Unicycle Rose

Thumbs up for Lui

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:06:00 +0000

There's a multitude of reasons why I love my brother-in-law Scott, AKA: Lui. For starters, he can ride a unicycle! Back in 1981, he made the local Sunday paper for cruising around his neighborhood. Thumbs up Lui!

Scott at thirteen, making unicycle riding look easy!

I met Scott my freshman year of high school in Introductory to Physical Science Class. He has not changed much because he continues to act like a fifteen-year old, only taller with a beer in hand. He is playful, creative and quick-witted. For years we hung around the same group of friends and when I needed a date to the Sadie Hawkins dance, I asked him. Off to the local Miller’s Outpost I went and bought us matching western shirts and styled my 80’s hair. A group of us went to the ho-down crammed in the back of a Bronco. Thumbs up to great memories!

Sadie Hawkins, 1986

In college, my sister Miss Piggy, took a huge liking to my old friend, Scott. And visa versa. Have your heard that saying, “Friends are the family you pick for yourself?” She took my friend and literally transposed him into family. Scott and Miss Piggy married in Italy in 1995. These two are well matched in creativeness, humor and are the best of friends and lovers. Since she said, “I do,” my unicycle-riding-high-school pal is forever at family gatherings and is (one-of-two-of) the most fun and funniest Uncles (a Funckle) to my boys. Thumbs up!

Miss Piggy and Lui

Scott will forever be our family’s one-of-a-kind Cabana Boy, Marathon Runner, Mexicano, Designer, Nerd and Dog Father. He started Spiffy Press and it is the perfect outlet for his immeasurable creativity because he has 20+ years of graphic design and printing experience. He comes up with ideas that are off the charts unique. Check out his work and you will see why I give it a GRANDE thumbs up!

Lui, the Larryland Bartender

A big perk from Scott is that he brought his best friend, Dave, from college around my family. Alot. We were happy to have another Lui-type nearby, if not for pure entertainment purposes. Next thing you know, Scott's buddy Dave marries my other sister, Cutie Pie. These two create Baby Benson, "The Piece D'Resistance" of our entire family! Thumbs up for cute babies!

Cutie Pie, Dave and The "B"

When Scott’s birthday arrived on February 11^thall we could do was wish him happy birthday from afar. Miss Piggy, Scott and their dog-child, Cinco, vacationed at their beach house in Bucerias, Mexico for three weeks. Yes, you just read that correctly. Three. Weeks. Oh, to be their dog! They just returned Friday, so last night my Italian family gathered to shower Scott with belated gifts and best wishes. Oh, and to watch the Academy Awards. The game of the night was guessing who would win the Oscar and Aunt Cindy took home the prize for the most correct predictions. Thumbs up!

Scott and his Mother

Overboard cooked lasagna for fifty people, although only eighteen were eating. Mom is so Overboard! That is why we love her. Scott made his wish, blew out the candles and opened presents during the Academy Award commercials. My dad ... he refuses to own a DVR. He has run a successful sheet meal company for forty-three years and has never ever used a computer in his business. My father’s thirst for technology is drier than a Mormon wedding.

Overboard holding Scott's ginormous dee-lish white-on-white cake. Confession: I ate two pieces.

Scott gracefully adapted and opened presents one commercial at a time. Thumbs up for being a good birthday sport!

Unicycle Rose and the Funckles

What did we get Scott for his 44^th birthday? I came across a ceramic “thumbs up” hand and immediately knew that this was created just for our irreplaceable Scott ... because we really, um, how should I say it? In the lingo of facebook, you could say we really LIKE him!

Lui, we love you! HB2U (belated)

Party down with Abe and George

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:02:00 +0000

Hammering on the keyboard was not on my President’s day to-do list. Although cleaning the house was. The long weekend slipped away and I never posted my favorite Abraham Lincoln quote. I did do some reading up on George and Abe . Funny thing is for the life of me, I could not get the Prince Song, “Party Like it’s 1999” out of my head. I knew that George Washington’s inauguration was in 1789, so I merged the year into that song and sang it on our hike.

And as I cleaned.

And as I fed my flowers.

It kept playing over in my head, droning on like Obama’s many attempts at singing. Help me Founding Fathers, make it stop!

“Tonight we’re gonna party like is 1789.”

