Life and All That!

Thanks so much to all of my readers for having patience with me while I've been away. A lot has been between me and posting - let's just leave it at family illness (including my own), work, getting geared up for some major work on our yard and home and well, Season four of '24.' ...and season four only has four episodes left and there should be a little bit of free time after that. :-)

A good blogging friend of mine has moved to her new site - send congratulations over to Laura at The Wide Awake Cafe. ...and who, may you ask developed such a beautiful website for Laura? None other than Sadie of Apothegm Designs, our most favoritist designers! Seriously...take a tour at The Wide Awake Cafe and be sure to add Laura to your blogroll!

Over at Hubby's place, you'll see a new face! I'm not quite sure if Muslihoon knows for sure what he got himself into, but at least hubby let's everyone know the extent of his evil ways!

Beth over at MVRWC shared her thoughts on Debbie (thinks she) does Blogging and I, as always, had a good laugh...and then the next thought that came to mind - about bloggers who think they can get away with bullshit such as Debbie - was only something a person traveling through the world of CTU could appreciate. Heh.

And while I want to spend sometime venting about Baby Charlotte and the mistrial for the woman who hacked off her baby's arms (oh, poor girl was insane!), I feel the need to ponder on those two items for a bit. What's happening with Baby Charlotte is no less than a tragedy...hell, what's happening in that court case is right there as well. But if you read my blog regularly, you'd already know how I feel about both of those issues.

Anyway, I hope to be back to regular posting very soon (or even now?). Again, thanks for sticking with me! Now...Bauer calls...and when Bauer calls, you better not only answer the phone, but you better do what he says. ;-)

...a Sigh of Relief

Most people are thrilled to win money, realize there is an error in their favor in the checkbook, thrilled that their child won in some sport or got A's on their report card. Today, I'm thrilled that our little guy is getting back to normal.

If you're like me, it's hard seeing your little ones sick. Our eight-year-old boy was so sick that I took him to the ER last night and he was moved ahead of every other child there because he was so sick. Dehydrated from days of illness and lack of eating and drinking. You could see his dry lips and sunken eyes, poor guy. He quickly got over his fear of needles when he heard about "snow man spray" and was braver than I ever imagined when they had to do a second poke for blood draws.

I find it amazing what an IV can do...he quickly became himself...moving from the nervous, shaky boy to the talkative, silly kid I know....even as late as 3am, talking about Jimmy Neutron while throwing in his fascination that he had a "straw in his hand." They thought they may have to keep him overnight, but he recovered so quickly I was able to bring him home. And for the first time in days, he REALLY SLEPT. From about 3:15am until 1pm today.

And why is Mom so thrilled? He actually ate Jell-o and had some water. Yippeeee!

P.S. I firmly believe that kids are quick to heal - he'll probably be running around playing with his cars and video games by the end of the day. Me and hubby? Well, it'll take weeks for us to recover. ;-)

Family Values

I've recently been enlightened to the fact that what I thought was the definition of family isn't quite what I expected.

I thought family looked like this...

...usually a group of people associated due to birth, marriage, etc. In this day and age, it isn't necessarily a Mom and Dad who have given birth or adopted children...it is also husbands and spouses, grandmothers and grandpas, cousins, aunts and uncles.

...family tends to care for one another, and even in the most challenging circumstances they can recognize the value of being together.

...takes a "together" approach when needed versus abandoning one another at times when togetherness is the most important thing.

...recognizes how stressful life can be and tries not to hold it against one another.

...instead of judging and sentencing, understands and acknowledges.

In my adult life, going quite a number of years back, I've come to discover that family isn't all it is cut out to be. When a family member dies or is incredibly ill, people argue over trivial things that isolate them for years. Money and posessions become the most important things versus the grief and the loss and the need to lean on one another for support. I heard the classic story of the great-aunts who wouldn't speak to one another for 40+ years over....a quilt. A damn quilt. And when they did start speaking, it was almost too late....one of them had suffered a stroke and wasn't quite herself. At least they made the decision to reconcile before life ended for either one of them. And what of the quilt? No one knows for sure.

When stressed out, people do things that aren't necessarily noble - at times they can be downright ridiculous and are usually directed at family or close friends. The death or illness of a family member always seems to take a toll. Stress sucks...responsibility sucks...throw them together and it can be like napalm in the morning. But funny thing...how things go next will dictate the character of those involved. Resolving the stress, helping one another, working together, offering forgiveness and the occasional, well-placed apology goes a long way.

In the toughest of times, instead of punching your sibling or your cousin or your parent when they are trying to do what they feel is right - as hard as it may be - offer a hand, an ear, your heart. Forty years from now the quilt won't matter, but your memories and your family will.

We Are All Mohammed Now

Aaron, in a comment on this post, gave me an idea.

