tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68430348971107327582024-02-19T20:55:20.500-05:00Packratmom's CupboardPackratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-76565794789196502182021-01-24T02:44:00.001-05:002021-01-24T02:44:05.785-05:00My Pebble<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>(Apparently, I left this draft several years ago, unpublished. Here it is for you now.)</i></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>MY PEBBLE</i></span></h2>
<div>
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i>This is my pebble. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My pebble is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. My pebble, without me, is useless. Without my pebble, I am useless. </i></span></div>
Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-57832573996556169302021-01-24T02:42:00.001-05:002021-01-24T02:42:46.260-05:00Lost My Way<p> Yes, I lost my way. I lost my voice. But I am finding it again. It's getting stronger, and louder, as I gain my footing. I am not all the way back, but I am here. I am learning to speak and will no longer be silent.</p><p>Forgive me for being absent. I will do my best to get in here regularly and give some insight, love, direction, or ask for it myself. Let's be kind, love each other, and help each other along the path of whatever Life brings us.</p>Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-66869123942841069122016-09-06T07:36:00.000-04:002016-09-06T07:36:08.899-04:00Top Ten Tuesday<div style="text-align: center;">
I saw a post on another blog, mentioning Top Ten Tuesday, so I thought I'd give it a try. (That blog was <a href="http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/" target="_blank">Pure Imagination</a>.) The theme of today's Top Ten is television: <em id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1473158068887_44494" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">In honor of Fall Tv, do a tv-themed topic! Top ten favorite tv shows of all time, ten new shows coming out this Fall that are on my radar, tv shows I wish never got cancelled, tv shows I would recommend to book characters, books I wish would be tv shows, ten favorite shows from the late 90’s or early 2000’s, ten tv shows for every fantasy lover, etc. </em><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">So here goes...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">Ten TV shows that I'll be tuning into this Fall</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Once Upon a Time</b> (I love those fairy tale characters!)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The Big Bang Theory</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Gotham</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Lucifer</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The Voice</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Criminal Minds</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>MacGyver </b>(yes, I watched the original when I was a kid)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">Okay, I'm struggling to come up with ten shows. My husband can watch tv every night, with no problems, but from what I see in the lineup, there aren't any others I "have" to watch. I guess while he has them on, I might find others that I enjoy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">What about you? What shows are you looking forward to? Tell me about them, and I may check them out.</span></div>
Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-59428584772371278442016-06-15T22:03:00.001-04:002016-06-15T22:16:59.738-04:00CHOICE<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>CHOICE</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0hItRML9s_u6XR8licCxt-BXUbvSYVuBW_508HwwtNqRAcyevhPazN4WlNSwfpMQOTdGhQZ-ehWrp1dNnzS7-9mOjH23CRKxFmmKFjo_9K0VXh7C1Kdnt5fbq38k9FRiyZtP4zBaAvb-/s1600/29285119-A-young-woman-is-standing-in-the-doorway-of-her-kitchen-and-is-looking-at-the-garden-at-sunrise-Stock-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0hItRML9s_u6XR8licCxt-BXUbvSYVuBW_508HwwtNqRAcyevhPazN4WlNSwfpMQOTdGhQZ-ehWrp1dNnzS7-9mOjH23CRKxFmmKFjo_9K0VXh7C1Kdnt5fbq38k9FRiyZtP4zBaAvb-/s320/29285119-A-young-woman-is-standing-in-the-doorway-of-her-kitchen-and-is-looking-at-the-garden-at-sunrise-Stock-Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>She stands in the doorway, between two worlds. Behind her, the clamoring sounds of her life - voices, traffic, phones - all the sounds jumbling together and shouting for her attention. In front of her, a wide open space, far as the eye can see. Nothingness, air, a blank canvas - no sounds but the wind.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>She tries to move forward, but she can't lift her foot. It's as if there is a great pool of mud at her feet, holding them fast to the ground. The more she tries, the harder it is - great sucking sounds of muck, as it pulls her foot back fast. Struggling only makes it worse, and the mud turns to cement, little by little.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>Her first thought is to turn back - back to the loud life, where she knows someone might pull her to safety. That would mean shutting the door to the air and the wind. Allowing the cacophony to swallow her whole, rather than the cement. But at least she'd be alive.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>She looks back out at the empty, quiet space. Her mind embraces the noiseless expanse, while the cement-like substance rises to her knees. Should she continue to struggle? It seems futile and such a waste of time but the draw of the still and silence is strong. Her heart yearns for the peace, the serenity of it all. The noise has enveloped her for so long, she no longer has a voice to compete with it.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>She stays there so long, that the cement has now risen to her waist. Her mind is whirling now - she has to make a choice, but how? Which? She no longer has the ability to move, except for her arms. She can't grasp the door frame any more, to guide her movement. She's slowly allowing her body to freeze in place, due to indecision and doubt. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>It's time to decide. The cement has made it's way to her chest, and is starting to restrict her breathing. It's harder to take those deep peaceful breaths now. The noise from behind is still amazingly strong. The wind still blows sweetly from the front. She can't see the open space any more, as the fog rolls in. The fog of doubt and worry. The time has come - to either push herself forward, into the space of air, wind, and uncertainty, or to fall backwards into the loud, busy, cluttered life she's always known. Choose safety & accept what is, or choose the unknown & create a new life of serenity and peace.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>She closes her eyes. The choice is completely hers, but she knows too well that it doesn't only affect her. The crowd behind her will pay the price if she goes, but she will pay one just as dear if she stays. How to choose, what to choose...as the cement grows deeper, and more solid.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>One more moment. There is also the choice to not choose. To let the cement surround her, and pull her down. That seems like the most painful of choices though. To be stuck there between the two worlds, choosing neither, and letting them both slip through her fingers. Never knowing if one, or the other, was her key to happiness. Never being brave enough to make that choice. That is the coward's way out, she tells herself. That will NOT be the way this ends. Whichever way she goes, she will be the one to decide.</i></span></div>
Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-59042382321994108792014-04-27T10:38:00.001-04:002014-04-27T10:38:32.464-04:00I'm Here<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqDZCZn1lOf-d_hPUYb1JPEC6oBt9smBs_Nm5Rzwav0LbUMW3xPh6MwATy88Y8xqV6J5FprzpZHM5XTggKp5HfrKr4zkxLADZUpZnG1XZPRcfarCRfeOGQBPf5pdS4xRrF2xjQHY6RxW5/s1600/lighthouse-115408_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqDZCZn1lOf-d_hPUYb1JPEC6oBt9smBs_Nm5Rzwav0LbUMW3xPh6MwATy88Y8xqV6J5FprzpZHM5XTggKp5HfrKr4zkxLADZUpZnG1XZPRcfarCRfeOGQBPf5pdS4xRrF2xjQHY6RxW5/s1600/lighthouse-115408_1280.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Seeing you just lying there</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Afraid, adrift, alone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I long to sit beside you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">& hold you till it's gone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stroke your face</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Embrace your heart</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rock you off to sleep</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Safe from all your demons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And always mine to keep</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Draw strength from me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take all I have</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Assured that I have more</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'll be your guiding lighthouse</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To bring you safe to shore</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'll take your fears and worries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't fret, my arms are strong</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Try not to be so scared now</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been here all along.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(written by Donna Roucoulet, 4/26/14)</span>Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-87587202495441392462014-04-24T10:47:00.001-04:002014-04-24T10:47:43.397-04:00Dreaming of the Future <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmIvdhJCFJQCwxVOX7k_2kdtQ6I5VCYbSKpyehX2TO12ewMdpg85LHfz4oMhmxxb9c_ToOcbHTdoxB5So3Xyxq_u1tm2-dG7UYncfGUHmaWkWRTU0siyaftcwEgLeX_cdoULctFptIhxH/s1600/junction-266844_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmIvdhJCFJQCwxVOX7k_2kdtQ6I5VCYbSKpyehX2TO12ewMdpg85LHfz4oMhmxxb9c_ToOcbHTdoxB5So3Xyxq_u1tm2-dG7UYncfGUHmaWkWRTU0siyaftcwEgLeX_cdoULctFptIhxH/s1600/junction-266844_640.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Maybe it's the blooming of Spring, but something has me feeling restless these days. I don't know quite how to explain it. Sometimes I feel like I just want to jump out of my skin, other times I want to run away, and still other times it's just an unfocused energy. It's almost like when my kids have "ants in their pants" and can't sit still - that's what I feel like. Whatever is causing it, I wish it would stop. It's not the most comfortable of feelings at all.<br />
<br />
Do you ever have days where you are constantly thinking backwards? Thinking of people or events in your past that you miss in some way? I do, far too often. They come to me in my dreams too. I can't control that at all, but it does make me wonder why. I can go months or years without thinking of something, or someone, and all of a sudden, they are in my dreams at night. That happened recently, and this time it wasn't as unnerving as usual. I had a dream, and someone appeared in it - completely out of any context we ever were associated together in (I was dreaming we were in a school class together, and we didn't know each other in school at all.) Thanks to the wonders of the internet & Facebook, we are still friends & occasionally "talk" online. My curiosity was peaked as to why I dreamt of them, so I thought I'd check in. I just sent a quick little note, like "hey, how are you, thinking of you". What happened afterwards was great, and I'm still thinking about it days later.<br />
<br />
My friend has ups and downs, just like anyone else. I happened to have messaged during a down day, and we ended up chatting for a good long while. Nothing extraordinary, nothing profound really - just chatting, remembering. We did come to the realization that we've been friends for close to THIRTY years (don't do the math, I keep trying to forget that part, LOL.) And remember, we didn't go to school together at all, so to me, it's been a long time, in our adult lives, that we've known each other. And yes, I still remember details like birthdays, middle names, addresses (though I'm sure THAT is not the same) - which goes to show you that either I am a little strange (or a lot strange), or this person has always been important to me. I don't think they knew that until we had our chat the other day, but I do hope they remember it now. No matter what is going on in our individual lives, or how far apart we may be, I think of my friend. Often. I remember many things we did together as foolish 18-19 year olds. I still have pictures in my albums of us together too. <br />
<br />
I was also reminded of how this friend encouraged me - in my writing, in my life. Told me things I needed to hear, even if I didn't like them, or didn't really listen to them at the time. Maybe I should have listened more. I may have helped them with a rough day, but it helped me too. It brought back memories of when I had more ambition, when I wanted to do more with myself. I may not have done it then, but it's never too late. It may have not been the easiest route to where I am, but I wouldn't change the journey at all. If one small thing had changed, so many bigger things might have. I may not have had the awesome children I have. Who knows what would have been different? So, I'm glad I went the path that I did. I hope my friend is too. But I am very glad we reconnected, even if it was only in that one moment. I like to think we plan on staying in closer contact, but that remains to be seen. <br />
<br />
One thing I do know, is that I don't want to "waste" more time in my life. I haven't had any real ambition for a very long time. I do my mom thing, and I love that. I LOVE that I am ABLE to do that. But I also feel somewhat unaccomplished in so many ways. I am almost 46 years old, and what can I say about myself? I'm a wife of almost 20 years. I've been a mom for 25 years, of four fabulous kids (some not so "kiddish" any more.) I write here - but not often enough. I run my own small business with The Gourmet Cupboard. Is that enough? Should I do more? And if so, what? I think it's time to find out what I want to do when I grow up. I think it's horrible that I still don't know. And I don't know how, or where, to start. So, if you're reading this, I'm taking suggestions on where to begin to finally find out what I want to do. How did you decide that you wanted to do what you are doing? Did you just fall into it, like I did? Or did you have a goal, like my daughter who is in college studying psychology? Am I just having a mid-life crisis, and if so, how do you survive one? Or should I just run off and join the circus? I'm open to suggestions, really.Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-39633184217783609362014-03-18T10:38:00.000-04:002014-03-20T12:54:25.179-04:00Celebrate Your Artistic Side<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXO_nYSQaTq1FZEbh409GmSn2Nycw89pof2YSglQ2YnYTeMEUa6EKNW-7YKlNLi77RbP0NQ7lWXgg32Vp6JZYw20f_-CqE21zkwrSjlUghzQlhMQaivVozpBGKTUW53gdgxcOikzlhInJv/s1600/spenceaudette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXO_nYSQaTq1FZEbh409GmSn2Nycw89pof2YSglQ2YnYTeMEUa6EKNW-7YKlNLi77RbP0NQ7lWXgg32Vp6JZYw20f_-CqE21zkwrSjlUghzQlhMQaivVozpBGKTUW53gdgxcOikzlhInJv/s1600/spenceaudette.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I want to share something. First, I'm a proud momma, of all of my kids of course, but last night, my 10 year old was one of 2 kids in his school who were recognized for their "excellence" in the arts. If you knew my Spency, you'd know he loves art - drawing, pottery, etc. You can't go wrong giving him any kind of art supplies, ever. He also plays clarinet in the school band, and is singing in the 5th grade chorus (but admittedly, that is not his choice, he "had to", LOL) Both his band/music teacher, and his art teacher nominated him, and the other child, so it was unanimous. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgte-F3XP6mxpIClUkQ9O0vWdaCiOkXjfArDk2izAxVYL1EAR5sJ-zZNOdY7uWBfRem9vZI_CXvlp7NubMAUXLhKTbSW5_W55BuOVoMnHZOxplMXUHug_I6NGz9Od0Oi8xwidCXVThfLdBn/s1600/revisedspenceaward.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgte-F3XP6mxpIClUkQ9O0vWdaCiOkXjfArDk2izAxVYL1EAR5sJ-zZNOdY7uWBfRem9vZI_CXvlp7NubMAUXLhKTbSW5_W55BuOVoMnHZOxplMXUHug_I6NGz9Od0Oi8xwidCXVThfLdBn/s1600/revisedspenceaward.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I'll be the first to tell you that I don't have a creative bone in my body. I can't read music or play any instrument. I love to sing, but I will admit that no one wants to hear that. (It's not a pretty sound.) I can't draw to save my life. Let me trace it, and it might come out okay. But, listening to the key speaker last night, I realized that I do have an artistic side, somewhere. He thanked us all for nurturing the artistic sides of our children, and believe me, I am all for that. I will do whatever I can to make sure they can do the things they love, and the things they excel at. He then explained that he's heard a million times from parents who say they aren't creative or artistic at all (I was thinking it about myself while he was saying it.) He said we just had never had the chance to explore it, and develop it. And that is probably right.<br />