How would one party like it’s 1789? Group quilting, butter churning and tossing back a draft of hard cider (men only, sorry Colonial women. It’s tea for you) while chatting about the following:

- The pros and cons of smacking on wooden teeth.

- Ten easy ways to motivate your slaves

- Back pain from chopping wood to build houses and then having to chop more wood for furniture. There had to be an easier way.

None of that late 1700’s chatter was happening here. Last weekend was abundant with fun activities, except for the rug beating, formally known today as vacuuming. I tried to keep my balance every step of the way while appreciating this awesome America we are blessed to live in.

Oh, and before I forget. My favorite Abe quote hangs in our fourth grade class every February, and after five years, I have memorized it.

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." -
-- Abraham Lincoln

Cheers to Abe (a little late), clink!

Balance Tip O' The Week - Talk with each other

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:06:00 +0000

On the heels of Valentine's Day I found this Balance Tip that works in personal relationships all year long! It picks up where roses, champagne and shared bubble baths leave off ;0)

Talk with each other.

It can’t be said enough: communication is essential in healthy relationships! It means—Take the time. Really be there.

Genuinely listen. Don’t plan what to say next while you’re trying to listen. Don’t interrupt. This is not always easy for the Italian, but advice worth heeding.

Listen with your ears and your heart. Sometimes people have emotional messages to share and weave it into their words. If you are married to a man, you will completely understand this simple piece of advice.

Ask questions. Ask if you think you may have missed the point. Ask for opinions. Show your interest. Open the communication door.

Share information. Studies show that sharing information especially helps relationships begin and nurtures them to grow. It's like fertilizer for getting closer and more connected.

Presto, like magic! You are on your way to a deeper, intimate and well-balanced realtionship!

Valentine's Day Eve

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:09:00 +0000

Last night our Women’s ministry was delighted to host a night exploring paths to “Loving ourselves, God and others.” Talk about the perfect kick-off on Valentine’s Day Eve! Our guest speakers, Tonilee Adamson and Bobbye Brooks are the founders of Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc . For over ten years, they have shared a passion to help women change, grow and succeed. Like many women today both have professional backgrounds, busy lives and active families, which give them insight into the struggles and challenges of walking out the Christian life every day.

From the start, most were in agreement that loving God is much easier that loving ourselves and others. Their pearls of wisdom and personal stories tied into passages from Exodus led us closer to living out true love with God, others and ourselves. The take-away for me was to not only to carve out daily time just for the Lord but telling God that I am not going forward without him. This puts Him in every minute of my day.

Fun fact: My friend CeeCee is Annette Funicello's first cousin

Mary and her red velvet cupcakes

It was a treat to have these gals lead our women’s event. Speaking of treats, our team put together a yummy table of Valentine’s sweets for one-hundred guests to enjoy afterward. I loved spending a couple hours decorating cupcakes, setting heart-filled tables and schmoozing with my church peeps. Now isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about? Well, part of it. The other piece? Adoring my Hubby and two sons whom I love so very muchly much (as Dr. Seuss would say). Wait. Make that five Valentines. The Weiner Sisters are my valentines-with-tails, four legs and dog breath, but my sweethearts, none-the-less.

Mi Amore

Tonight it will be dinner out and a bubble bath for us; kids and dogs not included. An evening devoted to my irresistible man and our fancy for each other is just what I ordered.

Love is in the air!

Little People

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:01:00 +0000

Kids. I love them!

A third grader walked up to me at recess and asked what you call a bear without teeth. I thought for a moment, then gave up. He wrapped his lips over his teeth and mumbled out, “gummy bear.” Little People are so simple and sweet!

Spending time with my nephew Benson over the weekend was another opportunity to soak in Little People time. My sons love playing with Benson and the Weiner Sisters simply tolerate him. It is true that kids love kids!

I thought we would be buying Benson a new car after my Big-Little People took it for a spin!

My Big-Little Person Daniel wanted the Patriots to win the Superbowl. He decided to make a sign to hang during the game. In true Little Person spirit, he wrote exactly what was on his heart and mind.

We thought it read GONE Patriots. Wrong.

Without Little People, this world would be dull, serious, and boring!

Philosopher Henri Frederic Amiel said it best,

"Blessed be childhood, which brings down something of heaven into the midst of our rough earthliness."

