TALES FROM THE CAPITAL CITY!

Life, death and a good report card.

2009-11-05T23:20:00.000-05:00

Today was a good day. It was a good morning getting out of the house, work sped by in the morning, I had an impromptu lunch with my honey, and then the afternoon sped on by and before I knew it- it was time to leave work and go to the teacher conference at the boy's school.
His homeroom teacher was out but we met with his reading/english teacher and the math and science teacher. It was, all in all, a very good report. The boy depsite his wiggliness, and penchant to burst out into song, is doing well in all of his subjects. He is an independent thinker and demonstrates kindness, and respect towards others. It is everything a parent hopes to hear when other people are speaking about their child. It was also great to know that our child spends most of his day with people who are intelligent and committed to helping out on our journey to make a great human being.
After the conference was over, it was off to the races to pick up both little people and get home in time for the husband to get changed and go get the MIL (mother in law) and head to the first of the Broadway Series shows - The Ten Tenors.
Once I got home, I knew that the stove would not be seeing any action this evening.
Our intent was to get a couple of happy meals and picnic in front of the tube for an evening filled with Dora, Diego and the Wonder Pets. Instead we found ourselves at one of the local IHOPs enjoying pancakes with wipped cream and strawberry syrup for dinner. We then headed to WalMart for milk and a quick trip through the toy department and finally home.
After everyone was bathed and in bed- I headed for the pc to catch up on some news, locally, around the state and around the world.
While checking out Facebook- I received a message that a dear friend and relation had passed away this morning after a terrible car accident yesterday. I think back on all of the times spent with her and her family, and all the recent pictures and events in her life that made her life a good long one. How many people loved her and how many people she loved in return. May she rest in peace knowing that those she leaves behind will always love her and remember her. It amazes me how any day can be your last day, that is why we have to make the most of every day we are given.
The husband has now returned from the Tenors showing and he says that it was EXCELLENT! I am glad, sad and happy all at the same time. I am ALIVE.
Today was a good day.

Report Cards and Conferences

2009-11-04T23:13:00.000-05:00

Well, it's official! I've turned into my Mom. I was kind of suspicious a few months ago- but now I have confirmed it. Yesterday the boy brought home his first ever report card. It's funny because in kindergarten they do not, apparently, give letter grades. A teacher conference is scheduled and they send home your copy of the report card with your conducts and PE grade. He received a complimentary comment from his homeroom teacher and a great big S (for satisfactory) in PE. Our conference is scheduled for tomorrow and we will be meeting with his cluster teachers (3 of them).
As my husband and I looked over the report card-the thought of every movie parent looking at their childs report card crossed through my head.
I also thought about my mom. All those years of looking through our report cards. I wondered if she felt the same anxiousness that I did when I opened the envelope and took it out- and the same amount of pride that I did once I saw that he had good marks. I am sure that she did- as every other parent taking interest in things that their child can accomplish would. It was a good feeling- although purely selfish- to know that this little person that you created together- is out there doing things on his own- and being recognized by others for it.
I know that there will be other report cards down the road that may have some things in it that we will not be too thrilled with, but that is the trip...good and bad. I know that we will always be proud of the boy's accomplishments- no matter what they are and no matter how big or small.

14 uses for a Microwave

2009-11-03T22:49:00.000-05:00

So, tonight I read an article about 14 uses for a Microwave that you probably never thought of.

Some things I knew about like cooking an entire dinner in under 10 minutes, and making potatoes. I also knew about the number 1 item on the list- disinfecting sponges ! But there were items on there like disinfecting your cutting boards and softening brown sugar that intrigues me. I also found out that it is a great way to toast coconut and nuts. Who knew?

I am all about working smart and not hard so finding out that I can toast coconut and nuts in the micowave is AWESOME!

Here's the rest of the list- hopefully one of these will make your day a little easier..

1. Disinfectin/Deodorizing sponges (soak in water with lemon or vinegar, then rinse and microwave for 1 minute)
2. Cooking an entire dinner in under 10 minutes (any recipe that calls for braising, poaching, or steaming- cut cook time about 1/4)
3. Disinfecting Plastic Cutting board (wash board well and then rub with lemon juice and heat for 1 minute)
4. Softening brown sugar (add a few drops of water into package- then microwave for 10-20 seonds)
5. Making potatoes (prick with fork all over- cook for 2 minutes, turn over and then cook for another 2-3 minutes)
6. Decrystalizing honey (30 seconds to 1 minute)
7. Proofing Yeast Dough (Place the dough in a very large bowl and cover with plastic. Place an 8-ounce cup of water in the back of the microwave with the bowl of dough in the center, and set the power as low as possible (10 percent power). Heat for 3 minutes, then let the dough rest in the microwave for 3 minutes. Heat for 3 minutes longer, then let rest for 6 minutes. The dough will double in bulk.)
8. Heating Up Health Aids
9. Warming Up Beauty Products (like hot oil treatments for hair)
10. Roasting Garlic (take 7 minutes)
11. Partially Cooking Foods for the grill
12. Getting more juice from citrus (20 seconds in the oven before squeezing that lemon will get you more juice!)
13. Toasting Nuts, Bread Crumbs and coconut (2-3 minutes while stirring)
14. Cooking vegetables (you can steam them without water....)

