday ~ Scout Night

Hot Dogs, Salad, Chips

Tuesday ~

White Chicken Chili

Wednesday ~

Easiest No Boil Lasagna

Thursday ~

YOYO

Friday, Saturday and Sunday ~ Monsters at their dad's

I think I'm going to make Buffalo Chicken Dip. It isn't the healthiest, but I'm feeling in the mood for it.

So that's it for this week. Stop by this week's MPM to see what other's are planning.

Until later...

Friends, Counselors and Teachers

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.
~ Charles W. Eliot

I've got ten books in my TBR pile, with three being released by some of my favorite authors in the next ten days.

I'll be spending my dreary, rainy (snowy!) Sunday curled up with friends, counselors and teachers.

Until later...

Sweet Sauce

Rest: the sweet sauce of labor
~ Plutarch

I woke this morning wondering how Mr. A's date went. I can't wait until he gets home tomorrow and tells me about it.

I've got nothing on the agenda today. And I'm not sorry about that.

Until later...

A Motivator!

So we told Mr. A he could go to the dance, if he talked to his teachers and got things cleared up.

He did.

Who knew that girls were motivators for teenage boys?

Okay. I knew, but who wanted to believe?

Until later...

First Date?!?!?!?!

Mr. A came home yesterday with the news that a girl has asked him to the dance on Friday.

*thud*

I can't be old enough for him to date, can I?

I had to drag the information out of him. I think he was afraid of being teased about this, but after a while, he coughed up the details. They're friends. She likes him. He's not so sure. She has brown hair. He has no idea what color eyes she has...or even if she has eyes, I'm thinking.

Two growing up milestones for my monsters this week. Sigh.

Until later...

The Sword

Beauty is power; a smile is its sword.
~ Charles Reade

Today Bugaboo's sword is being sharpened. He's going in and getting his braces. He's a little apprehensive about this. I think Mr. A has been telling tales.

I can and I can't wait to see him with his braces. I think they're a right of passage, and I think that sight will serve as a reminder that he's not my little boy any more.

I've got Tylenol, Advil, pudding and soup at the ready.

He's at least looking forward to the pudding.

Until later...

Encouraging Vs. Discouraging

This has been a very discouraging quarter for Mr. A. Sadly, this Nonnie has all but given up hoping he'll pull his head out. There are nine days left in this quarter, and there doesn't appear to be any possible way for him to pull his grades out of the toilet.

I've threatened, I've cajoled, I've banished. I've assigned the crappiest chores I can think of, telling him that if he doesn't pull out, he'll be digging ditches and janitoring for the rest of his god-given life.

I've encouraged, I've bribed, I've helped. I've organized his keeper with him, hoping that will help get his crap together.

Nothing works.

And X? Yeah, he's a help.

It's sink time. And I don't know if there is a life vest close to throw him.

Until later...

Settling...

If we're not willing to settle for junk living, we certainly shouldn't settle for junk food.
~ Sally Edwards

Generally we don't settle for junk food, but it is on the menu this week.

So...last week's recap. Pot Roast and Spaghetti always go over well here. Divine Chicken Divan is also a family favorite.

This week's menu is as follows:

Monday ~

Grilled Spicy Chicken Sandwiches

Tuesday ~

Tacos

Wednesday ~ Bugaboo gets his braces

YOYO

Thursday ~

Pizza

Friday, Saturday and Sunday ~ Monsters at their dad's

Again with the big question mark.

So that's it for this week. Stop by this week's MPM to see what other's are planning.

Until later...

One Last Sunny Sunday?

It's a gorgeous day here in the Hinterlands. I'm wondering whether this is the last of the nice days before winter takes a firm grip.

Soon the leaves will all be off the trees, and frost will cover everything, but for now, it's all nice and golden orange.

I think I'll take a walk sometime today.

Until later...

One Coming Home, One Taking Off

Bugaboo had a cold, cold night last night. I'm interested to hear how it went when he gets home.

Which should be about the time that Mr. A takes off for his Scout outing. Only it is supposed to be warmer up North where Mr. A is going, then it was down here last night. What's up with that?

I'd best go get Mr. A out of bed and get him motivated to head out.

Until later...

Nonnie Time

After I bake and pack and get Bugaboo ready for his camp-out, Mr. A and I are going to go have some Nonnie Time together.

Being a single mom doesn't give me a lot of opportunities to spend one-on-one time with the monsters, and I tend to get more with Bugaboo than Mr. A.

Tonight, Mr. A has decided he wants to see City of Ember and go out for dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. I'm cool with all of that, so it's off we go.

Until later...

Thursdays Are The New Fridays

At least this week...

I'm taking tomorrow off. I have to get a few things together for Bugaboo's camping expedition tomorrow night, and I haven't been able to find the time this week.

He also wants me to make a pan of brownies to take with him for the other scouts, so I'll be doing that too.

It's supposed to be a balmy 32 degrees out there tomorrow night. I wonder if I should look for some flannel pjs for him too?

Until later...

Done!

Wreath sales are over. At least they are for the Monsters. They have sold 52 wreaths each, and I don't care what the Troop wants, we aren't going out to sell more.