Don't forget to clean your Superbowl

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:37:00 +0000

Listen to Maxine, wouldya? We are not a big football family, but as everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, well, isn't everyone a football fan on Superbowl Sunday? My Dad will bring his football pool so most can lose ten bucks, hot dogs will be grilled on our new BBQ as we sit staring at the tube taking in the best part of the Big Game ... the commercials! It's sure to be a fun weekend and since the gathering is here Sunday, I will be cleaning and scrubbing the house, inlcuding my three superbowls :0)

Enjoy this All-American Football Weekend!

Balance Tip O' The Week

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:48:00 +0000

The key to keeping your balance

is knowing when you've lost it. Anonymous

Flogged

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:04:00 +0000

My day started with a modern-day public flogging, or so it felt. Driving back from dropping off the carpool my husband called. I answered and we chatted for a minute as I pulled into the neighborhood. I looked in my rear view mirror and flashing cop lights stared back at me. That sinking feeling (think Titanic) took over as I hung up on my husband mid-sentence. Police Dude walked over, asked for my license, and told me what I already knew; I was talking on the cell phone without a hands-free headset. Guilty as charged. I did not even try to talk or beg out of the damn ticket. Then my phone rang loudly. It was my husband calling back, wondering why I cut him off. I ignored the ring that felt like salt in a fresh wound. Cop Dude ignored it also as he took my license and registration, then waltzed back to his squad car.

The most difficult part of this 8am crisis? My neighborhood was alive with energetic joggers, dog walkers, and cars. Each Mrs. Kravitz (remember that nosey neighbor from Bewitched?) looked at me with a pitiful glance. Even the dogs. It seemed that everyone I had ever met was out–and-about the minute I broke the law. My next-door neighbor, who was taking her kids to school, stopped by and curiously rolled down her window. When I arrived to work (late of course), a neighbor/co-worker was walking her students to class. She saw me and from across the hall in a louder-than-usual voice said slowly, “That. Wasn’t. You. Getting. Pulled …” I started to nod and confess before she could finish the sentence. Farumph!

I realized that this situation is not “open-heart-surgery,” as we say in our house to help one find perspective on what is truly worth griping and worrying over. However, if I were to describe what it felt to have my pride and insides shake while waiting for THE ticket to be written (as my neighborhood watched) I can only describe it as a self-induced-well-deserved-modern-day flogging.

Word of the day? Bluetooth ;0)

Three-hundred-seventy-four words about last week

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:14:00 +0000

Popping out of bed at 6:30 on a Saturday is never easy, but I had to do it because of a job requirement ... Gotta keep my CPR/First Aid certification current. Spending my Saturday at the local fire station with twenty-two coworkers, and two dozen rubber dummies with plastic-bag lungs, is where my day started. The American Heart Association is always changing the “how-to” of CPR, so it is good to know the latest and greatest technique; start with thirty chest compressions followed by two breaths and repeat until the real help arrives. The take-away from this six hour class was how to correclty stop a bloody nose. Sit, press both sides o f the nostrils, and lean the person forward while applying constant pressure. Since I can remember, I have had my students stand with their head back as "ick" drips down their throat. Sorry kids, my bad.

The downside of this class is that I missed my son’s basketball game and they won! He is playing in the city league (The Bruins) and on his school team (The Lions). This basketball-palooza season equates to three games and three practices a week. Missing one should not be a big deal. But. They. Won! So far, winning has rarely been witnessed for either team. Maybe this winning will turn into a streak? Dreams are free, so I will dream that they will turn down the road of win, win, win!

Speaking of turning down roads, Lucas is close to turning fifteen so it was time to take him out to drive illegally in abandoned parking lots… just like my dad used to do! I think Dad started me driving when I was thirteen and made me learn to drive on a stick shift. He insisted that my first car, a rolling-Ford-two-door-tin can, was a stick-shift too. This family tradition is stopping right here.

Where was I?

Oh, Yes! Lucas was out of school early last week due to finals and this presented the perfect opportunity to put him behind the wheel . The quote of the day occurred about ten minutes into our lesson.

Lucas, looking at me flustered said, “Flick This! Turn That! Look There! Driving is like one intense game of Bopit!”

So. True.