<br />
I was in chorus in school, and loved it, but due to circumstances, wasn't able to continue with it. I also took dance lessons for quite a few years, but similar circumstances put an end to those as well. I still wish I had been able to continue with those, for many reasons, but it was not to be. I think I ended up turning into one of those "helicopter" moms for a bit (maybe I still am to some degree.) I wanted my kids to do everything. They didn't. I wasn't as bad as some, but you'd have to talk to the older kids to really know if I drove them crazy with activities or not. I'm trying to be a little more relaxed with the younger ones. It also "helps" that our finances don't allow for quite as much as the older kids had. <br />
<br />
In any case, I definitely encourage my children to do what they love (within reason, of course.) My son had the toughest time just recently, because in 6th grade next year, he could only choose one elective class. So, he had to decide between band or art. He was almost panicking at the choice because he likes them both (and I think part of it was that he didn't want to let us down at all either.) We assured him that we wouldn't be upset with his choice, and that we understood just how much he loved art, so that is what he picked. He found out last night that it's only one year that he has to choose between them, and he can still do jazz band in the meantime, so he's very relieved with that idea.<br />
<br />
Last night was about him, but it also let me realize that I DO have an artistic side in me somewhere. I just need to locate it, and do what I encourage my kids to do - let it out, enjoy it, have fun with it. Now to just find where I tucked it away...Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-62768709840808954062014-01-20T21:50:00.000-05:002014-01-20T22:17:29.568-05:00"Gotcha Day" is coming!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZ36ap01Nj6whq4BrcOtjGO2Q0ipFUtTKTUoasAEwomjnbHrrm8SZszaH-ARybVHgN53OTXXlQBgqt_mb5Q_ju98JwgjBQflqGiGHENZ7E02hsWNUJcXOHFf_J1H3YQjgO0wuwiC98JYz/s1600/gotcha2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZ36ap01Nj6whq4BrcOtjGO2Q0ipFUtTKTUoasAEwomjnbHrrm8SZszaH-ARybVHgN53OTXXlQBgqt_mb5Q_ju98JwgjBQflqGiGHENZ7E02hsWNUJcXOHFf_J1H3YQjgO0wuwiC98JYz/s1600/gotcha2.jpg" /></a>"Gotcha Day" is coming up at our house this weekend. For those of you who don't know what "Gotcha Day" is, it can vary for different families. It's a term used to celebrate a child's adoption date, or day they joined the family, or day they arrived at home. In our house, the date signifies the date we signed those final papers, making our son "officially" our son. In my heart and mind, he had already been my son for over 15 months, from before he was even born. But that date was the day I breathed a little easier, knowing he was actually "mine" in the eyes of the law.<br />
<br />
Now, S has known, since he could understand, that he's adopted. He knows his birth family very well, since his "birth mother" is my sister-in-law. He knows how he grew "in her belly", and all the details a ten year old boy can know. He sees his birth father's family several times a year - we all get together after Christmas, and for their family weddings/birthdays, and picnics in the summer. He also gets very excited to celebrate his "Gotcha Day" with us. (I have been ordered to get cookies or some treat for his class.) <br />
<br />
I understand some people don't care for that term, "Gotcha Day". To be honest, I didn't either, until it happened. Now, I can't imagine NOT using it. It's not only the day that I gained another son, it's the day that he "got" our whole family. It's the day we all "got" a larger, more complicated family, but one we can't imagine being without now.<br />
<br />
It's been NINE whole years since we signed those papers. S had been home with us for just over a year, he was actually 15 months old on the day we signed them. I was holding his younger sister, M, in my arms, as she had miraculously been conceived and born in the time we waited to make it all official. He was sitting on my husband's lap, happily giggling and smiling that little smile of his. He'd just learned to walk within the previous month - on the day that M was born. I had been terrified that that day would never happen.<br />
<br />
He was born 11 weeks early, at only 2 pounds, 7 ounces. Tiny, blue, and scary yet beautiful. I cried that day, so scared he wouldn't make it. Scared he'd never come home to us. I visited him every day of his full 2 month stay at the NICU. Watched him grow stronger, bigger, learning how to eat. I panicked when I'd think someone from his birth family might decide they'd adopt him instead of us (it took me a long time to get over that idea, even after the papers were signed.) I was the one to pick him up and bring him home on his day of release from the hospital, though in their eyes, I was nothing but his aunt then. I spent his TWO first Christmases, home alone with him, quarantined so he wouldn't get RSV or pneumonia, while the rest of the family visited relatives for the holidays. So "Gotcha Day" is a very important day to me.<br />
<br />
It was the day I stopped holding my breath so tightly. The day I could actually say he was MY SON. I will bring cookies or cupcakes every year until he tells me he doesn't want them. I will make him a special meal, celebrate with him, look at pictures, however he wants to do it. I will also celebrate in my heart - that I got my second set of children - one through adoption & one through birth, after I had accepted that I'd never have more after J & K. I will celebrate it forever, whether anyone notices it or not. It's as important a date to me, as the day of every one of their births. So, if anyone ever gets confused when I say HAPPY GOTCHA DAY on January 25th, I'll be happy to explain it to them if they want to hear it all, but I will never stop saying it.Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-79581989000665010612013-12-31T13:20:00.001-05:002013-12-31T13:23:39.458-05:00New Year's Eve - 2013 in Review As 2013 turns into 2014 in a few hours from now, I thought I'd take a moment and review this past year. We all get those letters from friends & family, tucked into holiday cards, that tell all the good things that happened throughout the year, so I thought I'd kind of use that as a template of sorts for this post. So here goes...<br />
<br />
Dear Friends & Family,<br />
I hope this finds you happy and healthy. At this moment in time, everyone here is well. We had a fairly nice Christmas, saw most of the family, and enjoyed our time together.<br />
<br />
Dave is having a great time hosting his Trivia Night events each week. He has now taken over doing it every week, rather than sharing the duty with another person. He's also still working at the same location for his "day job". Over 25 years in one place, can you believe it?<br />
<br />
I will soon be celebrating 3 years with The Gourmet Cupboard. I love trying the mixes and sharing them with others. I really love doing vendor events & craft shows. I'm looking forward to doing a big Chocolate Expo in February - sampling all our chocolate goodies!! I've gained a few members to my little team, and I am hoping to add more in this new year.<br />
<br />