Now we just have to deliver those dang things...but that's something to worry about another time.

Until later...

A Different Sort Of Anniversary

In addition to Sunday being my parents' 40th Anniversary, it was also the anniversary of my divorce.

And I forgot.

Really, I forgot until I was crawling into bed on Sunday night.

I'm not sure if that says I'm past caring about the demise of my marriage or that I'm just remarkably well adjusted about it.

I do know that I'm a happier, more content person than I was when I was married. I'm also a wee bit more selfish about things and the way my life is run, but that's okay.

I have two wonderful children, a relationship that meets the needs of both myself and the other person and time to do what I want, when I want.

So, while there might be the odd tingle of "what if" every now and again, for the most part, I believe I'm remarkably well adjusted.

Until later...

Belly Rules

The belly rules the mind.
~ Spanish Proverb

Or at least it rules my mind as I'm putting the menu for the week together.

So...last week's recap. Creamy Pasta Parmesan ~ Yuck. I should have known that, but I was swayed by the "easy" idea. A Can Of This And That Crockpot Chili ~ Always a favorite here in the Hinterlands. Pizza Roll ~ another favorite.


This week's menu is as follows:

Monday ~ Scouts

Spaghetti (we're having this too often. I need to take it out of the rotation...after tonight.)

Tuesday ~ Wreath Sales

Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes

Wednesday ~ Wreath Sales

YOYO

Thursday ~ Wreath Sales

Divine Chicken Divan

Friday, Saturday and Sunday ~ Monsters on outings

Leftovers for me on Saturday and Sunday. Friday, Mr. A and I will go out to eat before heading to a movie.

So that's it for this week. Stop by this week's MPM to see what other's are planning.

Until later...

40 Years

A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year.
~ Paul Sweeney

Today is my parents' 40th Wedding Anniversary. A great milestone in this culture of divorce.

It hasn't always been easy for them and in fact, it still isn't easy. They've got their good times and their bad times, like all couples. The difference in my parents' case, is that they work through them.

It's a wonderful thing, 40 years. And very special. Just like the two people celebrating today.

Congratulations Mom & Dad!

Until later...

Catching Up

Last weekend I received an invitation to join a group on Facebook for my high school class. Next summer will be our 20th reunion.

So I went and checked the page out. And joined. And found some people that I haven't had contact with in YEARS! It's interesting to see where some of these people have ended up over the years.

The reunion committee is planning a weekend thing for next year. I'm not sure about that for me. I may go to the Friday night deal but more than that? I don't know. We'll see where I'm at in life when July rolls around.

Until later...

Weekend To-Do List

The two rules of procrastination: 1) Do it today. 2) Tomorrow will be today, tomorrow.
~ Anonymous

Procrastination, how I love thee. I can take a project and rise it to a level of procrastination heretofore unknown. I'm good like that.

Last year, the monsters picked out fabric for me to make them quilts for their rooms. Let me say that again. Last YEAR. It's still sitting in the laundry room, having been washed in preparation of being cut. Still.

I'm planning on getting that fabric out and making a dent in the cutting portion of the program tomorrow.

Notice I said, planning.

I figure the monsters will be graduating when I get them finished.

It's nice to have a goal.

Until later...

Brotherly Competition

The monsters are really into the whole "I can sell more than you can" portion of wreath sales. Mr. A was quite put out that Bugaboo was out-selling him until this past weekend.

By the time they had to report partial sales on Monday, Mr. A was up by one wreath. He had 26, Bugaboo had 25.

Nonnie? Well, she's had it with the sales. I'll be glad when they're over.

Until later...

Wii Fit

Yes, I've had a sip or three of the Wii-aid. I went out and bought a Wii Fit for the family.

What a hoot. Until of course you get to the point where the damn game says, "You're fat!" as if you'd never even considered that possibility.

The games are interesting, and worth doing. I especially enjoy the yoga and the aerobics.

The question is...how long does this hold its appeal before we no longer break it out.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Sigh. That's what I thought.

Until later...

And Another Season Is Over!

You win a few, you lose a few. Some get rained out. But you got to dress for all of them.
~ Satchel Paige

Fall ball isn't supposed to be taken seriously. And really, how can you when four of your games are rained out?

Thankfully, the games were close to home this weekend. I knew before heading to the fields that we were probably not going to be playing, but since I hadn't got a call telling me they were off, I headed out.

When I got to the fields, the boys were all under the tent that one of the parents had set up over the bench, and all the parents were huddled under the pavilion sipping their coffee. Everyone was just waiting for someone to call the game.

I think after 60 regular season games, plus playoffs and tourneys, everyone was baseballed out. I don't think anyone was upset that the games were called at all.

So I hopped back into my car, came home and relaxed with a book on a rainy day. Sometimes, even plans that get messed up happen for the best!

Until later...

Torch of Love

The torch of love is lit in the kitchen.
~ Anonymous

Most every family celebration, be it an ordinary weekday high-five for a good grade, or a birthday dinner, starts in the kitchen. Love is in every bite...at least for us.