Enjoy your last full week of Janurary ;0)

I'm just sayin ...

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:17:00 +0000

Balance Tip O' The Week

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:08:00 +0000

In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.

-Brother David Steindl-Rast

A Kid at Heart

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:38:00 +0000

Last Saturday is tattooed in my memory. Lucas was asked to be a guest speaker at a fundraiser titled “A Kid at Heart.” This Camp del Corazon benefit held at The Santa Barbara Carriage Museum was hosted by UCSB alumni and soccer player, Waid Ibrahim. Camp Del Corazon is a five-day camp on Catalina Island for children with heart disease and nothing makes Lucas happier than sharing the positive happenings that have rained down on him because of this amazing place. Two bands played from the Santa Barbara Youth Music Academy and they were awesome! Dr. Kevin Shannon, the founder of this camp, spoke while guests indulged in Firestone wines and appetizers catered by Fresco Café. Big Yum!

What a great surspise to see Lucas's cardiologist, Dr. Harake

When we attend these events, I sit in utter amazement at how God’s plan unfolded. Here is my kid (forever called Baby Lucas in my heart) who was close to being taken off life support when he was five months old, and there he stands, cute and bright as ever, speaking to a crowd about his heart disease. Praising God every minute he is at the podium, I marvel at how far we have come on this crazy ride of congenital heart defects that began almost fifteen years ago. Who knew Lucas would land here? Back when he was a baby, I did not think he would survive, let alone thrive. The Executive Director of camp, Lisa Knight, invited us to be guests at the Gala del Sol this spring at Universal Studios, where Lucas will share his story again. This time he will don a snazzy tuxedo instead of cowboy hat.

Meet Rudy at Rudysbeat.wordpress.com

As the night ended, a mom and dad pushed a stroller towards us and introduced themselves. They told Lucas his story gave them hope, as their son Rudy is struggling with similar medical issues. It was a blessing for us parents to share the frustration and hopes that are part of having a child with heart issues. It’s amazing how we speak the same language. Most parents don’t converse “tracheotomy-feeding-tube-pulmonologist-UCLA-open-heart-surgery" lingo like us..

What can I say other than I'm very proud of my son and extremely thankful that God has kept him out of the operating room these past thirteen years. Good health is everything people! Amen.

Of course, this was a night Grandma and Grandpa would not miss

Dr. Shannon, the man with the biggest heart!

Hee Haw ;0)

Balance Tip O' The Week

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:48:00 +0000

Prioritize ruthlessly

The secret to organizing time effectively boils down to knowing what’s important and what can be put off. It’s key to use the sharpest knife possible when cutting the essential from the secondary. My compulsion to make lists helps me see what can stay and what needs to be trimmed. It helps to ask yourself questions that determine the level of urgency . Often I fall into the “instant-and-immediate” answer syndrome just to check off my list. Avoid that. Give yourself time to do what you need to do correctly. Be fully present. The bottom line is that treating everything as top priority is draining, depleting and stressful. So, Prioritize ruthlessly!

Balancing Stress

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:21:00 +0000

A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience with a raised glass of water. Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'... She fooled them all. "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile. Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. To 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night. Pick them up tomorrow.

What was my "take away" after reading this? In order to keep balance in everyday life, we musn't carry our burdens and stress every where we go. And this (like learning to ride a unicycle) takes practice. I am far from mastering "letting go," but am willing to work on it. Are you? Good Luck,Grasshopper!

Nurse reveals the top 5 regrets people make on their deathbed

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:35:00 +0000

Maybe because it is a new year or maybe because we are all dying? Whatever the reason, the folloing article stuck with me like gum under my shoe on a hot day. It's worth passing along.

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Source :http://www.ariseindiaforum.org/nurse-reveals-the-top-5-regrets-people-make-on-their-deathbed/

Holiday Happenings, The Final Chapter

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:01:00 +0000

The Tree Game is the high point of our Family Christmas Gathering (maybe a tie with my son’s magic act he performed after dinner). You see, my family does not exchange Christmas gifts, but we all agree to take the chance of winning big (or not at all) playing The Christmas Tree Game. This game of dumb luck can send you away with only a zonker gift like bread pudding, or loads of gift cards, cash and fine champagne. Because a couple of the ornament spots on the Tree board tell all the players to leave their loot behind and move seats to the left or right, the game really is not over until it’s over. High suspense!