Joe is doing well too - out on his own, going to college. I still can't believe that he wants to be a police officer, but I think he'll make a good one. I can't worry about him any more than I did when he was in the Marine Corps, so Mom has to let go and trust that everything will be fine. (So hard for me to do.)<br />
<br />
Kourtni is loving her first year at Boston University! I will admit to crying like a baby when I left her there in September, but I have been up there so much - for orientation, Parent's Weekend, and round trips bringing her home and back again, that I think we've both adjusted well. She finished her first semester with all A's & B's too! So proud of that girl! I still have two more weeks before I have to bring her back for the next semester.<br />
<br />
Spencer is, well, Spencer! He's such a little man - 10 years old, and doing great in fifth grade. He loves school, loves his teacher, and is such a typical boy in many ways, & so completely un-typical in others. I think he's permanently attached to his video games (especially Pokemon Y!) He's still playing clarinet in the school band, and all 5th graders had to join the chorus this year as well. He says he doesn't like it, and he's not a singer at home or in the car, but he must be doing something right, as he was asked to join the city-wide Honors Chorus for the Music in our Schools concerts in March. He'd prefer it was for band, but he'll be there nonetheless. It was so cute seeing him sing (and play) in the Winter concert at school.<br />
<br />
Then there is Mia - what can I say about her? My little spitfire is still as full of energy as always. Loving fourth grade, adores her teacher (who is currently out on maternity leave), and playing trombone in the school band like her biggest brother & sister did. She's something else too - walking all around the house while she practices. She can't wait until next year when she can join the chorus too - that one is definitely a singer, all the time! Both she and Spencer are part of the school newspaper this year too. I am looking forward to seeing their work in the next few months.<br />
<br />
Let's see - everybody is pretty healthy, except for me I guess. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes this year, and am trying to adjust to that. (So hard around the holidays, with all the goodies in the house!) I'd probably have to admit to being addicted to carbs, because it's so hard for me to find something to eat that doesn't have them! But all in all, I'd say I'm still fairly healthy - could be worse, right? Let's not go there.<br />
<br />
Mom is doing well too. She's mostly resigned to being in the nursing home. Sad that she has to be there at such a young age (65), but it really is the best place for her, having someone to make sure she's eating okay, taking all of her medications, and staying on top of when she doesn't feel quite right. Thankfully she's avoided many falls lately, and here's hoping we can keep it that way.<br />
<br />
We've gained many new family members this year - a new nephew in February, a new niece in March, and a new cousin as well. Loving all the little people in the family, on both sides! We also visited, for the first time ever, Walt Disney World, this July! We went there to gain more family members, as my sister Sue married my new brother-in-law, Bryan. That added Bryan, and his son Connor, to our family, as well as all of Bryan's fabulous family.<br />
<br />
So, as 2013 ends, and we look into the eyes of 2014, I am hoping for nothing but happiness, health, and love for our family, and yours. I am sure there will be sadness at times too - but I definitely wish for the good things to outweigh and overshadow the bad. Raise a glass of whatever you're drinking - coffee, water, soda, or champagne, and here's to us all. We made it through another year, and off we go into the future.Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-16046757860434154372013-09-15T17:27:00.000-04:002013-09-19T15:05:26.935-04:00CORN - As Far As The Eye Can See...<div style="text-align: left;">
At least, that's what it is like when you're stuck inside a Corn Maze!! Corn everywhere. Ha ha!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXshaZ-wLuGQWALTcfdSMdKWJ_eO8X43Wthtr1uQ7Jn0Oj2voDaly-_DApNP-rh4Zw2ZVeloXOKzsK8CEJuYXlK6hmSJH-Nc5GDpZY-UkHpxrq_YBHjngl455H-YjFt8Q0lCQtTMB1O7J/s1600/locornmaze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXshaZ-wLuGQWALTcfdSMdKWJ_eO8X43Wthtr1uQ7Jn0Oj2voDaly-_DApNP-rh4Zw2ZVeloXOKzsK8CEJuYXlK6hmSJH-Nc5GDpZY-UkHpxrq_YBHjngl455H-YjFt8Q0lCQtTMB1O7J/s320/locornmaze.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Okay, I can't believe, in all of my 45 years, and all of them spent living here in Connecticut, I have never been to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT before!! Where have I been? Why didn't I go sooner? I have no answers for these questions. But I have been there now, and I loved it! Originally we ("we being myself, my husband, and the two younger kids "M" and "S") went solely for the Corn Maze. (In the honesty of "full disclosure", Lyman Orchards gave us the passes to the maze in return for this blog post. All opinions & experiences are our own though.) To be truthful though, there is so much more to Lyman Orchards than this maze!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We set off on this bright & sunny Sunday afternoon, for a nice drive to the Orchards. The directions on their website are spot on, and we got there so easily. Quickly found a place to park, which was surprising, since there were TONS of people there. We got lucky, I won't lie. Right by the parking lot was a nice little pond, loaded with ducks, and a small fountain in the middle - very peaceful and pretty. We wandered around for a little bit, passing the hayride area, pony rides, smelling the fresh cinnamon cider donuts being made (oh did I want those!!), and then made our way to the Corn Maze area. I had gotten our tickets online, which you can do <a href="http://lymanorchards.ticketleap.com/libertymaze/#view=calendar" target="_blank">here</a>, so we just handed over the printed tickets. They quickly scanned them and sent us on to the entrance. There we picked up our maze map, pencils for the kids, and our choices of themed multiple choice questions, to help us find our way at the ten marked posts throughout the maze. We each took different ones in case any stumped us along the way. Mine was History, Dad took Sports, S took Scouting, and M selected Movies/TV. There were also ones for tiny tots, "corny", and girls scouts.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamDp_WEwjtHsv6v-DlLoM5Olx7Dc1OX-iIll22EdPVOTT8ChH-HbhbQz7Z71jA43mMfguH7cBey-aRBjfy3dVDO4Bw664ySvn5gqTv_7xrjro9qz2wRd-eAvKdfJVonJPsUWtHR9awAaH/s1600/LO91513+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamDp_WEwjtHsv6v-DlLoM5Olx7Dc1OX-iIll22EdPVOTT8ChH-HbhbQz7Z71jA43mMfguH7cBey-aRBjfy3dVDO4Bw664ySvn5gqTv_7xrjro9qz2wRd-eAvKdfJVonJPsUWtHR9awAaH/s200/LO91513+015.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In we went! It was a lot of fun, twisting & turning through the corn, finding dead ends and turning back, or just going around in a circle in this section or another. We joked that if we needed to, we could have M stand on Dad's shoulders to help guide us out - but that wouldn't have helped one bit. Even on his shoulders (he stands just about 6 feet tall), her four foot body wouldn't have been able to see much. There were two bridges that bring you up above the corn too, but even up there, all you see is more and more corn. At some point in the maze, we made the decision to split up - one kid with one parent. I kind of thought we'd meet up again somewhere, and we did - OUTSIDE. So then it became girls vs. boys in the race to get out of the maze. M was a little worried that we wouldn't find Dad again, but I assured her that we were just as capable of finding our way out as they were. And we did! Yes, the boys won, and were waiting for us outside the exit, but we had fun and worked together with the clues, and the paths, and made it out without tears or frustration. I had no worries, they have "corn cops" stationed throughout the maze for anyone who needs help, gets tired, or just gets so frustrated they want to give up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvAe10vB0ZSARpVeGPA4TeGf0HR7GwfpcoVaJ6sYUDy3tI7HN_5t19c0oKHD-EANLal-ROziHn_OBi8SCcmwCCPCV8wm1WKiXjEn01SlZnxivmgUDuTWsC4uInOOfW1WTlRcbGHWyllE6/s1600/LO91513+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvAe10vB0ZSARpVeGPA4TeGf0HR7GwfpcoVaJ6sYUDy3tI7HN_5t19c0oKHD-EANLal-ROziHn_OBi8SCcmwCCPCV8wm1WKiXjEn01SlZnxivmgUDuTWsC4uInOOfW1WTlRcbGHWyllE6/s320/LO91513+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once you make it out of the maze, you get a success sticker, "I survived the Corn Maze." Then we headed off to check out the Apple Barrel store! Oh what heaven! It is loaded with all of the fruit grown at Lyman Orchards, plus pies, breads, muffins, cookies, and so much more. I can't even list it all here, really! The smells are amazing, and if you can get around the throngs of people shopping in there, so much to pick from. I ended up with only a bag of fresh red bartlett pears, while my husband was outside getting a huge bag of freshly made kettle corn, but I could certainly have spent a lot more time, and money, in that store! Dozens of types of apples, gorgeous peaches, grapes, squash - you name it, it was there. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The more I look over the brochures I picked up, or the website - I realize just how much is located there. I'll give you a little Lyman Orchards lesson now. It covers more than 1100 acres of farmland, and it's only 30 minutes from Hartford, New Haven, or Waterbury CT. They have their Apple Barrel market store, Pick Your Own Orchards (from June through October, you can pick strawberries, jostaberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, pears, apples, and pumpkins - all in their own seasons), the historic Lyman Homestead (dating back to the mid 1700's), and an entire Golf Center (including The Jones Course, and the Player Course). They also do events there all year round. We will definitely head back for some of them too. They do special breakfasts, kids & adult workshops, WinterFest, a Mother's Day brunch, Strawberry Fest, Easter Apple Hunt, Connecticut Day, Berry Fest, Peach Fest, Sunflower Maze (in August), Clambake, the Corn Maze, and Brunch with Santa! Be sure to like them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lyman-Orchards/262072820178" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, follow them on <a href="https://twitter.com/LymanOrchards" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, subscribe to their <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LymanOrchards1" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>, and add them to your circles on <a href="https://plus.google.com/118305625269724333019/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a>, in order to keep up with the Pick Your Own season, and all their fabulous upcoming events.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I almost forgot to mention that they donate so much to great causes too. The Corn Maze (going on until November 3rd) donates $1 from each ticket sold to the American Cancer Society. (That is a huge charity that is close to our heart.) The Sunflower Maze that they do in August donates $1 from each admission to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. I took a picture of their boards showing how much they have donated to these causes. What a way to give back to the Connecticut Community!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQd0DynaTFIQ3qk4H84e0ylRl1Lylh3mNGANkblbqtUS3qitoUFKQI1xwEJkUmlc8uXApC-R9zCot8zA7RYNw9HakNMfUub021pcHo16RiSnG_Blun3882seBfJ29O-kW2mwtGMtsJJqH/s1600/LO91513+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQd0DynaTFIQ3qk4H84e0ylRl1Lylh3mNGANkblbqtUS3qitoUFKQI1xwEJkUmlc8uXApC-R9zCot8zA7RYNw9HakNMfUub021pcHo16RiSnG_Blun3882seBfJ29O-kW2mwtGMtsJJqH/s320/LO91513+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you find yourself in Connecticut, or like me, you live here and have never been to this amazing place, please, take some time to visit. Yes, you can make an entire day of it, or at the very least, a whole morning or afternoon. So much to see & do, a fantastically peaceful setting, loads of exercise if you happen to get "lost" in one of the mazes, and just a great family outing. I am so glad we went, and I can assure you that it will NOT be the last time we go.</div>
Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-89281830084516801482013-07-01T22:02:00.000-04:002013-07-01T22:02:01.611-04:00The Gourmet Cupboard recipe - Pork Cutlets with Apple Slaw <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know if I told you this already, but one of my "jobs", besides Mom (taxi driver, etc), and Wife, is as an Independent Distributor for <a href="http://www.donnaroucoulet.thegourmetcupboard.biz/" target="_blank">The Gourmet Cupboard</a>. One of the most fabulous parts of it is that I am so happy to be cooking!! The mixes can be used in so many ways besides their original purposes. We have lots of fantastic cooks in our distributors, that will share their recipes too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I am going to tempt you with one of them today too. :) This one was shared by one of our Top Team Leaders, Roberta Whalen. (Don't get any drool on your keyboards!)</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Pork Cutlets with Apple Slaw</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Mix needed: The Gourmet Cupboard's Cabbage Crunch mix</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Ingredients:</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">4 thin pork cutlets</span><br /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">1/2 cup honey mustard salad dressing</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">1 cup bread crumbs or crushed corn flakes</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">2 granny smith apples</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">1/4 cup lemon juice</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">1 bag shredded cabbage</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">1/2 cup yellow raisins or currants</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">apple cider vinegar</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">light olive oil to drizzle</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Directions:</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Pound out your pork cutlets, if needed, to flatten. Place in a zipper-style bag and cover with honey mustard dressing to marinate. Then dredge in bread crumbs on both sides. Place on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 min.</span><br /><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Meanwhile prepare slaw by slicing your apples into small matchsticks. Place in a zipper-style bag with lemon juice to coat to prevent browning. In a large bowl, mix together, bagged shredded cabbage, cabbage crunch mix package, raisins, apples and oil and vinegar to your desired likeness. Toss well and refrigerate until ready to serve.</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">A great twist on classic pork chops and apple sauce but with a summer twist and very little time with the oven on. You can also omit the breading on the pork cutlets and grill them instead to make it totally oven-free!</span><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; max-height: 1000000px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">By: R. Whalen</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fffdf5; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">What do you think? I think it sounds delicious, and I can't wait to try it out. I'm definitely placing some Cabbage Crunch salad mix on my next order!!</span>Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-77597328426878153392013-06-27T15:31:00.000-04:002013-06-27T15:31:25.623-04:00Disney's The Lone Ranger Movie Premiere! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFJHIdss0WmAMACL-fRRNShAizpvWzJ5YkmRDL6P-WdwBpKeRq3YeHGlZ4CuKzrUjkO7NqqdEiceDJ35pJ4ExDadC5WSuFq01KPZOnRmfQ5uCzhguwN4XQzT2CRhxjd_XIgA9gMCJswTW/s273/lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFJHIdss0WmAMACL-fRRNShAizpvWzJ5YkmRDL6P-WdwBpKeRq3YeHGlZ4CuKzrUjkO7NqqdEiceDJ35pJ4ExDadC5WSuFq01KPZOnRmfQ5uCzhguwN4XQzT2CRhxjd_XIgA9gMCJswTW/s273/lr.