Instead of all of us being Danish, let's just all be Mohammed.

There are many advantages to living this way.

The Danes and everyone else are on the defensive concerning this issue. By being Mohammed yourself, you get to go on the offensive. And the best defense is a quick offense.

If you are Mohammed, and someone takes your picture, you may behead them. Especially if it's that obnoxious relative you prayed wouldn't show up at the family reunion.

You get to breeze through security at most major airports.

You get to rape, pillage, and burn at the most minimal slight of your name.

Everyone will add PBUH after they refer to you.

So, from this point on, anyone who comments on my posts without the name Mohammed, or one of its derivates, will be summarily deleted.*

Of course I, don't have to change my blog name to Mohammed. I am granted free license to be a hypocrite.

Because we are all Mohammed now.

Note: leave your proper email and URL in your comment. You just have to change your name to Mohammed. Mustafa and PBUH are also accepted. So are Pedophile Prophet, Pedophile Pimp Prophet, and Suicide Troll.

Buh-bye, Troll Boy

I told you I control this blog, not you.

I also have control on this one too, stupid.

What's hilarious is that you're such a fucking loser, you actually paid someone good money so that you could hide your tracks to make juvenile insults.

Now THAT's pathetic.

Oh, you can comment on one day's posts at a time, if comments are open. But we all know that won't feed your masturbatory desires.

You never managed to get me upset in any way, but you did succeed in boring the hell out of me.

Oh, and you spelled "hemmorhoid" wrong. And learn how to capitalize, idiot.

Here everyone, is a short timeline of a no-life loser:

10th February 2006 11:29:04 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!
10th February 2006 11:30:47 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!
10th February 2006 11:32:55 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!

10th February 2006 11:46:02 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!
10th February 2006 11:47:09 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!
10th February 2006 11:47:31 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156694
ot Your Business!
10th February 2006 11:48:24 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156694
ot Your Business!

11th February 2006 00:06:07 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!
11th February 2006 00:08:51 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!
11th February 2006 00:10:44 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!
11th February 2006 00:10:50 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!
11th February 2006 00:11:08 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!
11th February 2006 00:12:27 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!
11th February 2006 00:12:34 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!

11th February 2006 00:36:57 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!

11th February 2006 01:05:47 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!
11th February 2006 01:08:10 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!

11th February 2006 01:41:21 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!

11th February 2006 11:11:15 blog.mu.nu/cgi/splorp.cgi?entry_id=156641
ot Your Business!

Love and Kids - the Best Therapy

It was this time last year that we were reeling from the death of my mom. She died of cancer after a very long battle. I feel very fortunate that I had time with her. Time to talk with her about life - to reflect on childhood, funny memories and all of that. We had closure, she and I.

Last night, we needed to admit my mother-in-law to an inpatient mental facility. She is struggling with what they believe to be Alzheimer's Disease. Her progession has been quick - way too quick for many of us to grasp.

I'm proud of my husband for stepping up and taking care of her and being there for her. I struggle with how his siblings are handling it, although I imagine they don't know what to do or how to react.

The best thing to see was the smile on her face when she saw her grandkids tonight. As hubby said, we saw Mom again...telling us not to worry about the kids horsing around...asking to hug Emily when she ran into the TV stand, etc. You can bring in every nurse and doctor known to man...I swear the best therapies are love and kids...hands down.

We'll take one day at a time. Alzheimer's is an unfair disease, robbing everyone, including the family of their most cherished things - memories. But even if she can find 5 minutes of joy, it's worth the time we spend helping her be comfortable...helping her feel safe. She may not be my biological Mom, but she raised my husband and helped him get on the path to being the amazing father and husband and son he is today...and for that I owe her a lifetime of gratitude. She's also treated me, from the moment I met her, like a daughter. I never felt like an outsider...always warmly embraced. I hope I can give back even a fraction of what she has done for me.

Matthew Koso Sentenced

Matthew Koso was sentenced to 18-30 months for the decision he made to start "dating" a girl who was 12 years old (he was 18). He got her pregnant when she was 14 and he was 20 and her parents gave consent to marry her in Kansas at the age of 15.

In Nebraska it is a crime for an adult to have sex with a child, which is what he did. It is good to see that there was a sentence that sent the message to Koso that he is not above the law. I'm told there are "so many sides" to the story and I'm perhaps "quick to judge." The law speaks for itself, said "sides" were heard and the story was told. Bottom line, the message was clear. There's a law, Koso broke it and there are consequences. Fair is fair.

It's Bauer Night!

The 24 FANatics over at Blogs4Bauer are at it again, liveblogging the events from tonight. Be sure to stop by and visit...but not just the live blogging post - there's tons of great stuff over there!

My favorite lines (or actions) from tonight:

...the slap. Pow, right on the Prez's face. Go get 'em First Lady!