All players show up with a minimum of four wrapped gifts ... so there is a huge pile of loot at game start. This year, all were required to bring something made in America, along with a white elephant gift, plus two other wrapped items that could be cash, gift card, or actual presents … all totaling one hundred buckaroos. "Pity the Fool," (As Mr. T would say) that gets stuck with the camping shower. This is the White Elephant “Piece De Resistance” that has been regifted for five years. I found it a tricky task to buy a gift made in America that, old and young, man or woman could use. After scratching my chinny-chin-chin for days, I bought a sixteen-roll pack of toilet paper and camouflaged it festively with green wrapping paper and a gold bow. Other All-American gifts were a Spiffypress.com mouse pad, Hollywood keychain, a CD of the song “Made In America,” a brick, and a metal bank hand crafted by Simcro Precision, Inc.

In this home-spun game (which is in it’s third edition) you roll the dice and your pawn jumps from ornament to ornament on the Tree board. Players are instructed to sing carols, answer Christmas trivia, pick a gift, steal a gift, swap a gift, change seats or pay a “Starbuck,” and wear the silly elf hat. At the end of the game, whoever is wearing the elf hat wins all the Starbucks that add up to a nice cash prize. The biggest loser of the night wins The Mystery Gift. Consider this a consolation prize, that this year doubled as a boobie prize, because part of the Mystery Gift was a zebra-fur-hot water bottle. Really. It would have been a real zonker, except for the lottery tickets tucked inside.

Christmas Eve! Yes, Daniel has a blue beard... long story!

Miss Piggy ended up the loot champion of the night, but actually, we are all victorious because every player walked away with sore tummies from laughing hard and memories more valuable than golden eggs. My prayer is that we will all be healthy and together again to play this annual family game this Christmas.

Well, Roger That, Houston, this the final chapter on our Christmas Holiday Happenings for 2011. We are a week into 2012 and it’s time to move forward and onward, to reach the top, we’re working for a victory that can’t be stopped! Ooopps, my inner cheerleader slipped out. I guess you can say that I am excited about keeping good balance and seeking new adventures in this brand-spankin-new year!

Balance Tip O' The Week

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:45:00 +0000

Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them. Thomas Kinkade

Following New and Old Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:42:00 +0000

“Following someone you look up to is a good practice. Following your heart and having others follow in your footsteps is even better.”

My husband’s decision to take up coining and buy a metal detector did not receive my support, at first. I reminded him of the dirty quads we just paid to re-register, and the chicken coop plans he ordered to start building a roost for our future, dare I call them, pets? Then I saw our boys taking interest in coin collecting/treasure hunting and recalled how my dad and I went to coin shows to scout out Indian Head Nickels when I was eleven. Therefore, I saw this as something my boys could do together. Next, I readjusted my profile of a metal detector owner. My conclusion is that they are not for old men with black socks to roam the beach anymore. It’s all good if our kids, whom look up to their Dad, want to follow him as he follows his heart (along with old screws and rusted dimes). Okay then, more power to the people! Same for the Chicken Project of 2012. I have no choice but to embrace all this tom-foolery (that’s how I see it) because I live in an all male house and have to shrug off our differences on my way to my pedicure. Maybe I must accept these things as new traditions because, why yes, testosterone does rule around here. Now you see why I suggested a Wife Swap with the two-daughter-family next door.

Enough of that, back to our Holiday Happenings.

An old tradition is the gathering of my girlfriends from high school. We meet every Christmas to have dinner and exchange gifts. It’s a treasured time to catch up because we all have busy lives and can't sit around drinking Boonesfarm wine in the fields like when we were stupid teenagers. My husband, having five weeks off work and plenty O’ time to hang out, decided to be one of the girls. I was not crazy about our party crasher, but after a glass of champagne, I admit he definitely made this night extra festive and silly. And, speaking of champagne,
Cheers to a New Year!
Next post I will share our Family Christmas Tree Game Tradition played on Christmas night. Our theme this year was Made In America (as showcased by darling Cousin Marinna). You might say we are doing our part to give the economy a much needed boost!