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Last night, my daughter and I attended the local premiere for <a href="http://disney.go.com/the-lone-ranger/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disney's The Lone Ranger movie</a>, starring Armie Hammer & Johnny Depp. I received the tickets from a local radio station, <a href="http://965tic.cbslocal.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WTIC 96.5 FM</a>, and since K & I are such big fans of Johnny Depp, we couldn't resist going!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The showing was for 7 pm, we arrived at 5:45 and still were #114 & #115 in line! Make sure you go good and early if you ever attend a movie premiere at your local theaters. There was a sign suggesting that we should have been there at 5:15! Luckily we didn't stand in line too long before they started letting people in. The line moved along fairly quickly too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Once past that ticket taker, we met up with another line - first to be searched with metal detectors, and then to leave our cellphones with attendants outside the actual theater room we'd be in. I had never seen that done before, but I totally understand why they did it - this way, there would be no spoilers out there for a movie that doesn't come out until July 3rd. Being the smartphone addict that I am, I'll admit to some separation anxiety & withdrawal symptoms, but I obviously survived them. Once that was all accomplished, we were let into the theater.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Another unusual thing for me, was that there were none of the "previews" you see before a movie. Again, understandable, this was a Disney premiere - they don't want to suggest other movies for you to see. Just something I wasn't used to I guess (can you tell I don't get to go to the movies all that often?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Okay, the movie began, after a "nice" warning from the promoters that no one should have their cellphones on them, no recording, etc. To be honest, knowing some of the Lone Ranger story, I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but Disney did it up wonderfully! Having an unknown to me actor playing The Lone Ranger was good - no expectations for him to have met or not met. Armie Hammer made a goofy law man, but once he took on the persona of The Lone Ranger, he was great! I have to say though, Johnny Depp stole the show, as I'm sure he was meant to. He was unrecognizable as Tonto, yet we still knew who he was, and I loved how he brought out his humor in a movie where I expected none. (I don't know why I wasn't anticipating any, especially with Depp as the actor.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I am unsure why, but the movie also brought out things I never knew about The Lone Ranger, or maybe it was just some Disney magic storytelling. Whatever the case, we thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and the time flew by. There is a little time shifting in the movie, and for either setting, you really feel like you are in that time frame. I loved the outfits for the women in the movie - so authentic and fitting. The characters were fantastic - some you love to hate (they really played their parts well) and others you cheered on even if you weren't sure you should. So many great laugh-out-loud moments too. I'm already quoting lines from the film to my daughter & friends (too bad the friends have no idea what I'm talking about.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> All in all, we had a great time seeing this movie, and I really would love to see it again and again. I think the rest of my family would enjoy it too. I wouldn't hesitate to take my younger kids to see it either (they are 8 & 9) - yes the Wild West has some violence, but really not as much as many of the movies out there today. Disney did a very good job with this legendary story, and as always Johnny Depp made another character his own. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3r1d6LYq4kSeyI9FUQZjZHuEQjWxPbN9W73RrXrNvhkSfKyXRgTs-awC4Cjg4q_2XhxTn-gKJstY7WQuKfaMvWinI2JOLgukmY2tux4FzsxmDYPIc4I_QW53i4vQu52HMLSOGRdiw9kP/s276/lr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3r1d6LYq4kSeyI9FUQZjZHuEQjWxPbN9W73RrXrNvhkSfKyXRgTs-awC4Cjg4q_2XhxTn-gKJstY7WQuKfaMvWinI2JOLgukmY2tux4FzsxmDYPIc4I_QW53i4vQu52HMLSOGRdiw9kP/s276/lr2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Disclaimer - All thoughts expressed here are my own. I received nothing in return for this review. The movie pass was provided from a radio station promotion, and not by Disney.</span>Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-82253174458218659772013-06-25T21:39:00.001-04:002013-06-25T21:39:35.526-04:00Proud Mommy Moment<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3qDDuUVEcnM656Odnty_qAkVgBkhVTuSOl8ZKNoIAArS4net-smP0VgE8P9XeZSbClj3g8UGpmOopDQpIaIh08ZoBtLd8PeHWaMwoYNcSYJW_rIFDeD-EwPGsZshPsYdCane6Ye-lTsB/s1600/Kourtni+Graduation+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3qDDuUVEcnM656Odnty_qAkVgBkhVTuSOl8ZKNoIAArS4net-smP0VgE8P9XeZSbClj3g8UGpmOopDQpIaIh08ZoBtLd8PeHWaMwoYNcSYJW_rIFDeD-EwPGsZshPsYdCane6Ye-lTsB/s320/Kourtni+Graduation+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight is another one of those proud Mommy moments - my older daughter graduated high school! She's not my first to graduate (that was her brother in 2007), and she won't be my last (I have 2 younger children as well), but tonight's honor is all hers! She IS my first child to graduate with National Honor Society honors (both NHS and French NHS), and she will be my first to go to college out of state. I don't think I have the words to describe just how impressed I am with her achievements.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Yes, I had tears in my eyes - fabulously happy tears mixed with wistful tears. So happy for the young woman who has excelled throughout school and is going on to bigger, better things. At the same time, sad for myself, to lose one of my best friends (don't say that to her, you'll just get the teenage eye-rolling). I honestly will be so lost without seeing her every day, talking to her all the time, going shopping or getting lunch together almost every other day. She will embrace the change and flourish in her new surroundings (Boston, MA!) On the other hand, I will miss our goofy giggling, our sharing tv shows, our time together. Empty nest syndrome before the nest is even more than half empty! (My older children would call that pathetic.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Why is it so different with her? Her older brother not only graduated high school, but went off to the US Marine Corps, and while I missed him greatly, I didn't feel this panic & sadness that I am feeling with her. Maybe it's because he is my son from my first marriage, so he spent many weekends at his father's house. I was used to letting him go. Except for the occasional sleepover, or a band trip during high school, she has rarely been away from us. Certainly not this far away either, a 2+ hour drive. Yes, I have already travelled to her new destination a few times. I know my way there and back (and have duly warned her of that fact.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> To tell you the truth, I am more than a little jealous of it all too. I graduated high school (back in the stone ages if you ask my kids), but never went on to anything else. I went back to my mom's house, got a job by the end of the summer, and never went to college. I will admit, I am completely envious of everything she has ahead of her - a new bustling city, so many choices of what to do with her schooling, her life, and her future. I guess I'll sit back and watch her blossom & bloom, agonize that I am not making her decisions for her any more, and keep my fingers crossed for her. I know she'll have those inevitable disappointments in her life, but I've watched her grow, and I know she'll rise above them & go on to more and more successes.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7RUuEmg54bhG8xlnTOm7q64_Cd8HedLjMkTtG4zLLrNewU6S8R1StGSaXu7io6_CbrgtBnP2ztsXSlYbGpxL_M1I-3SAeL9PQyr3cPv69gOhUOv7RChLVs_MxZ05HahmuAlHJ0dznsFS/s1600/Kourtni+Graduation+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7RUuEmg54bhG8xlnTOm7q64_Cd8HedLjMkTtG4zLLrNewU6S8R1StGSaXu7io6_CbrgtBnP2ztsXSlYbGpxL_M1I-3SAeL9PQyr3cPv69gOhUOv7RChLVs_MxZ05HahmuAlHJ0dznsFS/s320/Kourtni+Graduation+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-53119499923616107392013-06-04T16:29:00.002-04:002013-06-04T16:29:41.592-04:00Adrift One thing you may not know about me is that for several years I wrote poetry. Looking at it now, I can't even say it was good poetry, though people have liked it (they may have just been humoring me at the time, I can't be sure. LOL) Well, today I got the urge to grab my pen and dabble at bit. Here's what developed:<br />