"Shut Up, Edgar!" ~ Chloe

"Trust me. You don't want to go down this road with me." ~ Jack, at his finest

...dangling, dangling, Cummings is dangling...do you think Mike had anything to do with that? Guess the First Lady's comeback speech can be placed in the shredder...time to start over.

Oh...and those poor guys - teased with the anticipated arrival of Kim. Ya'll should have KNOWN she wouldn't be there this week. It's in the script yanno!

Sigh...I hate it when it's over - an hour isn't long enough. At least there are blogs to lean on. You've got to go check out Blogs4Bauer...you'll be glad you did!!

Now...off to see more of season three!

F*&%#ng Groundhog!!!

We've been spoiled in Nebraska. Since mid-December, our high temperature has been well above 32 (the average for this time of year). I'm talking days in the 60s, even. Well, until yesterday...and today. It's freaking cold and the 7-day forecast doesn't get any better. I blame that f*&#ng groundhog...I think it's all a big super seekret conspiracy...they've been planning 6 more weeks of winter for months now, dammit!

His day job:

The *real* groundhog:

What?!?! I ain't been watchin' Bauer on 24 for nuthin....!

Sodium Chloride Containment Unit

I love kitchen stuff. This is something any true fan of Alton Brown - or any user of kosher salt - would enjoy.

I bought Alton Brown's Salt Cellar quite some time ago and it is a favorite part of my kitchen. You don't have an open container of salt, but because of the flip top lid, it's the next best thing. It comes highly recommended! Besides, who wouldn't want a "Sodium Chloride Containment Unit" like this one?

Give Her A Shower Only, Please

Andrea Yates was moved to a mental hospital to await a 2nd trial for drowning her children.

Hopefully, it's one that still uses shock therapy and frontal lobotomies.

And that's just for her lame-ass, excuse making husband.

Getting her first conviction overturned may have seemed like a victory for the bad guys - er gals, but there is always the chance that the next jury won't be as sympathetic as the first was.

This second trial probably won't garner the widespread coverage of the first, although there's not telling for sure. But I hardly think that the Official Andrea Yates Support Group would have as much of an impact the second time around.

Not only that, the prosecution only charged her for the deaths of three of her children, they still retain the right to charge her for the other two.

Here's to hoping the next sentence is death by lethal injection.

The Domesticated Cotillion Round-Up!

I have to admit I've been a slacker and didn't get a post in for the weekly Cotillion round-up. But glove-covered hand clapping goes out to the Girl on the Right for putting together a great round-up (and for reminding me that my domestic side has been horribly neglected due to work and many episodes of 24).

Please stop by and see the round up and let RightGirl know I sent you!

Chicken Parmesan Rolls

This was a little experiment in cooking that actually worked out and hubby suggested I post it. Hmmmm....must have been good!

Chicken Parmesan Rolls

1.5 pounds of boneless chicken breasts (4 large, cut into 8 smaller pieces)
Fresh Flat Leaf Italian Parsley, finely chopped
2 gloves of garlic, finely chopped
4 pieces sundried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
dried thyme and dried oregano leaves for seasoning
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
Mozzarella cheese slices (8 large slices or 16 small slices), or grated
1 cup (or more) freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

Directions:

Cut 4 large chicken breasts in half, so you have 8 chicken breast pieces. Pound out to about 1/4" thickness. If you are using large mozzarella cheese slices, cut them in half, so you have a total of 16 slices.

Heat a large skillet over medium to medium high heat, coat bottom with a few turns of EVOO.

In a separate pan, heat up the spaghetti sauce (of course you can substitute your own!).

Layer the following evenly on each chicken breast piece: parsley, garlic, sundried tomatoes, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper, 1 small slice of mozzarella cheese, a small handful of parm (reserve about half of the parm to put on top of the rolls in the end). Once you have done this, roll each chicken breast into a log, taking care to tuck in the cheese and other ingredients, secure with toothpick. Roll in bread crumbs, assuring you have a generous coating.

Brown the rolls in the skillet on both sides. Most of the cooking will be done in the skillet, but the rolls will finish off in the oven, so you do not need to ensure they are fully cooked in the skillet - just nice and brown on both sides.

Pour about 1/2 of the spaghetti sauce into the bottom of a glass rectangular dish and place the chicken rolls in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the chick rolls. Place the last pieces of mozzarella on top of each roll. Spread the remaining parm across the top of the dish. Heat in a 400 degree oven until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese has melted.

YUM! I served this with a sundried tomato cheesy orso pasta dish, which is a take on one of Rachael Ray's recipes. I'll be sure to share this recipe with you as it is a good one. I just layered the pasta on the plate, placed the chicken roll on top of it and spooned out a bit of sauce as well. It was a nice meal!