Chester and The Metal Detector

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:24:00 +0000

Chester: The dog that never was

Awaking last week, I had a “whim,” (that is what my husband called it), to get a Christmas puppy. You see, one of our two dachshunds Goldie, licks everybody. She is stuck in a constant, neurotic state of licking us like a tootsie pop. My solution? If she had a puppy to care for and obsessively lick, this would be the perfect gift for everybody! A pet for our pet! Besides, who can resist a puppy with their saucer eyes, floppy ears and drunk-gallop?

Drinking coffee while perusing the paper in bed with my kids and dogs, we found a litter of two male mini-dachshunds, 9-weeks-old. I announced that we would go check out the pups that day. I was feeling excited and determined, and maybe manic about having a sweet puppy around. I did some puppy research to educate myself while my husband remained calm about my “whim.” He asked how we would pay for it. Um, hmmmm (Sidenote: I would never buy a dog without his final blessing. That’s called an irreconcilable difference).

Later that morning we met the pups. Of course, we wanted one, but explained to the owner that we had to convince the main breadwinner. Driving home, we named our puppy Chester because everything on the puppy was Chestnut colored; fur, eyes, nails, nose, and tail. Darling chestnut Chester, our little fur ball.

When we returned, I took a long unicycle ride to chew on these thoughts like a bad puppy gnawing on a new shoe. The voice of reason slipped in with each push of the pedal. I felt torn. It was at this point the caffeine started to wear off as I did the math on the cost of shots, crate, puppy chow and loss of sleep.

We did not buy Chester. God’s provision shined through as I thanked Him for my anchor, my husband. He knows my impulsive self better than anyone and was gentle and wise to let my whim play out. Where I’m whimsical and off-kilter, he is steady and balanced! We talked it though and agreed we were open to another dog, but not Chester. There were signs of poor breeding (well-bred dachshunds have black noses).

This Christmas whim made for a fun vacation day and reminded me of why I married my teckie-doting husband. Do you know what he got for Christmas? A metal detector. His was not a whimsical purchase, but researched and well-thought out. That’s an engineer for ya! He brought it hiking/rock climbing this week and so far he has uncovered a whopping total of fifty cents! So, not only is he my stable voice of reason, but we love and enjoy the unusual entertainment he brings to family life. I mean really, aren’t metal detectors for retired men with black socks to walk on the beach with? More on that later…

For now, Happy New Year's Eve everybody. Be safe out there tonight!

Holiday Happenings

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:56:00 +0000

It’s overwhelming the amount of holiday happenings to share. Me thinks it a great idea to write it (a pinch here and there) just to have it archived; like a family library and I am the Head Librarian. Remember that Father Timothy Healy, former President of the New York Public Library said, "The most important asset of any library goes home at night -- the library staff."

That’s me! Marian the Librarian from The Music Man.

Uh hum, I digress.

But really, one day when I’m a deaf-wrinkled-old bag and have lost my wits, this will help to recall the details of Christmas 2011. Like a puzzle being carefully placed together one piece at a time, I can summon up how I spent two weeks away from Fourth Grade, with my family, particularly my dear husband who took the entire month off . Here I must note that the month of December is longer than I recall.

Hands down, the best part of this season is family, friends and good health. As long as those factors are in place then everything else is gravy; especially with all the illness surrounding us … hospitalizations, cancer, pneumonia. Some friends were so sick on Christmas morning with the stomach flu that they postponed opening gifts until the day after! That stinks! Therefore, the gift of good health was glaring at me every day and kept my perspective on God’s provision.

There are basics traditions that are part of our Christmas and each one seems to magnify God’s goodness. Like walking the hood with our neighbors to check out lights and sip cocoa along the way. This makes me appreciate having a heated home, warm bed and neighbors that are friends too. Thank you Baby Jesus! Those two young blonde cuties get along great with our kids, making videos and playing hide-and-seek in the dark. After spending that evening together, I had a great idea! My plan is that we will have a WIFE SWAP in 2012. This way I can live with darling little girls for the week and Whitney can try out an “all boy” home – God help her. The only challenge is convincing my husband what a fun adventure it would be. It’s a work in progress.

I did squeeze a four-mile unicycle ride in and this was my first in months. I am in no shape to hop on Blanche and go that far, well, mentally yes, but my inner thighs beg to differ. However, it was excellent thinking time and that is what I needed because a third dog was possibly moving in and I had to work out the insane reality of that grand-canine commitment. More on that next post … WOOF!