<br />
ADRIFT<br />
<br />
Floating, hovering aimlessly<br />
No destination, no anchor to hold me<br />
Drifiting away with nowhere to go<br />
<br />
Hazy & dreamlike, doesn't seem real<br />
Like being half asleep but can't wake up<br />
Which way to turn, I don't know<br />
<br />
Each step feels heavy<br />
Like walking in mud or on clouds<br />
Don't want to lift my legs<br />
<br />
Sleep envelops my soul<br />
I'd rather dream<br />
The effort to move, overwhelming<br />
<br />
Keep my eyes closed, afraid to see<br />
Just feel the breeze, but not the pain<br />
Too easy to fade away and forget I existed<br />
<br />
The sunshine heats my skin yet hurts my eyes<br />
Head full of thoughts<br />
Longing to be free on the wind<br />
<br />
Trapped in my own cage, one I built myself<br />
Locked and bound in a tiny cocoon<br />
Counting down to nothing, no transformation ahead<br />
<br />
Just nothingness, sameness, endless cycles<br />
No purpose, no worth, no answers<br />
Moving towards the wall<br />
<br />
Blank empty stretches of wall to wall white<br />
No color, no changes, no hope<br />
<br />
The urge to spin tempered by the urge to collapse<br />
Again, unable to decide which<br />
My mind screams in confusion<br />
<br />
I should be happy with what I have<br />
I should embrace it all<br />
Yet I don't, I can't<br />
<br />
I want more, I want less<br />
I want to know what I want<br />
Too much is never enough<br />
<br />
And the floating continues...<br />
One day I'll reach the sky<br />
Or crash on the rocksPackratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-6443003342944055822013-05-22T14:24:00.001-04:002013-05-22T14:24:01.390-04:00Follow my blog with BloglovinPackratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-54381738087664356542013-04-21T14:50:00.000-04:002013-04-23T23:07:50.311-04:00Walking for Those Who Can't<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHa5RNlPFB6ptBiVUH4_v1ymrDFze0ohQM4a7EdoR3wBbAJfVCaddUL690wyAw0CnqDB4DTnIrDFwbhJDwVTJBfYDuEhLCOfMq5n-dcBYf8GNL17mn9Y0TqzQ9JFLM1nrJevHl9auUPjy/s1600/mswalk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHa5RNlPFB6ptBiVUH4_v1ymrDFze0ohQM4a7EdoR3wBbAJfVCaddUL690wyAw0CnqDB4DTnIrDFwbhJDwVTJBfYDuEhLCOfMq5n-dcBYf8GNL17mn9Y0TqzQ9JFLM1nrJevHl9auUPjy/s1600/mswalk2.jpg" /></a> Today my family and I walked in the Connecticut MS Walk. This has become an annual family event for us. Why do we support the MS Society? Because my sister-in-law, Linda, has MS. What is MS? MS stands for Multiple Sclerosis, and it's a "chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves." (Taken from the <a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx" target="_blank">National MS Society website</a>.) Linda was diagnosed when she was 19, and she is almost 44 today. That's a long time to deal with this debilitating disease, and yet, she does just that every day with a smile. I have known her for 22 years and I don't think I have ever heard her complain about having MS.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
We walked today for her, for her husband David (who has passed away after many years of MS as well), for his brother John who was recently diagnosed with it, for the so many friends & family members around the world who also deal with this crippling disease. We walked for so many who can no longer do so. Who is "we", you might ask? In this case, it was myself, my husband, 3 of our four children (ages 18, 9, and 8), my brother-in-law Phil & his wife Randee (along with their greyhound, Bloo), and friends of theirs. We were part of the thousands around Connecticut who took part in the walk, in various locations. My mother-in-law, Barbara; sister-in-law, Linda; and Barbara's sister, Sally, all contribute as well, by working the registration tables for the particular walk site that we walk from (West Hartford, CT).</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
Almost all of us chose to walk the 5 mile, longer route - my youngest daughter, M, chose to head back earlier, with Aunt Randee and Bloo, who wasn't quite up to walking 5 miles on a leash surrounded by all these other walkers and commotion. Don't get me wrong, it sure would have been easier to walk the shorter route, especially as out of shape as I am, but that's not why we're there. I can't speak for the other walkers, but towards the end of the five miles, as I can feel the blisters on my feet & my legs are screaming at me to stop, I keep telling myself that I can finish this - after all, how many of those people waiting for me at the finish line can no longer even walk one step? So, while my feet will be sore for a day or two, and my legs ache right now, my discomfort is temporary, and I will be hustling around today, tomorrow, and for days to come. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nIaQUizrx2TiE-RAiv9KwQtAjCd045zWBJ4A6UogZ87WP7Y_0Lbr5V12AIdRaVZbwZ13TLuZBHdSjMQKtwBAyhyphenhyphenGo1qwR7WZ1_JYIa9Vrw3_J9JwtYb_7mx8UqcwQmcb9lBhWLTrAACV/s1600/321539_10200584236960081_747632817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nIaQUizrx2TiE-RAiv9KwQtAjCd045zWBJ4A6UogZ87WP7Y_0Lbr5V12AIdRaVZbwZ13TLuZBHdSjMQKtwBAyhyphenhyphenGo1qwR7WZ1_JYIa9Vrw3_J9JwtYb_7mx8UqcwQmcb9lBhWLTrAACV/s320/321539_10200584236960081_747632817_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-25469639609526496782013-04-06T13:17:00.001-04:002013-04-06T13:17:23.879-04:00Direct Sales Database: Featured Consultant - Donna Roucoulet - Gourmet Cu...Just wanted to share a quick little post to show you my home business. I am an Independant Distributor for The Gourmet Cupboard. Here is my listing on an online database (run by a friend), to give you a little more information - <a href="http://www.directsalesdatabase.com/2013/03/featured-consultant-donna-roucoulet.html?spref=bl">Direct Sales Database: Featured Consultant - Donna Roucoulet - Gourmet Cu...</a>: Donna Roucoulet, packratmomto4@sbcglobal.net www.donnaroucoulet. thegourmetcupboard.biz www.facebook.com/ thecupboardisopen ...<br />
<br />
Feel free to ask any questions you may have about the business, the products, or what have you. :) I'm not shy behind my keyboard!Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-72406453877369642622013-04-04T09:56:00.000-04:002013-04-04T09:56:58.943-04:00Feeling Overwhelmed?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Do you ever feel completely overwhelmed? I do, fairly often I'd say. I know I have a zillion things to get done, and just don't know where to begin. I can't be the only person who feels this way, but I sure think that at times. Maybe it's more "normal" than I imagine.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Sometimes I consider that I might have some form of adult ADD, without the hyperactivity portion of course. I am so easily distracted from a project, and I will procrastinate immensely if it's something I don't want to do. I try to combat some of this by living from calendars so I don't forget something. I have a fantastic one that I stumbled upon one day, called the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moms-Family-Wall-Calendar-2013/dp/0761166947/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365082418&sr=8-1&keywords=mom%27s+calendar" target="_blank">Mom's Family Wall Calendar</a>. It has columns for each family member, so if your family is like mine, with people doing multiple activities, you can keep track of each person's events much easier. I started using this calendar years ago, when I only had 2 children. As our family grew, it came in even more handy to have. For a while, my two youngest kids shared a column because there were 6 of us here, and only 5 spaces across. Our oldest one has moved out on his own, so now we're back to having all the spaces full but not shared.