New Federal Hate Crime Law

2009-11-02T23:05:00.004-05:00

So, advocates for disabled persons and GLBT groups were cheering new provisions signed into law by President Obama last week. In Florida penalties were already harsher than in other states if you could prove that the crime was indeed a hate crime. There are still loop holes in the provisions, which leads me to ask the question....why do we need to sign in a new law about this?
Has society completely lost it? Do we all not have adequate home training? What are some of the basic things you learn as a child?
I remember that my mother always told us that if you had nothing nice to say- then don't say anything at all. I think she picked that up from Bambi's Thumper---but it was always good advice. Word or actions are things that you really cannot take back. Once they are out there...they are there.
And you learn early on that you do not hurt others because they are different. The whole idea is ridiculous. Persons commiting these crimes, know deep down that what they are doing is WRONG! So- why do we have to spend tax dollars and time on this?
I think that the world would be a much better place if we started thinking about others and not just ourselves. After all- what are we possibly going to leave behind for our children and their children, and their children's children?

Getting serious

2009-11-02T21:02:00.002-05:00

Okay= so this has been a not so serious attempt at blogging- but I have turned a corner, a page---whatever!
Begininng tonight, I am going to be on here daily - writing about everything, and nothing....so ...let me put the kids to bed...and I will be back with something good!

Schools out for Summer

2009-05-29T15:29:00.002-04:00

Last night we celebrated our 5 year old's preschool graduation- or as he called it gradulation! The kids all seemed so big and to have changed so much within the last year. They sang a heart wrenching version of Celine Dion's "Because you loved me" which made all of the other Mami's cry. Then the entire school was invited to Zoinks for the after party. The kids partied until they closed it down at 8 pm.
This morning when I walked in to work I had a Zoink's hangover! I know I felt like I should have slept at least another couple of hours.
Today all of the public schools had early release as the last day of school. This means that next week, traffic in the morning will be less hectic and a lot of folks will clear out of town for the summer.
Tallahassee is sleepier during the summer months, I am not sure if it is because of the heat or because there are fewer people in town or because everything just tends to slow down. It almost reminds you of other times when people were not in the hurry they seem to be in now a days.
I am going to cherish this summer as it will be the last summer before our 5 year old goes to school. We plan to spend more time in the yard and more time in the pool and go on a lot of play dates.
I hope that all of you get to enjoy the summer off too!

Falalalala!

2008-12-15T14:11:00.002-05:00

In full holiday swing here in Tally!

Last night, the kids' teachers came over and we decorated gingerbread people and ate dinner together. Afterwards, we decorated the tree (finally! -since it had been up for over a week with nothing hanging off it except the lights- and that is because it's pre-lit!). Christmas sure snuck up on me this year! I still have a few more items to buy and then it's the wrap a thon!
Tomorrow night is the Christmas program at the pre-school, last week we made the angel wings and the shepherds hats and now I have to order chicken dinners for about 125.
Seems like every night this week we will have an activity and then it will be Christmas next week. The kids are overly excited and my DH and me are just exhausted already.

I think we all need to be grateful to be here and for what we have, as there is always someone who is worse off than we are. Peace and love to all!

2008-12-08T15:19:00.002-05:00

Whew! I have been trying to get back here for the last couple of days and have not been able to.
Everyone at home has been either experiencing or coming down with the Christmas crud! I have been trying to shake this thing since Thanksgiving weekend and the crazy weather we have been experiencing here has been oh so helpful!
This weekend was chock-a-block with Christmas excitement. On Saturday morning we went and had breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. At first my son would not go over to talk with Santa and dug in his heels while chanting- NONONO...but once we got him up there and we all sat with Santa for a great pic...he changed his tune. So much so- that we were almost reported for Santa Stalking! C.I. went back up there by himself about 5 times, one time just to talk with Santa because he was alone, another time to tell Santa he loved him, then to take him some food and finally to give him a cookie that he had decorated so Santa could eat it on his break!
My husband says he was just working Santa for presents- I thought it was really sweet!
We also went to the Winter Festival and this year was the best parade ever! Floats, people in costumes and every entry in the parade was decorated for the holidays! Way to go Tallahassee!!
Sunday was spent cleaning and putting up the tree and trying to commune with the cats so that they will not eat or knock it down while we are at work and school during the day. Then last night we went to church to see their Advent Lessons and Carols performance. It really put me in the holiday mood! The choir was awesome and the lessons were great- reminding us of what the season is really about.
This week it is back to the reality of the daily grind. Work, meetings, school program preparations and PTO duties.
We are in the midst of transition a very important vendor at work and if I make it to the new year I will be greatful!
Until the next time- hope everyone out there is making the most of the season with their family and friends!
Wishing you all very merries!
TallahasseeMami

In the begining....

2008-12-02T00:16:00.002-05:00

It's Monday. The long holiday weekend in over and everyone is finally in bed and asleep. This is my first post, so it might not be the most exciting....I am married, great husband, 2 kids, I work full time, am the president of a professional association, the PTO at the preschool and volunteer for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life among other things.
Sometimes, I wonder if there are enough hours in the year to do it all- my mom laughs- but I manage it pretty well.
The kids are great! They are funny and beautiful and I have to say that it is miraculous to me to look at them and see what kind of people they will become as their personalities are so different, yet they are so alike.
Work is work, but daily it is a wild ride. A little over 6 years ago, I became a public servant, and it certainly has been something else!
I will ramble on about quite a few things here, kids, parenting, marriage, finances, the economy, work, politics, religion...all the good stuff!
But, this will have to be it for now. Until later, ta ta boys and girls- if I do not go to bed now, tomorrow I will be a grumpy person!