Balance Tip O' The Week

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:37:00 +0000

Don't put the keys to your
happiness in someone else's pocket

Santabuse

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:17:00 +0000

Have you witnessed Santabuse? By my defintion this is physical or psychological mistreatment of Santa Claus during the Christmas season. Let me give you the backstory on what led up to the "roughing up" of Old St. Nick.

My Italian Clan gathers for an annual Christmas party and it’s a wonderful piece of our Christmas tradition. The Crosetti Christmas Parties have always included the same basic ingredients:

Italian dinner: This year it was Paella, an Italian seafood and rice dish. In the past, it’s been Lasagna, Polenta or any meal that is high carb and teams up with wine. BTW, when you are Italian there is no food group that does not team up with wine.

Reindeer Games: This year we played Pictionary (Boys Vs. Girls, guess who won?) and Christmas Bingo at Cousin Maria’s house. Then we busted out bells to jingle while belting out the same old Christmas carols. Other years we reenacted the Nativity scene. Note that many children are needed to pull the Nativity off and a minimum of one baby Jesus. This was not that year.

A Gift Exchange: This has changed with time and this year we kept it simple.Bringing a gift insured you a trip to Santa’s Lap.

Santa Claus: The party peaks when Santa shows up, especially when little ones are involved.

The Red Suit is usually donned by a family member or male friend and this has been going on for decades. As a child, I believed that it was the real Santa Claus. This awesome night led up to that big moment when you would hear bells jangling and Santa would appear hollering,”Ho! Ho! Ho!” This year, Cousin Mike played Santa. Back in the 60’s and 70’s, when I was a small elf, The Dads would take turns wearing the suit. There was a time when Cousin Mike sat on Santa’s lap, proclaimed he was a good kid all year, and then received a gift. Back then even he believed "Crosetti Christmas Party Santa" was the real deal, and (fast-forward forty years) it’s his turn to stuff a pillow in his chest and create magic for the little ones.

... And THIS is where Santabuse peeps in: My Dad and Uncle love the sequence of events that are repeated again and again, year after year that led Cousin Mike from once sitting on their Santa knee to these old dudes plopping down like a ton of bricks on his knee. Ahhh, the Circle of Life! What a blessed moment to witness family Santabuse. My Dad displayed "reverse planking" on Santa with the grace of Nadia Comaneci. And, if that wasn't enough for Cousin Mike's knee? Uncle Richard heartedly parked his can and deep laughter on Santa with the density and weight of Aunt Jo's fruitcake! Yes, that heavy!

It was wonderfully hilarious and won’t easily be forgotten, no matter how hard I try.

My Heat Miser

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:52:00 +0000

Remember the 1974 Christmas special called “The Year without Santa Claus?” I certainly do. I’ll never forget the Heat Miser and the Freeze Miser characters that were born from this Rankin/Bass television show. Every December I remember the catchy piano tune that the Heat miser sang,

“I’m Mr. Green Christmas, I'm Mr. Sun. I’m Mister Heat Blister, I’m Mister 101. They call me Heat Miser whatever I touch, starts to melt in my clutch. I’m too much.”

This year the Heat Miser came alive in our home. Really! At school, Lucas was in the theatre production of “Beauty and the Beast,” and casted as Fire. Yes, Fire! Think Heat Miser; although he did not sing, he danced and every flicker of the way he looked convincingly fire-like. He even looked hot!

I admit that Beauty and the Beast does not scream Christmas, but because my thespian was cast as the Heat Miser, it all came together to create a lasting Christmas memory!

The Snowball Effect

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:10:00 +0000

The Snowball effect is the common analogy of the rolling of a small ball of snow down a snow-covered hillside. As it rolls, the ball will pick up more snow, gaining more mass and surface area, and picking up even more snow and momentum as it rolls along.

The snowball of not blogging has rolled away and grown larger with each passing day. One week slid into one month and as time marched on, my drive and ability to sit down faded because it felt like so much was happening, that to catch up would feel like climbing Mt. Everest. “Imposorous!” as Dr. Suess would say. It's stupid to feel buried in snowball when there is nothing to be defeated over. I am not a writer under great pressure, nor must I write so I can eat. Although, ironically, I am writer who likes to eat, but that is totally different.