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> Besides the wall calendar, where EVERYONE has to put their schedules on (if it's not on the calendar, it doesn't happen), I also carry my own planner in my purse. Having a home business (I am an Independent Distributor for The Gourmet Cupboard), and 4 kids, it was a necessity to always have one with me. Too many times I overbooked my time - helping at school, doctor/dentist appointments, home parties/vendor shows - so I made sure to get one to keep with me. I started small, with a little one with tiny squares. Didn't work for me at all. Then I graduated to a book style one with a page for each day. I loved that little chunky planner. Unfortunately one year, I couldn't find another one like it, so I had to come up with another one that would work. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> I have days (weeks, months, etc), like many others I assume, where I do multiple things in a day, so I quickly figured out that I HAD to have the full page for each day type. However, those can get so big and bulky that they don't fit in a purse. It took quite a while to find "the right one", and I finally settled on one with 3 days on a page (the weekend days share a slot). Some days those spots can be full and overflowing into another day, but most of the time, it's the right space for us. I have a daughter who works (she's 18 now) and will soon head off to college, plus two smaller kids who do activities like art classes, gymnastics, plus school events. My husband hosts a trivia night every other week, plus does comedy wedding shows, and an occasional improv or teambuilder event, plus works a full time job. Add in my home business events and caring for my mother who recently moved into a nursing home, and you can see why I need all the help I can get. I actually spend time to "synchronize" our calendars. I have this inner need to make sure everyone gets where they need to be, when they need to be there, and if I don't keep it all scheduled, it doesn't happen.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> So, am I the only batty one who needs to live from a calendar? Does anyone else go shopping for the next one the minute they see school supplies in the store? (Yes, I tend to have my next calendar by August, and spend time moving everything over as soon as I get it.) Please tell me that I'm not alone here. Then again, it wouldn't completely surprise me. We all have our ways of coping, and this is one of mine. Tell me about yours.</span>Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-89477107392024080522013-03-16T18:38:00.000-04:002013-03-16T18:38:07.183-04:00Who Do They Think They Are?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It usually takes a lot to make me upset. At least outside of my family life (sorry family.) Today something took place that really hit my buttons, and I'm so fired up about it right now. I'm still thinking about how I want to handle it, so I thought I'd write about it here first.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> I know in this day and age, employers have a lot more to consider when it comes to their employees' behavior. Facebook and Twitter have made a lot more for them to deal with in those regards. And I do understand that they don't want their employees, in any business/company, posting negative remarks about their businesses, or giving secrets away, or whatever else may occur. I'm sure they also do not want anyone associated with their company/business behaving in wild, erratic behavior and posting provocative pictures/posts where it sometimes will be connected with the business' name. Totally understandable. But, does any company, business, organization, etc, have the right to tell anyone who they can and/or can't be friends with on one of those networking sites?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> Case in point, our Board of Education came up with a Social Networking policy recently. Again, I do understand these things need to be done, and in many cases, WHY they need to be done. I have had children in the local school system for the past 16+ years. In those years, I have become close with many of the teachers, staff, administrators of their schools, especially our elementary school. I had even "friended" some of them on Facebook as I came across them, or searched out the ones I had really become close to. Now, this policy is telling these BOE employees that they can NOT be friends with parents of students. None of my children's CURRENT teachers are my "friends" on Facebook - I never wanted to put them into a situation that might be awkward. One or two could become my younger children's teachers in the future, and during that time, I would definitely "unfriend" them to keep things fair. But to tell me that I can't be "friends" with someone that I saw several times a day, helped in their classrooms whenever I could, and enjoyed being with them, I don't feel is right.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> What do you think? Am I wrong to feel this way? Our school recently closed, because of a new, larger school being built. I no longer get to see my "friends" twice a day or more, so I liked keeping in touch on Facebook. It was an easy way to say hi, how was your day, see what they were up to, how their kids were, etc. Now their employer is saying that isn't allowed. I know the ones that have already "unfriended" me took the time to let me know why, and none of us are happy about it, but I am certainly not going to put their jobs in any kind of jeopardy just to talk together on a social networking site such as Facebook. I will also be letting the BOE know of my opinion, possibly the local newspaper as well, and who knows, maybe even a Board meeting soon. But does ANY company have the right to require this of their employees? Can a McDonald's manager tell his employees that they can't be friends with a Burger King employee, or any of the customers? Who decides these things, and where do you draw the line? They may write the paychecks, control your time ON THE JOB, and more, but can they tell you how you can socialize with your friends, and who you can be friends with?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> I think I will end my rant for now, but I'm sure there will be more to come on the subject. I'd love to hear your comments too. Has this happened to you? Do you know of any legislation or controversy on this subject? Let me know.</span></div>
Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6843034897110732758.post-63035936976304826232013-03-09T14:16:00.003-05:002013-03-09T14:16:50.006-05:00The Beginning of The CupboardWelcome to my blog! I am very new at this, so I'm asking in advance for you to forgive me while I learn as I go. They say you are never too old to learn something new, so here I go. In actuality, I know next to nothing about blogging, except how to read them and follow them. So, I'm taking a huge leap into the unknown here. <br />
<br />
What will this blog be about? A little of everything I guess. I'm a mom, wife, daughter, small business owner/operator, so I am sure I will touch on all of those things along the way. Parenting both my children (some who are young adults already) as well as my mother - not easy to be a mom & daughter at the same time. I am re-discovering the fun of cooking/baking, so recipes will definitely appear here from time to time. I am both an Independent Distributor for The Gourmet Cupboard (ahhhh, cooking, see?) and an Independent Sales Rep for Avon. From time to time, I'm sure those will be mentioned as well.<br />
<br />
Let's see, what else about me? I love Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest - not enough time in any day for all of them. I'm addicted to a few games on Facebook too. I love music (especially my Pandora channels), reality tv, reading, shopping...you name it, I'm probably connected to it somehow. <br />
<br />
Let me know what you want to see too. If I can do it, I'll give it a try. This is a blog for me, but also for those that read it. I'd love to provide you with something that interests you too. I'm open to suggestions (be nice, and be clean.) If you made it this far, thank you! I can't wait to see where this takes me!Packratmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00707460325207094285noreply@blogger.com5