So...last week's recap. Pizza Casserole using To Die For Crescent Rolls ~ this is a family favorite, although I usually make it was the crescent rolls from the Doughboy. The homemade crescents were nice, but the convenience of the Doughboy? Nicer. And really, do I have to recap spaghetti? LOL!

This week's menu is as follows:

Monday ~ Mr. A Scouts

Creamy Pasta Parmesan

Tuesday ~ Wreath Sales

A Can Of This And That Crockpot Chili

Wednesday ~ Wreath Sales

YOYO

Thursday ~ Wreath Sales

Pizza Roll

Friday, Saturday and Sunday ~ Monsters with their dad

I'm clueless. Hopefully something will grab me by this weekend.

So that's it for this week. Stop by this week's MPM to see what other's are planning.

Until later...

Season's Over!

Football is an honest game. It's true to life. It's a game about sharing. Football is a team game. So is life.
~ Joe Namath

Football season has come to a close. One last game, 700 billion hotdogs and brats served to hungry players and their families. It's over.

Bugaboo had a good final game. He played better in this last game then he'd played in the first game. And really, isn't that what the season is about? Improving enough at the end that you don't recognize where you were at the beginning? He had a good team to share this year's accomplishments with, and I'm grateful for that.

However...today was the first game X came and saw this year. I'd roll my eyes, but I do that to much already when it comes to him. After the game, I was congratulating Bugaboo on the different plays he'd done well on, and X had to tear him down a notch or two. Hello? It's the last game of the season. There's no need for that now.

That little drama and X's behavior at the banquet only served as a large reminder why I'm glad we're not together any longer.

I came home from the banquet after clean up and crashed. I was tired! I'm not going to do anything but sit today.

Until later...

Final Saturday Six...For Now

1. When is the last time you actually filled your car’s car tank completely?

I always fill up the tank.

2. What’s the most you’ve paid for a gallon of gas so far?

Ummm...$3.96? I'm not sure.

3. Have the high gas prices affected how much you travel at all?

Not really.

4. Take the quiz: What does the road trip of your life say about you?

The Road Trip of Your Life

You see life as a journey to be shared with others. Kinship and sharing are very important to you. Your life is quite hectic. You try to slow down when you can, but it's not easy! You're willing to take a few risks in life. You may not take the road no one travels, but you're happy to take the road less traveled. You are able to find a fairly healthy balance between work and play. You work when you need to, but you never let yourself burn out. In another life, you could have been a great novelist. You have a knack for describing things in an interesting way.

5. Which single statement was the most accurate about you?

"Kinship and sharing are very important to you."

6. If your best friend called you up and wanted to take a week-long road trip, would you be able to afford it?

Sure...finding the time would be another thing.

Until later...

Dessert

Life is unsure. Always eat your dessert first.
~ Anonymous

Tonight I have to make 3 pans of brownies for Bugaboo's End of Season Banquet. That's 3 rounds of timing brownies in the oven for 40 minutes. I figure I'll be done around 10.

I don't mind though, as baking is one of life's pleasures for me. I enjoy the measuring, the stirring, the opportunity to use my Kitchen-Aid mixer. Baking is more of a religion to me than it is something that has to be done.

I don't bake often for the family though. The monsters and I don't need the extra calories and most times, an extra pan of brownies just goes to waste around here.

So having an excuse to bake is a wonderful thing for me.

Tomorrow's set up, volunteer time behind the cooking lines and the tear down? Not so much.

Until later...

One Final Practice

Today is the final practice for Bugaboo's football season. I will not be sorry to see it end.

I'm not saying that it hasn't been good for Bugaboo, because it has. I'm just saying that the time commitment has been enough for a while, and I'll be glad to settle down into a slower winter season.

Bugaboo is ready for it to be over too. He's had a good time, but he's glad it is coming to a close.

So one final chance to get everything ready for Saturday's game as a last hurrah.

Until later...

Christmas Wreaths

I don't know of any activity that a parent hates more than the constant fundraising that their children are roped into. School, sport, what-have-you.

Well, fundraising time has hit the Nonnie household once again. Bugaboo has his school fundraiser, which I don't actually mind, as it requires that the kids read to earn their pledges. Mr. A has his school fundraiser, which is selling over priced cookie dough. I just used up last year's cookie dough on Sunday. Sigh.

And now both of the monsters are selling Christmas wreaths for Scouts. Bugaboo will be bridging up to Boy Scouts in February, so rather than doing the Cub Scout fundraiser, he's doing the Boy Scout fundraiser.

The Christmas Wreath fundraiser pays for the monsters' dues and for their summer camp fee. So all in all, it makes sense for us to participate. I just hate going out every night for weeks, trying to sell up to their goals.

And the goals...jeez. Each of the monsters has to sell 46 wreaths to have their fees paid, and if they sell 51, they get a "free" waterpark weekend, paid for by the troop. So our goal is to sell 102 wreaths by October 27.

To that end, we've been out every night this week for at least an hour, selling door to door. I don't like going out before 6:30, because I don't like interrupting family meal times, and by 7:30, it is too dark to continue.

Today is Wednesday. We've sold two days and combined the boys have sold 10 wreaths. Yee-haw! Sigh. We'll be heading out after dinner again.

Until later...