Since I stopped training for the unicycle half-marathon, I pooped out. I realize my creativity is fed and watered while riding my unicycle. Really, it’s great thinking time and I miss it! So this ginormous mental snowball must begin melting so I can get back into my groove. Just like Stella!

Much of this snowball is musical. These past months I immersed myself chaperoning the regiment band with my freshman son. There was Pep Band for away football games in a “Twinkie.” That’s what the band parents call the school bus. Also, performing at home games and, Saturday competitions, hours away in a Twinkie. These experiences introduced me to a new subculture in high school. I was a cheerleader, so that tossed me in Jock culture. Jock culture is remarkably different from Band culture (this is a whole other blog post). Lucas's band commitment was demanding of time and energy, it fueled friendships, improved musical skills and with the band season (finally) over, my little drummer boy decided he wants to do it again next year. Last week was his Winter Holiday concert and he looked handsome in his tuxedo that we had to rent for the year. This was a wise requirement from the Music Department because (for some puzzling reason) formal clothes make the music sound better. Go figure.

The growing snowball has contained lots of camouflage and air soft battles sponsored by my younger son in the local ditch. This kid loves all things military, army, aviation and weapons related. At eleven, his favorite channels are the History and Military Channel. No kidding. As much as he wants to be a soldier, I remind him that he is so very smart and that Annapolis or the Air Force Academy would be a better fit for him. Aim high, right?

This growing mental snowball also contains special family time, such as Arizona turkey. That is what I name our Thanksgiving trip to see family in Phoenix. A long car ride, but totally worth it because my sister-in-law is an awesome cook. Stopping at a truck stop in the desert, I found the perfect Christmas gift for my friends with an off-balance sense of humor such as mine. I regret not buying this little (?) Indian. While in Arizona we spent time with Lucas's friend from heart camp. He loved that! Lucas is preparing to speak at a Camp Del Corazon fundraiser in Santa Barbara next month. Very exciting!

Last week my husband and I took our first yoga class together. He has the entire month of December off to burn up his vacation time, less he “lose it” and forfeit it back to Obama. Stretching is one of my favorite things to do and I enjoyed it, despite sore hips the next day. Today I am going to join the studio (Merry Christmas to me!). What better way to improve balance and focus? Especially since Blanche has temporarily retired to the garage for the winter, (she's usually parked in my living room begging to go out for fresh air.)

A good part of this snowball is my discipleship group. I love the depth and commitment that this study contains. Even though there’s much homework; it’s spiritually fulfilling. A few weeks ago, we studied the Holy Spirit, AKA: The Holy Ghost (in the Catholic world I grew up in). Just a side note here … that term spooked me as a kid. Holy. Ghost. Isn't that an oxymoron? Am I right? Anyways, we all have the power of this “helper” God gave us and I decided to connect spiritually and tap into it. I have been on this “By the power of the Holy Spirit I can … (fill in the blank) kick” and it has been a good thing. Nice to know that God cared enough to send me a helper, because I definitely need it!

Other parts of my snowball are prayers and positive energy that has flowed to my friend with breast cancer. We started a meal chain at the end of November after her double mastectomy and they are slated to receive meals through the beginning of February 2012! It required coordinating and organizing, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, I did it. Helping feels good and her cancer reminds me of the upside of any medical crises; it draws close friends closer. That’s a blessing.

And, alas, there is Christmas. The anniversary of Baby Jesus’ birth that is shrouded is gingerbread houses, tree trimming, wrapping (Yo- yo Dawg, where has the year gone?), Christmas cards and cheer-filled festivities; just to name a few. I whipped Christmas cards out early so I can sit back and enjoy the season that is packed with joy and merriment. The Christmas traditions and honoring of our Lord who came to earth as a little human baby is the best time of year.

Whew! The snowball effect feels less intimidating after jotting down a few of my thoughts. I didn't get to the Blue Man Group, hosting the Russians, Baby Benson or the awesome cookie exchange, but this was a start. I hope it will smack me back into balance! Can I now move on with my life and get back in practice with clowning around on my keyboard?

TBD

Balance Tip O' The Week

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:38:00 +0000

After the game,
the king and the pawn go into the same box.
Italian Proverb